A device for grinding a paste-like, powdered, or suspended product

Abstract

Device for grinding a pasty, powdered, or suspended product. The invention relates to a device for grinding a pasty, powdered, or suspended product, adapted for conching chocolate, characterized in that it comprises a hollow outer cylinder (14) having a first axis (A14) and an inner diameter (D14), an inner cylinder (16) having a second axis (A16) and an outer diameter (D16), a feeding system (18) for the product to be ground positioned between the hollow outer cylinder (14) and the inner cylinder (16), and a collection system (20) for the ground product, the inner cylinder (16) being positioned inside the hollow outer cylinder (14), the first and second axes (A14, A16) being parallel, the outer diameter (D16) of the inner cylinder (16) being greater than 0.5 times the inner diameter (D14) of the hollow outer cylinder (14), the first and second axes (A14, A16) being misaligned. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device for grinding a paste or powder product in suspension

[0001] The present application relates to a device for grinding a pasty or powdered product in suspension, such as chocolate for example.

[0002] The term grinding more broadly covers all pressing techniques between cylinders, such as refining or conching in the case of chocolate.

[0003] According to an embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], a chocolate refining device comprises a series of five horizontal cylinders W1 to W5 tangent to each other in such a way as to create four grinding zones Z1 to Z4. According to one operating method, the chocolate is poured into the grinding zone Z1, between cylinders W1 and W2, remains stuck on cylinder W2 until the second grinding zone Z2, passes between cylinders W2 and W3, remains stuck on cylinder W3 until the third grinding zone Z3, passes between cylinders W3 and W4, remains stuck on cylinder W4 until the fourth grinding zone Z4, passes between cylinders W4 and W5 and then remains stuck on cylinder W5 before being detached from cylinder W5 by means of a scraper R.

[0004] At each grinding zone Z1 to Z4, the chocolate is ground or refined over a short length according to its direction of travel.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a succession of four grinding zones Z1 to Z4, and thus five cylinders W1 to W5, to obtain the desired refining.

[0006] This type of device is relatively bulky and expensive.

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a device for grinding a pasty or powdered product in suspension, characterized in that it comprises a hollow outer cylinder having a first axis, an inner diameter, and a first lateral wall; an inner cylinder having a second axis, an outer diameter, and a second lateral surface; a system for feeding the product to be ground positioned between the hollow outer cylinder and the inner cylinder; and a system for collecting the ground product. According to other features: a. The inner cylinder is positioned inside the hollow outer cylinder, b. The first and second axes are parallel, c. The first and second lateral faces are opposite each other. d. The outer diameter of the inner cylinder is greater than 0.5 times the inner diameter of the hollow outer cylinder. e. The hollow outer cylinder and the inner cylinder rotate in the same direction, f. the first and second axes are offset so that the hollow outer cylinder includes a first generatrix closest to the inner cylinder and the inner cylinder includes a second generatrix closest to the hollow outer cylinder, the grinding device having a grinding zone between the hollow outer cylinder and the inner cylinder at the level of the first and second generatrices.

[0009] According to the invention, a convex cylindrical surface coincides with a concave cylindrical surface at the grinding zone, thereby increasing the length of the grinding zone depending on the direction of the product being ground. Thus, starting with two cylinders positioned one inside the other, it is possible to obtain a grinding zone length equivalent to the sum of the lengths of four grinding zones formed between five cylinders arranged according to the prior art.

[0010] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0011] [Fig-1] is a diagram of a grinding device illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

[0012] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a grinding device illustrating a method of embodiment of the invention,

[0013] [Fig.3] is a front view of a grinding device illustrating a mode of realization of the invention,

[0014] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from a first viewing angle of the device visible grinding on [Fig.3],

[0015] [Fig.5] is a perspective view from a second viewing angle of the device visible grinding on [Fig.3],

[0016] [Fig.6] is a top view of a hollow outer cylinder in which is positioned an inner cylinder of the grinding device visible in [Fig.3],

[0017] [Fig.7] is a front view of an inner cylinder, a feeding system and of a scraper of the grinding device visible in [Fig.3], and

[0018] [Fig.8] is a cross-section of a visible feeding system of the grinding device on the [Fig.8].

[0019] According to an embodiment illustrated by Figures 2 to 5, a grinding device 10 comprises a frame 12, a hollow outer cylinder 14, having a first axis A14 and a first lateral wall 14.1, supported by the frame 12, an inner cylinder 16, having a second axis A16 and a second lateral surface 16.1, positioned inside the hollow outer cylinder 14 and supported by the frame 12, a feeding system 18 for the product to be ground, positioned between the hollow outer cylinder 14 and the inner cylinder 16, and a collection system 20 for the ground product. In one application, the product to be ground is chocolate. Of course, the invention is not limited to this product. More broadly, the grinding device according to the invention can be used to grind other paste-like or powdered products suspended in a liquid or mixture of liquids, the viscosity of which, for paste-like products, is between approximately 0.1 and 10 Pa·s.

[0020] Although the grinding device 10 is particularly suited for chocolate, its use is not limited to food products. Furthermore, the grinding device can be used at various stages of the chocolate-making process, such as refining or conching, for example.

[0021] The first and second axes A14 and A16 are parallel and the first and second lateral faces 14.1, 16.1 face each other. By parallel, it is understood that the first and second axes A14 and A16 are strictly parallel or approximately parallel and form an angle of less than 1°.

[0022] The hollow outer cylinder has an inner diameter D14 corresponding to the diameter of the first lateral wall 14.1. The inner cylinder 16 has an outer diameter D16 corresponding to the diameter of the second lateral wall 16.1, which is smaller than the inner diameter D14 of the hollow outer cylinder 14.

[0023] The hollow outer cylinder 14 has a first end 14E1 positioned in a first transverse plane perpendicular to the first axis A14 and a second end 14E2 positioned in a second transverse plane perpendicular to the first axis A14. The inner cylinder 16 has a first end 16E1 positioned in a third transverse plane perpendicular to the second axis A16, close to or coincident with the first transverse plane, and a second end 16E2 positioned in a fourth transverse plane perpendicular to the second axis A16, close to or coincident with the second transverse plane.Thus, when the inner cylinder 16 is positioned inside the hollow outer cylinder 14, the first ends 14E1, 16E1 of the two cylinders 14, 16 are positioned approximately in the same transverse plane and the second ends 14E2, 16E2 of the two cylinders 14, 16 are positioned approximately in the same transverse plane.

[0024] The hollow outer cylinder 14 pivots around the first axis of rotation A14 in a first direction SL The inner cylinder 16 pivots around the second axis of rotation A16 in a second direction S2 identical to the first direction SL Thus, the hollow outer cylinder 14 and the inner cylinder 16 rotate in the same direction.

[0025] The first and second axes A14, A16 are offset. Thus, the hollow outer cylinder 14 includes a first generatrix G1 closest to the inner cylinder 16 and the inner cylinder 16 includes a second generator G2 closest to the hollow outer cylinder 14.

[0026] The grinding device includes a grinding zone 22 provided between the hollow outer cylinder 14 and the inner cylinder 16, positioned at the level of the first and second generators Gl, G2, extending on either side of said first and second generators Gl, G2.

[0027] According to one mode of operation, the rotational speeds of the two cylinders 14, 16 are coordinated so as to obtain substantially identical linear speeds in the grinding zone 22 for both cylinders 14, 16.

[0028] According to another mode of operation, the rotational speeds of the two cylinders 14, 16 are coordinated so as to obtain different linear speeds in the grinding zone 22 for the two cylinders 14, 16. This mode of operation makes it possible to obtain shearing effects at the level of the grinding zone 22.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the two cylinders 14, 16 are driven in rotation by motors. According to other embodiments, only one of the two cylinders 14, 16 is driven in rotation by a motor, the other cylinder being driven in rotation by friction.

[0030] At least one cylinder, either the hollow outer cylinder 14 or the inner cylinder 16, is movable between a contact position in which the hollow outer cylinder 14 and the inner cylinder 16 are in contact with each other at the first and second generatrices G1 and G2, and a gap position in which the hollow outer cylinder 14 and the inner cylinder 16 are separated by a few millimeters. For illustrative purposes only, and not as a limitation, the maximum gap between the two cylinders is approximately 20 mm.

[0031] In one configuration, the hollow outer cylinder 16 is movable relative to the inner cylinder 14. Alternatively, the inner cylinder 14 or both cylinders could be movable. Regardless of the configuration, there is relative movement between the inner cylinder 14 and the hollow outer cylinder 16.

[0032] In addition, the grinding device 10 includes at least one return element 24 which exerts a pressure force tending to bring the two cylinders 14, 16 closer together against the product to be ground, which tends to move them apart.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the return element 24 is a compression spring. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the return element 24.

[0034] According to one configuration, the grinding device 10 includes an adjustment system 25 allowing the pressure force exerted by the return element 24 to be varied.

[0035] According to one operating mode, the grinding device is configured so that the outer and inner cylinders 14, 16 exert a force on the material of constant pressure. According to another mode of operation, the grinding device is configured so that the outer and inner cylinders 14, 16 exert on the material a pressure force that varies progressively over time.

[0036] The outer diameter D16 of the inner cylinder 16 is greater than 0.5 times the inner diameter D14 of the hollow outer cylinder 14. This configuration increases the length (distance along the circumference of the inner cylinder 16) of the grinding zone 22. Consequently, it is not necessary to use a series of five or more cylinders to achieve satisfactory grinding. Two cylinders are sufficient, one positioned inside the other. Thus, the invention provides a compact and less expensive grinding device.

[0037] To allow the installation of the feeding system 18, the outside diameter D16 of the inner cylinder 16 is less than 0.95 times the inside diameter D14 of the hollow outer cylinder 14.

[0038] According to one configuration, the outside diameter D16 of the inner cylinder 16 is between 0.7 and 0.75 times the inside diameter D14 of the hollow outer cylinder 14.

[0039] According to one arrangement, the first and second axes A14, A16 are vertical, the first ends 14E1, 16E1 being positioned above the second ends 14E2, 16E2 so that the product to be ground flows by gravity between the hollow outer cylinder 14 and the inner cylinder 16 from the first ends 14E1, 16E1 to the second ends 14E2, 16E2.

[0040] According to this arrangement, the feed system 18 for the product to be ground is positioned near the first ends 14E1, 16E1, referred to as the upper ends, with the collection system 20 positioned below the hollow outer cylinder 14 and the inner cylinder 16. Of course, the invention is not limited to this position for the feed system 18, which can be positioned centered with respect to the first and second ends. Regardless of the arrangement, the feed system 18 is positioned so as to promote the distribution of the product to be ground between the cylinders 14 and 16.

[0041] The feeding system 18 is located upstream of the grinding zone 22 according to the direction of rotation of the two cylinders 14, 16.

[0042] The grinding device 10 includes at least one scraper 26 positioned downstream of the grinding zone 22 (according to the direction of rotation of the two cylinders 14, 16) so as to detach the ground product from the hollow outer cylinder 14 and / or the inner cylinder 16.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the grinding device 10 includes a recirculation circuit 28 for the ground product to convey the ground product from the collection system 20 to the feed system 18. According to one configuration, the recirculation circuit 28 includes at least one recirculation pump 30 configured to return the ground product from the collection system 20 to the feed system. 18. Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration. Thus, a screw conveyor or any other similar element could be used to bring the crushed product from the collection system 20 to the feeding system 18.

[0044] In one configuration, the feed system 18, the adjustment system 24, the scraper 26, the recirculation pump 30, and at least part of the recirculation circuit 28 are connected to the frame 12. The collection system 20 is mobile and independent of the frame 12 or can be detached from it. Additionally, the recirculation circuit 28 includes a connection system 32 to allow the collection system 20 to be disconnected.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the chassis 12 comprises an upper frame 34, an intermediate frame 36, a lower frame 38 and uprights 40 connecting the upper, intermediate and lower frames 34, 36, 38.

[0046] The upper frame 34 comprises two longitudinal members 34.1 and several cross members 34.2 connecting the two longitudinal members 34.1.

[0047] The intermediate frame 36 also includes two longitudinal members 36.1 and several cross members 36.2 connecting the two longitudinal members 36.1.

[0048] The lower frame 38 comprises first and second longitudinal members 38.1, 38.2 and three cross members 38.4, 38.5, 38.6, the first longitudinal member 38.1 extending between the two end cross members 38.4, 38.6, the second longitudinal member 38.2 connecting a first end cross member 38.4 and the intermediate cross member 38.5. Thus, the area located between the second end cross member 38.6 and the intermediate cross member 38.5 forms a housing 42 in which the collection system 20 can be positioned.

[0049] In one configuration, the chassis 12 is mobile and includes casters 44 under the lower frame 38. The chassis 12 can be equipped with handles 46 and a fairing (not shown). Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the chassis 12.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the collection system 20 comprises a tank 48 with a cylindrical upper part and a hemispherical lower part. The cylindrical upper part is open and has a diameter greater than the inner diameter D14 of the hollow outer cylinder 14.

[0051] According to one configuration, the tank 48 is mobile and mounted on casters 50. It includes, in its lower part, a branch 48.1 connected to the recirculation circuit 28.

[0052] This tank 48 can be temperature-controlled and include a mixing system.

[0053] According to one arrangement, the recirculation pump 30 is positioned at the level of the lower frame 38 and connected to the latter.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the inner cylinder 16 has shaft sections 52 extending on either side of the first and second ends 16E1, 16E2. Depending on the case, the two shaft sections 52 are independent, or originate from the same The shaft passes through the inner cylinder 16. The inner cylinder 16 is supported by two guide bearings 52.1, connected to the frame 12 and positioned on either side of the inner cylinder 16, cooperating with the two shaft sections 52. These two guide bearings 52.1 provide a pivot joint between the frame 12 and the inner cylinder 16. Thus, the inner cylinder 16 is positioned between two guide bearings 52.1 attached to the frame 12, said guide bearings 52.1 being configured to ensure support and rotational guidance of the inner cylinder 16.

[0055] The grinding device comprises a first motor 54, supported by the chassis 12 and more particularly by the upper frame 34, configured to drive the inner cylinder 16 in rotation. In one configuration, the first motor 54 is coupled to a right-angle gearbox itself coupled to the upper shaft section 52. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for driving the inner cylinder 16 in rotation. The latter could be driven in rotation by friction from the hollow outer cylinder 14.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the hollow outer cylinder 14 comprises a tubular shape and a collar 56 positioned at mid-height.

[0057] The grinding device includes a second motor 58, supported by the chassis 12 and more particularly by the intermediate frame 36, configured to drive the hollow outer cylinder 16 in rotation. In one configuration, the second motor 58 is coupled to a right-angle gearbox itself coupled to a pinion 60 which has a vertical axis. The hollow outer cylinder 14 has a toothed ring 62, integral with the flange 56, which cooperates with the pinion 60. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for driving the rotation of the hollow outer cylinder 14. The latter could be driven in rotation by friction from the inner cylinder 16.

[0058] Other solutions are conceivable for driving the hollow outer cylinder 14 and the inner cylinder 16 into rotation.

[0059] According to one embodiment, to make the hollow outer cylinder 14 mobile relative to the inner cylinder 16, the grinding device 10 includes a support plate 64, on which the hollow outer cylinder 14 is pivotally mounted, as well as a guide 66 connecting the support plate 64 to the chassis 12 and more particularly to the intermediate frame 36.

[0060] This guide 66 is configured to allow the support plate 64 to move in a horizontal plane, perpendicular to the first and second axes A14, A16, along a direction parallel to a line perpendicular to the first and second axes A14, A16 and passing through the first and second axes A14, A16. Thus, the movement of the support plate 64 allows the two cylinders 14, 16 to move apart or together.

[0061] In one configuration, the guide 66 comprises two slides fixed to the longitudinal members 36.1 of the intermediate frame 36. In one arrangement, a slewing ring 56.1 connects the flange 56 and the support plate 64. In one embodiment, the second motor 58 can be connected to this support plate 64. Thus, the grinding device comprises a slewing ring 56.1 configured to guide the hollow outer cylinder 14 in rotation relative to the frame 12 or relative to a support plate 64 guided in translation relative to the frame 12.

[0062] According to one configuration, the adjustment system 25 includes a spring 68.1 arranged to push the support plate 64 in a direction which tends to bring the first and second axes A14, A16 closer together and a crank 68.2 which tends to compress the spring 68.1 more or less in order to adjust the pressure exerted by the two cylinders 14 and 16 on the product to be ground.

[0063] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the guide 66, the return element 24 and the adjustment system 25.

[0064] According to an embodiment visible in [Fig. 6], the grinding device comprises a support 70, which extends from one end to the other of the cylinders 14, 16 connected to the frame 12, on which are fixed two scrapers 26, 26', a first scraper 26 in contact with the hollow outer cylinder 14 and a second scraper 26' in contact with the inner cylinder 16. According to one arrangement, the two scrapers 26, 26' form a V in contact with the two cylinders 14, 16, the tip of the V being further away from the grinding zone 22 than the contact zones between the scrapers 26, 26' and the cylinders 14, 16.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the recirculation circuit 28 comprises various tubes and valves for channeling the product to be ground from the collection system 20 to the feed system 18.

[0066] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the feeding system 18 comprises a feed tube 72 closed at its upper end and open at its lower end, as well as a feed conduit 74 opening into the feed tube 72 and connected to the recirculation circuit 28. The feed tube 72 has an axis A72 oriented in a first, approximately vertical direction. The feeding system 18 comprises a rotating disc 76 configured to pivot about a pivot axis forming an angle of less than 20° with the first and second axes A14, A16, onto which the product to be ground falls. The pivot axis of the rotating disc is parallel to the first and second axes A14, A16. Of course, the invention is not limited to these angles for the pivot axis.

[0067] According to one configuration, the rotating disk 76 pivots about an axis coaxial with the axis A72 of the feed tube 72. It is positioned below the feed tube 72 and has a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the feed tube 72. This rotating disk 76 is fixed to one end of a shaft 78 passing through the feed tube. 72 and coupled to a third motor 80. According to this embodiment, the product to be ground flows by gravity at the lower end of the feed tube 72 and falls onto the rotating disc 76 which projects it radially onto the lateral walls 14.1, 16.1 of the hollow outer cylinder 14 and the inner cylinder 16. By gravity, the product to be ground flows along said lateral walls 14.1 and 16.1.

[0068] According to one arrangement, the rotating disk 78 is positioned in a plane located in the upper third of the cylinders 14, 16.

[0069] Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the power supply system.

Claims

1.

2. Demands A device for grinding a paste-like or powdered product in suspension, characterized in that it comprises a hollow outer cylinder (14) having a first axis (A14), an inner diameter (D14) and a first lateral wall (14.1), an inner cylinder (16) having a second axis (A16), an outer diameter (D16) and a second lateral surface (16.1), a feeding system (18) for the product to be ground positioned between the hollow outer cylinder (14) and the inner cylinder (16), and a collection system (20) for the ground product, the inner cylinder (16) being positioned inside the hollow outer cylinder (14), the first and second axes (A14, A16) being parallel, the first and second lateral faces (14.1, 16.1) facing each other, the outer diameter (D16) of the inner cylinder (16) being greater than 0.5 times the inner diameter (D14) of the cylinder hollow exterior (14), the first and second axes (A14,A16) being offset so that the hollow outer cylinder (14) includes a first generatrix (G1) closest to the inner cylinder (16) and the inner cylinder (16) includes a second generatrix (G2) closest to the hollow outer cylinder (14), the hollow outer cylinder (14) and the inner cylinder (16) rotating in the same direction, the grinding device having a grinding zone (22) between the hollow outer cylinder (14) and the inner cylinder (16) at the level of the first and second generatrices (G1, G2),in that at least one cylinder among the hollow outer cylinder (14) and the inner cylinder (16) is movable between a contact position in which the hollow outer cylinder (14) and the inner cylinder (16) are in contact with each other and a spread-out position in which the hollow outer cylinder (14) and the inner cylinder (16) are spread apart, and in that the grinding device includes at least one return element (24) which exerts a pressure force tending to bring the two cylinders (14, 16) closer together. Grinding device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the outside diameter (DI6) of the inner cylinder (16) is between 0.7 and 0.75 times the inside diameter (DI4) of the hollow outer cylinder (14).

3. Grinding device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes an adjustment system (25) allowing the pressure force exerted by the return element (24) to be varied.

4. Grinding device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a support plate (64) on which the hollow outer cylinder (14) is pivotally mounted and a guide (66) configured to move the support plate (64) in a direction parallel to a line perpendicular to the first and second axes (A14, A16) and passing through the first and second axes (A14, A16).

5. Grinding device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second axes (A14, A16) are vertical, the feeding system (18) being positioned close to the upper ends (14E1, 16E1) of the hollow outer cylinder (14) and the inner cylinder (16), the collection system (20) being positioned below the hollow outer cylinder (14) and the inner cylinder (16).

6. Grinding device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the feeding system (18) is located upstream of the grinding zone (22) and in that the grinding device comprises at least one scraper (26) positioned downstream of the grinding zone (22).

7. Grinding device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the feeding system (18) comprises a rotating disc (76), configured to pivot about a pivot axis forming an angle of less than 20° with the first and second axes (A 14, A16), onto which falls the product to be ground.

8. Grinding device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a recirculation circuit (28) configured to convey the ground product from the collection system (20) to the feeding system (18).

9. Grinding device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a frame (12) supporting the hollow outer cylinder (14), the inner cylinder (36) and the feeding system (18), the collection system (20) being mobile and independent of the frame (12).

10. Grinding device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the inner cylinder (16) is positioned between two guide bearings (52.1) integral with the frame (12), said guide bearings (52.1) being configured to ensure support and rotational guidance of the inner cylinder (16).

11. Grinding device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the grinding device comprises a slewing ring (56.1) configured to guide in rotation the hollow outer cylinder (14) relative to the frame (12) or relative to a support plate (64) guided in translation relative to the frame (12).

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