The invention relates to a dough processing machine comprising a frame, a first roller rotata- bly mounted to the frame via a first bearing, and a second roller rotatably mounted to the frame via a second bearing, wherein a dough receiving gap is formed between the rollers, wherein a first recess is formed in the frame between a first frame portion and a second frame portion, wherein the first bearing is formed within a first bearing block, which is removably inserted in the first recess, and wherein the second bearing is mounted at the second frame portion.

Until now the fixation of the die roller in a rotary moulder has been done by letting the forces, which are generated by the dough pressure and act on the roller, run through the machine frame. The load path generates disadvantageous frame deformation and causes stress concen- trations in the frame material. Furthermore, due to precision requirements, the prior art solutions demand expensive construction and machining.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved dough processing machine. In particular, disadvantageous load paths within the frame shall be eliminated. Frame deformation shall be reduced. The construction shall be simple and cost effective. In an embodiment mounting and demounting of the (die) roller should be facilitated.

The problem of the invention is solved by a dough processing machine as defined in the opening paragraph, in that the first bearing block is coupled to the second frame portion by at least one linkage capable of taking up forces acting on the first bearing block in a direction from the second frame portion towards the first frame portion and transmitting them into the second frame portion. Thereby the first frame portion is relieved.

By the invention the first bearing block is coupled to the second frame portion. The linkage forms a direct coupling between first bearing block and second frame portion, thereby relieving the first frame portion, i.e.: forces acting on the first bearing block in a direction from the second frame portion towards the first frame portion are not introduced into the first frame portion, but in the second frame portion. The linkage, therefore, is a force decoupling member which decouples the first bearing block from the first frame portion.

The linkage acts as a tension member which is loaded with tension in the case the first roller is forced away from the second frame portion. With other words: The first roller is linked to the second roller through a direct load path in which the stressed members are loaded with tension. The frame, particular the first frame portion, is no longer affected by disadvantageous loads and is thus more dimensionally stable.

The first frame portion is defined as frame portion which is separated by the recess and the continued centre line of the recess from the second frame portion. The recess may be a cutout, an opening, a guide or a gap-like structure for accommodating the first bearing block.

It is preferred that the linkage fixes the first bearing block in its operating position, i.e. prevents the bearing block from being taken out of the recess.

The invention particularly relates to a food dough processing machine, particularly for producing bakery products, such as biscuits, cookies, crackers, etc. The term "dough" has a broad meaning within the sense of the present application and comprises any flowable food masses or kneaded food material, including fillings, creams, paste-like material, and may contain ce- reals (particularly wheat), sugar, salt, milk, eggs, bakery improvers, chocolate, nougat, nuts and/or other ingredients.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one linkage is removably mounted to the second frame portion. This allows simple and time effective exchange of the first bearing block, particularly by lifting the bearing block and removing it from the recess.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one linkage is pivotably mounted at the second frame portion, wherein preferably the pivot axis of the linkage is essentially parallel to the rotational axes of the rollers. By pivoting the linkage from an operating position into an opening posi- tion the bearing block is released and may be removed from the recess.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one linkage has a releasable fixing member for fixing the linkage at the first frame portion. This allows to hold the linkage in a defined position. In a preferred embodiment the linkage has a force receiving surface which abuts against a force transmitting surface formed on the first bearing block, wherein preferably the force receiving surface of the linkage and the force transmitting surface of the bearing block cooper- ate with each other in a form-fitting manner. The force transmitting surface of the first bearing block faces away from the second frame portion. The linkage therefore may be loaded with tension and the load is directly directed to the second frame portion.

In a preferred embodiment one of the force transmitting surface and the force receiving sur- face is concave shaped and the other of the force transmitting surface and the force receiving surface is convex shaped. This allows a smooth coupling with only minor clearance and defined positions of the bearing block with respect to the frame.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one linkage forms a lateral fixation of the first bearing block preventing the first bearing block from falling out of the first recess. Here, the linkage has a further function, namely laterally fixing the bearing block, i.e. preventing the bearing block from being moved in the direction of the bearings' rotational axis.

In a preferred embodiment a slot is formed in the linkage, wherein a portion of the first bear- ing block extends within the slot. The slot ensures a fixation in both lateral directions.

In a preferred embodiment the clearance between the first bearing block and the first frame portion is smaller than 10mm, preferably smaller than 5mm. A clearance between the first bearing block and the first frame portion helps to prevent force transfer from the bearing block into the first frame portion.

In a preferred embodiment the recess formed in the frame opens to the top. This allows to remove the first bearing block and the first roller from the recess by lifting. Lifting is advantageous particularly in the case of rotary moulding machines, since the space above the rollers is free (at least after removing the hopper), whereas the bottom part of the machine has irremovable frame, drive and/or adjusting parts. In a preferred embodiment the first frame portion and the second frame portion are integrally formed within a single frame piece. Here, the stability of the machine is significantly increased. The linkage prevents the frame portions from being spread apart. In a preferred embodiment the linkage extends above the level of the rotational axis of the first roller, preferably in the top region of the recess. Here, the effect of introducing forces into the second frame portion is very high, particularly in the case the recess opens to the top. The first frame portion may be effectively relieved. In a preferred embodiment the first bearing block is coupled to the second frame portion by at least two linkages, wherein each linkage on the one hand is linked to the second frame portion and on the other hand cooperates with the first bearing block, and wherein a first linkage extends above the level of the rotational axis of the first roller, preferably in the top region of the recess, and wherein a second linkage extends below the level of rotational axis of the first roller, preferably in the bottom region of the recess. Here, forces may be transmitted and introduced into the second frame portion by two direct load paths, yielding uniform load distribution.

In a preferred embodiment the second roller is moveable relative to the first roller for adjust- ing the dough receiving gap between the rollers. It is advantageous to adjust the gap without affecting the load on the first frame portion, since the linkage in any case decouples the first bearing block from the first frame portion.

Preferably, the second bearing is formed within a second bearing block, which is inserted in a second recess formed in the second frame portion. Here, also the second bearing block with the second roller is easily removable from the frame.

In a preferred embodiment the dough processing machine is a rotary dough molding machine, wherein one of rollers, preferably the first roller, is a die roller having on its surface a plurality of molds and wherein the other roller, preferably the second roller, is a feed roller. The advantages of the invention appear particularly in connection with a rotary dough molding machine. Here, dough is pressed against the die roller in order to fill the molds and high forces occur. By means of the linkage these forces are advantageously distributed into the frame, such that deformation is effectively reduced.

By using a linkage, preferably in form of wishbones of plate steel, a system has been created which at the same time gives improved dimensional stability and very easy insertion and removal of the (die) roller.

Furthermore, by moving the drive system (driving the first roller) from behind the die roller to a position in front of it, a freedom of movement is obtained because the pair of gears only meshes partly during insertion. The pair of gears will mesh completely when dough forces push the (die) roller bearing blocks against their contact points on the linkage (wishbones).

For a better understanding of the invention the latter is explained in more detail with reference to the following Figures. In a simplified, schematic representation:

Fig. 1 shows the frame of a dough processing machine according to prior art,

Fig. 2 shows a dough processing machine according to the invention,

Fig. 3 shows the linkage and the first bearing block from a top view. Generally, the same parts or similar parts are denoted with the same/similar names and reference signs. The features disclosed in the description apply to parts with the same/similar names respectively reference signs. Indicating the orientation and relative position (up, down, sideward, etc.) is related to the associated Figure, and indication of the orientation and/or relative position has to be amended in different Figures accordingly as the case may be.

Fig. 1 shows a frame 24 of a dough processing machine according to prior art. Fl denotes the force acting on the first roller and F2 denotes the force acting on the second roller. As can be seen the load paths have a disadvantageous and deforming effect on the frame 24. The frame portions 21, 22 (which are separated by the recess 25 for accommodating the roller's bearing block) will spread apart and stress concentration points 23 will occur.

Fig. 2 shows a dough processing machine 10 according to the invention. A first roller 1 is rotatably mounted to the frame 6 via a first bearing 3 and a second roller 2 is rotatably mounted to the frame 6 via a second bearing 4. A dough receiving gap 5 is formed between the rollers 1, 2.

A first recess 7 is formed in the frame 6 between a first frame portion 11 and a second frame portion 12. The first bearing 3 is formed within a first bearing block 13, which is removably inserted in the first recess 7. The second bearing 4 is mounted at the second frame portion 12.

The first recess 7 formed in the frame 6 opens to the top. The first frame portion 11 and the second frame portion 12 are integrally formed within a single frame piece.

The first bearing block 13 is coupled to the second frame portion 12 by at least one linkage 9 capable of taking up forces acting on the first bearing block 13 in a direction from the second frame portion 12 towards the first frame portion 11. The linkage 9 transmits the forces directly into the second frame portion 12, thereby relieving the first frame portion 11. The load path runs directly from the first bearing block 13 via the linkage 9 into the second frame portion 12, i.e. circumventing the first frame portion 11. Thus, the linkage 9 - at the same time - acts as force decoupling member which decouples the first bearing block 13 from the first frame portion 11. The linkage 9 extends above the level of the rotational axis of the first roller 1, preferably in the top region of the first recess 7.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 the first bearing block 13 is coupled to the second frame portion 12 by two linkages 9, 19, wherein each linkage 9, 19 on the one hand is linked to the second frame portion 12 and on the other hand cooperates with the first bearing block 13. The first linkage 9 extends above the level of the rotational axis of the first roller 1, here in the top region of the first recess 7. The second linkage 19 extends below the level of rotational axis of the first roller 1, preferably in the bottom region of the first recess 7.

The same structure as shown in Fig. 2 is of course formed on the other side of the rollers 1, 2, i.e. they are supported on both sides in an inventive manner.

Each of the linkages 9, 19 are removably mounted to the second frame portion 12. It is preferred that at least one linkage 9 is pivotably mounted at the second frame portion 12. The pivot axis 20 of the linkage 9 is essentially parallel to the rotational axes of the rollers 1, 2. By pivoting the linkage 9 upwardly (i.e. bringing it into the opening position) the first bearing block 13 is released any may be removed from the recess 7 by lifting.

The linkage 9 has also a releasable fixing member 15 for fixing the linkage 9 at the first frame portion 11 (Fig. 2, 3). The fixing member 15 may comprise a handle for the operator and may be e.g. pulled out from a fixing hole within the frame.

The linkage 9 has a force receiving surface 16 which abuts against a force transmitting surface 17 formed on the first bearing block 13. Here, the force receiving surface 16 of the link- age 9 and the force transmitting surface 17 of the first bearing block 13 cooperate with each other in a (curved) form-fitting manner. In the present embodiment the force transmitting surface 17 is convex shaped and the force receiving surface 16 is concave shaped.

As can be seen from Fig. 3 the linkage 9 forms a lateral fixation of the first bearing block 13 preventing the first bearing block 13 from falling out of the first recess 7. A slot 18 is formed in the linkage 9 (between two bar-like portions), wherein a portion of the first bearing block 13 extends within the slot 18.

The clearance between the first bearing block 13 and the first frame portion 11 is smaller than 10mm, preferably smaller than 5 mm.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2 the second roller 2 is moveable relative to the first roller 1 for adjusting the dough receiving gap 5 between the rollers 1, 2. The second bearing 4 is formed within a second bearing block 14, which is inserted in a second recess 8 formed in the second frame portion 12.

It is preferred if the dough processing machine 10 is a rotary dough molding machine, wherein one of rollers 1, 2, preferably the first roller 1, is a die roller having on its surface a plural-ity of molds and wherein the other roller 2, 1, preferably the second roller 2, is a feed roller.

The die roller has on its surface a plurality of molds in the form of cavities (or recesses) for receiving dough. Usually a knife (not shown) is used to remove (scrap) excess dough from the die roller's surface. The dough remaining in the molds is subsequently removed from the die roller usually by means of a belt. The rotary dough molding machine is used for making bakery products, such as biscuits, cookies, crackers, etc. After being shaped by means of the rotary dough molding machine the (intermediate) products are brought into a baking oven for baking.

It is noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed hereinbefore, but combinations of the different variants are possible. In reality, the rotary dough molding machine may have more or less parts than shown in the Figures. The machine and parts thereof may also be shown in different scales and may be bigger or smaller than depicted. Finally, the description may comprise subject matter of further independent inventions.

List of reference signs

1 first roller

second roller

first bearing

second bearing

5 dough receiving gap

frame

7 first recess

8 second recess

9 linkage

10 dough processing machine

11 first frame portion

12 second frame portion

13 first bearing block

14 second bearing block

15 fixing member

16 force receiving surface

17 force transmitting surface

18 slot

19 second linkage

20 pivot axis of linkage 9

21 frame portion

22 frame portion

23 stress concentration points

24 frame

25 recess

Fl force

F2 force