An edible ice manufacturing device with an integrated sterilization system and an ice-containing container.

Abstract

The present invention discloses a fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets, the fully automated integrated machine comprising: at least one storage tank (20) for liquid process water; an evaporator (30) provided with a forming device (31) for forming ice pellets from the liquid process water; an ice pellet collection container (10); an inlet hatch (11) to the collection container (10), and the fully automated integrated machine comprising a surface sterilization device (15) for the ice pellets in the collection container (10), a detection device (12) for the open or closed position of the inlet hatch (11), and a control device (13) communicating with the detection device (12) and configured to activate the surface sterilization device (15) only when the closed position of the inlet hatch (11) is detected.

Description

[0001] describe

[0002] This invention relates to a fully automated integrated machine for producing edible ice, which has an integrated sterilization system and an ice-containing container.

[0003] The fully automated, all-in-one machine for the automated production of edible ice for internal use by operators in the food industry, such as hotels, restaurants, catering establishments, food sales and preparation businesses, fish shops, bars, and markets, has been on the market for some time.

[0004] These machines are known to function in a normal refrigeration cycle, wherein the evaporator is provided with a forming device for forming ice particles from the liquid drinking water when it is properly sprayed or delivered to the device, in which the drinking water changes from a liquid state to a solid state.

[0005] Generally speaking, machines used for automated ice production are directly connected to pipes from the city's water supply, and there is no purification system for drinking water.

[0006] Some machines may be equipped with water storage tanks: in this case, when the drinking water used for ice production is not used in a continuous flow, the automated production of ice must include an additional water disinfection system with disinfectants suitable for preventing the growth of microorganisms.

[0007] The ice particles formed therefrom, such as ice cubes (whole or hollow), ice flakes, or ice granules, are then removed from the forming device, usually by a simple reversal of the refrigeration cycle, and immediately collected in containers or trays made of suitable materials for use with food that needs to be kept clean and sterilized.

[0008] Then, the user manually enters the container for collecting ice particles as needed, while properly following the correct hygiene practices for handling food (hand hygiene, clothing hygiene, etc.) to prevent microbial and particulate contamination.

[0009] It is known that these machines are equipped with control devices that make particle formation, and thus the function of the machines in production, subordinate to the minimum level of particles in the collection container.

[0010] It is also known that manual entry by one or more users without special protection of the collection container can spread potential microbial contamination to the ice particles contained in the collection container, which will then be collected.

[0011] At this historical juncture, special and appropriate attention must be paid to the liquid drinking water used to form ice pellets, and this liquid drinking water must be disinfected to ensure it is free of microorganisms.

[0012] Systems used to disinfect drinking water in machines equipped with storage tanks and based on the use of appropriate disinfectants are notoriously ineffective because these activities are typically not automatic.

[0013] As is well known, these traditional disinfection systems require diligence, meticulousness, and a good reputation from the user.

[0014] Traditional systems for sterilizing collection containers and / or trays used to collect generated ice pellets typically involve cleaning and sterilizing the containers and / or trays, but do not sterilize the ice pellets between one user removal and the next.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need to simplify the structure of sterilization systems in fully automated, monolithic machines of known types used for ice production.

[0016] Therefore, the technical objective of this invention is to provide a fully automated integrated machine for manufacturing edible ice pellets, which avoids the technical disadvantages included in the prior art.

[0017] In the context of this technical task, the object of the present invention is to realize a fully automated integrated machine for manufacturing edible ice pellets, the fully automated integrated machine having a system for sterilizing the ice pellets in a collection container.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to realize a fully automated integrated machine for manufacturing edible ice pellets, the fully automated integrated machine having a system for disinfecting drinking water in storage tanks.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to realize a fully automated integrated machine for manufacturing edible ice pellets, which has a system for sterilizing ice pellets in a collection container and a system for sterilizing drinking water in a storage tank, the systems being simple, effective and automated.

[0020] This technical task, and these and other objectives according to the invention, are achieved by realizing a fully automated integrated machine for manufacturing edible ice pellets, the fully automated integrated machine comprising: at least one storage tank for liquid process water; an evaporator provided with a forming device for forming ice pellets from liquid water; an ice pellet collection container; and an inlet hatch to the collection container, characterized in that the collection container includes a surface sterilization device for the ice pellets in the collection container, a detection device for the open or closed position of the inlet hatch, and a control device, the control device communicating with the detection device and being configured to activate the surface sterilization device only when the closed position is detected.

[0021] Other features of the invention are further defined in the following claims.

[0022] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the fully automated, integrated machine for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to the invention, which is illustrated by non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is an overall diagram of a fully automated, integrated machine for ice production according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a transparent view of a fully automated, integrated machine for ice production according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a transparent view of a fully automated, integrated machine for making ice, highlighting the ice pellet collection container. Referring to the accompanying drawing, a fully automated, integrated machine for making edible ice pellets, generally indicated by reference numeral 1, is shown.

[0026] The production operation of the fully automated integrated machine 1 has a known refrigeration cycle, the components of which are not highlighted in the accompanying drawings, but only an evaporator 30 is shown, which is equipped with a forming device 31 for forming ice pellets from liquid process drinking water, which is advantageously sprayed by the operating device 32 or, in any case, delivered to the forming device 31, in which the liquid changes from a liquid to a solid state. The machine 1 includes a storage tank 20 in which liquid process drinking water from the municipal water supply is stored and subsequently removed by the operating device 32 for its subsequent conversion into ice.

[0027] Then, the ice particles thus formed as ice blocks (complete or hollow), ice flakes or ice granules detach from the forming device 31, usually by a simple reversal of the refrigeration cycle, and are immediately collected by gravity in at least the collection container 10.

[0028] According to the invention, the collection container 10 is advantageously closed by at least one access hatch 11.

[0029] Users can manually access the collection container 10 for collecting ice particles only through the normally closed access hatch 11.

[0030] According to the present invention, there is a detection device 12 for detecting whether the hatch 11 is in an open or closed position.

[0031] The detection device 12 typically includes a microswitch activated by the opening or closing movement of the hatch door 11.

[0032] According to the invention, the collection container 10 advantageously includes a surface sterilization device 15 for collecting ice particles in the collection container 10.

[0033] The surface sterilization device 15 advantageously includes at least one ultraviolet germicidal lamp positioned inside the collection container 10, typically above the ice particles deposited in the collection container 10.

[0034] The detection device 12 communicates with a suitable control device 13, which is configured to activate the surface sterilization device 15 only when the closed position of the hatch door 11 is detected.

[0035] The control device 13 activates the surface sterilization device 15 according to a predefined timing program, at least based on the type of ice particles generated and collected in the container 10, such as ice cubes (whole or hollow), ice flakes, or ice granules, and at least based on the amount of ice particles appropriately detected in the collection container 10.

[0036] The control device 13 typically includes a timer and a relay that control the energy supply to the surface sterilization device 15.

[0037] The machine 1 may include a disinfection device 21 with ionized air and ozone for disinfecting the internal volume of the machine 1. The disinfection device may be configured to replace the sterilization device or preferably be other than the sterilization device.

[0038] The ionized air and ozone disinfection device 21 includes a detection device 22 and a control device 23, the control device communicating with the detection device 22 and being configured to activate at least an ionized air and ozone production device 24 and an ionized air and ozone diffusion device 25.

[0039] The diffusion device 25 is advantageously configured to diffuse ionized air and ozone at least into the area adjacent to the evaporator 30 of the ice pellet forming device 31 and / or at least into the ice pellet container 10 and / or at least into the storage tank 20 for storing liquid drinking water from the municipal water supply and for forming ice pellets.

[0040] The production apparatus 24, which produces at least ionized air and ozone, typically includes ultraviolet antibacterial germicidal lamps, and in addition to ionizing air, the production apparatus also produces ozone, which is now known as the most effective existing antiviral and bactericidal agent, capable of inactivating not only viruses but also a large number of other contaminant microorganisms that may be present in the internal volume of the machine 1.

[0041] The control device 23 activates the ionized air and ozone production device 24 and the diffusion device 25 according to a sequence and a predefined timing program, while simultaneously controlling the diffusion area, time, and diffusion amount. The operation of the fully automated integrated machine for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to the present invention is self-evident from the description and illustration, and specifically, it is essentially as follows.

[0042] Referring to the cycle of ice production, the operation is described from the initial consideration that the collection container 10 is sufficiently filled with ice particles (in any conformation, i.e., blocks, flakes, or granules).

[0043] Users enter the collection container by opening the normally closed access hatch 11 and manually and / or using hand tools collect the desired amount of ice particles at any given time. This intrusion into the interior of the collection container 10, without proper sanitary precautions, can lead to microbial or bacterial contamination of the remaining surface of most of the ice particles in the collection container 10.

[0044] The hatch 11 is closed manually or by means of a conventional closing device of a resilient type, not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The detection device 12 detects the closure of the access hatch 11 and transmits the data to the control device 13, which activates the surface sterilization device 15 (typically at least one ultraviolet germicidal lamp) to illuminate the residual surface of most of the remaining ice particles in the collection container 10 according to a predefined timing program.

[0046] When the volume of remaining ice particles in collection container 10 decreases below a predetermined amount (typically level), a suitable conventional detection device (not shown in the figures) activates operating device 32, which delivers process drinking water contained in storage tank 20 to ice particle forming device 31, where the drinking water changes from a liquid to a solid state, thereby restoring the level of ice particles generated in collection container 10 to a predetermined value.

[0047] The activation of the production unit 32 and thus its process water supply reduces the level of process water in the storage tank 20, wherein a suitable conventional detection device (not shown in the figures) activates the supply of municipal water from drinking water to the storage tank 20, wherein a conventional device (not shown) restores the level to a predetermined amount.

[0048] When the detection device 22 detects the activation of the operating device 32, it transmits the data to the control device 23, which activates the ionized air and ozone production device 24. The diffusion device 25 advantageously delivers the ionized air and ozone into the internal volume of the machine 1 in a known manner according to a sequence and a predefined timing program.

[0049] Typically, when the ice particles being formed are ice blocks (complete or hollow), the diffusion device 25 transfers ionized air and ozone in the region adjacent to the evaporator 30 of the ice particle forming device 31, and also transfers ionized air and ozone in the container 10 of the ice particles.

[0050] When the ice particles forming are ice flakes or ice granules, the diffusion device 25 delivers ionized air and ozone to the container 10 of the ice particles and to the storage tank 20 for storing liquid drinking water.

[0051] It has been demonstrated that the fully automated, integrated machine for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to the present invention is particularly advantageous for surface sterilization of the ice pellets in the collection container after each use by the user.

[0052] Another advantage of the fully automated integrated machine for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to the present invention is the presence of a sterilization device 21 with ionized air and ozone for sterilizing the internal volume of the machine 1.

[0053] A key advantage of the fully automated integrated machine for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to the present invention is that it has an automatic surface sterilization system for collecting ice pellets in a container and a sterilization system for the internal volume of the machine, which are simple, effective and automated.

[0054] The fully automated, integrated machine conceived for manufacturing edible ice pellets is easily subject to various modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in the claims.

[0055] In practice, the materials and dimensions used can be determined according to needs and existing technology.

Claims

1. A fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets, comprising: At least one storage tank (20) for liquid process water; An evaporator (30) is provided with an evaporator (30) for forming ice particles from the liquid process water (31); a collection container (10) for the ice particles; an inlet hatch (11) to the collection container (10); a surface sterilization device (15) for the ice particles present in the collection container (10); a detection device (12) for the open or closed position of the inlet hatch (11); and a control device (13) communicating with the detection device (12) and configured to activate the surface sterilization device (15) only when the closed position of the inlet hatch (11) is detected; characterized in that the control device (13) is configured to activate the surface sterilization device (15) according to a predefined timing program, at least according to the type of ice particles generated and collected in the collection container (10), and at least according to the amount of ice particles detected in the collection container (10).

2. The fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice particles are ice cubes.

3. The fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice particles are ice flakes or ice granules.

4. The fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The detection device (12) includes a micro switch.

5. The fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The control device (13) includes a timer and a relay.

6. The fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The surface sterilization device (15) includes at least one ultraviolet germicidal lamp.

7. The fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fully automated integrated machine includes a disinfection device (21) with ionized air and ozone for disinfecting the internal volume of the fully automated integrated machine (1).

8. The fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to claim 7, characterized in that, The disinfection device (21) with ionized air and ozone includes a detection device (22) and a control device (23), the control device communicating with the detection device (22) and being configured to activate the production device (24) for ionized air and ozone.

9. The fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to claim 8, characterized in that, The disinfection device (21) with ionized air and ozone includes the ionized air and ozone production device (24) and the ionized air and ozone diffusion device (25).

10. The fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the ice particles being formed are complete or hollow ice blocks, the diffusion device (25) delivers the ionized air and ozone to the region of the ice particle forming device (31) adjacent to the evaporator (30) and to the ice particle collection container (10).

11. The fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the ice particles forming are ice flakes or ice granules, the diffusion device (25) delivers the ionized air and ozone to the collection container (10) of the ice particles and to the storage tank (20) for storing the liquid drinking water.

12. The fully automated integrated machine (1) for manufacturing edible ice pellets according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control device (23) activates the ionized air and ozone production device (24) and the diffusion device (25) according to the sequence and predefined timing program.

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