Circuit for spraying and suctioning a food product, and assembly for spraying a food product comprising such a circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to a circuit (1) for spraying and suctioning a food product propelled using compressed air onto a surface, the circuit (1) comprising: - a spray and suction gun (2) comprising at least one circulation channel (3) for the food product extending from an inlet (4) referred to as a food inlet, a circulation channel (5) for the compressed air extending from an inlet (6) referred to as an air inlet and an air chamber (7) extending to an outlet (8) referred to as a spray outlet; - an air compressor (12) fluidly connected to the air inlet (6) of the gun (2) and comprising internal walls in contact with the air; the circuit (1) being characterised in that the circulation channel (3) for the food product, the circulation channel (5) for the compressed air, the air chamber (7) and the internal walls of the compressor (12) each comprise at least one anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer.

Description

DESCRIPTION Title: Circuit for spraying and suctioning a food product and assembly for spraying a food product comprising such a circuit FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of presentation of culinary preparations, or food decoration, and more precisely to the field of spraying a food product. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of food production, it is known to spray a product in order, for example, to add color and / or texture and / or flavor to a culinary preparation. This is particularly used in the field of pastry making, in which the aesthetic aspect is of particular importance. The product can also be sprayed directly onto a support in order to form, after hardening, a decorative element that will be integrated into the culinary preparation. The sprayed product is necessarily a food product, intended for consumption. It can be, for example, chocolate, cream, coulis, sugar, an oil, or even edible glitter.

[0003] For this purpose, a spray gun powered by compressed air is generally used to spray the food product.

[0004] Document DE102017004986 describes an example of a suction-type food spray gun: an air compressor pumps air from the outside into a bottle containing the liquid to be sprayed. The increase in pressure in the bottle causes the liquid to rise through a hose connected to a spray nozzle. The compressor is mounted on the gun. Such a gun can therefore spray liquid products such as water. Its applications are limited, and such a gun is unsuitable for spraying food products with higher viscosity, such as chocolate.

[0005] It is also known to use a gun of the same type as those found in the painting field, and called a spray and suction gun. Indeed, the viscosity of a paint is generally higher than that of liquid water. Thus, the gun includes a compressed air inlet, which is connected to a compressor separate from the gun, a food product inlet, which is connected to a cup of the food product to be sprayed, and an outlet nozzle through which a mixture of air and food product is ejected: the food product enters a product / air mixing chamber by suction and is then atomized in the form of droplets.

[0006] However, it is easy to understand that application to the food sector involves more restrictions, particularly in terms of hygiene, than in the field of painting.

[0007] Document US2659628 thus proposes a food product spray gun which can be easily dismantled in order to make all internal surfaces accessible for cleaning, in accordance with hygiene requirements.

[0008] However, such a solution is only partial. Indeed, the gun must be cleaned after the food product has been sprayed, and therefore after impurities have accumulated in the gun. Cleaning is therefore an after-the-fact solution, as impurities have time to accumulate in the gun and are therefore sprayed at the same time as the food product. Even frequent cleaning, which requires stopping the spraying process, and therefore a waste of time, does not eliminate the impurities, but only reduces their concentration.

[0009] Furthermore, while there are attempts to make a spray gun suitable for the food industry, a user of this gun must obtain the other necessary equipment, such as the air compressor, and combine them with the gun itself. The user is generally a cook or a pastry chef, not a technician in the field of product spraying. He must therefore assemble a set himself to spray a food product, and carry out the adjustments of each piece of equipment.

[0010] There is therefore a need for a new solution for spraying a food product which overcomes in particular the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0011] The invention thus aims in particular to provide a complete solution to the problem of hygiene for spraying a food product.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the invention thus proposes a spraying and suction circuit with hygiene adapted to food.

[0013] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a spraying and suction circuit which does not require frequent cleaning.

[0014] According to a third aspect, the invention proposes a spraying and suction circuit suitable for the pastry industry.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a spraying and suction circuit which does not unacceptably increase costs.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides a spraying and suction circuit which can be easily adjusted according to the needs of its users. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a circuit for spraying and sucking a food product propelled using compressed air onto a surface. The surface is, for example, the surface of a culinary preparation, or of a support. The circuit comprises in particular: - a spray and suction gun comprising at least one circulation channel for the food product extending from a so-called food inlet, a circulation channel for compressed air extending from a so-called air inlet and an air chamber extending to a so-called spray outlet; - an air compressor fluidly connected to the air inlet of the gun and comprising internal walls in contact with the air.

[0018] More specifically, the circulation channel for the food product, the circulation channel for the compressed air, the air chamber and the internal walls of the compressor each comprise at least one anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer, so as to make them suitable for use in the food sector.

[0019] Indeed, by considering hygiene on a global circuit, that is to say all the components used to spray the food product, and not only the spray gun and suction which only represents a part of the circuit. In particular, taking into account compressed air, and in particular the compressed air compressor, the quantity of pollutants that can be harmful to health is drastically reduced, or even zero, when the food product is sprayed. The level of hygiene is thus very high.

[0020] Depending on different aspects, it is possible to provide one and / or the other of the characteristics below taken alone or in combination.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer of the circulation channel for the food product may be made at least in part by a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating. Such a coating makes it possible to limit the risk of food product sticking to the walls of the circulation channel, while producing few, if any, particles that could pollute the food product when it is sprayed.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer of the circulation channel for the food product can be made at least in part from anodized aluminum. The layer thus formed makes it possible to reduce the risk of oxidation in the circulation channel, and therefore to limit, or even eliminate, the presence of particles that could detach from the walls of the circulation channel and pollute the pulverized food product.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the compressor may comprise at least one tank. The anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer of the internal walls of the compressor may then be achieved at least in part by an epoxy coating on the internal walls of the tank. Alternatively or in combination, the compressor may be of the oil-free type, and is classified 0 with regard to the presence of oil according to the ISO 8573-1:2010 standard. As a result, the compressed air arriving in the gun is perfectly clean.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the circuit may further comprise, between the compressor and the air inlet of the gun, an air heater for heating the compressed air to a determined temperature. The risk of freezing the food product before it is sprayed is thus reduced, which is particularly useful when it comes to chocolate.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the fluid connections are made using connectors suitable for food contact.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an assembly for spraying a food product comprising at least one circuit as presented above and at least one extractor hood. The extractor hood comprises at least one support for a surface on which the food product is intended to be sprayed. By generating an adjustable depression above the support, the presence of pollutant in the sprayed product and on the culinary preparation on which the food product is sprayed is drastically reduced, or even zero, ensuring a very high level of hygiene. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, briefly described below:

[0029] [Fig. 1] represents a diagram of a spray assembly comprising a spray and suction circuit according to one embodiment.

[0030] [Fig. 2] represents a partial sectional diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a spray and suction gun of the assembly of Figure 1.

[0031] In the drawings, like references designate identical or similar objects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The invention relates to a spraying and suction circuit 1 for a food product.

[0033] By food product, we mean a product intended to be consumed by a human being.

[0034] In order to obtain a complete spraying and suction circuit 1 suitable for the food sector, the invention proposes to identify all the surfaces likely to bring impurities during spraying.

[0035] The circuit 1 comprises at least one gun 2 for spraying and sucking up the food product. The gun 2 comprises in particular a circulation channel 3 for the food product extending from an inlet 4 called the food inlet, a circulation channel 5 for the compressed air extending from an inlet 6 called the air inlet and an air chamber 7 extending to an outlet 8 called the spray outlet.

[0036] More specifically, the spray and suction gun 2 comprises a gun body 9 which is provided with a connection device with a cup (not shown in FIG. 2) containing the food product to be sprayed, and forming the food inlet 4. The material of the cup is adapted to contain a food product. Preferably, the food product is liquid or granular, so as to be able to flow, by gravity, from the cup into the circulation channel 3 for the food product. Similarly, the gun body 9 comprises a fluid connection device for a compressed air supply which forms the air inlet 6. For example, the external surface of the air inlet 6 is threaded, to be put into cooperation with a clamping sleeve at the end of a pipe and provide a sealed connection between the air inlet 6 and the pipe.

[0037] We will now describe a general example of the construction of gun 2.

[0038] The spray outlet 8 is generally formed by a nozzle mounted on the gun body 9, and which may include an outlet orifice through which the product to be sprayed exits. The number, shape and / or dimensions of the orifices nozzle 8 outlet may vary depending on the food product to be sprayed, in particular its viscosity. The nozzle 8 may have horns 81, typically two, provided with openings for air exhaust in addition to the outlet orifice. The nozzle 8 may be removably mounted on the gun body 9, so that it can be easily removed and replaced by another nozzle 8.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle is a 1.8 PR nozzle from the company Spray Gun Import, that is to say that the outlet orifice has a diameter of 1.8 mm (millimeter) and the nozzle is devoid of air exhaust horns on the cap. This nozzle 8 makes it possible to increase the air pressure at the spray outlet 8 for bursting the product. Such a 1.8 PR nozzle is particularly suitable for cocoa butter and other chocolate-based products because it prevents the food product from solidifying inside the gun 2.

[0040] According to another embodiment, the nozzle is a 3.0 HV nozzle from the company Spray Gun Import, which allows a thick product to be applied finely. In particular, the diameter of the outlet orifice has a diameter of 3 mm, and shortened horns 81 allow the nozzle 8 to burst a thick food product, i.e. with a high viscosity, more finely.

[0041] The gun 2 may also comprise a trigger 10 for actuating the spraying. The trigger 10 is connected to a needle 11 inside the gun 2, which performs a translational movement relative to the gun body 9 when the trigger 10 is actuated, in order to allow the product to be sprayed to exit by adjusting the spraying flow rate.

[0042] The air chamber 7 is located between the nozzle 8 and the gun body 9 and is connected to both the food product circulation channel 3 and the compressed air circulation channel 5. When compressed air enters the air chamber 7, for example by actuating a valve, a vacuum is created and sucks the food product into the air chamber 7. The mixture of food product and air in the air chamber 7 forms a cloud of particles. By actuating the trigger 10, the released pressure projects the food product and air mixture through the orifice of the nozzle 8.

[0043] The gun 2 may further comprise an adjustment system for controlling the flow rate produced, the shape of the spray pattern and / or the compressed air pressure used. The adjustment system may for this purpose comprise, for example, buttons and / or dials and / or a digital or needle display accessible to the user of the gun 2.

[0044] Circuit 1 further comprises an air compressor 12. By compressor, we mean here any equipment making it possible to obtain compressed air to supply the gun 2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the compressor may comprise a motor actuating the rotation of a piston or turbine type device which, by rotating, sucks in ambient air, compresses it and stores it in an air tank 13. The tank 13 comprises an air outlet associated with a regulator for controlling the pressure of the compressed air at this outlet in order in particular to make it compatible with the gun 2.

[0045] The air outlet of the compressor 12 is fluidically connected to the air inlet 6 of the gun 2. More specifically, according to one embodiment, an air heating device 14, for example a heater, is placed between the air outlet of the compressor 12 and the air inlet 6 of the gun 2. The heater 14 can control the temperature of the air entering the gun 2, in order to prevent the food product from freezing when the air is too cold. Such a heater 14 is particularly useful in the case where the product to be sprayed is chocolate, which can harden at room temperature. By controlling the temperature of the air entering the gun, a flow of the product to be sprayed is ensured between its reservoir and the outlet nozzle 8 of the gun 2.

[0046] Thus, according to this embodiment, the circuit 1 comprises a first fluid connector 15 between the outlet of the compressor 12 and an inlet of the heater 14, and a second fluid connector 16, between an outlet of the heater 14 and the air inlet 6 of the gun 2. The fluid connectors 15, 16 are for example of the flexible type. Their connections on the compressor 12, the heater 14 and the gun 2 are sealed.

[0047] According to the invention, the surfaces likely to bring impurities during spraying do not only concern the gun 2, but it has been understood that the compressed air itself is a significant source of impurities, which end up in the air chamber 7 of the gun and which are therefore sprayed, independently of the cleaning of the gun 2. It has also been taken into account that all the connectors for the compressed air must also meet hygiene requirements.

[0048] Thus, in the spraying and suction circuit 1, the circulation channel 3 for the food product, the circulation channel 5 for the compressed air, the air chamber 7 and the internal walls of the compressor 12 each comprise at least one anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer, so as to be suitable for use in the food sector.

[0049] Thus, according to one embodiment, the anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer of the circulation channel 3 for the food product is produced at least in part by a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating, known in particular for its non-stick properties and suitable for use in the food sector. In particular, the anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer of the circulation channel 3 for the food product complies with Regulation (EC) No. 1935 / 2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. Alternatively or in combination, the anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer of the circulation channel 3 for the food product complies with the "Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act" of the United States legislation, and in particular with article 21 CFR 175.00 of the "Code of Federal Regulations". For example, the PTFE coating extends over the entire food product channel 3 into the air chamber 7, from the food product inlet 4 to the spray outlet 8.

[0050] Alternatively or in combination, the anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer of the food product circulation channel 3 is made at least in part of anodized aluminum. For example, the gun body 9 is made of aluminum which is anodized on its outer and inner surfaces. The PTFE coating can then be added to the food product circulation channel 3 and the air chamber 7.

[0051] Alternatively or in combination, the nozzle 8 and the needle 11 are made of stainless steel at least on their part in contact with the food product and / or the compressed air.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer of the internal walls of the compressor 12 is produced at least in part by an epoxy coating. More precisely, it is the internal walls of the tank 13 of the compressor 12 which comprise such an anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer. More precisely, the internal walls of the tank 13 of the compressor 12 can be coated with a powder paint, based on cured saturated polyester and carboxylate resins. The corrosion resistance properties of such an epoxy coating are for example tested by applying the coating to iron phosphate connecting plates, in accordance with the standards ISO 6270 (exposure to humidity), ISO 22479 (KESTERNICH accelerated corrosion) and ISO 9227 (salt spray). The results are given in the table below: [Table 1]

[0053] Furthermore, it has been determined that when the compressor 12 is classified 0 with respect to the presence of oil, called total oil purity, according to ISO 8573-1:2010, the quality of the sprayed product is suitable for food use by being completely free of oil from the compressor 12. Indeed, when oil from a compressor is sprayed with the food product, food hygiene is no longer guaranteed. For example, the compressor 12 is an oil-free piston compressor, designed specifically for applications that require the absence of oil. The compressor 12 is for example a BREVA4-90MS or BREVA8-500TS compressor, from the BREVA brand.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the compressor 12 may be associated with a dryer in order to reduce or even eliminate the water potentially present in the air. In any case, the absence of oil and the treatment of the tank of the compressor 12 guarantee that any water present in the tank 13 remains clean and does not pollute the compressed air. In addition, the compressor 12 may be equipped with a device for purging the water in the tank 13. Furthermore, the compressor 12 may also be associated with a filtration device, for example an activated carbon filter, in order to eliminate any solid particles.

[0055] According to one embodiment, all of the connectors, and in particular the hoses 15, 16, are for example certified according to the regulations in force as being suitable for food. These are for example APU-16GR hoses of the POLYHOSE brand, comprising an internal layer of PU (Polyurethane), an intermediate layer of a mixture of PU and PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), and an external layer of a mixture of PV and thermoplastic. A reinforcing textile can be placed between the intermediate layer and the external layer.

[0056] In order to allow a user to have complete equipment for spraying a food product, the invention further proposes a spray assembly 100. The assembly 100 comprises in particular at least one spraying and suction circuit 1 as described above, and at least one suction hood 101 in which the spraying is carried out. For this purpose, the hood 101 may comprise a support 102 for a surface on which the food product can be sprayed. The surface may be directly a surface of the support 102 itself, or a surface of a culinary preparation 103, for example a pastry, placed on the support 102 and on which the product is sprayed using the gun 2. The hood 101 comprises a ventilation system for adjusting and maintaining a depression under the hood 101 and ensuring an environment with high hygiene during spraying. The ventilation system also makes it possible to control the。 air flow under the hood 16, so as to limit ambient air currents which can disrupt spraying by the gun 2 to the detriment of the expected final result.

[0057] The 100 spray set is supplied complete to a user, such as a chef or pastry chef, so that the user no longer needs to purchase each piece of equipment separately. The 100 spray set guarantees optimal hygiene, suitable for spraying a food product.

[0058] The spray assembly 100 thus formed also makes it possible to offer relevant adjustment points for the user, all other points being already preset. Thus, the spray assembly 100 can be delivered, for example, to the user's premises, and assembled there by the supplier so as to allow the spraying of the food product. In particular, the fluid connectors are placed between the compressor 12, the heater 14 and the gun 2. The assembly by the supplier ensures that precautions are taken to maintain a high level of hygiene. For example, a cleaning step can be provided for each piece of equipment in the spray assembly 100 before assembly.A presetting step allows the supplier to set the adjustment points that do not require user intervention, such as the compressed air flow rate at the outlet of the tank 13 of the compressor 12, a set temperature of the heater 14, or the vacuum created under the hood 101. These adjustment points of the presetting step may be imposed by the supplier, or be developed in consultation with the user, depending on their needs. In particular, the presetting may take into account the viscosity of the product to be sprayed and developed by the user and the temperature of the product to be sprayed in the cup.

[0059] The 100 spray assembly can also leave the user free to adjust all or part of the adjustment points himself.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Circuit (1) for spraying and suctioning a food product propelled using compressed air onto a surface, the circuit (1) comprising: a spraying and suction gun (2) comprising at least one circulation channel (3) for the food product extending from a so-called food inlet (4), a circulation channel (5) for compressed air extending from a so-called air inlet (6) and an air chamber (7) extending to a so-called spray outlet (8); an air compressor (12) fluidly connected to the air inlet (6) of the gun (2) and comprising internal walls in contact with the air; the circuit (1) being characterized in that the circulation channel (3) for the food product, the circulation channel (5) for the compressed air, the air chamber (7) and the internal walls of the compressor (12) each comprise at least one anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer.

2. Circuit (1) according to claim 1, in which the anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer of the circulation channel (3) for the food product is made at least in part by a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.

3. Circuit (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer of the circulation channel (3) for the food product is made at least in part of anodized aluminum.

4. Circuit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the compressor comprises at least one tank (13), the anti-corrosion and / or antibacterial layer of the internal walls of the compressor (12) is produced at least in part by an epoxy coating on the internal walls of the tank (13).

5. Circuit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the compressor (12) is in category 0 concerning the presence of oil according to ISO 8573-1: 2010.

6. Circuit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, between the compressor (12) and the air inlet (6) of the gun (2), an air heater (14) for heating the compressed air to a determined temperature.

7. Circuit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fluid connections are made using connectors (15, 16) suitable for food contact.

8. Assembly (100) for spraying a food product comprising at least one spraying and suction circuit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one suction hood (101), the suction hood (101) comprising at least one support (102) for a surface on which the food product is intended to be sprayed.

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