WO2002028190A1 - Method and machine for filling sandwiches - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a machine (40) for filling sandwiches, characterised in that it comprises a filling tube (41) designed to receive a dose of food filling to fill a single sandwich, said tube including a lateral opening (42) into which a dose of food filling can be poured, a conveying member (45) designed to expel the filling contained in said tube towards the sandwich and a mobile closure member (50) for closing at least partly said opening, when the conveying member is actuated.

Description

 Method and machine for filling sandwiches

The present invention relates in particular to a method and a machine for filling sandwiches.

The method according to the invention is characterized by the fact that it comprises the following steps: using a dosing container to take a dose of food filling to garnish a single sandwich, pouring the dose of food filling contained in the dosing container into a filling tube for a machine for filling sandwiches, this machine comprising a transport member for expelling the food filling contained inside the filling tube towards the sandwich,

activate the transport device to fill the sandwich.

Hot or cold food fillings can be used.

The food garnish may for example include dishes cooked with or without pieces of meat, such as chicken with Basque sauce or beef bourguignon.

Thanks to the invention, it avoids having to store over a relatively long period, in the machine, of the food filling since there is provided, for each filling, an individual dose of food filling which is dispensed quickly.

In addition, the machine essentially serves to garnish sandwiches and can have a reduced size, for example being devoid of storage space for food filling of large volume.

Advantageously, the dose of food filling is taken out in a packaging container separate from the machine, this packaging container possibly being immersed in a water bath allowing the food filling to be maintained at a predetermined temperature. Another subject of the invention is a machine for filling sandwiches, characterized in that it comprises a filling tube arranged to receive a dose of food filling for filling a single sandwich, said tube comprising a lateral opening in which a dose food filling can be poured, a transport member capable of expelling the food filling contained in said tube towards the sandwich and a movable closure member making it possible to at least partially close said lateral opening when the transport member is actuated.

The closure member can be used not only to partially close the lateral opening in order to prevent the food filling from escaping through the lateral opening when the transport member is actuated. , to force the passage of the food filling in the packing tube, before actuation of the transport member.

The lining tube advantageously connects to a spill pan opening into said lateral opening.

The transport member can be constituted by a piston capable of sliding in the aforementioned tube.

As a variant, the transport member can be constituted by an endless screw.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the transport member comprises a handle allowing a user to actuate it manually.

As a variant, the transport member can be connected to an electric or hydraulic motor enabling it to be actuated.

The aforementioned handle can be arranged so as to extend through a longitudinal groove of the lining tube.

The shutter member may have a wall capable of being positioned in the aforementioned lateral opening, thus making it possible to retain the food filling inside the tube when the drive member is actuated.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the shutter member is separate from the lining tube and the spill tray and has a gripping element allowing the user to grasp it.

The machine advantageously includes a drive member capable of moving the sandwich to be filled relative to the filling tube when the transport member is actuated. The drive member and the transport member advantageously move at the same speed so that a relatively homogeneous filling of the sandwich is obtained.

The machine may comprise a support provided with at least one heating member, making it possible to maintain the tube at a predetermined temperature, for example between 65 ° C and 70 ° C, these temperatures being generally unfavorable for the development of bacteria.

The invention also relates to a device for filling sandwiches, characterized in that it comprises a support arranged so as to be able to receive a plurality of machines for filling sandwiches as mentioned above.

This device can comprise at least one heating member making it possible to maintain the lining tubes of the machines at a predetermined temperature.

Each machine of the device can be used for example for a food filling different from that of the other machines.

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting examples of implementation, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows schematically and partially, in axial section, a machine for filling sandwiches according to a first example of implementation of the invention,

FIG. 2 schematically and partially represents a metering container placed on the machine of FIG. 1,

- Figure 3 is a schematic and partial section of the metering container according m-πi of figure 2,

FIGS. 4 to 6 schematically illustrate different stages of the process for filling a sandwich by means of the machine of FIG. X,

FIGS. 7 to 9 schematically illustrate different stages of the cleaning operation of the machine in FIG. 1,

FIG. 10 schematically and partially represents, in axial section, a machine for garnishing sandwiches according to another example of implementation of the invention,

FIG. 11 schematically and partially represents the spill tank and the shutter member of the machine in FIG. 10,

FIG. 12 schematically and partially represents, in perspective, a metering container equipping the machine of FIG. 10,

FIG. 13 schematically and partially in perspective, a device comprising a plurality of machines for filling sandwiches according to the invention, and

FIG. 14 schematically and partially in perspective, a detail of the device in FIG. 13.

FIG. 1 shows a machine for filling sandwiches 1 according to the invention, comprising a pouring pan 2, a lining tube 5 and a worm screw 4.

The tank 2 has at its upper end an opening 3 and at its lower part a nozzle 15 for distributing hot water, the role of which will be explained below.

The lining tube 5 is connected to the lower part of the tank 2 and has at one end a dispensing orifice 7.

This lining tube 5 comprises a first portion 5a produced integrally with the tank 2 and a second removable portion 5b. The disassembly of the second portion 5b makes it possible in particular to clean the endless screw 4, when necessary.

In the example described, the second portion 5b extends over almost the entire length of the lining tube 5 and is, for example, made of a transparent plastic material.

As can be seen in particular in Figure 1, the worm 4 extends into the tank 2 and the lining tube 5, over the entire length of the latter.

The worm 4 has a cylindrical shape of revolution, the thread being identical over the entire length.

Thus, it makes it possible to transport a food filling without compacting it.

The worm screw 4 is rotated by a motor 10.

FIG. 2 shows a metering container 20 placed on the tank 2. This metering container 20 has a tubular wall 21 having at its lower part a shoulder 22 capable of coming to bear on the upper edge of the tank 2.

The metering container 20 has a transverse wall 23 movable in translation along the arrows F in FIG. 3 and comprising two halves 23 a and 23 b capable of alternately forming the bottom of the metering container 20.

The half of the wall 23b has a hole 24, the usefulness of which will be explained later.

We will now describe the use of machine 1 and the metering container.

20 to garnish a sandwich.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, we start by taking out by means of the metering container 20 an individual dose of food filling 31 contained in a packaging container 30.

This packaging tank 30 can be maintained at a predetermined temperature by means of a water bath when the food filling 31 is to be consumed hot.

The food garnish 31 may contain a cooked dish such as bourguignon or chicken in Basque sauce, or any other food, hot or cold.

The transverse wall 23 of the metering container 20 is in the closed position during the withdrawal of the dose of food filling, the half of wall 23 a sealingly closing the bottom of the metering container 20.

The user then positions the metering container 20 on the tank 2, as shown in FIG. 2, then moves the wall 23 so that the hole 24 is positioned in the bottom of the metering container 20.

Thus, the food filling 31 pours into the tank 2.

The container 20 makes it possible to take a dose of food filling corresponding to a single sandwich.

Bread 35 is introduced onto the filling tube .5 in which a longitudinal cavity 36 has previously been produced, intended to receive the food filling.

This longitudinal cavity 36 can be produced by any known means, for example by means of a peak.

Once the bread 35 has been introduced around the filling tube 5, the motor 10 is actuated so as to cause the rotation of the endless screw 4, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

The worm 4 then expels the food filling 1 contained in the tube 5 through the dispensing orifice 7 through which the food filling pours into the cavity 36 of the bread 35.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the user progressively moves the bread 35 so that the food filling can fill the entire cavity 36 evenly. When necessary, the tank 2, the lining tube 5 and the worm screw 4 are cleaned.

For this, a pipe 80 is fixed at the free end of the lining tube 5, as can be seen in FIG. 7 in particular.

The pipe 80 comprises a disc 81 which can rotate about a transverse axis Y and having a small orifice 82, as shown in FIG. 8 in particular.

The disc 81 is set back from the free end of the pipe 80 so that the pipe 80 can be moved in the direction of withdrawal so as to allow both the free rotation of the disc 81 around the axis Y and holding the pipe 80 on the packing tube 5.

We will now describe different stages of cleaning the machine 1.

We start by attaching the pipe 80 to the lining tube 5 so that the disc 81 comes to bear, face on, against the free end of the tube 5, as can be seen in FIG. 7.

The nozzle 15, the tank 2 and the lining tube 5 are then gradually filled with hot water.

During this filling, the air contained in the lining tube 5 is evacuated through the small orifice 82.

When the volume of the tube 5 is filled with water to around 80% for example, the nozzle 15 is closed and the tube 80 is moved in the direction of withdrawal, without however detaching the latter from the lining tube 5, like this is shown in figure 9.

The water is discharged through the pipe 80 and when the evacuation is complete, the pipe 80 is disengaged.

There is shown with reference to Figures 10 to 12 a machine 40 for filling sandwiches according to another example of implementation of the invention.

The machine 40 comprises a lining tube 41 having a lateral opening 42 and a discharge tank 43 opening into the lateral opening 42.

The lining tube 41 has, at the rear of the opening 42, a longitudinal groove 44.

The machine 40 comprises a transport member 45 comprising a piston 46 inserted inside the lining tube 41 and being able to slide therein.

The transport member 45 also includes a handle 47 allowing a user to manually move the piston 46 in the packing tube 41.

The tray 43 has an upper edge 48 diverging upwards so as to facilitate the pouring of the food filling therein, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

The machine 40 is equipped with a shutter member 50 comprising a shutter wall 51 of cross section in N, as can be seen in FIG. 11.

The wall 51 is connected to a rod 52 of generally U shape and constituting a gripping element for a user.

In the vicinity of the free end of this rod 52, is arranged a rectilinear rod 53 for positioning the shutter member 50 in the tray 43, the rod 53 coming to rest against the upper edge of the tray 43, so that that the closing wall 51 comes to close, to a large extent, the lateral opening 42.

FIG. 12 shows a metering container 55 consisting of a generally rectangular shovel and intended to take from an conditioning container an individual dose of food filling.

The various components of the machine 40 can be made of stainless steel.

To garnish a sandwich, the user takes a shovel 55 individual dose of food garnish which it then pours into the container 43.

Then, it introduces the shutter member 50 into the tank 43 in order to pass all the food filling through the packing tube 41.

It permanently leaves the obturation member 50 in the tray 43 during the sandwich filling operation so that the food filling contained in the tube 41 cannot escape through the opening 42.

It then moves the piston 46 forwards by means of the handle 47.

The piston 46 causes the food filling contained in the tube 41 to be expelled towards the bread 35.

During the filling operation, the bread 35 is advantageously moved to the left, in FIG. 10, so as to ensure a homogeneous filling in this bread 35.

FIG. 13 shows a device 60 for garnishing sandwiches according to the invention.

This device 60 comprises a support 61 having a plurality of housings 69, four in number in the example described, making it possible each to receive a filling tube 41 of a machine for filling sandwiches 40.

In Figure 13, for clarity, only one of these machines is shown.

The support 61 includes holding elements 62 making it possible to hold the tank 43 when the machine 40 is placed in a housing 69.

These retaining elements 62 each comprise a guide rod 63 of general U-shape on which a lug 65 of the container 43 hangs.

In the example of FIG. 13, each machine 40 is equipped with a drive member 70 allowing the sandwich to be pushed during the filling operation, so that the sandwich is uniformly filled. This drive member 70 comprises two parallel rods 71, as can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14.

These rods 71 are connected, at the front, to a wall 72 against which the bread to be garnished comes to bear, when the latter is introduced at the front of the tube 41.

The rods 71 are connected, at the rear, to a single rod 72 which is fixed to the handle 47 of the transport member 45.

Thus, when a user pushes the transport member 45 forwards, the handle 47 also drives the drive member 70 forwards.

This gives a uniform filling over the length of the sandwich.

The support 61 can be equipped with heating members, not shown, making it possible to maintain the tubes 41 of the machines 40 at a predetermined temperature, for example between 65 ° C. and 70 ° C.

This prevents the development of bacteria in the machine, which is particularly advantageous from a hygienic point of view.

The heating members may include, for example, electrical resistors.

Claims

1. Method for garnishing sandwiches, characterized in that it comprises the following stages: use a metering container (20; 55) to take a dose of food filling to garnish a single sandwich (35), pour the dose of food filling contained in the dosing container (20; 55) into a filling tube of a machine for filling sandwiches, this machine (1; 40) comprising a transport member (4; 45) for expelling the food filling contained in the filling tube towards the sandwich, - activate the transport device to fill the sandwich. 2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the dose of food garnish is taken out in a conditioning tank (30), said conditioning tank possibly being immersed in a water bath allowing the food filling to be kept at a predetermined temperature. 3. Machine (40) for filling sandwiches, characterized in that it comprises a filling tube (41) arranged to receive a dose of food filling for filling a single sandwich, said tube comprising a lateral opening (42) in which a dose of food filling can be poured, a transport member (45) capable of expelling the food filling contained in said tube towards the sandwich and a movable shutter member (50) making it possible to at least partially close said opening, when the transport member is actuated. 4. Machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said lining tube (41) is connected to a discharge tank (43) opening into said lateral opening. 5. Machine according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the transport member comprises a piston (45) capable of sliding in said tube. 6. Machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the transport member comprises a handle (47) allowing the user to actuate it manually. 7. Machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said handle extends through a longitudinal groove (44) of the packing tube. 8. Machine according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the shutter member (50) comprises a wall (51) capable of being positioned in said lateral opening (42). 9. Machine according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the shutter member (50) is separate from the tube (41) and the tank (43) and comprises a gripping element (52) allowing a user to enter it. 10. Machine according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a drive member (70) capable of moving the sandwich to be filled relative to the filling tube, when the transport member is activated. 11. Machine according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a support provided with at least one heating member. 12. Device (60) for garnishing sandwiches, characterized in that it comprises a support arranged to receive a plurality of machines according to any one of claims 3 to 11. 13. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one heating member for heating the tubes of said machines.