Wet coater with bottom batter layer supply device and / or plate

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wet coater with transportation means which transport a food product in a transportation direction, a batter application device, which applies a liquid batter to the food product and a plate, that is provided below the batter application device.

Description

Wet coater with bottom batter layer supply device and / or Plate

[0001] The present invention relates to a wet coater with transportation means which transport a food product in a transportation direction, a batter application device, which applies a liquid batter to the food product and a plate, that is provided below the batter application device.

[0002] Such wet coaters are well known from the state in the art, for example EP 3731 647 B1 and EP 1 582 100 A1 , and are for example utilized to provide food products with a batter-like, wet coating. For the customer an evenly coated product is important. Consequently, the industry constantly wants to improve the quality of the coated product.

[0003] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a wet coater that provides an even coating of the products.

[0004] The problem is attained with a wet coater with transportation means which transport a food product in a transportation direction, a batter application device, which applies a liquid batter to the food product and a plate, that is provided below the batter application device, wherein the plate comprises a first segment and preferably a second segment and wherein, relative to the transport direction, the second segment is downstream from the first segment and the second segment is bent relative to the first segment and wherein the second segment is smaller than the first segment, preferably significantly smaller.

[0005] The disclosure made regarding this embodiment of the present invention also applies to the other embodiment and vice versa.

[0006] The present invention relates to a wet coater, which coats a food product with a liquid substance, preferably a batter-like substance. The product can, for example, be meat, cheese, a vegetable product, a vegetarian product or a meat substitute product. This product is transported with a transportation means, for example a transportation belt, in a transport direction past a batter application device, for example a batter curtain, which applies the liquid batter to the surface of the product and then towards the end of the wet coater.

[0007] The transportation means may be an endless belt or an endless wire mesh belt.

[0008] Below the wet batter application device, a plate is provided. The transportation belt, which transports the products, is provided above the plate. The plate captures the batter from the batter application device which does not stick to the product and thereby provides a batter layer on the surface of the plate, which comes in touch with the bottom of the products and thereby covers the bottom of the products with batter. The plate comprises a first segment, which is preferably plane.

[0009] According to a preferred or an inventive embodiment of the invention, relative to the transport direction, a second segment of the plate may be provided downstream fromthe first segment and the second segment is bent relative to the first segment and the second segment is smaller than the first segment, preferably significantly smaller. Preferably, the length of the second segment is less than 30%, preferably less than 20% of the entire length of the plate. The angle of inclination of the second segment relative to the first segment is preferably below 45°, more preferably below 30° even more preferably below 20°, but larger than 5°, preferably larger than 10°.

[0010] In the area of this angle of inclination, liquid batter material accumulates, and builds a liquid wave, that preferably extends through and / or above the transportation means, which improves the coating of the front end of the product, the sides and / or the bottom.

[0011] Preferably, the entire plate is pivotable around an axis transversal to the transport direction. Preferably the pivot angle is adjustable and / or the plate can be fixed, preferably reversibly, in a certain pivot-position. The pivot angle may influence the height of the liquid batter wave. In case of a plate with only a first segment, preferably a plane first segment, the plate is pivoted such that the downstream is higher than the upstream.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment, the plate is adjustable in its position relative to the transport direction. In other words, the plate can be moved back and forth relative to the transport direction of the transportation means. This adjustment can be made manually of automatically, for example depending on the transportation speed of the transportation means.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the plate comprises openings at its upstream end, preferably openings whose area is adjustable. Through the openings, liquid batter can be removed from the plate.

[0014] Preferably, the wet coater comprises at its inlet a bottom batter layer supply device. This bottom layer supply device provides a bottom layer of liquid batter material, which coats the bottom of a product to be coated.

[0015] The bottom batter layer supply device preferably has a cavity for the batter and is preferably provided directly after the infeed return rollers, below the conveyor belt. A preferably adjustable flow of batter fills the cavity of the bottom batter layer supply device with batter that eventually exits the cavity, preferably via a slot, which extends over the entire width of the transportation means. The exiting batter forms the bottom layer of batter on top of the bottom batter layer supply device and preferably on the transportation means at the infeed section of the wet coater.

[0016] Due to this bottom layer of batter, the infeed area of the conveyor means, preferably a belt, is covered with a layer of batter. Hence, the bottom of the product that enters the infeed area, gets in touch with the layer of batter and the bottom of the product will be covered with batter. Without this bottom batter layer supply device, the product would get incontact with a “dry” belt which could cause dry belt marks or belt shadows at the bottom side of the product which is not well coated with batter.

[0017] The thickness of the batter layer provided by the bottom batter layer supply device can be adjusted by either the flow rate provided by a pump and / or a valve system that adjusts the batter flowrate to the bottom batter layer supply device.

[0018] Preferably, the bottom batter layer supply device has a pivot axis which extends transverse to the transportation direction and around which the bottom batter layer supply device is pivotable to adjust an angle of inclination. More preferably, the bottom batter layer supply device comprises adjustment means to adjust the angle of inclination of the surface of the bottom batter layer supply device. Such adjustment means can for example be a screw.

[0019] The pivot axis and the adjustment means of the bottom batter layer supply device can be utilized to tilt the device counter clockwise towards the inlet of the wet coater or clockwise towards the batter application device. With this adjustment means the operator can fine tune the thickness of the batter layer on top of the bottom batter layer supply device and / or on top of the transportation means, for example a belt, and / or the operator can adjust the exact starting position of the batter layer relative to the inlet of the wet coater. In other words how far the batter layer on the bottom batter layer is moved towards or away from the infeed. The exact position of the beginning of the batter layer on top of the belt and / or the bottom batter layer supply device may be dependent on the belt speed and / or batter viscosity, because the transportation means drag the batter away from the infeed and a higher viscosity batter will be dragged more by the transportation means than a batter with a lower viscosity. The tilting of the bottom batter layer supply device can make it possible to exactly position the start of the bottom layer of batter seen from the infeed of the wet coater.

[0020] Preferably, there is a gap between the bottom layer supply device and the plate. More preferably, this gap is adjustable in its extension parallel to the transport direction, for example by moving the plate and fixing the plate in the new position. Due to this gap liquid batter flow from the bottom batter layer supply device to the plate may be reduced or increased, depending on the size of the gap. Alternatively or additionally, the upstream end of the plate may comprise openings, for example slots through which the batter material may flow. Preferably the area of the opening can be altered, so that the flow through the openings may be adjusted.

[0021] The application device may be an overflow device which creates a constant flow of one, two, three or four or more curtains of batter through which the product is passed and thereby coated. The curtain(s) cover the top and side, front, rear and / or left / right of the product with a layer of batter.

[0022] Downstream, upstream from and / or below the application device, the plate is placed. The plate is provided below, preferably directly below, the transportation means, forexample a conveyor belt. This Plate has preferably raised edges on the left and right side, which extend parallel to the transport direction of the transport means and there is a bent, preferably near the outfeed of the plate that is raised upwards; i.e. inclined. Optional raised edges may prevent batter leaking to both left and right side and thereby create a batter layer on the upper surface of the Plate. The bent / inclination may create a small wave of batter, preferably near the exit area of the Plate. It has been found that the transportation means drags the batter towards the outfeed side of the plate. The bent / inclination of the plate causes flow resistance which accumulates some batter at the top surface of the plate that creates or increases the depth of the batter layer, through which the products are transported during coating. Particularly the increased depth, but the batter layer on the surface of the plate in general, results in an extended hydration time or better product coating on the sides of the products. The batter flow from the batter application device, for example the curtain(s), falls on the plate and thereby cover the transportation means in the area above the plate with a layer of batter. The batter layer on the surface of the plate covers the bottom side of the product with batter. The optional wave, preferably near the exit of the plate may hit the front and / or sides of the product and thereby, the wave may push an extra layer of batter against the product. This results in a more consistent batter coverage of the product and reduces or even eliminates voids in the batter layer on the product.

[0023] The plate can be tilted in the angle around an axis that extends transversal to the transport direction of the products. This tilting can adjust the thickness of the batter layer on top of the plate.

[0024] Preferably, the position of the plate in the transport direction of the products can be adjusted. Positioning it upstream, towards the bottom batter layer supply device may provide a contact between the plate and the bottom layer device. This may drag the batter from the bottom batter layer supply device onto the Plate. Alternatively, the plate is moved in the transport direction to provide and / or adjust a gap between the bottom batter layer supply device and the plate, for example to drain the batter from the bottom batter layer supply device and / or from the Plate and / or reduce the amount of batter supplied to the plate.

[0025] On the surface of the plate, a batter layer is provided. Preferably, the transportation means enter the batter layer on the top surface of the bottom batter layer supply device and are submerged for a certain length, the length being preferably is adjustable.

[0026] The bottom batter layer supply device preferably provides a closed volume for the liquid batter. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom batter layer supply device has at least one, preferably two lid(s), one preferably comprising an inlet for the batter. The lids extend preferably parallel to the transport direction of the products and are more preferably pivotable relative to a main body of the bottom layer device. The lid(s) can be removed or pivoted for example for cleaning purposes.

[0027] The liquid batter preferably exits the bottom batter layer supply device via a slot, that is preferably provided at its upstream end and more preferably extends over its entire transverse extension.

[0028] Preferably, the bottom batter layer supply device has a distribution means to distribute the batter over its transverse extension. The distribution means may be a holed plate, through which the batter must flow on its way from the inlet to the outlet of the bottom batter layer supply device.

[0029] Preferably, the Plate has adjustment means, preferably to level the Plate. Preferably, the Plate has means to adjust its position in the transport direction of the products.

[0030] The liquid batter is supplied by a pump, preferably a pump whose speed of rotation can be adjusted. Between the pump and the bottom batter layer supply device and the application device the wet coater comprises pipes to feed the batter to the bottom batter layer supply device and to the batter application device. Excess batter liquid, which does not stick to the product is preferably collected and recycled to the coating process.

[0031] Preferably, at least one valve, more preferably two valves is / are provided in the pipe to adjust / split the batter flow provided by the pump between the bottom batter layer supply device and to the batter application device. The valves can be utilized to adjust the split rate between the bottom batter layer supply device and to the batter application device.

[0032] The problem is also attained with a method to coat a product with an inventive wet coater, wherein a product is transported with a transportation speed along the wet coater, characterized in, that a gap between the bottom batter layer supply device and the plate is adjusted depending on the transportation speed.

[0033] It has been found, that the position of the plate can promote the coating of the bottom of the product. At relatively low speed, there is already upstream from the plate enough time to coat the bottom and hence the plate is not or relatively little needed to coat the bottom of the product. However, with increasing speed, the bottom coating function of the plate is more and mor needed, which is accomplished by moving the plate in an up-stream-direction.

[0034] Hence, preferably, with increasing transportation speed, the plate is moved further in an up-stream-direction.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the inventive method, a bottom batter layer supply device is provided up-stream from the plate. The bottom batter layer supply device can be directly adjacent to the plate or there can be a gap in between. Preferably, the size of the gap between the bottom batter layer supply device and the plate can be adjusted. Through the gap, liquid batter can be removed from the coating process, which can be captured and recycled.

[0036] Preferably the width of the gap is adjusted inverse reciprocal to the transportation speed; i.e. with increasing transportation speed of the products to be coated,the size of the gap is reduced. It has been found, that with increasing transportation speed of the products to be coated, it is desirable, that liquid batter is not drained through the gap, but swapped over to the plate, so that a liquid batter layer on the plate can contribute to the bottom coating of the product.

[0037] The problem is also attained with a method to coat a product with the inventive wet coater, wherein a product is transported with a transportation speed along the wet coater, wherein holes are provided in the plate, preferably at its upstream end, whose size is adjustable.

[0038] It has been found that the holes can be used to drain liquid batter from the plate, particularly liquid batter that flows from an upstream bottom batter layer supply device onto the plate.

[0039] The holes are preferably provided along the entire transverse direction, or at least substantially the entire transverse direction of the plate. The holes are preferably equidistant and / or have the same shape. The holes can be provided in an array. The holes can have any shape, for example round, square, rectangular or oval. Long holes are a preferred embodiment.

[0040] According to this embodiment of the invention, the size of the holes is adjustable, so that the amount of liquid batter that drains through the holes can be adjusted. Preferably, the size of the holes is reduced with increasing transportation speed.

[0041] The invention is now explained according to the figures. These explanations do not limit the scope of protection.

[0042] Figures 1 - 3 each depict the inventive coater.

[0043] Figure 4 shows the bottom batter layer supply device.

[0044] Figures 5 and 6 each show an embodiment of the Plate.

[0045] Figures 1 and 2 each depict the inventive wet coater 1 , which coats a product, particularly a food product with a liquid coating, for example a batter-like substance, which is particularly suitable for deep frying. In the present case, the product is transported by a transportation means 7, here an endless belt, in a transport direction 2, here from the left to the right. The transportation means is preferably an endless belt or a plurality of parallel endless rings which are preferably driven by a drive shaft 14. The drive shaft 14 and a return roller 15 of the transportation means is depicted in the Figures. During this transport, theproduct is transported past a batter application device 3, which coats the product from the top with liquid batter. In the present case, the application device 3 is an overflow device, which creates, here four, liquid curtains through which the products are transported and thereby coated. Below the batter application device 3, a plate 5 is placed. The plate captures batter that does not stick to the product and / or provides a batter layer, that wets the transportation means and / or coats the product at its bottom side. The plate is provided below, preferably directly below, the transportation means 7. As can be seen from Figure 5, this plate has preferably raised edges 25 on the left and right side, which extend parallel to the transport direction of the transport means and there can be a bent near the outfeed of the plate that is raised / inclined upwards. The optional raised edges 25 prevent batter from leaking to both left and right sides and thereby create a batter layer on the upper surface of the plate. The bent near the downstream end of the plate may create a small wave of batter, preferably near the exit area of the plate. It has been found that the transportation means drags the batter towards the outfeed side of the plate. The bent of the plate causes flow resistance which accumulates some batter at the top surface of the plate that creates or increases the depth of the batter layer, through which the products are transported during coating. Particularly the increased depth, but the batter layer on the surface of the plate in general, results in an extended hydration time of the transportation means and / or better product coating on the sides of the products, which extend away from the bottom of the product. The batter flow from the batter application device, for example the curtain(s), falls on the plate and thereby cover the transportation means in the area above the plate with a layer of batter. The batter layer on the surface of the plate covers the bottom side of the product with batter. The optional wave, preferably near the exit of the plate may hit the front and / or sides of the product and thereby, the wave may push an extra layer of batter against the product. This results in a more consistent batter coverage of the product and reduces or even eliminates voids in the batter layer on the product.

[0046] Upstream from the plate, an opening 4 is provided, that preferably accommodates a bottom batter layer supply device 8. The opening can be a cavity with an open top. The transportation means extend over the opening and guiding means for the transportation means may be provided on top, up- and / or down-stream from the opening.

[0047] The bottom batter layer supply device 8 has a cavity for the batter and is preferably provided directly after the infeed return rollers 7, below the conveyor belt. A preferably adjustable flow of batter fills the cavity of the bottom batter layer supply device with batter that eventually exits the cavity, preferably via a slot 17, which extends over the entire width of the transportation means. The exiting batter forms the batter bottom layer on top of the bottom batter layer supply device and preferably on the belt at the infeed section of the wet coater. Due to this bottom layer of batter, the infeed area of the conveyor means, preferably abelt or parallel rings, downstream from the return roller 15, is covered with a layer of batter. Hence, the bottom of the product that enters the infeed area, gets in touch with the layer of batter and the bottom of the product will be covered with batter. Without this bottom batter layer supply device, the product would get in contact with a “dry” transportation means which could cause dry belt marks or belt shadows at the bottom side of the product which is not well coated with batter. The thickness of the batter layer provided by the bottom batter layer supply device can be adjusted by either the flow rate provided by a pump 13 and / or a valve system 12 that adjusts the batter flowrate to the bottom batter layer supply device.

[0048] The pump 13 and the valves can be seen in Figure 3. The pump 13 takes liquid batter from a batter reservoir 11 and pumps the batter through a pipe towards the batter application device 3 and to the bottom batter layer supply device 8. The batter flow rate provided by the pump is preferably adjustable. Adjustable valves 12 may split the batter flow between the batter application device 3 and to the bottom batter layer supply device 8. The batter flow rate feed to the batter application device 3 and / or to the bottom batter layer supply device 8 is preferably adjustable. Preferably, excess batter is collected and recycled to the batter reservoir 11.

[0049] Figure 4 depicts details of the bottom batter layer supply device 8, which comprises in the present case a main body with a cavity, which provides a buffer volume for the batter. Lids 18, which are here pivotably provided at the main body, are provided at the sides of the cavity. For example for cleaning purposes the lids can be pivoted from a closed- into a remote, the depicted, position, preferably by means of a handle 22. One lid comprises in the present case an inlet 20 for the batter. In the cavity here a distribution means 19 in form a holed plate is provided to distribute the batter flow equally over its entire transverse extension. The batter enters the cavity via the inlet 20, flows through the distribution means 19 and then exits the bottom batter layer supply device 8 via an outlet, here a slot and then forms a batter bottom layer at the upper surface of the bottom batter layer supply device 8. The batter flow in the cavity has reference sign 9.

[0050] In the present case, the bottom batter layer supply device has a pivot axis 16 which extends transverse to the transportation direction of the transportation means and around which the bottom batter layer supply device 8 is pivotable to adjust an angle of inclination. More preferably, the bottom batter layer supply device comprises adjustment means 21 to adjust the angle of inclination of the surface of the bottom batter layer supply device. The adjustment means are here a screw.

[0051] The pivot axis and the adjustment means 21 of the bottom batter layer supply device can be utilized to tilt the device counter clockwise towards the inlet of the wet coater or clockwise towards the batter application device. With this adjustment means the operator can fine tune the thickness of the batter layer on top of the bottom batter layer supply device and / oron top of the transportation means, for example a belt, and / or the operator can adjust the exact starting position of the batter layer relative to the inlet of the wet coater. In other words how far the batter layer on the bottom batter layer is moved towards or away from the infeed. The exact position of the beginning of the batter layer on top of the belt and / or the bottom batter layer supply device may be dependent on the belt speed and / or batter viscosity, because the transportation means drag the batter away from the infeed and a higher viscosity batter will be dragged more by the transportation means than a batter with a lower viscosity. The tilting of the bottom batter layer supply device 8 can make it possible to exactly position the start of the bottom layer of batter seen from the infeed of the wet coater.

[0052] Figure 5 depicts the plate. The Plate comprises two segments 23, 24, which are bent relative to each other. Angle between the two segments may be adjustable or fixed, for example by a permanent bent. At the sides sidewalls 25 are here provided. In the present case, the plate comprises adjustment means to adjust the tilt of the plate relative to a horizontal plane. The raised edges prevent batter leaking to both left and right side and thereby create a batter layer on the upper surface of the plate 5. The bent between the two segments 23, 24 creates a small wave of batter, preferably near the exit area of the plate. It has been found that the transportation means drags the batter towards the outfeed side of the plate. The bent of the plate causes flow resistance which accumulates some batter to on the top surface of the plate that creates or increases the depth of the batter layer, through which the products are transported during coating. Particularly the increased depth, but the batter layer on the surface of the Plate in general, results in an extended hydration time or better product coating on the sides of the products. The batter flow from the batter application device, for example the curtain(s), falls on the plate and thereby cover the transportation means in the area above the plate with a layer of batter. The batter layer on the surface of the Plate covers the bottom side of the product with batter. The optional wave, preferably near the exit of the Plate may hit the front and / or sides of the product and thereby, the wave may push an extra layer of batter against the product. This results in a more consistent batter coverage of the product and reduces or even eliminates voids in the batter layer on the product.

[0053] The plate can be tilted in the angle around an axis that extends transversal to the transport direction of the products. This tilting can adjust the thickness of the batter layer on top of the Plate.

[0054] Preferably, the position of the plate in the transport direction of the products can be adjusted. Positioning it upstream, towards the bottom batter layer supply device may provide a contact between the plate and the bottom batter layer supply device. This may drag the batter from the bottom batter layer supply device onto the plate. Alternatively, the plate is moved in the transport direction to provide and / or adjust a gap between the bottom batter layersupply device and the plate, for example to drain the batter from the bottom batter layer supply device and / or from the plate and / or reduce the amount of batter supplied to the plate.

[0055] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the plate, which is in the present case plane and / or comprises only a first segment. The disclosure made regarding the plate according to Figure 5 also applies to this embodiment. In the present case, the plate comprises only a first segment 23. The plate is planar. The plate is pivotable around a pivot axis 26. The angle of inclination is adjustable with the handle 21. During operation, preferably, relative to the transport direction 2, the downstream end is higher than the upstream end.List of reference signs1 Wet coater2 T ransport direction of the product to be coated3 Batter application device, overflow device4 opening for a bottom batter layer supply device5 plate6 Collection means, gutter7 Transportation means, transportation belt8 bottom batter layer supply device9 batter flow direction10 infeed11 batter reservoir12 valve13 pump14 drive shaft of the transportation means15 return rollers of the transportation means16 pivot axis17 batter material outlet18 lid19 distribution means20 inlet21 adjustment means22 handle23 first segment24 second segment25 sidewall26 pivot axis

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Wet coater (1) with transportation means (7) which transport a food product in a transportation direction (2), a batter application device (3), which applies a liquid batter to the food product and a plate (5), that is provided below the batter application device (3), characterized in, that the plate (5) comprises a first segment (23) and preferably a second segment (24), wherein, relative to the transport direction, the second segment is downstream from the first segment and the second segment is bent relative to the first segment and the second segment (24) is smaller than the first segment, preferably significantly smaller.

2. Wet coater (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in, that the plate (5) is pivotable around an axis transversal to the transport direction.

3. Wet coater (1) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in, that the plate (5) is adjustable in its position relative to the transport direction.

4. Wet coater (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the plate comprises openings at its upstream end, preferably openings whose area is adjustable.

5. Wet coater (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, that it comprises at its inlet a bottom batter layer supply device (8).

6. Wet coater (1) according to claim 5, characterized in, that a batter layer is provided at least partially on the top surface of the bottom batter layer supply device (8).

7. Wet coater (1) according to claims 5 or 6, characterized in, that the transportation means (7) enter the batter layer on the top surface of the bottom batter layer supply device (8).

8. Wet coater (1) according to one of claims 5 - 7, characterized in, that the bottom batter layer supply device (8) has a pivot axis (16) which extends transverse to the transportation direction (2) and around which the bottom batter layer supply device (8) is pivotable to provide an angle of inclination.

9. Wet coater (1) according to claims 5 - 8, characterized in that the bottom batter layer supply device (8) comprises adjustment means (21) to adjust the angle of inclination of the surface of the bottom layer device.

10. Wet coater (1) according to claims 5 - 9, characterized in, that the bottom batter layer supply device (8) has at least one, preferably two lid(s) (18), one preferably comprising an inlet for the batter.

11. Wet coater (1) according to claims 5 - 10, characterized in, that the bottom batter layer supply device (8) has a distribution means (19) to distribute the batter over its transverse extension.

12. Wet coater (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, that the plate has adjustment means (21), preferably to level the plate.

13. Wet coater (1) according to claims 5 - 11 , characterized in, that it comprises pipes to feed the batter to the bottom batter layer supply device (8) and to the batter application device (3).

14. Wet coater (1) according to claim 13, characterized in, that at least one valve (12) is provided in the pipe, to adjust the batter flow between the bottom batter layer supply device (8) and to the batter application device (3).

15. Method to coat a product with a wet coater (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a product is transported with a transportation speed along the wet coater, characterized in, that a gap between the bottom batter layer supply device (8) and the plate is adjusted depending on the transportation speed.

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in, that with increasing transportation speed, the plate is moved further in an up-stream-direction.

17. Method according to claims 15 or 16, characterized in that a bottom batter layer supply device (8) is provided up-stream from the plate (5).

18. Method according to one of claims 15 - 17, characterized, that an adjustable gap is provided between the bottom batter layer supply device (8) and the plate (5).

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in, that the width of the gap is adjusted inverse reciprocal to the transportation speed.

20. Method to coat a product with a wet coater (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a product is transported with a transportation speed along the wet coater,characterized in, that holes are provided in the plate, preferably at its upstream end, whose size is adjustable.

21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in, that the size of the holes is reduced with increasing transportation speed.

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