Conveyor device for conveying food and heat treatment device

Abstract

A conveying device (1) for conveying food products, comprising a conveyor (2) extending along a closed conveying path (3), the conveyor (2) comprising first and second endless chains (4, 5) arranged parallel to one another, and a plurality of containers (6) mounted transversely between the first and second endless chains (4, 5), each container (6) comprising at least one cup-shaped receptacle (8) for food products and a first pin (9) and a second pin (10) respectively protruding from opposite ends of the container (6); A conveying device (1) comprising a plurality of pairs of supports (11, 12), each pair formed by a first support (11) attached to a first endless chain (4) and a second support (12) attached to a second endless chain (5), each support (11, 12) having a hole (13) sized and shaped to receive one of the pins (9, 10), and the first pin (9) and second pin (10) of each container (6) are removably mounted within the holes (13) of the pair of supports (11, 12).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying food products and a heat treatment device. The present invention has application in the food industry, in particular in conveying food products using treatment devices such as fryers, ovens, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] In known types of conveying apparatus, the food products are placed into a number of cup-shaped receptacles arranged in a row which are moved along a predetermined path by a chain conveyor.

[0003] An example of this known technology can be found in document US 4,166,139 A, where noodles are placed in cups and transported in a frying unit.

[0004] The predetermined path typically includes multiple curves and changes in elevation relative to the floor.

[0005] When designing a conveyor, a compromise must be made between competing goals.

[0006] On the one hand, a need is felt to reduce the empty space between the rows of cup-shaped receptacles.

[0007] On the other hand, the distance between the rows serves to avoid any risk of collision when rotating around the sprocket wheel, and therefore in prior art solutions a gap between the rows is generally guaranteed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In this context, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to propose a conveying device for conveying food products and a heat treatment device which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art as mentioned above.

[0009] In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a conveying device for conveying food products, which makes it possible to keep the containers in close proximity to each other while avoiding the risk of collisions.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a conveying device and a heat treatment device capable of conveying and heating food with a diameter of about 1 millimeter.

[0011] The stated technical problem and the identified object are substantially achieved by a conveying device for conveying food, the conveying device comprising: a conveyor extending along a closed transport path, the conveyor comprising first and second endless chains arranged parallel to each other; a plurality of containers mounted laterally between the first and second endless chains, each container comprising: - at least one cup-shaped receptacle for food; - a plurality of containers each having a first pin and a second pin extending from opposite ends of the container; a plurality of pairs of supports, each pair formed by a first support attached to the first endless chain and a second support attached to the second endless chain; Each support has a hole sized and shaped to receive one of the pins, and the first pin and second pin of each container are removably mounted within the holes of a pair of supports.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first pin and the second pin of each container are slidably mounted within holes in a pair of supports.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first pin and the second pin of each container are axially rotatably mounted within holes in a pair of supports.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the development of each hole is greater than the cross section of the pin.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the holes have an elongated development in a direction oblique to the conveying direction of the conveyor.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the holes have an elongated development in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first pin of each vessel is axially retractable relative to the corresponding vessel.

[0018] Preferably, the conveyor comprises a plurality of sprockets to which the endless chain is attached, and the conveyor comprises first guiding means disposed on at least one of the sprockets and configured to engage a pin of each container to maintain the pin outside a pitch diameter of the sprocket during rotation of the container around the sprocket.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the cup-shaped receptacle comprises a perforated sheet having a plurality of through holes, the perforated sheet positioned to define a base of the cup-shaped receptacle for placing the food item therein.

[0020] Preferably, the through holes have a diameter between 0.5 and 3 mm.

[0021] Preferably, the ratio of empty space to full space in the perforated sheet is between 0.30 and 0.70.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the cup-shaped receptacle comprises a side wall with a first plate and a second plate arranged to overlap in an overlap zone corresponding to the bottom.

[0023] Preferably, the first plate and the second plate are molded to one another at the overlap zone such that they form an inner recess for retaining the bottom.

[0024] Preferably, the second plate is, in cross section, S-shaped with an outwardly extending first end which defines an internal recess together with the free end of the first plate.

[0025] According to one embodiment, each container comprises a plurality of cup-shaped receptacles arranged in a row along a transverse direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor.

[0026] The stated technical problem and the specified object are substantially achieved by a heat treatment apparatus for food, particularly noodles, which comprises: a heating chamber; - a conveying device according to the description.

[0027] The conveyor of the transport apparatus is positioned to pass partially through the heating chamber.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the heat treatment device further comprises a first air injection device configured to introduce an upward air flow into the first portion of the heating chamber toward the noodles disposed in the cup-shaped receptacle, the upward air flow having a temperature between 100° C. and 300° C. and directed from a first zone above the conveyor to a second zone below the conveyor.

[0029] The heat treatment device further includes a second air injection device configured to introduce a downward air flow into a second portion of the heating chamber toward the noodles disposed in the cup-shaped receptacle, the downward air flow having a temperature between 100° C. and 300° C. and directed from the second zone to the first zone. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the non-limiting description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of a conveying device for conveying food products, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of part of a conveying device for conveying food products according to the invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the transport device of FIG. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of the transport device of FIG. [Figure 4-5] 2 shows a perspective view of two different parts of the conveyor of FIG. 1, in particular the curved section and the sprocket. [Figure 6] 2 shows a perspective view of a container of the conveying device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 1 shows a cross-section of a thermal treatment apparatus according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] With reference to the drawings, the number 1 indicates a conveying device for conveying food products.

[0032] For example, the food product may be a portion (or block) of noodles that have been pre-cooked to obtain instant noodles.

[0033] The conveying device 1 comprises a conveyor 2 extending along a closed conveying path 3 .

[0034] The conveyor 2 is arranged to transport the food products in a conveying direction D.

[0035] The conveyor 2 comprises first and second endless chains 4, 5 arranged parallel to each other. The two endless chains 4, 5 are arranged like rails.

[0036] The conveying device 1 comprises a plurality of containers 6 mounted laterally between first and second endless chains 4,5.

[0037] Each container 6 comprises at least one cup-shaped receptacle 8 for food.

[0038] Preferably, the container 6 comprises a plurality of cup-shaped receptacles 8 arranged in a row transverse to the transport path 3 .

[0039] In other words, each container 6 consisting of a cup-shaped receptacle 8 has an elongated extension extending substantially in a lateral direction T between the two endless chains 4,5.

[0040] The transverse direction T is substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction D.

[0041] The cup-shaped receptacle 8 may have any suitable shape depending on the food product.

[0042] According to the embodiment described and illustrated herein, each cup-shaped receptacle 8 is positioned within a corresponding opening in the container 6 and welded thereto.

[0043] According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), each cup-shaped receptacle 8 is removably mounted in a corresponding opening in the container 6 .

[0044] According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the cup-shaped receptacle 8 is obtained by molding the container 6 .

[0045] Each vessel 6 is provided with a first pin 9 and a second pin 10 projecting from opposite ends of the vessel 6, respectively.

[0046] Preferably, the first pin 9 and the second pin 10 extend parallel to the lateral direction T.

[0047] The conveyor 2 further comprises a plurality of first supports 11 and second supports 12 mounted along the two endless chains 4,5.

[0048] Preferably, the first support 11 and the second support 12 are arranged in pairs. The pair of first support 11 and second support 12 are arranged on the first endless chain 4 and the second endless chain 5, respectively, so as to substantially face each other in the conveying direction D.

[0049] In particular, a pair of first and second supports 11 and 12 are arranged inside the endless chains 4, 5.

[0050] Each support 11,12 has a hole 13 facing the opposite chain 4,5.

[0051] In other words, the hole 13 faces towards the container 6 .

[0052] In fact, the holes 13 face inwards.

[0053] To begin with, each container 6 is removably mounted on a pair of supports 11,12.

[0054] In particular, the pins 9,10 of the container 6 are removably mounted in holes in said supports 11,12.

[0055] In particular, the first pin 9 and the second pin 10 of the container 6 are slidably mounted in holes 13 of the first support 11 and the second support 12, respectively.

[0056] Preferably, the first pin 9 and the second pin 10 of the container 6 are also rotatably mounted in holes 13 of the first support 11 and the second support 12, respectively.

[0057] The rotations referred to are with respect to the axial direction of the pins 9 , 10 , i.e. the lateral direction T of the container 6 .

[0058] In particular, the expansion of each hole 13 is larger than the cross section of the pins 9 , 10 so that there is a tolerance gap allowing the pins 9 , 10 to move within the hole 13 .

[0059] According to the embodiment shown here, each hole 13 has an elongated development in a direction inclined relative to the conveying direction D and to the transverse direction T.

[0060] Preferably, each hole 13 has an elongated development in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction D and to the transverse direction T.

[0061] Preferably, each hole 13 has an elongated extension in a direction having a vertical component.

[0062] In other words, the holes 13 are linearly elongated slots.

[0063] In other words, the hole 13 has the shape of a seat for a mechanical feather key, i.e. a rectangle with two rounded opposite sides.

[0064] In another embodiment (not shown), each hole 13 has a circular shape with a diameter larger than the diameter of the cross section of the pins 9,10.

[0065] Each hole 13 may be a through hole or a blind hole.

[0066] Thanks to the sliding mounting, the pins 9, 10 can move freely in the holes 13. This makes it possible to form a conveying path 3 in which the containers 6 are mounted close to each other and yet vary in direction and height.

[0067] Indeed, even during turns such as curves, the containers 6 are kept apart from other containers 6, thus avoiding collisions.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the first pin 9 is axially slidable relative to the container 6. The container 6 can therefore be easily removed from its supports 11, 12 without the use of any tools.

[0069] In this case, the first pin 9 is provided with a spring 14 .

[0070] In particular, the first pin 9 is axially retractable within the container 6 .

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the conveying path 3 comprises a number of turns. In particular, the turns are curved sections.

[0072] Preferably, the conveying path 3 extends over several heights, as shown in figure 3. In this case, the curves are accompanied by changes in height.

[0073] The conveyor 2 comprises a number of sprockets 15 to which endless chains 4, 5 are attached so as to define the curved portions of the conveying path 3.

[0074] Preferably, the conveying device 1 comprises first guiding means 16 arranged on at least one sprocket 15 and configured to engage the pins 9, 10 of the containers 6 and keep them outside the pitch diameter of the sprocket 15. In this way, during the rotation of the containers 6 around the sprocket 15, the containers 6 are kept apart from other containers and thus collisions are avoided.

[0075] Preferably, the first guiding means 16 are arranged on a plurality of sprockets 15 .

[0076] According to the embodiment described here and shown in Figure 4, the first guiding means 16 comprises two molded profiles of a first type 22 arranged on either side of the sprocket 15. Each molded profile of the first type 22 engages with one of the pins 9, 10. The molded profiles of the first type 22 are shaped to keep the pins 9, 10 outside the pitch diameter of the sprocket 15.

[0077] In other words, the first type 22 molded profile is a cam. The cam may be fixed to the sprocket 15 or may be rotatable therewith.

[0078] Preferably, the conveying device 1 comprises second guiding means 23 arranged on the at least one sprocket 15 and adapted to engage the container 6 and turn it upside down.

[0079] The rotary mounting allows the pins 9, 10 to rotate freely along their longitudinal axis (i.e. the transverse direction T) and thus enables the container 6 to be inverted upside down, for example to eject food.

[0080] According to the embodiment described here and shown in Figure 5, the second guiding means 23 comprises two shaped profiles of a second type 24 arranged on either side of the sprocket 15. Each shaped profile of the second type 24 engages with a corresponding projection 25 of the container 6. The shaped profiles of the second type 24 are shaped to hold the container 6 upside down.

[0081] In other words, the molding profile of the second type 24 is a cam. The cam may be fixed to the sprocket 15 or may be rotatable therewith.

[0082] The first and second guiding means 16 , 23 may be arranged on the same sprocket 15 .

[0083] According to the embodiment described and illustrated herein, each cup-shaped receptacle 8 includes a perforated sheet 17 having a plurality of through holes 18. The perforated sheet 17 is positioned to define a bottom 8a of the cup-shaped receptacle 8 for placing the food item therein.

[0084] The through-holes 18 have a diameter less than or at most equal to the size of the food product to prevent the food product from falling out. Preferably, the through-holes 18 have a diameter between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0085] The shape of the through hole 18 is not strictly circular. In the case of a non-circular shape, the diameter of the through hole 18 is intended to be the diameter of an inscribed circle.

[0086] Preferably, the through holes 18 are hexagonal in shape.

[0087] Preferably, the ratio of empty space to full space in the perforated sheet 17 is between 0.30÷0.70. More preferably, the ratio is between 0.38 and 0.60.

[0088] Each cup-shaped receptacle 8 comprises the aforementioned side walls 8b and a bottom 8a. The side walls 8b have a rounded closed development, i.e. a cylindrical or frusto-conical shape.

[0089] In particular, the side wall 8b is constituted by a first plate 19 and a second plate 20 arranged so as to overlap partially in an overlap zone corresponding to the bottom 8a.

[0090] The first plate 19 and the second plate 20 are molded to each other in the overlap zone such that they form an inner recess 21 for holding the bottom portion 8a.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the second plate 20 is, in cross section, S-shaped with an outwardly extending first end 20a which defines an internal recess 21 together with the free end 19a of the first plate 19.

[0092] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 7, in cross section, the first side plate 19 has a straight free end 19a.

[0093] According to a preferred embodiment, the S-shape of the second plate 20 is defined by a change in curvature at an outwardly extending first end 20a and an inwardly extending second end 20b.

[0094] In particular, the first end 20a overlaps the outside of the free end 19a of the first plate 19, while the second end 20b faces inward, i.e. is located more inward than the free end 19a of the first plate 19.

[0095] Preferably, the first end 20 a is welded to the free end 19 a of the first plate 19 .

[0096] The peripheral edge of the perforated sheet 17 is held in the inner recess 21. Thus, the perforated sheet 17 is mechanically connected to the side wall 8b. No welding is used on the perforated sheet 17.

[0097] In fact, the sheet 17 is micro-drilled. Welding cannot be performed on the thin sheet without damaging it. Therefore, the above solution is recommended when using thin sheets, for example sheets with a thickness of 1 mm or less. However, the micro-drilling and mounting arrangement can be used with sheets 17 of any thickness (for example sheets with a thickness of 15 mm).

[0098] The thickness of the sheet 17 must be less than the diameter of the through hole 18 .

[0099] Thus, the overall height of the cup-shaped receptacle 8 is always constant, but the height of the bottom 8a can vary depending on the type of product. This is achieved by varying the length of the second end 20b of the second plate 20.

[0100] The heat treatment device 100 for food according to the present invention is described below. Preferably, the food is noodles. Preferably, the noodles are divided into portions or blocks. The noodle portions can be of any shape, such as cubes, rectangular parallelepipeds, spheres, cones, etc.

[0101] The thermal processing apparatus 100 includes a heating chamber 101 .

[0102] The heat treatment apparatus 100 includes the transfer apparatus 1 described above.

[0103] The conveyor 2 of the transport device 1 is arranged to pass partially through the heating chamber 101 .

[0104] According to a preferred embodiment, the heat treatment apparatus 100 further comprises a first air injector 102 configured to introduce an upward air flow into the first portion 101a of the heating chamber 101 towards the noodles placed in the cup-shaped receptacle 8.

[0105] The upper air stream has a temperature between 100°C and 300°C.

[0106] The upward air flow is directed from a first zone 2 a above the conveyor 2 to a second zone 2 b below the conveyor 2 .

[0107] Preferably, the heat treatment apparatus 100 comprises a second air injector 103 in the second portion 101b of the heating chamber 101 configured to introduce a downward air flow towards the noodles placed in the cup-shaped receptacle 8.

[0108] The downward air flow has a temperature between 100°C and 300°C.

[0109] The downward airflow is directed from the second zone 2b to the first zone 2a.

[0110] The features of the conveying device for conveying food products according to the invention as well as the advantages are apparent from the above description.

[0111] In particular, the containers are slidably attached to the endless chain by pins that are freely movable within holes, making it possible to maintain the spacing between the containers even during turns such as curved sections, thereby preventing the containers from colliding with each other.

[0112] Furthermore, because the pins are free to rotate along their longitudinal axes, the containers are not only kept bottom-down during transport to prevent product from falling out, but can also be inverted at the appropriate time to dispense the product.

[0113] The containers are held as close together as possible to prevent air currents from passing through the gaps, which would reduce thermal efficiency.

[0114] At the same time, the container can move along curved paths while maintaining an optimized distance sufficient to avoid collisions.

[0115] The proposed arrangement, which makes it possible to keep the height of the cup-shaped receptacle 8 constant, avoids the need to replace parts acting on the container, such as cams and guides. Moreover, if the conveying device is used in a heat treatment device in which hot air is injected from below, the distance between the container and the injection point of the hot air is always constant. Moreover, the inlet and outlet can be kept at the same height to prevent air leakage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0116] [Patent Document 1] US4,166,139 A

Claims

1. A conveying device (1) for conveying food, comprising: a conveyor (2) extending along a closed transport path (3), the conveyor (2) comprising first and second endless chains (4, 5) arranged parallel to each other; a plurality of containers (6) mounted laterally between said first and second endless chains (4, 5), each container (6) comprising: - at least one cup-shaped receptacle (8) for food, - a number of containers (6) each comprising a first pin (9) and a second pin (10) protruding from each end of said container (6); a plurality of pairs of supports (11, 12), each pair being formed by a first support (11) attached to the first endless chain (4) and a second support (12) attached to the second endless chain (5); each support (11, 12) has a hole (13) sized and shaped to receive one of said pins (9, 10), said first pin (9) and said second pin (10) of each container (6) being removably mounted within said holes (13) of a pair of supports (11, 12); said at least one cup-shaped receptacle (8) comprising a perforated sheet (17) having a plurality of through holes (18), said perforated sheet (17) being arranged to define a bottom (8a) of said cup-shaped receptacle (8) for placing said food product; The at least one cup-shaped receptacle (8) comprises a side wall (8b) having a first plate (19) and a second plate (20) arranged to overlap partially in an overlap zone corresponding to the bottom portion (8a), the first plate (19) and the second plate (20) being molded to each other in the overlap zone such that they form an inner recess (21) for holding the bottom portion (8a).

2. 2. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first pin (9) and the second pin (10) of each container (6) are slidably mounted in the holes (13) of a pair of supports (11, 12).

3. 3. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first pin (9) and the second pin (10) of each container (6) are axially rotatably mounted in the holes (13) of a pair of supports (11, 12).

4. 3. Conveying device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension of each hole (13) is greater than the cross section of the pin (9, 10).

5. 3. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holes (13) have an elongated development in a direction oblique to the conveying direction (D) of the conveyor (2).

6. 6. The conveying device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the holes (13) have an elongated development in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction (D) of the conveyor (2).

7. 3. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first pin (9) of each container (6) is axially retractable relative to the corresponding container (6).

8. 3. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveyor (2) comprises a number of sprockets (15) to which the endless chains (4, 5) are attached, and first guiding means (16) arranged on at least one sprocket (15) and configured to engage the pins (9, 10) of each container (6) and to keep them outside the pitch diameter of the sprocket (15) during rotation of the containers (6) around the sprocket (15).

9. The transport device of claim 1 , wherein the through holes have a diameter of 0.5 to 3 mm.

10. 10. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the ratio of empty spaces to full spaces of the perforated sheet (17) is 0.30÷0.

70.

11. 2. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein in cross section, the second plate (20) is S-shaped with an outwardly extending first end (20a) which, together with the free end (19a) of the first plate (20a), defines the inner recess (21).

12. 3. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each container (6) comprises a plurality of cup-shaped receptacles (8) arranged in a row along a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the conveying direction (D) of the conveyor (2).

13. A device (100) for heat treating food, particularly noodles, comprising: a heating chamber (101), - a conveying device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, A heat treatment device (100), wherein the conveyor (2) of the transport device (1) is arranged to pass partially through the heating chamber (101).

14. a first air injection device (102) configured to introduce into a first portion (101a) of said heating chamber (101) an upward air flow towards the noodles placed in said cup-shaped receptacle (8), said upward air flow having a temperature between 100°C and 300°C and directed from a first zone (2a) above said conveyor (2) to a second zone (2b) below said conveyor (2); A heat treatment device (100) according to claim 13, further comprising a second air injection device (103) configured to introduce into the second part (101b) of the heating chamber (101) a downward air flow towards the noodles placed in the cup-shaped receptacle (8), said downward air flow having a temperature between 100°C and 300°C and directed from the second zone (2b) to the first zone (2a).

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