Injection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an injection device (I) for injecting an injectate into a food product, comprising an injection unit (60; 200; 300), an injectate-conveying device (30) for conveying the injectate from a supply of injectate to the injection unit (60; 200; 300), and a transporting unit (TE), which conveys in a conveying direction (F) and by means of which the food product to be treated is fed to the injection unit (60; 200; 300) and the treated food product is discharged from the injection unit (60; 200; 300). The injection unit (60; 200; 300) has at least a first injection roller (62; 220; 310), which is oriented substantially transversely to the conveying direction (F) and has a central axis (A) and a plurality of substantially radially outwardly directed injection needles (IN), which are arranged on the injection roller (62; 220; 310) and are spaced apart from one another in the axial direction of the at least first injection roller (62; 220; 310) and / or in the circumferential direction thereof.

Description

[0001] Eisenführ Speiser

[0002] Munich, September 5, 2025

[0003] Our reference: GM 5289-02WO RF / boe

[0004] Applicant / owner: Günther Maschinenbau GmbH

[0005] Official file number: New registration

[0006] Günther Maschinenbau GmbH

[0007] Einsteinstr. 3-5, 64859 Eppertshausen, Germany

[0008] Injection device

[0009] The present invention relates to an injection device for injecting an injectate, such as brine, into a food product, such as meat. The injection device comprises an injection unit, an injectate conveying device for conveying the injectate from a supply of injectate to the injection unit, and a conveying transport unit for feeding the food product to be treated to the injection unit and for removing the treated food product from the injection unit.

[0010] Injection devices, also known as pickling injectors, are known from the prior art in which the material to be pickled, e.g., pieces of meat, is transported on a conveyor belt through an injection tunnel. Inside the injection tunnel is a retractable needle bar equipped with several needles, through which an injectant, such as brine, is injected into the pieces of meat to be treated.

[0011] Especially with higher injection volumes or longer cuts of meat, the needle bar must be raised and lowered multiple times to process such a piece of meat. This intermittent movement of the needle bar requires a corresponding control effort and coordination of the movement with the conveyor belt, which must position the piece of meat being processed correctly below the needle bar. Insufficient coordination of these movements can lead not only to technical problems but also to quality variations within a single piece of meat.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of known injection devices and to provide an injection device for injecting an injectate, such as brine, into a food product, such as meat, which ensures safe operation and with which a high quality of the processed food products is achieved.

[0013] According to the invention, an injection device for injecting an injectant, such as brine, into a food product, such as meat, is proposed. The injection device comprises an injection unit, an injectant conveying device for conveying the injectant from a supply of injectant to the injection unit, and a conveying transport unit for feeding the food product to be treated to the injection unit and for conveying the treated food product from the injection unit in a conveying direction (F). The injection unit has at least one first injection roller oriented substantially transversely to the conveying direction, with a central axis and with several injection needles arranged on the injection roller and directed substantially radially outwards, which are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the at least first injection roller and / or in its circumferential direction.

[0014] A key aspect of the present invention is the provision of an injection roller. The injection roller enables a continuous injection process. The radial alignment of the injection needles on the injection roller ensures an optimal balance between the insertion performance of the injection needles and the transport of the food product or injection material. This allows for an injection device with reduced processing time and high quality.

[0015] However, the injection needles can also have a different orientation to the injection roller, for example a tangential orientation, e.g. depending on the type of food product to be processed.

[0016] Furthermore, the injection unit can be equipped with more than one injection roller. For example, two injection rollers can be provided, arranged parallel to each other and one behind the other in the conveying direction, with a fixed or adjustable distance between them. It is also possible to provide additional injection rollers in this manner. An arrangement of the injection rollers side by side is also conceivable, for example, to process food products of different widths. This allows only one of the injection rollers to be supplied with injectant, depending on the width of the food products being treated, while the other rollers remain untreated, thus reducing injectant consumption.

[0017] The transport unit can comprise various components for feeding and discharging. Preferably, however, it is a conveyor belt, which may include its own drive motor to allow, for example, individual adjustment of its transport speed. This belt can extend through the entire injection device. Alternatively, the transport unit can consist of two or more conveying units connected in series, essentially in the direction of transport, which feed the food product to be treated to the injection unit and discharge it from the injection unit.

[0018] According to the invention, the injection device can further comprise at least one drive unit for the rotary drive of the at least first injection roller. Such a drive supports the transport of the food product during the injection process. It is advantageous if the injection roller rotates about its longitudinal axis. The rotary movement of the injection roller can be continuous or only occur when a food product is located in the area of ​​the injection roller. The movement of the injection roller can alternatively or additionally occur together with the injectate flow, or offset from it, e.g., with a specific lead-in and / or follow-up.

[0019] It is of course possible that the injection roller has no drive of its own. In such a case, it is advantageous if the injection roller is mounted to rotate freely around its central axis. The injection roller is then driven by the food product or injection material being transported along it.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the central axis of the at least first injection roller is oriented substantially horizontally. This orientation enables a defined transport of the injection material and a reliable injection process. It is further advantageous if the transport unit also has at least a partially substantially horizontal orientation.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the injection device according to the invention, the injection needles are arranged in rows that are oriented essentially parallel to the central axis of the at least first injection roller. Additionally or alternatively, the injection needles can be arranged in rows that are oriented circumferentially around the injection roller.

[0022] The rows of needles can be spaced at a uniform distance from each other. Furthermore, the needles of adjacent rows can be offset from each other by a specific distance parallel to the central axis of the injection roller, or by a specific angle in the circumferential direction. The injection needles can also be arranged as one or more spirals that circulate around the injection roller.

[0023] The arrangement of the injection needles enables a desired, preferably uniform, injection pattern. The injection needles can be of the same length. However, it is also possible for them to have different lengths. For example, the injection needles in one row can be the same length, while the adjacent rows can be of different lengths. This results in different immersion depths and thus a corresponding distribution of the injected substance at different depths within the food product.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the injection device, the injection unit may include an injectate control device for controlling the flow of injectate to selected injection needles. Such an injectate control device makes it possible to supply injectate only to specific injection needles, preferably those immersed in the food product being processed. Furthermore, this device also allows the duration, i.e., the start and end of the injection process, to be controlled by these needles.

[0025] The injectate control device can be implemented in various ways. Preferably, the injectate control device comprises at least one approximately cylindrical slide arranged inside the at least first injection roller for releasing and / or shutting off an injectate flow to selected injection needles. The slide enables a technically simple yet reliable control of the injectate flow.

[0026] However, it is also possible to control the injection needles individually or in groups, e.g. by means of appropriate valves.

[0027] According to the invention, the at least one approximately cylindrical slide for releasing and / or shutting off the injectate flow to selected injection needles may include at least one control slot. By selecting the size of the control slot, the position and number of injection needles supplied with injectate for the injection process, and thus the injection pattern, can be determined.

[0028] The control slot preferably extends axially at least over the area in which the injection needles are arranged on the injection roller. Its radial extent is selected to allow an injectant flow to at least one row of needles. This forms an injection area or sector, which is preferably directed towards the food product passing by the injection roller.

[0029] The slider can be designed to be interchangeable, for example, with a slider featuring a differently designed control slot to accommodate different food products. It is also possible to provide two sliders that can be inserted into the injection roller from opposite sides. These can be rotated relative to each other to adjust the injection area.

[0030] According to the invention, it can further be provided that the at least first injection roller is rotatably arranged on the at least approximately cylindrical slide. In other words, the cylindrical slide is fixed relative to the injection roller, whereby the released injection needles, i.e., those pressurized with injectate, are always located in the same sector, i.e., the injection area.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, the approximately cylindrical slide can have several control slots arranged parallel to one another and extending radially through the slide wall. The width of the control slots, i.e., their axial extent, as well as their axial spacing from one another, can be chosen arbitrarily, as long as a sufficient supply of injectant is ensured. Thus, different slides with differently configured control slots can be provided, which, depending on the product to be processed, can be used in one and the same injection roller or in different injection rollers. The axial spacing of the radial control slots can preferably correspond to the spacing of the radial rows of the injection needles. Furthermore, the width of the control slots and the width of the bridge between two adjacent control slots are approximately equal.

[0032] The circumferential extent of the control slots, i.e., their angle relative to the central axis of the injection roller, can also be chosen arbitrarily, provided that the mechanical stability of the cylindrical slide is not compromised. Preferably, the control slots extend over an angular range between 30° and 60°. To further control the injectate flow, at least one first control element can be provided on the approximately cylindrical slide for at least partially covering at least one of the control slots. By at least partially covering the control slots, the angular range in which injection needles are supplied with injectate, and thus the injection area of ​​the injection roller, can be adjusted.

[0033] The control element can have any suitable shape. Preferably, the control element is a shell-shaped element with a semicircular, preferably quarter-circular, cross-section, the radius of which corresponds at least approximately to the outer radius of the slide, so that the control element rests on the slide at least almost completely. Furthermore, the control element has a length that corresponds at least to the length of the area of ​​the slide in which the control slots are arranged. Such a control element can be arranged on the outer surface of the slide in such a way that it covers all control slots located within its area to a desired, adjustable degree.

[0034] The control element can be a single piece, ensuring that all control slots in the slide are covered or uncovered uniformly. Alternatively, the control element can consist of two or more segments or sections arranged axially. These individual segments can then be positioned differently to cover or uncover individual control slots or groups of control slots to varying degrees. This allows for the treatment of a material to be injected differently in sections or areas, i.e., supplied with varying amounts of injectant, for example, for food products with a non-irregular shape or thickness.

[0035] Additionally, a second control element, identical in design to the first, can be provided. This allows the control slots to be covered from both radial ends, thus making it possible not only to adjust the injection angle of the injection roller, but also the direction of the injection angle relative to the feed direction.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the injection unit comprises a second injection roller, which is arranged at least approximately parallel to the first injection roller. A second injection roller enables an improvement in injection quality, for example, by altering the injection pattern. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the quantity and pressure of the injectate supplied to the injection rollers, thereby reducing the mechanical stress on the injection device and the material being injected. If a second injection roller is provided, the at least one drive unit can include a drive element for the rotary drive of the first and second injection rollers, thus ensuring a simple synchronous drive of both injection rollers.

[0037] Alternatively, the injection device can be designed to include a second drive unit for the rotary drive of the second injection roller. This allows the injection rollers to be operated at different speeds. Synchronous drive using a suitable control unit is also possible.

[0038] Instead of a second injection roller, a knife roller can also be used to cut the surface of the food product. The knife roller can also be operated independently of the first injection roller.

[0039] Separate drive units for the first and second injection rollers, or the knife roller, allow these to be designed as independent modules. This means that if necessary, one of the injection rollers can be removed, and the injection device can still be operated with only one injection roller. Furthermore, the modularly designed first and second injection rollers can be connected to a common injection delivery system, or each can have its own separate injection delivery system.

[0040] The position of the second injection roller relative to the first injection roller can be fixed. Preferably, the position of the second injection roller relative to the first injection roller is adjustable. If the first and second injection rollers are housed in a common casing, one of the injection rollers can be arranged to be reversibly displaceable in the conveying direction. Alternatively, the injection rollers can be mounted in one or more fixed positions within the casing. The distance between the injection rollers can then be adjusted by selecting one of the several fixed positions. If the first and second injection rollers are modular, their distance from each other can be set by adjusting the distance between the modules, either in steps or continuously.

[0041] Advantageously, the injection device comprises at least one first sensor unit associated with the injection unit for detecting the injectate flow. The first sensor unit can include, for example, one or more pressure sensors and / or flow meters to determine the pressure and / or flow rate of the injectate. The sensor unit or sensors can be arranged at suitable locations, such as on the injection unit or the injectate delivery system.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment of the injection device, the injection unit can include at least one holding device for the food product being treated. The holding device reliably prevents the injection needles from being safely withdrawn from the food product and / or the food product from being lifted by the injection needles, thereby preventing damage to the food product and / or the injection unit.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, a holding device may be provided upstream and / or downstream of the injection roller in the conveying direction. This ensures safe transport of the food product as well as a safe injection process.

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment, the hold-down device can be located below the first and / or the second injection or knife roller. The hold-down device can comprise a flat element that is lowered onto the material to be injected. The pressure with which the hold-down element presses on the material to be injected can be adjusted, e.g., depending on the type of material being injected.

[0045] If two injection rollers are provided, the hold-down element can extend under both injection rollers. However, it is also possible to have two hold-down elements, one of which is located under each injection roller. In this case, the hold-down elements can be identical.

[0046] Furthermore, the hold-down element(s) may be designed to be interchangeable, for example, to adapt to the specific injection roller or knife roller used. It may also be provided that the hold-down element(s) have interchangeable sections to adapt to the specific injection roller or knife roller used.

[0047] To adapt to the food product being processed, the holding device can be further designed so that its position relative to the transport unit is essentially perpendicular and / or parallel to the conveying direction and can be reversibly fixed, thus ensuring reliable intake of the food product. This also allows for the application of the desired pressure to the food product.

[0048] The hold-down device can be implemented in different designs. For example, the hold-down device can comprise a round bar with a preferably friction-reduced surface, such as stainless steel or a suitable plastic.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment, the holding device can comprise a plate-shaped, preferably L-shaped element, which preferably has longitudinal recesses or slots extending in the conveying direction for immersing the injection needles.

[0050] Advantageously, the injection roller can also be designed so that its position relative to the transport unit is essentially adjustable perpendicular to and / or in the conveying direction and can be reversibly fixed. This allows the position of the injection roller to be adapted to the food product being treated.

[0051] Advantageously, an adjustment device can be provided to adapt the position of the injection roller to the food product being treated. This allows, for example, the height of the injection roller to be adjusted to the height of the food product being processed. Furthermore, the height adjustment of the injection roller enables the adjustment of the immersion depth of the injection needles into the food product, thus ensuring the desired injectant distribution within the food product.

[0052] To set a desired position of the injection roller, and in particular its height, the setting device can include a guide assembly with guide elements oriented essentially perpendicular to the conveying direction. However, guide assembly with other orientations is also possible, for example, to move the injection roller obliquely upwards or downwards, or along a non-linear path.

[0053] According to the invention, the injection device can further comprise a second sensor unit with at least one first sensor for detecting a food product on the transport unit, thereby enabling precise control of the injection device.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment of the injection device, the transport unit may comprise a first conveying unit for feeding the food product to be treated and a second conveying unit for removing the treated food product from the injection unit. This makes it possible to better control the feeding and removal of food products, for example, if the first and second conveying units are operated at different conveying speeds. Of course, operation at identical speeds is also possible.

[0055] For joint or coordinated control of the first and second conveying units, a second sensor arrangement with a corresponding sensor for the second conveying unit can be provided.

[0056] It is also advantageous if the first and / or second conveying unit can be adjusted and reversibly fixed in its inclination relative to the conveying direction, thereby achieving further optimized transport of the food products.

[0057] Advantageously, the injection device comprises a control unit for controlling at least the injection unit and the transport unit, wherein the first and second sensor units are preferably connected to the control unit.

[0058] The sensors can control the injection device by detecting the beginning and / or end of the food product at a specific position on the first transport unit. This allows, for example, the starting, prevention, or stopping of an injector pump. Thus, the injector flow to the injection needles can be prevented or interrupted if no food product is detected. Furthermore, the sensors can be used to trigger alerts, for example, if the injector pressure drops or rises unexpectedly or impermissibly during the injection process. In such cases, a corresponding error message can be issued, a notification sent to the operator, or the injection device can be shut down.

[0059] In an advantageous embodiment, the injectate delivery device for conveying the injectate to the injection unit comprises an injectate tank and an injectate pump. The injection pump can be connected to and controlled by the control unit of the injection device. A corresponding sensor can determine the fill level of the injectate tank and transmit this information to the control unit of the injection device.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment, the control of at least the injection unit, the first conveying unit, and the second conveying unit is dependent on the food product being processed. Various parameters can be set or changed for this purpose, such as the amount or pressure of the injection, the height of the injection roller, and the speed of the conveying units and / or the injection roller. It is also possible for the injection device to be controlled based on programs stored in a memory, which can be recalled, for example, by the operator.

[0061] In a further preferred embodiment, the injection device comprises at least one support roller arranged below the at least first injection roller for supporting the food product being treated during the injection process. Such a support roller can assist the insertion of the injection needles into the food product and facilitate its further transport. The support roller can be provided with radial recesses adapted to the positions of the injection needles, thereby preventing damage to injection needles penetrating the food product. Furthermore, the support roller can prevent injection needles from penetrating the conveyor belt of the first / second transport unit, thus eliminating the need for specially adapted belts.

[0062] As an alternative to the support roller, the injection device can be equipped with a second needle roller positioned at this point, which, in addition to its support function, also enables the injection of injectate from the underside of the food product. This second roller can be fixed in its position or, analogous to the first needle roller located above it, adjustable in its position essentially perpendicular to and / or in the conveying direction.

[0063] It is also conceivable that the injection device does not have a support roller or a second injection roller. In this case, the feeding device can have a correspondingly extended conveyor belt that takes over the support function of the support roller.

[0064] It is further preferred that the support roller be adjustable in its position relative to the at least first injection roller essentially perpendicular to and / or in the conveying direction and reversibly fixed. This allows the position of the support roller to be adapted to the food products being treated.

[0065] Furthermore, a method for operating an injection device for injecting an injectate, such as brine, into a food product, such as meat, is provided, wherein the injection device comprises: an injection unit, an injectate conveying device for conveying the injectate from a supply of injectate to the injection unit, and a transport unit for supplying and removing the food product to be treated to the injection unit in a conveying direction. The injection unit has at least one first injection roller oriented substantially transversely to the conveying direction, with a central axis and with several injection needles arranged on the injection roller and directed substantially radially outwards, which are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the injection roller and in its circumferential direction.

[0066] The method comprises the steps of feeding a food product to be treated to the injection unit by the transport unit in a conveying direction and injecting an injectate into the food product by the injection unit. The method may further comprise one or more of the following steps: conveying the injectate to the injection unit by an injectate conveying device, driving the at least first injection roller, controlling the flow of injectate to selected injection needles of the injection roller by an injectate control device, controlling the injection device based on programs stored in a memory which can be retrieved by an operator via the control unit of the injection device, controlling the injection device based on data acquired by at least one sensor of a first sensor unit, and discharge of the processed food product by the transport unit.

[0067] The proposed method realizes the same advantages as those explained in connection with the injection device according to the invention.

[0068] Further advantages of the present invention and advantageous embodiments are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms "right", "left", "top" and "bottom" refer to the respective drawings in their normal orientation.

[0069] They show:

[0070] Fig. 1: a perspective view of a first embodiment of an injection device according to the present invention;

[0071] Fig. 2: a sectional view of the injection device according to Fig. 1 in the conveying direction;

[0072] Fig. 3: another perspective view of the injection device according to Fig. 1;

[0073] Fig. 4: further perspective views of the injection device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 5: sectional view of the injection unit according to Fig. 4 in the axial direction;

[0074] Fig. 6: another sectional view of the injection unit according to Fig. 4 in radial view

[0075] Direction;

[0076] Fig. 7: a perspective view of a second embodiment of an injection device according to the present invention;

[0077] Fig. 8: a perspective view of the underside of the injection unit of the injection device according to Fig. 7;

[0078] Fig. 9: a perspective view from the front of the underside of a second embodiment of an injection unit of the injection device according to Fig. 7;

[0079] Fig. 10: a perspective view of an injection roller of the injection unit according to

[0080] Fig. 8 or 9;

[0081] Fig. 11: Perspective view from the rear of the injection unit according to Fig. 9;

[0082] Fig. 12: a perspective view of the roller core of the needle roller according to Fig. 10;

[0083] Fig. 13: a perspective view of the slide control of the injection roller according to

[0084] Fig. 12; and

[0085] Fig. 14: the front side of a third embodiment of an injection unit of an injection device according to Fig. 7.

[0086] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an injection device I according to the present invention.

[0087] The injection device I comprises as components a frame 10, a control unit 20, an injectate conveying device 30, a transport unit TE with a first conveying unit 40 and a second conveying unit 50 and an injection unit 60.

[0088] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the frame 10 has horizontal and vertical support elements 12 and carries the components of the injection device I. The frame 10 can be provided with wheels 14, which are arranged at the lower ends of the vertical support elements 12, and by means of which the injection device I can be moved into a desired position.

[0089] In the lower section of the frame 10 are components of the injectate delivery device 30 that are known per se but not further specified, such as a storage tank for the injectate to be injected and a filter system for the injectate exiting the food product and collected in a receiving container. Furthermore, the injectate delivery device 30 has an injectate pump (not shown in the figures) that delivers the injectate at a specific pressure and / or a specific volume flow rate via corresponding injection lines to the injection unit 60. The injectate delivery device 30 can be equipped with a first sensor unit with corresponding sensors for determining the injectate pressure, the flow rate, and / or the fill level of the storage tank, such as pressure sensors, flow meters, or level gauges.

[0090] The transport unit TE includes the first conveying unit 40 for feeding the food product to be treated to the injection unit 60 and the second conveying unit 50 for removing the treated food product from the injection unit 60.

[0091] The first conveying unit 40 comprises a feeding device in the form of a belt conveyor 42 for conveying a food product to be processed in a conveying direction F towards the injection unit 60. The belt conveyor 42 has a first deflection roller arranged at its first end 42a, a second deflection roller arranged at its second end 42b, and a conveyor belt circulating around the first and second deflection rollers. The belt conveyor 42, which is oriented horizontally transversely to the conveying direction F, is inclined in the conveying direction F, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 2.

[0092] The second conveying unit 50 includes a belt conveyor 52 as a feeding device to convey the food product currently being processed away from the injection unit 60 in conveying direction F. The belt conveyor 52 has a first deflection roller arranged at its first end 52a, a second deflection roller arranged at its second end 52b, and a conveyor belt circulating around the first and second deflection rollers. The belt conveyor 52 is also horizontally oriented transversely to the conveying direction F; as can be seen in Fig. 2, it is inclined opposite to the conveying direction F.

[0093] The belt conveyor 42 of the first conveying unit 40 and the belt conveyor 52 of the second conveying unit 50 are aligned to each other such that the second end 42b of the belt conveyor 42 is arranged approximately vertically above the first end 52a of the belt conveyor 52 with a gap between the ends 42b, 52a.

[0094] The first and second conveying units 40, 50 each have a drive (not shown in the figures) for the belt conveyors 42, 43. This can be an electric motor that can be controlled via the control unit 20 of the injection device I.

[0095] The first and second conveyor units 40, 50 each have adjusting means 44, 54 by means of which the inclination of the belt conveyors 42, 52 can be adjusted. The adjusting means 44, 54 of the belt conveyors 42, 52 each comprise a first element connected to the frame 10 and a second element arranged vertically above it and connected to the frame of the respective belt conveyor 42, 52. These elements can be connected to each other in different positions, which are indicated in Fig. 2 by the holes in the element of the adjusting means 44, such that their overall height, and thus the inclination of the respective belt conveyor 42, 52, changes. In this process, the belt conveyor 42 pivots about an axis in the region of its second end, and the second belt conveyor 52 pivots about an axis in the region of its first end.

[0096] The first and second conveying units 40 and 50 can be further equipped with a second sensor unit. This unit can include sensors that determine the position of the food product on the belt conveyor 42 and / or belt conveyor 52. The second sensor unit is connected to the control unit 20 of the injection device I. The sensor data can be used to control the injection process and, for example, to determine its start and end. The sensors can also be used to determine, monitor, and adjust the speed of the belt conveyors 42 and 52.

[0097] The injection unit 60 is arranged in the conveying direction F behind the belt conveyor 42. Its construction is explained in detail in connection with Figures 4 to 6. The injection unit 60 has an injection roller 62 with radially outwardly directed injection needles IN arranged on it. The injection roller 62 has a first end 62a, a second end 62b, and a central axis A (see Figures 4 and 5). The central axis A of the injection roller 62 is oriented horizontally and transversely to the conveying direction F. The injection roller 62 is arranged vertically above the second end 42b of the belt conveyor 42 such that the radially outwardly directed tips of the injection needles IN do not touch the conveyor belt of the belt conveyor 42. As shown in Figure 4, the injection roller 62 is positioned vertically above the second end 62b of the belt conveyor 42 such that the radially outwardly directed tips of the injection needles IN do not touch the conveyor belt of the belt conveyor 42.Figure 3, which shows another perspective view of injection device I, and in which some elements of injection device I are hidden for clarity, shows that the injection unit 60 has a drive 160 in the form of an electric motor 162 with a gearbox 164 attached to it. The drive 160 is connected to the first end 62a, i.e., the left end of the injection roller 62, and drives it in rotation about its central axis A. The injection roller 62 is thereby rotated counterclockwise with respect to Figure 2, so that the movement of the injection roller 62 further assists the transport of a food product conveyed on the conveyor belt 42 of the first conveying unit 40 in the conveying direction F.

[0098] The injection unit 60 is mounted at its axial ends in vertical support plates 71 a, 71 b, which are part of an adjustment device 70; the drive 160 of the injection roller 62 is attached to the front support plate 71 a in Fig. 3.

[0099] The adjusting device 70 further comprises guide elements or guide rails 72a, 72b oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction F and arranged parallel to the outwardly facing surfaces of the support plates 71a, 71b. On the outwardly facing surfaces of each of the support plates 71a, 71b, pairs of horizontally arranged guide rollers 73 with concave outer surfaces or running surfaces are provided. These rollers are spaced such that each roller 73 of a pair bears against the vertical guide rail and can be guided along it. In Fig. 3, only the upper pairs of rollers 73 are shown. A further pair of rollers 73 is arranged on the support plates 71a, 72a at a distance from and perpendicular to these, so that each of the guide rails 72a, 72b is guided by two pairs of rollers.

[0100] The adjusting device 70 further comprises an adjusting drive 74. This drive includes two linear drives in the form of piston-cylinder drives 74, each of which is mounted on one side of the injection device I. As can be seen in Fig. 3, which shows one of the piston-cylinder drives 74, this drive is connected to the frame 10 and the support plate 71a in such a way that the support plate 71a, and thus the injection roller 62, can be moved vertically along the guide bar 72a by means of the piston-cylinder drive 74. The second piston-cylinder drive 74 is connected to the frame 10 and the second support plate 71b in such a way that the latter can be moved vertically along the guide bar 72b. The adjusting device 70 thus enables the injection unit 60 to move perpendicular to the conveying direction F, and thus allows the height of the injection roller 62 to be adjusted relative to the belt conveyors 42, 52 of the first and second conveying units 40, 50.The adjusting device 70 also allows the contact pressure of the injection roller 62 against the food product to be adjusted. The preferably pneumatically actuated piston-cylinder drives can provide shock absorption, compensating for differences in contact pressure caused, for example, by variations in thickness in the food product, thus ensuring at least an approximately constant contact pressure.

[0101] The injection unit 60 further comprises a hold-down device 170. This includes a hold-down element 172 in the form of an approximately L-shaped plate-like element or flat material, such as a sheet, which extends transversely to the conveying direction F over approximately the entire length of the injection roller 62. The hold-down element 172 has parallel longitudinal recesses whose width is slightly larger than the diameter of the injection needles IN and which are oriented in the conveying direction F. The hold-down element 172 is arranged on the injection roller 62 such that one leg of the "L" is oriented upwards below the injection roller 62, opposite to the conveying direction F and at an acute angle to the inclination of the conveyor belt 42. The second leg of the "L" is positioned behind the injection roller 62 in the conveying direction F and points upwards.The hold-down element 172, also arranged on the support plates 71a, 71b, is oriented such that the injection needles IN of the injection roller 62 dip into the longitudinal recesses in the hold-down element 172 and move through them without coming into contact with the hold-down element 172. The inclination of the hold-down element 172 can be adjusted by means of an adjusting device which has adjusting levers 174a, 174b attached to each of the axial ends of the hold-down element 172.

[0102] The injection unit 60 can also be equipped with a sensor unit, and sensors may include those that detect the rotational speed of the injection roller 62 and sensors that detect parameters of the injectate, such as its pressure and / or flow rate.

[0103] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, a support roller 80 is located below the injection roller 62 and is aligned parallel to the injection roller 62. The support roller 80 has circumferential grooves 82 arranged so that they are aligned with the injection needles IN of the injection roller 62. The support roller 80 is attached to pivot levers 83 so that it can be pivoted about a pivot point 84 in order to adjust its distance to the injection roller 62.

[0104] The injection unit 60 is explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 4 to 6. The injection unit 60 has a cylindrical injection roller 62 with a first end 62a, a second end 62b, and a central axis A. Injection needles IN, directed radially outwards, are attached to the injection roller 62. The injection needles IN are arranged in axially aligned rows, with the injection needles IN spaced uniformly apart. Figures 4 to 6 also show that adjacent rows are offset from each other by half a needle spacing. All injection needles IN are of the same length. The injection needles IN have an external thread at their end facing the injection roller 62, which allows them to be screwed into corresponding bores 64 (see Figure 5) in the injection roller 62, thus enabling easy replacement of the injection needles IN.Of course, other fastening methods are also conceivable, such as a bayonet fitting.

[0105] At its first end 62a, the injection roller 62 has an adapter 66 arranged therein and closing the first end 62a. The section of the adapter 66 protruding from the first end 62a of the injection roller 62 forms a positive and non-positive connection to the gearbox 164 of the drive 160 of the injection unit 60.

[0106] A cylindrical tube 182, which is part of an injection control device 180 and forms a slide of a slide control, extends into the open left end 62b of the injection roller 62. The tube, or slide 182, terminates in the region of the first end 62a of the injection roller 62. The injection roller 62 is rotatably mounted on the slide 182 at its first and second ends. In the illustrated embodiment, radial ball bearings are arranged between the outer surface of the slide 182 and the inner surface of the injection roller 62, allowing rotation of the injection roller 62 on the slide 182.

[0107] The end of the slide 182 protruding from the second end 62b of the injection roller 62 is connected to the injectate delivery device 30 via a connecting bend 183. A bearing block 187 is attached to the end of the slide 182 protruding from the second end 62b of the injection roller 62, by which the slide 182 is mounted to the support plate 71b of the adjusting device 70 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0108] In the section of the slide 182 located inside the injection roller 62, the slide has an opening in the form of a control slot 184. This slot extends axially between the two bearing points of the slide 182 and circumferentially over an angle of approximately 45°. This forms a sector S, which creates a fluid connection between the interior of the slide 182 and the injection needles IN located in sector S. Injectate can be drawn from the reservoir h through this sector S, and the injection needles IN can be injected into the food product via this sector S. Sector S is positioned such that only those injection needles that are currently immersed in, already in, or being withdrawn from the food product are supplied with an injectate flow. In other words, injection needles IN that are not in contact with the food product being treated should, as far as possible, not be supplied with injectate.In the embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 3, the sector s is directed approximately vertically downwards, i.e. towards the food product that has just passed under the injection roller 62.

[0109] As can be seen in Figures 4 to 6, a sealing element 185 is arranged between the slide 182 and the injection roller 62, extending between the two bearing points of the slide 182. The sealing element 185 is cylindrical and seals against the outside of the slide 182 and the inside of the injection roller 62. The sealing element 185 is further provided with a recess 186 extending axially and circumferentially, such that its size and position essentially correspond to the control slot 184. To prevent rotational movement between the slide 182 and the sealing element 185, they are secured against each other by a positive-locking connection V, which in this embodiment is designed as a tongue-and-groove joint. The sealing element 185 prevents the flow of injectant into the bearing points of the injection roller 62 and further into the environment.

[0110] To treat food products by injecting an injectant from the injection device I, the food product is placed on the first conveying unit 40. This can be done manually or automatically. The food product, which in the following is referred to as a piece of meat, is conveyed by the belt conveyor 42 in conveying direction F to the injection roller 62. The hold-down element 172 of the hold-down device 170 rests on the piece of meat and can exert a certain pressure on it.

[0111] The injection roller 62 rotates at a speed that corresponds at least approximately to the conveying speed of the belt conveyor 42. During this rotation, the injection needles IN penetrate the piece of meat. Since the injection needles IN located in sector S of the slide 182 are supplied with an injectate flow, the injectate is injected into the piece of meat exclusively through these injection needles IN. As the piece of meat passes the injection roller 62, the injection needles IN move through the longitudinal recesses in the hold-down element 172. The hold-down element 172 holds the piece of meat in its position relative to the injection roller 62, preventing, for example, the injection needles IN from lifting or shifting the meat. During this process, the meat is held in place by the support roller 80.The circumferential grooves 82 in the support roller 80 prevent contact between the support roller 80 and any injection needles IN that may pass through the piece of meat. They also facilitate the removal of any injection fluid that escapes from the piece of meat.

[0112] After the injection process by the injection roller 62 is complete, the treated piece of meat is placed on the belt conveyor 52 of the second conveying unit 50 and conveyed away from the injection roller 62 of the injection unit 60. The conveying speed of the belt conveyor 52 is at least approximately the same as the conveying speed of the belt conveyor 42, but can also differ. For example, a higher conveying speed can be selected for the belt conveyor 52 to prevent a build-up of already treated pieces of meat downstream of the injection roller 62.

[0113] As the piece of meat is fed onto the conveyor belt 42 of the injection unit 60, the sensors of the first sensor unit, which are assigned to the conveyor belt 42, can detect it and determine its position on the conveyor belt 42, and thus its distance to the injection roller 62, and transmit this data to the control unit 20 of the injection device I. Based on this data, the control unit 20 can control the injection process, for example, starting the injection process at the time the piece of meat reaches the injection roller 62. Similarly, the sensors assigned to the conveyor belt 52 can determine the position of the piece of meat currently being treated, so that the control unit 20 can end the injection process when the piece of meat leaves the injection roller 62.

[0114] The sensors of the first sensor unit monitor at least the pressure of the injectate and / or its volumetric flow rate during operation of the injection device I and transmit this data to the control unit 20 of the injection device I. If the pressure falls below a certain value, the control unit 20 can issue a signal to the operator. Alternatively, or depending on the magnitude of the pressure drop, the control unit 20 can shut down the injection device I, for example, to prevent damage to the injection device I or to avoid rejects.

[0115] If the injectate flow rate is too low or too high, a signal can be sent to the operator, or the injection device I can be stopped. Alternatively, the control unit 20 can adjust the flow rate according to a predefined value, for example, by controlling the injectate pump accordingly. To adapt the position of the hold-down element 172 to the meat piece(s) being treated, its height relative to the conveyor belt 42 can be adjusted.

[0116] The speeds of the belt conveyors 42, 52 of the first and second conveying units 40, 50 of the transport unit TE and the speed of the injection roller 62 of the injection unit 60 are coordinated to ensure continuous transport of meat pieces or food products through the injection device I. These speeds can be set manually, for example by an operator, or they can be set automatically. For this purpose, programs stored in the memory of the control unit 20 can be accessed, which execute product-specific injection processes. The values ​​stored in these programs are retrieved by the control unit 20, which then adjusts the corresponding parameters, such as speed, injection pressure, or flow rate, of the units of the injection device I according to these values.

[0117] The height of the injection unit 60 can also be adjusted to suit the size of the meat pieces being treated. This can be done manually by the operator, who enters the corresponding setting into the control unit 20. Alternatively, this setting can be made automatically after the operator has called up a program stored in the control unit 20's memory, which may also contain such parameters.

[0118] As explained in connection with Figures 4 to 6, the injection control device 180 comprises a slide 182 with a control slot 184, which extends over a specific axial length and a specific angle in the radial direction, thus forming sector S. To adapt the injection device I to specific food products, the slide 182 can be made interchangeable, for example, with a slide having a different sector S, such as a different axial length and / or a different radial angle. Alternatively, it is also possible to replace the injection roller 62 with a different injection roller, such as one with a different number, length, or arrangement of injection needles IN.

[0119] Furthermore, the injection needles IN of the illustrated embodiment have the same length, and thus the same penetration depth into the food product. However, it is also conceivable that the injection needles have different lengths. For example, the injection needles in one row could have a different length than those in the adjacent row, or every second injection needle in a row could have a different length than the adjacent injection needle in that row. The arrangement of the injection needles IN can deviate from the arrangement shown in the illustrated embodiment. To achieve a specific puncture pattern, the injection needles can be arranged spirally or radially around the injection roller. However, any other distribution of the injection needles, or even an arbitrary distribution of the injection needles on the injection roller, is also conceivable.

[0120] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an injection device I with an injection unit 100.

[0121] The injection device I according to Fig. 7 comprises a frame G consisting of horizontal and vertical supports T, on which the components of the injection device I are arranged.

[0122] The injection device I further comprises an injection unit 100, a transport unit TE arranged below the injection unit 100 for feeding and removing injection material to or from the injection unit 100 in the conveying direction F, and an injectate conveying device IF located in the lower right area of ​​the frame G as shown in Fig. 7. The injection device I according to Fig. 7 also has a control unit (not shown in Fig. 7) for controlling the components of the injection device 100.

[0123] The injection unit 100, which is explained in detail in connection with Fig. 8, comprises as its main components a housing 110 in which a first injection roller 120 and a second injection roller 130 are arranged horizontally and parallel to each other, a drive unit 140 for driving the first and second injection rollers 120, 130, a hold-down device 150 with a hold-down element 151 and a drive unit 450 for the reversible vertical movement of the hold-down element 151, and with a drive unit 460 for the reversible vertical movement of the injection unit 100 relative to the frame G or to the transport device TE.

[0124] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the underside of the injection unit 100 of the injection device I according to Fig. 7.

[0125] The injection unit 100 comprises an approximately cuboid housing 110 in which a first injection roller 120 and a second injection roller 130 are arranged horizontally and parallel to each other. The housing 110 includes a flat top 211, two end faces 112, a front 113, and a back 114, all oriented vertically or perpendicular to the top 111. The bottom of the housing 210 is open, allowing the downward-pointing injection needles IN of the first and second injection rollers 120, 130 to protrude from the housing 110.

[0126] On the top of the housing 110 a drive unit 140 for the first and second injection roller 120, 130 is arranged, which preferably in its construction is similar to the drive unit 240 of the embodiment of an injection unit 200 explained in connection with Fig. 9.

[0127] Likewise, the injection rollers 120, 130 correspond in their construction and function to the injection roller 220 described in connection with Figs. 10, 12 and 13. They can also be part of an assembly unit ME1 (see Fig. 10), which can be mounted to or removed from the injection unit 100 in a corresponding manner, and have a corresponding injectate control (see Figs. 12, 13).

[0128] The hold-down device 150 comprises a hold-down element 151 or a scraper in the form of a flat, approximately rectangular element, such as a sheet metal plate, which is aligned parallel to the top of the conveyor belt of the transport unit TE. The hold-down element 151 or the scraper has two passage areas 151a, 151b, each arranged below the first and second injection rollers 120, 130. These passage areas are formed by slots arranged parallel to each other and in the conveying direction F, the width of which corresponds at least to the diameter of the injection needles IN and which are aligned with the radial rows of the injection needles IN, so that during an injection process, the injection needles IN can enter the slots and move through them in the conveying direction F without colliding with the hold-down element 151.It is understood that the number of parallel slots corresponds at least to the number of radial rows of injection needles IN of the injection rollers 120, 130. The passage areas 151 a, 151 b can also be designed as separate elements, e.g., in the form of approximately rectangular surface elements with parallel slots arranged therein, which can be fitted into a corresponding recess in the hold-down element 151. These elements can be interchangeable, adapting to the injection roller used.

[0129] Below the transport unit TE, the drive unit 450 for the reversible vertical movement of the hold-down element 151 is arranged in the frame G. The drive unit 450 comprises a drive motor 451, such as a servo motor with a gearbox or a linear motor, a vertically oriented push rod 452, which is reversibly raised vertically by means of the drive motor 451, a horizontal crossbeam 453 arranged at the upper end of the push rod 452 and aligned in the conveying direction F, and two horizontal crossbeams 454 arranged at the ends of the crossbeam 453. Vertical guide rods 455 are connected to the ends of the crossbeams 454, and their upper ends are connected to the hold-down element 151 in pairs in the region of the front and rear edges. The guide rods 455 are slidably guided in vertical guides 456.The vertical guide rods 455 are guided laterally past the conveyor belt of the transport unit TE. To enable the injection unit 100 to be raised and lowered relative to the transport unit TE, the drive motor and the guides 456 are connected to the frame G.

[0130] Also located below the transport unit TE is the drive unit 460 for the reversible vertical movement of the injection unit 100 relative to the frame G or to the transport device TE.

[0131] The drive unit 460 comprises a drive motor 461, such as a servo motor with a gearbox or a linear motor, with a motor shaft oriented horizontally and transversely to the conveying direction F. At the ends of the motor shaft, bevel gears are mounted, each driving two drive shafts 462 that are oriented horizontally and in the conveying direction F. The drive unit 460 further comprises gearboxes or linear motors 463 arranged at the ends of the drive shafts 462 pointing away from the bevel gears. The linear motors 463 drive vertically oriented push rods 464, which are slidably guided in vertical guides 465 and are connected in their upper region to the end faces 112 of the housing 110 by means of holders 466.

[0132] To adjust the height of the injection unit 100 relative to the transport unit TE, i.e., to adjust the insertion depth of the injection needles IN into the material being injected, the drive unit 460 is connected to the control unit of the injection device I. The height of the injection unit 100 can be adjusted manually by an operator or, for example, programmatically from a corresponding menu. Similarly, the height of the hold-down element 151, whose drive unit is also connected to the control unit of the injection device I, can be adjusted manually by an operator or automatically to adapt to the height of the material being injected.

[0133] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the underside of a second embodiment of an injection unit 200 of the injection device I. The injection unit 200 comprises an approximately cuboid housing 210 in which a first injection roller 220 and a second injection roller 230 are arranged horizontally and parallel to each other. The housing 210 comprises a flat top 211, two end faces 212, a front 213, and a rear 214, all oriented vertically or perpendicular to the top 211. The underside of the housing 210 is open, so that the downward-pointing injection needles IN of the first and second injection rollers 220, 230 protrude from the housing 210. A total of four vertically oriented posts 215 are arranged at the corners of the housing 210 on the end faces 212 of the housing 210, which point in the conveying direction F and in the opposite direction.The posts 215 are held in vertical guides 216, by means of which the housing 210 can be adjusted in height. However, it is also possible for the posts 215 to be designed as push rods and connected to the housing 210 of the injection device 200. In this case, they form part of a drive unit for the reversible vertical movement of the injection unit 200 relative to the transport device TE, as explained in connection with the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0134] Below the injection unit 200 extends a conveyor belt of the transport unit TE (see Fig. 1) (shown only schematically in Fig. 7) for supplying and removing injection material to or from the injection unit 200 in the conveying direction F.

[0135] The vertical guides 216 can include (not shown in Fig. 7) drives, e.g. electric or pneumatic drives, for adjusting the height of the injection unit 200 relative to the transport unit TE, or to its conveyor belt.

[0136] A drive unit 240 is arranged on the housing 210, with a drive element 242, for example in the form of an electric motor, positioned on the upper surface 211 of the housing 210, which drives the first and second injection rollers 220, 230. The drive unit 240 comprises a drive chain 243, a gear 244 attached to the shaft of the drive element 242, and gears 245, 246 attached to the front ends of the injection rollers 220, 230 as shown in Fig. 7. The drive unit 240 enables synchronous drive of the injection rollers 220, 230.

[0137] The injection unit 200 further comprises a hold-down device 250 with a hold-down element 251 or a scraper in the form of a flat, approximately rectangular element, such as a sheet metal plate, which is aligned parallel to the top of the conveyor belt of the transport unit TE. The hold-down element 251 or the scraper is held at its side edges, which point in the conveying direction F and in the opposite direction, by vertically aligned lifting rods 252a, 252b (see Figs. 9 and 11). The lifting rods 252a, 252b extend over the top surface 211 of the housing 210 and are guided in vertical guides 253a, 253b arranged above the top surface 211 and connected to the frame G of the injection device I. Above the vertical guides 253, clamping devices 254a, 254b are arranged on the lifting rods 252a, 252b.These comprise a housing and a clamping element arranged therein, by means of which the clamping devices 254a, 254b can be reversibly clamped to the lifting rods 252a, 252b in order to adjust their position relative to the vertical guides 253a, 253b, and thus the height of the hold-down element 251 above the conveyor belt of the transport unit TE. The vertical lifting rods 252a, 252b can be designed as racks, and the clamping elements of the clamping devices 254a, 254b, which can have teeth corresponding to the teeth of the racks, engage with them.

[0138] In the area of ​​the corners of the hold-down element 251 of the hold-down device 250, a total of four vertical guide rods 255 are arranged, extending vertically upwards and guided in the vertical guides 216 of the posts 215. Plate-shaped stop elements 256 are attached to the guide rods 255 above the housing 210. These stop elements project beyond the housing 210 so that they can rest on the upper surface 211 of the housing 210, thus limiting the downward movement of the guide rods 255 of the hold-down element 251 towards the transport device TE and thus its distance to the needle rollers 220, 230. This position of the hold-down element 251 is ensured by the weight of the hold-down element 251 and the guide rods 255, or by the force of gravity generated by them.However, elastic components such as springs or shock absorbers, or active assemblies such as pressure cylinders, can also be provided to secure the hold-down element 251 in the position shown in Fig. 9, in which the stopper elements 256 rest against the top 211 of the housing 210.

[0139] To set the desired position of the hold-down element 251, i.e., its height above the conveyor belt of the transport device TE, the injection unit 200 is moved vertically downwards from the basic position shown in Fig. 9, with the clamping devices 254a, 254b released, until the desired distance between the hold-down element 251 and the conveyor belt of the transport device TE is reached. The lifting rods 252a, 252b are then fixed in the clamping devices 254a, 254b. The hold-down element 251 is thus in a pass-through position. To set the needle position, i.e., the position of the needle rollers 220, 230, in which they have the intended penetration depth into the material to be injected, the injection unit 200 is lowered further. The hold-down element 251 is secured in its position by the clamping devices 254a, 254b, which rest on the vertical guides 253a, 253b.If, during the injection process, an injection material with a greater thickness than the set distance between the hold-down element 251 and the transport device TE passes the hold-down element 251, it is lifted and can thus move upwards, thereby avoiding damage to the injection material and the injection unit 200.

[0140] Sensors that detect the position of the hold-down element 251 and / or the injection unit 200 can be arranged at suitable locations, such as on the hold-down element 251, the lifting rods 252a, 252b, the guides 253a, 253b, the guide rods 255, the housing 210, or at any suitable point on the frame G. The sensors are connected to the control unit of the injection device I, which allows an operator to set the desired position of the hold-down element 251 and the injection unit 200. The values ​​can also be retrieved programmatically and set automatically.

[0141] The hold-down element 251 has two passage areas 251a and 251b, respectively, arranged below the first and second injection rollers 220 and 230. These passage areas are formed by slots arranged parallel to each other and in the conveying direction F, the width of which corresponds at least to the diameter of the injection needles IN and which are aligned with the radial rows of the injection needles IN, so that during an injection process, the injection needles IN can enter the slots and move through them in the conveying direction F without colliding with the hold-down element 251, provided the injection rollers 220 and 230 are rotating. It is understood that the number of parallel slots corresponds at least to the number of radial rows of injection needles IN of the injection rollers 220 and 230. The passage areas 251a and 251b can also be designed as separate elements, e.g.,in the form of approximately rectangular surface elements with parallel slots arranged within them, which can be fitted into a corresponding recess in the hold-down element 251. These elements can be interchangeable, adapting to the injection roller used.

[0142] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the first injection roller 220 of the injection unit 200.

[0143] The first injection roller 220 has a roller core 221 on which the radially outwardly pointing injection needles IN are arranged in axial and radial rows. At the front end of the roller core 221, as shown in Fig. 8, an adapter 221a is arranged for the force-fit and form-fit connection of the needle roller 220 to the drive unit 240 for the rotary drive of the respective injection roller 220. For attachment to the roller core 221, the adapter 221a has a circular flange with elongated holes 221b arranged on a circular path. These allow adjustment of the angular position of the roller core 221 relative to the adapter 221a, and thus adjustment of the angular position of the injection needles IN of the injection roller 220 relative to the angular position of the injection needles IN of the injection roller 230.This allows the injection pattern of the injection needles IN of the injection rollers 220 and 230 to be adjusted so that an injection needle IN of injection roller 220 pierces precisely in the center between the two punctures of two consecutive injection needles of injection roller 230, which are aligned with it in the conveying direction F, in order to achieve a denser injection pattern. It is also possible to adjust the position of the injection needles IN of injection roller 220 so that they pierce precisely into the punctures of the injection needles IN of injection roller 230. Naturally, any intermediate position of the injection needles IN of injection rollers 220 and 230 relative to each other can also be set.

[0144] The roller core 221 is rotatably mounted at its axial ends in two bearing plates 222, which are oriented vertically to the central axis A of the injection roller 220. The upper ends of the bearing plates 222, shown in Fig. 8, project beyond the injection needles IN and are connected to an approximately flat cover plate 223. On the upper side of the cover plate, in the area of ​​the bearing plates 222, two mounting elements 224 are arranged, which have an I-shaped or double-T cross-section and grooves 224a arranged on the sides facing the conveying direction F and the opposite direction, and aligned parallel to the central axis A. A handle 225 is attached to the cover plate between the mounting elements 224. The injection roller 220, together with the bearing plates 222, the mounting elements 224, and the handle 225, forms a first assembly unit ME1 for installing the injection roller 220 into and removing it from the injection device I.

[0145] The second injection roller 230 is identical in its construction to the first injection roller 220, and together with bearing plates arranged at its axial ends, a cover plate with mounting elements arranged on its upper side and a handle, forms a second assembly unit ME2 identical to the first assembly unit ME1 (see Fig. 1 1).

[0146] As can be seen in Fig. 11, which is a perspective view of the rear of the injection unit 200, the rear 214 of the housing 210 consists of two identical sections 214a, 214b arranged horizontally next to each other. Furthermore, the top 211 of the housing 210 has two receiving slots AS aligned parallel to the central axes A of the first and second injection rollers 220, 230. These slots extend from the rear edge of the top 211 of the housing 210 towards its front edge, but end before reaching it.

[0147] The first and second injection rollers 220, 230 are inserted into the housing 210 by sliding the mounting elements 224 into the receiving slots AS of the top surface 211 such that the longitudinal edges of the receiving slots AS engage in the grooves 224a of the mounting elements 224. The handles 225 protruding through the receiving slots AS allow for easy insertion and removal of the mounting units ME1, ME2. Locking elements SE secure the mounting units ME1, ME2 in the position shown in Fig. 9, which corresponds to the working or operating position. The locking elements SE can be manually tightened and loosened, allowing the mounting units ME1, ME2 to be installed and removed without tools.Furthermore, a mounting frame can be provided, which is placed at the rear of the injection device I, into which the mounting units ME1, ME2 can be inserted directly from the housing 210, or from which the mounting units ME1, ME2 can be inserted directly into the housing 210. For this purpose, the mounting frame can have a receptacle with receiving slots similar to the receiving slots AS, arranged at the same height, to receive and store the mounting units ME1, ME2 suspended from the mounting elements 224. Of course, a separate storage rack or storage device can also be provided to store the mounting units ME1, ME2 suspended from the mounting elements 224.

[0148] Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the roller core 221 of the injection roller 220 according to Fig. 10.

[0149] The roller core 221 has radially oriented bores 221b on its cylindrical surface into which the injection needles IN are inserted, for example, by being screwed in as described above in connection with the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6. Inside the roller core 221, a slide 281 in the form of a cylindrical tube is arranged, which is part of an injection control device 280, and on which the roller core 221 or the injection roller 220 is rotatably mounted, preferably by means of suitable ball bearings. The slide or the cylindrical tube 281 extends between the ends of the roller core 221 and has a plurality of radially aligned control slots 282. The radial control slots 282 extend over an angle between 90° and 180° with respect to the central axis A.The width of the control slots 282 and their spacing preferably correspond approximately to the diameter of the bores 221b and their axial spacing. However, the width of the control slots 282 can also be selected such that they extend over two or more bores 221b. The control slots 282 form a sector S, which creates a fluid connection between the interior of the tube 281 and the injection needles IN located in sector S. Injectate from the reservoir and the injection needles IN can be injected into the food product via this sector S. The angle enclosed by the control slots 282 corresponds to the maximum possible width of sector S in the circumferential direction of the injection roller 220 or the roller core 221.

[0150] As can be seen in Fig. 13, which is a perspective view of the slide control of the injection roller according to Fig. 12, control elements 283 are arranged on the cylindrical tube 281. The control elements 283 serve to at least partially cover the control slots 282. The control elements 283 have a length corresponding to the length of the cylindrical tube 281 and a semicircular cross-section whose inner radius corresponds to the outer radius of the tube 281, so that the control elements 283 rest positively on the tube 281. The control elements 283 can be arranged on the tube 281 such that they at least partially cover the control slots 282 from their ends. This allows the width of the sector S to be adjusted, i.e., its maximum width, which is determined by the length of the control slots, to be reduced.It is possible to reduce the width of sector S uniformly from both ends of the slots 281, so that the center of sector S points vertically downwards. However, it is also possible to align sector S by unevenly reducing the width of the slots 281 so that its center deviates from the vertical in the conveying direction F or vice versa.

[0151] As can be seen further in Fig. 13, the control elements 283 can be fixed to the tube 281 in stages along its circumference. For this purpose, the control elements have projections 284 at their front ends, arranged in Fig. 13 and directed radially to the central axis A, which engage in corresponding recesses 285 in the end face of the tube 281. The circumferential spacing of the projections 284 corresponds to the circumferential spacing of the recesses 285. This allows the control slots 282 to be covered or uncovered in stages, depending on the number of recesses 285 provided in the end face of the tube 281, by the control elements 283 in order to adjust the width of the sector S.

[0152] To secure the control elements 283 in their selected position, the positive locking formed by the projections 824 and recesses 285 may suffice. However, a locking mechanism can also be provided so that the projections 824 and recesses 285 can be detachably locked together, thus forming a force-fit connection.

[0153] It goes without saying that the injection roller 230 is also equipped with an injectate control system, as has been explained in connection with the first injection roller 220.

[0154] Fig. 14 shows the front side of a third embodiment of an injection unit 300 of the injection device I.

[0155] The injection unit 300 has a modular design and comprises a food processing module M1 and a second food processing module M2 arranged behind it in the conveying direction F. A transport unit TE extends below the first and second modules M1 and M2 for feeding and removing the injection material to or from the injection unit 300 in the conveying direction F, and includes at least one conveyor belt.

[0156] In the illustrated embodiment, module M1 is an injection module with an injection roller 310, which corresponds in structure and function to one of the first or second injection rollers 220, 230 of the injection unit 200. Like the injection rollers 220, 230 of the injection unit 200, the injection roller 310 is part of an assembly unit for installation in and removal from module M1 of the injection roller 310 from the injection unit 300. The second module M2 includes a knife roller 320, which is provided with radially outwardly directed blades K for scoring the surface of the food, such as meat, or for cutting to a desired depth. The knife roller 320 can also be provided as an assembly unit for installation or removal from the injection unit 300, or for replacement with an assembly unit containing an injection roller.

[0157] Modules M1 and M2 have separate and essentially identical drive units 340, allowing them to be driven independently. However, it is also possible to synchronize the drives 340.

[0158] Spacers can be provided to adjust the distance between modules M1 and M2 in the conveying direction F. These spacers can be available in different lengths to set predetermined distances between modules M1 and M2. Furthermore, such spacers ensure precise alignment of modules M1 and M2 in the conveying direction F. To adapt the position of the injection roller 310 to the thickness of the food product being processed or to adjust the penetration depth of the injection needles, the injection roller can be arranged in a height-adjustable position within module M1.

[0159] Similarly, the height of the knife roller 320 in module M2 can also be adjusted to adapt the position of the knife roller 320 to the thickness of the food product to be processed, or to change the cutting depth of the blades K into the food product.

[0160] Of course, it is possible to replace the knife roller 320 in module M2 with an injection roller 310 in order to perform an injection process with a modified piercing pattern.

[0161] Finally, the modular design allows for a wider range of applications for the Injection Unit 300. For example, module M2 can be removed, and only module M1 can be used to perform an injection process. Alternatively, module M2 can also be operated on its own to process a food product.

Claims

Claims 1. Injection device (I) for injecting an injectate into a food product, comprising: an injection unit (60; 100; 200; 300); an injectate conveying device (30; IF) for conveying the injectate from a supply of injectate to the injection unit (60; 100; 200; 300), and a conveying transport unit (TE) conveying in a conveying direction (F) for feeding the food product to be treated to the injection unit (60; 100; 200; 300) and for removing the treated food product from the injection unit (60; 200; 300); wherein the injection unit (60; 100; 200; 300) has at least one first injection roller (62; 120; 220; 310) oriented substantially transversely to the conveying direction (F) with a central axis (A) and with several injection needles (IN) arranged on the injection roller (62; 120; 220; 310) and directed substantially radially outwards, extending in the axial direction of the at least first injection roller (62; 220;310) and / or are spaced apart from each other in their circumferential direction.; 2. Injection device (I) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one drive unit (160; 140; 240; 340) for rotary driving of the at least first injection roller (62; 120; 220; 310).

3. Injection device (I) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the central axis (A) of the at least first injection roller (62; 120; 220; 310) is substantially horizontally oriented.

4. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the injection needles (IN) are arranged in rows which are oriented substantially parallel to the central axis (A) of the at least first injection roller (62; 120; 220; 310).

5. Injection device (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the injection needles (IN) are arranged in rows which are aligned circumferentially around the at least first injection roller (62; 120; 220; 310).

6. Injection device (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the injection unit (60; 100; 200; 300) comprises an injectate control device (180; 280) for controlling the flow of injectate to selected injection needles (IN).

7. Injection device (I) according to claim 6, wherein the injectate control device (180; 280) comprises at least one approximately cylindrical slide (182; 281) arranged inside the at least first injection roller (62; 120; 220; 310) for releasing and / or shutting off an injectate flow to selected injection needles (IN).

8. Injection device (I) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one approximately cylindrical slide (182; 281) for releasing and / or shutting off the injectate flow to selected injection needles (IN) comprises at least one control slot (184; 282).

9. Injection device (I) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least first injection roller (62; 120; 220; 310) is rotatably arranged on the at least approximately cylindrical slide (182; 281).

10. Injection device (I) according to claim 7, wherein the approximately cylindrical slide (281) has several control slots (282) arranged parallel to each other and extending radially.

11. Injection device (I) according to claim 10, wherein at least one control element (283) is provided on the approximately cylindrical slide (281) for at least partially covering at least one of the control slots (282).

12. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the injection unit (100; 200; 300) comprises a second injection roller (120; 230; 320) which is arranged at least approximately parallel to the at least first injection roller (130; 220; 310).

13. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one drive unit (160; 140; 240; 340) comprises a drive element for rotary driving of the first and the second injection roller (120, 220, 310; 130, 230; 320).

14. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a second drive unit (340) for rotary driving of the second injection roller (320).

15. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the position of the second injection roller (320) relative to the first injection roller (310) is adjustable.

16. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising at least one first sensor unit for detecting the injectate flow.

17. Injection device (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the injection unit (60; 100; 200; 300) comprises at least one holding device (150; 170; 250) for the food product to be treated.

18. Injection device (I) according to claim 17, wherein the holding device (170) is provided upstream and / or downstream of the injection roller (62) in the conveying direction (F).

19. Injection device according to claim 17, wherein the hold-down device (150; 250) is provided below the first and second injection rollers (120, 220, 310; 130, 230; 320).

20. Injection device (I) according to claims 11 to 19, wherein the holding device (170; 150; 250) is adjustable in its position relative to the transport unit (TE) substantially perpendicular and / or parallel to the conveying direction (F) and reversibly fixable.

21. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the holding device (170) comprises a round rod with preferably a friction-reduced surface.

22. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the holding device (170; 150; 250) comprises a plate-shaped element (172; 151; 251) which preferably has longitudinal recesses oriented in the conveying direction (F) for immersing the injection needles (IN).

23. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the at least first and the second injection roller (62; 120, 220, 310; 130, 230; 320) is adjustable and reversibly fixable in its position relative to the transport unit (TE) substantially perpendicular to and / or in the conveying direction (F).

24. Injection device (I) according to claim 23, wherein an adjustment device (70) is provided for changing the position of at least the first and second injection rollers (62; 120, 220, 310; 130, 230; 320) to adapt the position of the at least first and second injection rollers (62; 120, 220, 310; 130, 230; 320) to the food product to be treated.

25. Injection device (I) according to claim 24, wherein the adjusting device (70) for adjusting the position of the at least first and the second injection roller (62; 120, 220, 310; 130, 230; 320) comprises a guide device (72a, 72b, 73) with guide elements (72a, 72b) oriented substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction (F).

26. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising a second sensor unit with at least one first sensor for detecting a food product on the transport unit (TE).

27. Injection device (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the transport unit (TE) comprises a first conveying unit (40) for feeding the food product to be treated and a second conveying unit (50) for removing the treated food product from the injection unit (60).

28. Injection device (I) according to claim 27, wherein the first and / or the second conveying unit (40, 50) are adjustable in their inclination with respect to the conveying direction (F) and can be reversibly fixed.

29. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 1 to 28, further comprising a control unit (20) for controlling at least the injection unit (60; 100; 200; 300) and the transport unit (TE), wherein the first and the second sensor unit are connected to the control unit (20).

30. Injection device (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the injectate delivery device (30, IF) for delivering the injectate to the injection unit (60; 100; 200; 300) comprises an injectate tank and an injectate pump.

31. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the control (20) of at least the injection unit (60; 100; 200; 300) and the transport unit (TE) is carried out depending on the food product to be treated.

32. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the position of the transport unit (TE) is adjustable.

33. Injection device (I) according to one of claims 1 to 32, further comprising a support roller (80) arranged below the at least first injection roller (62) for supporting the food product during the injection process.

34. Injection device (I) according to claim 33, wherein the support roller (80) is adjustable and reversibly fixable in its position relative to the at least first injection roller (62) substantially perpendicular to and / or in the conveying direction (F).

Images