Improved feeding device of coating equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a feeding device (1) for a coating device, comprising a hopper (6) for feeding fresh granular / powdered material and means (2, 18) for feeding recycled granular / powdered material, which are mixed and fed to a coating device for coating food products. The invention also relates to a method for supplying granular / powdered material to a coating machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeding device for a coating apparatus, the feeding device comprising a hopper for supplying fresh particulate / powdery material and a device for supplying recycled particulate / powdery material, the fresh particulate / powdery material and the recycled particulate / powdery material being mixed and supplied to the coating apparatus for coating food products. The present invention also relates to a method of supplying particulate / powdery material to a coating machine. Background Art

[0002] Coating apparatuses with feeding devices used in the food industry are well known in the prior art, such as in EP1312269B1, EP1106085A1, EP0904704A1, EP1226763 and EP1591023A1. In the food industry, there is always a need to improve the quality of the final product and / or optimize the production process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the problem of the present invention is to provide a feeding device and method that meet the above requirements.

[0004] This problem is solved by a feeding device for a coating apparatus, the feeding device comprising a hopper for supplying fresh particulate / powdery material and a funnel with a chute for supplying recycled particulate / powdery material in a sliding direction, the fresh particulate / powdery material and the recycled particulate / powdery material being mixed and supplied to the coating apparatus for coating food products, wherein the hopper comprises an outlet, and wherein the hopper comprises means for guiding the fresh particulate / powdery material to flow out of the outlet in a direction that at least partially counterflows the sliding direction of the recycled particulate / powdery material.

[0005] The disclosure regarding this subject matter of the present invention is also applicable to other subject matters, and vice versa. The disclosure regarding this subject matter can be combined with the disclosure of other subject matters, and vice versa.

[0006] The present invention relates to a feeding device for a coating apparatus, which is used for coating products such as meat or vegetables, or processed foods, or vegetarian products such as meat substitutes. These products are usually coated with particulate / powdery materials such as breadcrumbs, but also with nuts, granules, candies, chocolates, especially vegetables for frozen vegetables, pigments, puffed foods such as puffed rice, etc. The particulate / powdery material is supplied to the coating apparatus, which forms a preferably constant layer of particulate / powdery material on the food to be coated. Preferably, the thickness, particle size distribution and / or color of the coating are all constant. Preferably, a plurality of products are placed side by side in the coating apparatus and thus coated simultaneously. Since in most cases there is an excess supply of particulate / powdery material in the coating apparatus, this material is collected and at least partially recycled to the feeding device, which is hereinafter referred to as "recycled particulate / powdery material". The amount of recycled particulate / powdery material may vary over time. Fresh particulate / powdery material is provided by a hopper, which is part of the feeding device. The fresh particulate / powdery material preferably flows out of the hopper by gravity. The fresh particulate / powdery material and the recycled particulate / powdery material are mixed and then used to coat the food. Creatively, the recycled particulate / powdery material is not recycled into the hopper, but into a funnel with a chute, where the recycled particulate / powdery material slides down along the chute by gravity.

[0007] According to the present invention, the hopper includes means for guiding the fresh particulate / powdery material to flow from the outlet into the funnel, such that the flow direction of the fresh particulate / powdery material from the hopper is opposite to the flow direction of the recycled particulate / powdery material sliding down along the funnel. Those skilled in the art understand that a complete reverse flow is not required, but a reverse flow component of the fresh particulate / powdery material can meet the requirements. The reverse flow of the fresh particulate / powdery material can reduce the sliding speed of the recycled particulate / powdery material. The reverse flow of the fresh particulate / powdery material makes the recycled particulate / powdery material in the funnel more balanced in the width direction of the funnel. The reverse flow of the fresh particulate / powdery material prevents the fresh particulate / powdery material from being discharged from the hopper uncontrollably.

[0008] The device for guiding the outflow of fresh granular / powdery material can be located inside and / or outside the hopper. The device is, for example, the side wall of the hopper near the outlet, which guides the fresh granular / powdery material towards the outlet, causing the fresh granular / powdery material to leave the outlet in a direction flowing counter to the recycled granular / powdery material. Optionally or additionally, the device can be provided outside the hopper, for example as a plate. Preferably, the plate is adjustable in the tilt angle such that the direction of the fresh granular / powdery material flowing out of the hopper can be changed. Preferably, the device is a pivotable plate. Preferably, the plate is provided near the outlet of the hopper and, more preferably, serves as a valve that can be pivoted at least from an open position to a closed position and, even more preferably, can also be pivoted to an intermediate position.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the hopper includes a first outlet and a second outlet, wherein the outflow area of the first outlet is fixed and the outflow area of the second outlet is adjustable. Preferably, the first outlet and the second outlet are adjacent to each other, preferably directly adjacent.

[0010] The funnel has an axial direction, i.e., the sliding direction of the granular / powdery material, and preferably has a U-shaped cross-section. The "U" shape has a bottom, a chute, and two side walls, and the two side walls represent the flanks of the "U" shape. The funnel is preferably closed and preferably has a detachable lid that is located on or connected to the flanks of the "U" shape. The granular / powdery material preferably slides downward along the axis of the funnel. The funnel has a width whose extending direction is perpendicular to the flow direction of the granular / powdery material. The width of the funnel can vary, for example, according to the width of the coating equipment and can be, for example, 400, 600, or 1000 mm.

[0011] Another preferred or inventive embodiment of the present invention is a feeding device that includes a funnel having a chute and a guiding and / or mixing device inside the funnel, which guides and / or redirects and / or mixes the recycled granular / powdery material.

[0012] The disclosure regarding this subject matter of the present invention is also applicable to other subject matters and vice versa. The disclosure regarding this subject matter can be combined with the disclosures of other subject matters and vice versa.

[0013] According to this aspect of the invention, the funnel includes a chute that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The granular / powdery material moves downward along the chute by gravity. A guiding and / or mixing device is provided in the funnel, and the guiding and / or mixing device guides and / or redirects and / or mixes the recycled granular / powdery material in a guiding and / or redirecting and / or mixing area. Mixing makes the recycled granular / powdery material have a more uniform particle size distribution across the entire width of the funnel. The guiding of the recycled granular / powdery material preferably improves the mixing of the recycled granular / powdery material. The device is preferably used as a line mixer. The guiding and / or mixing device preferably avoids: with respect to the width of the funnel, larger and / or heavier particles such as coarse debris accumulating on one side of the funnel while finer and / or lighter particles accumulate on the opposite side. The guiding and / or mixing device preferably avoids the length and / or height of the layer of granular / powdery material accumulated upstream of the outlet of the hopper varying across the entire width of the funnel.

[0014] Downstream of the guiding and / or mixing device, the recycled granular / powdery material preferably covers the entire width of the funnel, and more preferably, forms a layer of recycled granular / powdery material, preferably located upstream of the hopper outlet for discharging fresh granular / powdery material, the particle size distribution of the layer of recycled granular / powdery material being at least substantially constant, and / or its extension in the axial direction of the funnel being substantially constant, and / or its thickness being substantially constant.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the guiding and / or mixing device at least includes a first guiding and / or mixing device and a second guiding and / or mixing device, and each guiding and / or mixing device is preferably spaced apart from each other and / or arranged at different positions in the funnel. Preferably, the guiding and / or mixing device is pivotable relative to the funnel, and more preferably pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the sliding plane. According to the preferred embodiment, three or more guiding and / or mixing devices are provided. For example, according to the width of the funnel, more than three guiding and / or mixing devices can be provided. Preferably, the larger the width, the more guiding and / or mixing devices will be installed.

[0016] Preferably, the first guiding and / or mixing device and the second guiding and / or mixing device, and preferably the third guiding and / or mixing device, are each a plate, preferably a pivotable plate. Preferably, each plate has its own pivot axis, and each axis is spaced apart from each other. The pivot axes of two or more guiding and / or mixing devices are preferably located in different axial directions of the funnel.

[0017] Preferably, the first guiding and / or mixing device and the second guiding and / or mixing device differ in shape and / or size, and / or they are arranged at different positions in the funnel, especially at different positions in the axial direction of the funnel.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the position of the first guiding and / or mixing device relative to the second guiding and / or mixing device and / or relative to the funnel is adjustable. For example, such adjustment changes the size of the guiding and / or mixing area, preferably its width. Reducing the size of the guiding and / or mixing area can improve the mixing effect, and thus preferably improve the particle size distribution.

[0019] Preferably, at least one guiding and / or mixing device includes an overflow section, which is preferably arranged in the guiding and / or mixing area. The recycled particulate / powdery material overflows from the overflow section, and its mixing is improved. This overflow preferably serves as a line mixer.

[0020] Another innovative or preferred embodiment of the present invention is a feeding device having a chute for discharging the recycled particulate / powdery material into the funnel, wherein the inclination angle of the chute is adjustable.

[0021] The disclosure regarding this subject matter of the present invention is also applicable to other subject matters, and vice versa. The disclosure regarding this subject matter can be combined with the disclosure of other subject matters, and vice versa.

[0022] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the feeding device includes a chute for discharging the recycled particulate / powdery material into the funnel. Preferably, the chute can be provided with different lengths, more preferably, set according to the width of the chute. The inclination angle of the chute is now adjustable, preferably adjusted relative to the plane of the slideway of the funnel.

[0023] Another creative or preferred embodiment of the present invention is a feeding device including means for uniformly distributing fresh particulate / powdery material into a hopper.

[0024] The disclosure regarding this subject matter of the present invention is also applicable to other subject matters, and vice versa. The disclosure regarding this subject matter can be combined with the disclosure of other subject matters, and vice versa.

[0025] According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fresh particulate / powdery material is uniformly distributed into the hopper such that the fresh particulate / powdery material in the hopper has at least a substantially flat and / or horizontal surface. The fresh material is preferably supplied continuously and more preferably not in batches to the hopper. Upstream of the hopper and / or in the hopper, the incoming flow of the fresh particulate / powdery material is distributed over the entire surface area of the hopper. The fresh particulate / powdery material preferably flows out of the hopper by gravity.

[0026] Preferably, fresh particulate / powdery material and recycled particulate / powdery material are mixed, preferably in a hopper. The fresh particulate / powdery material can be provided by at least two streams, one of which is adjustable. More preferably, both streams flow out of a hopper and then are more preferably mixed with the recycled particulate / powdery material. Preferably, the adjustable stream of fresh particulate / powdery material is upstream of the other stream of fresh particulate / powdery material with respect to the flow of the recycled particulate / powdery material.

[0027] Preferably, the mixed flow of fresh particulate / powdery material and recycled particulate / powdery material is controlled, preferably using a valve, more preferably using a linear valve. The valve is preferably arranged downstream of the hopper and / or in the hopper, more preferably at the discharge end of the hopper, before the particulate / powdery material is supplied to the coating equipment.

[0028] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for supplying particulate / powdery material to a coating machine, preferably by means of a device according to one of the preceding claims, the particulate / powdery material comprising fresh particulate / powdery material and recycled particulate / powdery material, wherein the recycled particulate / powdery material slides down a chute in the hopper along a sliding direction, and wherein the recycled particulate / powdery material is guided and / or redirected and / or mixed in the hopper before being combined with the fresh particulate / powdery material.

[0029] The disclosure regarding this subject matter of the present invention is also applicable to other subject matters, and vice versa. The disclosure regarding this subject matter can be combined with the disclosure of other subject matters, and vice versa.

[0030] According to this aspect of the present invention, the recycled particulate / powdery material is guided, redirected and / or mixed before being combined with the fresh particulate / powdery material. This guiding, redirecting and / or mixing is preferably carried out in the hopper, more preferably after the material is discharged from the chute, and more preferably upstream of the hopper, especially at the outlet of its fresh particulate / powdery material.

[0031] Another preferred or inventive embodiment of the present invention is a method in which a layer is formed by the recycled particulate / powdery material on a chute before being combined with the fresh particulate / powdery material, the layer having a substantially constant extension in the axial direction of the hopper and / or having a constant height over the entire width of the hopper.

[0032] The disclosure regarding this subject matter of the present invention is also applicable to other subject matters, and vice versa. The disclosure regarding this subject matter can be combined with the disclosure of other subject matters, and vice versa.

[0033] An advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that the outflow of fresh particulate / powdery material remains constant across the entire width of the hopper and / or the coating of each product is at least substantially the same.

[0034] Preferably, the particle size distribution remains at least substantially constant within the layer and more preferably remains constant over its entire extent.

[0035] Another preferred or inventive embodiment of the invention is a method in which fresh particulate / powdery material is fed into the funnel at least partially in a direction opposite to the sliding direction of the recycled particulate / powdery material.

[0036] The disclosure regarding this subject matter of the invention is also applicable to other subject matters and vice versa. The disclosure regarding this subject matter can be combined with the disclosure of other subject matters and vice versa.

[0037] The reverse flow of fresh particulate / powdery material preferably reduces the sliding speed of the recycled particulate / powdery material. The reverse flow of fresh particulate / powdery material preferably improves the axial extension of the layer of recycled particulate / powdery material upstream of the outlet of the hopper. The reverse flow of fresh particulate / powdery material preferably equalizes the height of the layer of recycled particulate / powdery material.

[0038] The fresh particulate / powdery material can be provided by at least two streams of material, one of which is adjustable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. These explanations are equally applicable to all inventions. The embodiments in the drawings are only examples and do not limit the scope of the general concept of the invention.

[0040] Figures 1 to 5 are detailed views of the feeding device of the invention and the method of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1Shows an overview of the feeding device 1 for particulate / powdery materials according to the present invention, which device includes a hopper 6 that receives an inflow 24 of fresh particulate / powdery materials, preferably continuously. The device 1 further includes a funnel 2, and the recycled particulate / powdery materials are preferably continuously supplied to the funnel 2 via a conveying device 5 such as a screw feeder and a chute 4 here. The recycled particulate / powdery materials refer to the particulate / powdery materials that have been used during a previous coating process in a coating device connected to the feeding device. After the recycled particulate / powdery materials are supplied to the funnel 2, they slide downward along the chute 18 by gravity towards the hopper 6, and then are mixed with the fresh particulate / powdery materials that leave the hopper via the outlet. In this example, the hopper includes two outlets 7 and 11, but those skilled in the art will understand that one outlet may be sufficient. The mixed flow of fresh particulate / powdery materials and recycled particulate / powdery materials then slides towards the outlet of the feeding device and towards the coating device. The outlet of the funnel has an opening 8, and the size of its outflow area can preferably be adjusted by a device 9 here, which is a linear valve. The device 9 here, which is a linear valve, regulates the flow of fresh particulate / powdery materials and recycled particulate / powdery materials towards the coating machine.

[0042] Figure 2 Shows details of an embodiment according to Figure 1 Here, the outlets of the hopper 6 and the funnel 2 are depicted. The recycled particulate / powdery materials slide downward along the chute 18 in the sliding direction 22. The fresh particulate / powdery materials leave the hopper 6 in the flow direction 21. The flow of the fresh particulate / powdery materials is guided in the direction 22 by a device 10 here, which is a plate. The direction 21 has a reverse flow component towards the sliding direction 22, which can slow down the sliding of the recycled particulate / powdery materials. In this example, the device 10 can rotate about an axis to adjust the direction 21 of the flow and / or the amount of the flow itself, preferably adjusting it to zero. In this example, the hopper has an optional second outlet 7. The outflow area of this outlet is preferably not adjustable. Near the outlets 7 and 11, the flows 21 and 22 of the fresh particulate / powdery materials and the recycled particulate / powdery materials are mixed, and the particulate / powdery materials slide downward along the funnel towards its opening 8. Here, the outflow of the particulate / powdery materials can be controlled by a device 9 here, which is a linear valve. After the particulate / powdery materials leave the funnel, they are supplied to the coating device 12.

[0043] Figure 3 Shows details of the inlet of the funnel 2. The recycled particulate / powdery materials are preferably discharged into the funnel 2 through the chute 4. In this example, and according to the preferred embodiment, the chute is pivotable about a pivot 13, as shown by the double arrow 14.

[0044] Figure 4 and Figure 5An embodiment of a guiding and mixing device 3 provided in a funnel 2 is shown. In this example, the funnel 2 has a U-shaped cross-section. The cross-section of the funnel is perpendicular to the axial direction of the funnel. The width of the funnel is W. After the recycled particulate / powdery material is supplied to the funnel through devices 4 and 5, it slides downward along the axial direction 15 by gravity. In this example, the guiding and mixing device 3 includes a first guiding and mixing device 3.1 and a second guiding and mixing device 3.2. Those skilled in the art understand that additional guiding and mixing devices that are not depicted may exist. The following explanations also apply to the additional guiding and mixing devices. The first guiding and mixing device 3.1 and the second guiding and mixing device 3.2 are provided in the funnel 2, downstream of the inlet 4 where the recycled particulate / powdery material enters the funnel. These devices are arranged to be adjustable in the funnel. In this example, the devices 3.1 and 3.2 are each pivotable about a pivot 13, so that their pivot angles can be adjusted and fixed by a fixing device 16. The pivots 13 of the guiding and mixing devices 3.1 and 3.2 are spaced apart from each other and / or are located at different axial positions within the funnel. In this example, the guiding and mixing devices 3.1 and 3.2 are each provided as plates, and the first guiding and mixing device 3.1 has an overflow region 17 at its end. The overflow region 17 is here a region where the height of the plate decreases. Preferably, in the overflow region 17, the height of the plate decreases towards the end of the plate 3.1. The overflow region 17 is optional. In this example, the first guiding and mixing device 3.1 and the second guiding and mixing device 3.2 are in a V-shaped configuration, and a guiding and / or mixing region 19 is provided at the bottom of the "V". By adjusting the inclination angle of the first guiding and mixing device 3.1 and / or the second guiding and mixing device 3.2, the width 20 of the region 19 and / or its position in the funnel can be adjusted. In the region 19, the recycled particulate / powdery material is guided and mixed. The mixing is improved by an overflow section 17 that acts similar to a static mixer. Those skilled in the art understand that the first guiding and mixing device 3.1 and the second guiding and mixing device 3.2 do not have to be V-shaped, but can be configured differently, for example, in a parallel configuration.

[0045] Figure 5Schematically depicts the flow of particles along the funnel 2. Generally, the recycled particulate / powdery material is discharged through the inlet 4, which is a chute here, such that larger and / or heavier particles tend to slide towards the guiding and mixing device 3.2, while smaller and / or lighter particles tend to slide towards the guiding and mixing device 3.1. Due to the guiding and mixing devices 3.1, 3.2, the flow 22 of the particles of the recycled particulate / powdery material is redirected and guided to the guiding and / or mixing area 19, where the smaller / lighter particles and the larger / heavier particles of the recycled particulate / powdery material are mixed, preferably forming a homogeneous mixture. Downstream of the guiding and / or mixing area 19, the mixture spreads out again, preferably over the entire width W of the funnel, and preferably forms a layer 25 upstream of the outlet of the hopper. Due to the guiding and / or mixing device 3, as shown, this layer preferably has a substantially length L in the axial direction of the funnel along the width W, and / or the layer 25 has a constant height and / or a substantially uniform particle size distribution.

[0046] List of reference numerals:

[0047] 1 Feeding device for particulate / powdery material

[0048] 2 Funnel

[0049] 3 Guiding and / or mixing device

[0050] 3.1 First guiding and / or mixing device

[0051] 3.2 Second guiding and / or mixing device

[0052] 4 Inlet, chute

[0053] 5 Conveying device

[0054] 6 Hopper

[0055] 7 First outlet of hopper 6

[0056] 8 Opening for mixed outflow

[0057] 9 Adjusting device for opening 8

[0058] 10 Device for guiding the outflow from the hopper and / or adjusting device for opening 11

[0059] 11 Second outlet of hopper

[0060] 12 Coating device

[0061] 13 Pivot

[0062] 14 Inclination angle of chute 4

[0063] 15 Axial direction of funnel

[0064] 16 Fixing device

[0065] 17 Overflow section at a guiding and / or mixing device

[0066] 18 Slideway

[0067] 19 Guiding and / or redirecting and / or mixing area

[0068] 20 Width of the guiding and / or mixing area

[0069] 21 Flow of fresh granular / powdery material

[0070] 22 Sliding direction of recycled granular / powdery material

[0071] 23 Combined flow of fresh granular / powdery material and recycled granular / powdery material

[0072] 24 Inflow of fresh granular / powdery material into the hopper

[0073] 25 Layer of recycled granular / powdery material

[0074] W Width of the hopper

[0075] L Length of the layer of recycled granular / powdery material

Claims

1. A feeding device (1) for a coating device, comprising: A hopper (6) for supplying fresh particulate / powdery material and a funnel (2) having a chute (18) for supplying recycled particulate / powdery material in a sliding direction (22), wherein the fresh particulate / powdery material and the recycled particulate / powdery material are mixed and supplied to the coating device for coating food, and wherein the hopper (6) includes an outlet (11), characterized in that the hopper includes means (10) for guiding the fresh particulate / powdery material to flow out (21) from the outlet (11) in a direction at least partially reverse to the sliding direction (22) of the recycled particulate / powdery material.

2. The feeding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The means (10) is a plate, preferably a pivotable plate, which changes the size of the outflow area of the outlet (11) and / or the direction of outflow of the fresh particulate / powdery material.

3. The feeding device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Includes another outlet (11), preferably having a constant outflow area.

4. The feeding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims or the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that, Includes guiding and / or mixing means (3) located within the funnel (2), which guide and / or reorient and / or mix the recycled particulate / powdery material.

5. The feeding device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The guiding and / or mixing means (3) includes at least a first guiding and / or mixing means (3.1) and a second guiding and / or mixing means (3.2).

6. The feeding device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first guiding and / or mixing means (3.1) and the second guiding and / or mixing means (3.2) are each plates, preferably pivotable plates.

7. The feeding device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first guiding and / or mixing means (3.1) and the second guiding and / or mixing means (3.2) differ in shape and size, and / or are arranged at different positions in the funnel (2).

8. The feeding device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The positions of the first guiding and / or mixing means (3.1) and the second guiding and / or mixing means (3.1) are adjustable relative to each other and / or relative to the funnel (2).

9. The feeding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims or the preamble of claim 1, having a chute (4) for discharging the recycled granular / powdery material into the hopper (2), characterized in that, The inclination angle (14) of the chute (4) is adjustable.

10. The feeding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fresh material and the recycled material are combined, preferably in the funnel (2).

11. The feeding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims or the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that, Includes means for uniformly distributing the fresh particulate / powdery material into the hopper (6).

12. A method of supplying particulate / powdery material to a coating machine, preferably by means of a device according to one of the preceding claims, said particulate / powdery material comprising fresh particulate / powdery material and recycled particulate / powdery material, wherein, The recycled particulate / powdery material slides downward along the chute (18) in the funnel (2) in the sliding direction (22), characterized in that the recycled particulate / powdery material is guided and / or reoriented and / or mixed in the funnel (2) before being combined with the fresh particulate / powdery material.

13. The method according to claim 12 or the preamble of claim 12, characterized in that, Before being combined with the fresh particulate / powdery material, the recycled particulate / powdery material forms a layer (25) on the chute, and the length (L) and / or height of the layer (25) are substantially constant across the entire width of the funnel.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13 or the preamble of claim 12, characterized in that, The fresh particulate / powdery material is fed into the funnel in a direction at least partially reverse to the sliding direction of the recycled particulate / powdery material.

15. The method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The fresh particulate / powdery material is provided by at least two streams of material, one of which is adjustable.

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