Machine for making liquid or semi-liquid food products

Abstract

A machine (1) for making liquid or semi-liquid foods, especially ice cream, includes a vessel (2) that processes the liquid or semi-liquid base product by a stirring device (3) driven by an electric motor (4). The mixture in the vessel (2) is transferred through a pipe (15), and a moving device for moving the mixture is operatively arranged along the pipe (15). The moving device includes a rotating device (13) and an opposing element (14). The rotating device (13) includes two juxtaposed discs (20, 21), and a series of rollers (18) are mounted on the discs (20, 21) to squeeze the flexible portion (12) of the pipe (15). The opposing element (14) is opposite to the rollers (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for processing liquid or semi-liquid food and distributing it to the public when necessary, particularly for the production of ice cream, sorbet, soft-serve ice cream and the like.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a machine for manufacturing liquid or semi-liquid foods, particularly ice cream or gelato, and the machine is equipped with a pump that allows the product to be processed under pressures higher than those available with currently used machines, thereby significantly improving certain product performance. Background Technology

[0003] For simplicity, reference will be made below to an ice cream machine that may, but is not required to, also be equipped with a device for subsequently dispensing the finished product, but this does not limit the scope of the invention to that particular example.

[0004] As is well known, in an ice cream machine, the basic ingredients needed to make the product are put into a mixing container, and then the mixture is transferred to a processing dish.

[0005] The processor vessel forms a chamber in which the product is processed, and a stirring device is operably provided in the chamber.

[0006] A pump installed along a path defined by tubing is used to transfer the mixture from the container of basic ingredients to the processor dish, which extends from the bottom of the container of basic ingredients to the processor dish.

[0007] During the ingredient mixing stage in the processor, as the mixture obtained from the basic ingredients freezes, a certain amount (or excess) of air is incorporated into the product, thereby obtaining a specific ice cream product.

[0008] Balancing the amount of air incorporated into the product being manufactured is an essential step in producing high-quality artisan ice cream: in fact, the final product's consistency, fat content, texture, and overall quality depend on this process.

[0009] In the structural design of existing machines, expansion is almost entirely achieved by the stirring device, and typically, the device used to move the product does not allow for a stable pressure sufficient to improve expansion. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a machine for manufacturing liquid or semi-liquid products, particularly ice cream, sorbet, or gelato, which is configured to incorporate air into the final product to enhance the expansion effect and thereby optimize product quality.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is, generally speaking, to provide a machine for making ice cream, sorbet, gelato, etc., wherein the quality of the obtained product is improved by changing the structural design and efficiency of the machine itself.

[0012] According to the invention, these objectives are achieved by a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid foods and including the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0013] With reference to the above objectives, the technical features of the invention are clearly described in the following claims, and its advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

[0014] Specifically:

[0015] - Figure 1 A machine for manufacturing and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid products such as ice cream, according to the present invention, is illustrated in an exemplary form.

[0016] - Figure 2 This schematically illustrates the first embodiment, such as... Figure 1 Details of the machine of the present invention are shown;

[0017] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial sectional view showing the details;

[0018] - Figure 4 The illustration schematically shows the second embodiment, such as Figure 1 Details of the machine of the present invention are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Referring to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 represents a machine used for producing liquid or semi-liquid foods, especially ice cream, sorbet, Italian gelato, etc.

[0020] For the sake of simplicity, the following description pertains only to the production of ice cream, and it should be understood that this should not be construed in any way as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0021] exist Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates the overall structure of the aforementioned machine, showing only its housing 11 (frame 11) and some basic components to provide an understanding of the invention. However, it should be understood that the illustration relates to an exemplary embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0022] In its overall structure, machine 1 includes a container 9 for supplying basic products.

[0023] The container is preferably a flexible container.

[0024] Transfer the base product to container 2, which is used to process the mixture to obtain ice cream.

[0025] The processing of liquid or semi-liquid base products inside container 2 allows for the production of ice cream as a finished product.

[0026] For this purpose, the vessel 2 is equipped with a stirring device 3 inside, which is driven by a drive device 4 to stir the base mixture consisting of liquid or semi-liquid base products.

[0027] In more detail, the drive unit 4 includes an electric motor, the rotor 7 of which is directly connected to the stirring device 3.

[0028] Therefore, the stirring device 3, made of, for example, a worm, blades or radial scraper, is driven to rotate by the rotor 7.

[0029] It should be noted that the rotating shaft H of the motor 4 and the rotating shaft of the stirrer 3 are preferably connected to each other and coaxial.

[0030] However, it should be emphasized that different structural configurations can be conceived: for example, a common rotating shaft between the stirrer 3 and the rotor 7 of the electric motor, or a transmission unit (e.g., a gear) connecting the rotating shaft of the electric motor and the rotating shaft of the stirrer 3.

[0031] Continuing with the description of machine 1, a refrigeration system 5 is provided, which is connected to a heat exchanger 6 associated with vessel 2.

[0032] The function of the refrigeration system 5 is to cool the mixture composed of liquid or semi-liquid base products inside the vessel 2, while simultaneously stirring it.

[0033] Preferably, the refrigeration system 5 is a thermodynamic system as described below: that is, the system is provided with a loop for circulating the heat exchange fluid and is configured to utilize the heat exchange fluid for thermodynamic circulation.

[0034] The refrigeration system 5 includes, for example, one or more valves, a compressor that circulates refrigerant fluid within the system 5, and at least one pair of thermodynamic exchangers (one of which is exchanger 6). No detailed description is provided of the above components.

[0035] The heat exchanger 6, which is part of the system 5, may include a tube 26 that is wound (coiled) around the outer surface of the vessel 2.

[0036] System 5 is controlled by control unit 10, which specifically coordinates the operation of drive device 4, i.e. motor, to start drive device 4 and determine its rotation direction and different running speeds.

[0037] To transfer the mixture, feed container 9 is connected to vessel 2 via pipe 15, and peristaltic pump 8 is operably positioned along pipe 15 to move the mixture supplied to pipe 15 (arrow I). Figure 2 This transfers the mixture from container 9 to vessel 2.

[0038] According to the invention, the peristaltic pump 8 is located at the flexible portion 12 of the pipe 15 and includes a rotating device 13 that applies pressure to the flexible portion 12 of the pipe 15.

[0039] The pressure of the rotating device 13 is applied to the flexible portion 12 via a thrust element 18, which includes, for example, a series of rollers 18 (such as...). Figure 2 (As shown).

[0040] To support the roller 18, the rotating device includes a pair of juxtaposed discs 20, 21, and the roller 18 is rotatably mounted along the circumference of the discs 20, 21, and more specifically, the roller 18 is mounted between the two discs by means of a pin 27.

[0041] The discs are positioned in the manner described above so that their rotational movement causes the roller 18 to roll along the flexible portion 12 of the pipe 15.

[0042] In order to allow the roller 18 to apply pressure on the flexible portion 12, an opposing element 14 is provided.

[0043] Preferably, the opposing element 14 is mounted so as to be movable relative to the frame of the machine 1: that is, it can move relative to the frame 1, thereby being able to change its position relative to the rotating device 13.

[0044] In order to allow for the application of effective and prolonged pressure, the opposing element 14 extends along an arc with its radius at least partially surrounding the discs 20, 21, while the flexible portion 12 remains inserted between the disc (roller) and the arcuate section 14.

[0045] In this way, the rotation of discs 20 and 21 in direction R forces roller 18 to squeeze flexible portion 12, thereby pushing the mixture into its interior in a direction consistent with the rotation direction R of discs 20 and 21.

[0046] The pressure that the above system can apply to the base mixture being transferred to vessel 2 is very high, far exceeding the pressure that can be obtained using conventional devices for transferring mixtures from feed container 9 to dispensing vessel 2.

[0047] The pressure can be as high as 4 BAR or 0.4 MPa. For example, the pressure of the mixture passing through the flexible part (12) is between 0.3 and 0.4 MPa.

[0048] To facilitate pressure adjustment, the opposite part 14 is mounted so that it can rotate at one end 24 (connected by a hinge).

[0049] At its other end 25, the elastic element holds the relative element 14 against the rotating device 13.

[0050] According to the invention, the machine 1 includes an adjustment system 19 for adjusting the pressure that causes the opposing element 14 to press against the rotating device 13. Therefore, the adjustment system 19 is used to provide a setting that maintains a predetermined pressure on the flexible portion 12 and, consequently, on the mixture contained therein.

[0051] It should be noted that, more generally, the adjustment system 19 includes: a movable element 30 fixed to or integrated with the opposing element 14, and a moving device 31 for moving the movable element 30 to adjust the position of the opposing element 14.

[0052] According to another aspect, the moving device 31 includes a guiding device 32 for guiding the movable element 30 and an actuator 33 for operating the movable element 30 to apply movement thereto.

[0053] Preferably, the actuator 33 is connected to the machine control unit 10, which drives and controls the actuator 33 to adjust the position of the movable element 30.

[0054] Preferably, actuator 33 is an electromechanical actuator.

[0055] In one embodiment, the movable element 30 and the moving device 31 for moving the movable element 30 are defined by a piston and cylinder assembly (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown).

[0056] Preferably, the piston and cylinder assembly is electronically or pneumatically actuated.

[0057] Preferably, the piston and cylinder assembly is controlled by the drive and control unit 10.

[0058] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the adjustment system 19 is of the type operated by a screw 22 and includes a spring 23 to adjust the pressure that causes the opposing element 14 to press against the rotating device 13.

[0059] The elastic reaction force of spring 23 provides a setting to maintain a predetermined pressure on the flexible portion 12, and thus on the mixture contained therein.

[0060] Spring 23 defines the aforementioned elastic element.

[0061] The compliance and elastic reaction force of the spring 23 create a self-regulating system that allows a predetermined pressure to be maintained on the flexible portion 12 and, consequently, on the mixture contained therein.

[0062] The housing 11 may be fitted with a dispenser 16 at the location of the container 2, which allows the measured amount of ice cream to be dispensed via an operating lever 17.

[0063] As an alternative to dispenser 16, a conveyor or pipe (not shown in the figures) may be provided to transfer the finished product from vessel 2 to other devices or appliances for further processing, such as for packaging.

[0064] Advantageously, compared to machines equipped with conventional devices for moving the mixture, the machine 1 described herein allows for processing the base mixture at higher pressures.

[0065] This is because, compared to devices traditionally used for the same purpose, the pump 8 constructed as described herein is able to operate at higher pressures.

[0066] Supplying the mixture at higher pressure allows more air to be incorporated into the ice cream, thus improving its expansion.

[0067] Furthermore, due to this adjustment system, the aforementioned higher pressure can be adjusted over a wider range, and the opposing spring 23 uses this adjustment system to press the flexible part against the roller 18 (mounted on the turntables 20 and 21).

[0068] Therefore, pump 8 can be adjusted in a particularly simple and precise way.

[0069] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, actuating the screw 22 to move the opposing spring 23 in the direction indicated by arrow A increases the pressure on the flexible portion 12 because the flexible portion is confined within a small space between the roller 18 and the opposing element 14. As a result, the roller 18 exerts a higher compressive pressure on the base mixture.

[0070] Conversely, actuating the screw 22 to move the opposing element in the direction indicated by arrow D reduces the pressure on the flexible portion 12 because the flexible portion 12 has more space available for it, thus reducing the pressure on the mixture.

[0071] More generally, the position of the counter element 14 can be changed by placing the counter element 14 in any of a plurality of positions so that the thrust on the flexible portion 12 (and thus the supply pressure on the base product) can be adjusted.

[0072] All of this is reflected in the optimization of the ingredient cycle and the improved quality of the finished product.

[0073] According to the present invention, the adjustment system 19 is configured to adjust the position of the opposing element 14 relative to the rotating device 13, thereby allowing the pressure applied by the rotating device 13 to the flexible portion 12 and to the mixture contained therein to be adjusted according to the position of the opposing element 14 during use.

[0074] In other words, when using the peristaltic pump 8, the pressure applied to the flexible part 12 can be adaptively adjusted by moving the opposing element 14.

[0075] A peristaltic pump 8 is located at the flexible portion 12 of the conduit and includes a rotating device 13 that applies pressure to the flexible portion 12 of the conduit 15 to move the product contained within the flexible portion 12. An opposing element 14 and the rotating device 13 work together to apply pressure to the flexible portion 12. By changing the position of the opposing element 14, the pressure applied to the flexible portion 12 by the rotating device 13 can be varied during machine use.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for preparing liquid or semi-liquid food, comprising: - Container (9), said container (9) being adapted to contain a mixture of basic ingredients for making liquid or semi-liquid foods; - A vessel (2) for processing the mixture from the container (9) to obtain a finished liquid or semi-liquid product; - A stirring device (3), which is installed inside the vessel (2) and driven by a drive device (4) to stir the mixture consisting of liquid or semi-liquid basic components; - A refrigeration system (5), the refrigeration system (5) including at least one heat exchanger (6) associated with the vessel (2) for cooling the mixture inside the vessel (2); - Pipe (15), which connects the container (9) to the vessel (2); - A peristaltic pump (8) configured to move the mixture in the conduit (15); as well as - At least one control unit (10) adapted to control the operation of the drive device (4) and the peristaltic pump (8), the peristaltic pump (8) being located at a flexible portion (12) of the pipe (15) and including a rotating device (13) and an opposing element (14) opposite to the rotating device (13), the flexible portion (12) being inserted between the rotating device (13) and the opposing element (14) for operation of the rotating device (13) and the opposing element (14), the machine (1) being characterized in that, It includes an adjustment system (19) configured to adjust the position of the opposing element (14) relative to the rotating device (13), thereby enabling adjustment of the pressure applied by the rotating device (13) to the flexible portion (12) and to the mixture contained in the flexible portion (12) according to the position of the opposing element (14). The adjustment system (19) is a screw adjustment system (22) and includes a spring (23) to adjust the pressure of the opposing element (14) against the rotating device (13). The elastic reaction force of the spring (23) provides a setting to maintain a predetermined pressure on the flexible portion (12) and, consequently, on the mixture contained therein. The regulating system (19) is configured as follows: The screw adjustment system (22) operates to move the opposing element (14) in a first direction toward the rotating device, thereby creating a smaller space between the opposing element (14) and the rotating device (13), which increases the pressure on the flexible portion (12) and the mixture contained therein, and The screw adjustment system (22) operates to move the opposing element (14) in a second direction away from the rotating device, opposite to the first direction, thereby creating a larger space between the opposing element (14) and the rotating device (13), thereby reducing the pressure on the flexible part (12) and the mixture contained therein.

2. The machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment system (19) includes: a movable element (30) fixed to or integrated with the opposing element (14), and a moving device (31) for moving the movable element (30) to adjust the position of the opposing element (14).

3. The machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The moving device (31) includes a guiding device (32) for guiding the movable element (30) and an actuator (33) for operating the movable element (30) to apply movement thereto.

4. The machine as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The actuator (33) is an electromechanical actuator.

5. The machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The rotating device (13) includes a disk or a pair of juxtaposed disks (20, 21), and at least one thrust element (18) is positioned along the disk or the disks (20) such that during rotation of the disk or the disks (20, 21), the at least one thrust element (18) slides along the flexible portion (12) of the pipe (15) to push the mixture inside the pipe in a direction consistent with the rotation direction of the disk or the disks (20, 21).

6. The machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It includes at least two juxtaposed disks (20, 21), and the thrust element (18) includes a roller or a series of rollers rotatably supported circumferentially between the two disks (20, 21).

7. The machine as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The opposing element (14) has a cross-section shaped to match or nearly match at least a portion of the cross-section of the flexible portion (12) of the conduit (15).

8. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The opposing element (14) extends along an arc with a sufficiently large radius to at least partially surround the rotating device (13), and the flexible portion (12) is inserted between the rotating device (13) and the opposing element (14).

9. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The opposing element (14) is rotatably supported at one end (24) and held against the rotating device (13) by the elastic force applied by the spring (23) at its other end (25).

10. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The pressure of the mixture passing through the flexible part (12) is 0.3 to 0.4 MPa.

11. The machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stirring device (3) installed in the vessel (2) comprises a scraper or a spiral drill or a spiral blade and is driven by a drive device (4), the drive device (4) comprising an electric motor controlled by the control unit (10).

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