Device for transporting moulds for chocolate or confectionery

{
  "publication_number": "US10167141B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Device for transporting moulds for chocolate or confectionery",
  "abstract": "A device for transporting molds for chocolate or confectionery is provided with at least one rod that extends below, above or next to the molds, whereby this rod is movable back and forth in its longitudinal direction and is provided with a number of catches for the molds that are placed along its longitudinal direction, whereby the rod is rotatable around its axis so that the catches can rotate from a first position, whereby they can take along the molds, to a second position whereby they are situated below or above the plane of the molds or next to the molds.",
  "claims": [
    "1. Device for transporting moulds for chocolate or confectionery, comprising: at least two rods that extend in parallel to one another below, above or next to the moulds; each of said at least two rods being movable back and forth along its respective longitudinal direction and being provided with a number of catches for the moulds that are distributed along its respective longitudinal direction; wherein said catches of one of said at least two rods are positioned transversely relative to said catches of the other of said at least two rods; each of said at least two rods being rotatable about its respective longitudinal direction so that its respective catches can rotate from a first position in which they can convey the moulds, to a second position in which they are situated below or above or in a non-conveying position next to the moulds.",
    "2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said at least two rods are two rods that rotate towards one another to turn said catches from the first position to the second position.",
    "3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said catches are fastened to said at least two rods by being screwed down.",
    "4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising supports for the moulds that extend parallel to said at least two rods and under the moulds, over which the moulds can slide.",
    "5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said supports are located on either side of said at least two rods.",
    "6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a drive that moves said at least two rods back and forth.",
    "7. The device according to claim 6, wherein said drive is an electrical or pneumatic drive.",
    "8. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of said at least two rods has a circular cross-section.",
    "9. The device according to claim 1, wherein said catches are formed by round tubular elements.",
    "10. The device according to claim 2, wherein said catches are fastened to said at least two rods by being screwed down.",
    "11. The device according to claim 2, further comprising supports for the moulds that extend parallel to said at least two rods and under the moulds, over which the moulds can slide.",
    "12. The device according to claim 3, further comprising supports for the moulds that extend parallel to said at least two rods and under the moulds, over which the moulds can slide.",
    "13. The device according to claim 2, further comprising a drive that moves said at least two rods back and forth.",
    "14. The device according to claim 3, further comprising a drive that moves said at least two rods back and forth.",
    "15. The device according to claim 4, further comprising a drive that moves said at least two rods back and forth.",
    "16. The device according to claim 5, further comprising a drive that moves said at least two rods back and forth."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present invention relates to a device for transporting moulds for chocolate or confectionery.\n\nMore specifically, the invention is intended for transporting such moulds in a production line for the production of chocolates, chocolate bars, moulded chocolate or confectionery, whereby the moulds are moved from the one production stage to the next.\n\nSuch devices are already known in the chocolate and confectionery industry, whereby use is made of a conveyor line that is equipped with chains that are put into motion by means of sprockets.\n\nThe conveyor line is provided with catches that are affixed at a regular distance from one another. The catches will push the moulds forward on the conveyor belt.\n\nA disadvantage of such a known conveyor line is that special facilities must be provided for the safety of the rotating parts.\n\nAnother disadvantage lies in the fact that the hygiene regulations are very strict because foodstuffs are being processed. As the chains consist of many small parts, the maintenance and cleaning thereof is very laborious so that it is difficult to satisfy the strict standards.\n\nAn additional disadvantage is that such conveyor lines are relatively large, because the chains turn around to form a closed loop, whereby only the top part of the chains will transport the moulds and whereby the bottom part only serves to close the loop but will not further participate in the transport of the moulds.",
  "cpc": [
    "B65G 25/10",
    "A23G 1/26",
    "A23G 3/0278",
    "A23G 3/2046",
    "B65G 25/02",
    "B65G 25/04",
    "B65G 25/08",
    "B65G 25/12"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "A23G 1/26",
    "A23G 3/02",
    "A23G 3/20",
    "B65G 21/10",
    "B65G 25/02",
    "B65G 25/04",
    "B65G 25/08",
    "B65G 25/10",
    "B65G 25/12"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "HACOS NV"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Pierre Van Meulenbeke"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2017-06-13",
  "publication_date": "2019-01-01",
  "grant_date": "2019-01-01",
  "priority_date": "2016-06-14",
  "application_number": "US-201715621217-A",
  "family_id": "56360120",
  "cited_by_count": 2,
  "citations": [
    "US4433775A",
    "US5984076A",
    "EP0736257B1",
    "DE20108381U1",
    "EP2108263B1",
    "US20110041706A1",
    "US9327908B2",
    "US20170152067A1"
  ]
}