CONTROLLED EXTRUSION OF CONFECTIONERY MASSES

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a confectionery mass extruder unit having a plurality of confectionery mass extruders for forming a plurality of strands of confectionery mass for depositing on a driven conveyor device spaced apart from one another.

[0002] Such confectionery mass extruders produce a strand of confectionery mass with a defined geometry. The strand is discharged from the confectionery mass extruder as consistently as possible, deposited on the conveying medium (e.g., the upper run of a conveyor belt), which also moves as consistently as possible in one conveying direction, and cut downstream to form the individual confectionery products.

[0003] Confectionery products can include muesli bars, protein bars, marzipan bars, caramel bars, nougat bars, or other confectionery bars that are later coated with a chocolate mass. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] A confectionery mass extruder for forming a strand of confectionery mass for deposition on a driven conveyor is known from German patent application DE 199 36 827 A1. The confectionery mass extruder has a feed device, a channel, and an outlet nozzle. The feed device serves to feed the confectionery mass through the channel to the outlet nozzle. The outlet nozzle serves to discharge a volume flow of the confectionery mass onto the conveyor. A measuring device for determining at least one measured variable related to the viscosity of the confectionery mass is arranged on the channel or on the outlet nozzle. This can be, in particular, the pressure or the flow rate of the confectionery mass. The confectionery mass extruder further comprises an adjustment device for adjusting the size of the volume flow and a control device.Depending on the measurement carried out, the control device causes a change in the volume flow through the adjustment device in order to keep it as constant as possible.

[0005] Confectionery mass extruder units comprising a confectionery mass extruder having an outlet nozzle for discharging a volume flow of the confectionery mass, an adjusting device for adjusting the volume flow rate, a measuring device for detecting an actual value of a geometric feature of the strand on the conveyor, and a control device into which the actual value is input. The control device compares the actual value with a predetermined target value and, depending on a deviation of the actual value from the target value, sends a command to the adjusting device to change the volume flow rate, are known from US 2009 / 220656 A1, EP 2 303 042 B1, US 2007 / 087100 A1, and FR 2 745 521 A1. These confectionery mass extruder units each comprise a single controlled confectionery mass extruder. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a confectionery mass extruder unit with which a plurality of strands of confectionery mass with the desired geometric characteristics can be produced in a simple, reliable and consistent manner. SOLUTION

[0007] The object of the invention is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent patent claims.

[0008] Further preferred embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent patent claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention relates to a confectionery mass extruder unit comprising a plurality of confectionery mass extruders for forming a plurality of strands of confectionery mass for placement on a driven conveyor at a distance from one another. Each confectionery mass extruder has an outlet nozzle for discharging a volumetric flow of the confectionery mass and an adjustment device for adjusting the size of the volumetric flow. The confectionery mass extruder further comprises a measuring device and a control device. The measuring device serves to detect an actual value of a geometric feature of the strand on the conveyor. The control device, which receives the actual value, compares the actual value with a predetermined target value and, depending on a deviation of the actual value from the target value, sends a command to the adjustment device to change the size of the volumetric flow.

[0010] The confectionery mass extruder unit comprises, for example, two, three, four, five, six, eight, ten, twelve or more confectionery mass extruders.

[0011] Each confectionery mass extruder is used to continuously deliver a defined volume flow of confectionery mass from a confectionery mass reservoir during the production of confectionery. The confectionery mass is typically a mass containing fat and / or sugar and / or sugar substitutes. Examples include muesli masses, protein masses, marzipan, caramel, nougat, and fondant. The confectionery mass is viscous and initially forms a continuous strand on the conveyor. The strand is cut crosswise downstream to produce the individual confectionery products.

[0012] In the confectionery mass extruders of the new confectionery mass extruder unit, the actual geometry of the produced strand of confectionery mass is analyzed as it appears after the strand has been deposited on the conveyor device, which moves in the direction of conveyance. If the conveyor device is a circulating driven conveyor belt, the upper run of the conveyor belt represents this conveyor device. The same applies, for example, to a circulating driven mesh belt.

[0013] This control system therefore does not analyze any characteristic of the confectionery mass upstream of the outlet nozzle, within the outlet nozzle, or directly downstream of the outlet nozzle. Nor does it analyze any secondary characteristic such as the pressure or flow velocity of the confectionery mass. Instead, the primary characteristic of the confectionery mass is analyzed, which is ultimately the key to forming such strands of confectionery mass: the geometry or dimensions of the deposited strand.

[0014] This geometric characteristic is recorded by the measuring device. The recorded actual value is fed into the control loop of the electronic control device. The control device compares the actual value with a predefined setpoint. Such a setpoint can also be understood to mean a plurality of predefined setpoints - in particular a minimum value and a maximum value - or a setpoint range. If the deviation of the actual value from the setpoint exceeds a predefined, adjustable upper limit or range, the control device issues a command to reduce the volume flow rate to the adjusting device. The adjusting device then automatically changes its characteristic, which determines the volume flow rate of the confectionery mass. This is, in particular, a cross-sectional area for the confectionery mass. The reverse applies if the value falls below this limit.

[0015] In contrast to the state of the art, the controlled extrusion of confectionery masses provided by the confectionery mass extruders of the new confectionery mass extruder unit does not start relatively early in the process, but rather later, when the confectionery mass strand has already been formed. This has the advantage that various influencing factors that contribute to the formation of the strand are automatically taken into account and do not need to be analyzed separately.

[0016] It should be noted that the geometry of the resulting strand depends not only on the volume flow of the confectionery mass discharged through the outlet nozzle, but also on the speed of the conveying medium in the conveyor system. For example, if the conveying speed of the conveying medium in the conveyor system increases, the volume flow of the confectionery mass must also be increased to maintain a constant strand. However, if the flow velocity of the confectionery mass in the outlet nozzle has changed at the same time due to a change in the consistency of the confectionery mass, this must also be incorporated into the control system. This makes the control system comparatively complex.

[0017] These problems are avoided according to the invention by focusing on the geometry of the strand already produced. It is then irrelevant whether a deviation of the actual value from the target value of the strand's geometry is due to a change in the conveying speed of the conveying medium or the consistency or pressure of the confectionery mass. In all cases, the volume flow of the confectionery mass is increased or reduced by the adjustment device such that the actual value of the geometric feature of the strand on the conveyor remains within the accepted tolerance range or is returned to it.

[0018] The measuring device analyzes the shape and dimensions of the strand as it is formed on the conveyor. The measuring device can be an optical measuring device. With such an optical measuring device, the analyzed geometric feature of the strand on the conveyor can be determined easily and reliably. However, the measuring device can also be one that uses an ultrasound or X-ray method.

[0019] The measuring device can, in particular, be a laser triangulation device. With such a laser triangulation device, the specified geometric feature of the strand on the conveyor can be measured particularly easily and reliably. However, it can also be another optical measuring device with one or more cameras and / or lenses and an image evaluation unit.

[0020] The adjustment device can be designed and arranged in such a way that the volume flow rate can be adjusted during operation of the confectionery mass extruder. Therefore, if the measured actual value of the geometric characteristic of the strand is not within the permissible tolerance range, the confectionery mass extruder and the conveyor system do not need to be stopped. Instead, the adjustment takes place automatically while both devices are running. This eliminates downtime. The tolerance range is selected in particular to allow for a certain time lag between the detection of the deviation and its elimination by the adjustment device.

[0021] The adjustment device can comprise a movable throttle slide, the position of which can be changed to adjust the volume flow rate. The throttle slide is arranged in the region of a free passage cross-sectional area of the confectionery mass extruder upstream of the outlet nozzle. When the throttle slide is fully retracted, the entire free passage cross-sectional area is available for the flow of the confectionery mass. The volume flow is then maximized or—taking pressure into account—at least maximizeable. When the throttle slide changes its position and is moved inward, the throttle slide reduces the free passage cross-sectional area. This reduces the volume flow.

[0022] Other adjustment device designs are also possible. For example, the adjustment device can have a rotary piston or be designed as a seat valve or other suitable valve.

[0023] The adjustment device can have a pressurised valve. The pressurisation is effected by a pressurised medium. The pressurised medium can be a gas or a liquid, for example air, water or oil. By applying pressure, the volume flow of confectionery mass determined by the adjustment device can be adjusted precisely and quickly. The volume flow is defined by a change in the free cross-sectional area of the valve available for the flow of the confectionery mass. If the adjustment device tends to open, this free cross-sectional area is increased. If the adjustment device tends to close, this free cross-sectional area is reduced.By changing the cross-sectional area of approximately ± 3% to 30%, in particular approximately ± 5% to 20%, in particular approximately ± 10% to 15%, the desired and required setting of the adjustment device can often be achieved.

[0024] If the pressure medium is air, the pressure normally applied to the adjustment device can be approximately 0.4 bar to 0.7 bar, in particular approximately 0.5 bar. The pressure variation for adjusting the adjustment device is then approximately ± 0.3 bar, for example.

[0025] The adjustment device can comprise a hose pinch valve. Such a hose pinch valve is well suited for quickly and precisely adjusting the free cross-section of the adjustment device by varying the pressure in the manner described above. Such a hose pinch valve comprises a housing into which a piece of hose made of a flexible material is inserted. A pressure chamber is provided within the housing to which pressure can be applied. The piece of hose is then squeezed more or less depending on the pressure present in the pressure chamber, so that the free cross-section decreases or increases.

[0026] The elastomer membrane of the pinch valve can be designed as a silicone injection-molded part. However, other materials and manufacturing processes are also possible.

[0027] The geometric feature that is detected by the measuring device can be the width and / or height and / or cross-sectional geometry of the strand.

[0028] The width of the strand is detected optically based on the optical difference between the surface of the conveying means (e.g., the conveyor belt) and the confectionery mass. The target width can be, for example, 2.00 cm. If the measured actual value is less than 1.90 cm or greater than 2.10 cm, a corresponding change signal is sent from the control device to the adjustment device, and its free passage cross-section is increased or reduced.

[0029] If the height (= thickness) of the strand needs to be determined, this can be achieved in various ways. One option is to measure the height of the strand at the center of its width. However, the height can also be measured at another defined point or several defined points along the width of the conveyor, e.g., on both outside sides or at 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 of the width. Another option is to measure the height of the strand at one or more defined points along the width of the conveyor. These different options can also be combined.

[0030] The control unit is designed as an electronic control unit and has a user interface (HMI; "Human Machine Interface") through which the operator can make the necessary settings.

[0031] In the new confectionery mass extruder unit, a number of confectionery mass extruders are combined to produce multiple strands of confectionery mass simultaneously. These strands are placed next to each other on the conveyor system at a distance from each other and transported away together. For example, eight, ten, or more strands can be produced simultaneously in the confectionery mass extruder unit.

[0032] The confectionery mass extruder unit can have a common control device for the multiple confectionery mass extruders it contains. This makes it possible to align the actual value of the geometric characteristics of the multiple strands using the common control device. The control can be designed so that the strands are as consistent as possible. However, it is also possible for the confectionery mass extruders in the confectionery mass extruder unit to be set and controlled differently, so that they form different strands. In this case, the goal is not to achieve consistency among the strands, but to maintain the differences between the strands.

[0033] However, it is also possible for each confectionery mass extruder in the confectionery mass extruder unit to have its own separate control device.

[0034] The confectionery mass extruder unit has a common pressure chamber for the confectionery mass of the plurality of confectionery mass extruders. The pressure chamber serves to supply the confectionery mass, whereby the confectionery mass is subjected to a certain overpressure. The pressure in the confectionery mass is therefore higher than the atmospheric pressure surrounding the confectionery mass unit.

[0035] The confectionery mass extruder unit can also have counter-driven conveyor rollers. The pressure chamber has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is formed by the outlet nozzles. In this case, the inlet is formed by the conveyor rollers. The overpressure in the pressure chamber can be adjusted by changing the speed of the driven conveyor rollers. For automatic adjustment, the pressure in the pressure chamber can be measured, and if there is a deviation from a setpoint range, the speed of the driven conveyor rollers can be increased or reduced accordingly. This can also be done using automatic control.

[0036] In practice, a pressure difference often occurs across the width of the pressure chamber. This results in a different pressure in the feed area of each confectionery mass extruder. A lower pressure results in a lower volume flow. This lower volume flow leads to a narrower and / or taller strand of confectionery mass on the conveyor. This deviation in the resulting strand is determined by the measuring device based on the geometric characteristic and compensated for by adjusting the adjustment device to increase the free cross-sectional area.

[0037] Certain different confectionery masses result in different strands even when the control system remains unchanged. Therefore, confectionery mass-specific values can be taken into account in the control system, minimizing the strand's deviation from the target value after a mass change and restarting the confectionery mass extruder.

[0038] The optical measuring device can also determine the position of the strand on the conveyor belt. If a deviation from a tolerance range occurs, an error message can be issued or the confectionery mass extruder can be automatically aligned relative to the conveyor belt.

[0039] The control is automated and uses an electrical or electronic control unit. Measurement and adjustment are also automated. Overall, this process is therefore designed for the industrial production of confectionery.

[0040] Advantageous further developments of the invention emerge from the patent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0041] The advantages of features and combinations of several features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can be effective alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages necessarily having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention.

[0042] With regard to the disclosure content – not the scope of protection – of the original application documents and the patent, the following applies: Further features can be found in the drawings – in particular the illustrated geometries and the relative dimensions of several components to one another, as well as their relative arrangement and operative connection. The combination of features of different embodiments of the invention or features of different patent claims is also possible, deviating from the chosen references of the patent claims, and is hereby encouraged. This also applies to features that are illustrated in separate drawings or mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features of different patent claims.Likewise, features listed in the patent claims may be omitted for further embodiments of the invention, but this does not apply to the independent patent claims of the granted patent.

[0043] The number of features mentioned in the patent claims and the description is to be understood as meaning that exactly this number or a greater number than the stated number is present, without the need for the explicit use of the adverb "at least." Thus, for example, if reference is made to an adjustment device, this is to be understood as meaning that exactly one adjustment device, two adjustment devices, or more adjustment devices are present. These features may be supplemented by other features or may be the only features of which the respective product consists.

[0044] The reference signs contained in the patent claims do not represent a limitation of the scope of the subject-matter protected by the patent claims. They serve solely to make the patent claims easier to understand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0045] In the following, the invention is further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures. Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a confectionery mass extruder. Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of the control procedure of the control device of the confectionery mass extruder. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of the confectionery mass extruder. FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a confectionery mass extruder 1.

[0047] The confectionery mass extruder 1 is part of a confectionery mass extruder unit 2, which has further confectionery mass extruders 1. These further confectionery mass extruders 1 are located in the Fig. 1 The cross-sectional view shown is behind the confectionery mass extruder 1 shown and is not shown. The confectionery mass extruder unit 2 has, for example, two, three, four, five, six, eight, ten, twelve or more confectionery mass extruders 1.

[0048] The confectionery mass extruder unit 2 comprises a housing 3, inside which a receiving chamber 4 for confectionery mass is formed. Heating chambers 5 are provided in the housing 3, in which warm water or another heating medium is located or through which it flows in order to heat the confectionery mass received in the receiving chamber 4 or to maintain it at a specific temperature.

[0049] In the receiving space 4, two driven conveyor rollers 6 are also arranged. The conveyor rollers 6 each have a plurality of torsion bars 7 arranged on their outer circumference. The conveyor rollers 6 are driven in opposite directions, wherein in the Fig. 1 In the view shown, the left conveyor roller is driven clockwise and the right conveyor roller counterclockwise. In this way, the confectionery mass located in the receiving space 4 is conveyed and pressurized. The confectionery mass enters a pressure chamber 8. While the confectionery mass in the receiving space 4 outside the pressure chamber 8 is not shown for reasons of clarity, the confectionery mass in the pressure chamber 8 and downstream is shown in gray. Furthermore, scrapers 9 are arranged in the pressure chamber 8, with which the confectionery mass is removed from the conveyor rollers 6.

[0050] The pressure chamber 8 is a common pressure chamber for the majority of confectionery mass extruders 1. However, the downstream component described below is a separate part of each confectionery mass extruder 1. This component is an adjusting device 10 for adjusting the volume flow of confectionery mass flowing through it.

[0051] At the Fig. 1In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting device 10 comprises a pressurized pinch valve 11. The pinch valve 11 has a connection 12 through which a pressure medium, in particular air or a liquid, enters the interior of the pinch valve 11. A pressure cell is formed there, via which an adjustable pressure acts on a tube section 13. Depending on the pressure level, the tube section 13 then constricts or expands the free cross-sectional area available for the flow of the confectionery mass. In this way, the volume flow of the confectionery mass is adjusted.

[0052] Downstream of the adjustment device 10, the confectionery mass extruder 1 has an outlet nozzle 14 for discharging the volume flow of the confectionery mass. The confectionery mass then reaches a conveyor device 15 downstream of the outlet nozzle 14. The conveyor device 15 is Fig. 1shown only schematically. The conveyor device 15 has a conveyor belt 16 that is driven in a rotating manner. The upper run 17 of the conveyor belt 16 is moved in the area of the confectionery mass extruder 1 in a conveying direction 18.

[0053] The confectionery mass leaving the outlet nozzle 14 forms a strand 19 on the upper run 17. The initially endless strand 19 is transported away in the conveying direction 18 and cross-cut downstream to form individual confectionery products and, if necessary, further processed.

[0054] The confectionery mass extruder 1 further comprises a measuring device 20 for detecting an actual value of a geometric feature of the strand 19 on the conveyor device 15. In the example shown, the measuring device 20 is a laser triangulation device 21, which is indicated by the symbolically represented laser beams 22. However, it could also be another optical or other suitable measuring device 20.

[0055] The confectionery mass extruder 1 further comprises a control device 23, which Fig. 1also symbolically represented and electrically connected to the measuring device 20. The actual value of the geometric feature of the strand 19 on the conveyor device 15, detected by the measuring device 20, is fed into the control device 23. The control device 23 compares the actual value with a predetermined target value. Depending on a deviation of the actual value from the target value, the control device 23 sends a command to the control device 10 to change the throttle position of the adjusting device 10 and thus the resulting size of the volume flow of the confectionery mass.

[0056] Through the interaction of the measuring device 20, the control device 23, and the adjustment device 10, the geometry of the strand 19 of confectionery mass located on the conveyor device 15 is controlled in the desired manner. This ensures that the strand 19 maintains the desired dimensions or, if an undesirable deviation occurs, regains them.

[0057] The control circuit underlying the control device 23 is in Fig. 2The setpoint of the geometric feature of branch 19 is entered into the control device 23 or is already stored there. Production is started. The actual value of branch 19 is measured by the measuring device 20 and sent as a measurement signal to the control device 23. There, the comparison between the actual value and the setpoint takes place, taking into account certain value ranges or tolerances. If a deviation exceeds a certain limit value, the control device 23 sends a change signal to the adjustment device 10, which then changes its throttle position to alter the volume flow rate.

[0058] Fig. 3 shows one with Fig. 1 comparable view of a second exemplary embodiment of the confectionery mass extruder unit 1. Regarding the corresponding features, reference is made to the above statements in order to avoid unnecessary repetition. Fig. 3 the conveyor system and the confectionery mass are not shown.

[0059] In this embodiment of the confectionery mass extruder 1, the adjustment device 10 is designed differently. The adjustment device 10 has a movable throttle slide 24, the position of which can be changed by means of a servomotor 25. Thus, upon actuation of the servomotor 25, the throttle slide 24 can be moved into the pressure chamber 8 to reduce the free passage cross-sectional area or out of the pressure chamber 8 to increase the free passage cross-sectional area. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0060] 1 Confectionery mass extruder 2 Confectionery mass extruder unit 3 Housing 4 Receiving chamber 5 Heating chamber 6 Conveyor roller 7 Torsion bar 8 Pressure chamber 9 Scraper 10 Adjustment device 11 Hose pinch valve 12 Connection 13 Hose section 14 Outlet nozzle 15 Conveyor device 16 Conveyor belt 17 Upper run 18 Conveyor direction 19 Strand 20 Measuring device 21 Laser triangulation device 22 Laser beam 23 Control device 24 Throttle valve 25 Actuator

Claims

1. Confectionery mass extruder unit (2) comprising a plurality of confectionery mass extruders (1) for forming a plurality of strands (19) of confectionery mass for deposition on a driven conveyor device (15) spaced apart next to each other, each confectionery mass extruder (1) having an outlet nozzle (14) for discharging a volume flow of the confectionery mass, an adjustment device (10) for adjusting a rate of the volume flow, a measuring device (20) for detecting an actual value of a geometric feature of the strand (19) on the conveyor device (15), and a control device (23) into which the actual value is fed, the control device (23) comparing the actual value to a predetermined setpoint value and, depending on a deviation of the actual value from the setpoint value, sending a command for changing the rate of the volume flow to the adjusting device (10), and a common pressure chamber (8) of the plurality of confectionery mass extruders (1) for including the confectionery mass, the confectionery mass in the pressure chamber (8) being under overpressure.

2. Confectionery mass extruder unit (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring device (20) is an optical measuring device.

3. Confectionery mass extruder unit (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the measuring device (20) is a laser triangulation device (21).

4. Confectionery mass extruder unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (10) is configured and arranged such that the rate of the volume flow can be adjusted during operation of the confectionery mass extruder (1).

5. Confectionery mass extruder unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (10) has a movable throttle slide (24) whose position is configured to be variable for adjusting the rate of the volume flow.

6. Confectionery mass extruder unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (20) has a hose pinch valve (11) whose free passage cross-sectional area is configured to be variable for adjusting the volume flow rate.

7. Confectionery mass extruder unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the geometric feature is the width and / or height and / or cross-sectional geometry of the strand (19).

8. Confectionery mass extruder unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the confectionery mass extruders (1) have a common control device (23).

9. Confectionery mass extruder unit (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the control device (23) is configured such that the actual values of the geometric feature of the strands (19) is adjusted to match each other.

10. Confectionery mass extruder unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure chamber (8) has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being formed by counter-rotating feed rollers (6) and the outlet by the outlet nozzles (14).