Discharge apparatus and method for texturing food compositions, particularly meat substitute compositions.

Abstract

Discharge device (3) for texturing food composition (Z) comprises at least two housing components (g 11 ,g 12 ,g 21 ,g 22 Includes a housing (G) having ). At least two housing components (g 11 ,g 12 ,g 21 ,g 22 A housing insert (E1, E2) defines a receiving chamber (A). At least one housing insert (E1, E2) is placed in the receiving chamber (A). A channel (20) for texturing the food composition (Z) is formed in at least one housing insert (E1, E2). At least one housing insert (E1, E2) is easily and flexibly replaceable, and as a result, the channel (20) is easily and flexibly changeable. In the end, food compositions (Z) having different recipes and / or textures and / or processing volumes can be reliably and economically produced.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This patent application claims priority to German patent application DE 10 2023 207 736.1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] This invention relates to a dispensing apparatus and method for texturing (organizing, forming texture) food compositions, particularly meat substitute compositions. Food compositions, particularly meat substitute compositions, provide nutrition to humans and / or animals. Meat substitute compositions are particularly HMMA (High Moisture Meat Substitute).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an extruder cooling die for producing a meat substitute derived from plant protein. The extruder cooling die comprises a housing in which grooved flow channels of the extruder die are formed, which are defined by flow channel walls. A cut metal cylinder is rotatably installed within the flow channel walls so that the cross-section of the grooved flow channels can be modified. In this way, the texture of the meat substitute can be influenced. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] DE102020007892A1 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to create a discharge device that enables simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of food compositions. The food compositions are, in particular, meat substitute compositions. The discharge device is intended to be available for laboratory purposes, particularly for discharging or producing food compositions having different recipes and / or different textures and / or different processing volumes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This objective is achieved by a discharge device having the features of claim 1. Since at least one housing insert is positioned in a receiving chamber defined by at least two housing components, at least one housing insert is easily and flexibly replaceable. For the easy and flexible replacement of at least one housing insert, a housing insert having multiple different flow channels can be used. Thus, by replacing at least one housing insert, the flow channels can be changed as desired, making it possible to influence the texture and / or volume of the food composition discharged, depending on the recipe. Since at least one housing insert is easily and flexibly replaceable, the desired recipe and / or desired texture and / or desired volume can be set quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, by repositioning the relevant at least one housing insert in the receiving chamber, the discharge device enables reliable reproducibility of the recipe and / or texture and / or volume. Thus, the discharge device enables easy, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of food compositions, particularly meat substitute compositions.

[0007] At least two housing components are arranged side-by-side and / or consecutively in order to define a receiving chamber. Preferably, at least two housing components are arranged side-by-side around the longitudinal axis of the flow path to define a receiving chamber radially. The radial direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For example, two housing components are each arranged side-by-side around the longitudinal axis to define a receiving chamber radially. The two housing components constitute, for example, housing halves and / or housing half-shells. The housing half-shells have a U-shaped cross-section.

[0008] The receiving chamber can be defined along or in the longitudinal direction by a plurality of housing components arranged in a series of at least two, with the longitudinal direction being parallel to the longitudinal axis. For example, at least two first housing components may form a first housing portion, radially defining the receiving chamber in the first housing portion, and at least two second housing components may form a second housing portion, radially defining the receiving chamber in the second housing portion. The second housing portion is positioned, in particular, downstream from the first housing portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] At least two housing components are removably interconnected to open and close the receiving chamber. The at least two housing components are particularly movable relative to each other, preferably rotatable and / or linearly movable. By removing the at least two interconnected housing components, the receiving chamber can be easily and quickly opened to replace and / or clean at least one housing insert. For example, a first housing insert having a first flow path is replaced with a second housing insert having a second flow path configured differently from the first flow path. At least one housing insert can then be secured in the receiving chamber by closing the chamber and connecting the at least two housing components.

[0010] The receiving chamber allows for the arrangement of a single housing insert and / or multiple housing inserts in sequence. When only one housing insert is placed in the receiving chamber, it can be easily, quickly, and flexibly replaced. This is advantageous, for example, when the flow path has a short length. When multiple housing inserts are arranged in sequence along the longitudinal axis in the receiving chamber, flow paths of considerable length can be easily and flexibly created. The multiple housing inserts may be the same and / or different. In particular, the multiple housing inserts may form identical and / or differently molded portions of the flow path. As a result, the texturing of the food composition along the flow path can be influenced as intended, especially by using a variety of housing inserts.

[0011] Each housing insert defines the flow path radially, and especially completely. Thus, the flow path is completely surrounded circumferentially by each housing insert. Therefore, the flow path is integrated into at least one housing insert. The flow path can have any cross-sectional shape: for example, the flow path can have a polygonal, especially rectangular, cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape is formed with particularly rounded corners.

[0012] Preferably, the discharge device includes at least one cutting tool. The at least one cutting tool is positioned particularly inside and / or outside the flow path. Preferably, the at least one cutting tool is positioned longitudinally from the discharge opening to the vulcanization. The at least one cutting tool cuts the food composition being discharged through the opening into fragments / pieces. The fragments are easier to handle. Preferably, the at least one cutting tool is positioned between the discharge opening and the conveying device so that the fragments obtained from the food composition can be conveyed by the conveying device for further processing.

[0013] Preferably, the discharge device includes a conveying device. The conveying device is positioned downstream from the discharge opening, preferably below the discharge opening, so that the discharged food composition reaches the conveying device by gravity. Preferably, at least one cutting tool is positioned between the discharge opening and the conveying device to cut the discharged food composition into pieces. The conveying device particularly includes a conveyor belt. The conveying device transports the discharged food composition, particularly for further processing and / or packaging.

[0014] The discharge device includes at least one measuring sensor. The at least one measuring sensor is located, for example, in the housing and / or in at least one housing insert and / or in the inlet line. Preferably, the at least one measuring sensor measures the temperature and / or pressure and / or color of the food composition. By measuring the color or change in color, in particular, the residence time of the food composition in the discharge device can be calculated.

[0015] Preferably, the discharge device includes at least one supply opening. The at least one supply opening is formed particularly in the housing and / or in at least one housing insert and / or in the inlet line. The at least one supply opening is for adding at least one medium, for example, a viscous medium and / or a pore-forming medium. As a viscous medium, for example, fat and / or oil and / or at least one pigment may be added. As a pore-forming medium, for example, a gas may be added. Preferably, it is added to the flow path.

[0016] The discharge device according to claim 2 ensures simple, flexible, and economical texturing of food compositions. At least one hinge allows for easy opening and closing of the receiving chamber to replace at least one housing insert. Thus, at least one hinge allows the receiving chamber to be opened by folding at least two housing components to replace at least one housing insert. Preferably, two housing components, in particular two housing halves, are each rotatably interconnected by at least one hinge.

[0017] By at least one hinge, at least two housing components can be rotated relative to each other to opening angles of at least 60°, at least 90°, and at least 120°. The opening angles of the at least two housing components are preferably up to 300°, at least 240°, and at least 180°. To rotate the at least two housing components, the discharge device preferably includes at least one handle. The at least one handle is located, for example, on one of the at least two housing components.

[0018] Preferably, at least two housing components are rotatably interconnected by a plurality of hinges arranged along the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the hinges are located on one side of at least two housing components.

[0019] In particular, at least one piston-cylinder device is positioned between at least two housing components to assist in rotating at least two housing components to open the receiving chamber.

[0020] The discharge device according to claim 3 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of food compositions. At least one clamping device is positioned in particular on at least two housing components. The at least one clamping device removably interconnects at least two housing components. When connected, at least two housing components are pressed together. This seals the receiving chamber. When those housing components are pressed together, at least one housing insert is fixed between at least two housing components in the receiving chamber. If at least one housing insert has at least two housing insert components, the at least two housing insert components are pressed together and the flow path is sealed.

[0021] At least one fastening device includes, for example, a threaded bolt having an associated nut. The threaded bolt is, for example, rotatably positioned in a first housing portion and positionable in a U-shaped groove formed in an associated second housing component. The nut on the threaded bolt is positioned relative to the second housing so that the housing components can be fastened together by the nut.

[0022] Preferably, multiple fastening devices are arranged along the longitudinal direction. Preferably, multiple fastening devices are arranged on both sides of at least two housing components.

[0023] A discharge device according to claim 4 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. An end wall is positioned at the supply end of the housing. A hole is formed in the end wall and connected to an inlet line. The inlet line and the hole form an inlet conduit leading to a receiving chamber. Preferably, the end wall is connected to at least one housing component, particularly integrally. Preferably, the inlet line is connected integrally to the end wall. In particular, a flange is positioned on the inlet line for connection to a processing device. When the housing is opened, the end wall with the inlet line fastened thereto remains on the fixed housing component, and only one housing component not connected to the inlet line can be rotated.

[0024] The receiving chamber is sealed, in particular by the end wall. Preferably, the end wall, and / or the end wall and housing, form a seal. The seal is formed, in particular by inclined surfaces. For example, when the receiving chamber is closed and when at least two housing components are pressed against each other, the inclined surfaces are pressed together and / or bite together.

[0025] The end wall includes, in particular, a first end wall portion and a second end wall portion. Preferably, the end wall includes an end wall insert that is interchangeably disposed in the first end wall portion and / or the second end wall portion. In particular, a hole is formed in the first end wall portion and / or the second end wall portion and / or the end wall insert, and together with the inlet line, forms an inlet conduit leading to the receiving chamber. At least one texturing tool may be disposed in the inlet conduit. At least one texturing tool is disposed, for example, in the inlet line and / or formed by the inlet line. At least one texturing tool is disposed in the hole. For example, at least one texturing tool is disposed in the first end wall portion and / or the second end wall portion and / or the end wall insert. Preferably, at least one texturing tool is disposed in the end wall insert. This allows at least one texturing tool to be easily replaced by replacing the end wall insert.

[0026] For example, the second end wall portion extends to the inlet line and is connected to a fixed housing component, while the first end wall portion is connected to a movable housing component and is not connected to the inlet line. Alternatively, for example, the first end wall portion extends to the inlet line and is connected to a movable housing component, while the second end wall portion is connected to a fixed housing component and is not connected to the inlet line. In particular, the end wall insert is fixed between the first end wall portion, the second end wall portion, and the housing insert. The inclined surface is formed, for example, on the first end wall portion and the second end wall portion, or on the first end wall portion and the end wall insert, or on the second end wall portion and the end wall insert.

[0027] When at least two housing components close the receiving chamber, the inlet conduit leads to the supply opening. Since the inlet line is connected to only one of the at least two housing components, at least one housing insert is easily, quickly, and flexibly replaceable. For example, for replacement, a housing component not connected to the inlet line is moved so that the receiving chamber can be opened without the inlet line having to be disassembled. Alternatively, for replacement, for example, the inlet line is removed from the movable housing component, and then the housing component is moved so that the receiving chamber can be opened. After at least one housing insert has been replaced, the receiving chamber is closed again in the reverse manner. By connecting or fastening at least two housing components together, the inclined surfaces bite together, thereby forming a seal and sealing the receiving chamber. In particular, by connecting or fastening at least two housing components together, the end wall insert is also fixed between the first end wall portion and the second end wall portion.

[0028] The discharge device according to claim 5 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of the food composition. In particular, the end wall is connected to at least one housing component and inlet line. The end wall is preferably connected to at least one end wall portion to which an end wall insert is flexibly arranged or fastened. Preferably, the end wall comprises at least two end wall portions to which an end wall insert is flexibly arranged or fixed. The end wall forms a hole connecting the inlet line to the receiving chamber. The hole is formed in particular in the end wall insert. The hole may be further formed in at least one end wall portion. Preferably, at least one texturing tool is placed in the hole. The at least one texturing tool is fastened, for example, to the end wall insert. By changing the end wall insert, the geometric dimensions of the hole can be easily and flexibly changed, and / or at least one texturing tool can be placed in the hole. This particularly affects the flow direction and / or flow distribution of the food composition, which in turn affects its texture.

[0029] The discharge device according to claim 6 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of the food composition. The groove configuration of the flow path ensures that the food composition is discharged in a single layer. This makes it easy to handle the discharged food composition. The discharged food composition may be cut into pieces using, for example, at least one cutting tool and / or conveyed by a conveyor device.

[0030] The configuration of the channel groove shape may be constant in the longitudinal direction and / or may vary. The geometric dimensions of the channel can easily and flexibly affect shear and / or flow resistance, which in turn affects texture and / or flow rate. The channel is particularly flat. The channel is preferably quadrangular in shape, particularly rectangular and / or trapezoidal, and preferably has rounded corners. The channel is particularly oval and / or elliptical in shape. The channel may be straight and / or curved and / or corrugated. The channel is specifically configured so that the discharged food composition does not have a closed cross-sectional shape.

[0031] The discharge device according to claim 7 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. The width B of the flow path is determined laterally. The texture of the food composition may be affected by the width B. In particular, the width B allows the texturized food composition to be discharged as a ribbon or strip. The width of the flow path may be constant and / or vary in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] A discharge device according to claim 8 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. The height H is determined vertically. The texture of the food composition may be affected by the height H. In particular, the height H ensures that the food composition to be texturized is discharged flat, especially as a flat ribbon. The height H of the flow path may be constant in the longitudinal direction and / or may vary.

[0033] A discharge device according to claim 9 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. The length L is defined in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the texture of the food composition may be influenced by the length L. In the longitudinal direction, the flow path or its length may be formed by a single housing insert and / or by a plurality of housing inserts arranged in sequence. In particular, the number of housing inserts N I For: 1≦N I ≤7, especially 2 ≤ N I ≤6, especially 3 ≤ N I ≤ 5, preferably 1 ≤ N I The value is ≤ 3.

[0034] A discharge device according to claim 10 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of food compositions. At least one housing insert, or each housing insert, comprises at least two housing insert components. The at least two housing insert components define a radial flow path. Preferably, each housing insert comprises just two housing insert components. The two housing insert components are configured in particular as housing insert halves. Preferably, the housing insert halves have a U-shaped cross-section and form housing insert half-shells. Preferably, the at least two housing insert components can be adjusted relative to each other by adjustment elements. This ensures a uniform flow path. Since each housing insert has at least two housing insert components, these housing insert components can be easily disassembled and / or easily cleaned and / or easily replaced.

[0035] By replacing the housing insert components, the flow path can be modified as desired, and therefore the texture and / or processing volume of the food composition may be affected. If the discharge device has multiple housing inserts, just one housing insert, multiple housing inserts, or all housing inserts may include at least two housing insert components.

[0036] A discharge device according to claim 11 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. At least one texturing tool is positioned particularly in the flow path and / or inlet conduit, preferably in a hole in the end wall. Preferably, at least one texturing tool is positioned in an end wall insert. In the flow path, at least one texturing tool is positioned particularly in a region starting from the end of the end wall and terminating at lengths L / 2, particularly L / 3, particularly L / 4, particularly L / 5, particularly L / 6. At least one texturing tool influences the texturing of the food composition in the flow path and / or inlet conduit. At least one texturing tool influences the vortex and / or flow direction and / or flow distribution of the food composition. At least one texturing tool is configured particularly as a pin, aperture, rib, flow divider, flow distributor and / or flow influencer. The relevant cones are, for example, round, oval and / or polygonal in cross-section.

[0037] A discharge device according to claim 12 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of a food composition. At least one temperature control device enables temperature control, in other words, heating and / or cooling, of the food composition in the flow path. The at least one temperature control device is located in particular in the housing and / or in at least one housing insert. The discharge device includes, in particular, at least one temperature sensor for controlling the at least one temperature control device. The at least one temperature sensor is in particular for setting the temperature control power and / or temperature control profile.

[0038] Preferably, each temperature control device includes a fluid channel formed in the housing and / or at least one housing insert. In particular, a temperature control fluid is used for temperature control. This fluid is, for example, water, oil, gas, particularly air, and / or a water glycol mixture. The temperature control fluid particularly flows through the fluid channel of the associated temperature control device. Preferably, each temperature control device includes a temperature control assembly for heating and / or cooling the food composition. The temperature control assembly is for heating and / or cooling the temperature control fluid.

[0039] Each temperature control assembly creates a temperature T T wherein in particular: -20 °C ≤ T T ≤ 140 °C, particularly -10 °C ≤ T T ≤ 110 °C, particularly 0 °C ≤ T T ≤ 100 °C, and particularly 5 °C ≤ T T ≤ 95 °C. The temperature T T is in particular the outlet temperature of the temperature control fluid from the temperature control assembly.

[0040] Each temperature control device forms a temperature control region. Each temperature control region extends circumferentially around and / or longitudinally along the flow path. The discharge device includes at least one temperature control region, preferably a plurality of temperature control regions. The temperature control regions are particularly formed continuously longitudinally along the flow path. The temperature control device or the associated temperature control region can be operated manually independently and / or in the same way. Preferably, the temperature control regions are assigned to at least one housing part, preferably each housing part, and / or to at least one housing insert, preferably each housing insert. The length L T of the temperature control region in the longitudinal direction is in particular the length L A of the housing part and / or the length L E of the housing insert and / or a multiple of the length L A and / or the length L EIt matches a multiple of . Preferably, the temperature control region is formed by just one housing portion and / or just one housing insert.

[0041] Preferably, at least one fluid passage is formed in each housing component. The fluid passages of the housing components that collectively surround the flow path in the circumferential direction preferably form a temperature control region and are connected together to the associated temperature control assembly.

[0042] A discharge device according to claim 13 ensures simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of food compositions. The discharge device allows for a modular configuration of the flow path. For this purpose, the housing includes at least two housing components arranged longitudinally and interconnected. Each housing component includes at least two housing components defining a portion of the receiving chamber in the radial direction. Each housing component is assigned to at least one housing insert, preferably just one housing insert, positioned in the portion of the receiving chamber. Thus, the length L of each housing insert E The length of the housing portion is L A Matches. Housing length L A These may be the same and / or different. Therefore, the length L of the housing insert E These may be the same and / or different. Housing inserts arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction may be the same and / or different. Ultimately, the texture and / or processing volume of the food composition can be affected as desired.

[0043] A further object of the present invention is to provide a system that enables the simple, flexible, reliable, and economical production of food compositions, particularly meat substitute compositions.

[0044] This objective is achieved by a system having the features of claim 14. The processing device prepares a food composition that is then texturized and discharged by a discharge device. The processing device is connected to the discharge device for this purpose.

[0045] Preferably, the processing apparatus includes a multi-screw machine for continuously processing a food composition (Z). The multi-screw machine includes a housing formed with at least two intersecting housing holes. Processing element axes are positioned in each of the at least two housing holes. Thus, the multi-screw machine has at least two processing element axes. The at least two processing element axes are, in particular, rotatable or rotatable in the same direction. The multi-screw machine is configured as a twin-screw machine, particularly preferably having processing element axes that rotate in the same direction.

[0046] Preferably, the processing device is connected to the inlet line of the discharge device. The inlet line forms an inlet conduit connected to the outlet opening of the processing device. The inlet conduit has an inlet direction parallel to the longitudinal direction. The geometric dimensions of the inlet conduit affect the texturing of the food composition.

[0047] A further object of the present invention is to create a method that enables simple, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of food compositions, particularly meat substitute compositions. The method is intended to enable the simple, flexible, reliable, and economical disposal or production of food compositions having different recipes and / or textures and / or serving sizes.

[0048] This objective is achieved by a method having the features of claim 15. The advantages of the method according to the present invention are the advantages described above for the discharge apparatus according to the present invention for texturing food compositions and the system according to the present invention for producing food compositions. The method according to the present invention may be developed by at least one feature described in relation to the discharge apparatus and / or system according to the present invention. Correspondingly, the discharge apparatus and / or system according to the present invention may be developed by at least one feature described in relation to the method according to the present invention.

[0049] Preferably, the discharge device includes at least one first housing insert forming a first flow path and at least one second housing insert forming a second flow path. The first and second flow paths are configured particularly differently. Since the housing includes at least two housing components that are detachably connected, at least one first housing insert can be removed from the receiving chamber and replaced with at least one second housing insert. Ultimately, the shear and / or flow resistance acting on the flow path can be easily influenced. This enables the simple, flexible, reliable, and economical production of food compositions having different recipes, textures, and / or yields. In particular, for a desired food composition having a specific recipe, texture, and / or yield, the appropriate flow path can be easily, flexibly, reliably, and economically determined and reproduced.

[0050] Further features, advantages, and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of several exemplary embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a food composition manufacturing facility, which includes a processing apparatus for continuously processing a food composition and a discharge apparatus for texturing a food composition, according to a first exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a plan view of the system. [Figure 3] This is a diagram of the end of the system in Figure 1 at the outlet end. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the system along the cutting line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a side view of the system. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the system along the cutting line VI-VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the system, with the housing of the discharge device in the open position. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a side view of the system. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the system along the cutting line IX-IX in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge device according to the second exemplary embodiment in the end wall region, corresponding to Figure 4. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the discharge device along the cutting line XI-XI in Figure 10. [Figure 12] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the discharge device according to the third exemplary embodiment in the end wall region, corresponding to Figure 4. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of the discharge device along the cutting line XIII-XIII in Figure 12. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9. A system 1 for producing a food composition comprises a processing apparatus 2 and a discharge apparatus 3. The food composition provides nutrients for humans and / or animals. The food composition is composed as a meat substitute composition Z. For example, the meat substitute composition Z does not contain animal components, and in particular does not contain animal fat or animal protein. In particular, the meat substitute composition Z contains plant protein and plant fat. The meat substitute composition Z is, for example, HMMA (High Moisture Meat Substitute).

[0053] Processing apparatus 2 is for continuously processing (processing) meat substitute composition Z. Processing apparatus 2 includes a multi-screw machine 4. Various raw materials for meat substitute composition Z are supplied to the multi-screw machine 4, mixed together, and processed within the multi-screw machine 4.

[0054] The multi-screw machine 4 is configured as a co-rotating twin-screw machine. The multi-screw machine 4 includes a housing 5 in which two intersecting housing holes 6,6' are formed. The multi-screw machine 4 has two processing element shafts 7,7' located in the associated housing holes 6,6'. The processing element shafts 7,7' are rotatable or rotatably driven in the same direction of rotation within the housing holes 6,6'. The housing 5 consists of a plurality of interconnected housing sections 8 arranged in a continuous manner. The last housing section 8 is closed by an outlet plate 9. The outlet plate 9 is for discharging the processed meat substitute composition Z from the multi-screw machine 4. For this purpose, the outlet plate 9 has an outlet opening 10.

[0055] Discharge device 3 is for texturing the meat substitute composition Z. Discharge device 3 includes a housing G modularly composed of two housing portions G1 and G2. Housing portions G1 and G2 are arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction x and are interconnected. For connection, housing portions G1 and G2 are screw-fastened together at flanges. Housing portions G1 and G2 define a longitudinal axis X parallel to the longitudinal direction x.

[0056] Housing section G1 consists of two housing components g 11 and g 12 Includes housing component g 11 and g 12 It is composed as a housing half or housing half shell. Housing component g 11 and g 12 It has a U-shape in cross-section. Housing part g 11 and g 12Both define a portion A1 of the receptor chamber A in the radial direction R. The radial direction R is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0057] Housing part g 11 and g 12 These are interconnected on the first side by a hinge 11. The hinge 11 forms a pivot axis 12 parallel to the longitudinal direction x. On the first side and the second side opposite in the lateral direction y, housing component g 11 and g 12 Each has multiple U-shaped grooves 13. Housing part g 11 and g 12 The grooves 13 extend in the vertical direction z and are aligned with each other in pairs. The longitudinal direction x, transverse direction y, and vertical direction z are perpendicular to each other in pairs, forming a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0058] Housing part g 11 and g 12 To fasten them together, the discharge device 3 includes a plurality of fastening devices 14, each assigned to a pair of grooves 13. Each fastening device 14 is attached to the lower housing component g 12 Each fastening device 14 includes a screw bolt 15 rotatably fastened to the associated groove 13. Each fastening device 14 further includes a nut 16 positioned on the associated screw bolt 15. Housing component g 11 and g 12 When connected, the associated screw bolt 15 is attached to the upper housing component g 11 Guided through groove 13, the corresponding nut 16 is attached to housing part g 11 It is tightened against the stopper 17 formed by it.

[0059] Housing part g 11 and g 12 To manually rotate the upper housing component g around the pivot axis 12 relative to each other, the discharge device 3 is located in the upper housing component g 11 It includes multiple handles 18 positioned on the second side, in other words, on the opposite side of the hinge 11.

[0060] Housing portion G2 is configured similarly to housing portion G1. Housing portion G2 consists of two housing components g that together define portion A2 of the receiving chamber A in the radial direction R. 21 and g 22 Includes housing portion G1 and housing component g. 11 and g 12 The description relating to housing part G2 and housing component g 21 and g 22 This corresponds to the following: Housing sections G1 and G2 are removably interconnected via flanges.

[0061] The housing insert E1 is positioned in the receiving chamber A1. Therefore, the housing insert E1 is positioned in the housing component g 11 and g 12 It is positioned between the two housing insert parts e. 11 and e 12 Includes housing insert part e. 11 and e 12 It is configured as a housing insert half or housing insert half shell. Housing insert part e 11 and e 12 Its cross-section is U-shaped. Housing insert part e 11 is housing part g 11 On the other hand, housing insert part e 12 is housing part g 12 It is connected to housing component g. 11 and g 12 The housing insert part e is associated with screw 19. 11 and e 12 Connected.

[0062] The housing insert E2 is positioned in portion A2 of the receiving chamber A. Therefore, the housing insert E2 is positioned within the housing component g. 21 and g 22 It is positioned between the two housing insert parts e. 21 and e22 includes the housing insert part e 21 and e 22 is configured as a housing insert half body or a housing insert half shell. The housing insert part e 21 and e 22 has a U-shaped cross section. The housing insert part e 21 is connected to the housing part g 21 while the housing insert part e 22 is connected to the housing part g 22 as well. Also, the screw 19 is used for connection.

[0063] The housing insert part e 11 and e 12 as well as the housing insert part e 21 and e 22 define the flow path 20 in pairs. The flow path 20 extends from the supply opening 21 to the discharge opening 22 in the longitudinal direction x. The supply opening 21 is formed by the housing insert part e 11 and e 12 while the discharge opening 22 is formed by the housing insert part e 21 and e 22 as well.

[0064] When the housing parts G1 and G2 are closed, the housing inserts E1 and E2 are positioned relative to each other in the longitudinal direction x. The housing parts G1 and G2 have a length L A in the longitudinal direction x. Correspondingly, the housing inserts E1 and E2 have a length L E in the longitudinal direction x. L A = L E is true.

[0065] The flow path 20 has a groove shape (slot shape) in cross section. The flow path 20 has a basic rectangular shape. The corners of the basic rectangular shape are rounded.

[0066] The flow path 20 has a length L in the longitudinal direction x, a width B in the transverse direction y, and a height H in the vertical direction z.

[0067] In particular: 200 mm ≤ L ≤ 5000 mm, particularly 300 mm ≤ L ≤ 4000 mm, particularly 400 mm ≤ L ≤ 3000 mm, particularly 500 mm ≤ L ≤ 2500 mm, particularly 600 mm ≤ L ≤ 2000 mm, and particularly 700 mm ≤ L ≤ 1500 mm, and / or 10 mm ≤ B ≤ 1000 mm, particularly 20 mm ≤ B ≤ 750 mm, particularly 50 mm ≤ B ≤ 500 mm, and particularly 100 mm ≤ B ≤ 250 mm, and / or 2 mm ≤ H ≤ 50 mm, particularly 3 mm ≤ H ≤ 25 mm, and particularly 4 mm ≤ H ≤ 10 mm.

[0068] The discharge device 3 includes a temperature control device T1 for controlling the temperature of the housing part G1 and a temperature control device T2 for controlling the temperature of the housing part G2. The temperature control devices T1 and T2 control the temperature of the housing parts G1 and G2, and thus the meat substitute composition Z located in the flow path 20.

[0069] The temperature control device T1 includes a temperature control assembly 23, a supply line 24, fluid channels t 11 and t 12 and a discharge line 25. The temperature control assembly 23 is similarly connected to the supply line 24 connected to the fluid channels t 11 and t 12 The fluid channel t 11 is formed in the housing part g 11 whereas the fluid channel t 12 is formed in the housing part g 12 The supply line 24 has a Y shape for connecting to the fluid channels t 11 and t 12 The fluid channels t 11 and t 12It is further connected to a discharge line 25, which is similarly connected to the temperature control assembly 23. For this purpose, the discharge line 25 has a Y shape. The supply line 24 is connected to the first end of the housing portion G1 in the longitudinal direction x, while the discharge line 25 is connected to the second end of the housing portion G1. In the end, the entire housing portion G1 and the entire housing insert E1 form a temperature control region. The temperature control region has a length L in the longitudinal direction x. T It has L T =L A That is the case.

[0070] The temperature control device T2 includes a temperature control assembly 26, a supply line 27, and a fluid path t 21 and t 22 and discharge line 28. The temperature control assembly 26 also includes fluid path t 21 and t 22 It is connected to supply line 27 which is connected to the fluid path t. 21 is housing part g 21 In contrast to being formed inside, the fluid path t 22 is housing part g 22 It is formed inside. The supply line 27 is a fluid path t 21 and t 22 It has a Y shape for connecting to the fluid path t. 21 and t 22 It is further connected to a discharge line 28, which is similarly connected to the temperature control assembly 26. For this purpose, the discharge line 28 has a Y shape. The supply line 27 is connected to the first end of the housing portion G2 in the longitudinal direction x, while the discharge line 28 is connected to the second end of the housing portion G2. In the end, the entire housing portion G2 and the entire housing insert E2 form a temperature control region. The temperature control region has a length L in the longitudinal direction x. T It has L T =L A That is the case.

[0071] Temperature control devices T1 and T2 are shown in Figure 4, and temperature control assemblies 23 and 26 are shown only schematically. Temperature control assemblies 23 and 26 control the temperature of the temperature control fluid F, and the temperature control fluid F is supplied to supply line 24 and fluid path t, respectively. 11 ,t 12 and through discharge line 25, and supply line 27, fluid path t 21 ,t 22 and are transported through the discharge line 28. The temperature of each temperature-controlled fluid F T T However, it can be set by the associated temperature control assemblies 23, 26. Temperature T T This is the outlet temperature of the associated temperature-controlled fluid F from the associated temperature-controlled assemblies 23 and 26.

[0072] Generally: -20℃≦T T ≤140℃, especially -10℃ ≤T T ≤110℃, especially 0℃ ≤T T ≤100℃, and especially 5℃ ≤T T The temperature is ≤95℃. T These may be the same and / or different in each temperature control region.

[0073] The discharge device 3 further comprises a flange 29, an inlet line 30, and an end wall 31. The inlet line 30 is connected to the multi-screw machine 4 via the flange 29 and to the housing portion G1 via the end wall 31. The flange 29, the inlet line 30, and the end wall 31 form an inlet conduit 32 that connects the outlet opening 10 to the supply opening 21. A measuring sensor 33 is positioned in the inlet line 30 to measure the temperature of the meat substitute composition Z in the inlet conduit 32.

[0074] The end wall 31 is formed of two parts, including a first end wall portion 34 and a second end wall portion 35. The first end wall portion 34 is housing part g 11 While connected to the second end wall portion 35, the second housing component g 12The second end wall portion 35 is connected to the inlet line 30 and includes a hole 36 that forms part of the inlet conduit 32.

[0075] The first end wall portion 34 forms a first inclined surface 37 on the side facing the second end wall portion 35. Correspondingly, the second end wall portion 35 forms a second inclined surface 38 on the side facing the first end wall portion 34. When the housing portion G1 is closed, the inclined surfaces 37 and 38 are positioned relative to each other, forming a seal. The first end wall portion 34 is connected to the housing portion g 11 While it is rotatable around the pivot axis 12, when the housing portion G1 is opened, the second end wall portion 35 is the housing component g 12 It remains fixed in place.

[0076] In the flow path 20, multiple texturing tools 39 are arranged to influence the texture of the meat substitute composition Z. Each texturing tool 39 is configured, for example, as a pin, web, or aperture. The texturing tools 39 are located in the housing component g 11 ,g 12 ,g 21 ,g 22 It has been concluded.

[0077] The discharge device 3 further comprises a cutting tool 40. The cutting tool 40 is positioned downstream from the housing portion G1 in the longitudinal direction x. The cutting tool 40 includes a discharge plate 41 on which a linear guide 42 is formed. A cutting edge 43 is positioned on the linear guide 42 and is movable along the linear guide 42 in the lateral direction y. For manual operation, a handle 44 is connected to the cutting edge 43. The cutting tool 40 can be operated, for example, manually and / or automatically by a drive unit.

[0078] The discharge device 3 includes a support frame 45 and a plurality of rollers 46 arranged on the support frame 45. The support frame 45 is a housing component g 12 It is connected to the housing part g. Correspondingly, the discharge device 3 includes a support frame 47 and a plurality of rollers 48 connected to the support frame 47. The support frame 47 is connected to the housing part g22 Connected.

[0079] Housing part g 11 and g 12 To assist in rotating the discharge device 3, the discharge device 3 includes a plurality of piston-cylinder devices 49, which are connected to support frames 45, 47 and to their respective hinges 11 via levers 50.

[0080] For control purposes, System 1 includes a control device 51. The control device 51 controls the processing device 2 and / or the discharge device 3. For this purpose, the control device 51 is signal-connected to the processing device 2 and / or the discharge device 3.

[0081] The operating modes for System 1 are described below:

[0082] The operating state of System 1 is shown in Figures 1-6. The discharge device 3 is connected to the processing device 2. Housing portions G1 and G2 are closed and pressed against each other by the clamping device 14. Housing inserts E1 and E2 are positioned in portions A1 and A2 of the receiving chamber A. Housing insert component e 11 and e 12 and housing insert part e 21 and e 22 These are pressed against each other and sealed by the clamping device 14. The inclined surfaces 37 and 38 of the end wall portions 34 and 35, which are pressed against each other and bite into each other, seal the flow path 20 at the supply opening 21.

[0083] The raw materials for the meat substitute composition Z are supplied to a multi-screw machine 4. In the housing holes 6, 6', the raw materials are mixed and homogenized together by the processing element shafts 7, 7'. The processed meat substitute composition Z is then transported through the outlet opening 10. At the outlet opening 10, the processed meat substitute composition Z has a temperature of, for example, 120°C to 150°C.

[0084] In the discharge device 3, the meat substitute composition Z is temperature-controlled, and in particular cooled, and textured so that it has a texture, appearance, and taste similar to meat when it is discharged from the discharge device 3.

[0085] For this purpose, the meat substitute composition Z flows from the outlet opening 10 through the inlet conduit 32 to the supply opening 21. In the inlet conduit 32, the temperature of the meat substitute composition Z is measured by a measuring sensor 33, thereby allowing the temperature control performance, in particular the cooling performance, and the temperature control profile in the longitudinal x direction, in particular the cooling profile, to be set as desired.

[0086] The meat substitute composition Z flows through the supply opening 21 into the flow path 20. As a result of the conveying operation of the multi-screw machine 4, the meat substitute composition Z is pushed through the flow path 20 in the longitudinal direction x. The shear acting in the flow path 20 affects the texture of the meat substitute composition Z. The shear and the resulting texture depend on the geometric dimensions of the flow path 20 and / or the texturing tool 39 and / or the recipe of the meat substitute composition Z and / or the temperature control performance in the temperature control area, in particular the cooling performance and / or the temperature control profile, in particular the cooling profile. In the flow path 20, the meat substitute composition Z is temperature-controlled, in particular, cooled by temperature control devices T1 and T2. The temperature control devices T1 and T2 can be operated uniformly and / or differently. The texturing tool 39 further affects the texturing of the meat substitute composition Z in the flow path 20.

[0087] The cooled and textured meat substitute composition Z is discharged from the flow path 20 through the discharge opening 22. The meat substitute composition Z can be cut into pieces or fragments of desired length by the cutting tool 40. For this purpose, the cutting blade 43 is moved manually along the lateral direction y using the handle 44. In this way, the ribbon-shaped meat substitute composition Z is cut by the cutting blade 43. The resulting fragments can be conveyed by a conveyor device for further processing and / or packaging.

[0088] Figures 7-9 show the housing G in the open state. The open state can be used to clean the housing inserts E1 and E2 and / or to replace them with different housing inserts E1' and E2'.

[0089] To open it, the nut 16 of the fastening device 14 is loosened, and the screw bolt 15 is opened to the housing component g 11 and g 21 It is moved out of groove 13. Next, housing part g 11 and g 21 It can be rotated around the pivot axis 12 using the handle 18. The rotation results in an opening angle α, for example, α ≥ 60°. The rotation is assisted by the piston-cylinder device 49. Housing component g 11 By rotating this part, the first end wall portion 34 is rotated, thereby opening the receiving chamber A and making it accessible.

[0090] Now, housing inserts E1 and E2 can be replaced with housing inserts E1' and E2' which are configured differently from housing inserts E1 and E2. For this purpose, the first housing insert part e 11 ,e 12 ,e 21 ,e 22 However, first, the relevant housing part g 11 ,g 12 ,g 21 ,g 22 It is removed from and taken out of the receiving chamber A. Next, the second housing insert part e 11 ',e 12 ',e 21 ',e 22 'However, related housing parts g 11 ,g 12 ,g 21 ,g 22 It is fastened and placed in receiving chamber A. Housing insert part e 11 'and e 12 Housing insert E1 having ' and housing insert part e 21 'and e 22Housing inserts E2' having ' are shown in Figures 7-9. Housing inserts E1' and E2' form a second channel 20' which is different from the first channel 20.

[0091] Unlike the first housing inserts E1 and E2, the second housing inserts E1' and E2' form a channel 20' that, for example, does not have a texturing tool and / or has different geometric dimensions.

[0092] Next, the receiving chamber A is closed again. For this purpose, housing component g 11 and g 21 It is rotated around the pivot axis 12 using the handle 18 and then returned to its original position. Housing part g 11 and g 21 The weight of the housing component g assists in rotation. In the closed position, the housing component g 11 ,g 12 and housing part g 21 ,g 22 These are pressed against each other by the tightening device 14. For this purpose, the screw bolt 15 is attached to the housing component g 11 and g 21 The housing component g is positioned in the associated groove 13, and the nut 16 is tightened onto the associated stopper 17. 11 and g 12 By closing and pressing them together, the inclined surfaces 37 and 38 are pressed against each other and bite into each other, thereby sealing the flow path 20' again at the supply opening 21.

[0093] The discharge device 3 is now operational again. By replacing the first housing inserts E1 and E2 with the second housing inserts E1' and E2', the first flow path 20 formed within the housing inserts E1 and E2 is replaced by the second flow path 20' formed within the housing inserts E1' and E2'. The second flow path 20' creates a different texture than the first flow path 20.

[0094] Since the flow path 20 can be easily, quickly, and flexibly changed, food compositions, particularly meat substitute compositions Z, having different recipes and / or different textures and / or different processing volumes can be discharged. The discharge process is particularly reproducible so that the discharge device 3 allows for easy, flexible, reliable, and economical texturing of food compositions, particularly meat substitute compositions Z. The discharge device 3 may be used particularly for laboratory purposes.

[0095] The flow path 20 can, in particular, adjust the flow resistance of the discharge device 3. Therefore, on the one hand, the shear and / or fiber orientation of the food composition in the flow path 20 may be affected, and on the other hand, the pressure of the food composition in the region of the supply opening 21 and / or the region of the outlet opening 10 of the processing device 2 may be affected. The higher the pressure of the food composition in the supply opening 21 and / or the outlet opening 10 of the processing device 2, the longer the residence time in the processing device 2. Therefore, the pressure may affect the residence time and / or processing quality of the food composition in the processing device 2.

[0096] A second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Unlike the prior exemplary embodiment, the end wall 31 includes an end wall insert 52 in addition to the first end wall portion 34 and the second end wall portion 35. The end wall insert 52 is positioned in the recess 53 of the first end wall portion 34 and in the housing component g 11 and g 12 When closed, it is fixed between the first end wall portion 34 and the second end wall portion 35. Unlike the preceding exemplary embodiment, the first inclined surface 37 is formed on the end wall insert 52. Housing component g 11 and g 12 When closed, the first inclined surface 37 is positioned relative to the second inclined surface 38 formed on the second end wall portion 35.

[0097] The inlet line 30 is fastened to the first end wall portion 34. The hole 36 in the end wall 31 is formed in the first end wall portion 34 and the end wall insert 52. In this way, the inlet line 30, the first end wall portion 34 and the end wall insert 52 form the inlet conduit 32.

[0098] The end wall insert 52 is interchangeably positioned in the recess 53. The hole 36 in the end wall insert 52 has an elliptical cross-section. The hole 36 in the end wall insert 52 is conical in the longitudinal direction x. Therefore, the geometric dimensions of the hole 36 decrease in the longitudinal direction x. Thus, shear acting on the meat substitute composition Z, and thereby its texture, may be affected. For the rest of the structure and operating modes of System 1, please refer to the preceding exemplary embodiments.

[0099] A third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Unlike the second exemplary embodiment, a plurality of texturing tools 39 are positioned in the holes 36 of the end wall insert 52. The texturing tools 39 are configured as wedge-shaped ribs parallel to the vertical z direction. The texturing tools 39 affect the flow direction and / or flow distribution of the meat substitute composition Z. This similarly affects the texture. For the rest of the structure and operating modes of System 1, please refer to the preceding exemplary embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 2 Processing Unit 3 Discharge device 11 Hinge 14. Tightening device 30 Entrance Line 31 End wall 52 Inserts 20 flow channels 21 Supply opening 22 Discharge opening 39 Texturing Tools A Reception Room e 11 ,e 12 ,e 21 ,e 22 Housing insert parts E1, E2 Housing Inserts g 11 ,g 12 ,g 21 ,g 22 Housing parts G Housing T1, T2 temperature control devices

Claims

1. A discharge device for texturing food compositions, particularly meat substitute compositions, - Housing (G), - A channel (20) for texturing the food composition (Z), - A supply opening (21) for supplying the food composition (Z) to the flow path (20), and - The device includes a discharge opening (22) for discharging the food composition (Z) from the flow path (20), The housing (G) comprises at least two housing components (g) that define the receiving chamber (A). １１ , g １２ , g ２１ , g ２２ ) has, At least one housing insert (E １ , E ２ ) is placed in the receiving chamber (A), and The flow path (20) is connected to the at least one housing insert (E １ , E ２ ) is formed in A discharge device characterized by the following features.

2. The at least two housing parts (g １１ , g １２ , g ２１ , g ２２ ) are pivotally interconnected by at least one hinge (11). The discharge device according to feature 1.

3. The housing (G) comprises the at least two housing components (g １１ , g １２ , g ２１ , g ２２ Includes at least one clamping device (14) for pressing together ), The discharge device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The end wall (31) is connected to the at least two housing components (g １２ It is located in one of the ) and connected to the entrance line (30), The discharge device according to at least one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The housing (G) has an end wall (31) for connecting to an inlet line (30), and the end wall (31) includes an end wall insert (52). A discharge device according to at least one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The flow path (20) is groove-shaped. The discharge device according to at least one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The flow path (20) has a width B, where: 10 mm ≤ B ≤ 1000 mm, in particular 20 mm ≤ B ≤ 750 mm, in particular 50 mm ≤ B ≤ 500 mm, and in particular 100 mm ≤ B ≤ 250 mm. The discharge device according to at least one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The flow path (20) has a height H, where: 2 mm ≤ H ≤ 50 mm, especially 3 mm ≤ H ≤ 25 mm, and especially 4 mm ≤ H ≤ 10 mm. The discharge device according to at least one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The flow path (20) has a length L, where: 200 mm ≤ L ≤ 5000 mm, especially 300 mm ≤ L ≤ 4000 mm, especially 400 mm ≤ L ≤ 3000 mm, especially 500 mm ≤ L ≤ 2500 mm, especially 600 mm ≤ L ≤ 2000 mm, and especially 700 mm ≤ L ≤ 1500 mm. The discharge device according to at least one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The at least one housing insert (E １ , E ２ ) has at least two housing insert parts (e １１ , e １２ , e ２１ , e ２２ ) including, The discharge device according to at least one of claims 1 to 9.

11. At least one texturing tool (39) modifies the at least one housing insert (E １ , E ２ ) and / or positioned on the end wall (31), The discharge device according to at least one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The flow path (20) contains at least one temperature control device (T) for temperature control of the food composition (Z). １ , T ２ ) has The discharge device according to at least one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The housing (G) comprises at least two interconnected housing portions (G １ , G ２ ) including, Each housing part (G １ , G ２ ) is the portion of the receiving chamber (A) (A １ , A ２ At least two housing components (g) that define ) １１ , g １２ , g ２１ , g ２２ ) including, Each housing part (G １ , G ２ ) is the portion of the receiving chamber (A) (A １ , A ２ At least one housing insert (E) is positioned in １ , E ２ ) is assigned to, The discharge device according to at least one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Equipment for manufacturing food compositions, particularly meat substitute compositions, - Apparatus (2) for continuously processing the food composition (Z), and - Discharge device (3) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, Equipment equipped with the following features.

15. A method for texturing food compositions, particularly meat substitute compositions, - Prepare a discharge device (3) for texturing the food composition (Z), The discharge device (3) is, -- At least two housing components (g) that define the receiving chamber (A) １１ , g １２ , g ２１ , g ２２ Housing (G) having -- At least one first housing insert (E) is placed in the receiving chamber (A) １ , E ２ ), -- The at least one housing insert (E １ , E ２ A first channel (20) formed in the food composition (Z) for texturing the food composition (Z), -- A supply opening (21) for supplying the food composition (Z) to the first channel (20), and -- The device is equipped with a discharge opening (22) for discharging the food composition (Z) from the first flow path (20), - Texturize the food composition (Z) in the first channel (20), - From the receiving chamber (A) to the at least one first housing insert (E １ , E ２ Remove the ) - At least one second housing insert (E １ ', E ２ The ') is placed in the receiving chamber (A), where the second flow path (20') is connected to the at least one second housing insert (E １ ', E ２ It is formed in '), and - Texturing the food composition (Z) in the second channel (20'), A method that includes steps.

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