Machine for making, presenting and dispensing ice cream

Abstract

A machine (1) for making and dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product comprises the following combination: - a planar element (9) having an opening (9A) made therein; - at least one container (2) suitable for containing a base mixture, provided with an opening (5) and inserted into the opening (9A) of the planar element (9); - a stirrer (3) and a refrigeration system (4), respectively operatively associated with the container (2), for mixing the base mixture and cooling the base mixture to transform it into a finished product; - a flange (10) couplable to the planar element (9); - means (30) for coupling the flange (10) to the planar element (9); - a lid (7) movably connected to the flange (10) to close the opening (5) of the container (2) in use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a machine for making, displaying and dispensing ice cream. Background Technology

[0002] This type of machine is referred to by industry experts as a "batch freezer-demonstration unit".

[0003] As is known, intermittent freezers comprise one or more intermittent freezing tanks arranged horizontally or vertically and appropriately cooled.

[0004] Patent document EP2649886 describes and illustrates an intermittent freezer and display unit in the name of its applicant, which is equipped with multiple barrels and a refrigeration system to control the temperature during the production and subsequent display of ice cream (wherein the ice cream is kept inside the same container in which it was made).

[0005] The intermittent freezer and display unit allow ice cream to be made and stored in the same container in which it is made; this means that ice cream vendors do not need to buy and maintain two separate machines—an intermittent freezer and a traditional refrigerated display case.

[0006] As is known, once ice cream is made, it is typically served using a spoon specifically associated with a container to prevent the contents of that container from mixing with the contents of other containers (which are usually different).

[0007] What is particularly strong is a solution that is simple, practical, and instantly perfect in terms of food safety, allowing ice cream to be stored and served to customers under hygienic and food-safe conditions.

[0008] What is particularly strong is the need for machines that can be cleaned relatively easily. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to meet the above-mentioned needs by providing a machine for making, displaying and dispensing ice cream, which is particularly simple and safe in terms of food safety and relatively easy to clean.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for making, displaying and dispensing ice cream, which allows ice cream to be dispensed in a particularly practical manner.

[0011] According to the invention, these objectives are achieved by a machine that forms the objectives of the invention, including one or more of the technical features described in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The technical features of the invention with reference to the above objectives are clearly described in the following claims, and its advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred, non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention, and in the drawings:

[0013] - Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a machine for manufacturing and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid products, which forms the object of the present invention.

[0014] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D view showing details of the machine;

[0015] - Figure 3 and Figure 4 It shows from different angles Figure 2 The corresponding 3D diagram of the details;

[0016] - Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a detailed drawing showing another part of the machine applied to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Referring to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates a machine according to the invention for manufacturing, storing and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food.

[0018] Preferably, machine 1 is an intermittent freezer and display unit, i.e., a machine designed to allow ice cream to be made in a container and stored in the same container for distribution / supply to the end user.

[0019] The described machine 1 is for manufacturing, storing and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid products, comprising:

[0020] - At least one container 2, which is adapted to contain a basic mixture and has an opening 5 (for loading the basic product and removing the finished ice cream product);

[0021] - Agitator 3 and refrigeration system 4, which are operatively associated with container 2, are used to mix the basic mixture and cool the basic mixture to transform it into a finished product;

[0022] -Lid 7, which is operatively associated with container 2 to close opening 5.

[0023] The machine 1 also includes a planar element 9 having at least one opening 9A formed therein.

[0024] It should be noted that container 2 is inserted into the opening 9A of planar element 9.

[0025] Machine 1 preferably includes multiple containers 2.

[0026] Based on this aspect, the planar element 9 includes a plurality of openings 9A.

[0027] The machine 1 also includes at least one ice cream dispensing spoon 6, which has a grip and a part for scooping out the finished product.

[0028] Each spoon 6 is preferably associated with the container 2.

[0029] Machine 1 preferably includes a plurality of spoons 6.

[0030] In this respect, the machine 1 includes a device 11 for locking the dispensing spoon 6, which is associated with the container 2 and allows the dispensing spoon (6) to remain in a stationary position during use.

[0031] It should be noted that the locking device 11 is preferably removably associated with the machine 1.

[0032] Preferably, the locking device 11 includes an element configured to engage with a portion of the spoon 6, particularly a portion of the grip, to retain it.

[0033] The cover 7 includes an opening 7A with a removable cap 8A.

[0034] It should be noted that the opening 7A is mainly used for loading the basic product (so that the basic product can be loaded without opening the cover 7).

[0035] Machine 1 also includes:

[0036] -Flange 10, which can be connected to planar element 9;

[0037] - A device 30 for connecting flange 10 to planar element 9.

[0038] The lid 7 is movably connected to the flange 10 to close the opening 5 of the container 2 during use.

[0039] More precisely, the cover 7 can move relative to the flange 10 between two positions: a fully closed position and a fully open position.

[0040] Preferably, flange 10 is an annular flange 10.

[0041] More specifically, the annular flange 10 is designed to be removably connected to the planar element 9.

[0042] The device 30 for connecting the flange 10 to the planar element 9 includes a first device 30A connected to the planar element 9 and a second device 30B connected to the flange 10, the first device 30A and the second device 30B being configured to be connected to each other.

[0043] It should be noted that, in Figure 1In the diagram, cover 7 and flange 10 are shown as separate from the planar elements, i.e., not in the operational configuration.

[0044] Preferably, the first device 30A connected to the planar element 9 includes a plurality of pins 20.

[0045] Pin 20 protrudes from the surface of planar element 9.

[0046] Preferably, pin 20 extends vertically.

[0047] Preferably, pins 20 are arranged radially at different angular positions relative to the axis (perpendicular) of the cylinder.

[0048] The second device 30B includes an elastic compliant element 29.

[0049] Each resilient compliant element 29 is configured to elastically deform when one of the pins 20 is inserted therein.

[0050] More precisely, flange 10 has multiple grooves 21 on its underside.

[0051] The second device 30B is disposed in these grooves.

[0052] More precisely, the resilient compliant element 29 is inserted into the groove.

[0053] In one embodiment, the second device 30B includes a fork-shaped element 29 (located inside the lower recess 21) adapted to receive a corresponding portion of the pin 20 in a coupled relationship.

[0054] The fork-shaped element 29 is elastically compliant and receives the corresponding part of the pin 20 in a connecting relationship.

[0055] Specifically, after contacting the planar element 9 at the correct angular position, the annular flange 10 rotates in the first rotation direction (by an angle of less than 10°) to engage the fork element 29 with the corresponding portion of the pin 20.

[0056] Pin 20 is partially inserted into the lower groove of flange 10, and the aforementioned rotation causes it to engage with fork element 29.

[0057] In this way, flange 10 and cover 7 are advantageously connected to planar element 9, thereby closing container 2.

[0058] It should be noted that the cover 7 is preferably connected to the flange 10.

[0059] It should be noted that the cover 7 is hinged to the flange 10—that is, connected in such a way that it can rotate relative to the flange 10 about a fixed axis.

[0060] In order to remove flange 10, flange 10 is rotated in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, which allows the corresponding part of pin 20 to disengage from fork element 29.

[0061] It should be noted that container 2 is fixed to planar element 9.

[0062] Therefore, flange 10 is removed, that is, flange 10 is separated from pin 20, so that cover 7 can also be removed: for example, for cleaning purposes.

[0063] As can be easily deduced, cleaning the lid in this way is particularly simple.

[0064] Preferably, the container 2 has an edge 23 that rests on the planar element 9.

[0065] The refrigeration system 4 includes a circuit containing heat exchange fluid.

[0066] The refrigeration system 4 includes a compressor, which is operatively included in the loop to compress the heat exchange fluid.

[0067] The refrigeration system 4 also includes a first exchanger (condenser) and a second exchanger (evaporator) operatively contained in the loop, the second exchanger being associated with the wall of the container 2.

[0068] The refrigeration system 4 also includes a throttling element, which is operatively included in the loop to reduce the pressure of the heat exchange fluid between the upstream and downstream branches of the throttling element.

[0069] Machine 1 also includes a control and drive unit (electronic control unit) connected to the refrigeration system 4 to regulate the temperature and / or flow rate and / or pressure of the heat exchange fluid.

[0070] More specifically, the control and drive unit can adjust one or more parameters of the compressor (power, speed).

[0071] The control and drive unit can also adjust the throttling element.

[0072] Preferably, the refrigeration system 4 may include a thermostatic valve in the circuit.

[0073] According to one aspect described, the control and drive unit can adjust the opening or closing setting of the thermostatic valve.

[0074] It should be noted that machine 1 preferably includes multiple containers 2.

[0075] Based on this aspect, machine 1 allows for the simultaneous processing and / or display of multiple different product flavors (each flavor is processed in a corresponding container).

[0076] It should be noted that, in this respect, each container 2 has a lid 7 associated with it, a stirrer, and all other components related to the container 2 as described above.

[0077] Regarding the refrigeration system 4, the machine 1 may include a single refrigeration system 4 associated with all containers 2, or it may include multiple refrigeration systems 4, each associated with one container 2 and independent of the other refrigeration systems.

[0078] According to another aspect, the lid 7 has a peripheral protrusion 12 (in the radial or upward direction) adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the grip of the dispensing spoon 6.

[0079] Preferably, container 2 is an intermittent freezing cylinder with a cylindrical shape.

[0080] It should be noted that the processing container 2 preferably has a vertical axis.

[0081] It should also be noted that the opening 5 of the processing container 2 is preferably located at the top.

[0082] The processing container 2 has a bottom wall and side walls.

[0083] Specifically referring to the refrigeration circuit, it should be noted that the refrigeration circuit allows the product inside the container to be cooled to a temperature between -20°C and -5°C, and more preferably between -18°C and -7°C.

[0084] Preferably, the control and drive unit includes an operating interface to allow adjustment of at least one operating parameter of the machine 1.

[0085] Preferably, according to another aspect of this specification, machine 1 includes at least one temperature sensor 13.

[0086] Preferably, the temperature sensor 13 is located inside the container 2.

[0087] According to another aspect, flange 10 includes a plurality of hollows 24 (on the part that faces upward in use).

[0088] Preferably, the machine 1 includes a support 25 having a portion suitable for insertion into the recess 24.

[0089] Therefore, it should be noted that during use, the support 25 is installed to rest on the recess 24.

[0090] Preferably, the support member 25 has a trilobal shape and three recesses 24. However, it should be noted that the support member 25 can have other shapes, and different numbers of recesses 24 are also conceivable.

[0091] The machine 1 also includes an elongated element 26 that serves as a reverse stirrer and is located inside the container 2.

[0092] The elongated element 26 can be (removably) attached to the support 25 so that it is secured to the underside of the support 25 during use.

[0093] More specifically, the elongated element 26 is connected to the rod 27, which is connected to the support 25.

[0094] In fact, the support member 25 is provided with a recess 28, and the rod 27 is inserted vertically into the recess 28.

[0095] It should be noted that during machine operation, the elongated element 26 or the reverse agitator is stationary and prevents dense material from accumulating around the agitator.

[0096] Therefore, rod 28 is vertically supported by support member 25 (or connected to support member 25).

[0097] It should be noted that the reverse agitator 26 includes a protruding portion, which is essentially mechanically connected to and integral with the flange 10, so that the protruding portion remains in a fixed position (vertical) relative to the container 2 during use.

[0098] The slender, counter-stirring element 26 is designed to prevent dense product clumps from forming around the blades of the stirrer 3; in fact, it allows any product clumps stuck to the stirrer blades to separate and be stirred back into the product.

[0099] Preferably, the temperature sensor 13 can be associated with (fixed to) the elongated element 26.

[0100] It should be noted that the signal from temperature sensor 13 is preferably sent to a control unit that controls the operation of one or more components of machine 1 (specifically, the refrigeration system 4).

[0101] It should be noted that, generally speaking, when the spoon 6 is inside the container, the support 25 and the elongated element 26 are not used, and vice versa; when the support 25 and the elongated element 26 are used, the spoon 6 is not used.

[0102] The support 25 and the elongated element 26 are used during ice cream production (as a reverse stirrer), while the spoon is used during subsequent storage / supply.

[0103] Advantageously, the above solution is particularly safe in terms of food hygiene: when the dispensing spoon 6 is not in use, keeping the dispensing spoon 6 at a low, controlled temperature reduces the risk of bacteria that could contaminate the products supplied to consumers multiplying on it.

[0104] It should also be noted that because the dispensing spoon 6 is kept inside the container 2, this prevents the product from dripping onto the planar component.

[0105] Machine 1 allows ice cream to be both made and stored inside container 2.

[0106] More specifically, after making the ice cream, machine 1 maintains it at a predetermined temperature, preferably substantially equal to the production (end) temperature (or, in any case, below the production temperature).

[0107] It should be noted that, in this case, once the ice cream has been made, the user can serve the ice cream by opening the lid 7 and using the dispensing spoon 6 installed inside.

[0108] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A device 40 for filling a container with a basic product is shown – namely, a funnel 40.

[0109] The device 40 for filling a basic product includes a portion 42 for receiving the basic product and having a bottom opening, and a neck 41 protruding from the opening.

[0110] It should be noted that the device 40 for filling the base product allows the base product to be poured into the opening 7A of the cap 7.

[0111] Preferably, the device 40 for filling the basic product is made of a metallic material.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for making and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid products, characterized in that, It includes the following combinations: - A planar element (9) having an opening (9A) formed therein; - At least one container (2) adapted to contain a basic mixture, provided with an opening (5) and inserted into the opening (9A) of the planar element (9); - A stirrer (3) and a refrigeration system (4), respectively operatively associated with the container (2), are used to mix the basic mixture and cool the basic mixture to convert it into a finished product; - Flange (10), which can be removably connected to the planar element (9); - A device (30) for connecting the flange (10) to the planar element (9), the device (30) for connecting the flange (10) to the planar element (9) comprising a first device (30A) connected to the planar element (9) and a second device (30B) connected to the flange (10), the first and second devices (30A, 30B) being configured to be connected to each other, the first device (30A) connected to the planar element (9) comprising a plurality of pins (20), the second device (30B) comprising resilient compliant elements (29), each resilient compliant element (29) being configured to resiliently deform when one of the pins (20) is inserted therein; - A lid (7) is movably attached to the flange (10) to close the opening (5) of the container (2) in use. The flange (10) has a plurality of grooves (21) on its lower side, and the resilient compliant element (29) is disposed in the grooves. The resilient compliant element (29) includes a fork-shaped element located inside the lower groove (21), which is adapted to receive the corresponding portion of the pin (20) in a connected relationship.

2. The machine (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cover (7) includes an opening (7A) with a removable cap (8A).

3. The machine (1) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cover (7) includes a trap-like portion, and the opening (7A) is formed in the trap-like portion.

4. The machine (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Also includes: - Dispensing spoon (6), which has a grip and a part for scooping out the finished product; - A device (11) for locking the dispensing spoon (6), which is associated with the container (2) and allows the dispensing spoon (6) to be held in use.

5. The machine (1) as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The lid (7) has a peripheral protrusion (12) adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the grip portion of the dispensing spoon (6).

6. The machine (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It includes a support (25) and an elongated element (26) fixed to the support (25) to serve as a reverse stirrer, wherein the flange (10) includes a plurality of upper recesses (24) adapted to receive portions of the support (25).

7. The machine (1) as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The upper recess (24) is defined by a groove in the flange (10), and the elongated element (26) includes a pin (32) adapted to be inserted into the groove in the flange (10) to prevent the elongated element (26) from rotating relative to the flange (10).

8. The machine (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The machine (1) includes at least one temperature sensor (13) associated with the elongated element (26).

9. The machine (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Includes a device (40) for filling the base product and includes a portion (42) for receiving the base product and having a bottom opening, and a neck (41) connected to and protruding from the bottom opening.

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