Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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EDGE ROLLING DEVICE FOR DOUGH PIECES
BACKGROUND
Some industrial preparations of food products include the process of shaping
unbaked dough pieces before the subsequent steps of the preparation, typically
consisting of garnishing, freezing and packing the products. The dough pieces
can
also be simply packed as such. They are usually made of bread or flaky type
dough and are provided in various sizes, shapes, thicknesses and
consistencies.
Appropriate apparatuses are used along the processing line to form, knead,
roll
and cut the dough pieces.
One example of such industrial preparation is the production of pizzas. The
dough
pieces used for the pizzas are sometimes provided with rolled edge or edges to
create an elevated peripheral portion that prevents the toppings from falling
or
flowing out of the dough piece during the preparation or when cooked and
served
by the customers. It also gives a better appearance to the final products.
However,
rolled edge or edges were hitherto difficult to realise on an industrial basis
since
this operation was done manually and required a large number of persons. Such
task is tedious for the workers and costly for the manufacturer. Yet, large
quality
variations were observed from one dough piece to another since the final
result of
the manual rolling operation depends in most part on the skills and
concentration
of each individual.
SUMMARY
The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of
mechanically rolling the edge or edges of a dough piece to form an elevated
peripheral portion.
More particularly, the present invention provides a device for rolling an edge
of a
dough piece that comprises a first mechanism for making a friction engagement
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with the edge of the dough piece and a second mechanism for moving the first
mechanism inwards, relative to the edge of the dough piece so that the edge is
forced to roll on itself. For instance, this can be realised by a first plate
having a
plurality of elongated guiding slots. A plurality of followers are slidably
mounted in
corresponding slots of the first plate. A dough-engaging finger is connected
to
each follower. The fingers are located under the first plate and moved
relative to
the dough piece by a finger moving mechanism.
A detailed description of the present invention will now be given with
reference to
the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an apparatus featuring a cutting device
and an edge rolling device according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the cutting device of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a partial top cross-sectional view of the apparatus, taken along
line
III-III in FIG. 2, showing the operation of the cutting device.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are partial cross-sectional views of the cutting device at two
distinct positions, taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the edge rolling device of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a finger, its follower and the other surrounding
parts, used in the edge rolling device of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the parts shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a top view of the first slotted plate used in the edge rolling
device
shown in FIGS. 1 and 5.
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FIG. 9 is a top view of the second slotted plate and its sprocket that are
used
in the edge rolling device shown in FIGS. 1 and 5.
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the second slotted plate and the
sprocket
shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a top view of the optional third slotted plate used in the edge
rolling
device shown in FIGS. 1 and 5.
FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the edge rolling device of FIGS. 1 and
5,
showing a first step of a typical edge rolling process for a circular
dough piece.
FIG. 13 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 12, showing a second step
of the edge rolling process.
FIG. 14 is a top view of the edge rolling device of FIGS. 12 and 13, showing
a third step of the edge rolling process.
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view similar to FIGS. 12 and 13, showing a
fourth step of the edge rolling process.
FIG. 16 is a side elevational view similar to FIGS. 12, 13 and 15, showing a
fifth step of the edge rolling process.
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IDENTIFICATION OF THE COMPONENTS
The following is a list of the reference numerals, along with the names of the
corresponding components, that are used in the appended figures and in the
description. It should be noted that the components shown in some figures and
that are not referred to correspond to the same components shown in the other
figures.
apparatus
12 cutting device
10 14 edge rolling device
16 main frame
18 dough piece
18' excess of dough (after cutting)
belt conveyor
15 22 support rolls (of the belt conveyor)
24 frame section (overlying the conveyor)
26 vertical central axis (of the edge rolling device)
knives
32 bearing arm
20 34 movable subassembly
36 handle
38 motor
39 bracket (for the motor)
fingers
25 41 small slots (at the tip of each finger)
42 first slotted plate
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44 radially-extending slots (of the first slotted plate)
45 bearings
46 followers
50 actuator
5 52 second slotted plate
54 radially-inclined slots (of the second slotted plate)
56 projecting member (of each follower)
58 first sprocket
59 spacer (for the first sprocket)
60 second sprocket
62 chain
63 connector
64 third slotted plate
66 radially-extending slots (of the third slotted plate)
67 central opening (of the third slotted plate)
68 spacers
70 vertical axle
72 upper plate
74 vertical actuator
76 linear bearings
DESCRIPTION
The appended figures 1 to 16 illustrate an apparatus (10) that is an example
of a
possible embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus (10) is to be
installed on a processing line for the industrial preparation of circular
dough
pieces, such as pizzas. It should be noted that the invention is not limited
to the
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process of circular pizzas and that other kinds and shapes of dough pieces can
be
processed by simply modifying the design and configuration of the apparatus
(10),
if necessary.
The illustrated apparatus (10) includes two processing stations, namely a
cutting
station and an edge rolling station. The optional cutting station comprises a
cutting
device (12) and the edge rolling station comprises an edge rolling device
(14),
each capable of being used separately. In the illustrated embodiment, both
devices (12,14) are connected to a main frame (16) on which is mounted a
conveyor, such as a belt conveyor (20), to convey the dough pieces (18) across
the apparatus (10). The conveyor (20) includes all usual associated elements,
for
example a pair of opposite support rolls (22), a motor (not shown), etc.
In use, the dough piece (18) is first moved by the conveyor (20) to be
positioned
under the cutting device (12). Once the cutting operation is completed, the
conveyor (20) is again activated for positioning the dough piece (18) in
registry
with the edge rolling device (14). It should be noted that the cutting device
(12),
the edge rolling device (14), or both of them, can be respectively mounted on
a
movable carriage (not shown), or supported by another means, synchronised with
the conveyor (20) to follow and process a dough piece as it is continuously
conveyed. Such processing line can be designed with a plurality of parallel or
successive cutting devices (12) and edge rolling devices (14). Other
configurations
are also possible.
The main frame (16) of the apparatus (10) preferably comprises a section (24)
that
overlies the conveyor (20). This frame section (24) is made of longitudinal
and
transversal beams. It is used to support the cutting device (12) and edge
rolling
device (14). More details about the cutting device (12) and the edge rolling
device
(14) are given hereinafter.
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Cutting device
The illustrated cutting device (12) is used in the process of making circular
pizzas.
It comprises a pair of thin circular knives (30) rotationally connected at
respective
ends of a bearing arm (32). The bearing arm (32) is itself pivotally connected
to a
movable subassembly (34) extending across the width of the frame section (24).
The subassembly (34) is provided with a handle (36) for raising and lowering
the
bearing arm (32) and its knives (30). FIG. 4A shows the movable subassembly
(34) in a lowered position and FIG. 4B shows it in a raised position. A motor
(38)
pivots the bearing arm (32) around a vertical axis when it is lowered by the
operator upon displacement of the handle (36). As shown in FIG. 2, the motor
(38)
is connected to the movable subassembly (34) by means of a bracket (39).
The knives (30) cut the dough piece (18) as they roll over the conveyor (20),
as
shown in FIG. 3. The cutting of the dough piece (18) is completed when the
bearing arm (32) completes a rotation of more than 180 . The excess of dough
(18') is removed by hand and by another means and sent back to the dough
preparation station.
Alternatively, the cutting device (12) can comprise a movable die (not shown)
for
stamping out the dough piece (18) and being able to obtain various shapes,
such
as square, rectangle, triangle, etc. A circular dough piece (18) can also be
obtained by stamping. A spring arrangement (not shown) is preferably mounted
on
the die to allow a perfect cutting by adjusting the blades with reference to
the
conveyor (20). Moreover, rods (not shown) are mounted in a slightly loose
manner
on the die to stay in contact with the dough piece while the die is retracted,
thus
preventing the dough from sticking to the blades of the die.
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Edge rolling device
The illustrated edge rolling device (14) is preferably divided in three parts,
namely
fingers (40), which are used for making a friction engagement with the edge of
the
dough piece (18), the mechanism for moving the fingers (40) inwards relative
to
the edge of the dough piece (18) and the optional mechanism used to vertically
position the fingers (40) with reference to the dough piece (18).
The fingers (40) are shaped and positioned in accordance with the shape of the
dough piece (18). Their number corresponds to the size of the dough piece
(18).
These fingers (40) simulate the work of the human hand by forcing the edge of
the
dough piece (18) to roll on itself as the fingers (40) move inwards, i.e.
towards the
center of the dough piece (18) or in an appropriate direction. In the case of
a
circular dough piece (18), the fingers (40) are disposed in a circle around a
vertical
central axis (26) and are radially-oriented. They are simultaneously moved
towards the center of the dough piece (18) which had been previously centred
with
reference to the edge rolling device (14) . FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example of a
finger (40). It preferably has a tapered shape and a rounded front tip. The
front tip
further comprises a serrated surface having a plurality of small slots (41),
or the
like, to increase the contact between the finger (40) and the dough piece
(18).
Alternatively, the fingers (40) can be provided as one large member in the
case of
the rolling of a straight edge of a square or triangular dough piece (not
shown).
The fingers (40) are connected to the mechanism for moving them in order to
achieve the edge rolling operation. The mechanism also repositions them
thereafter for the next cycle of edge rolling. The movement of the fingers
(40) is
essentially parallel to the surface of the dough piece (18). However, the
fingers
(40) are preferably pivotally connected at or near their end which is opposite
the
inward tip, thereby allowing a rocking movement of each finger (40) to follow
the
edge as its height increases. Alternatively, the mechanism used to move the
fingers (40) may be designed to move the fingers (40) in a direction which is
not
strictly parallel to the surface of the dough piece (18).
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The mechanism for moving the fingers (40) can have many forms. One of them is
illustrated in the figures. It comprises three superimposed slotted plates
(42,52,64), two of them being fixed in rotation and the other being pivotable
with
reference to the other two. The three slotted plates (42,52,64) are preferably
circular and coaxial with the vertical central axis (26).
The first slotted plate (42) preferably comprises a plurality of elongated
guiding
slots (44) disposed radially with reference to the center thereof. These slots
(44)
are used as guides for followers (46) that are slidably connected therein and
to
which the fingers (40) are respectively attached. They are preferably straight
but
can be curved as well. The number of fingers (40), slots (44) and followers
(46) is
the same, although the number of slots (44) could be greater. As shown in FIG.
6,
each finger (40) is preferably connected to the corresponding follower (46) by
means of a vertical rod (48) provided with a bottom swivel (49).
The fingers (40) are moved by displacing the followers (46) in their
respective slot
(44). This can be done by the direct action of an actuator (not shown), such
as in
the case of a linear movement, or by the indirect action of an actuator (50)
with the
use of an intermediary linking assembly. This linking assembly is preferably
constituted by the second slotted plate (52) that is pivotally connected with
reference to the first slotted plate (42). The second slotted plate (52) is
parallel to
the first slotted plate (42) and located above it, although it would have been
possible to position it under the first slotted plate (42). Bearings (45) are
used to
support the second slotted plate (52) for rotation with reference to the first
slotted
plate (42). The second slotted plate (52) comprises a plurality of radially-
inciined
slots (54). These slots (54) are said to be radially-inclined since they
define an
angle with reference to the radial direction. These slots (54) correspond in
number
to the number of followers (46). Each follower (46) then comprises a member
(56)
projecting towards a corresponding slot (54) and which is engaged therein.
As aforesaid, the second slotted plate (52) is pivoted by the actuator (50).
Although the illustrated actuator (50) is a linear pneumatic actuator, the
second
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slotted plate (52) can be pivoted by a rotary actuator (not shown) or any
other kind
of actuator. In the present case, the mechanical link between the second
slotted
plate (52) and the actuator (50) is achieved by a chain and sprocket
arrangement,
preferably consisting of a pair of sprockets (58,60), a roller chain (62) and
a
5 connector (63) to attach the free end of the actuator (50) to the chain
(62). A pair
of pulleys and a belt (not shown) would have been a suitable alternative. The
first
sprocket (58) is coupled to the second slotted plate (52) by means of a bolted
spacer (59) and the second sprocket (60) is pivotally connected to another
element of the device (14). One may also install a servomotor directly
connected
10 to the second plate (52) to rotate that second plate (52).
Optionally, the members (56) projecting from the followers (46) extend to the
third
slotted plate (64), which comprises a plurality of radially-extending slots
(66). The
third slotted plate (64) is substantially identical to and in registry with
the first
slotted plate (40), with the exception of a large central opening (67) through
which
the spacer (59) of the second slotted plate (52) is located. The third slotted
plate
(64) adds to the stability of the followers (46). The third slotted plate (64)
is rigidly
attached to the first slotted plate (40) by means of spacers (68). They then
constitute a portion of a frame that bears the other parts of the device (14).
This
frame, and the other parts, are also preferably movable vertically to give a
suitable
clearance to the dough piece (18) when moving to or away of the area under the
edge rolling device (14). The frame comprises a central vertical axle (70) and
an
upper plate (72). The axle (70) is selectively lifted or lowered by means of a
vertical pneumatic actuator (74). The actuator (74) could be a servojack to
precisely adjust the height of the edge rolling device (14). Another kind of
actuator
or a differently positioned actuator is also possible. Preferably, linear
bearings (76)
are provided to keep the movement of the frame in a straight line.
Alternatively, it
is possible to have a fixed frame and moving the conveyor (20) up and down.
The various steps of operation of the illustrated apparatus (10) are as
follows.
First, as shown in FIG. 12, the circular dough piece (18) is positioned under
the
edge rolling device (14). The fingers (40) are positioned at the maximum
diameter.
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In FIG. 13, the subassembly is lowered until the fingers (40) are in position
with
reference to the dough piece (18). In FIG. 14, the actuator (50) is then
activated to
pivot the second slotted plate (52) in the direction of the arrow. This forces
the
projecting members (56) of the followers (46) to move inwards. The fingers
(40)
then move towards the center of the dough piece (18). The tip of the fingers
(40)
eventually reaches the edge of the dough piece (18) and starts the rolling
process,
as shown in FIG. 15. Because all fingers (40) work together, the edge is
formed in
a substantially uniform and symmetrical manner. Once the rolling is completed,
as
shown in FIG. 16, the subassembly is lifted and the fingers (40) are
repositioned
for the next cycle. The conveyor (20) is activated and moves the processed
dough
piece (18) towards the subsequent stations.
Although the present invention has been described in detail herein and
illustrated
in the accompanying figures, it is to be understood that it is not strictly
limited to
what is in the description and in the figures. Various changes and
modifications
may be effected without departing from the scope or spirit of the present
invention.
