Machine for washing the outer parts of bakery product trays

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine designed to wash the outer parts of trays used for baking bakery products, such as baklava and borek, while the food remains inside.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] MACHINE FOR WASHING THE OUTER PARTS OF BAKERY PRODUCT TRAYS WHILE CONTAINING FOOD

[0003] Technical Field of the Invention:

[0004] The invention relates to a machine designed to wash the outer part of trays used for baking bakery products, such as baklava and borek, while the food remains inside.

[0005] State of the Art (Prior Art):

[0006] In the food sector, aluminum trays are widely preferred in the preparation of ready-to- consume products, such as baklava and borek. This preference stems from the durability, heat conductivity, and reusability features of aluminum. However, the cleaning of aluminum trays is crucial for ensuring hygiene standards and extending product lifespan.

[0007] The outside of these trays is often soiled by oils that overflow during baking or by other food components, depending on the product. The resulting dirt sticks tightly around the tray due to the heat inside the oven. Ready-made food manufacturers, such as those producing baklava and borek, assign separate personnel to clean this dirt formed on the outsides of the trays after the baking process, and all trays are cleaned by this personnel while the food product remains inside and while they are hot.

[0008] Due to the trays being very hot, personnel must wait for the trays to cool down. This situation slows down the manufacturing process. Furthermore, since the cleaning process depends on the momentary performance of the personnel, it is not possible to reach the desired hygiene level in every tray.

[0009] The outer surfaces of aluminum trays are generally cleaned manually using a damp cloth or paper towel. This method allows the cleaning process to be carried out in a controlled manner by minimising water and detergent usage.

[0010] The top of the food is generally covered with stretch film or a similar barrier, preventing liquid or cleaning materials from contaminating the food during cleaning. Another cleaning method is the use of hygienic cloths suitable for food safety and odor-free, harmless cleaning agents. This method is particularly effective in removing oil, dirt, and stains on the outer surface. Great care is taken to ensure that cleaning agents do not come into contact with the food surface that directly touches the aluminium tray.

[0011] Superficial cleaning, performed with a damp cloth on the outer surface, is a widely known common practice. In this method, the tray is kept stationary during cleaning, and work is performed carefully to prevent any liquid or cleaning agent from contaminating the inner part. Generally, only light dirt and stains on the outer surface of the tray are removed in this type of cleaning.

[0012] Covering the top of the tray with a cloth or stretch film to protect the food inside is a common practice. This protective barrier increases safety by preventing water or cleaning agents used during cleaning from reaching the food. This method is frequently preferred, especially in large kitchens or the ready-made food sector.

[0013] Although various proposals and applications have been developed for the cleaning of food containers in the state of the art, these developments are still insufficient. Some applications belonging to inventions developed for this purpose are provided below.

[0014] The invention subject to the application numbered "CN203635530U" found in the state of the art relates to a tray washing machine. The tray washing machine is equipped with jet washing devices, each of which includes its own jet washing chamber.

[0015] The invention subject to the application numbered "KR101679624B1" found in the state of the art relates to a washing machine and a tray dispenser configured to release trays. The process describes the integrated presence of a pre-washing unit within a system designed for washing plates after use in large-scale group dining facilities, such as school cafeterias, public institutions, military units, or large companies.

[0016] Systems for cleaning food containers also exist in the state of the art. These systems are designed for cleaning soiled containers in which the food has been consumed, and they wash all parts of the containers without distinguishing between the inner and outer surfaces.

[0017] However, there is currently no system capable of cleaning only the outer edges and bottom parts of containers that still contain a product to be consumed later and whose outer edges and bottom parts are soiled. As a result, due to the downsides explained above and the limitations of existing solutions regarding the subject matter, an improvement in the relevant technical field has become necessary.

[0018] Object of the Invention:

[0019] The primary objective of the invention is to ensure that the outer edges and bottom parts of trays containing food are washed without damaging the food inside. Thus, the cleaning of the tray bottom and edges is ensured.

[0020] Another object of the invention is its ability to perform a simultaneous multi-tray washing process. Thus, it accelerates the manufacturing process.

[0021] Another object of the invention is that it includes a rotating system. Thus, it ensures the cleaning of the outer edges of both round and square trays.

[0022] Another object of the invention is that it is equipped with rotating brushes. Thus, it ensures the cleaning of the bottom part of the tray.

[0023] Another object of the invention is the continuous blowing of hot steam onto the tray cleaning brushes. Thus, it prevents bacteria formation on the tray cleaning brushes.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to cover the tray top with a lid having silicone walls. Thus, the contact of the food inside the tray with the external environment is cut off.

[0025] Description of the Figures:

[0026] Figure 1 : A drawing showing the general view of the machine used for washing the outer parts of bakery product trays while the food remains inside, which is the subject matter of the invention.

[0027] Reference Numbers:

[0028] 1. Bottom Holder

[0029] 2. Tray

[0030] 3. Top Holder Lid

[0031] 4. Brush 1

[0032] 5. Side Holder

[0033] 6. Brush 2

[0034] 7. Nozzle Description of the Invention:

[0035] The invention relates to a machine that ensures the washing of the outer parts of trays used in baking bakery products, such as baklava and borek, while food is inside them.

[0036] With the invention, only the outer parts of trays filled with food components can be cleaned without damaging the food product inside. While a lid closes onto the tray to protect the product inside, its outer parts are cleaned with a brush, a hot steam sprayer, and rotating brushes. During the process taking place on a belt, the outer side edges and the bottom side of the tray can be cleaned without requiring personnel.

[0037] With the sensors within the system subject to the invention, tray dimensions and position are detected, and the tray is positioned accordingly for the washer. With the sensors incorporated into the invention, the tray's dimensions and position are automatically detected, and the cleaning process begins. The invention provides the possibility of washing the outer parts of the tray (2) without damaging the product inside the trays (2) containing food material. According to the working system of the machine, the rotating top holder lid (3) is closed onto the tray (2) placed on the rotating bottom holder (1 ).

[0038] The bottom holder (1 ), which is a plate, can rotate around its own axis thanks to a motor controlled by the PLC. While the top holder lid (3) can rotate freely around its own axis, it can also move upward and downward via a PLC-controlled motor or piston. Furthermore, with the force sensor found on the system, the closing pressure on the tray (2) can be adjusted by the PLC.

[0039] The silicone material found under the top holder lid (3) ensures sealing by pressing on the outer boundaries of the tray (2). In this way, during the washing of the outer parts of the tray (2), no contact occurs with the product inside the tray (2). The tray (2) starts rotating with the rotational movement given to the bottom holder (1 ). At this moment, brush 2 (6), a side roller brush, continuously presses against the tray's side surfaces via a spring.

[0040] While brush 2 (6) performs the cleaning process by rotating, the tray (2) ensures that all side edges are cleaned by at least one brush 2 (6) as it rotates around its own axis. At this moment, the hot steam nozzles (7), located behind the roller brushes, continuously spray steam onto the brushes, ensuring the cleaning of roller brush 2 (6). Once the side edge cleaning process is complete, the system proceeds to the next stage. In this stage, the bottom holder (1 ) rotating the tray (2) stops. With a position controller found within the system, the tray is aligned with the bottom roller brush 1 (4). The side holders (5) perform the holding process by pressing on the side edges of the tray (2). Afterward, the bottom holder (1 ) separates from the tray by moving downward.

[0041] At this moment, brush 1 (4), which is the bottom roller brush, begins to rotate and cleans the bottom surface of the tray. Brush 1 (4), which is the bottom roller brush, cleans the entire bottom surface of the tray by moving back and forth. Again, brush 1

[0042] (4) is continuously cleaned with the steam nozzles (7) found behind the roller brush 1

[0043] (4).

[0044] When the cleaning process is completed, brush 1 (4), which is the bottom roller brush, is retracted. The bottom holder (1 ) moves up and presses on the tray, the side holders

[0045] (5) and the top holder lid (3) are withdrawn, and the cleaning process of the outside of the tray (2) containing food is completed.

[0046] The invention washes the outer parts of trays (2) filled with food components without damaging the food components inside. It accelerates the manufacturing process with the multi-tray (2) washing process. It is capable of cleaning the outer edges of round and square trays (2) with the rotating system brush 2 (6) it possesses. It is capable of cleaning the edge and bottom surfaces of the trays (2) with brush 1 (4) and brush 2

[0047] (6), which are rotating brushes found in the system.

[0048] It prevents bacteria formation with hot steam sprayed via steam nozzles (7) onto brush 1 (4) and brush 2 (6) found in the invention, and ensures that brush 1 (4) and brush 2 (6) remain continuously clean. In the invention, the outer edge and bottom parts of the trays (2) are cleaned with hot, moist brush 1 (4) and brush 2 (6). The cleaning liquid is sprayed not directly onto the tray, but onto the cleaner brushes, that is, onto brush 1 (4) and brush 2 (6). Since the cleaning liquid is not sprayed directly onto the food container, the risk of contaminant entry into the container is minimized.

[0049] In the invention, the contact of the product inside the tray with the external environment is cut off by the silicone walls found on the top holder lid (3) which closes onto the tray (2). According to the data from the force sensor found on the top holder lid (3), the closing pressure of the top holder lid (3) can be adjusted by the PLC. The opening and closing of the top holder lid (3) are controlled by a pneumatic piston. Holes are present on the top holder lid (3) around the region where it connects with the pneumatic piston. The surroundings of the holes are protected by a chimney-like structure that also encloses the pneumatic piston. The holes found on the top holder lid (3) ensure that cooling continues and prevent sweating, thereby guaranteeing the food inside the tray (2) remains crispy. These holes allow for the discharge of heat from the tray (2), ensuring the product inside the tray (2) remains cool.

[0050] The top holder lid (3) is compatible with all tray types. Furthermore, with the chimneylike protective component found around the holes, contaminants at the cleaning level are prevented from entering the tray (2).

[0051] The top holder lid (3) featured in the invention is specifically designed for the machine, ensuring that food or beverage trays (2) are closed only within the machine. The top holder lid (3) is connected to a pneumatic cylinder and closes and opens automatically. The invention possesses full automation and is controlled by the PLC. The closing and opening processes of the top holder lid (3) can be controlled by force sensors found on the lid.

[0052] Not closing the containers / trays (2) continuously is important for products that have a special baking condition inside. For example, in products such as baklava, the product needs to cool down to some extent before the sherbet (syrup) process. Therefore, holes exist around the region where the top holder lid (3) inside the machine connects to the pneumatic cylinder.

[0053] These holes are protected from the cleaning area by means of a chimney that also encloses the pneumatic cylinder. Therefore, while the product continues to cool down due to these holes, the entry of contaminants through the holes into the interior is prevented by the protective chimney surrounding the holes. Thanks to the holes found on the top holder lid (3), sweating of the product is prevented, ensuring the product remains crispy.

[0054] Another important point in the invention is that the spraying process, performed for cleaning purposes, is not applied directly to the container. The spraying process is performed onto brush 1 (4) and brush 2 (6), and then brush 1 (4) and brush 2 (6) clean the tray (2). The purpose of the spraying process is to clean brush 1 (4) and brush 2

Claims

CLAIMS1. A machine for washing the outer parts of trays while food remains inside the trays, comprising:- a bottom holder (1 ) on which the tray (2) is placed, which rotates around its own axis by means of a PLC-controlled motor and thereby ensures the rotation of the tray (2) enabling brush 2 (6) to clean the outer side edges of the tray (2), which stops its movement after the cleaning of the outer side edges of the tray (2) is finished and separates from the tray by moving in a downward direction, and which settles under the tray (2) again to hold the tray (2) when the cleaning process is completed / when brush 1 (4) is retracted;- a top holder lid (3) capable of rotating freely around its own axis, capable of moving up and down by means of a PLC-controlled motor or piston, wherein a closing pressure on the tray (2) is adjusted via the PLC with force sensors located thereon, providing sealing by pressing on the boundaries of the tray (2) with a silicone material, and having holes preventing sweating and ensuring cooling continues around a region where it is connected via a pneumatic piston;- brush 1 (4) being a PLC-controlled rotary bottom roller brush having steam nozzles (7) thereon, which starts rotating when the bottom holder (1 ) descends and separates from the tray, and which ensures cleaning of the tray by a back-and-forth movement of the bottom surface of the tray;- a side holder (5) controlled by the PLC, which performs a holding process by pressing on the side edges of the tray (2) for the cleaning of the bottom part of the tray (2), and which is retracted after the cleaning process is finished;- brush 2 (6) being PLC-controlled rotary side roller brushes having steam nozzles (7) thereon, which continuously press on the tray side surfaces by means of a spring, and ensure cleaning of the outer edge surfaces of the tray by rotating;- a hot steam nozzle (7) controlled by the PLC, located at the rear side of brush 1 (4) and brush 2 (6), preventing bacteria formation by continuously spraying hot steam onto brush 1 (4) and brush 2 (6) and ensuring thecleaning of the outer surfaces of the tray (2) by keeping brush 1 (4) and brush 2 (6) hot and moist;- a load sensor ensuring that the closing pressure of the top holder lid (3) on the tray (2) is adjusted by the PLC;- sensors detecting tray dimensions and position and ensuring that the PLC brings the tray (2) to a suitable position; and- a PLC controlling the bottom holder (1 ), top holder lid (3), brush 1 (4), side holder (5), brush 2 (6), and nozzle (7) by means of sensors for the cleaning of the outer surfaces of the tray, and providing for the movements thereof.

2. A machine for washing the outer parts of trays while food remains inside the trays according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a top holder lid (3) ensuring that no contact occurs with the product inside the tray (2) during the washing of the outside of the tray (2).

3. A machine for washing the outer parts of trays while food remains inside the trays according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a top holder lid (3) preventing contaminants at the cleaning level from entering inside the tray (2) with a chimney-like protective structure surrounding the holes in a manner that also encloses the pneumatic piston.

4. A machine for washing the outer parts of trays while food remains inside the trays according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a nozzle (7) ensuring that hot steam is sprayed only onto brush 1 (4) and brush 2 (6) by ensuring that cleaning liquid does not directly contact the outer parts of the tray

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