Improved feed device for coating equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a feeding device (1) for a coating machine, comprising a hopper (6) for feeding fresh granular / powder material and means (2, 18) for feeding recycled granular / powder material, wherein the fresh and recycled granular / powder material are mixed and fed to the coating machine for coating food products. The present invention further relates to a method for feeding granular / powder material to a coating machine.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeding device for a coating apparatus, the feeding device comprising a hopper for feeding fresh granular / powder material and means for feeding recycled granular / powder material, wherein the fresh and recycled granular / powder material are mixed and fed to the coating apparatus for coating food products. The present invention further relates to a method of feeding granular / powder material to a coating machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Coating apparatuses with feeding devices for use in the food industry are well known in the art, for example, EP 1312269 B1, EP 1106085 A1, EP 0904704 A1, EP 1226763, and EP 1591023 A1. In the food industry, there is a constant demand to improve the quality of the products produced and / or to optimize the production process.

[0003] It was therefore an object of the present invention to provide a feeding device and method that meets the above demands. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem is solved by a feeding device for a coating apparatus, the feeding device comprising: a hopper for supplying fresh granular / powder material; and a funnel having a slide for supplying recycled granular / powder material in a sliding direction, the fresh granular / powder material and the recycled granular / powder material being mixed and fed to the coating apparatus for coating the food product, the hopper comprising an outlet, and means for directing an outflow of fresh granular / powder material from the outlet in at least a partially counter-flow direction relative to the sliding direction of the recycled granular / powder material.

[0005] Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention may also be applied to other subjects, and vice versa. Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter may be combined with disclosure of other subjects, and vice versa.

[0006] The present invention relates to a feeding device for a coating apparatus for coating products such as meat, vegetables, processed foods, or vegetarian products such as meat substitutes. These products are often coated with granular / powdered materials such as breadcrumbs, as well as nuts, peas, sweeteners, chocolate, vegetables, especially frozen vegetables, colorings, puffed foods such as puffed rice, etc. The granular / powdered material is provided to the coating apparatus, resulting in a preferably consistent layer of granular / powdered material on the food to be coated. Preferably, the layer has a consistent thickness, particle size distribution, and / or color. Preferably, multiple products are provided side by side in the coating apparatus and coated simultaneously. Since the granular / powdered material is often excessively supplied to the coating apparatus, this material is recovered and at least partially recycled to the feeding apparatus, hereinafter referred to as "recirculated granular / powdered material." The amount of recycled granular / powdered material may vary over time. New granular / powdered material is provided to a hopper, which is part of the feeding device. Preferably, the new granular / powdered material leaves the hopper by gravity. The new granular / powder material and the recycled granular / powder material are mixed and then used to coat the food product. According to the invention, the recycled granular / powder material is recycled not to a hopper but to a funnel having a slide, and the recycled granular / powder material slides down the slide by gravity.

[0007] According to the present invention, the hopper includes a means for directing the outflow of fresh granules / powder material from the outlet into the funnel so that the flow of fresh granules / powder material from the hopper flows countercurrently against the recycled granules / powder material sliding down the funnel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a complete countercurrent is not necessary, and that a countercurrent component of fresh granules / powder material may be sufficient. The countercurrent flow of fresh granules / powder material may reduce the sliding velocity of the recycled granules / powder material. The countercurrent flow of fresh granules / powder results in a more uniform distribution of the recycled granules / powder material within the funnel across the width of the funnel. The countercurrent flow of fresh granules / powder prevents uncontrolled discharge of fresh granules / powder from the hopper.

[0008] The means for directing the outflow of fresh granular / powder material may be present inside and / or outside the hopper. This means may be, for example, a side wall of the hopper near the outlet, directing the fresh granular / powder material toward the outlet so that it exits the outlet in a counterflow relative to the recycled granular / powder material. Alternatively or additionally, this means may be provided outside the hopper, for example as a plate. Preferably, this plate has an adjustable inclination angle, so that the direction of the outflow of fresh granular / powder material from the hopper can be changed. Preferably, this means is a rotatable plate. Preferably, this plate is provided near the hopper outlet, more preferably acts as a valve, and can be rotated at least from an open position to a closed position, and even more preferably, can be rotated to intermediate positions.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the hopper comprises a first outlet and a second outlet, the outflow area of ​​the first outlet being fixed and the outflow area of ​​the second outlet being adjustable. Preferably, the first outlet and the second outlet are adjacent to each other, preferably directly adjacent to each other.

[0010] The funnel has an axial direction, which is the sliding direction of the granules / powder material, and preferably has a U-shaped cross section. The "U" has a base, which is a slide, and two side walls, which correspond to the vertical bars of the "U". Preferably, the funnel is closed, preferably by a removable lid placed on or connected to the vertical bars of the "U". Preferably, the granules / powder material slides down the axial direction of the funnel. The funnel has a width extending perpendicular to the flow direction of the granules / powder material. The width of the funnel may vary, for example, depending on the width of the coating device, and may be, for example, 400, 600 or 1000 mm.

[0011] Another preferred or inventive embodiment of the present invention comprises a funnel with a slide and a guiding and / or mixing means within the funnel, the guiding and / or mixing means being a feeding device that channels and / or redirects and / or mixes the recycled granular / powder material.

[0012] Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention may also be applied to other subjects, and vice versa. Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter may be combined with disclosure of other subjects, and vice versa.

[0013] According to this aspect of the invention, the funnel includes a slide inclined relative to a horizontal plane. The granular / powdered material moves down the slide due to gravity. A directing and / or mixing means is provided within the funnel to direct, redirect, and / or mix the recycled granular / powdered material in a directing and / or redirecting and / or mixing zone. As a result of the mixing, the particle size distribution of the recycled granular / powdered material becomes more uniform across the width of the funnel. The directing of the recycled granular / powdered material preferably improves mixing of the recycled granular / powdered material. Preferably, the means functions as an in-line mixer. Preferably, the directing and / or mixing means prevents larger particles, such as coarse chips, and / or heavier particles from accumulating on one side of the funnel and finer and / or lighter particles from accumulating on the opposite side of the funnel width. Preferably, the directing and / or mixing means prevent the extension of the layer of granular / powder material accumulating upstream of the outlet of the hopper from varying in length and / or height across the width of the funnel.

[0014] Downstream of the directing and / or mixing means, the recycled granular / powdered material preferably spreads across the entire width of the funnel, more preferably resulting in a layer of recycled granular / powdered material, preferably upstream of the outlet of the hopper discharging fresh granular / powdered material, the particle size distribution of which is at least substantially constant and / or the extent of which in the axial direction of the funnel is substantially constant and / or the thickness of which is substantially constant.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guiding and / or mixing means comprises at least a first guiding and / or mixing means and a second guiding and / or mixing means. The first guiding and / or mixing means and the second guiding and / or mixing means are preferably spaced apart from each other and / or are provided at different positions within the funnel. Preferably, the guiding and / or mixing means are rotatable relative to the funnel, more preferably rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the slide surface. According to a preferred embodiment, three or more guiding and / or mixing means are provided. For example, depending on the width of the funnel, three or more additional guiding and / or mixing means may be provided. Preferably, the greater the width, the more guiding and / or mixing means are provided.

[0016] Preferably, each of the first and second guiding and / or mixing means, and preferably also the third guiding and / or mixing means, is a plate, preferably a rotatable plate. Preferably, each plate has its own axis of rotation, the axes being spaced apart from one another. Preferably, the axes of rotation of two or more guiding and / or mixing means are located in different axial directions of the funnel.

[0017] Preferably, the first and second guiding and / or mixing means differ in shape and / or size and / or location on the funnel, in particular in the axial direction of the funnel.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second guiding and / or mixing means are adjustable in position relative to each other and / or relative to the funnel. This adjustment allows, for example, the size, preferably width, of the guiding and / or mixing zone to be changed. Reducing the size of the guiding and / or mixing zone can result in improved mixing and preferably an improved particle size distribution.

[0019] Preferably, at least one of the directing and / or mixing means comprises an overflow, preferably located in the directing and / or mixing zone, where the recycled granular / powdered material overflows and improves mixing. Preferably, the overflow acts as an in-line mixer.

[0020] Another inventive or preferred embodiment of the present invention is a feeding device having a chute that discharges the recycled granular / powder material into a funnel, the chute having an adjustable angle of inclination.

[0021] Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention may also be applied to other subjects, and vice versa. Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter may be combined with disclosure of other subjects, and vice versa.

[0022] According to this embodiment of the invention, the feeding device comprises a chute for discharging the recycled granular / powder material into the funnel, which can preferably be provided with a variable length, more preferably depending on the width of the chute, wherein the angle of inclination of the chute is preferably adjustable relative to the plane of the funnel slide.

[0023] Another inventive or preferred embodiment of the present invention is a feeding device that includes means for uniformly distributing fresh granular / powder material within the hopper.

[0024] Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention may also be applied to other subjects, and vice versa. Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter may be combined with disclosure of other subjects, and vice versa.

[0025] According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the fresh granular / powder material is uniformly distributed in the hopper so that the fresh granular / powder material in the hopper has at least a substantially flat and / or horizontal surface. The fresh material is preferably fed to the hopper constantly, more preferably not batchwise. Upstream of and / or within the hopper, the incoming flow of fresh granular / powder material is distributed over the entire surface area of ​​the hopper. Preferably, the fresh granular / powder material leaves the hopper by gravity.

[0026] Preferably, the fresh granular / powder material and the recycled granular / powder material are combined, more preferably in a funnel. The fresh granular / powder material may be provided by at least two streams, one of which is adjustable. More preferably, both streams exit a hopper and are then preferably combined with the recycled granular / powder material. Preferably, the adjustable flow of fresh granular / powder material is provided upstream of the other flow of fresh granular / powder material relative to the flow of recycled granular / powder material.

[0027] Preferably, the combined flow of fresh and recycled granular / powdered material is controlled, preferably by a valve, more preferably by a linear valve, preferably located downstream of the hopper and / or in the funnel, more preferably at the discharge end of the funnel, before the granular / powdered material is fed to the coating device.

[0028] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for feeding granular / powder material to a coating machine, preferably by a device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the granular / powder material comprises fresh granular / powder material and recycled granular / powder material, the recycled granular / powder material sliding down a slide in a funnel in a sliding direction, and the recycled granular / powder material is directed and / or redirected and / or mixed in the funnel before joining with the fresh granular / powder material.

[0029] Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention may also be applied to other subjects, and vice versa. Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter may be combined with disclosure of other subjects, and vice versa.

[0030] According to this aspect of the invention, the recycled granular / powdered material is diverted, redirected and / or mixed with fresh granular / powdered material before joining with it, preferably in the funnel, more preferably after discharge from the chute, more preferably upstream of the hopper, especially upstream of the outlet of the fresh granular / powdered material.

[0031] Another preferred or inventive embodiment of the present invention is a method in which the recycled granular / powder material forms a layer on the slide before merging with fresh granular / powder material, the layer having a substantially constant extent in the axial direction of the funnel and / or a constant height across the width of the funnel.

[0032] Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention may also be applied to other subjects, and vice versa. Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter may be combined with disclosure of other subjects, and vice versa.

[0033] This embodiment of the invention has the advantage that the outflow of fresh granular / powder material is consistent across the width of the hopper and / or the coating of each product is at least substantially similar.

[0034] Preferably, the particle size distribution is at least substantially constant within the layer, and more preferably throughout its extent.

[0035] Another preferred or inventive embodiment of the present invention is a method, wherein fresh granular / powdered material is fed into the funnel in at least partly counter-flow direction relative to the sliding direction of the recycled granular / powdered material.

[0036] Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention may also be applied to other subjects, and vice versa. Any disclosure made with respect to this subject matter may be combined with disclosure of other subjects, and vice versa.

[0037] Preferably, the backflow of new granules / powder material reduces the rate of landslide of the recycled granules / powder material. Preferably, the backflow of new granules / powder material improves the axial spread of the layer of recycled granules / powder material upstream of the outlet of the hopper. Preferably, the backflow of new granules / powder material equalizes the height of the layer of recycled granules / powder material.

[0038] The new granular / powder material may be provided by at least two streams, one of which is adjustable.

[0039] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. These descriptions apply equally to all inventions. The embodiments shown in the drawings are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the generic concept of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 shows details of the inventive feeding device and the inventive method; [Figure 2] 1 shows details of the inventive feeding device and the inventive method; [Figure 3] 1 shows details of the inventive feeding device and the inventive method; [Figure 4] 1 shows details of the inventive feeding device and the inventive method; [Figure 5] 1 shows details of the inventive feeding device and the inventive method; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a feeding device 1 for granular / powdered material according to the present invention. The feeding device 1 includes a hopper 6 that receives a preferably continuous inflow 24 of fresh granular / powdered material. The device 1 further includes a funnel 2 with a transport means 5, e.g., a feeder worm, and a preferably continuous supply of recycled granular / powdered material, here via a chute 4. The recycled granular / powdered material is granular / powdered material that has already been used in a previous coating step in a coating apparatus connected to the feeding device. After being fed into the funnel 2, the recycled granular / powdered material slides down a slide 18 by gravity toward the hopper 6 and is then merged with fresh granular / powdered material exiting the hopper through an outlet. In this example, the hopper includes two outlets 7 and 11, although one skilled in the art will understand that one outlet may be sufficient. The combined flow of fresh and recycled granular / powdered material then slides toward the outlet of the feeding device and toward the coating apparatus. The outlet of the funnel has an opening 8, the size of the outlet area of ​​which can preferably be adjusted by a means 9, here a linear valve, which adjusts the combined flow of fresh granules / powder material towards the coating machine and the flow of recycled granules / powder material.

[0042] Figure 2 shows a detail of the embodiment according to Figure 1. Here, the outlet of the hopper 6 and the outlet of the funnel 2 are shown. The recycled granular / powdered material slides down the slide 18 in sliding direction 22. New granular / powdered material leaves the hopper 6 in flow direction 21. The flow of new granular / powdered material is guided in direction 22 by means 10, here a plate. Direction 21 has a counterflow component relative to sliding direction 22, which can cause a slowdown of the sliding of the recycled granular / powdered material. In this case, means 10 is rotatable about an axis to adjust the direction of flow 21 and / or the magnitude of the flow itself, preferably towards zero. In this case, the hopper has an optional second outlet 7, the outflow area of ​​which is preferably not adjustable. Near the outlets 7, 11, a flow 21 of fresh granular / powder material and a flow 22 of recycled granular / powder material are joined and the granular / powder material slides down the funnel towards the opening 8. Here, the outflow of granular / powder material can be controlled by means 9, which here is a linear valve. After leaving the funnel, the granular / powder material is fed to a coating device 12.

[0043] Figure 3 shows a detail of the inlet of the funnel 2. Preferably, the recycled granular / powder material is discharged into the funnel 2 by a chute 4. In this case, according to a preferred embodiment, this chute is rotatable about a pivot 13, as illustrated by double arrow 14.

[0044] 4 and 5 show an embodiment of a guiding and / or mixing means 3 arranged in a funnel 2. In this case, the funnel 2 has a U-shaped cross section. The funnel cross section is perpendicular to the axial direction of the funnel. The funnel has a width W. The recycled granular / powdered material is fed into the funnel by means 4, 5 and then slides downward along the axial direction 15 due to gravity. In this case, the guiding and mixing means 3 includes a first guiding and mixing means 3.1 and a second guiding and mixing means 3.2. Those skilled in the art will understand that additional guiding and mixing means (not shown) may be present. The following description also applies to the additional guiding and mixing means. The first guiding and mixing means 3.1 and the second guiding and mixing means 3.2 are arranged in the funnel 2 downstream of the inlet 4 for the recycled granular / powdered material into the funnel. These means are adjustably arranged within the funnel. In this case, each of the means 3.1 and 3.2 is rotatable about a pivot 13, so that their rotation angle can be adjusted and fixed by a fixing means 16. The pivot 13 of the guiding and mixing means 3.1 and the pivot 13 of the guiding and mixing means 3.2 are arranged at separate positions and / or at different axial positions within the funnel. In this case, each of the guiding and mixing means 3.1, 3.2 is provided as a plate, where the guiding and mixing means 3.1 here has at its end an overflow section 17. Here, the overflow section 17 is an area of ​​reduced plate height. Preferably, in the overflow section 17, the plate height decreases towards the end of the plate 3.1. The overflow section 17 is optional. In this case, the first guiding and mixing means 3.1 and the second guiding and mixing means 3.2 are in the form of a V with a guiding and / or mixing section 19, which here is at the bottom of the "V". The width 20 of the section 19 and / or its position within the funnel can be adjusted by adjusting the inclination angle of the first guiding and mixing means 3.1 and / or the second guiding and mixing means 3.2. In the section 19, the recycled granular / powder material is guided and mixed. Mixing is improved by the overflow section 17, which acts like a static mixer.A person skilled in the art will understand that the first guiding and mixing means 3.1 and the second guiding and mixing means 3.2 do not have to be V-shaped but may be configured in another way, for example in parallel.

[0045] 5 shows a schematic representation of the particle flow along the funnel 2. Typically, recycled granular / powder material is discharged by an inlet 4 (here a chute), with larger and / or heavier particles tending to slide toward the guiding and mixing means 3.2 and smaller and / or lighter particles tending to slide toward the guiding and mixing means 3.1. The guiding and mixing means 3.1, 3.2 redirect and guide the particle flow 22 of recycled granular / powder material toward the guiding and / or mixing section 19, where the smaller / lighter and larger / heavier particles of the recycled granular / powder material are mixed, preferably to form a homogeneous mixture. Downstream of the guiding and / or mixing section 19, the mixture spreads again, preferably across the entire width W of the funnel, preferably forming a layer 25 upstream of the hopper outlet. By the directing and / or mixing means 3, the layer preferably has a substantial length L in the axial direction of the funnel across its width W as shown, and / or the layer 25 has a constant height and / or a substantially uniform particle size distribution.

[0046] Explanation of symbols 1. Feeding device for granular / powder materials 2. Funnel 3. Guidance and / or mixing means 3.1 First directing and / or mixing means 3.2 Secondary Guiding and / or Mixing Means 4 Entrance, chute 5 Means of transportation 6 Hopper 7 Hopper 6 1st Exit 8 Opening for combined outflows 9 Adjustment means for opening 8 10 means for directing the outflow from the hopper and / or adjustment means for the opening 11 11 Hopper's second exit 12 Coating equipment 13 Pivot 14 Chute 4 Slope 15 Funnel axial direction 16 Fixing means 17 Overflow section of one induction and / or mixing means 18 Slide 19 Diversion and / or redirection and / or mixing areas 20 Width of the diversion and / or mixing area 21 New Granular / Powder Material Flow 22 Sliding direction of recycled granular / powder material 23 Combined flows of fresh and recycled granular / powder material 24 Inlet flow of new granular / powder material into the hopper 25 Layer of recycled granular / powder material W Funnel width L Bed length of recycled granular / powder material

Claims

1. 1. A feeding device (1) for a coating apparatus, comprising: a hopper (6) for supplying fresh granular / powdered material; and a funnel (2) having a slide (18) for supplying recycled granular / powdered material in a sliding direction (22), wherein the fresh granular / powdered material and the recycled granular / powdered material are mixed and fed to the coating apparatus for coating a food product, the hopper (6) including an outlet (11), characterized in that the hopper includes means (10) for directing an outflow of the fresh granular / powdered material from the outlet (11) in a direction at least partially counter-flowing with respect to the sliding direction (22) of the recycled granular / powdered material.

2. 2. The feeding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (10) is a plate, preferably a rotatable plate, for changing the size of the outflow area of ​​the outlet (11) and / or the direction of the outflow flow of the new granule / powder material.

3. A delivery device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises another outlet (11), preferably with a constant outflow area.

4. A feeding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the funnel (2) comprises a guiding and / or mixing means (3) for guiding and / or redirecting and / or mixing the recycled granular / powder material.

5. 5. The delivery device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the guiding and / or mixing means (3) comprises at least a first guiding and / or mixing means (3.1) and a second guiding and / or mixing means (3.2).

6. 6. The feeding device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the first guiding and / or mixing means (3.1) and the second guiding and / or mixing means (3.2) is a plate, preferably a rotatable plate.

7. 7. The delivery device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first guiding and / or mixing means (3.1) and the second guiding and / or mixing means (3.2) differ in shape, size and / or position on the funnel (2).

8. 8. The feeding device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that each of the first guiding and / or mixing means (3.1) and the second guiding and / or mixing means (3.2) is adjustable in position relative to each other and / or relative to the funnel (2).

9. A feeding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that it has a chute (4) for discharging the recycled granular / powder material into the funnel (2), the chute (4) having an adjustable inclination angle (14).

10. A feeding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fresh material and the recycled material are combined, preferably in the funnel (2).

11. A feeding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for uniformly distributing the new granular / powder material in the hopper (6).

12. 12. A method for feeding granular / powder material to a coating machine, preferably by means of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the granular / powder material comprises fresh granular / powder material and recycled granular / powder material, the recycled granular / powder material sliding down a slide (18) in a funnel (2) in a sliding direction (22), characterized in that the recycled granular / powder material is directed and / or redirected and / or mixed in the funnel (2) before joining the fresh granular / powder material.

13. 13. A method according to claim 12 or the preamble of claim 12, characterized in that the recycled granular / powdered material forms a layer (25) on the slide before merging with the fresh granular / powdered material, the layer (25) having a substantially constant length (L) and / or height across the entire width of the funnel.

14. 14. The method according to claim 12 or 13 or the preamble of claim 12, characterized in that the fresh granular / powder material is fed into the funnel at least partly in a counter-flow direction relative to the sliding direction of the recycled granular / powder material.

15. 15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the new granular / powder material is provided in at least two streams, one stream being adjustable.

Images