Food Dough Extrusion Machine

Abstract

A dough extrusion machine (10). The machine has a first extrusion unit (1) and a second extrusion unit (2) mounted to a platform (3), wherein the first extrusion unit (1) comprises combining means (12) for combining dough discharged from the first extrusion unit (1) and dough discharged from the second extrusion unit (2), characterized in that the first extrusion unit (1) has a plurality of inlet openings (7) upstream of combining means (12), and that the second extrusion unit (2) has a plurality of outlet openings (4), wherein the outlet openings (4) of the second extrusion unit (2) are coupled to the inlet openings (7) of the first extrusion unit (1) by an array (5) of tubes (6) detachably mounted to the first and second extrusion unit (1, 2).

Claims

1-25. (canceled)

26. Food dough extrusion machine (10), particularly for producing bakery products, comprising a first extrusion unit (1) and a second extrusion unit (2) mounted to a platform (3), wherein the first extrusion unit (1) comprises combining means (12) for combining dough discharged from the first extrusion unit (1) and dough discharged from the second extrusion unit (2), characterized in that the first extrusion unit (1) has a plurality of inlet openings (7) upstream of combining means (12), and that the second extrusion unit (2) has a plurality of outlet openings (4), wherein the outlet openings (4) of the second extrusion unit (2) are coupled to the inlet openings (7) of the first extrusion unit (1) by an array (5) of tubes (6) detachably mounted to the first and second extrusion unit (1, 2).

27. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the array (5) of tubes (6) is formed from at least two separate segments (8), wherein each segment comprises at least one tube (6) and wherein each segment (8) is detachable from the first and second extrusion unit (1, 2) independently of the other segment(s) (8).

28. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 27, wherein a segment (8) comprises at least two tubes (6) interconnected with each other.

29. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the tubes (6) are connected to one of the extrusion units, via at least one hinge (9), wherein the axis of the hinge (9) is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the tubes (6).

30. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the tubes (6) are connected to one of the extrusion units, via at least one fastening mechanism (13), having an integral handle (14).

31. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the first extrusion unit (1) and/or the second extrusion unit (2) comprise(s) at least one notch (11) supporting the tubes (6).

32. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the array (5) of tubes (6) comprises sealing rings (15), wherein a sealing ring (15) encloses at least one tube opening.

33. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the array (5) of tubes (6) comprises at least one positioning means (16), cooperating with a positioning structure formed on the first extrusion unit (1) and/or the second extrusion unit (2).

34. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the length of the tubes (6) is at least five times larger than the vertical distance between the outlet openings (4) of the second extrusion unit (2) and the inlet openings (7) of the first extrusion unit (1).

35. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the tubes (6) extend parallel to each other, and/or wherein the tubes (6) have a straight run, such that the axis of the tubes (6) lie within a single plane.

36. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the dough extrusion machine (10) comprises a conveyor (19) for transporting dough extruded by the first and second extrusion unit (1, 2) and wherein the array (5) of tubes (6) is arranged between the conveyor (19) and the extrusion units (1, 2).

37. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, characterized in that the first extrusion unit (1) comprises two feeding rollers (17), wherein the combining means (12) is arranged vertically below the gap formed between the feeding rollers (17) of the first extrusion unit (1), and/or in that the second extrusion unit (2) comprises two feeding rollers (18), wherein the outlet openings (4) of the second extrusion unit (2) are arranged vertically below the gap formed between the feeding rollers (18) of the second extrusion unit (2).

38. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the combining means (12) is integrally formed within the first extrusion unit (1).

39. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the first extrusion unit (1) and the second extrusion unit (2) may be separately demounted from the platform (3).

40. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the extrusion unit (1) has a plurality of outlet nozzles (20) through which the combined dough flow is discharged, wherein each outlet opening (4) of the second extrusion unit (2) is coupled to a separate outlet nozzle (20), such that the plurality of individual dough flows passing the tube array are kept separated.

41. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the extrusion units (1, 2) have longitudinal extension, wherein the outlet openings (4) of the second extrusion unit (2), the inlet openings (7) of the first extrusion unit (1) and dough outlet nozzles (20) for discharging the combined dough flow are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the extrusion units (1, 2).

42. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the combining means (12) is formed within a combining block having the inlet openings (7), which are connected by the tube array with the outlet openings (4) of the second extrusion unit (2), connection openings to the dough space of the first extrusion unit (1) to the housing in which also the feeding rollers (17) are accommodated, and a combining passage or combining nozzle in which the different dough flows are brought together, wherein a plurality of nozzles are formed in the combining block through which the combined dough flow leaves the extruder.

43. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the outlet openings (4) of the second extrusion unit (2) are formed within a block which is directly attached to or integrally formed with the housing in which feed rollers (18) of the second extrusion unit (2) are accommodated.

44. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 28, wherein the tubes (6) have a curved run.

45. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the tubes (6) are flexible and/or at least partially transparent.

46. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of inlet openings (7) of the first extrusion unit (1) and the plurality of outlet openings (4) of the second extrusion unit (2) are arranged at different height levels.

47. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the distance between neighbouring inlet openings (7) of the plurality of inlet openings (7) of the first extrusion unit (1) is different than the distance between neighbouring outlet openings (4) of the plurality of outlet openings (4) of the second extrusion unit (2).

48. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the second extrusion unit (2) is mounted to the first extrusion unit (1).

49. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the second extrusion unit (2) is movably mounted relative to the first extrusion unit (1).

50. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 27, wherein a segment (8) comprises at least two tubes (6) interconnected with each other at their ends.

51. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the extrusion unit (1) has a plurality of outlet nozzles (20) through which the combined dough flow is discharged, wherein the outlet nozzles (20) are a part of the combining means (12), wherein each outlet opening (4) of the second extrusion unit (2) is coupled to a separate outlet nozzle (20), such that the plurality of individual dough flows passing the tube array are kept separated.

52. Dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, further comprising a conveyor (19) that transports dough extruded by the first and second extrusion units (1, 2) and having a dough transporting direction, wherein the extrusion units (1, 2) have longitudinal extensions, wherein the outlet openings (4) of the second extrusion unit (2), the inlet openings (7) of the first extrusion unit (1) and dough outlet nozzles (20) for discharging the combined dough flow are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the extrusion units (1,2), with the extrusion units (1, 2) extending transverse to the transporting direction of the conveyor (19).

53. dough extrusion machine according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of inlet openings (7) of the first extrusion unit (1) and the plurality of outlet openings (4) of the second extrusion unit (2) are arranged at different height levels, wherein the plurality of outlet openings (4) of the second extrusion unit (2) are arranged on a higher level than the plurality of inlet openings (7) of the first extrusion unit (1).

54. Method of producing food products, particularly bakery products, with a dough extrusion machine (10) according to claim 26, wherein the dough supplied to the first extrusion unit (1) has a higher density and/or viscosity than the dough supplied to the second extrusion unit (2).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] For a better understanding of the invention the latter is explained in more detail with reference to the following Figures.

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a dough extrusion machine comprising two extrusion units,

[0049] FIG. 2 shows the extrusion units in cross-sectional view,

[0050] FIG. 3 shows in a perspective view the bottom side of the extrusion units with the tube array,

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a segment of the tube array,

[0052] FIG. 5 shows the mounting of a segment,

[0053] FIG. 6 shows the hinge between the first extrusion unit and the tubes,

[0054] FIG. 7 shows the fastening mechanism to the second extrusion unit

[0055] FIG. 8 shows constructional details of the tube array.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Generally, the same parts or similar parts are denoted with the same/similar names and reference signs. The features disclosed in the description apply to parts with the same/similar names respectively reference signs. Indicating the orientation and relative position (up, down, sideward, etc.) is related to the associated Figure, and indication of the orientation and/or relative position has to be amended in different Figures accordingly as the case may be.

[0057] FIG. 1 shows a dough extrusion machine 10 comprising a first extrusion unit 1 and a second extrusion unit 2 mounted to a common platform 3. As can be seen from FIG. 2 the first extrusion unit 1 comprises combining means 12 for combining dough discharged from the first extrusion unit 1 and dough discharged from the second extrusion unit 2.

[0058] The extrusion unit has a plurality of outlet nozzles 20 through which the combined dough flow (co-extruded dough) is discharged, e.g. onto the conveyor 19. The outlet nozzles 20 may be a part of the combining means 12. The first extrusion unit 1 comprises two feeding rollers 17 forming a gap for feeding dough towards the outlet nozzles 20 (at the end of combining means 12). Combining means 12 is arranged vertically below the gap formed between the feeding rollers 17 and integrally formed within the first extrusion unit 1. Combining means 12 is formed within a block which is directly attached to or integrally formed with the housing in which the feeding rollers are accommodated.

[0059] The second extrusion unit 2 comprises also two feeding rollers 18, wherein the outlet openings 4 of the second extrusion unit 2 are arranged vertically below the gap formed between the feeding rollers 18 of the second extrusion unit 2. The outlet openings 4 of the second extrusion unit 1 are formed within a block which is directly attached to or integrally formed with the housing in which the feed rollers 18 of the second extrusion unit 2 are accommodated.

[0060] Each of the extrusion units may further comprise a hopper (FIG. 1) or any other suitable dough supplying means. Each extrusion unit 1, 2 may comprise a pump housing below the feeding rollers 17, 18 (FIG. 2). The first extrusion unit 1 and the second extrusion unit 2 may be separately and independently of each other demounted from platform 3.

[0061] The first extrusion unit 1 has a plurality of inlet openings 7 upstream of combining means 12, and the second extrusion unit 2 has a plurality of outlet openings 4 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The outlet openings 4 of the second extrusion unit 2 are coupled to the inlet openings 7 of the first extrusion unit 1 by an array 5 of tubes 6 detachably mounted to the first and second extrusion unit 1, 2. The array of tubes is detachable from both extrusion units.

[0062] Each outlet opening 4 of the second extrusion unit 2 is coupled to a separate outlet nozzle 20. I.e. the plurality of individual dough flows passing the tube array are kept separated (are not mixed together anymore).

[0063] In the present embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 the array 5 of tubes 6 is formed from separate segments 8, wherein each segment 8 is detachable from the first and second extrusion unit 1, 2 independently of the other segments 8. It is preferred if a segment 8 comprises at least two (here: three) tubes 6 interconnected with each other, preferably at their ends.

[0064] As can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6 the tubes 6 are connected to the first extrusion unit 1 via a hinge 9. The axis of the hinge 9 is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the tubes 6. Each segment 8 has a (rounded) projection which forms with a (correspondingly rounded) notch 11 of the first extrusion unit 1 a hinge 9. During assembling the projection of the segment 8 is inserted into the notch 11 (FIG. 5). Subsequently, the segment 8 with its other end is tilted upwardly and fixed to the second extrusion unit 2.

[0065] As can be seen also from FIG. 7 the tubes 6 are connected to the second extrusion unit 2 via at least one fastening mechanism 13 (here: by means of a clamping mechanism comprising a fastening screw). The fastening mechanism has an integral handle 14, here in form of a turnable lever, for the operator. The fastening mechanism 13 cooperates with a notch 11 formed at the second extrusion unit 2.

[0066] As can be seen from FIG. 4 the array 5 of tubes 6 comprises sealing rings 15. Here, one sealing ring 15 encloses three tube openings.

[0067] The array 5 of tubes 6 comprises (here: for each segment 8) positioning means 16, preferably a positioning pin or positioning recess, cooperating with a positioning structure formed on the second extrusion unit 2. Similar positioning means may be provided in the end region facing the first extrusion unit 1.

[0068] The length of the tubes 6 is at least 5 times, preferably at least 8 times, larger than the vertical distance between the outlet openings 4 of the second extrusion unit 2 and the inlet openings 7 of the first extrusion unit 1.

[0069] The tubes 6 extend parallel to each other, preferably essentially horizontally. The tubes 6 have a straight run (facilitating cleaning), such that the axis of the tubes 6 lie within a single plane (place-saving).

[0070] The end openings of the tubes 6 facing the outlet openings 4 of the second extrusion unit 2 extend within a plane which is transverse, preferably essentially perpendicular, to the plane in which the end openings of the tubes 6 facing the inlet openings 7 of the first extrusion unit 1 extend.

[0071] FIG. 8 shows constructional details of the tube array. In its end region facing the second extrusion unit 2 each tube 6 has an insert 21 defining a bent (here: of 90) of the dough path. The insert 21 is fixed within the tube 6 by means of a plate 22. Plate 22 cooperates with the fastening mechanism 13.

[0072] The dough extrusion machine 10 further comprises a conveyor 19, preferably a belt, for transporting dough extruded by the first and second extrusion unit 1, 2. The array 5 of tubes 6 is arranged between the conveyor 19 and the extrusion units 1, 2.

[0073] The inventive machine is used to produce food products, particularly bakery products. It is particularly suitable for producing food products from two different dough qualities. Particularly, the dough supplied to the first extrusion unit 1 may have a higher density and/or viscosity than the dough supplied to the second extrusion unit 2.

[0074] It is noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed hereinbefore, but combinations of the different variants are possible. In reality, the dough extrusion machine may have more or less parts than shown in the Figures. The machine and parts thereof may also be shown in different scales and may be bigger or smaller than depicted. Finally, the description may comprise subject matter of further independent inventions.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0075] 1 first extrusion unit [0076] 2 second extrusion unit [0077] 3 platform [0078] 4 outlets of the second extrusion unit [0079] 5 array [0080] 6 tubes [0081] 7 inlets [0082] 8 segment [0083] 9 hinge [0084] 10 dough extrusion machine [0085] 11 notch [0086] 12 combining means [0087] 13 fastening mechanism [0088] 14 handle [0089] 15 sealing ring [0090] 16 positioning means [0091] 17 feed roller [0092] 18 feed roller [0093] 19 conveyor [0094] 20 outlet nozzle [0095] 21 insert [0096] 22 plate