Piping device configured for piping cream

Abstract

A piping apparatus configured for piping cream is provided. The apparatus has a work surface for receiving the piped cream, the work surface defining a plane. The apparatus comprises one or more piping nozzles arranged along an arm extending above the work surface, the one or more piping nozzles facing toward the work surface, and the arm is attached to a moving system configured to move the arm above the work surface in at least one direction, preferably two, parallel to the plane, and also move the arm perpendicular to the plane. The apparatus comprises control means for controlling the timing of piping and / or the amount of cream being piped through the one or more nozzles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a pipetting device and a method for pipetting cream using the same. Further, the present invention relates to a pipetting system and a method for pipetting cream using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Applying icing to cakes and the like is a well-known method for making food and pastries look attractive, but it takes a very long time to do by hand. On an industrial scale, a pipetting device is used to apply icing. Usually, the products to be iced are conveyed on a conveyor belt under a series of nozzles, and icing is applied from those nozzles. The nozzles remain stationary. In order to function economically, it is necessary to mass-produce such iced products.

[0003] Therefore, with those devices, it is not possible to economically manufacture individual or small-lot products with icing applied.

[0004] On the other hand, for example, as described in CN114009817, a food 3D printing device is known. In this case, since the products are provided one by one, it takes time. As described in US4913645, a device for pipetting a paste-like substance is known, and in this patent, the device continuously extrudes the paste-like substance along a preset fixed path on a conveyor belt.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] There is a need for a device that can pipette small lots of cream-like products in an economically feasible way. It is desirable that this device can pipette cream with very few air or gas bubbles present in the cream, and preferably the remaining bubbles cause little or no hindrance to the pipetting of the cream.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a piping apparatus configured for piping cream is provided. The apparatus has a work surface for receiving the piped cream, the work surface defining a plane. The apparatus comprises one or more piping nozzles arranged along an arm extending above the work surface, the one or more piping nozzles being directed toward the work surface, and the arm being attached to a moving system configured to move the arm above the work surface in at least one direction, preferably two, parallel to the plane, and also move the arm perpendicular to the plane. The apparatus comprises control means for controlling the timing and / or amount of piping of the cream being piped through the one or more nozzles. The control means may be configured to control the timing of the piping of the cream. The control means may be configured to control the amount of cream being piped through the one or more nozzles. The control means for control is configured to control the timing and amount of piping of the cream being piped through the one or more nozzles.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the device may have a plurality of piping nozzles distributed axially along an arm.

[0008] The work surface is substantially flat and may be, for example, a flat plate. The arm can move across the work surface in a direction substantially parallel to the plane defined by this flat plate. The arm extends over the work surface, and at least one direction substantially parallel to the plane may be perpendicular to the axis of the arm. Preferably, the arm extending over the work surface can move in two directions across the work surface. The first direction may be perpendicular to the axis of the arm, and the second direction may be perpendicular to this first direction and parallel to the axis of the arm. Alternatively, the two directions may be any two directions, each parallel to the plane and not parallel to each other. Preferably, the two directions are perpendicular to each other. The work surface may also be part of a support system for a larger product, for example, part of an endless belt on which an intermediate product (i.e., the product to which the piping layer or object is to be added) is supported by the entire larger production apparatus. The product may continue to move on such product support means while the piping device is piping the cream, or the movement of such product support means may be temporarily interrupted so that the piping device can pipe the cream.

[0009] Furthermore, the movement system can also move the arm in a direction perpendicular to the plane. Preferably, this direction is perpendicular to one direction parallel to the plane or (if applicable) both directions. In some cases, those two directions parallel to the plane and the direction perpendicular to the plane define three mutually orthogonal directions of movement.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the moving system may be configured to move an arm on a work surface in two directions parallel to the plane but not parallel to each other, and in a direction perpendicular to the plane.

[0011] Optionally, one or more piping nozzles can be rotated around an axis of rotation parallel to the arm's axis. In some cases, the arm itself can be rotated around its axis. Optionally, one, several, or each of the piping nozzles can be rotated around the direction of cream piping.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the apparatus may have control means for controlling the movement of an arm, which is configured to move the arm along a preset path. According to some embodiments, the apparatus may have control means for controlling the movement of an arm, which controls the movement of the arm on the work surface in at least one direction, preferably two, parallel to the plane, and in a direction perpendicular to the plane, with each of the two or three directions of movement being controlled individually and independently of each other. Optionally, one or more piping nozzles may also rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the arm, and this rotation is controlled by the control means. Thus, the control means can control the movement of the arm such that movement in each direction is controlled independently of movement in the other one or more directions. This control means may be the same as control means for controlling the timing of cream piping through one or more nozzles.

[0013] The control means can control the movement of the piping device, at least the arm. This control means can be programmed or instructed to cause the nozzle to follow a given path on the work surface. This path or instruction may be provided to the control means by an interface, or loaded to the control means using wired or wireless communication means or channels.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the apparatus may include control means for controlling the timing of piping cream through one or more nozzles. This control means can control the timing of piping and / or the elapsed time and / or duration of piping. The control means can also control the timing of piping and / or the elapsed time and / or duration of piping individually for each piping nozzle, for several piping nozzles together, or for all piping nozzles together. According to some embodiments, the apparatus may include control means for controlling the amount of cream piped through one or more nozzles. The control means can control the amount piped individually for each piping nozzle, for several piping nozzles together, or for all piping nozzles together. Preferably, the apparatus includes control means for controlling the timing of piping and the amount of cream piped through one or more nozzles.

[0015] The piping of the cream may be performed according to a predetermined timing or sequence, and may be synchronized with the movement of the arm. The control means may be programmed or instructed to pipe the cream for one or more nozzles over a given or consecutive period of time. The control means may be programmed or instructed to pipe the cream for one or more nozzles over one or more period of time while the arm is moving over the work surface.

[0016] The piping of the cream may, alternatively or additionally, be controlled based on inputs from one or more sensors. These sensors may transmit the amount of cream to be piped or the amount of cream that has been piped to the work surface or to individual products on the work surface to which the cream is supplied. Alternatively or additionally, the piping may be controlled by optical sensors, image acquisition and processing means, etc. All of these sensors or image acquisition and processing means may correspond to control means that control the piping of the cream and provide information to each control means.

[0017] The programmed timing or instructions may be provided to the control means via an interface, or loaded to the control means using wired or wireless communication means or channels. Piping may be performed simultaneously at all nozzles, or the piping at each nozzle may be controlled and performed individually.

[0018] If multiple nozzles are provided, the number of nozzles per meter of arm length may be 2 or more, for example, 3 or more, 4 or more, or even 5 or more. The number of nozzles per meter of arm length may be in the range of 2 to 100, preferably in the range of 2 to 50, for example, in the range of 2 to 24. The distance between the centers of the piping nozzles may be equal or different. Preferably, the distance between the centers of each pair of adjacent piping nozzles is at least 2 mm, for example, at least 5 mm, for example, in the range of 2 mm to 1000 mm. The length of the arm may preferably be in the range of 10 mm to 1000 mm, for example, in the range of 100 mm to 3000 mm.

[0019] Each nozzle may be equipped with a tip. The nozzle tips may be identical, similar, or different from one another. The tips may be round tips, open star tips, closed star tips, basket weave tips, ruffle tips, leaf tips, petal tips, multi-opening tips, drop flower tips, or tips that produce special piping results. The opening sizes of the tips may vary.

[0020] The width of the work surface can be in the range of 100 mm to 3000 mm, preferably in a direction parallel to the axis of the arm. The length of the work surface can be in the range of 250 mm to 5000 mm. More preferably, the width of the work surface can be in the range of 135 mm to 1080 mm and / or the length can be in the range of 275 mm to 1650 mm.

[0021] The distance the arm moves in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the work surface is preferably at least 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 20 mm to 1500 mm, for example, at least 10 mm, more preferably in the range of 10 mm to 1500 mm measured from the work surface.

[0022] The apparatus according to the present invention has several advantages. The apparatus can provide toppings to baked goods such as pastries, without requiring the baked goods to be removed from the baking plate. Baked goods are typically arranged on the baking plate in a well-known order and arrangement pattern. Therefore, the apparatus can be used to apply toppings to these baked goods by pre-programming the movement of the arm and the operation of the nozzle. Thus, the apparatus allows for easy and quick switching from one type of pastry to another, enabling the provision of toppings to baked goods in small quantities or batches. Similarly, the apparatus can be used, for example, to apply drops or piping shapes of creamy substances, such as creamy foods, to small cookies for appetizers. The cookies can be arranged on a plate placed on the work surface according to a known arrangement pattern. This device can be used to fill containers such as glasses with cream, or to layer and fill multiple creams, and to serve tartlets, cream puffs or small cream puffs, mince biscuits such as mince pie biscuits or mincemeat cookies, Paris-Brest, meringues, madeleines, macarons, pies, large pies, genoise or sponge cakes, eclairs, crackers, pastry dough for sweet or savory biscuits, toast, tarts, eclairs, etc.

[0023] This device can be used to fill bottles with cold or hot sauces, or to pipe dipping sauces, or sauces for vegetables, fish, or meat.

[0024] Similarly, this apparatus can be used to pipe cream into 3D volume or shape on a work plate, which may be covered with a support plate, such as a baking tray or baking sheet. The creams can be edible creams such as whipped cream, Chantilly cream, buttercream (also called crème au beurre), praline, hazelnut praline, crushed praline (small pieces of various things), gianduja, ganache, fondant, caramel, caramel panaché, chocolate or chocolate paste, coco or coco paste, nut paste, fruit or vegetable paste, mashed potatoes, eggnog, marzipan, speculoos cream, more liquid creams, peanut butter, cheese spread, herb cheese, crumble products, creamy meat or fish preparations, and even chocolate cream or melted chocolate. This apparatus can be used to fill various creams, such as edible creams, ointments, medical or cosmetic creams, into jars or similar holding devices, which is suitable for small batches, for example. Bottles and retaining devices can be arranged on a plate placed on a work surface according to a known arrangement pattern. The apparatus can fill bottles and retaining devices by piping cream into them. The creams to be piped may be, for example, facial creams and ointments, care creams and ointments, body care oils, creams for use in wellness centers, fitness centers, sports and / or recreation centers, hotels, medical creams, natural preparations, herbal creams, sunscreens, nail polish, coloring and / or nourishing lipsticks. The creams to be piped may be products for human or animal use.

[0025] The cream may be, for example, a cleaning cream for the purpose of strong cleaning when the product is packaged in a small package. The cream may be, for example, a shoe polish cream. The cream may be a cream packaged in a small package, such as a package for travel or a short vacation. The cream may be edible or non - edible. The cream may be a relatively liquid cream or a cream with higher viscosity, also called a paste. The present device can be used for pipetting products for technical applications (technical application creams and cream - like products) such as silicone, sealants, MS polymers, adhesives, etc. All of these operations can be carried out automatically and, if necessary, in small lots. For this reason, the present device can be used for manufacturing products including cream - like toppings, etc., or for providing bottles filled with cream - like products and similar holding means in small lots, i.e., in small quantities, in an economical way, and enables quick switching of the products to be manufactured and / or the creams to be used.

[0026] The device can be provided with heating or cooling means for heating or cooling the nozzle, at least during the pipetting of the cream or substance.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the device can further comprise a pipetting system, and this pipetting system has · a housing with a cylindrical recess having a central axis, · one or more pipetting nozzles each communicating with the recess via one or more cream inlets, · one or more suction spaces each communicating with the recess via one or more suction ports, · one or more cream supply means for supplying cream to the recess, each cream supply means communicating with the recess via one or more supply ports, · A rotatable tubular element that is rotatable within the recess and is coaxially arranged with the recess, the outer diameter of which is substantially equal to the diameter of the recess and which has at least one or more openings in the first and second rows. · An elongated element arranged within the tubular element along the axis of the tubular element, the outer surface of the elongated element and the inner surface of the tubular element defining an annular gap. The tubular element is rotatable within the recess. When the tubular element is in at least one first angular position with respect to the recess, one or more openings in the first row are positioned in front of the supply port, one or more openings in the second row are positioned in front of the suction port, and the cream inlet is closed by the tubular element. When the tubular element is in at least one second angular position with respect to the recess, one or more openings in the first row are positioned in front of the suction port, one or more openings in the second row are positioned in front of the cream inlet, and the supply port is closed by the tubular element. One or more openings in the first and second rows of the tubular element, the supply port, the suction port, and the cream inlet are arranged such that the housing is attached to the arm and provides a plurality of piping nozzles distributed along the arm. The plurality of piping nozzles can be arranged axially along the arm, that is, along the axis of the arm, or along a direction not parallel to the axis of the arm, for example, along an axis perpendicular to the arm and preferably parallel to a plane. That the outer diameter of the tubular element is substantially equal to the diameter of the recess means that the tubular element fits within the recess and is rotatable therein, and in some cases, a slight gap can be left between the outer wall of the tubular element and the inner diameter of the recess.

[0028] The housing is preferably attached to the arm such that the central axis of the housing and / or the central axis of the recess of the housing is parallel to the axis of the arm and, in some cases, coincides. Alternatively, the central axis of the housing and / or the central axis of the recess of the housing may not be parallel to the axis of the arm and, in some cases, may be perpendicular to the axis of the arm.

[0029] According to a second independent aspect of the present invention, a piping system configured for piping cream is provided. This piping system is • A housing having a cylindrical recess with a central axis, • One or more piping nozzles leading to recesses, each through one or more cream receiving openings, • One or more suction spaces, each leading to a recess via one or more suction ports, One or more cream supply means for supplying cream to a recess, wherein each cream supply means is connected to the recess via one or more supply ports, A rotatable tubular element that is rotatable within a recess and is arranged coaxially with the recess, having an outer diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the recess, and having one or more openings in first and second rows, - A slender element disposed within the tubular element along the axis of the tubular element, wherein the outer surface of the slender element and the inner surface of the tubular element define an annular void, The openings in the first and second rows of the tubular element, the supply port, the suction port, and the cream receiving port are arranged such that the tubular element is rotatable within the recess, and when the tubular element is in a first angular position of at least one angle with respect to the recess, one or more openings in the first row are located in front of the supply port and one or more openings in the second row are located in front of the suction port and the cream receiving port is closed by the tubular element, while when the tubular element is in a second angular position of at least one angle with respect to the recess, one or more openings in the first row are located in front of the suction port and one or more openings in the second row are located in front of the cream receiving port and the supply port is closed by the tubular element.

[0030] By providing this piping system, it becomes possible to dimensionally reduce the volume or bubbles of air or gas that may be trapped in the piped cream and supplied into the device, and to distribute them throughout the larger volume of cream being piped. If a larger volume of air is forced through the piping nozzle, it can disrupt the piping, potentially resulting in defects in the piped product or even a period where the cream is not piped at all. This piping system has the advantage that the volume of air or gas is dimensionally reduced as it first moves through the annular void to the suction space, and then from the suction space to the nozzle. The large volume of air is distributed across the outer surface of the elongated element. By drawing the cream into the annular void and then dispersing the drawn cream again across the outer surface of the elongated element along its path to the nozzle, the large volume of air or gas is reduced to smaller air or gas bubbles. The reduced bubbles may not obstruct the piping much, or not obstruct it at all.

[0031] The tube can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to provide a connection or communication path for the cream between the supply port and the suction port through an annular gap on the one hand, and to provide a connection or communication path for the cream between the suction port and the cream inlet through the same annular gap on the other hand. Once communication is formed between the supply port and the suction port, the cream can be supplied through the supply port into the annular gap (for example, by a pump). The cream spreads within the annular gap and is preferably simultaneously drawn from the annular gap into the suction space by a suction pump, for example, a synchronized suction pump. Once the suction space is sufficiently filled, the tube is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to provide a connection or communication path for the cream between the suction port and the cream inlet through the annular gap. During this time, the supply of cream is interrupted. The cream is then pushed out of the suction space by the same pump, for example, a synchronized pump, and pushed out of those spaces through the annular gap to the cream inlet and nozzle. When the suction space is empty, the tube rotates clockwise or counterclockwise to again provide a connection or communication path for the cream between the supply port and the suction port through the annular gap.

[0032] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, the slender elements may be tubes or bars.

[0033] The tubes or bars are preferably made of stainless steel or polymer material, optionally from polymers or other materials approved for use in the food industry. The material of the tubes or bars may be any kind of material, as long as it is suitable for use in combination with the cream being piped and / or conforms to the industry standards applicable to the piping.

[0034] The preferred dimensions of this slender element, such as a tube or bar, are 1500 mm or less and 2 mm or more, for example, 75 mm or more, within the range of 2 mm to 1500 mm, for example, within the range of 75 mm to 1250 mm, for example, 100 mm.

[0035] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, the elongated elements may be coaxial with the tubular elements. Alternatively, the elongated elements may be parallel to the tubular elements but not coaxial.

[0036] The elongated element may be rotatably mounted within the tubular element, or it may be fixed to the tubular element. Thus, the elongated element can rotate with the tubular element, or it can rotate independently of the tubular element and within the recess, or it may be fixedly mounted within the recess while being configured to allow the tubular element to rotate over the elongated element.

[0037] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, a plurality of piping nozzles may be provided, the cream receiving ports of these nozzles aligned along the recess along a first line parallel to the axis of the recess. Alternatively, the cream receiving ports of these nozzles may be positioned without being aligned along the recess.

[0038] The phrase "aligned along the recess along a first line parallel to the axis of the recess" means that the center of the cream inlet is collinear along this line parallel to the axis of the recess, and a certain degree of tolerance is permitted.

[0039] Alternatively, the cream inlet is positioned such that its center lies within a first longitudinal band-shaped region inside the recess.

[0040] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, a plurality of suction spaces may be provided, and the suction ports of these suction spaces may be aligned along a second line parallel to the axis of the recess. Alternatively, the suction ports may be arranged without being aligned along the recess.

[0041] The phrase "aligned along the recess along a second line parallel to the axis of the recess" means that the center of the suction port is collinearly positioned along this line parallel to the axis of the recess, and a certain degree of tolerance is permitted.

[0042] Alternatively, the suction port is positioned such that its center lies within a second longitudinal band-shaped region inside the recess.

[0043] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, a plurality of cream supply means may be provided, with the supply ports aligned within the recess along a third line parallel to the axis of the recess. Alternatively, the supply ports may be arranged without being aligned along the recess.

[0044] The phrase "aligned along the recess along a third line parallel to the axis of the recess" means that the center of the supply port is collinear along this line parallel to the axis of the recess, and a certain degree of tolerance is permitted.

[0045] Alternatively, the supply port is positioned such that its center lies within a third longitudinal strip-shaped region inside the recess.

[0046] A piping channel may be provided between each of the one or more piping nozzles and the cream receiving port, which leads to the recess through the cream receiving port. Each piping nozzle may be connected to the recess via a dedicated cream receiving port, which leads to the recess.

[0047] A suction channel may be provided between each of the one or more suction spaces and the suction port, which leads to the recess through the suction port. Each suction space may be connected to and lead to the recess via a dedicated suction port.

[0048] A supply channel may be provided between each of the one or more cream supply means and the supply port, which is connected to the recess by the supply port. Each cream supply means may be connected to the recess via a dedicated supply port and connected to the recess.

[0049] The apparatus may include heating or cooling means for heating or cooling one or more of the following: nozzle, piping channel, cream receiving port, suction space, suction port, suction channel, cream supply means, supply port, supply channel, housing, tubular element and / or elongated element.

[0050] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, the radiation angle α between each supply port and each suction port may be substantially the same. According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, the radiation angle β between each suction port and each cream receiving port may be substantially the same.

[0051] The radiation angle is the angle between the projection of the radius of the first opening (i.e., the center of this opening) and the projection of the radius of the second opening (i.e., the center of this opening), which are projected parallel to the axis of the recess on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the recess.

[0052] For angles to be substantially identical means that the angles are within the applicable tolerance.

[0053] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, the radiation angle α between each supply port and each suction port is the same, the radiation angle β between each suction port and each cream receiving port is substantially the same, and α = β.

[0054] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, β may be 90° or 120°.

[0055] When β is equal to 90°, there is the advantage that the distance through the annular gap from the supply port to each suction port, and from the suction port to each cream receiving port, differs in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. This improves the distribution of small air or gas bubbles throughout the piped cream. During use of the system, the tubular elements can be rotated alternately by 90° clockwise or counterclockwise to move the tubular elements from a first angular position to a second angular position and vice versa.

[0056] When β is equal to 120°, the tube has the advantage of continuously rotating in the same direction, i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise, allowing the connection between the supply port and the suction port to be switched to a connection between the suction port and the cream receiving port, and vice versa. During use of the system, the tubular element can be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise by 120° at a time and 240° at a time to move the tubular element from a first angular position to a second angular position and vice versa.

[0057] It should be understood that, insofar as, at the first angular position, one or more suction spaces are filled with the cream to be piped, this cream is supplied to the annular void through one or more supply ports, and the cream receiving port is blocked by a tubular element, while at the second angular position, one or more suction spaces are emptied, the cream to be piped is returned to the annular void, the cream receiving port is opened to pipe the cream through a nozzle, and the cream supply port is blocked by a tubular element, it is also possible to use other settings for the openings along the recesses, while optionally adapting the shape and position of one or more openings in the first and second rows.

[0058] Optionally, multiple first angular positions may be defined, for example, if one or more openings of the first column are positioned or rotated within the first angular section, multiple first angular positions may be defined within the first angular section. Accordingly, one or more openings of the second column are positioned or rotated within the corresponding angular section. During the time course in which one or more openings of the first column are positioned or rotated within the first angular section, at least one or more suction spaces are filled with piped cream through one or more openings of the second column (all simultaneously, sequentially, or during overlapping time courses for each suction space), and this cream is supplied to the annular void through one or more openings of the first column by one or more supply ports (all simultaneously, sequentially, or during overlapping time courses for each supply port), while the cream inlets remain blocked by the tubular elements during this time course.

[0059] Similarly, multiple second angular positions may be defined, for example, if one or more openings of the first row are positioned or rotated within the second angular section, multiple second angular positions may be defined within this second angular section. Accordingly, one or more openings of the second row are positioned or rotated within the corresponding angular section. During the time course in which one or more openings of the first row are positioned or rotated within this second angular section, at least one or more suction spaces are emptied through one or more openings of the first row, returning the cream to the annular void (all suction spaces are emptied simultaneously, sequentially, or during overlapping time courses for each suction space). The cream supplied to the annular void is piped from the nozzle through one or more cream inlets via one or more openings of the second row (the nozzles all piping simultaneously, sequentially, or during overlapping time courses for each inlet), the inlets remaining blocked by the tubular element during this time course.

[0060] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, the annular void has a radial width W, which is preferably constant along the outer surface of the elongated element.

[0061] Preferably, the radial width W is constant along the outer surface of the elongated element. This width can be varied depending on the tackiness of the cream in the recess, the viscosity of the cream, the temperature of the cream during piping, the amount of air present in the cream, etc. The more liquid the cream, the wider the width can be. The width can be 0.5 mm or more, even 2 mm or more, or 5 mm or more. The width can be 500 mm or less, for example 40 mm or less, for example 12 mm or less.

[0062] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, W can be in the range of 0% to 99% of the radius of the diameter of the tubular element.

[0063] The suction space may be part of a suction system configured to draw cream from an annular cavity and return the cream to the annular cavity through a suction port. The suction system preferably includes a pump.

[0064] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, the suction space may be part of the piston pump.

[0065] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, the tubular elements are tubes, preferably made of stainless steel or polymer material. The tubular elements are preferably made of stainless steel or polymer material, optionally polymer or other material permitted for use in the food industry. The material of the tubular elements may be any type of material, as long as it is suitable for use in combination with the cream being piped and / or conforms to the industry standards applicable to the piping.

[0066] The inner width or inner diameter of the tubular element can be within the range of 2 mm to 750 mm, for example, within the range of 10 mm to 50 mm. The wall thickness of the tubular element (e.g., tube) can be within the range of 0 mm to 750 mm (excluding 0 mm), for example, within the range of 0 mm to 50 mm (excluding 0 mm).

[0067] The cream supply means may preferably include a pump system.

[0068] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, at least one piston pump may be provided. In some cases, each of the cream supply means may have one piston pump.

[0069] The housing may be substantially a single block and is preferably made of steel or polymer. In the latter case, it is more preferable that it be a polymer or other material approved for use in the food industry. The housing material may be any type of material, as long as it is suitable for use in combination with the cream to be piped and / or conforms to the industry standards applicable to the piping.

[0070] The recess in the housing preferably has an axial depth, i.e., an axial length, in the range of 2 mm to 1500 mm, for example, in the range of 50 mm to 250 mm. The length of the tubular element is also within a similar range, preferably extending along the entire length of the recess. The length of the elongated element is also within a similar range, preferably extending along the entire length of the tubular element.

[0071] According to some embodiments of piping devices and / or piping systems, the housing may be a single block of stainless steel, a polymer block, and the like. The housing can be made of stainless steel or polymer material, and optionally, of polymer or other material approved for use in the food industry. The housing material may be any type of material, as long as it is suitable for use in combination with the cream being piped and / or conforms to the industry standards applicable to the piping.

[0072] The one or more openings in the first and second rows are arranged such that when the tubular element is at a first angular position with respect to the recess, the one or more openings in the first row are located in front of the supply port. In this case, the one or more openings in the second row are located in front of the suction port. When the element is at a second angular position with respect to the recess, the one or more openings in the first row are located in front of the suction port, and the one or more openings in the second row are located in front of the cream receiving port.

[0073] If the opening in the first row has multiple openings, each opening in the first row may be positioned such that when the tubular element is in a first angular position, the opening aligns with one of the supply ports, and when the tubular element is in a second angular position, the opening aligns with one of the suction ports. The openings in the first row align with both the supply ports and the suction ports in a so-called one-to-one manner. Similarly, if the opening in the second row has multiple openings, each opening in the second row may be positioned such that when the tubular element is in a first angular position, the opening aligns with one of the suction ports, and when the tubular element is in a second angular position, the opening aligns with one of the cream receiving ports. The openings in the second row align with both the suction ports and the cream receiving ports in a so-called one-to-one manner. In this case, the openings and the number of openings are selected so as to achieve such alignment.

[0074] Alternatively, if the openings in the first row are provided with multiple openings, each supply port and each suction port shall have at least one opening among the openings in the first row that are aligned with the supply port and the suction port. Similarly, if the openings in the second row are provided with multiple openings, each suction port and each cream receiving port shall have at least one opening among the openings in the second row that are aligned with the suction port and the cream receiving port.

[0075] This means that when the supply port is aligned along a line parallel to the axis of the recess, and / or when the suction port is aligned along a line parallel to the axis of the recess, and / or when the cream receiving port is aligned along a line parallel to the axis of the recess, the openings in the openings of the first and / or second row are aligned along a line parallel to the axis of the recess. In that case, preferably the axis of the tubular element and the axis of the recess are parallel and, in some cases, coincide.

[0076] The opening in the first row may consist of a single opening. In some cases, the opening in the first row consists of a single slot-shaped opening called the first slot-shaped opening. This first slot-shaped opening has an elongated shape extending substantially parallel to the axis of the tubular element. The supply port and suction port are positioned such that the first slot-shaped opening is located in front of the supply port when the tubular element is at a first angular position relative to the recess, and the first slot-shaped opening is located in front of the suction port when the tubular element is at a second angular position relative to the recess.

[0077] The opening in the second row may consist of a single opening. In some cases, the opening in the second row consists of a single slot-shaped opening called a second slot-shaped opening. This second slot-shaped opening has an elongated shape extending substantially parallel to the axis of the tubular element. The suction port and cream receiving port are positioned such that the second slot-shaped opening is located in front of the suction port when the tubular element is at its first angular position relative to the recess, and the second slot-shaped opening is located in front of the cream receiving port when the tubular element is at its second angular position relative to the recess.

[0078] The opening is preferably circular or elliptical, and most preferably circular. In some cases, the number of suction ports and the number of cream receiving ports are the same. In some cases, the shape of the cream receiving ports and the shape of the suction ports are similar or identical.

[0079] The tubular element is rotatable within the recess of the housing. Most preferably, the tubular element rotates within the recess. Alternatively, the housing can rotate around the tubular element. The tube or rod within the tubular element can rotate dependently or independently with the housing or the tubular element.

[0080] Therefore, one or more openings in the first and second rows of the tubular element form a pair of rows of openings, and the pair of rows of openings in the first row, the pair of rows of openings in the second row, the supply port, the suction port, and the cream receiving port are arranged such that when the tubular element is at least one first angular position relative to the recess, the pair of rows of openings in the first row is in front of the supply port, the pair of rows of openings in the second row is in front of the suction port, and the cream receiving port is closed by the tubular element. On the other hand, when it is at least one second angular position relative to the recess, the pair of rows of openings in the first row is in front of the suction port, the pair of rows of openings in the second row is in front of the cream receiving port, and the supply port is closed by the tubular element.

[0081] Optionally, there may be pairs of rows of openings, and for each pair of rows of openings, the pair of openings in the first row, the pair of openings in the second row, the supply port, the suction port, and the cream receiving port are arranged such that when the tubular element is at least one first angular position with respect to the recess, the pair of openings in the first row is in front of the supply port, the pair of openings in the second row is in front of the suction port, and the cream receiving port is closed by the tubular element. On the other hand, when it is at least one second angular position with respect to the recess, the pair of openings in the first row is in front of the suction port, the pair of openings in the second row is in front of the cream receiving port, and the supply port is closed by the tubular element.

[0082] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a piping apparatus according to the first aspect and / or a piping system according to the second aspect are used for piping cream, edible cream, buttercream, butter, vegetable cream, meat-based cream, fish-based cream, ice cream, cosmetic cream, medical cream, and chocolate, mashed potatoes.

[0083] Piping devices and / or piping systems can be used to top baked goods such as pastries, without the need to remove the baked goods from the baking plate. Baked goods are typically arranged on the baking plate in a well-known order and arrangement pattern. Therefore, piping devices and / or piping systems can be used to top these baked goods by pre-programming the movement of the arms and the operation of the nozzles. Thus, piping devices and / or piping systems can easily and quickly switch from one type of pastry to another, and thus can top baked goods in small quantities or small batches. Similarly, piping devices and / or piping systems can also be used to drop or pipe creamy substances, such as creamy foods, onto small cookies, for example, for appetizers. The cookies can be arranged on a plate placed on a work surface according to a known arrangement pattern. Piping devices and / or piping systems can be used to fill containers such as glasses with cream, or to layer and fill multiple creams, to serve tartlets, cream puffs or small cream puffs, mince biscuits such as mince pie biscuits or mincemeat cookies, Paris-Brest, meringues, madeleines, macarons, pies, large pies, genoise or sponge cakes, eclairs, crackers, pastry dough for sweet or savory biscuits, toast, tarts, eclairs, etc.

[0084] Piping devices and / or piping systems can be used to pipe cold or hot sauces, for example, into bottles, or to pipe dipping sauces, sauces for vegetables, fish, or meat.

[0085] Similarly, piping devices and / or piping systems can be used to pipe cream into 3D volume or shape on a working plate, which may be covered by a support plate. Creams can be edible creams such as whipped cream, Chantilly cream, buttercream (also called crème au beurre), praline, hazelnut praline, crushed praline (small pieces of various things), gianduja, ganache, fondant, caramel, caramel panaché, chocolate or chocolate paste, coco or coco paste, nut paste, fruit and vegetable paste, mashed potatoes, eggnog, marzipan, speculoos cream, more liquid creams, peanut butter, cheese spread, herb cheese, crumble products, creamy meat and fish preparations, and even chocolate cream or melted chocolate. Piping devices and / or piping systems can be used to fill various creams, such as edible creams, ointments, medical or cosmetic creams, into jars or similar holding means, which is suitable for small batches, for example. The piped creams may include, for example, facial creams and ointments, care creams and ointments, body care oils, creams for use in wellness centers, fitness centers, sports and / or recreation centers, hotels, medical creams, natural preparations, herbal creams, sunscreens, nail polish, coloring and / or nourishing lipsticks. The piped creams may be products for human or animal use.

[0086] The cream to be piped may be, for example, a cleaning cream intended for strong cleaning, if the product is packaged in small packages. The cream to be piped may be, for example, a shoe polish cream. The cream to be piped may be a cream packaged in small packages, such as travel or short holiday packages. The cream to be piped may be edible or non-edible. The cream to be piped may be a relatively liquid cream or a more viscous cream, also called a paste. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0087] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a piping device according to a first aspect of the present invention, which includes a piping system according to a second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the piping system according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1, and shows the tubular element in a first angular position. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the piping system according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1, and shows the tubular element in a second angular position.

[0088] The same symbols in different figures refer to the same or similar objects. Where a scope is referred to herein, unless otherwise specified, that scope includes both endpoints. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0089] Figure 1 shows a piping device 100 suitable for piping cream according to a first aspect of the present invention. The device has a work surface 102 for receiving the piped cream. In this embodiment, the work surface is a tabletop, but alternatively, it may be part of an endless belt or the like. The work surface defines a plane 103, which in this embodiment is a substantially horizontal plane. The device further has several piping nozzles 20. The piping nozzles are part of a piping system 1 according to a second aspect of the present invention. This piping system 1, together with its piping nozzles 20, is arranged along an arm 105 extending over the work surface. The piping nozzles are oriented toward the work surface. The arm is attached to or part of a moving system 107, which can move the arm over the work surface in two directions 111, 112 parallel to the plane and a third direction 113 perpendicular to the plane. The arm can also move in two of these directions or all three directions simultaneously.

[0090] The cream to be piped is stored in a storage and pumping means 80, which communicates with a piping nozzle via a piping system 1. The cream to be piped can be pushed out of the storage unit by pressing the cream from the storage and pumping means 80 toward the piping system 1. The cream dispensed from the piping system 1 through the nozzle 20 is discharged toward the work surface 102. As an example, the work surface may be provided with a baking plate on which intermediate-stage pastries are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The cream to be used as a topping for the pastries can be piped onto the intermediate-stage pastries by moving the arm in directions 111 and 112 to move the nozzle over one of the intermediate-stage pastries. The nozzle is lowered to a desired height above the pastry. Once in position, the arm can be used to pipe by moving the nozzle over the pastry. By continuing to pipe and changing the height of the nozzle and / or changing the position of the nozzle in either direction, the topping can be formed upwards in the height direction. If the nozzle itself can be moved, for example by rotating along the piping direction, this rotation or movement can be used to form drops or other shapes. Once topping is complete, the nozzle moves to an adjacent pastry by moving the arm in directions 111 and / or 112, and the process is repeated to top another pastry. The timing of the movement in each of the three directions, as well as the timing of the piping, can be controlled individually and independently by a control unit that is part of the apparatus. By properly positioning the pastries, it is also possible to top multiple intermediate-stage pastries simultaneously.

[0091] As another example, the work surface may be provided with bottles arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The cosmetic cream to be filled into the bottles can be supplied into the bottles by moving the arm in directions 111 and 112 to move the nozzle over one of the bottles. The nozzle is lowered to the desired height inside the bottle. Once the position is set, piping can be performed by gradually moving the nozzle upwards with the arm until the bottle is filled. Once filling is complete, the nozzle moves to an adjacent bottle by moving the arm in directions 111 and / or 112, and the operation is repeated to fill another bottle. The timing of the movements and piping can be controlled by a control unit which is part of the apparatus.

[0092] To avoid most of the disturbances that occur during piping due to air bubbles in the cream being piped, the arm 105 is provided with a piping system 1. Figures 2 and 3 show a radial cross-section of this system 1. The piping system 1 includes a housing 10 having a cylindrical recess 11 along a central axis 12. Along this recess, one or more, in this embodiment multiple, for example, 3 or 6 nozzles 20 are provided. The centers of all nozzles are aligned along a line on the inner surface of the recess 11, which is parallel to the axis 12. In Figures 2 and 3, all nozzles are located at the lower part of the recess 11. Thus, along the inside of the recess, each nozzle corresponds to one dedicated cream receiving port 22, through which it leads to the recess by a dedicated piping channel 21 in this embodiment. Alternatively, one common piping channel may be used. The piping system further includes three suction spaces 30, each suction space connected to the recess via a suction channel 31 and leading to the recess by a dedicated suction port 32. The center of each suction port can be positioned along a line parallel to the axis 12 on the inner surface of the recess 11. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the suction ports are positioned 90° counterclockwise around the axis 12 from the center position of the nozzle 20.

[0093] Furthermore, along the recess, a cream supply means 40 is provided for supplying cream to the recess. This cream supply means is connected to the recess by a supply channel 41 and is accessible through a supply port 42. In Figures 2 and 3, the supply port 42 is located at the upper position of the recess 11. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the supply port is positioned 90° counterclockwise around the axis 12 from the center of the suction port 22 and is positioned perpendicular to the cream receiving port 21 of the nozzle 20.

[0094] A tubular element is mounted within the recess 11 so as to be rotatable coaxially with the recess 11. The outer diameter of the tubular element is substantially the same as the diameter of the recess, so that the tubular element (a tube in this embodiment) fits snugly into the recess. A first slot-shaped opening 51 and a second slot-shaped opening 52 are provided along the length of the tube. An elongated element 60 is positioned within the tubular element along its axis. An annular gap 70 is provided between the outer surface 61 of the elongated element and the inner surface 53 of the tubular element. The recess, the tubular element, and the elongated element, which is a cylindrical rod, are all mounted coaxially with respect to the axis 12. The tubular element and the elongated element are rotatably mounted within the recess, and the housing is in a fixed position on the arm 105.

[0095] The radial angle between the centerlines of the two slot-shaped openings is 90°. Since the angle between the suction port 32 and the cream receiving port 22 is 90°, and the angle between the suction port 32 and the supply port 42 is 90°, the tubular element can be rotated to a first angular position relative to the recess, as shown in Figure 2. The first slot-shaped opening is located in front of the supply port, and the second slot-shaped opening is located in front of the suction port, during which time the cream receiving port is closed by the tubular element. When cream is supplied from the storage and pumping means 80 through the supply channel 41 to the supply port 42, the cream can flow through the supply port and the first slot-shaped opening 51 into the annular void 70. The cream strikes the outer surface of the elongated element 60 and flows around this elongated element 60 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Through the suction port 32 and the suction channel 31, the cream can be drawn from the annular void 70 into the suction space 30. To perform this suction action, three synchronized piston pumps (not shown) can be installed, one in each suction space. By introducing this cream into the suction spaces, when a large air or gas bubble enters the annular void, it is expanded into a larger but thinner bubble. Some of these expanded large, thin bubbles may be taken into each suction space, or they may remain in the annular void on the opposite side of the suction port. In this way, the large bubble is broken down into several smaller bubbles.

[0096] The tubular element can be rotated 90° clockwise to a second angular position relative to the recess, as shown in Figure 3. The first slot-shaped opening is located in front of the suction port, and the second slot-shaped opening is located in front of the cream receiving port, while the supply port is closed by the tubular element. When the cream is pushed back from the suction space into the annular void by a synchronized pump, the cream again strikes the outer surface of the elongated element 60 and flows around this elongated element 60 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The cream is then guided to the nozzle 20 via the cream receiving port 22 and channel 21, where it exits the piping system 1. Furthermore, air or gas bubbles entering the annular void from the suction space can also be dimensionally reduced to smaller bubbles. Large bubbles that enter the piping system 1 are miniaturized to a size that has little effect on the piping of the cream through the nozzle.

[0097] After the cream is pushed out of the suction space, the tubular element can be rotated 90° counterclockwise relative to the recess to return to the second angular position, as shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, the tubular element can be rotated 270° clockwise to achieve the same effect. The previous step may be repeated.

[0098] Alternatively, one or more supply ports, one or more suction ports, and one or more cream receiving ports can be arranged such that the angle between one or more supply ports and suction ports, and the angle between suction ports and cream receiving ports, is 120°. Moving the tubular element from the first position to the second position requires a 120° rotation clockwise or counterclockwise. Returning the tubular element from the second position to the first position requires a 240° rotation in the same clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or a 120° rotation in the opposite direction.

[0099] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, but can be realized with various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, these embodiments are illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the invention is indicated not by the above description but by the appended claims, and thus all changes within the meaning and equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. In other words, it is intended to encompass all modifications, variations, or equivalents that are within the scope of the basic fundamental principles and whose essential attributes are asserted in this patent application. Furthermore, readers of this patent application will understand that the words “comprising” or “comprise” do not exclude other elements or steps, the words “a” or “an” do not exclude plurals, and that a single element may perform the function of multiple means described in the claims. No reference numeral in the claims should be construed as limiting each applicable claim. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “a,” “b,” and “c,” when used in the specification or claims, are introduced to distinguish similar elements or steps and do not necessarily indicate order or chronological order. Similarly, terms such as “up,” “down,” “above,” and “below” are introduced for descriptive purposes and do not necessarily indicate relative position. It should be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably in appropriate circumstances, and that embodiments of the present invention may operate in a different order or direction than those described or illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A piping device configured for piping cream, A piping device comprising a work surface for receiving piped cream, wherein the work surface defines a plane, and the device comprises one or more piping nozzles arranged along an arm extending above the work surface, wherein the one or more piping nozzles are directed toward the work surface, and the arm is attached to a moving system configured to move the arm above the work surface in at least one direction, preferably two directions, parallel to the plane, and also move the arm in a direction perpendicular to the plane, and the device comprises control means for controlling the timing of piping and / or the amount of cream piped through the one or more nozzles.

2. In the piping device according to claim 1, A piping device characterized in that the control means is configured to control the timing of cream piping.

3. In the piping device according to claim 1, A piping device characterized in that the control means is configured to control the amount of cream piped through the one or more nozzles.

4. In the piping device described in any one of the preceding claims, A piping device characterized in that the control means for control is configured to control the timing of piping and the amount of cream that is piped through the one or more nozzles.

5. In the piping device described in any one of the preceding claims, A piping device characterized by having a plurality of piping nozzles distributed axially along the aforementioned arm.

6. In the piping device described in any one of the preceding claims, The piping device is characterized in that the moving system is configured to move the arm on the work surface in two directions that are parallel to the plane but not parallel to each other, and in a direction perpendicular to the plane.

7. In the piping device described in any one of the preceding claims, A piping device having control means for controlling the movement of the arm, wherein the control means is configured to move the arm along a predetermined path.

8. In the piping device described in any one of the preceding claims, A piping device characterized in that the control means controls the movement of the arm, and the movement in each direction is controlled independently of other movements in one or more other directions.

9. In the piping device described in any one of the preceding claims, The device further comprises a piping system (1), and this piping system is A housing (10) having a cylindrical recess (11) with a central axis (12), - One or more piping nozzles (20) that each lead to the recess via one or more cream receiving ports (22), - One or more suction spaces (30) that each lead to the recess via one or more suction ports (32), - One or more cream supply means (40) for supplying cream to the recess, wherein each cream supply means is connected to the recess via one or more supply ports (42), - A rotatable tubular element (50) that is rotatable within the recess (11) and is arranged coaxially with the recess, the tubular element having an outer diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the recess and having one or more openings (51, 52) in at least first and second rows, - A slender element (60) is disposed within the tubular element (50) along its axis, wherein the outer surface (61) of the slender element and the inner surface (53) of the tubular element define an annular gap (70), The piping device is characterized in that the tubular element (50) is rotatable within the recess (11), and when the tubular element is at least one first angular position relative to the recess, one or more openings in the first row are located in front of the supply port and one or more openings in the second row are located in front of the suction port and the cream receiving port is closed by the tubular element, while when the tubular element is at least one second angular position relative to the recess, one or more openings in the first row are located in front of the suction port and one or more openings in the second row are located in front of the cream receiving port and the supply port is closed by the tubular element, and the openings (51, 52) in the first and second rows of the tubular element, the supply port (42), the suction port (32), and the cream receiving port (22) are arranged such that the tubular element (50) is rotatable within the recess (11), and when the tubular element is at least one first angular position relative to the recess, one or more openings in the first row are located in front of the suction port and one or more openings in the second row are located in front of the cream receiving port and the supply port is closed by the tubular element, the housing is attached to the arm, and a plurality of piping nozzles are distributed along the arm.

10. In the piping device according to claim 9, A piping device characterized in that the elongated element is a tube or a bar.

11. In the piping device according to claim 9 or 10, A piping device characterized in that the elongated element is arranged coaxially with the tubular element.

12. In the piping device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, A piping device characterized by having multiple piping nozzles, the cream receiving ports of these nozzles being aligned along the recess along a first line parallel to the axis of the recess.

13. In the piping device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, A piping device characterized in that a plurality of suction spaces (30) are provided, and the suction ports of these suction spaces are aligned along a second line parallel to the axis of the recess.

14. In the piping device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, A piping device characterized in that the radiation angle α between each supply port and each suction port is the same, and the radiation angle β between each suction port and each cream receiving port is substantially the same, and α = β.

15. In the piping device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, A piping device characterized in that the suction space is part of a piston pump.

16. In the piping device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, A piping device characterized in that the tubular element is a tube, preferably made of stainless steel or a polymer material.

17. In the piping device according to any one of claims 9 to 16, A piping device characterized in that the cream supply means has at least one piston pump.

18. Use of a piping device according to any one of the preceding claims for piping cream.

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