U.S. patent application number 13/818943 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-05 for device for producing processed cheese portions.
This patent application is currently assigned to HOCHLAND SE. The applicant listed for this patent is Richard Bechteler, Andreas Biggel, Josef Burger, Thomas Handerer, Sebastian Schmidt. Invention is credited to Richard Bechteler, Andreas Biggel, Josef Burger, Thomas Handerer, Sebastian Schmidt.
Application Number | 20140150674 13/818943 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44629069 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140150674 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Biggel; Andreas ; et
al. |
June 5, 2014 |
DEVICE FOR PRODUCING PROCESSED CHEESE PORTIONS
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for producing processed cheese
portions, comprising a plurality of modules that are arranged
successively in the direction of production, in which the processed
cheese is formed into a band, cooled, and divided into portions,
wherein the modules define a production space through which the
processed cheese travels during the production of the processed
cheese portions. The production space is enclosed by a spray-proof
casing, wherein the casing comprises a frame structure and a
plurality of sheet metal elements which are detachably connected to
the frame structure, and wherein a sealing hose is arranged between
a sheet metal element and the area of the frame structure opposite
thereto, and encircles the sheet metal element or the area of the
frame structure opposite thereto.
Inventors: |
Biggel; Andreas; (Hergatz,
DE) ; Schmidt; Sebastian; (Lindau, DE) ;
Bechteler; Richard; (Heimenkirch, DE) ; Burger;
Josef; (Leutkirch-Reichenhofen, DE) ; Handerer;
Thomas; (Heimenkirch, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Biggel; Andreas
Schmidt; Sebastian
Bechteler; Richard
Burger; Josef
Handerer; Thomas |
Hergatz
Lindau
Heimenkirch
Leutkirch-Reichenhofen
Heimenkirch |
|
DE
DE
DE
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
HOCHLAND SE
Heimenkirch
DE
|
Family ID: |
44629069 |
Appl. No.: |
13/818943 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
July 21, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP11/62494 |
371 Date: |
January 8, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
99/455 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01J 25/04 20130101;
A01J 25/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
99/455 |
International
Class: |
A01J 25/04 20060101
A01J025/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 25, 2010 |
DE |
10 2010 035 522.4 |
Claims
1. A device for producing processed cheese portions, comprising a
plurality of modules disposed successively in the direction of
production, in which the processed cheese is formed into a strip,
cooled and divided into portions, wherein the modules define a
production space through which the processed cheese passes during
production of the processed cheese portions, wherein a spray-proof
encapsulation encloses the production space, wherein the
encapsulation comprises a frame structure and a plurality of sheet
metal elements, which are detachably connected to the frame
structure, and wherein a sealing tube is disposed between a sheet
metal element and the region of the frame structure opposite
thereto and encircles the sheet metal element or the region of the
frame structure opposite thereto.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing tube
encircling the sheet metal element or the region of the frame
structure opposite thereto is designed in the manner of a labyrinth
seal.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein a sheet metal element
comprises external bent edges, wherein the bent edges form a
receptacle for the sealing tube.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein a sheet metal element
is swivellably held on the frame structure, and wherein the parts
of the frame structure opposite the sheet metal element that is
swivellably held on the frame structure comprise a circumferential
web, which forms a receptacle for the sealing tube.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the production space is
connected to an air treatment system, by way of which treated air
can be introduced into the production space.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the air treatment
system comprises a module for filtering and/or drying and/or
cooling the air that is introduced into the production space.
7. The device according to one of claim 5, wherein the air intake
of the air treatment system is connected to the production space
such that the air flowing through the production space is conducted
in a closed circuit.
8. The device according to claim 5, wherein the air treatment
system is integrated into the encapsulation of the production
space.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a device for producing processed
cheese portions, comprising a plurality of modules disposed
successively in the direction of production, in which the processed
cheese is shaped into a strip, cooled and divided into portions,
wherein the modules define a production space through which the
processed cheese passes during production of the processed cheese
portions.
[0002] In the production of a foodstuff, constant care must be
taken to prevent contamination of the product as it passes through
the production system. Foodstuffs that have come in contact with
germs or grime are a risk to the manufacturer that cannot be
underestimated. These foodstuffs spoil before expiration of the
intended shelf life and must be removed from commerce; in addition,
they can cause health problems for the consumer if consumed
unawares.
[0003] Therefore, the production system must be absolutely
germ-free in order to produce a hygienically flawless foodstuff. By
necessity, production must be interrupted regularly in order to
restore the production system to a germ-free state. Valuable
production time is lost to cleaning, which is somewhat complicated,
particularly when individual components of the system must be
removed for this purpose.
[0004] In order to minimize the introduction of grime, the
production system should be installed in a production space that is
as hygienically flawless as possible. In order to perform
production in a manner that is truely bacteriologically safe, the
system itself must be cleaned and a clean-room environment is
required. Therefore, the production environment has a substantial
influence on the frequency of the cleaning cycles. The requirement
to maintain entire rooms germ-free is very difficult to implement.
This limits the usability of large and open production systems that
are known from the production of processed cheese.
[0005] The amount of cleaning effort required can be reduced by
keeping the system parts that must remain germ-free separate from
the rest of the production hall or the system. For example,
so-called aseptic filling machines are used in automated beverage
bottling. An aseptic filling machine is the actual filling area,
which is separated from the rest of the filling system via an
enclosure. The enclosure defines an enclosed production space in
the immediate vicinity of the filling area, which is separated from
the rest of the system. The production space encloses and protects
the filling area, and the desired germ-free state is attained via
regular cleaning of the outer and inner surfaces thereof.
[0006] The effort required to maintain the germ-free state of a
production space enclosed in this manner is substantially less
compared to that of a filling area that is left open. The cleaning
of a production space enclosed in that manner can be carried out,
for example, via cleaning-in-place (CIP) using cleaning systems
fixedly installed in the enclosure.
[0007] Such enclosures are not used in the production of processed
cheese portions. The main reason therefor is that a plurality of
working steps is required to process processed cheese, all of which
require a hygienically flawless environment. The production systems
that are used are also substantially larger and have a highly
complicated design as a narrowly limited, easily protected filling
area for beverage bottles. Instead of flowing through closed and
easily cleaned pipelines, the processed cheese to be processed is
guided openly across long distances while the strand is formed. In
so doing, the processed cheese mass comes into contact, via large
areas, with the rollers and belts of the system. In order to ensure
a flawless hygienic quality of the processed cheese that is
produced, a subregion of the system as well as the entire
production strand would have to be enclosed.
[0008] Moreover, the production of processed cheese portions
requires repeated intervention by operating personnel. Therefore,
the system must always be accessible. In addition, an enclosure
should be designed such that cleaning and rinsing agents sprayed in
the production space during a CIP are prevented from spraying out
of there. However, a sealed enclosure intended for ensuring the
germ-free state is not easily opened, nor does said enclosure allow
direct access to all the relevant system parts.
[0009] The problem addressed by the present application is
therefore that of simplifying the production of hygienically
flawless processed cheese portions.
[0010] This problems is solved by a device having the features of
claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are referred to in the dependent
claims. A fundamental idea of the invention is to enclose the
production space with a spray-proof encapsulation, wherein the
encapsulation comprises a frame structure and a plurality of sheet
metal elements, which are detachably connected to the frame
structure, and wherein a sealing tube is disposed between a sheet
metal element and the region of the frame structure opposite
thereto and encircles the sheet metal element or the region of the
frame structure opposite thereto.
[0011] The encircling sealing tube is disposed such that, when the
sheet metal element is closed, said sealing tube is pressed between
the frame structure and the sheet metal element via application of
external force. The hollow sealing tube deforms elastically, and
therefore the gap between the sheet metal element and the frame
structure remains completely closed even under unfavorable
conditions, such as the occurrence of vibrations during operation,
for example. The production system enclosed in this manner is
therefore securely protected against the introduction of grime or
bacterial contamination from the outside.
[0012] The encircling sealing tube is flexible enough to compensate
for potential manufacturing tolerances of the frame structure.
Therefore, the frame structure that is provided is not subject to
any special requirements, but rather can be assembled from
standardized profiles having low tolerances, which are easy to
manufacture and assemble. The standardization also makes it easy to
adapt the encapsulation to different types of such production
systems.
[0013] Due to the sheet metal elements that are detachably
connected to the frame structure, the individual system elements
are easy to access, but the sheet metal element to be opened for
this purpose can always be tightly reclosed. Every time the sheet
metal elements are closed, the sealing tube is elastically deformed
once more and the sealing effect of the tubular seal is restored.
The encircling tubular seal provides a high degree of sealing, and
therefore the production space is reliably sealed. Additional
sealing elements can be omitted. The encapsulation according to the
invention therefore fulfills all the hygienic requirements for a
germ-free production space. Moreover, the encircling tubular seal,
due to the uncomplicated design and installation thereof, allows
for simple inspection and cleaning of the seal and for easy
replacement thereof.
[0014] In particular, the encircling sealing tube is designed as
one piece, thereby reducing the seams, which impair the seal
integrity. The seams open, in particular, during a
temperature-induced expansion of the encapsulation. Depending on
the type of processed cheese, the processed cheese mass is heated
before shaping to temperatures that clearly exceed 60.degree.
Celsius. The tubular seal formed as one piece improves the
functional reliability of the seal across a large temperature
range.
[0015] In order to permit viewing of individual system parts, the
sheet metal elements can also be equipped with an installed
observation window. This allows for high transparency even when the
encapsulation is closed and, therefore, allows for constant visual
inspection of the system and the functions thereof during
operation.
[0016] Preferably, the sealing tube encircling the sheet metal
element or the region of the frame structure opposite thereto is
designed in the manner of a labyrinth seal. This sealing tube
comprises, on the surface thereof, a plurality of longitudinally
extending sealing lips or lamellas, which, when the sheet metal
element is closed, bear individually against the pressed-on contact
surface and each impart a sealing effect. In particular, a fluid
located on the tubular seal in the horizontally extending part of
the circumferential region is effectively held back. The thusly
designed sealing tube also withstands CIP-cleaning carried out at
high pressures, even if a jet of cleaning or rinsing agent strikes
the seal directly while the system is being sprayed. Therefore, the
production system enclosed according to the invention permits the
production space to be cleaned easily and quickly, and there is no
need to remove components of the system. In addition, fluids
spraying out of the encapsulation, which causes contamination of
the exterior environment, is effectively prevented.
[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the sheet metal element
comprises external bent edges, wherein the bent edges form a
receptacle for the sealing tube. If the sheet metal elements
themselves form the receptacle for the sealing tube, sheet metal
elements of any shape and size can be used without the need to make
changes to the sealing receptacle. The bent edge extending on the
edges of the sheet metal element forms a receptacle that is
precisely matched to the dimensions of the particular sheet metal
element. Therefore, the sheet metal element always forms its own
sealing receptacle. The step of separately adapting the sealing
receptacle if the shape of the sheet metal element is changed is
eliminated. In addition, the external bent edges stabilize and
stiffen the sheet metal elements.
[0018] Preferably, a sheet metal element is swivellably held on the
frame structure, and the parts of the frame structure opposite the
sheet metal element that is swivellably held on the frame structure
comprise a circumferential web, which forms a receptacle for the
sealing tube. A sheet metal element that is swivellably mounted on
the frame structure is particularly easy to open and allows rapid
access to the system parts located behind it. The sheet metal
element, which is swivelled to be opened, is held further from the
frame structure and, once work has been completed, can be closed
simply by being swiveled back. The sealing tube is carried by a web
that entirely encircles the parts of the frame structure opposite
the sheet metal element. The sealing tube, which has been inserted
on the web, in particular, therefore reliably seals the closed
sheet metal element.
[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the production space
is connected to an air treatment system, by way of which treated
air can be introduced into the production space. This embodiment
makes it possible to use the encapsulated production space largely
independently of the air quality of the surrounding premises. The
air treatment system supplies the encapsulated production area with
a separate atmosphere, so to speak, which is oriented toward
germ-free production. The effort required to keep entire production
halls germ-free or nearly germ-free is eliminated. Advantageously,
a slight overpressure is generated in the interior of the
encapsulation, thereby preventing air from entering the production
space from the outside.
[0020] Preferably, the air treatment system comprises a module for
filtering and/or drying and/or cooling the air introduced into the
production space. The corresponding modules make it possible to
create a climate within the production space that is optimal for
processed cheese production. A module for clean room filtering
reduces the germ count of the air introduced into the production
space. Cooling and/or drying the air prevents condensation water
from forming in the production space and suppresses the
reproduction rate of any germs that may be present.
[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the air intake of the air
treatment system is connected to the production space such that the
air flowing through the production space is conducted in a closed
circuit. Therefore, the treated air is circulated. Reusing the air
in this manner reduces the amount of energy required for the
treatment.
[0022] Preferably, the air treatment system is integrated into the
encapsulation of the production space. In this case, a separate
encapsulation of the air treatment system is eliminated, thereby
simplifying the design of the production system. The integration
also allows the air treatment system to be integrated into the CIP.
Therefore, CIP cleaning of the system comprises all the components
that are essential to maintain a germ-free state of the production
space.
[0023] Various aspects of the device according to the invention are
explained, as examples, by reference to the following figures.
Shown are
[0024] FIG. 1: a top view of two sheet metal elements mounted on
the frame structure;
[0025] FIG. 2: a sectional drawing along the line A-A of FIG.
1;
[0026] FIG. 3: a sectional drawing through the region of FIG. 1
labelled "B";
[0027] FIGS. 4 and 5: an exemplary embodiment of an air treatment
system according to the example;
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a part of a frame structure having two vertical
supports 1, 2, which are oriented parallel to one another. The two
supports 1, 2 are held by a horizontal base support 3 of the frame
structure. Two sheet metal elements 4, 5, which are mounted on the
supports 2, 3, are disposed between the supports 2, 3. Both sheet
metal elements comprise a central observation window 8, which
permits inspection of the production system located behind said
observation window without the need to open the encapsulation. The
sheet metal element 4 is detachably connected to the supports 2, 3.
Four pins 7 routed into the supports 2, 3, namely two per support,
hold the sheet metal element 4 on the frame structure. A tubular
seal held in an outer bent edges of the sheet metal element is
elastically deformed between the sheet metal element 4 and the
frame structure. The tubular seal is located on the two supports 1
and 2, and on a support that connects said supports, if present.
The circumferential tubular seal seals the sheet metal element 4
completely with respect to the frame structure.
[0029] The sheet metal element 5 is swivellably mounted on the
support 1 and, in the closed state, is sealed with respect to the
supports 1 and 2 and the support 9, which is present here and
connects said supports. In the view shown in FIG. 1, the
transversely oriented support 9 is hidden by the sheet metal
element 5. Two locks 8, which can be locked on the support 2, hold
the swivellable sheet metal element 5 in the closed position
thereof. The sealing of the sheet metal element 5 is explained in
greater detail in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a sectional drawing along the line A A of FIG.
1. The sheet metal element 5, which is held by a non-illustrated
hinge and which comprises an observation window 9, is shown in FIG.
2 in an angled, i.e. slightly opened position. The supports 1, 2
and 9 of the frame structure have a hollow profile, from which a
web 10 protrudes for sealing the swivellably mounted sheet metal
elements. A hollow tubular seal 11 is slid onto the web 10. The web
continues on the transversely oriented support 9, which is not
shown here, and therefore said web completely encircles the opening
of the frame structure formed between the supports on the inner
side of the frame structure. If the sheet metal element 5 is
swivelled toward the frame structure, the sealing tube 11 is
elastically deformed between the web 10 and the outer edge of the
sheet metal element 5 and completely seals the gap between the
frame structure and the sheet metal element 5. External bent edges
12 facing away from the frame structure stabilize the sheet metal
element and ensure uniform contact pressure of the sheet metal
element against the sealing tube 10.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a sectional drawing through the region of FIG.
1 labelled "B". A hollow tubular seal 13 bears against the hollow
support 1. The sheet metal element 4 has an angled bent edge 15 on
the outer edge thereof, which forms a seal receptacle 18 for the
sealing tube 13 encircling the sheet metal element 4.
[0032] If a transversely extending support is not provided between
the successive sheet metal elements 4 and 5, as shown in FIG. 1,
the swivellably mounted sheet metal element 5 overlaps the
detachably fastened sheet metal element 4. In the region of
overlap, the two sheet metal elements form a fold, which extends
underneath both said sheet metal elements. The metal webs, which
are designed in the manner of a labyrinth seal, prevent fluid from
escaping from the enclosure, and so an additional seal can be
omitted.
[0033] FIGS. 4 and 5 show an air treatment system 17 having
inflowing 18 and outflowing 19 air conduction. The enclosed air
treatment system 17 comprises a plurality of modules, in which the
air conducted therethrough is dried and held at a steady
temperature, and comprises a collecting device for condensation
water that is discharged.
* * * * *