Citrus juicer with expandable membrane and movable tube
By introducing a displacement device and an expandable membrane design into the citrus juicer, the problems of insufficient circulation time and cumbersome cleaning in the existing technology are solved, realizing rapid juice extraction and fruit processing, which is suitable for communal dining spaces.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202180078341.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-11-24
- Filing Date
- 2021-10-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-10-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing citrus juicers are satisfactory for home use, but their circulation time is insufficient in communal dining spaces, and the juice splashes and cleaning operations are cumbersome.
A citrus juicer was designed, which includes a displacement device that moves the tube along the axial direction. Combined with the synergistic effect of the expandable film, lid, and bottom wall, it enables rapid juice extraction and fruit removal, reduces cycle time, and allows the juice to fall into the waste container by gravity.
It enables faster juice extraction in communal dining spaces, reduces juice splashing and cleaning time, and optimizes juice extraction efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN116507248B_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a citrus juicer. In particular, the present invention applies to the preparation of juice from citrus fruits, for example in a catering space or in a private environment. BACKGROUND
[0002] Manual citrus juicers are known, comprising a frustoconical portion on which a portion of fruit is pressed in order to extract juice therefrom.
[0003] However, this device requires a considerable effort from the user and is also cumbersome, in particular due to the splashing of the juice; for this reason, it also requires a considerable amount of time from the user for the operations prior to use, such as cutting the fruit, and for the subsequent operations, such as cleaning the device and the environment in which it is used.
[0004] Partially automatic citrus juicers are also known, which make it possible to limit the effort required from the user.
[0005] In particular, citrus juicers with a membrane are known, such as the one described in document WO2017158278. This citrus juicer comprises:
[0006] • a frame;
[0007] • a casing arranged in the frame and having a wall delimiting a cavity for containing a fruit to be pressed comprising a fluid, the casing having an upper opening for introducing the fruit to be pressed into the cavity and an axis;
[0008] • an extensible membrane arranged in the cavity and extending over all or part of the wall so as to surround the fruit when it is in the casing,
[0009] • a cannula provided with at least one perforation, the cannula extending parallel to the axis of the casing and being configured to engage in the fruit to be pressed, the cannula comprising an inner tube connecting the perforation to an outlet hole arranged below the cavity for removing the fluid from the cannula;
[0010] • an inflation device configured to inflate the extensible membrane so as to compress the fruit to be pressed fitted on the cannula in order to extract the fluid from the cannula.
[0011] In the known machine, the cannula is fixed with respect to the casing. Thus, when the fruit to be pressed is introduced into the casing, it is pierced by the cannula. The membrane is then inflated to press the fruit. The juice flows out of the casing through the inner tube. After pressing, the membrane is deflated and the pressed fruit is then extracted from the casing through the upward displacement of a movable plate through the upper opening of the casing. The arm then pushes the pressed fruit towards a container arranged behind the casing.
[0012] Although this machine is satisfactory for domestic use, the cycle time can not be short enough to be used in collective catering spaces, such as hotel or bar breakfast rooms, or any catering location. SUMMARY
[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a citrus juicer overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks.
[0014] The present invention achieves its object by the fact that the citrus juicer further comprises a displacement device for moving the spigot relative to the enclosure along a first direction of movement parallel to the axis between an active position, in which the spigot extends at least partially into the enclosure to fit the fruit to be squeezed, and a release position, in which the spigot is disposed below the enclosure to allow the release of the squeezed fruit from the enclosure through the lower opening of the enclosure.
[0015] The removal of the squeezed fruit from the enclosure is carried out simply and quickly by deflating the membrane and then the squeezed fruit leaves the enclosure under the effect of gravity. It is understood that the spigot is moved to the release position while the membrane is still inflated, so that the spigot does not carry the squeezed fruit with it during its translation to the low release position.
[0016] Thanks to the present invention, the removal of the squeezed fruit is faster than in the prior art, since it is not necessary to push the squeezed fruit towards the container. In addition, the removal of the squeezed fruit through the lower opening of the enclosure advantageously makes it possible to arrange a large waste container under the machine, the squeezed fruit leaving the enclosure and falling into the container due to the effect of gravity.
[0017] As a variant, the fruit can be contained in the enclosure after pre-inflating the membrane. This makes it possible to center the fruit relative to the axis of the enclosure. This centering makes it possible to correct the position of the fruit relative to the spigot, so that the spigot fits the fruit in its center, thus optimizing the extraction of the juice. This can also reduce the cycle time, provided that the fruit is correctly placed when it enters the enclosure.
[0018] The displacement device preferably comprises a motorized actuator, such as an electric or pneumatic cylinder, or any other actuator allowing the translation of the spigot.
[0019] Preferably, but not exclusively, the membrane is made of an elastomeric material, preferably silicone or EPDM.
[0020] Advantageously, the citrus juicer further comprises a lid configured to close the upper opening, the lid being movable relative to the enclosure between an open position, in which the upper opening is allowed to enter the enclosure via the upper opening with the squeezed fruit, and a closed position, in which the upper opening is closed by the lid.
[0021] It will be appreciated that during the extraction step, the lid is in the closed position. Advantageously, the citrus juicer comprises a motorized actuator, such as a cylinder or a motor, to move the lid between its open and closed positions.
[0022] Preferably, the lid is pivotally mounted relative to the enclosure about a first pivot axis orthogonal to the axis of the enclosure. Preferably, the first pivot axis is disposed at a height higher than the height of the upper opening of the enclosure. The first pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of engagement of the fresh fruit in the frame.
[0023] Advantageously, the citrus juicer further comprises a bottom wall configured to close the lower opening of the enclosure, the bottom wall being movable relative to the enclosure along a second direction of displacement parallel to the axis of the enclosure between a closed position, in which the bottom wall closes at least part of the lower opening, and a lowered position.
[0024] It will be appreciated that, during the juice extraction step, the bottom wall is in the closed position, whereas, during the removal of the squeezed fruit out of the enclosure, the bottom wall is in the lowered position.
[0025] In addition, during the juice extraction step, the enclosure is closed on one hand by the lid and on the other hand by the bottom wall.
[0026] The citrus juicer preferably comprises a motorized actuator, such as a cylinder or a rack, to move the bottom wall relative to the enclosure. The displacement movement of the bottom wall relative to the enclosure is a translation along the second direction of displacement.
[0027] The displacement distance of the bottom wall relative to the enclosure is configured to release enough space to allow the squeezed fruit to exit the enclosure.
[0028] According to an advantageous aspect of the application, the bottom wall is fixed to the spout.
[0029] It will thus be appreciated that the bottom wall and the spout move in translation together as a single block. The displacement means for moving the spout also allow the bottom wall to be displaced in translation. The spout extends perpendicularly relative to the bottom wall. Preferably, the spout extends through the bottom wall. The portion of the spout comprising the perforations extends above the bottom wall.
[0030] Advantageously, when the spout is in the active position, the bottom wall is in the closed position. In other words, the closed position of the bottom wall corresponds to the active position of the spout.
[0031] Preferably, the spout has a portion extending below the bottom wall. This portion preferably constitutes a lower end portion of the internal conduit through which the juice flows. This portion thus comprises an outlet aperture for the juice.
[0032] As a variant, the spout and the bottom wall can constitute a single piece.
[0033] It will be appreciated that, when the bottom wall is in the closed position, the juice flows through said portion through the wall.
[0034] Advantageously, the citrus juicer further comprises a channel to remove the squeezed juice exiting the spout, the channel being pivotable about a pivot axis relative to the frame between a flow position, in which the channel is located below the outlet aperture of the spout to receive the fluid, and a retracted position.
[0035] The channel has the function of receiving the juice exiting the outlet aperture to bring the juice to the outside of the frame, where it is collected by the user. The channel is thus disposed below the enclosure. Preferably, the channel is in communication with a pouring spout mounted on the front of the frame.
[0036] When the spout is in the active position, the channel is in the flow position, thereby directing the juice out of the frame of the citrus juicer.
[0037] When the spout is in the release position, the channel is in the retracted position.
[0038] It will be appreciated that, in the flow position, the channel is inclined relative to the horizontal, preferably by an angle of between 5 and 15 degrees, more preferably by an angle of between 5 and 10 degrees.
[0039] The pivot axis is preferably perpendicular to the axis of the enclosure. The pivot axis is located between the spout and a second end of the channel, said second end being opposite the first end for facing the outlet aperture when the channel is in the flow position.
[0040] Preferably, the bottom wall cooperates with the channel such that displacement of the bottom wall towards the closed position causes the channel to tilt into the flow position.
[0041] To this end, the channel preferably comprises an actuation finger projecting relative to the plane of the channel, which actuation finger cooperates with a peripheral edge of the bottom wall. When the bottom wall is moved towards the closed position, the bottom wall pushes the actuation finger, which causes the channel to rotate.
[0042] Displacement of the bottom wall towards the lower position has the effect of allowing the channel to tilt towards its retracted position due to the action of gravity.
[0043] In the variant in which the spout is fixed to the bottom wall, displacement of the spout from the active position to the release position has the effect of the bottom wall and / or the spout exerting a downwardly directed thrust on the channel, which causes the channel to pivot towards its retracted position. It will be appreciated that, in the retracted position, the channel is preferably substantially vertical.
[0044] Advantageously, the citrus juicer further comprises a slide movable between a removal position, in which the slide extends below the lower opening, so as to move the squeezed fruit towards the outlet opening provided in the lower part of the frame, and a retracted position.
[0045] When the cannula is in the active position, the slide is in the retracted position.
[0046] When the cannula is in the release position, the slide is in the removed position.
[0047] Preferably, the slide is pivotally mounted with respect to said frame about a pivot axis which is orthogonal to the axis of said enclosure.
[0048] Preferably, the pivot axis of the slide is parallel to the pivot axis of the channel. The pivot axes of the slide and of the channel are arranged on either side of the enclosure. Moreover, the slide and the channel are arranged on either side of the bottom wall so as to avoid any collision during their respective pivoting movements.
[0049] In the retracted position, the slide extends substantially vertically.
[0050] Advantageously, the bottom wall cooperates with the slide so that the displacement of the bottom wall between its closed position and its lowered position causes the displacement of the slide between its retracted position and its removed position.
[0051] Preferably, the bottom wall also cooperates with the slide, in particular at the beginning of the lowering phase of the bottom wall.
[0052] One advantage is that the displacement of the slide and / or of the channel does not require dedicated motorized means.
[0053] Advantageously, said frame comprises a door which is pivotable along a door axis which is parallel to the axis of said enclosure. This door allows the user to access the interior of the citrus juicer, in particular to carry out cleaning or maintenance operations.
[0054] Preferably, the channel is pivotally mounted to the door about a rotation axis which is orthogonal to the door axis. The channel is detachably mounted to the door, which facilitates its removal for cleaning purposes. All the user has to do is to open the door and detach the channel from the door.
[0055] Advantageously, the citrus juicer comprises an inlet for inserting a citrus fruit, and a track connecting the inlet to the upper opening of the enclosure. It will be understood that the fresh fruit is inserted into the machine through the inlet and slides into the enclosure thanks to the track. The inlet is preferably arranged at the front of the citrus juicer.
[0056] The application also relates to an arrangement comprising a citrus juicer according to the application and a waste container arranged below the citrus juicer, the container being in communication with the lower opening of the enclosure.
[0057] The container is thus arranged for recovering the squeezed fruit.
[0058] As mentioned above, the container can be large when placed under the citrus juicer.
[0059] Preferably, the outlet opening of the frame is in communication with a waste container.
[0060] The container can for example be hidden under a worktop in which the citrus juicer is placed, the worktop being provided with a cut-out to put the outlet opening of the frame in communication with the container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0061] The application will be better understood by reading the following description of one embodiment thereof given by way of non-restrictive example, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
[0062] Figure 1 is a general view of one exemplary embodiment of a citrus juicer according to the application;
[0063] Figure 2 is Figure 2 a lateral section view of the citrus juicer of
[0064] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a detailed view of the enclosure of the citrus juicer of
[0065] Figure 4 shows the closing of the lid of the enclosure;
[0066] Figure 5 shows the steps of inflating the membrane and extracting the juice, the enclosure being closed and the channel being raised;
[0067] Figure 6 shows the steps of lowering the cannula, opening the lid, placing the slide, taking out the squeezed fruit; and
[0068] Figure 7 shows the steps of moving the squeezed fruit towards a container located under the citrus juicer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] Figure 1 is shown a device 1000 for squeezing citrus fruits, the device comprising a citrus juicer 10 and a waste container 1020 placed under the citrus juicer 10, the citrus juicer 10 being described in more detail below. As Figure 1 shown, the citrus juicer 10 is placed on a worktop 1040, while the waste container 1020 is placed under the worktop 1040. The worktop 1040 can be equipped with a lateral flange (not shown here) for hiding the waste container 1020. This is one non-restrictive example.
[0070] Alternatively, the citrus juicer 10 can be placed directly on the waste container, the waste container for example having an external profile in the continuity of the citrus juicer.
[0071] Referring to Figure 1 It can be seen that the citrus juicer 10 comprises a frame 12 in the form of a box; the frame 12 has a front or facade 14 which, in this non-limiting example, comprises a door 16 which is pivotally mounted with respect to a side wall 20 of the frame 12 along a door axis A thanks to a hinge 18.
[0072] The door 16 provides easy access to the inside of the frame, for example for cleaning or maintenance operations.
[0073] The citrus juicer also comprises an inlet 22 for inserting a fruit 1, preferably a citrus fruit, into the citrus juicer, the inlet being provided in the door 16.
[0074] The citrus juicer further comprises, at the front, a start button 24 for starting and stopping the citrus juicer.
[0075] Finally, as Figure 1 indicated, the citrus juicer comprises, at the lower part of the door, a support 26 for containing a glass bottle V, and a pouring spout 28 through which the juice extracted from the fruit flows.
[0076] Using Figures 2 to 7 The citrus juicer 10 according to the invention will now be described in more detail.
[0077] The citrus juicer 10 comprises a hemispherical cup 30 which is pivotally mounted about an axis B which is perpendicular to the axis A of the door, the cup 30 having the function of receiving the fruit to be pressed in a position for receiving the fruit to be pressed, and by rotation about the axis B, the function of guiding the fruit 1 in the frame and closing the inlet 22.
[0078] The citrus juicer 10 comprises an enclosure 40 provided in the frame 12 and having a wall 42 which defines a cavity 44 for containing the fruit 1 to be pressed containing the juice.
[0079] The enclosure here has a cylindrical shape with a vertical axis C.
[0080] The enclosure also comprises an upper opening 46 for introducing the fruit 1 to be pressed into the cavity 44.
[0081] In order to allow the fruit 1 to be pressed to be guided towards the cavity, the citrus juicer also comprises a track 48 which connects the inlet 22 to the upper opening 46 of the enclosure 44. According to a variant, the hemispherical cup 30 can comprise the track 48 so that the track pivots with the hemispherical cup. When the cup is in the receiving position, the track blocks the inlet 22 of the machine. One advantage is that it prevents foreign bodies from entering the machine through the inlet 22 when the cup is in the receiving position.
[0082] The citrus juicer also comprises a membrane 50 which is extendable and arranged in the cavity. In this example, the membrane 50 is made of silicone or EPDM. The membrane 50 extends on a peripheral portion of the cylindrical wall of the cavity 44 so as to surround the fruit to be squeezed when the fruit is in the enclosure. It will thus be understood that, in the rest state, the deflated membrane has a substantially cylindrical shape with an axis C.
[0083] The citrus juicer also comprises a pneumatic inflation device 51 comprising a micro-compressor 51a connected to a compressed air reservoir 51b. The inflation device is arranged in the frame and is connected to the enclosure 40 by a tube 52. The inflation device 51 is configured to inflate the extendable membrane 50 so as to compress the fruit to be squeezed 1 fitted on the spout, thereby extracting the fluid therefrom. Preferably, the inflation pressure of the membrane is between 3 and 6 bars. As Figure 3 shown, in this example, the tube 52 cooperates with a fitting 54 which passes through the peripheral wall 42 so as to open between the wall and the membrane 50. The inflation device 51 also comprises a pneumatic distributor 51c connected to the reservoir 51b and to different actuators of the citrus juicer.
[0084] It will be understood that the injection of compressed air between the wall and the membrane has the effect of inflating the membrane, which causes the volume of the cavity 44 to decrease and thus causes the squeezing of the fruit and the extraction of the juice, which will be explained below.
[0085] The citrus juicer 10 also comprises a spout 60 having an elongated cylindrical shape, an end portion 62 of pointed shape and a lower end portion opposite the upper end portion 62. The spout 60 comprises perforations 66 arranged on its peripheral cylindrical wall. In this non-limiting example, the perforations are longitudinal. The perforations can have other shapes without departing from the scope of the invention. The spout extends parallel to the axis C of the enclosure 44 and, in this example, has an axis which is coaxial with the axis C of the enclosure.
[0086] The spout 60 also comprises an internal conduit 68 connected on the one hand to the perforations 66 and on the other hand to an outlet orifice 70 arranged below the cavity 44 for removing the fluid from the spout 60. It will be understood that the spout 60 is shaped to penetrate the citrus fruit and collect the juice from the fruit.
[0087] According to the invention, the citrus juicer 10 also comprises a displacement device 80 for translating the spout 60 relative to the enclosure 40 along a first displacement direction D1 parallel to the axis C of the enclosure 40. In this example, the displacement device 80 is constituted by a pneumatic cylinder 82, preferably a pneumatic cylinder. As a variant, an electric cylinder or an electric rack can be used.
[0088] In this example, the first direction D1 of displacement is vertical.
[0089] The displacement device 80 is configured to translate the insert between:
[0090] • an active position, as shown in Figure 5 where the insert extends at least partially into the enclosure,
[0091] to lodge the fruit 1 to be squeezed, and:
[0092] • a release position, in particular as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 where the insert is disposed below the enclosure to allow the squeezed fruit to be released from the enclosure through the lower opening 86 of the enclosure 40.
[0093] As shown in Figures 2 to 5 , the insert also has an intermediate position between the active position and the release position, in which only the upper part 60a of the insert 60 extends into the cavity 44. More precisely, in this example, the top 61 of the insert 60 is in the intermediate position, substantially at the middle of the cavity 44.
[0094] The citrus juicer also comprises a lid 90 configured to close the upper opening 46. In this example, the lid is movably mounted so as to pivot relative to the enclosure 40 about an axis of rotation E perpendicular to the axis C of the enclosure. The lid 90 is movable relative to the enclosure 40 between an open position, in particular shown in Figure 2 , in which it allows the passage of the fruit 1 with the squeezed fruit via the upper opening 46 into the enclosure, and a closed position, in particular shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , in which the lid 90 closes the upper opening 46.
[0095] The citrus juicer comprises lid actuation means 92, in this case a pneumatic cylinder 94 having a body 94a pivotally mounted relative to the frame about an axis X1. The pneumatic cylinder 94 comprises a rod 94b pivotally mounted relative to the lid 90 about a pivot axis X2 opposite the first pivot axis E of the lid.
[0096] It will be understood that actuation of the actuator 94 has the effect of pivoting the lid 90 about the first pivot axis E.
[0097] The citrus juicer 10 also comprises a bottom wall 96 configured to close the lower opening 86 of the enclosure 40. In this example, the insert is fixed perpendicularly to the bottom wall 96. More particularly, the insert 60 passes through the bottom wall 96.
[0098] The bottom wall is translatable in relation to the enclosure 40 along a second displacement direction D2, which in this example is parallel to the first displacement direction D1. The first and second displacement directions D1, D2 are parallel to the axis C of the enclosure. This displacement is carried out between a closed position, as shown in Figure 5 and a lower position, as shown in Figure 6 In the closed position, the bottom wall 96 closes the lower opening 86, in the lower position, the squeezed fruit 1 can exit the cavity through the lower opening 86.
[0099] The bottom wall also has an intermediate position, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4 .
[0100] The spout 60 also has a portion 60b extending below the bottom wall 96. As shown in Figure 2 , the outlet hole 70 is arranged in this portion 60b.
[0101] With reference to Figure 5 , it is observed that the citrus juicer 10 also comprises a channel 100 for removing the pressed juice exiting the spout 60. This channel is pivotable in relation to the frame between a flow position, as shown in Figure 5 and in particular in Figure 2 , a retracted position, as shown in the intermediate position. The rotation axis F is perpendicular to the axis C of the enclosure, in the flow position, the channel is located below the outlet hole 70 of the spout 60 to receive the fluid. In the retracted position, the channel 100 is substantially vertical, while in the flow position, the channel 100 presents a slight inclination with respect to the horizontal plane at an angle β of approximately 7 degrees, so as to facilitate the flow of the juice. As shown in Figure 5 , the channel 100 has an upstream portion 100a arranged below the outlet hole 70 and a downstream portion 100b opposite the upstream portion 100a, which communicates with the pouring mouth 28. In this example, the rotation axis F is arranged in the vicinity of the upstream portion and the channel 100 is free to rotate about the rotation axis F, so that the channel tends to pivot towards its retracted position under the action of gravity.
[0102] In other words, the extracted juice exits the spout through the outlet hole 70, flows along the channel 100, flows into the pouring mouth 28 and then into the glass V.
[0103] As shown in Figure 4 , the bottom wall 96 cooperates with the channel 100 so that the displacement of the bottom wall towards its lower position drives the channel in the retracted position. In fact, the bottom wall comes into contact with the channel and, by its downward movement towards its lower position, causes the channel 100 to pivot towards its retracted position.
[0104] The citrus juicer also comprises a sliding element 110, in particular in Figure 6The sliding member 110, which can be seen in Figure 6 between a removal position, in which the sliding member 110 extends below the lower opening 86 of the enclosure, so as to guide the removal of the squeezed fruit 1 towards the outlet opening 120 provided in the lower part 12b of the frame 12. The sliding member 110 also has a retracted position, as illustrated in particular in Figure 5 The sliding member is thus pivotally mounted about a rotation axis G, which is orthogonal to the axis of the enclosure C.
[0105] The bottom wall 96 cooperates with the sliding member 110 such that the displacement of the bottom wall between its closed position and its lower position causes the displacement of the sliding member between its retracted position and its removal position. It can be understood from the foregoing that, according to the application, the channel and the sliding member pivot as a result of the displacement of the spout and the bottom wall, without the use of dedicated electric means.
[0106] Figure 7 The device 1000 is shown, which illustrates that the waste container 1020 is in communication with the lower opening 86 of the enclosure, while the outlet opening 120 of the frame is in communication with the waste container 1020.
[0107] The working principle of the citrus squeezer 10 described above is as follows. After the device has been started and a glass V has been placed under the spout, the user inserts the fruit 1 to be squeezed into the citrus squeezer through the cup 30. The fruit 1 slides on the track and enters the enclosure 40 through the upper opening 46, the lid 90 being in the open position. According to one preferred variant, the membrane 50 is pre-inflated before the arrival of the fruit 1, so that the fruit 1 is immediately centered in the cavity, which makes it possible to reduce the cycle time. Then, the lid 90 enters the closed position.
[0108] At the same time, the spout moves into the active position in order to cooperate with the fruit 1, while the bottom wall 96 moves into the closed position in order to close the lower opening 86 of the enclosure 40. It can be understood that, when the spout is in the active position, the bottom wall is in the closed position, when the spout is fixed to the bottom wall. At the same time, the channel 100 pivots into its flow position as a result of the contact between the bottom wall 96 and the actuation finger 101 fixed to the channel. During the movement of the bottom wall 96 towards the closed position, the bottom wall 96 pushes the actuation finger 101 upwards, which causes the channel to rotate towards the flow position.
[0109] In the same movement, the sliding member 110 tilts into the retracted position under the action of the spout and the bottom wall.
[0110] The membrane 50 then inflates in order to crush the fruit and extract the juice therefrom through the perforations 60 and the inner tube of the spout. Before flowing into the glass V, the juice flows along the channel towards the spout 28.
[0111] After the juice is extracted, the lid is brought to the open position, while the spout 60 and the bottom wall 96 are brought to the release position and the lower position, respectively. At the same time, the slide is tilted to its removal position and the membrane is retracted, thereby releasing the squeezed fruit 1 which, under the effect of gravity, leaves the enclosure and is simultaneously guided by the slide 110 to fall into the container 1020. At the same time, the channel 100 is tilted to the retracted position under the effect of gravity.
[0112] Then, the next user can introduce new fruit into the citrus juicer.
Claims
1. A citrus juicer (10) comprising: - a frame (12); - an enclosure (40) disposed in said frame (12) and having a wall (42) defining a cavity (44) for housing a fruit to be squeezed (1) comprising a fluid, said enclosure having an upper opening (46) for introducing said fruit to be squeezed into said cavity (44), a lower opening and an axis (C); - an extendable membrane (50) disposed in said cavity and extending over all or part of said wall (42) so as to surround said fruit to be squeezed when in said enclosure, - a cannula (60) provided with at least one perforation (66), said cannula extending parallel to the axis (C) of said enclosure (40) and being configured to engage in said fruit to be squeezed, said cannula comprising an inner tube (68) connecting said perforation (66) to an outlet aperture (70) disposed below said cavity for removing said fluid from said cannula (60); - an inflation device (51) configured to inflate said extendable membrane (50) so as to compress said fruit to be squeezed (1) fitted onto said cannula, thereby extracting said fluid therefrom; said citrus juicer being characterized in that it further comprises displacement means (80) for translating said cannula (60) with respect to said enclosure (40) along a first displacement direction (Dl) parallel to said axis (C) between an active position, in which said cannula extends at least partially into said enclosure to engage said fruit to be squeezed (1), and a release position, in which said cannula is disposed below said enclosure to allow the release of the squeezed fruit from said enclosure through the lower opening (86) of said enclosure (40); and - a bottom wall (96) configured to close said lower opening (86) of said enclosure, said bottom wall being movable with respect to said enclosure along a second displacement direction (D2) parallel to said axis (C) of said enclosure between a closed position, in which said bottom wall (96) closes at least part of said lower opening (86), and a lower position, in which the squeezed fruit is removed from said enclosure (40) through said lower opening (86) of said enclosure (40).
2. The citrus juicer according to claim 1, further comprising a lid (90) configured to close said upper opening (46), said lid being movable with respect to said enclosure (40) between an open position, in which said fruit to be squeezed (1) is allowed to enter said enclosure via said upper opening (46), and a closed position, in which said upper opening (46) is closed.
3. The citrus juicer of claim 2, wherein, said lid being pivotally mounted with respect to said enclosure about a first pivot axis (E) orthogonal to said axis (C) of said enclosure.
4. The citrus juicer of claim 1, wherein, said bottom wall (96) being fixed to said cannula (60).
5. The citrus juicer of claim 4, wherein, The spout (60) has a portion (60a) extending below the bottom wall (96).
6. The citrus juicer according to claim 1, further comprising a channel (100) for removing the squeezed juice exiting the spout (60), the channel being pivotable with respect to the frame between a flow position, in which the channel is located below the outlet aperture (70) of the spout (60) to receive the fluid, and a retracted position.
7. The citrus juicer of claim 6, wherein, The bottom wall (96) cooperates with the channel such that displacement of the bottom wall towards the closed position causes tilting of the channel to the flow position.
8. The citrus juicer according to claim 1, further comprising a slide (110) movable between a removal position, in which the slide (110) extends below the lower opening so as to guide the removal of the squeezed fruit towards an outlet opening (120) arranged in a lower portion (12b) of the frame, and a retracted position.
9. The citrus juicer of claim 8, wherein, The bottom wall cooperates with the slide (110) such that displacement of the bottom wall between its closed position and its lower position causes displacement of the slide between its retracted position and its removal position.
10. The citrus juicer of claim 6, wherein, The frame (12) comprises a door (16) pivotable along a door axis (A) parallel to the axis of the enclosure.
11. The citrus juicer of claim 10, wherein, The channel is pivotally mounted to the door about a rotation axis (F) orthogonal to the door axis.
12. The citrus juicer of claim 1, wherein, The citrus juicer comprises an inlet (22) for inserting a citrus fruit and a track (48) connecting the inlet (22) to the upper opening (46) of the enclosure (40).
13. An apparatus (1000) comprising a citrus juicer (10) according to claim 1 and a waste container (1020) disposed below the citrus juicer, the waste container (1020) being in communication with the lower opening (86) of the enclosure.
14. The device according to claim 13, further comprising a slide (110) movable between a removal position, in which the slide (110) extends below the lower opening so as to direct the removed squeezed fruit towards an outlet opening (120) arranged in a lower portion (12b) of the frame, and a retracted position. The outlet opening (120) is in communication with the waste container.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Citrus juicer comprising a membrane
WO2017158278A2
Apparatus for extracting juice from whole citrus fruits
US2848939A