WO2025202031A1

WO2025202031A1 - An apparatus for treatment or preparing of semi liquid or pasty food products supplied to the apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2025202031A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/057695
Authority: WO
Inventors: Søren Peder BRØDSGAARD
Original assignee: Sjc Tech Aps
Current assignee: Sjc Tech Aps
Priority date: 2024-03-27
Filing date: 2025-03-20
Publication date: 2025-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-27
Also published as: DK202400244A1; DK182001B1

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an apparatus (100) for treatment or preparing of semi liquid or pasty food products supplied to the apparatus, which apparatus (100) comprises an elongate annular or ring shaped chamber (1) formed between two concentric tubeformed bodies (2, 3), an inner tube (2) and an outer tube (3), which elongate chamber (1) having an inlet (4) for the product to be treated in one end (40) and an outlet (5) for treated product in an opposite outlet end (50) where at least one of the bodies (2, 3) is provided with temperature treatment means (15a, 15b, 15c, 17a, 17b, 17c), where the inner tube (2) is configured to be moved in a reciprocating way along a longitudinal axis and in relation to the outer tube (3), where an inlet housing (12) together with a piston shaped end (11) of the inner tube (2) forms a feeding chamber (13) configured for pressing product through the ring-shaped chamber (1) and to the outlet (5).

Description

An apparatus for treatment or preparing of semi liquid or pasty food products supplied to the apparatus

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for treatment or preparing of semi liquid or pasty food products supplied to the apparatus. More specifically, the disclosure relates to an apparatus for treatment or preparing of semi liquid or pasty food products supplied to the apparatus as defined in the introductory parts of the independent claims.

Background art

From WO 2021/110750 an apparatus for treatment or preparing of semi liquid or pasty food products is known, which apparatus comprises an elongate circular chamber formed between two concentric tube-formed bodies, where at least one of the bodies is provided with heating means, and where the tube-formed bodies are rotatable in opposite directions. Another example of a traditional cooker for preparing foodstuff passing through a tubular channel is an apparatus where the two main process parts is an inner part formed as an Archimedes screw and an outer part formed by one or more cylindrical barrels. The Archimedes screw is used to convey the foodstuff or mass through the cooker.

A problem with the solutions of the prior art is to ensure a controlled flow through the treatment chamber where the product is kept in the treatment chamber long enough to be cooked properly and at the same time avoid tendency to stick to surfaces of the treatment chamber causing the product being burnt.

There is thus a need for improved control of the product flow and at the same time keep the apparatus simple and easy to clean.

Summary

It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and solve at least the above mentioned problem. According to a first aspect there is provided an apparatus for treatment or preparing of semi liquid or pasty food products supplied to the apparatus, which apparatus comprises an elongate annular or ring shaped chamber formed between two concentric tube-formed bodies, an inner tube and an outer tube, which elongate chamber having an inlet for the product to be treated in one end and an outlet for treated product in an opposite outlet end where at least one of the bodies is provided with temperature treatment means, where the inner tube is configured to be moved in a reciprocating way along a longitudinal axis and in relation to the outer tube, where an inlet housing together with a piston shaped end of the inner tube forms a feeding chamber configured for pressing product through the ring-shaped chamber and to the outlet.

By having the piston shaped end of the inner tube reciprocate in relation to the feeding chamber it is possible to control the flow through the ring-shaped treatment chamber of product to be treated.

According to some embodiments, the reciprocating movement of the inner tube is provided by a first gear motor, said gear motor driving a rotating disk on which rotating disc a pin is placed eccentrically, said pin in one end is connected to a linked rod, which linked rod in an opposite end is connected to a first end of a push and draw rod, said push and draw rod being movable in a guide bushing, where a second end of the push and draw rod is connected to an end plate, connected to the piston shaped end of the inner tube at the inlet end of the inner tube.

Hereby it is possible to provide the reciprocating movement to the inner tube and to the piston shaped end of the inner tube in a convenient way.

According to some embodiments, one or more restriction rings are provided on the outer surface of the inner tube at the inlet end of the inner tube.

Hereby it is possible to increase pressure on the product to be treated and be able to change the internal structure of the product.

According to some embodiments, more than one, preferably three temperature zones for temperature treatment are provided in the inner tube and/or around the outer tube, capable of regulating temperature individually in each zone, said zones being distributed along a longitudinal axis of the tube.

Hereby it is possible to regulate temperature of zones transmitting temperature to the product to be treated in such a way that each zone can have different temperature, such that heating or cooling can be transmitted to the product. It is also possible to select same temperature for all zones. According to some embodiments, the inner tube is provided with a longitudinal ridge extending from substantially half a length of the inner tube to the outlet for treated product.

Hereby it is possible to divide the product on its way through the outlet end of the ring-shaped treatment chamber.

According to some embodiments, the inner tube is provided with one or more windings placed at an end of the inner tube being closest to the inlet end.

Hereby it is possible to disrupt the flow of the product to be treated and to change the internal structure of the product.

According to some embodiments, a number of struts are distributed evenly along a support ring supporting an end axle of the inner tube. The other ends of the struts are in sliding contact with the inner side of the outer tube.

Hereby is achieved a reliable support bearing for an end axle of the inner tube for centering the inner tube in relation to the outer tube.

According to some embodiments, the struts at least at a side pointing towards the inlet end are shaped as knives.

Hereby is achieved that the product which have been treated in the apparatus is cut in longitudinal lumps or slices and that the treated product will have an even flow through the outlet opening where the knives are placed.

According to some embodiments, the outer tube rotates around a longitudinal axis.

Hereby is achieved an additional relative movement between inner and outer tube, which minimizes the risk of treated product burning and sticking to the surfaces of the tubes.

According to some embodiments, the outer tube rocks back and forth about a longitudinal axis in a range of 3/4 turns, preferably 1/2 turns, more preferably 1/3 turns.

Hereby is achieved an alternative relative movement between the inner and outer tube. According to some embodiments, movement of the outer tube is provided by a second gear motor, said gear motor, connected to a driving member by a drive belt or chain, rotates the outer tube around a longitudinal axis.

Hereby is achieved a convenient way to provide movement to the outer tube.

In an embodiment, at least one motor can be a step motor. Hereby is achieved a way to provide a precise controlling of movement of one or more of the tubes.

The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context explicitly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and the like. Furthermore, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar wordings does not exclude other elements or steps.

Terminology -- The term "temperature treatment" is to be interpreted as raising or lowering the temperature of the product to be treated.

Brief descriptions of the drawings

The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows schematically a cross sectional view of inner and outer tubes with the piston shaped end of the inner tube in a receiving position for product to be treated;

Figure 2 shows schematically a cross sectional view of inner and outer tubes with the piston shaped end of the inner tube in a delivering position, pressing the product into the ring-shaped treatment chamber; Figure 3 shows schematically a cross sectional view of inner and outer tubes indicating individual treatment zones for temperature treatment;

Figure 4 shows an enlarged section marked with a circle in figure 2;

Figure 5 shows an enlarged section marked with a circle in figure 2, in an embodiment without restriction rings;

Figure 6 shows schematically a cross sectional view of the outlet end of the inner and outer tubes;

Figure 7 shows an end view of the outlet end of the inner and outer tubes, without showing an outer mantel or lining;

Figure 8 shows a side view of an embodiment of the inner tube provided with a longitudinal ridge and windings;

Figure 9 shows an upper view of the inner tube of figure 8;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the inner tube shown in figures 8 and 9;

Figure 1 1 shows schematically a cross sectional view of the outer tube with the piston shaped end of inner tube of figures 8 - 10 in a receiving position for product to be treated;

Figure 12 shows schematically a cross sectional view of the outer tube with the piston shaped end of the inner tube of figures 8 - 10 in a delivering position, pressing the product into the ring-shaped treatment chamber;

Figure 13 corresponds to figure 12 but with a circle marking an enlarged view;

Figure 14 shows an enlarged section marked with a circle in figure 13;

Figure 15 shows schematically a cross sectional view of the outer tube with the piston shaped end of the inner tube of figures 8 - 10, in a delivering position, pressing the product into the ring-shaped treatment chamber and where windings or breaker plates are placed on a sleeve;

Figure 16 shows an enlarged section marked with a circle in figure 15;

Figure 17 shows schematically a cross sectional view of the outlet end of the outer tube, where the inner tube is provided with a longitudinal ridge; Figure 18 shows an end view of the outlet end of the inner and outer tubes shown in figure 17, without showing the outer mantel or lining;

Figure 19 shows schematically a sleeve provided with windings, which sleeve is configured to fit on the inner tube;

Figure 20 shows a cross sectional view of the sleeve shown in figure 19;

Figure 21 shows an alternative embodiment of a sleeve, where the windings are replaced by breaker bars;

Figure 22 shows schematically a perspective view of drives configured for relative movement of the inner and outer tubes; and

Figure 23 shows schematically an upper view of drives configured for relative movement of the inner and outer tubes.

Detailed description

The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in other forms. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.

The first aspect of this disclosure shows an apparatus 100 for treatment or preparing of semi liquid or pasty food products supplied to the apparatus, which apparatus 100 comprises an elongate annular or ring shaped chamber 1 formed between two concentric tube-formed bodies 2, 3, an inner tube 2 and an outer tube 3, which elongate chamber 1 having an inlet 4 for the product to be treated in one end 40 and an outlet 5 for treated product in an opposite outlet end 50 where at least one of the bodies 2, 3 is provided with temperature treatment means 15a, 15b, 15c, 17a, 17b, 17c, where the inner tube 2 is configured to be moved in a reciprocating way along a longitudinal axis and in relation to the outer tube 3, where an inlet housing 12 together with a piston shaped end 11 of the inner tube 2 forms a feeding chamber 13 configured for pressing product through the ring-shaped chamber 1 and to the outlet 5.

The inlet 4 can be a single opening into the feeding chamber 13. In an alternative embodiment the inlet 4 can be provided by a plurality of openings leading product into the feeding chamber 13. Hereby it is possible to provide stripes and/or areas of different colours and or stripes and/or areas of different ingredients. In such an embodiment more than one inlet connection for product 19 is needed.

In an embodiment, the reciprocating movement of the inner tube 2 is provided by a first gear motor 30 as shown in figures 22 and 23, said gear motor 30 driving a rotatable disk on which rotatable disc a pin 32 is placed eccentrically, said pin 32 in one end is connected to a linked rod 33, which linked rod 33 in an opposite end is connected to a first end 34a of a push and draw rod 35, said push and draw rod 35 being movable in a guide bushing 36, where a second end 34b of the push and draw rod 35 is connected to an end plate 37, connected to the piston shaped end 11 of the inner tube 2 at the inlet end 40 of the inner tube 2.

Figure 1 , 2 and 4 shows an embodiment of the apparatus 100, where one or more restriction rings 6 are provided on the outer surface of the inner tube 2 at the inlet end 40 of the inner tube 2. Figure 5 shows an embodiment without restriction rings 6 on the inner tube 2.

The outer tube 3 is surrounded by a mantel or lining 14 in such a way that one, or more chambers 15 are provided and configured as temperature zones being in contact with an outer surface of the outer tube 3.

In an embodiment, as shown in figure 3, more than 1 , preferably 3 temperature zones 15a, 15b, 15c, 17a, 17b, 17c for temperature treatment are provided in the inner tube 2 and/or around the outer tube 3, capable of regulating temperature individually in each zone, said zones 15a, 15b, 15c, 17a, 17b, 17c being distributed along a longitudinal axis of the tube 2, 3.

The temperature media can be provided by a high-pressure water unit (not shown). Connections between chambers 15 and the high-pressure water unit is not shown. Connections to temperature zones 17 in the inner tube 2 is indicated by inlet connections for temperature zones 18, which connections 18 can be connected to the high-pressure water unit by tubes, hoses, pipes or similar.

In an embodiment, as shown in figures 8 - 13, 15, 17 and 18, the inner tube 2 is provided with a longitudinal ridge 10 extending from substantially half a length of the inner tube 2 to the outlet 5 for treated product. In an embodiment, as shown in figures 8 - 14, the inner tube 2 is provided with one or more windings 9 placed at an end of the inner tube 2 being closest to the inlet end 40.

In an embodiment, as shown in figures 6, 7, 17 and 18, a number of struts 7 are distributed evenly along a support ring 8a supporting an end axle 8 of the inner tube 2.

The other ends of the struts 7 are in sliding contact with the inner side of the outer tube 3.

In an embodiment, the struts 7 at least at a side pointing towards the inlet end 40 are shaped as knives.

In an embodiment, the outer tube 3 rotates around a longitudinal axis.

In an embodiment, the outer tube 3 rocks back and forth about a longitudinal axis in a range of 3/4 turns, preferably 1/2 turns, more preferably 1/3 turns.

In an embodiment, as shown in figures 22 and 23, movement is provided by a second gear motor 38, said gear motor 38, connected to a driving member 16 by a drive belt or chain 39, rotates the outer tube 3 around a longitudinal axis.

Hereby it is possible to turn the outer tube 3 in relation to the inner tube 2 and in relation to the mantel 14. The rotation of the outer tube 3 can be continuous or stepwise. The rotation of the outer tube 3 can also be alternating between two points, for example in a range of 3/4 turns, preferably 1/2 turns, more preferably 1/3 turns.

An inlet connection for product 19 is shown at the inlet housing 12, which connection is configured to be connectable to standard couplings within food industry. The product can be supplied from a standard mixer, a filler or a pump. Due to the pumping effect from the apparatus 100 itself, a very little pressure is needed from the supply apparatus selected for supply of product to the apparatus 100.

In an embodiment, at least one of the motors 30, 38 is a step motor.

A mechanical texturizer for analogue meat can be manufactured in shape of a sleeve 20, which sleeve 20 is provided with one or more windings 21 or breaker bars 24 protruding from an outer surface of the sleeve 20 and having a height substantially equal to a distance between the sleeve 20 and an inner surface of the outer tube 3. Embodiments of such sleeves 20 are shown in figures 15, 16 and 19 - 21. The inner tube 2 can be provided with a circular groove (not shown) and the sleeve 20 can along its circular edge in one end be provided with an inwardly projecting ridge 23 configured to snap into the circular groove of the inner tube 2. In an embodiment, the sleeve 20 can be manufactured from spring steel and having a pair of longitudinal slots 22 in the end where the inwardly projection ridge 23 is placed. Hereby it is possible to “open” the end of the sleeve 20 and to let the inwardly projecting ridge 23 snap into the circular groove. The sleeve 20 is then dimensioned with an inner diameter substantially corresponding to an outer diameter of the inner tube 2 and having an outer diameter including the height of the windings 21 being less than an inner diameter of the outer tube 3 in such a way that a distance between the inner surface of the outer tube 3 and an outer diameter of the windings 21 is smaller than the height of the inwardly projecting ridge 23 fitting into the circular groove of the inner tube 2.

In an embodiment, a distance from the inner diameter of the sleeve 20 to an outer diameter equal to the height of the windings 21 substantially corresponds to the ring- shaped space 1 between the inner and the outer tube 2, 3 of the apparatus 100.

By both embodiments is achieved that the dimensions ensure that the sleeve 20 cannot “snap out” of the circular groove in the inner tube 2 and that the sleeve 20 is fastened in longitudinal direction in relation to the inner tube 2 in such a way that when the inner tube 2 is moving back and forth along a longitudinal axis, the sleeve 20 follows the movement of the inner tube 2.

Substantially in a first half of the length of the tube 3 closest to the inlet end 40 as shown in figures 15 and 16, a carrier 25, also called a driver or dog, projects from the inner surface of the outer tube 3 and when the outer tube 3 turns, the carrier engages with a side of the windings 21 or breaker bars 24 and turns the texturizer along with movement of the outer tube 3 relative to the inner tube 2.

The purpose with the texturizer is to disrupt the flow of the product to be treated through the apparatus and to change the internal structure of the product.

The person skilled in the art further realizes that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, can the mechanical texturizer described above, in an alternative embodiment be manufactured with breaker bars 24 having sharp edges, which breaker bars 24 are provided in longitudinal direction on the sleeve 20 and runs obliquely in relation to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve 20 and tubes 2, 3. The number of breaker bars 24 can vary from a single breaker bar 24 to six breaker bars, preferably three to four breaker bars 24. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for treatment or preparing of semi liquid or pasty food products supplied to the apparatus, which apparatus (100) comprises an elongate annular or ring shaped chamber (1 ) formed between two concentric tube-formed bodies (2, 3), an inner tube (2) and an outer tube (3), which elongate chamber (1 ) having an inlet (4) for the product to be treated in one end (40) and an outlet (5) for treated product in an opposite outlet end (50) where at least one of the bodies (2, 3) is provided with temperature treatment means (15a, 15b, 15c, 17a, 17b, 17c), characterized in that the inner tube (2) is configured to be moved in a reciprocating way along a longitudinal axis and in relation to the outer tube (3), where an inlet housing (12) together with a piston shaped end (11 ) of the inner tube (2) forms a feeding chamber (13) configured for pressing product through the ring-shaped chamber (1 ) and to the outlet (5).

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the reciprocating movement of the inner tube (2) is provided by a first gear motor (30), said gear motor (30) driving a rotatable disk on which rotatable disc a pin (32) is placed eccentrically, said pin (32) in one end is connected to a linked rod (33), which linked rod (33) in an opposite end is connected to a first end (34a) of a push and draw rod (35), said push and draw rod (35) being movable in a guide bushing (36), where a second end (34b) of the push and draw rod (35) is connected to an end plate (37), connected to the piston shaped end (1 1 ) of the inner tube (2) at the inlet end (40) of the inner tube (2).

3. The apparatus (100) according to any one or more of the claims 1 - 2, wherein one or more restriction rings (6) are provided on the outer surface of the inner tube (2) at the inlet end (40) of the inner tube (2).

4. The apparatus (100) according to any one or more of the claims 1 - 3, wherein more than 1 , preferably 3 temperature zones (15a, 15b, 15c, 17a, 17b, 17c) for temperature treatment are provided in the inner tube (2) and/or around the outer tube (3), capable of regulating temperature individually in each zone, said zones (15a, 15b, 15c, 17a, 17b, 17c) being distributed along a longitudinal axis of the tube (2, 3).

5. The apparatus (100) according to any one or more of the claims 1 - 4, wherein the inner tube (2) is provided with a longitudinal ridge (10) extending from substantially half a length of the inner tube (2) to the outlet (5) for treated product.

6. The apparatus (100) according to any one or more of the claims 1 - 5, wherein the inner tube (2) is provided with one or more windings (9) placed at an end of the inner tube (2) being closest to the inlet end (40).

7. The apparatus (100) according to any one or more of the claims 1 - 6, wherein a number of struts (7) are distributed evenly along at a support ring (8a) supporting an end axle (8) of the inner tube (2).

8. The apparatus (100) according to claim 7, wherein the struts (7) at least at a side pointing towards the inlet end (40) are shaped as knives.

9. The apparatus (100) according to any one or more of the claims 1 - 8, wherein the outer tube (3) rotates around a longitudinal axis.

10. The apparatus (100) according to any one or more of the claims 1 - 8, wherein the outer tube (3) rocks back and forth about a longitudinal axis in a range of 3/4 turns, preferably 1/2 turns, more preferably 1/3 turns.

11 The apparatus (100) according to claim 9 or 10 wherein movement is provided by a second gear motor (38), said gear motor (38), connected to a driving member (16) by a drive belt or chain (39), rotates the outer tube (3) around a longitudinal axis.