Food dough pressing device

Abstract

A pressing device (2) includes: pressing units (11) that are disposed above a conveying surface (3K) of a conveying device (3); and a moving mechanism (12) that moves the pressing units (11) in a conveying direction (X) of the conveying device (3). Each of the pressing units (11) includes a pressing member (11A) that can be moved so as to approach the conveying surface (3K) and so as to move away therefrom. The pressing members (11A) are configured so as to approach the conveying surface (3K) and continuously press two end sections of ring-shaped food dough (D) while the pressing units (11) are moving in the conveying direction (X) together with the ring-shaped food dough (D).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for shaping food dough, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for forming a rod-shaped food dough into a ring shape by overlapping both ends of the food dough, and then pressing and adhering the overlapped portions of the food dough. [Background technology]

[0002] Various methods and devices have been proposed for pressing the overlapped portion of a rod-shaped food dough formed into a ring shape by overlapping both ends of the dough.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for forming rod-shaped croissant dough into a U-shape and then shaping it into a ring shape so that both legs are the same length. This apparatus includes a first width-aligning guide that moves a first end of a U-shaped croissant dough piece being transported on a conveyor toward the center of the U, a plate that inserts it under the second end of the croissant dough piece and then moves it upward, a second width-aligning guide that moves the second end that has been moved upward toward the center of the U, and a pusher that presses downward on the first and second ends that have been moved toward the center of the U to tightly contact each other.

[0004] Patent Documents 2 to 4 disclose devices for folding croissant dough, overlapping the tip of the dough, and pressing it with a pusher to form it into a ring shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-070821 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2625958 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 0490190 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 335214 [Patent Document 5] European Patent Application Publication No. 2944197 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the devices described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, the overlapping portion where both ends of the rod-shaped food dough are overlapped is pressed with a pusher for a short time, so the overlapping portion may peel off during transportation, causing the shape to be distorted, which may reduce the product value.In addition, since the device for forming the rod-shaped food dough into a ring shape is equipped with a pusher, productivity may be low.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for pressing and further adhering the overlapped portions of a rod-shaped food dough formed by overlapping both ends of the food dough into a ring shape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The method for shaping food dough according to the present invention involves overlapping both ends of a rod-shaped food dough to form a ring shape, transporting the food dough using a conveying device, and bonding the ends together by pressing the ends against the conveying surface of the conveying device while a pressing member moves in the conveying direction of the conveying device.

[0009] Preferably, the pressing member moves on a circular path that includes a path that moves in the transport direction.

[0010] The orbit is preferably an elliptical orbit.

[0011] Preferably, the pressing member moving on the circular track is aligned with the moving position of the food dough conveyed by the conveying device.

[0012] Preferably, compressed air is ejected from the tip of the pressing member when the pressing member moves away from the food dough.

[0013] The annular food dough may be formed by forming the rod-shaped food dough into a U-shape and then bringing both ends of the rod-shaped food dough together and overlapping them, or by curving the rod-shaped food dough and bringing both ends of the rod-shaped food dough together and overlapping them.

[0014] In addition, the food dough shaping device according to the present invention includes a conveying device that conveys the food dough, which has been formed into a ring shape by overlapping both ends of a rod-shaped food dough, and a pressing device that is arranged above the conveying device, and the pressing device includes a pressing member for pressing the end of the ring-shaped food dough, and a moving mechanism that moves the pressing member in the conveying direction of the conveying device and moves it toward and away from the conveying surface of the conveying device.

[0015] The moving mechanism preferably includes an endless belt that moves the pressing member in the transport direction.

[0016] Preferably, a plurality of the pressing members are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of the endless belt.

[0017] The moving mechanism preferably rotates the endless belt endlessly in a fixed direction to move the pressing member along a circular path, and moves the pressing member in the conveying direction in a section where the pressing member faces the conveying surface.

[0018] The orbit is preferably an elliptical orbit.

[0019] The pressing device preferably includes a pressing unit, which includes the pressing member, a base member into which the pressing member is fitted so as to be freely slidable in the axial direction, a biasing member that biases the pressing member in the axial direction, an axis perpendicular to the axial direction of the pressing member, and a guide roller rotatably supported on the axis.

[0020] The pressing device preferably includes a guide member that guides the guide roller, and the guide member guides the pressing member to move toward and away from the conveying surface within a section where the pressing member faces the conveying surface.

[0021] Preferably, the guide member is adjustable in vertical position relative to the conveying surface.

[0022] The forming device preferably includes a first sensor that detects the food dough being transported and a second sensor that detects the moving pressing member, and a control device that controls the moving position of the pressing member to match the food dough being transported by the transport device based on the detection signal of the first sensor and the detection signal of the second sensor.

[0023] The pressing member preferably has a nozzle at its tip for ejecting compressed air.

[0024] The forming device further includes, upstream of the pressing device, a U-shaped forming device that forms the rod-shaped food dough into a U-shape, and a ring-shaped forming device that brings both ends of the U-shaped food dough together and overlaps them to form it into a ring shape.

[0025] The forming device also includes a ring-forming device upstream of the pressing device that forms the rod-shaped food dough into a ring by bending the rod-shaped food dough and bringing both ends of the rod-shaped food dough together and overlapping them.

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to press and reliably bond the overlapped portions of a rod-shaped food dough formed by overlapping both ends of the dough into a ring shape, thereby increasing the productivity of the ring-shaped food dough. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of a molding apparatus including a pressing device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic plan view of a molding apparatus including a pressing device according to the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic front view of a pressing unit of a pressing device according to the present invention; [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic side view of a pressing unit of a pressing device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic front view of a pressing device according to the present invention; [Figure 6] 1A-1C illustrate one step of an annular forming device used with a pressing device according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 1A-1C illustrate one step of an annular forming device used with a pressing device according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 1A-1C illustrate one step of an annular forming device used with a pressing device according to the present invention. [Figure 9] 1A-1C illustrate one step of an annular forming device used with a pressing device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] An embodiment of a molding apparatus 1 including a pressing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the following description, detailed description of known configurations will be omitted.

[0029] The forming device 1 is configured to overlap both ends of rod-shaped food dough D to form a ring shape, and then press and adhere the overlapping portions DS of the food dough D. The food dough D described in this example is croissant dough that has been rolled up and formed into a rod shape.

[0030] 1 and 2, the forming device 1 includes a conveying device 3, a U-shaped forming device 4, an annular forming device 5, a pressing device 2, and a control device 9 (shown only in FIG. 2). The U-shaped forming device 4, the annular forming device 5, and the pressing device 2 are arranged above the conveying device 3, in that order from the upstream side in the conveying direction X. The combination of the U-shaped forming device 4 and the annular forming device 5 is an example of an apparatus for forming food dough D, which has been formed into a rod shape, into an annular shape.

[0031] The conveying device 3 is configured to convey the food dough D in a conveying direction X and includes a conveyor 3A, which in turn includes a conveyor belt 3E. The conveyor belt 3E has a conveying surface 3K on its upper surface and is configured to be driven in the conveying direction X by a driving mechanism (not shown).

[0032] The U-shape forming device 4 is a technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Schematically, the U-shape forming device 4 includes a center pin device 4A (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and a side belt device 4B (see FIG. 2).

[0033] The center pin device 4A includes a dough detection sensor 4C, a center pin 4D, a timing belt 4E, a center pin moving mechanism 4F, a center pin detection sensor 4G, and a control motor M2, and is configured to push the longitudinal center of the rod-shaped food dough D with the center pin 4D to send the food dough D to the side belt device 4B. The side belt device 4B includes two side belts 4H, two dough detection sensors 4K (first sensors), and two control motors M3, and is configured to form the food dough D sent from the center pin device 4A into a U-shape between the two side belt devices 4B. The two dough detection sensors 4K are used to measure the lengths of both legs of the U-shaped food dough D. The dough detection sensor 4K (first sensor) is also used to align the food dough D and the pressing unit 11 in the conveyance direction.

[0034] The annular forming device 5 includes a first width-adjusting device 5A that moves a first end D1 of the food dough D to the widthwise center, and a second width-adjusting device 5B that moves a second end D2 to the widthwise center.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 to 9, the first width-shifting device 5A includes a first width-shifting guide 5C extending in the longitudinal direction (conveying direction X), an air cylinder 5F that drives the first width-shifting guide 5C to reciprocate in a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction X, an air cylinder 5G attached to the first width-shifting guide 5C via a bracket, and a first tip bending member 5D attached to the rod of the air cylinder 5G. The air cylinder 5G drives the first tip bending member 5D to reciprocate in a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction X. The first width-shifting guide 5C includes a fabric pressing unit 5S that is disposed at one end in the longitudinal direction and protrudes toward the center in the width direction so as to be positioned above the first end D1, a lower surface, and a plate 5E attached to the lower surface. The fabric pressing unit 5S is used to press the first end D1 to prevent it from floating upward when the first end D1 is moved to the center in the width direction.

[0036] The second width-shifting device 5B includes a second width-shifting guide 5H extending in the longitudinal direction (conveying direction X), an air cylinder 5M that drives the second width-shifting guide 5H to reciprocate in a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction X, an air cylinder 5N, and a second tip bending member 5K and air cylinder 5P attached to the air cylinder 5N so as to reciprocate in the direction (width direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction X. The second width-shifting guide 5H includes a lower surface, a plate 5L attached to the lower surface, and a plate 5R that can slide up and down. The plate 5R is biased vertically upward by a biasing member. The second tip bending member 5K has a lower end that abuts against the plate 5R and is configured to move up and down by the air cylinder 5P. As a result, when the second tip bending member 5K is lowered by the pushing action of the air cylinder 5P, it presses the plate 5R downward.

[0037] The pressing device 2 includes a plurality of pressing units 11 and a moving mechanism 12 .

[0038] The pressing unit 11 includes a pressing member 11A, a base member 11B, a biasing member 11C, and two guide rollers 11D.

[0039] The pressing member 11A includes a cylindrical rod 11E having a hollow portion and extending in the vertical direction, and a cylindrical tip member 11F formed at the tip of the rod 11E. The tip member 11F has a pressing surface 11G disposed at its tip, and the pressing surface 11G has a discharge port 11H communicating with the hollow portion of the rod 11E.

[0040] The base member 11B has a cylindrical portion 11K with an enlarged lower end portion and a plate-like portion 11N joined to the upper end portion (rear end) of the cylindrical portion 11K. The cylindrical portion 11K has a peripheral surface on which two elongated holes 11L extending in the axial direction are drilled so as to face each other. The plate-like portion 11N has opposite end portions in the traveling direction (longitudinal direction), and each end has an elongated hole 11P drilled therein so as to extend in the traveling direction (longitudinal direction).

[0041] The rod 11E is configured to fit into the hollow portion of the cylindrical portion 11K of the base member 11B so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The rod 11E has a shaft 11M penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction thereof, at the middle of the rod 11E in the axial direction (longitudinal direction). The shaft 11M is disposed to pass through the two elongated holes 11L and has both ends.

[0042] The biasing member 11C is a coil spring that is fitted onto the outside of the cylindrical portion 11K of the base member 11B and is disposed between the shaft 11M and the expanded upper end portion of the cylindrical portion 11K to which the plate-shaped portion 11N of the base member 11B is joined.

[0043] The two guide rollers 11D are rotatably supported on both ends of a shaft 11M outside the cylindrical portion 11K.

[0044] Therefore, the pressing member 11A, shaft 11M, and guide roller 11D are configured to be slidable together with respect to the cylindrical portion 11K of the base member 11B in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 11K within the range of the length of the elongated hole 11L. In addition, the biasing member 11C biases the shaft 11M, guide roller 11D, and pressing member 11A together toward the lower end (tip direction) of the pressing member 11A.

[0045] The movement mechanism 12 includes an endless timing belt 12A, a driving pulley 12B, a driven pulley 12C, two side plates 12D, two rails 12E, a control motor M1 such as a servo motor, and an encoder E1.

[0046] The side plate 12D is a rectangular plate, and its longitudinal direction is aligned along the conveying direction X. Two rails 12E are sandwiched between the two side plates 12D. The drive pulley 12B and the driven pulley 12C are supported via bearings at both longitudinal ends of the side plate 12D. The timing belt 12A is wound around the drive pulley 12B and the driven pulley 12C. The drive pulley 12B is connected to a control motor M1 and an encoder E1. As shown in FIG. 1, the timing belt 12A is arranged to revolve around an elliptical orbit. A lower linear portion of the elliptical orbit faces the conveying surface 3K of the conveying device 3 and is arranged parallel to the conveying surface 3K. The timing belt 12A is supported by rails 12E from the inside of the elliptical orbit at the upper and lower linear portions thereof and is configured to rotate in the circumferential direction R.

[0047] A plurality of pressing units 11 are attached at equal intervals around the circumference of the timing belt 12A. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, six pressing units 11 are attached around the circumference of the timing belt 12A. The pressing units 11 are fixed to the timing belt 12A at the center of the plate-shaped portion 11N of the base member 11B. A pin 12H is provided around the circumference of the timing belt 12A at a position corresponding to the long hole 11P of the plate-shaped portion 11N. The pin 12H passes through the long hole 11P and is arranged to be slidable in the axial direction of the pin 12H within the long hole 11P. Therefore, the plate-shaped portion 11N of the pressing unit 11 can adapt to the timing belt 12A when it is bent along both pulleys 12B and 12C.

[0048] The control motor M1 is configured to drive the timing belt 12A via the drive pulley 12B. The encoder E1 is configured to detect the rotation angle of the drive shaft of the control motor M1. In addition, a sensor 12F (second sensor) for detecting the pressing unit 11 is arranged near the upper center of the moving mechanism 12, and the control device 9 is configured to calculate the movement position of the pressing unit 11 based on the detection signal of the sensor 12F. In addition, another sensor 12G (third sensor) for detecting the pressing unit 11 is arranged upstream of the moving mechanism 12, and the control device 9 is configured to calculate the timing to release the holding of the food dough D by the ring-forming device 5 described below based on the detection signal of the sensor 12G.

[0049] 5, the movement mechanism 12 further includes a guide mechanism 13 that guides the pressing unit 11. The guide mechanism 13 includes two first guide rails 13A, two second guide rails 13B, a third guide rail 13C, and a guide 13R.

[0050] The two first guide rails 13A are made of plate-like members and are arranged parallel to each other along the conveying direction X on the upstream side of the driven pulley 12C of the movement mechanism 12. The first guide rails 13A have a guide surface 13D that guides the guide roller 11D. The guide surface 13D includes a curved portion 13E that extends from a starting point above the axis of the driven pulley 12C to a point vertically below the axis of the driven pulley 12C so that the distance from the axis of the driven pulley 12C gradually decreases, followed by a horizontal straight portion 13F that extends parallel to the conveying surface 3K, and followed by a vertical straight portion 13G that extends perpendicular to the conveying surface 3K.

[0051] 4 and 5, the second guide rails 13B are disposed below the movement mechanism 12. The two second guide rails 13B have an L-shaped cross section, and the second guide rails 13B are disposed parallel to each other and facing each other along the conveyance direction X. The second guide rails 13B are configured to guide the plate-shaped portion 11N of the base member 11B between the second guide rails 13B so as to maintain the pressing unit 11 facing vertically downward when the pressing unit 11 moves in the conveyance direction X on the lower straight portion of the elliptical track.

[0052] The third guide rail 13C is disposed below the second guide rail 13B and has a lower surface that constitutes the guide surface 13K. The guide surface 13K includes an arcuate portion 13L at the upstream end, a downwardly inclined inclined portion 13M disposed downstream thereof, a horizontal straight portion 13N disposed downstream thereof, and an upwardly inclined inclined portion 13P disposed downstream thereof. The third guide rail 13C is attached to the side plate 12D of the movement mechanism 12 via a bracket and the second guide rail 13B, and its position can be adjusted in the vertical direction.

[0053] The guide 13R is provided parallel to and facing the inclined portion 13P.

[0054] Next, the operation of the pressing unit 11 by the guide mechanism 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows six movement positions R0 to R5 of the pressing unit 11 on its orbit when the pressing unit 11 is continuously rotated in the rotation direction R by the rotation of the endless timing belt 12A.

[0056] At the position R0, the pressing unit 11 is located vertically above the rotation axis of the driven pulley 12C. At this time, the overall length of the pressing unit 11 is at its longest.

[0057] At position R1, guide roller 11D of pressing unit 11 begins to come into contact with curved portion 13E of guide surface 13D of first guide rail 13A.

[0058] At position R2, the pressing unit 11 is positioned vertically below the rotation axis of the driven pulley 12C, and the guide roller 11D reaches the end of the curved portion 13E. As the pressing unit 11 moves from position R1 to position R2, the guide roller 11D moves toward the base end of the pressing unit 11 while being guided by the curved portion 13E of the guide surface 13D, thereby increasing the biasing force of the biasing member 11C. The pressing member 11A is pressed into the first guide rail 13A, shortening the overall length of the pressing unit 11.

[0059] At position R3, the guide roller 11D of the pressing unit 11 passes through the horizontal straight portion 13F and reaches the vertical straight portion 13G. Between positions R2 and R3, the plate-shaped portion 11N of the base member 11B of the pressing unit 11 is guided by entering between the opposing guide rails 13B. The guide roller 11D moves horizontally while being supported from below by the horizontal straight portion 13F. Thereafter, the guide roller 11D reaches the vertical straight portion 13G and is no longer supported from below. Therefore, the pressing member 11A and the guide roller 11D, which are biased by the biasing member 11C, extend toward the tip and, as a result, move downward.

[0060] At position R4, guide roller 11D reaches the end of inclined portion 13M of third guide rail 13C. Between positions R3 and R4, guide roller 11D is guided from arc portion 13L of third guide rail 13C along inclined portion 13M, causing pressing member 11A and guide roller 11D to move downward integrally.

[0061] At position R5, the guide roller 11D reaches the end of the horizontal straight portion 13N. Thus, between positions R4 and R5, the guide roller 11D is guided along the horizontal straight portion 13N and moves parallel to the conveying surface 3K. Therefore, the pressing unit 11 moves in the conveying direction X while the gap between the pressing member 11A and the conveying surface 3K remains constant.

[0062] The pressing unit 11 passes through position R5, and the guide roller 11D is guided by the inclined surface 13P and the guide 13R of the third guide rail 13C and gradually rises, moving away from the conveying surface 3K. Thereafter, the pressing unit 11 moves in the circumferential direction R without being restricted by the guide rail, and returns to R0.

[0063] Next, the process of shaping the food dough D using the shaping device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0064] A dough supplying device (not shown) arranged upstream of the forming device 1 cuts the strip-shaped croissant dough into triangles, and the cut food dough D is rolled up and formed into a rod-shaped shape. The rod-shaped food dough D is placed on the conveying surface 3K with its longitudinal direction oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction X, and is conveyed in the conveying direction X.

[0065] The rod-shaped food dough D is sent to the U-shape forming device 4 and formed into a U-shape. The U-shape forming operation by the U-shape forming device 4 is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In general, the rod-shaped food dough D is formed into a U-shape between two side belt devices 4B by pressing the longitudinal center portion thereof with a center pin 4D.

[0066] Next, the U-shaped food dough D is formed into a ring shape by a ring-forming device 5.

[0067] The ring-forming device 5 is on standby in an initial state (see FIG. 9). In the initial state, the four air cylinders (5F, 5G, 5M, 5N) are in a pulling state, and the air cylinder 5P is in a pushing state. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the dough detection sensor 4K (first sensor) of the U-shaped forming device 4 detected the food dough D and the food dough D has been transported to a predetermined forming position of the ring-forming device 5, the ring-forming device 5 starts operating.

[0068] The air cylinder 5F of the first shifting device 5A is pressed to move the first shifting guide 5C, plate 5E, and first curved tip member 5D toward the center of the conveyor belt in the width direction. The first shifting guide 5C lightly presses the first end D1 of the food dough D from the outside, transferring the first end D1 onto the upper surface of plate 5E. At the same time, the air cylinder 5M of the second shifting device 5B is pressed to move the second shifting guide 5H and plates 5L and 5R toward the center of the conveyor belt in the width direction. The second shifting guide 5H lightly presses the second end D2 of the food dough D from the outside, transferring the second end D2 onto the upper surfaces of plates 5L and 5R. Thus, the food dough D is placed from above the conveyor surface 3K onto the upper surfaces of plates 5E, 5L, and 5R, and is held in a sandwiched state between the first shifting guide 5C and the second shifting guide 5H. In this state, the conveyance of the food dough D is temporarily stopped (see FIG. 6).

[0069] By pressing and operating the air cylinder 5G of the first width-shifting device 5A, the first tip bending member 5D moves toward the center in the width direction of the conveyor belt, thereby pushing and bending the tip of the first end D1 of the food dough D toward the center. At this time, the dough pressing unit 5S presses the first end D1 from above, preventing the tip of the first end D1 from lifting up (see FIG. 7).

[0070] Furthermore, the air cylinder 5P of the second width-shifting device 5B is pulled to raise the second tip bending member 5K, and the plate 5R in contact with the second tip bending member 5K is raised by the biasing force of the biasing member. This raises the second end D2 of the food dough D placed on the upper surface of the plate 5R above the first end D1. Then, the air cylinder 5N is pushed to move the second tip bending member 5K toward the center of the conveyor belt in the width direction, thereby pushing and bending the tip of the second end D2 toward the center. Thus, the tip of the second end D2 of the food dough D is positioned above the tip of the first end D1 (see FIG. 8).

[0071] A predetermined time after the sensor 12G (third sensor) detects the pressing unit 11, the air cylinders 5F and 5G of the first shifting device 5A are pulled to move the first shifting guide 5C, plate 5E, and first tip bending member 5D outward in the width direction. At the same time, the air cylinders 5M and 5N of the second shifting device 5B are pulled to move the second shifting guide 5H, plate 5L, plate 5R, and second tip bending member 5K outward in the width direction. This causes the food dough D to be placed on the conveying surface 3K from above the upper surfaces of plates 5E, 5L, and 5R, i.e., released from the state held by the first shifting guide 5C and second shifting guide 5H. The tip of the first end D1 and the tip of the second end D2 of the food dough D then overlap vertically to form an overlapping portion DS (see FIG. 9). In this embodiment, the annular forming device 5 is disposed so that the overlapping portion DS is formed at a position R3 on the orbit.

[0072] Next, the pressing step performed by the pressing device 2 will be described.

[0073] First, we will explain how to align the rotating pressing unit 11 with the conveyed food dough D. The conveyor belt 3E is driven at a constant speed to convey the food dough D on the conveyor surface 3K in the conveying direction X. In addition, the timing belt 12A of the movement mechanism 12 is rotated at the same speed as the movement speed of the conveyor belt 3E.

[0074] The control device 9 detects the food dough D being conveyed in the conveyance direction X using the dough detection sensor 4K (first sensor). Using the detection signal from the dough detection sensor 4K (first sensor) as a starting point, the control device 9 calculates the time (time) at which the overlapping portion DS of the annular-shaped food dough D reaches position R3 based on the movement speed of the conveyor belt 3E and the operating time of the annular forming device 5. The control device 9 also uses the detection signal from sensor 12F (second sensor) of the pressing device 2 as a starting point to calculate the time (time) at which the pressing unit 11 reaches position R3 based on the movement speed of the pressing unit 11. Based on the difference between these two arrival times, the control device 9 adjusts the rotational position of the pressing unit 11 by controlling the rotation speed or rotation angle of the control motor M1 of the pressing device 2. After the adjustment is complete, the control device 9 controls the control motor M1 to return the movement speed of the timing belt 12A to the same speed as the movement speed of the conveyor belt 3E. This adjustment is effective when the distance between the front and rear (in the conveying direction X) of the plurality of rod-shaped food dough D that are continuously conveyed is not constant but varies.

[0075] Furthermore, the control device 9 releases the food dough D by causing the first and second width-shifting devices 5A and 5B of the annular forming device 5 to pull after a predetermined time has elapsed since the pressing unit 11 was detected by the sensor 12G (third sensor). The predetermined time is set so that the pressing unit 11 reaches position R3 of the orbit immediately after the annular forming device 5 starts its release operation. This predetermined time may be set by inputting a numerical value into the control device 9, or may be set by calculating it from the detection signal generated when the pressing unit 11 is detected by the sensor 12G (third sensor) and the rotation speed of the control motor M1. The pressing member 11A, which has reached position R3, is lowered by the biasing member 11C and moves closer to the conveying surface 3K. The pressing member 11A presses the overlapping portion DS of the food dough D from above toward the conveying surface 3K.

[0076] By the above control, even if the conveying interval of the food dough D is not constant or if the food dough D slips on the conveying surface 3K and becomes displaced, the overlapping portions DS of the food dough D can be reliably pressed.

[0077] At this time, the pressing force of pressing member 11A on overlapping portion DS is a pressing force exerted by biasing member 11C, and is sufficient to lightly press overlapping portion DS. Next, while pressing unit 11 is being moved from position R3 to position R4, guide roller 11D is lowered by the guidance of inclined surface 13M of third guide rail 13C. In response, pressing member 11A is lowered and brought closer to conveying surface 3K. During this time, the pressing force of pressing member 11A on overlapping portion DS is gradually increased.

[0078] Next, a bonding step will be described in which the pressed overlapping portions DS are bonded together so that they do not separate.

[0079] The pressing unit 11 is caused to follow the food dough D being conveyed in the conveyance direction X from position R4 to position R5 while maintaining an increased pressing force. This allows the pressing unit 11 to continue pressing both ends of the annular food dough D, ensuring a longer period of time than conventional methods for maintaining the overlapping portion DS in a pressed state. This allows the overlapping portion DS to be strongly bonded and prevents the overlapping portion DS from separating in subsequent processes.

[0080] The pressing force of the pressing unit 11 on the overlapping portion DS can be adjusted by moving the position of the third guide rail 13C up or down. Moving the third guide rail 13C up or down moves the position of the horizontal straight portion 13N up or down, thereby adjusting the vertical position of the pressing member 11A, which moves integrally with the guide roller 11D. In this way, the pressing force of the pressing member 11A on the overlapping portion DS can be optimally adjusted to suit the properties of the fabric. As a result, the overlapping portion DS can be pressed and bonded without destroying the structure of the overlapping portion DS and with a pressing force that does not separate the bonded overlapping portion DS.

[0081] After the pressing unit 11 has been moved to position R5, it is moved in the conveying direction X while moving away from the food dough D. The guide roller 11D is gradually raised while moving in the conveying direction X, guided by the inclined surface 13P of the third guide rail 13C and the guide 13R. At this time, compressed air is ejected from the ejection port 11H of the pressing surface 11G of the pressing member 11A, causing the pressing surface 11G to move away from the overlapping portion DS. Thereafter, the pressing unit 11 continues to rotate, and is moved to position R0.

[0082] In conventional devices, the overlapping portions of food dough formed into a ring shape were bonded in a short time by applying a strong pressing force. If the pressing force was too strong, the dough structure in the overlapping portions would be destroyed, and the dough in the overlapping portions would not rise as much as the dough in the other portions during the fermentation and baking processes after shaping, resulting in a poor appearance and texture. Furthermore, if the pressing member was pressed against the overlapping portions too quickly to increase productivity, the overlapping portions would shift due to the impact, and the desired dough shape could not be achieved.

[0083] The pressing device of the present invention slowly presses the overlapping portions with a force that does not destroy the structure of the food dough and for a longer period of time than conventional methods, thereby ensuring adhesion of the overlapping portions without compromising the appearance or texture. Furthermore, by having the pressing units follow the food dough as it is being transported and by having multiple pressing units rotate, high productivity can be maintained.

[0084] The pressing device according to the present invention has been generally described above, but is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, and it goes without saying that these are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the device for overlapping both ends of the rod-shaped food dough to form a ring shape is composed of the U-shaped forming device 4 and the ring-shaped forming device 5, but this is not limited to this. For example, the ring-shaped forming devices disclosed in Patent Documents 3 and 4 may be disposed upstream of the pressing device 2, and the ring-shaped food dough D may be sent to the pressing device 2 and the overlapping portions may be pressed and bonded.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the dough after being formed into a ring shape has an O-shape with both ends of the dough rod facing in opposite directions, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the dough rods may be formed into a stacked shape with both ends facing in the same direction.

[0087] In the above embodiment, when forming the rod-shaped food dough into a ring shape, the two ends of the rod-shaped food dough are stacked one above the other, but this is not limited to this. For example, the two ends of the rod-shaped food dough may be placed next to each other and pressed against the conveying surface with a pressing member to bond them together. An example of the shape of the pressing surface of the pressing member in this case is the shape of the surface of the press stamp of the food dough pressing device disclosed in Patent Document 5. By making the pressing surface of the pressing member concave, as in this press stamp, the two ends of the overlapping (adjacent) food dough pieces can be pressed together and bonded together.

[0088] The food dough may be dough other than croissant dough, such as bagel dough or other bread dough, etc. Since both ends of a rod-shaped food dough are overlapped to form a ring-shaped food dough, and the overlapped portions of the food dough can be adhered, it is possible to prevent damage to the appearance and a decrease in product value.

[0089] The moving mechanism 12 may be configured in any manner other than an endless belt as long as it can move the pressing unit 11 in the conveying direction X. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 2 Pressing device 3. Conveyor equipment 3K conveying surface 4 U-shaped forming device 4K 1st sensor 5. Ring forming device 9 Control Device 11 Pressing unit 11A Pressing member 11B Base member 11C biasing member 11D Guide Roller 11H nozzle 11G pressing surface 12 Moving mechanism 12A endless belt 12F Second sensor 13 Guide rail mechanism 13C Guide Rail D food dough X conveying direction

Claims

1. A pressing device (2) used together with a device (4, 5) for forming a rod-shaped food dough (D) into a ring-shaped shape, a pressing unit (11) arranged above a conveying surface (3K) of a conveying device (3) that conveys food dough formed into a ring shape with both tip ends of the rod-shaped food dough (D) stacked one above the other or placed side by side; a moving mechanism (12) that moves the pressing unit (11) in the conveying direction (X) of the conveying device (3), The pressing unit (11) includes a pressing member (11A) that can move toward and away from the conveying surface (3K), The pressing device (2) is configured such that the pressing member (11A) approaches the conveying surface (3K) and continues to press both leading ends of the annular-shaped food dough (D) while the pressing unit (11) moves in the conveying direction (X) together with the annular-shaped food dough (D).

2. The moving mechanism (12) includes an endless belt (12A) that moves along a circular orbit; The pressing unit (11) is attached to the endless belt (12A), The pressing device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the endless belt (12A) is configured to move in the conveying direction (X) in a section where the circulating path faces the conveying surface (3K).

3. The pressing device (2) according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the pressing units (11) are attached to the endless belt (12A) at equal intervals.

4. The pressing unit (11) includes a base member (11B) attached to the endless belt (12A), the pressing member (11A) attached to the base member (11B) so as to be slidable in a direction away from the endless belt (12A), a biasing member (11C) that biases the pressing member (11A) in a direction away from the endless belt (12A), and a guide roller (11D) supported by the pressing member (11A), The pressing device (2) according to claim 3, wherein the moving mechanism (12) includes a guide rail mechanism (13) that guides a guide roller (11D) of the pressing unit (11).

5. The pressing device (2) according to claim 4, wherein the guide rail mechanism (13) includes a guide rail (13C) that guides the guide roller (11D) so that a constant distance is maintained between the pressing member (11A) and the conveying surface (3K) in the section where the orbit faces the conveying surface (3K).

6. The pressing device (2) according to claim 5, wherein the position of the guide rail (13C) relative to the conveying surface (3K) is adjustable in the vertical direction.

7. The pressing device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member (11A) includes a pressing surface (11G) having an ejection port (11H) for ejecting compressed air.

8. The pressing device (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising a control device (9) for controlling the device (4, 5) for shaping the rod-shaped food dough (D) into an annular shape and the pressing device (2), and the control device (9) is configured to align the position of the pressing unit (11) with the food dough (D) conveyed by the conveying device (3) based on a detection signal from a first sensor (4K) that detects the food dough (D) and a detection signal from a second sensor (12F) that detects the pressing unit (11).

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