A croissant rolling and forming device

Abstract

This application relates to the field of bread making technology, and in particular to a croissant rolling and forming device, which includes a frame on which a conveyor belt transports dough. Above the conveyor belt, along the direction of travel, are arranged sequentially a powered roller, a lifting plate, and a gravity kneading mechanism. The powered roller is driven by a drive motor and shapes the dough during rotation, forming a rolled portion. The lifting plate is fixed to a U-shaped frame rotatably connected to the shaft of the powered roller, and can scrape the rolled portion into a cylindrical kneaded portion. The height of the lifting plate can be adjusted by a height adjustment mechanism. The gravity kneading mechanism includes a support frame composed of a gravity chain and hinged crossbars, providing friction for the kneaded portion to roll and form it. In addition, an auxiliary gravity chain is provided, with its gravity rod engaging with the gravity chain. A clamping plate on the lifting plate is used to hold the gravity kneading mechanism and the auxiliary gravity chain. This device has a compact structure, and all components work together to effectively improve production efficiency and ensure the stability of product shape and quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of bread making technology, and in particular to a croissant rolling and forming device. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, baked goods, especially croissants, are gaining popularity among consumers, and the market demand for croissants is increasing daily. Against this backdrop, the food processing industry's need for automated and efficient croissant production equipment is becoming increasingly urgent.

[0003] Traditional croissant production relies on physical molds, resulting in low production efficiency and difficulty in meeting the growing market demand. Traditional equipment cuts the dough into triangular structures, making the dough relatively smooth. This makes it difficult for the rolling and twisting device to lift the edges during the rolling process, affecting normal rolling operations and forming quality. Furthermore, some forming devices have slow production speeds, making it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale mass production. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this application provides a croissant rolling and forming device. Through the synergistic effect of the power roller, the lifting plate and the gravity kneading mechanism, the dough is spontaneously rolled and gradually kneaded during continuous conveying. This breaks through the dependence of traditional equipment on physical molds, and while improving production efficiency, it perfectly reproduces the layered beauty and structural stability of handmade products.

[0005] This application is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A croissant rolling and forming device includes a frame with a conveyor belt for conveying dough. Above the conveyor belt, along the dough's travel direction, are sequentially arranged a power roller, a lifting plate, and a gravity kneading mechanism. During rotation, the power roller shapes the dough, causing its front end to form an upward curl. The lifting plate scrapes against the curl, causing it to tilt towards the dough body, forming a cylindrical kneaded section at the front end. The gravity kneading mechanism is laid flat on the conveyor belt and provides friction to the upper surface of the kneaded section, causing the dough to roll during travel and knead it into a long cylindrical shape.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the power roller shapes the dough as it moves, primarily creating an upward curl at the front end. This is the initial step in the winding process. The roller's movement changes the dough's shape, laying the foundation for subsequent winding into a horn-shaped dough. This ensures a relatively consistent curl shape in each production run, improving product standardization. The lifting plate acts as a deflector, scraping against the curl formed by the power roller. When the curl moves to the lifting plate, it forces it to tilt towards the dough body, forming a cylindrical rolled section. This step initially shapes the curl. The first step involves shaping the dough into the desired cylindrical shape, giving it the basic outline of a croissant. This process requires no manual intervention, improving production efficiency and reducing errors caused by manual operation. The gravity kneading mechanism, laid flat on the conveyor belt, provides friction to the upper surface of the kneading section, driving the dough to roll during its journey. Ultimately, the dough is kneaded into a long cylindrical shape, allowing it to be rolled more tightly, ensuring a regular shape for the croissant. At the same time, the kneading process further strengthens the layers of the dough, helping to improve the texture and quality of the baked croissant. Moreover, the gravity kneading method is relatively gentle and less likely to damage the dough.

[0008] Optionally, the power roller is rotatably connected to the frame and is powered to rotate by a drive motor.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the rotation of the power rollers is automatically controlled by a drive motor, improving production efficiency. Simultaneously, the drive motor can precisely control the speed and direction of rotation of the power rollers, ensuring uniform force on the dough during the shaping process and further guaranteeing the quality of the winding and forming process.

[0010] Optionally, the lifting plate is fixed on a U-shaped frame, and the U-shaped frame is rotatably connected to the shaft of the power roller; the U-shaped frame is provided with a height adjustment mechanism, which is used to adjust the height of the lifting plate.

[0011] By employing the above technical solution, the lifting plate can scrape and block the upward curling part formed after the power rollers have shaped it. As the dough moves forward under the drive of the conveyor belt, the lifting plate causes the curling part to tilt towards the dough body, thus forming a cylindrical rolled part at the front end of the dough. This is a key step in the winding and forming of horn dough. By precisely controlling the height and angle of the lifting plate, it can be ensured that the curling part tilts with appropriate force and angle, forming a regular and compact cylindrical rolled part. This helps to improve the winding quality of horn dough, making the finished product more aesthetically pleasing and with more distinct internal layers.

[0012] Optionally, the U-shaped frame includes parallel side plates, which are fixed by connecting rods; the side plates are provided with mounting holes adapted to the connecting rods.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the side plates of the U-shaped frame are arranged in parallel and fixed by connecting rods, forming a stable frame structure. This structure can provide reliable support for the lifting plate, so that it will not deform or shake due to force when scraping the rolled part of the horn dough, thus ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the winding and forming process, and helping to improve the regularity of the horn dough shape. The cooperation between the mounting holes and the connecting rods can accurately define the relative position of the side plates, thereby ensuring the installation position accuracy of the lifting plate. This allows the lifting plate to accurately scrape the rolled part formed by the power roller, ensuring that the winding and forming process is carried out according to the design requirements, and avoiding poor dough winding effect due to the positional deviation of the lifting plate, which would affect the forming quality of the horn dough.

[0014] Optionally, the height adjustment mechanism includes a right-angle plate fixed on a U-shaped frame, the right-angle plate having a threaded hole, and a threaded adjusting rod threadedly connected to the threaded hole; a base is provided on the frame, and the threaded adjusting rod abuts against the base.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the right-angle plate is fixed on the U-shaped frame, providing a stable installation base for the threaded adjustment rod. At the same time, the threaded adjustment rod abuts against the base, forming a stable support structure. This structure ensures that the lifting plate remains stable during operation and will not shake or shift due to the force generated during the wrapping of the dough, thereby ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the wrapping process. The height adjustment mechanism consists of simple components such as the right-angle plate, the threaded adjustment rod, and the base. The structure is simple and easy for operators to understand and operate when a malfunction occurs or adjustments are needed. It also facilitates daily maintenance and reduces the maintenance cost and difficulty of the equipment.

[0016] Optionally, a knob is provided above the threaded adjusting rod.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the knob design allows operators to more accurately control the rotation angle of the threaded adjustment rod. By slightly turning the knob, the threaded adjustment rod can be moved slightly, thereby finely adjusting the height of the lifting plate. This is crucial for the production process that requires precise control of the shape and quality of the horn dough roll, and helps to produce products with more consistent appearance and higher quality.

[0018] Optionally, the gravity kneading mechanism includes a gravity chain and a support frame. The gravity chain is arranged above the support frame, and the support frame includes several horizontal bars. The horizontal bars are provided with hinges, and adjacent horizontal bars are connected by the hinges.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the gravity chain is arranged above the support frame. Its own weight allows it to make close contact with the dough rolling section below. As the dough moves with the conveyor belt, the gravity chain provides continuous and stable friction to the upper surface of the rolling section. This friction is the key driving force for the dough to roll, ensuring that the dough can be smoothly rolled into a long cylindrical shape, thus guaranteeing the basic function of winding and forming. The support frame consists of several crossbars connected by hinges. This structure gives the support frame a certain degree of flexibility. During the operation of the conveyor belt, there may be slight undulations or unevenness. Adjacent crossbars can rotate relative to each other through the hinges, allowing the support frame to better conform to the surface of the conveyor belt, thereby ensuring more stable and uniform contact between the gravity chain and the rolling section.

[0020] Optionally, an auxiliary gravity chain is provided above the gravity kneading mechanism. The auxiliary gravity chain includes gravity rods and rotating connecting bars. The rotating connecting bars have a wave-shaped structure. Connecting holes adapted to the gravity rods are provided at the corners of the rotating connecting bars. Several gravity rods are connected together through the rotating connecting bars.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solutions, the auxiliary gravity chain increases the overall weight of the gravity kneading mechanism, which can provide greater pressure to the dough, allowing the dough to be kneaded more thoroughly during the rolling process. The special shape of the wave-shaped rotating connecting strip can guide the edges of the dough during the rolling process. The corners of the rotating connecting strip can guide the dough to roll along a specific trajectory, which helps to form a more standard horn shape, reduces the problem of dough deviation and twisting during the rolling process, and improves the quality and consistency of the horn dough rolling.

[0022] Optionally, the gravity rod and the gravity chain are fixed together by a snap-fit ​​connector.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the connection method of the snap-fit ​​component is relatively simple to operate, and the gravity rod and gravity chain can be quickly fixed or separated without the need for complicated tools. This is beneficial for equipment assembly, debugging, and disassembly of related components during later maintenance and cleaning, thereby improving equipment maintenance efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

[0024] Optionally, a clamping plate is fixed on the lifting plate, the clamping plate being used to hold the gravity kneading mechanism and the auxiliary gravity chain.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the card plate can stably fix the gravity kneading mechanism and the auxiliary gravity chain on the lifting plate, ensuring that they maintain a relatively fixed position during the operation of the device and will not be displaced due to friction caused by vibration and dough movement. This allows the gravity kneading mechanism and the auxiliary gravity chain to always knead the dough accurately, ensuring the stability and consistency of the horn dough rolling process.

[0026] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0027] 1. This application uses a power roller to precisely shape the dough into a curled part, and a lifting plate scrapes and blocks the curled part into a standard cylindrical rolled part. The gravity kneading mechanism kneads the dough into a regular long cylindrical shape through friction, ensuring the shape consistency and quality stability of each croissant dough sheet, and enhancing the market competitiveness of the product.

[0028] 2. This application utilizes a U-shaped frame rotatably connected to the drive roller shaft and equipped with a height adjustment mechanism. This allows for flexible adjustment of the height and angle of the lifting plate according to the dough thickness and material characteristics, adapting to different production needs and enhancing the equipment's versatility. In the gravity kneading mechanism, the crossbars of the support frame are connected via hinges, flexibly adapting to the undulations of the conveyor belt. The gravity rod of the auxiliary gravity chain is connected to the gravity chain via a U-shaped frame, allowing for adjustment of gravity as needed to further optimize the kneading effect.

[0029] 3. The side plates of the U-shaped frame in this application are fixed to the connecting rods through mounting holes. The connection method of each component is clear and simple. The gravity rod is snapped into the gravity chain, and the clamping plate on the lifting plate holds the gravity kneading mechanism and the auxiliary gravity chain. During equipment installation, debugging and maintenance, it is convenient to disassemble and assemble, reducing maintenance costs and difficulties and reducing equipment downtime. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the dough wrapping and forming device described in Embodiment 1;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rolled-up part of the face skin as described in Embodiment 1;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the dough rolling section structure described in Example 1;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the height adjustment mechanism described in Embodiment 1;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the U-shaped frame structure described in Embodiment 1;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the gravity kneading mechanism described in Embodiment 1;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge structure described in Embodiment 1;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic telescopic rod described in Embodiment 2;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the dough wrapping and forming device described in Embodiment 3;

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary gravity chain described in Embodiment 3;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the gravity chain and connecting rod described in Embodiment 3.

[0041] In the diagram: 1. Frame; 11. Drive motor; 12. Base; 2. Conveyor belt; 21. Dough sheet; 211. Rolling section; 212. Kneading section; 3. Power roller; 31. Rotating shaft; 4. Lifting plate; 5. Clamping plate; 6. Gravity kneading mechanism; 611. Gravity chain; 613. Support frame; 6131. ​​Crossbar; 6132. Hinge section; 614. Connecting rod; 7. Auxiliary gravity chain; 71. Gravity bar; 711, snap-fit ​​hole; 7111, C-shaped part; 72, rotating connecting bar; 721, connecting hole; 7211, corner; 8, U-shaped frame; 81, side plate; 82, connecting rod; 822, mounting hole; 9, height adjustment mechanism; 91, right angle plate; 92, threaded hole; 921, threaded adjusting rod; 93, knob; 10, hydraulic telescopic rod; 101, cylinder liner; 102, piston. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of various embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] Reference Figures 1-3 This application discloses a croissant rolling and forming device, including a frame 1. The frame 1 is provided with a conveyor belt 2 for conveying dough 21. Above the conveyor belt 2, along the traveling direction, are provided a power roller 3, a lifting plate 4, and a gravity kneading mechanism 6. The power roller 3 is rotatably connected to the frame 1 and is powered to rotate by a drive motor 11. During the rotation, the power roller 3 can shape the dough 21 while it is moving, causing the front end of the dough 21 to form an upward curled part 211. The lifting plate 4 is used to scrape the curled part 211 while it is moving, causing the curled part 211 to tilt towards the body of the dough 21, so as to form a cylindrical kneaded part 212 at the front end of the dough 21. The gravity kneading mechanism 6 is laid flat on the conveyor belt 2 and is used to provide friction to the upper surface of the kneaded part 212, so as to drive the dough 21 to roll during the process and knead the dough 21 into a long cylindrical shape.

[0045] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 The lifting plate 4 is fixed on the U-shaped frame 8, and the U-shaped frame 8 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 31 of the power roller 3; the U-shaped frame 8 is provided with a height adjustment mechanism 9, which is used to adjust the height of the lifting plate 4.

[0046] Reference Figure 4 The height adjustment mechanism 9 includes a right-angle plate 91 fixed on the U-shaped frame 8. The right-angle plate 91 has a threaded hole 92, and a threaded adjusting rod 921 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole 92. The frame 1 has a base 12, and the threaded adjusting rod 921 abuts against the base 12. By rotating the threaded adjusting rod 921, it can move up and down in the threaded hole 92. Since the threaded adjusting rod 921 abuts against the base 12, it will drive the U-shaped frame 8 and the lifting plate 4 fixed on it to rise or fall, thereby realizing the height adjustment of the lifting plate 4 to meet the winding requirements of different thicknesses of the sheet 21. In order to facilitate the operation of turning the threaded adjusting rod 921, a knob 93 is provided at the upper end of the threaded adjusting rod 921.

[0047] Reference Figures 5-6 The U-shaped frame 8 includes parallel side plates 81, which are fixed by connecting rods 82. The side plates 81 are provided with mounting holes 822 that are adapted to the connecting rods 82. The lifting plate 4 is fixed with a clamping plate 5, which is used to clamp the gravity kneading mechanism 6.

[0048] Reference Figure 7 The gravity kneading mechanism 6 includes a gravity chain 611 and a support frame 613. The gravity chain 611 is arranged above the support frame 613, and several gravity chains 611 are connected by connecting rods 614 inserted in the chain links. In order to make the support frame 613 have a certain degree of flexibility and adjustability, the shape and angle of the support frame 613 can be adjusted according to actual production needs to better support and fix related components, or adapt to different production layouts and space requirements. The support frame 613 includes several horizontal bars 6131, and the horizontal bars 6131 are provided with hinges. Adjacent horizontal bars 6131 are connected by hinges. The horizontal bars 6131 can be made of stainless steel, and the hinges can be bent groove structures on the horizontal bars 6131.

[0049] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: When the dough sheet 21 is conveyed by the conveyor belt 2 past the power roller 3, the rotation direction and pressure of the roller will drive the front end of the dough sheet 21 to roll up, forming a curled part 211, which lays the foundation for subsequent winding and forming; when the curled part 211 at the front end of the dough sheet 21 moves with the conveyor belt 2 to the position of the lifting plate 4, the lifting plate 4 will scrape the curled part 211. This changes the movement direction of the curled part 211, causing it to tilt towards the body of the dough sheet 21, and the curled part 211 curls around the dough sheet 21 itself to form a cylindrical kneaded part 212 at the front end of the dough sheet 21, realizing the initial winding of the dough sheet 21; after the kneaded part 212 is formed at the front end of the dough sheet 21, it continues to move forward with the conveyor belt 2, and the gravity kneading mechanism 6 will contact the upper surface of the kneaded part 212. The conveyor belt 2 moves the dough 21, and friction is generated between the dough 212 and the gravity kneading mechanism 6. This friction drives the dough 212 to roll. During the rolling process, the dough 21 is continuously kneaded and rolled more tightly, eventually forming a long cylindrical shape, thus completing the rolling and shaping of the horn-shaped dough 21.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] Reference Figure 8 The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the height adjustment mechanism 9 on the U-shaped frame 8 is a hydraulic telescopic rod 10. The hydraulic telescopic rod 10 includes a cylinder liner 101 and a piston rod 102, which is fixed on the right-angle plate 91, while the piston rod 102 abuts against the base 12. When it is necessary to adjust the height of the lifting plate 4, the hydraulic telescopic rod 10 can be activated to achieve electric adjustment.

[0052] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: The hydraulic telescopic rod 10 mechanism can adjust the height of the lifting plate 4 according to the thickness of the dough sheet 21. For thicker dough sheets 21, the lifting plate 4 is raised to provide sufficient space for winding and prevent the dough sheet 21 from being squeezed and deformed during the winding process; for thinner dough sheets 21, the lifting plate 4 is lowered to make the winding effect more uniform; the hydraulic telescopic rod 10 mechanism can precisely control the height of the lifting plate 4 to ensure that the force and winding path of each dough sheet 21 are consistent during winding, thereby making the tightness of the dough sheets 21 the same, improving the stability of product quality, and helping to improve the product qualification rate and brand reputation.

[0053] Example 3

[0054] Reference Figures 9-11The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that an auxiliary gravity chain 7 is provided above the gravity kneading mechanism 6. The auxiliary gravity chain 7 includes a gravity rod 71 and a rotating connecting bar 72. The rotating connecting bar 72 has a wave-shaped structure. A connecting hole 721 that matches the gravity rod 71 is provided at the corner 7211 on the rotating connecting bar 72. The rotating connecting bar 72 can be made of food-grade silicone. Several gravity rods 71 ​​are connected together through the rotating connecting bar 72.

[0055] Specifically, refer to Figure 11 The gravity chain 611 and the connecting rod 614 are connected together by a C-shaped part 7111 to fix the auxiliary gravity chain 7 and the gravity chain 611, ensuring the relative stability of the position between the auxiliary gravity chain 7 and the gravity chain 611. In order to facilitate positioning, the gravity rod 71 is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole 711 that matches the C-shaped part 7111, and the C-shaped part 7111 can be fixed to the gravity rod 71 and the connecting rod 614 by welding.

[0056] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: The auxiliary gravity chain 7 increases the overall weight of the gravity kneading mechanism 6, which can provide greater pressure to the dough 21, so that the dough 21 is kneaded more fully during the winding process; The special shape of the wave-shaped rotating connecting strip 72 can play a certain guiding role on the edge of the dough 21 during the winding process. The corner 7211 of the rotating connecting strip 72 can guide the dough 21 to wind along a specific trajectory, which helps to form a more standard horn shape, reduces the problem of the dough 21 deviating and twisting during the winding process, and improves the quality and consistency of the horn dough 21 winding.

[0057] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A croissant winding forming device comprising a frame (1), characterized in that: The frame (1) is provided with a conveyor belt (2) for conveying dough sheets (21). Above the conveyor belt (2) along the direction of travel of the dough sheets (21), there are sequentially arranged a power roller (3), a lifting plate (4) and a gravity kneading mechanism (6). During the rotation of the power roller (3), it can shape the dough sheet (21) in motion, causing the front end of the dough sheet (21) to form an upward curled part (211). The lifting plate (4) is used to lift the curled part in motion. The part (211) scrapes and drives the curled part (211) to tilt towards the body of the dough (21) to form a cylindrical rolled part (212) at the front end of the dough (21); the gravity kneading mechanism (6) is laid flat on the conveyor belt (2), and the gravity kneading mechanism (6) is used to provide friction on the upper surface of the rolled part (212) to drive the dough (21) to roll during the process and knead the dough (21) into a long cylindrical shape.

2. A horn bread winding forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power roller (3) is rotatably connected to the frame (1) and is powered to rotate by the drive motor (11).

3. A horn bread winding forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting board (4) is fixed on the U-shaped frame (8), which is rotatably connected to the shaft (31) of the power roller (3); the U-shaped frame (8) is provided with a height adjustment mechanism (9), which is used to adjust the height of the lifting board (4).

4. A horn bread winding forming device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The U-shaped frame (8) includes parallel side plates (81), which are fixed by connecting rods (82); the side plates (81) are provided with mounting holes (822) adapted to the connecting rods (82).

5. A device for forming horn-shaped bread rolls according to claim 3, characterized in that: The height adjustment mechanism (9) includes a right-angle plate (91) fixed on a U-shaped frame (8), a threaded hole (92) on the right-angle plate (91), and a threaded adjusting rod (921) threadedly connected in the threaded hole (92); a base (12) is provided on the frame (1), and the threaded adjusting rod (921) abuts against the base (12).

6. The croissant rolling and forming device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A knob (93) is provided above the threaded adjusting rod (921).

7. A device for forming horn-shaped bread rolls according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gravity kneading mechanism (6) includes a gravity chain (611) and a support frame (613). The gravity chain (611) is arranged above the support frame (613). The support frame (613) includes several horizontal bars (6131). The horizontal bars (6131) are provided with hinges, and adjacent horizontal bars (6131) are connected by hinges.

8. A horn bread wrapping and forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An auxiliary gravity chain (7) is provided above the gravity kneading mechanism (6). The auxiliary gravity chain (7) includes a gravity rod (71) and a rotating connecting bar (72). The rotating connecting bar (72) has a wave-shaped structure. A connecting hole (721) adapted to the gravity rod (71) is provided at the corner (7211) of the rotating connecting bar (72). Several gravity rods (71) are connected together through the rotating connecting bar (72).

9. A croissant wrapping and forming device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The gravity rod (71) and the gravity chain (611) are fixed together by a snap-fit ​​connector.

10. A cow horn bread winding forming device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A clamping plate (5) is fixed on the lifting plate (4), and the clamping plate (5) is used to hold the gravity kneading mechanism (6) and the auxiliary gravity chain (7).

Images