Method and device for producing a hollow cylindrical, edible container from a vegetable or fruit, and the wooden cylindrical, edible container

Abstract

Method for producing a hollow cylindrical, edible container (45) from a vegetable or fruit (10), in particular a cucumber, zucchini or the like, which can be filled with a filling (37), by means of a device (20) according to claim 6, comprising the following method steps: a) centering and fixing the fruit (10) in a centering device (11); b) separating at least one end region of the fruit (10); c) hollowing out the core (10a) of the fruit (10) to form a hollow cylindrical container (45) with an inner cavity (41) and an outer wall (10b) which delimits the inner cavity (41), wherein the core (10a) is hollowed out only over a partial area of ​​the fruit (10), so that a closed bottom (10d) of the fruit (10) remains; d) Removing an outer shell (10c) of the fruit (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing a hollow cylindrical, edible container from a vegetable or fruit, in particular a cucumber, zucchini or the like, which can be filled with a filling, a container produced according to the method and a device for carrying out the method.

[0002] Edible containers for filling with an edible filling, such as meat, are known in many different ways. Hamburgers and doner kebabs, for example, use buns filled with meat or vegetables. Hot dogs are also known, in which a bun is drilled into a hole for a sausage to be inserted. Due to gluten intolerance, many people have problems with grain-based buns. Furthermore, many people are interested in a low-carbohydrate diet. For this reason, they prefer to avoid grain products.

[0003] US Pat. No. 3,382,900 A discloses the industrial processing of a pineapple. The fruit is centered and secured, the ends are cut off, the core is scooped out, and the outer shells are removed. This involves a device with a centering device, a cutting device, a coring device for complete core removal, and a peeling device with peeling heads. The end product is the familiar ring-shaped pineapple pieces.

[0004] US 7 096 777 B1 discloses a similar manufacturing method and a similar device as US 3 381 900 A, and further shows a control for the device.

[0005] KR 10 0 792 464 B1 discloses a manufacturing method for producing filled cucumber slices using a dedicated pick-up device and hollow knives. The pick-up device for the cucumber consists of two interconnectable half-shells that center and secure the cucumber. The ends of the cucumber that extend beyond the half-shells are then cut off with a knife, and the core is completely hollowed out using the hollow knife. This produces a tubular cucumber container. This container is filled manually and then cut either in half lengthwise or crosswise into slices for serving.

[0006] In JP 2009-247 325 A, a filling is introduced into an inner cavity of a fruit using a device, which is then heated in a microwave.

[0007] The publication "My Recession Kitchen...and garden Mock Tuna Stuffed Cucumbers," November 23, 2013, URL: www.myrecessionkitchen.com / 2009 / 09 / mocked-tuna-stuffed-cucumbers.html, archived at http: / / web.archive.org [accessed May 19, 2015], discloses the manual peeling, cutting, and severing of the ends of a cucumber. The hollowing is done manually using a small knife. The interior cavity is then filled with a filling.

[0008] WO 2003 / 043443 A1 describes a method for producing an edible container from a vegetable fruit that can be filled with a filling. A lid part is separated from a base part in the longitudinal direction of the fruit. A cavity is formed in the base part, into which a filling can be introduced. The lid part is then bonded to the base part using a starch gel.

[0009] EP 1 867 236 A2 discloses a hollowing device for a banana. The banana is held in a holding device comprising two curved holding cups. A core is removed from the banana using a curved, pivoting hollow probe. A filling can be inserted into the inner cavity.

[0010] The present invention is based on the object of avoiding the disadvantages set out above.

[0011] To achieve this object, a method according to claim 1 and a device according to claim 6 are proposed for producing a hollow-cylindrical, edible container from a vegetable or fruit, in particular a cucumber, zucchini, or the like, which can be filled with a filling. Since the container is made from a vegetable or fruit, no problems with gluten intolerance arise. Furthermore, the edible container is suitable for holding the filling for a low-carbohydrate diet. Since only a portion of the fruit is hollowed out, the container has a base that prevents the filling from escaping.

[0012] The process according to the invention can be used for various vegetables and fruits. However, it is particularly suitable for cucumbers.

[0013] In the method according to the invention, the fruit is first centered and secured in a centering device. Subsequently, at least one end region of the fruit is severed. Subsequently, the core or a core region of the fruit is hollowed out to form an internal cavity with a base. Finally, an outer shell of the fruit is removed. Centering the fruit enables hollowing out, particularly in the case of curved fruit, and minimizes waste.

[0014] The method and the device according to the invention allow automatic processing of the starting crop.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0016] It is advantageous to fill the interior of the container with a suitable filling. This particularly applies to organic fillings such as chicken, beef, salmon, tuna, lettuce, rice, or mixtures thereof.

[0017] The exterior of the edible container can be processed. A granular coating, particularly made of sesame or coconut, can be applied to the exterior of the container. This creates a dry surface that increases the grip of the container.

[0018] The device according to the invention for carrying out the method according to claim 6 has a centering device for centering and fixing the fruit, a hollowing device for removing the core of the fruit and forming an internal cavity and a peeling device for removing the outer shell of the fruit.

[0019] The devices mentioned can be manual or equipped with a drive.

[0020] Advantageously, the centering device and the peeling device can be moved relative to each other.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the hollowing device and / or the peeling device can have a hollow blade coupled to a drive. Rotating hollow blades are particularly used here, the diameter of which is adapted to the fruit to be processed. The blades are thus designed to be interchangeable.

[0022] The centering device has at least two centering shells surrounding the fruit. An advantageous embodiment of the centering device has four centering shells that are adjustable relative to one another and are fixed to associated holders.

[0023] Furthermore, the device can have a cutting device for separating an end region of the fruit.

[0024] Advantageously, the device comprises a filling device for introducing a filling into the inner cavity. The filling device may comprise a bowl-shaped slide for receiving the filling and a piston movable relative thereto for emptying the slide.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, a control device is provided which controls an automatic delivery of the hollowing device and / or the peeling device and / or the filling device.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a base body with a longitudinal groove for inserting the centering device and / or the hollowing device and / or the peeling device and / or the filling device. Thus, the device is designed in a modular manner, with the individual devices each having holders corresponding to the longitudinal groove, which can be secured to the base body. The electrical connection of the devices secured to the base body can also be established via the longitudinal groove.

[0027] The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a device according to the invention for receiving a cucumber; Fig. 2 a front view of the centering device in the open and closed state; Fig. 3 the centering device and cutting device according to the invention for removing the end regions of the cucumber; Fig. 4 the hollowing device for removing the core of the cucumber Fig. 5 the peeling device for removing the outer shell; Fig. 6 the removal of the core part by means of the hollowing device; Fig. 7 the filling device for introducing a filling; Fig. 8 the removal of the filled container from the peeling device and the Fig. 9 a vertical section through an edible container according to the invention with filling introduced into the inner cavity.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a device 20 for producing a hollow-cylindrical, edible container from a cucumber 10. The device 20 has a centering device 11, a hollowing device 21, and a peeling device 26. The aforementioned devices 11, 21, and 26 are fixed to a base body 15, which has a longitudinal groove 16 for receiving the devices 21 and 26. Electrical contacts (not shown) are provided on the longitudinal groove, which supply the inserted devices 21 and 26 with power.

[0029] The centering device 11 has, as in Fig. 2a, the device comprises four centering shells 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, which are mounted on associated holders 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d offset in the circumferential direction. The centering shells 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are adjustable relative to one another and, when closed, rest against the outside of the cucumber 10.

[0030] In the area of ​​the centering device 11, a cutting device 17 is arranged, which has a stand 18 which is fixed to the base body 15. Two knives 19a, 19b are arranged on the stand 18 in a movable manner, which serve to separate the end regions 10d, 10e of the cucumber 10. This is explained in connection with Fig. 3 described.

[0031] The hollowing device 21 has a hollow blade 23, which is provided with a toothing 23a at its end. The hollow blade 23 is connected at the opposite end to a drive 24, which may include an electric motor, for example. The drive 24 is actuated via a switch 25.

[0032] The hollowing device 21 serves to remove the core 10a of the cucumber 10. For this purpose, the hollowing device 21 can be moved longitudinally relative to the centering device 11. Hollowing out occurs only partially, leaving a closed base 10d of the cucumber 10.

[0033] The peeling device 26, which can also be designed as a milling cutter, serves to remove the outer skin 10c of the cucumber 10. The peeling device 26 has a hollow blade 27, the free end of which is provided with a toothing 27a. The hollow blade 27 is connected to a drive 28, which has an electric motor (not shown in detail). The drive 28 can be actuated via a switch 29. The peeling device 26 is secured to the longitudinal groove 16 of the base body 15 via a foot 30.

[0034] The peeling device 26 is movable relative to the centering device 11, in which the cucumber 10 is held. The peeling device 26 can be used to remove the outer skin of the cucumber 10. At the same time, peeling off the outer skin ensures that the top surface of the cucumber 10 is uniform.

[0035] A control device 14 controls an automatic delivery of the hollowing device 21, the peeling device 26 and a filling device 36.

[0036] The following will be based on the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 the centering, cutting and hollowing out of the cucumber 10 are described.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows the centering device 11 in a front view. The centering device 11 both centers and fixes the cucumber 10, which is often curved.

[0038] In Fig. 2a, the centering trays 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are open. The curved cucumber 10 is inserted into the centering device 11. Fig. Figure 2b shows the centering device 11 in the closed state, in which the centering shells 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d rest against the outside of the cucumber 10, centering and straightening it. Centering the cucumber 10 allows for hollowing out the cucumber 10 and minimizes waste.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows the separation of the end regions 10d, 10e of the cucumber 10 by means of the cutting device 17. The knives 19a, 19b arranged at a distance from one another on the cutting device 17 are moved downwards in the direction of the arrows, whereby the end regions 10d, 10e of the cucumber 10 are separated.

[0040] The functioning of the hollowing device 21 is to be explained by Fig. 4 will be explained. From Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b shows that the hollow blade 23 of the hollowing device 21 has a toothing 23a at its end and a cutting device 23b designed as a cutting wire. Instead of a cutting wire 23b, a cutting mandrel can also be used. As can be seen from the enlarged illustration according to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4b, the cutting wire 23b connects the free end regions of the toothing 23a. The cutting device 23b serves to separate the core 10a from the base 10d of the cucumber 10.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4c, the hollowing device 21 is moved relative to the centering device 11, so that the hollow knife 23, which is rotated by the drive 24, penetrates the cucumber 10. In the process, the core 10a or a defined part of the interior of the cucumber 10 is hollowed out. Fig. The final position is shown in 4d. The cutting wire 23b serves to separate the core 10a from the base 10d after the inner cavity has been hollowed out.

[0042] The functioning of the peeling device 26 is explained by Fig. 5. First, the centering device 11 is opened so that the cucumber 10 held by the hollowing device 21 is exposed on its outer side. Then, the peeling device 26 is advanced, with the hollow knife 27 removing the outer skin 10c of the cucumber. The mandrel 27b of the hollow knife 27 cuts through the outer skin 10c of the cucumber 10. Fig. 5 c shows the final position in the retracted state of the peeling device 26.

[0043] Fig. Figure 6 shows the removal of the core 10a from the cucumber 10 by means of the hollowing device 21. The core 10a, which rests on the hollow blade 23, is extended with the hollow blade. The hollow cylindrical container 45 remains in the hollow blade 27 of the peeling device 26. Pneumatic suction can also be provided as an alternative or as an aid.

[0044] Fig. 7 shows the filling device 36 provided on the device 20 for introducing a filling 37 into the inner cavity 41 of the cucumber 10. The filling device 36 has a carriage 40 for receiving the filling 37. The carriage 40 is half-shell-shaped. In addition, a cover shell (not shown) can be provided to compress the filling 37 and adapt it to the inner cavity 41. The carriage 40 projects from a bearing block 38, which is fixed by a foot 30 in the longitudinal groove 16 of the base body 15. Furthermore, a piston 39 is received on the bearing block 38, which is movable relative to the bearing block 38. For this purpose, a drive for the piston 39 is provided in the bearing block 38. The outer diameter of the piston 39 is adapted to the inner diameter of the carriage 40 and lies in the carriage 40.

[0045] Fig. 7a shows the filling device 36 in its initial position relative to the peeling device 26, on which the container 45 is received. In the position according to Fig. In Figure 7b, the filling device is almost completely retracted into the container. In this position, the piston 39 is actuated to press in the filling. Finally, the filling device 36 is extended again, leaving the filling 37 in the container.

[0046] Fig. 8 shows the discharge of the container 45 from the peeling device 26. For this purpose, a piston 43 is provided, which is arranged to be movable on the drive 28.

[0047] Fig. Figure 9 shows the edible container 45 made from the cucumber 10. The container 45 has an outer wall 10b defining the inner cavity 41. The Fig. 9 The end area located at the top is open. In contrast, the end area in Fig. 7 lower end area closed by the floor 10d.

[0048] The filling 37 is placed in the inner cavity 41 of the container 45. The hollow cylindrical, edible container 45 can be filled with various fillings 37. In addition to meat fillings, especially chicken and beef, fish fillings, especially salmon and tuna, can also be provided. Furthermore, vegetarian fillings, such as salad or rice, can also be placed in the container 45.

[0049] Thus, an edible container 45 consisting of cucumber flesh is provided, which can be filled with any filling 37. List of reference symbols 10 cucumbers 11 Centering device 10a core 10b Exterior wall 10c bowl 10d floor 12a,b,c,d centering bowl 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d holder 14 Control device 15 basic bodies 16 Longitudinal groove 17 Cutting device 18 stands 19 knives 20 Device 21 Hollowing device 23 hollow knives 23a Gearing 23b Cutting device 24 drive 25 switches 26 Peeling device 27 hollow knives 27a Gearing 28 Drive 29 switches 30 feet 36 Filling device 37 Filling 38 bearing block 39 pistons 40 sleds 41 Internal cavity 42 Arrow 45 containers

Claims

[1] Method for producing a hollow cylindrical, edible container (45) from a vegetable or fruit (10), in particular a cucumber, zucchini or the like, which can be filled with a filling (37), by means of a device (20) according to claim 6, with the following method steps: a) centering and fixing the fruit (10) in a centering device (11); b) separating at least one end region of the fruit (10); c) hollowing out the core (10a) of the fruit (10) to form a hollow cylindrical container (45) with an inner cavity (41) and an outer wall (10b) which delimits the inner cavity (41), wherein the core (10a) is hollowed out only over a partial area of ​​the fruit (10), so that a closed bottom (10d) of the fruit (10) remains; d) Removing an outer shell (10c) of the fruit (10). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat the inner cavity (41) of the container (45) is filled with a suitable filling (37). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the outside of the container (45) is machined. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by that a granular coating, in particular of sesame or coconut flakes, is applied to the outside of the container (45). [5] Hollow cylindrical container (45) manufactured according to one of claims 1 to 4. [6] Device (20) for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: a) a centering device (11) for centering and fixing the fruit (10), which has at least two centering shells (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) enclosing the fruit (10); b) a hollowing device (21) for removing the core (10a) of the fruit (10) and for forming a hollow cylindrical container (45) with an inner cavity (41) and an outer wall (10b) which delimits the inner cavity (41), wherein the hollowing device (21) is arranged to hollow out the core (10a) only over a partial area of ​​the fruit (10), so that a closed bottom (10d) of the fruit (10) remains, wherein the centering device (11) and the hollowing device (21) are movable relative to each other and wherein the hollowing device (21) has a hollow knife (23) with an end toothing (23a) and a cutting device (23b) for separating the core (10a) from a base (10d) of the fruit (10); c) a peeling device (26) for removing the outer shell of the fruit (10). [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized bythat the centering device (11) and the peeling device (26) are movable relative to one another. [8] Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the hollowing device (21) and / or the peeling device (26) have a hollow knife (23, 27) which is connected to a drive. [9] Device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that a cutting device (17) is provided for separating an end region (10d, 10e) of the fruit (10). [10] Device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by that a filling device (36) is provided for introducing a filling (37) into the inner cavity (41) of the fruit (10). [11] Device according to claim 10, characterized by that the filling device (36) has a carriage (40) for receiving the filling (37) and a piston (39) movable relative thereto for emptying the carriage (40). [12] Device according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized by that a control device (14) is provided which controls an automatic delivery of the hollowing device (21) and / or the peeling device (26) and / or the filling device (36). [13] Device according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized by that a base body (15) with a longitudinal groove (16) running in the longitudinal direction is provided for inserting the fixing device (11) and / or the hollowing device (21) and / or the peeling device (26) and / or the filling device (36) and / or the garnishing device (31). [14] Device according to claim 13, characterized by that electrical contacts for the centering device (11) and / or the hollowing device (21) and / or the peeling device (26) and / or the filling device (36) are provided on the base body (15), in particular on a longitudinal groove (16).

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