ES2818750B2 - CHURROS AND PORRAS MANUFACTURING MACHINE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

CHURROS AND PORRAS MANUFACTURING MACHINE

Field of the invention

The invention consists of a machine that manages to automate the process of manufacturing churros, batons and similar food products, and also allows reducing the risks to which an operator is exposed in this professional activity as well as reducing costs and better conservation of the oil; For which, the machine comprises a series of elements that allow to control the correct production of said foods, such as the control of the temperature of the raw material, temperature and frying time, cleaning and control of the oil level, and / or court.

The field of application of the invention is the industrial sector related to the manufacture of fried food products, and specifically it is framed within the machines, means and systems destined to the manufacture of churros, batons or similar products elaborated in an automatic way.

State of the art

It is known that the preparation of churros and batons in a traditional way is done manually, and among other aspects, it requires different areas where, on the one hand, the dough is prepared, on the other hand, an area with a fire or deep fryer is required. in which the previously elaborated dough is fried and where the operator completes the production of the product in a manual and very laborious way. In this sense, there are multiple risks to which an operator is exposed, such as cutting and burning himself.

It is also known that to avoid these problems there are partially automated machines, although the present invention offers a fully automated solution, reducing the worker's risks in processing.

In this sense, the existence of patent KR20130046191 is known. This patent discloses a machine for making churros that has a longitudinal fryer and a hopper that is not centered. In turn, this patent does not disclose that the machine for making churros has a water container with resistance or a mixer, nor that all production can be controlled and / or automated.

It is also known what is disclosed in document ES2700663. This patent describes a machine that, unlike the previous one, if it comprises a water container with heating elements, a mixer, and a dispenser, and also a cutting blade, although there is a lack of definition of these elements and it is not explained the possible automation of the machine, in addition to the lack of essential elements for said production such as oil control, advance control and / or cleaning systems, without which the operator is still subject to risks when preparing the product final food. Furthermore, this background does not describe features of the fryer, nor does it describe or suggest the existence of filtering or automated cleaning systems in the container.

What is disclosed in document CN107047664 is known. This patent discloses a machine for continuous frying food that includes a dispenser, a fryer, an advance system and a cleaning system for the frying cabin, but in this document the necessary apparatus for preparing a dough are not available. , there is no automated cleaning system in the filter container, furthermore, the frying advance system is different from that of the machine object of the present invention.

Finally, what is disclosed in document US4488478 is known. This patent discloses a machine to fry food continuously, but as in the previous precedent, it does not have the means for preparing the dough, it does not have an automated cleaning system and, in addition, the filtering, replacement systems and heating is arranged in separate circuits, which makes the machine not compact.

The machine of the present invention continuously performs a complete and comprehensive artisanal process that always results in the same product quality and without the intervention of the worker.

Therefore, although the existence of machinery that reduces operator intervention in the preparation of churros and batons is known, there is no known machine that combines all the necessary elements so that said production is completely automated and, above all, that they are synchronized. and controlled in a correct way, thus avoiding manual work as everything is automated and avoiding and / or reducing the operator's exposure to the occupational risks of said production process. Specifically, there is no known machine for the manufacture of churros, batons and similar products that comprises in its structure a filtering, heating and oil replenishment system integrated in a single circuit with an automated cleaning system.

Brief description of the invention

The manufacture of the product by means of this machine is carried out completely automatically, that is, a button is pressed, and the product (flour and water) is mixed alone, it goes through the kneading and dosing process, frying and expulsion without the need for intervention of the worker, having the same product the same on all occasions and avoiding risks for the personnel of burns or cuts. Furthermore, as the machine comprises in its structure a filtering, heating and oil replenishment system integrated in a single circuit with an automated cleaning system, it is achieved that each and every one of the different steps in the manufacture of these products is get it in an automated, clean and safe way for the worker.

It should be noted that, throughout the description and the claims, the term "comprises" and its variants are not intended to exclude other technical characteristics or additional elements.

In a schematic summary way and taking into account the drawings that accompany this document, the machine that is the object of this report, which is supported on a stainless steel table or frame, preferably of the AISI 304 type, and as can be seen in the game of Figures, includes:

(1) a flour dosing hopper, which is in contact with a water container;

(2) a dough mixer or kneader;

(3) a dough dispenser;

(4) a continuous fryer;

(5) a frying advance and control system;

(6) a cutter;

(7) an oil heating and filtering system;

(8) a cleaning system;

all this managed by means of a control module, which is in connection with all the elements previously indicated, and which can be located on or within the casing of the table or frame of the machine.

Brief description of the figures of the invention

In order to complete the description and to aid in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of figures and drawings is presented in which the following is represented by way of illustration and not limitation:

Figure 1 is a perspective representation of a machine for the manufacture of churros, batons and similar food products that is the object of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a representation of a longitudinal section of the machine where you can see all the elements included in the frame of the machine, and specifically, you can see the filtering, heating and oil replacement systems integrated in a single circuit with an automated cleaning system.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the dough mixer or kneader, where it can be seen that said mixer comprises an auger together with a rod drive in the upper part of the kneader.

Figure 4 is a representation of a cross section of the previous figure where it can be seen that the auger comprises at least two rods.

Figure 5 is a representation of a cross section of the machine where the oil filtering and heating system can be seen mainly.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

Going into detail and taking into account the set of Figures, the first notable element of the machine is the flour dosing hopper (1), which by means of an endless system transports the flour from the hopper to the mixer (2), controlling the quantity dosed depending on the turns and the step of the auger.

In turn, the hopper (1) is in contact with a container (12) or water tank. This container allows the automatic entry of water, by means of an electrovalve (11), which fills a container in communication with the hopper, when the water level is low, for which it has a level probe, and also heats the water inside by means of electrical resistances, which allows the flour and water to be kept at a suitable temperature. The hopper can also incorporate a probe or viewer to generate a light alarm (13) when the flour level is low. That is to say, the machine includes a warning for the lack of raw material.

The hot water is poured through an electrovalve (11) to a container (12) of water that guarantees the same amount for each dosage, from the hopper (1) to a mixer (2), where it meets the flour. This mixer (2) is a dough conveyor or kneader and is an inverter. The excess water from the level is sent to the cleaning tank that keeps it warm because it is in contact with the hot oil tank, thus we have a better use of energy, therefore also greater savings. In the mixer (2) the dough is rotated, for which an auger (21) with at least two rods in opposite directions is included, together with a rod driver (22) in the upper part of the mixer, which makes that the mass is created. This mixing time is controllable, by means of a timer and what is programmed in the control module. At the end of the mixing process within the predetermined parameters, the desired mass is obtained.

This mixer (2) can change the direction of rotation of the auger (21) to transfer the mass to a dispenser (3) or former and at the end of this it begins to repeat the process.

At the same time, the dough dispenser (3), which has a conical shape, pushes the dough through an auger and a product-forming nozzle. The dough is stored in said cone that facilitates its entry into the auger, and is fully removable to facilitate cleaning. This dispenser (3) has a valve (31), which can be manual or automatic, which controls the output of the mass. In addition, it is possible to put several types of nozzles.

Once the mass is inside the dispenser (3) and with the condition that the oil is at the appropriate temperature for frying, the batter mass is poured into the fryer (4), specifically inside a frying channel (41), whose flow and temperature is controlled, to guarantee the correct frying of the product. Channel (41) may comprise resistors for temperature control. This channel (41) is arranged longitudinally along the table or frame of the machine.

In this process of frying the dough, once said dough is inside the channel (41), the machine comprises a forward control and frying control system (5), as well as an oil filtering and heating system (7 ). Specifically, the state of the oil can be controlled to guarantee the temperature, the flow, as well as the oil level for frying. This system consists of a filter container (71) with resistors to raise the initial temperature of the oil; An automatic oil replenishment or storage container (72) when the level so indicates, both containers being in connection. In this sense, a new oil inlet solenoid valve (73) is available to the system, in connection with the replacement or storage container (72), which when automatically opened, replenishes oil until the level returns to its operating state. . When the oil returns from the frying channel (41), returns to the oil filter container (71) to be filtered and heated. When the solenoid valve (73) opens, by means of a pump (74) the oil pressure is raised and the liquid is injected into the oil dosing inlet (75). In short, the oil filtering and heating system (7); comprising a filter container (71) with resistors to raise the oil temperature and with a float-type level; This container receives the oil from the replacement or storage container (72), and which is in connection with a pump that sends the oil to the channel (41) creating a flow that pushes the product through the frying tunnel; and comprises an automatic oil replenishment or storage container (72), which is an oil tank, and that when the filter container (71) needs oil due to the absorption of the product, the level of this sends a signal to the oil module. Control requesting that the replacement or storage container (72) open an oil inlet solenoid valve (73) and by gravity fill the filter container (71).

In the frying process in the fryer (4), at the beginning the baton sinks because it is denser than the oil, but when it loses water, in the frying process it floats, which is why it is guided along the channel frying (41), by means of a chain (51) with fins, and a longitudinal body (52) that controls the advance of the product and immerses it, to continue frying, sinking and transport can be done by other systems that it will depend on the product you want to fry. Said chain can vary according to the type and shape of the product to be fried and its behavior when fried. At the end of the fryer, there is a draining ramp (42) where the product leaves the channel and where it meets a cutter (6), which can be regulated and produce different cut lengths depending on the length of the product wanted.

The machine is designed to be easily cleaned, which is why the supports of the dispenser and the mixer are foldable, which facilitates cleaning. As for the conveyor belt or chain, it is easily disassembled without the need to disassemble the motor, since it has a simple male / female slot type coupling system. The machine also comprises a cleaning system (8), comprising a hot water container (81) for cleaning next to the area of the filter container (71). This allows the cleaning of impurities in the oil when it is filtered, and a cleaning valve (82) is provided for the expulsion of dirty water and impurities generated in the frying process of the product.

Taking into account all these aspects, the present invention compared to the machines known in this sector comprises a configuration that allows the production process to be automatic, and for this it has a system for advancing and controlling the frying (5), a oil filtering and heating system (7), and a cleaning system (8) of impurities, all of them with the components previously described, which allow to improve and optimize the process, while allowing a comprehensive control of temperature and oil level, to be able to replenish the oil when necessary and at the temperature that is required for the fryer to function in optimal conditions, to eliminate the impurities produced in the frying in an automatic way , and having centrally controlled, with a control module, the rest of the steps, that is, the initial mixing, the dosage and the final cutting of the fried product.

The machine is also transportable since the frame can comprise wheels (9) at its base for its transport and location.

In addition, it preserves the oil better than the traditional version, since it needs less oil to carry out the process, so the renewal of this is greater, without forgetting the low electricity consumption we have. When comparing our invention, it has less consumption than only the conventional electric fryer of churros, without taking into account the consumption of other devices such as mixers, dispensers ... that are missing.

The machine is totally electric, so there are no risks of explosion, odors or poisoning from the combustion of gas or diesel.

Claims (12)

1 Machine for the manufacture of churros and batons, and similar food products, which is supported on a stainless steel table or frame that is movable and transportable, and where the machine comprises a flour dosing hopper (1) that is in contact with a container (12) with a water inlet automatically regulated by a solenoid valve (11); a dough mixer (2) or kneader where the dough is created; comprising an endless (21) together with a rod driver (22) in the upper part of the kneader, which causes the dough to be created; a dough dispenser (3), which receives the dough from the mixer and comprises a product-forming nozzle with an outlet valve (31); a fryer (4), which receives the product from the dispenser (3), which comprises a channel (41) for frying with oil that is arranged longitudinally along the table or frame of the machine; and that in its final part comprises a draining ramp (42) for the exit of the fried product; a cutter (6) arranged at the product outlet from the fryer (4); and a frying advance and control system (5), comprising a longitudinal conveyor chain (51) along the channel (41) with fins; and where the machine is characterized by comprising: - an oil filtering and heating system (7), comprising: • a filter container (71) comprising resistors to raise the oil temperature and a float type level that sends a signal to a control module when oil needs to be replenished due to the absorption of the product; where this container receives the oil from a replacement or storage container (72); and where this container is in connection with a pump that sends the oil to the channel (41) creating a flow that pushes the product through the frying tunnel; • an automatic oil replenishment or storage container (72), comprising an oil inlet solenoid valve (73) for the filter container (71), where the solenoid valve opens after receiving a signal from a control module , and filling the filter container (71) with oil by gravity; - a cleaning system (8), comprising: • a hot water container (81) for cleaning next to the area of the filter container (71) for cleaning impurities in the oil when it is filtered; and • a cleaning valve (82) for the expulsion of dirty water and impurities generated in the frying process of the product; and where the machine also comprises a control module, which is in connection with all the elements previously indicated, and which is located inside the casing of the table or frame of the machine. 2. Machine for making churros and batons, according to claim 1, wherein the hopper (1) comprises a probe or viewer for activating a light alarm (13) for low flour level. 3. - Churros and batons manufacturing machine, according to claim 1, wherein the hopper (1) internally comprises an endless system that transports the flour from the hopper to a mixer (2). 4. - Machine for making churros and batons, according to claim 1, wherein the hopper (1) internally comprises electrical resistances that maintain both the flour and the water at a suitable temperature. 5. - Machine for the manufacture of churros and batons, according to claim 1, where the kneader comprises an endless (21) together with a drag (22) of rods in the upper part of the kneader, where the endless in turn comprises at least two removable rods arranged in opposite directions. 6. - Machine for making churros and batons, according to claim 1, where the dough dispenser (3) is removable and has a conical shape, and pushes the dough through an auger to the nozzle that forms the product with the valve (31) output. 7. Churros and batons manufacturing machine, according to claim 1, where the frying advance and control system (5) is removable by comprising a male / female slot-type coupling system. 8.- Churros and batons manufacturing machine, according to claim 1, where the frying advance and control system (5) comprises a longitudinal body (52) that controls the advance of the product and immerses it in the oil of the channel (41). 9. Churros and batons manufacturing machine, according to claim 1, where the container (12) comprises a level probe that opens the solenoid valve (11) for the entry of water when the probe detects that the level is low. 10. - Churros and batons manufacturing machine, according to claim 1, where the outlet valve (31) is manual or automatic. 11. - Machine for making churros and batons, according to claim 1, where the channel (41) comprises resistors for temperature control. 12. Churros and batons manufacturing machine, according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises wheels (9) at its base.