BAKING DEVICE WITH MOVABLE SAFETY SHIELD

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a baking device, a retrofit kit and a method according to the preambles of independent patent claims.

[0002] Baking devices for producing baked, preferably edible, wafer-shaped bodies, in particular for producing wafer cakes baked from a sugar-containing baking mixture, are known in various designs. Especially with baking devices for producing wafer cakes that are subsequently rolled into wafer cones, service operations must be performed during which the baking device cannot be completely stopped or brought to a standstill.

[0003] For this purpose, baking devices of this type include an openable service door through which the service area is accessible from the outside. If a service activity is performed on a moving machine while it is in operation, there is a certain risk that an object, particularly a part of the operator's body, could become caught on a moving component and be drawn into the machine. The working area of ​​the open, hot baking tongs, which are closed shortly after entering the service area, is particularly dangerous.

[0004] To improve safety, conventional baking machines feature a foot switch that must be pressed by the operator while working in or on the moving machine. If an unforeseen event occurs, the machine can be stopped by releasing the foot switch. However, in practice, it has been found that even with the use of such foot switches, objects can be accidentally pulled in and even injuries can occur.

[0005] Conventional baking devices are known, among others, from DE 32 17 502 A1, DE 44 15 753 A1 and US 2,786,430 A.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a baking device which has improved safety.

[0007] The problem is solved in particular by the features of the independent patent claims.

[0008] The invention relates in particular to a baking device for producing baked, preferably edible, wafer-shaped bodies, optionally for producing wafer cakes baked from a sugar-containing baking mass, comprising a housing in which an endless conveyor and several openable and closable baking molds are arranged, which are successively arranged along the endless conveyor: an application area with a dough application device for applying a baking mixture to the open baking molds, a closing area for closing the baking molds, a heated baking chamber for baking the baking mixture introduced into the baking molds, an opening area for opening the baking molds, a removal area with a removal device for removing the waffle molded bodies baked from the baking mixture from the open baking molds, and then again through the application area.

[0009] The housing features an openable and closable service door, through which, in a first service position, a service area located between the removal area and the closing area is accessible from the outside. An emergency stop switch is provided; when activated, the endless conveyor and the baking pans stop after a certain stopping distance.

[0010] According to the invention, a safety shield is provided which runs transversely to the direction of movement of the baking molds and which separates the service area from the closing area in the first service position.

[0011] According to the invention, the safety shield is arranged to be movable in the direction of movement.

[0012] According to the invention, the safety shield is connected to the emergency stop switch in such a way that the emergency stop switch is actuated when the safety shield is moved from the first service position towards or into the closing area.

[0013] Where appropriate, it is provided that the safety shield is arranged in the first service position in such a way that the distance of the safety shield from the end of the closing area, measured in the area of ​​the baking moulds along the direction of movement, is greater than the stopping distance, the stopping distance being in particular the distance after which the baking moulds stop when the emergency stop switch is actuated when they are moved at the intended production speed.

[0014] If appropriate, the safety shield is designed so that its length is adjustable. If appropriate, the safety shield is designed so that it can be telescopically extended and retracted.

[0015] If necessary, a guide rail is provided in the interior of the housing, which runs in such a way that the safety shield changes its length when moving in the direction of movement in order to avoid a collision with other components of the baking device.

[0016] If necessary, one end of the safety shield is mounted on the guide rail.

[0017] Where appropriate, it is provided that a link for closing the baking moulds is provided in the closing area and that the guide rail is positioned in front of the link and, in particular, runs essentially parallel to the link.

[0018] If necessary, it is provided that the baking molds are designed as baking tongs, each comprising two baking plates connected to one another in a hinge-like manner.

[0019] Where appropriate, the safety shield is provided to extend in the first service position between the two baking plates of an open baking tin, in particular an unfolded baking tong.

[0020] If necessary, a safety button is provided, which is designed in particular as a foot switch.

[0021] Where appropriate, it is provided that the actuation of the safety button prevents the emergency stop switch from being actuated, even if the safety shield is or is moved from the first service position towards or into the closing area and thus into a second service position.

[0022] If necessary, the service door and the safety shield are arranged in the second service position in such a way that the dough application area and the dough application device are accessible from the outside.

[0023] Where appropriate, the safety sign shall be pivotably mounted on the edge of the opening created by opening the service door.

[0024] If necessary, the service door is designed as a sliding door.

[0025] If necessary, the service door is provided with a hinge in the area of ​​the free end of the service door.

[0026] The invention also relates to a retrofit kit for forming a baking device according to the invention comprising the safety shield, the guide rail and, if applicable, the service door.

[0027] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a baking device according to the invention, wherein the baking molds are moved along the endless conveyor, wherein the baking device is in the first service position in which the service door is open to make the service area accessible, and in which the safety shield separates the service area from the closing area, wherein, if an object in the service area gets caught on a moving part, the object moves the safety shield towards the closing area and thereby actuates the emergency stop switch, wherein the emergency stop switch stops the endless conveyor or the baking mold within a certain stopping distance before the object is clamped in the closed baking mold.

[0028] Alternatively, the invention relates to a method for operating the baking device according to the invention, wherein the baking device is in the second service position, in which the service door is open to make the service area accessible, and in which the safety shield is moved so far towards the closing area that the application area and in particular the dough application device is accessible from the outside, wherein before or during the movement of the safety shield towards or into the closing area, a safety button is actuated to prevent the emergency stop switch from being actuated.

[0029] To improve safety, a safety shield is provided which provides several benefits in a synergistic manner.

[0030] The safety shield is a physical barrier that separates the service area from the closing area, preventing any tampering within the closing area. The safety shield can extend into an area where the closing process for the baking pans has already begun. Furthermore, the safety shield is a clearly visible barrier that shows the user the extent of the service area or safety area. Furthermore, the safety shield is connected to an emergency stop switch that stops the baking device, in particular the endless conveyor and the baking pans, when activated. For example, a sensor or switch is provided that detects movement of the safety shield. The sensor or switch can then transmit a signal to the machine control system that deactivates the drive of the endless conveyor. In this case, the sensor or switch acts as an emergency stop switch.

[0031] In practice, it has been found that the mass of the endless conveyor and / or the baking pans attached to or guided by it is so great that an abrupt stop is not possible. Therefore, after the emergency stop switch is activated, the baking pans continue to move a certain stopping distance. This stopping distance depends on several parameters. In practice, however, the speed of the baking pans plays a decisive role.

[0032] To prevent an object from becoming trapped in a closing baking tong even though the emergency stop switch has already been activated, the stopping distance must be taken into account. The safety sign is therefore preferably arranged in the first service position such that its distance to the end of the closing range is greater than the stopping distance. The end of the closing range is in particular the area in which the baking pans are closed so far that an object, for example the user's hand, could be trapped. The end of the closing range may also be the area in which the baking pans are currently closed. In particular, the distance to the end of the closing range is more than 10%, preferably more than 20%, greater than the stopping distance.

[0033] Distance refers in particular to the distance between the safety shield and the end of the closing range of the baking tongs of the baking machine. The distance is measured particularly in the area of ​​the baking pans along their direction of movement. The distance is preferably dimensioned such that it is sufficiently large when the baking pans are moved at normal, intended production speed. A common service activity carried out on baking devices of this type is starting up the baking device. When the machine is started up in this way, the waffle molds are not removed in the removal area or are not removed completely. The waffle molds adhering to the removal area therefore often have to be removed from the baking pans by hand when starting up. This activity takes place in an operating mode of the baking device in which the baking pans are moved at normal operating speed.

[0034] The stopping distance can be between 20 mm and 500 mm, depending on the machine speed. A typical stopping distance at this speed is, for example, 200 mm to 500 mm, which means that the distance between the safety shield and the end of the closing area must also be adapted to this stopping distance.

[0035] During other activities, such as maintenance of the dough spreader, the speed of the baking pans can be reduced. In this case, the stopping distance is also shorter.

[0036] The first service position is specifically designed to service or clean the baking pans, particularly removing any residue that may have stuck to them when the baking pan is raised. If an object, such as a spatula, gets caught on an open pair of baking tongs, the object will be carried along with the baking tongs. The object will then pull the safety shield towards or into the closing area. The movement of the safety shield activates the emergency stop switch, and the baking tongs are stopped within the stopping distance. Since the distance between the safety shield and the end of the closing area is sufficiently large in the first service position, the baking pan in question will be stopped before the object becomes trapped, particularly in the baking pan.

[0037] Preferably, the safety shield should be prevented from colliding with other components of the baking device during this process, thereby potentially damaging them. This is achieved, in particular, by making the safety shield adjustable in length. For example, the safety shield can be telescopically extended and retracted. Alternatively, the safety shield can be foldable or flexible, if necessary. The safety shield can be made of transparent, see-through material, plastic, or metal, for example.

[0038] The baking machine preferably comprises a guide rail which prevents the safety shield from colliding with other components during its movement. In particular, the baking device comprises a guide rail on which the safety shield is mounted in a guided manner at one end. The guide rail preferably runs within the housing of the baking device and is designed such that a collision of the safety shield with other components is prevented. In particular, the baking molds are closed by a guide rail. The guide rail is preferably formed by one or more curved rods to which guide elements of the baking molds are attached. For technical reasons, the guide rail usually extends transversely through the closing area. In order to prevent a collision of the safety shield with the guide rail when the safety shield is pushed towards or into the closing area, the guide rail is preferably arranged in front of the guide rail.

[0039] As the guide rail moves toward the closing area, one end of the safety shield is guided to the guide rail. The length of the safety shield is adjusted to prevent collision with the gate. This also improves the safety of the baking device.

[0040] Where appropriate, the wafers are baked from a dough containing the following ingredients: flour, sugar, water, oil, lecithin and possibly baking additives in small quantities such as vanillin, salt, sodium carbonate, starch.

[0041] Where appropriate, the wafer molds can be used to produce the following products: ice cream cones, ice cream cups, rolled ice cream cones, deep-drawn ice cream bowls and cups, wafer rolls, etc.

[0042] The wafer bodies can be intermediate baked products, such as warm wafer cakes, which may be rolled into wafer cones in a subsequent station. The wafer bodies can also be finished, flat-shaped baked products.

[0043] The invention will be further described below with reference to figures. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of some components of a baking device. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of some components of a baking device in a closed position. Figure 3 shows a schematic oblique view of components of a baking device in the first service position. Figure 4 shows a schematic view from above.

[0044] Unless otherwise stated, the reference symbols correspond to the following components: Housing 1, endless conveyor 2, baking pan 3, application area 4, dough application device 5, closing area 6, baking chamber 7, opening area 8, removal area 9, removal device 10, service door 11, service area 12, direction of movement 13, safety sign 14, distance 15, guide rail 16, link 17, baking plate 18, safety button 19, length 20.

[0045] Figure 1shows a highly simplified side view of a baking device with the side housing hidden in order to be able to describe the basic mode of operation. An endless conveyor 2 is provided in a housing 1. A plurality of baking pans 3 are provided along the endless conveyor 2. In particular, the baking pans 3 together with the endless conveyor 2 form an endless baking tongs chain which transports the baking pans 3 through a plurality of areas. The movement of the endless conveyor 2 or the baking pans 3 is effected by a conventional drive (not shown). The baking pans 3 are transported along a direction of movement 13. In a first step, the baking pans 3 are transported through an application area 4. In the application area 4, a dough application device 5 is provided, by means of which dough or baking mixture can be applied to the baking pans 3. The baking pans 3 are open in the application area 4 for this purpose.The baking tins 3 are then conveyed through a closing area 6, in which the baking tins 3 are closed. The baking tins 3 are closed, for example, via a link 17 (not shown) or via other conventional means. At the end of the closing area 6, the baking tins 3 are each completely or almost closed. The closed baking tins 3 are then conveyed through a heated baking chamber 7. In this baking chamber 7, the dough or baking mixture provided in the baking tins 3 is baked. After being transported through the baking chamber 7, the baking tins 3 are conveyed through an opening area 8 and opened there. The baking tins 3 are then conveyed in their open position through a removal area 9.In this removal area 9, a removal device 10 is provided, which removes the baked waffle molds from the baking molds 3 and transports them, for example, to another station for post-processing or further processing. The device shown in . Figure 1 The components shown can in particular be conventional components of a generic baking device for producing waffle products.

[0046] The baking device is preferably configured for producing baked products from a sugar-containing dough. The wafer-shaped bodies have a plastically deformable consistency in their hot, warm-baked state. Upon cooling, the sugar content solidifies, and the wafer-shaped bodies acquire their typical crispy, brittle consistency. For example, the wafer-shaped bodies can be rolled into a cone shape in a cone-rolling device and cooled to form rolled, crispy wafer cones.

[0047] Figure 2 shows components of a baking device in a schematic oblique view. The housing 1 has a service door 11, which in the illustration of the Figure 2is closed. In this embodiment, the service door 11 is grid-shaped. In principle, however, this door can also be closed or designed with a viewing window. To improve the visibility of key components, parts of the housing 1 are not shown. In this position, the service door 11 closes off accessibility to a service area 12 arranged behind this service door 11. The baking device comprises a plurality of baking pans 3 which are conveyed along a direction of movement 13. A dough application device 5 is provided in the application area 4. This is suitable and / or configured to apply a baking mixture to the open baking pans 3. The baking device comprises a safety shield 14. This is particularly effective when the service door 11 is open.

[0048] Figure 3 shows the same components as Figure 2, however, the baking device is in the first service position, in particular in the open position, so that at least part of the interior is accessible to the operator. In the first service position, the service door 11 is opened far enough to allow access to a service area 12. In this service area 12, in this embodiment, the baking molds 3 are open. The service area 12 extends in particular from the removal area 9, in which the waffle molds are removed, to the safety shield 14. In the service area 12 of the first service position, for example, dough residues can be removed from the baking molds 3 which - contrary to the functioning of the baking device - were not removed in the removal area 9.

[0049] In practice, this malfunction can occur, for example, when the baking device is being started up. In this case, an operator can open the service door 11 and, using a tool such as a spatula, manually remove the dough residue that has unintentionally adhered to the baking pans 3. The safety shield 14 serves to improve the safety of the baking device. The safety shield 14 separates the service area 12 from the closing area 6, in particular to prevent objects from becoming trapped in the closing baking pans 3. On the one hand, this serves to ensure occupational safety for operators. On the other hand, it also helps to prevent damage to the baking device. The safety shield 14 is arranged to be movable. In particular, the safety shield 14 can be moved towards the closing area 6.

[0050] Figure 4 shows the design of the Figure 3, but viewed from above, with parts of the housing 1 hidden. The components shown correspond to the components of Figure 3 .

[0051] The service door 11 is open, providing access to a service area 12 from the outside. In the first service position, this service area 12 extends from the safety shield 14 to the removal area 9.

[0052] The safety sign 14 is movably mounted. In particular, the safety sign 14 can move from the illustrated first service position towards the closing area 6 or into the closing area 6. A second position of the safety sign 14 is shown in dashed lines. If the safety sign 14 is moved towards the closing area 6, an emergency stop switch is actuated. This emergency stop switch stops the endless conveyor 2 and / or the baking pans 3. However, the baking pans 3 cannot be stopped abruptly; rather, the baking pans 3 only stop after a certain stopping distance. For this reason in particular, the safety sign 14 has a distance 15 from the end area of ​​the closing area 6. This distance 15 is measured in particular in the area of ​​the baking pans 3 and along the direction of movement 13 of the baking pans 3. The distance 15 is dimensioned such that it is greater than the stopping distance.This can prevent an object from becoming trapped in the baking pans 3 even though the emergency stop switch has been activated. For example, a sensor or switch can be provided that detects movement of the safety shield 14.

[0053] In this embodiment, the baking device comprises a guide rail 16. This guide rail 16 is intended to prevent the safety shield 14 from colliding with other components of the baking device when it is moved towards the closing area 6. In particular, the safety shield 14 is designed to be variable in its length 20. Thus, the safety shield 14 can be constructed in multiple parts in all embodiments. In the present embodiment, the safety shield 14 is designed to be telescopically collapsible. When the safety shield 14 moves, it is guided at least in sections by the guide rail 16. In particular, in the present embodiment, the length 20 of the safety shield 14 is shortened by the guide rail 16 during a movement in the direction of movement 13. This can prevent a collision with the gate 17 of the baking device. The gate 17 serves to close the baking molds 3 in the closing area 6.In the present embodiment, the guide rail 16 follows the path of the guide rail 17, with the guide rail 16 being positioned in front of the guide rail 17 to prevent a collision of the safety shield 14 with the guide rail 17. Preferably, an end region of the safety shield 14 is attached to the guide rail 16 in a guided manner. This guide can, for example, include a switch or a sensor that detects the movement of the safety shield 14 in order to actuate the emergency stop switch.

[0054] The dashed position of the safety shield 14 corresponds to the second service position. In this second service position, it is possible to service and, in particular, remove the dough spreading device 5. To prevent the machine from stopping when the service shield 14 is moved toward the closing area 6, a safety button 19 can be provided. The safety button 19 can be designed, for example, as a foot switch. If the operator presses this safety button 19, the baking device will not be stopped when the safety shield 14 is moved from the first service position toward the closing area 6.

[0055] In practice, maintenance work is performed on the dough spreader 5 in the second service position. During this maintenance work, the speed of the baking pans 3 can be reduced. This reduces the risk of accidents. Furthermore, maintenance on the dough spreader 5 is performed in an external area of ​​the baking device, further reducing the risk of accidents. In contrast, maintenance of the baking plates takes place relatively deep within the machine, which poses a higher risk of accidents.

[0056] The safety of a baking device of this type can be improved by providing and installing a retrofit kit. To create a baking device with improved safety, the safety shield 14 and the guide rail 16 can be retrofitted to an existing baking device. If necessary, the service door 11 can also be part of the retrofit kit. Preferably, the connection of the safety shield to the emergency stop switch can also be part of the retrofit kit.

Claims

1. A Baking device for producing baked, preferably edible, moulded wafer bodies, in particular for producing wafer sheets baked from a sugar-containing baking mass, comprising a housing (1) in which an endless conveyor (2) and multiple openable and closable baking moulds (3) are arranged, which, along the endless conveyor (2), successively pass through: - a depositing region (4) with a dough depositing device (5) for depositing a baking mass onto the opened baking moulds (3), - a closing region (6) for closing the baking moulds (3), - a heated baking chamber (7) for baking the baking mass placed in the baking moulds (3), - an opening region (8) for opening the baking moulds (3), - a removal region (9) with a removal device (10) for removing the moulded wafer bodies baked from the baking mass from the opened baking moulds (3), - and then again through the depositing region (4), - wherein an openable and closable service door (11) is provided in the housing (1), through which, in a first service position, a service region (12) arranged between the removal region (9) and the closing region (6) is accessible from the outside, - and wherein an emergency stop switch is provided, which, when actuated, causes the endless conveyor (2) and the baking moulds (3) to come to a stop after a certain stopping distance, characterised - in that a safety shield (14) is provided, extending transversely to the direction of movement (13) of the baking moulds (3), and separating the service region (12) from the closing region (6) in the first service position, - in that the safety shield (14) is arranged to be movable in the direction of movement (13), - and in that the safety shield (14) is connected to the emergency stop switch in such a way that the emergency stop switch is actuated when the safety shield (14) is moved from the first service position towards or into the closing region (6).

2. The baking device according to claim 1, characterised in that the safety shield (14) is arranged in the first service position in such a way that the distance (15) of the safety shield (14) from the end of the closing region (6) measured in the region of the baking moulds (3) along the direction of movement (13) is greater than the stopping distance, wherein the stopping distance is, in particular, the distance after which the baking moulds (3) stop when the emergency stop switch is actuated if they are moved at the intended production speed.

3. The baking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised - in that the safety shield (14) is designed in such a way that its length (20) is adjustable, - in particular in that the safety shield (14) is formed telescopically collapsible and extendable.

4. The baking device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised - in that a guide rail (16) is provided in the interior space of the housing (1), which extends in such a way that the safety shield (14) changes its length (20) during a movement in the direction of movement (13) in order to avoid a collision with other components of the baking device.

5. The baking device according to claim 4, characterised in that one end of the safety shield (14) is mounted and guided on the guide rail (16).

6. The baking device according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that a slotted link (17) for closing the baking moulds (3) is provided in the closing region (6), and in that the guide rail (16) is positioned upstream of the path of the slotted link (17) and, in particular, extends substantially parallel to the slotted link (17).

7. The baking device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that in the first service position, the safety shield (14) extends between the two respective baking plates (18) of an opened baking mould (3), in particular designed as baking tongs.

8. The baking device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a safety button (19) is provided, which is designed in particular as a foot switch, and in that actuation of the safety button (19) prevents actuation of the emergency stop switch, even if the safety shield (14) is moved from the first service position towards or into the closing region (6) and thereby into a second service position.

9. The baking device according to claim 8, characterised in that the service door (11) and the safety shield (14) are arranged in the second service position such that the dough depositing region and the dough deposition device (5) are accessible from the outside.

10. The baking device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised - in that the safety shield (14) is pivotably attached to the edge of the opening that is cleared by opening the service door (11), - in particular in that the service door (11) is designed as a sliding door and in that the service door (11) is hingedly arranged in the region of the free end of the service door (11).

11. Retrofit kit for creating a baking device, for producing baked, preferably edible, moulded wafer bodies, in particular for producing wafer sheets baked from a sugar-containing baking mass, wherein the baking device comprises a housing (1) in which an endless conveyor (2) and multiple openable and closable baking moulds (3) are arranged, which, along the endless conveyor (2), successively pass through: - a depositing region (4) with a dough depositing device (5) for depositing a baking mass onto the opened baking moulds (3), - a closing region (6) for closing the baking moulds (3), - a heated baking chamber (7) for baking the baking mass placed in the baking moulds (3), - an opening region (8) for opening the baking moulds (3), - a removal region (9) with a removal device (10) for removing the moulded wafer bodies baked from the baking mass from the opened baking moulds (3), - and then again through the depositing region (4), - wherein an openable and closable service door (11) is provided in the housing (1), through which, in a first service position, a service region (12) arranged between the removal region (9) and the closing region (6) is accessible from the outside, - wherein an emergency stop switch is provided, which, when actuated, causes the endless conveyor (2) and the baking moulds (3) to come to a stop after a certain stopping distance, - and wherein the retrofit kit comprises a safety shield (14), a guide rail (16) and, optionally, a service door (11), characterised - in that the retrofit kit is connectable or connected to the baking device in such a way, - in that the safety shield (14) of the retrofit kit is provided extending transversely to the direction of movement (13) of the baking moulds (3), which separates the service region (12) from the closing region (6) in the first service position, - in that the safety shield (14) of the retrofit kit is arranged to be movable in the direction of movement (13), - and in that the safety shield (14) of the retrofit kit is connected to the emergency stop switch in such a way that the emergency stop switch is actuated when the safety shield (14) is moved from the first service position towards or into the closing region (6), - in that the safety shield (14) of the retrofit kit is designed in such a way that its length (20) is adaptable, - and in that the guide rail (16) of the retrofit kit is provided in the interior space of the housing (1), which extends in such a way that the safety shield (14) of the retrofit kit changes its length (20) during a movement in the direction of movement (13) in order to avoid a collision with other components of the baking device.

12. A method for operating a baking device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, - wherein the baking moulds (3) are moved along the endless conveyor (2), - wherein the baking device is in the first service position, in which the service door (11) is open to provide access to the service region (12), and in which the safety shield (14) separates the service region (12) from the closing region (6), - wherein, if an object in the service region (12) catches on a moving part, the object moves the safety shield (14) towards the closing region (6) and thereby actuates the emergency stop switch, - wherein the emergency stop switch stops the endless conveyor (2) / the baking mould (3) within a certain stopping distance before the object becomes trapped in the closed baking mould (3).

13. The method according to claim 12, - wherein the baking device is in the second service position, in which the service door (11) is open to provide access to the service region (12), and in which the safety shield (14) is moved so far towards the closing region (6) that the deposition region (4) and in particular the dough depositing device (5) is accessible from the outside, - wherein a safety button (19) is actuated before or during the movement of the safety shield (14) towards or into the closing region (6) in order to prevent the emergency stop switch from being actuated.