Machine for preparing single dose of food product

Abstract

Described is a machine for preparing a single dose of cold food product, comprising a mixing and cooling unit (1) having a cylinder (2) for cooling provided with a rear wall or bottom (3) and a front opening; a head (4) for closing the front opening of the cylinder (2), the head having feeding means (5) configured to feed a liquid or creamy mixture into the cylinder (2) and dispensing means (6) configured to withdraw / dispense a cold product prepared in the cylinder (2); comprising a rotor shaft (7) equipped with a plurality of blades (9) projecting radially from the shaft (7) and configured to mix a mixture of liquid-creamy products in the cylinder (2); the closure head (4) comprises a function selector element (10) constrained on a surface of the closure head (4) positioned towards the interior of the cylinder (2); the selector element (10) has a disc shape equipped along its circumference with notches (11) which can be alternately positioned at least at the feeding means (5) or at the distribution means (6) by rotation of the selector element (10) about its axis in order to obtain a selective connection of the cylinder (2) to the outside; a control unit (12) located outside the cylinder (2), connected to the selector element (10) and configured to obtain a rotation of the selector element (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for preparing single doses of food.

[0002] In particular, the machine according to the invention is used for preparing, making and dispensing food products in a liquid or semi-liquid (creamy) state. In particular, it relates at least to ice cream products (i.e., cold products) prepared in single-dose units. Background Art

[0003] There are currently prior art machines for preparing ice cream products which are aimed at a market sector (the domestic sector, so to speak) in which the product must be dispensed in single doses.

[0004] These machines comprise at least one cooling unit or chamber (or mixing and cooling unit).

[0005] The unit has a cooling cylinder with a closed rear wall and a front opening on which is applied a closing head provided with an upper hopper configured for the feeding of liquid or creamy products and a lower opening configured for the removal / dispensing of ice cream products.

[0006] The front closure head is usually hinged on the front exterior of the cylinder in such a way as to rotate and access the interior of the cylinder.

[0007] The cylindrical body houses a mixer consisting of a rotor shaft (connected to a drive motor) equipped with a plurality of blades protruding radially from the shaft.

[0008] The mixer is configured to mix the liquid-creamy product mixture in the cylinder by means of rotational force and in such a way as to introduce a predetermined amount of air into the product for a predetermined time so as to freeze it.

[0009] A first example of a machine of this type is shown in patent document EP2095720, in which a front closed head is equipped with a hopper protruding for the feeding of the product and a product discharge unit also protruding from the head and located below the feeding hopper.

[0010] A second example of an ice cream machine (although not for domestic use) is shown in patent document EP1949794, in which the product supply is located on the upper part of the machine, the product falling towards a mixing and cooling chamber, the head of which is equipped with a rotary element with a through hole. This rotary element can be rotated by means of a handle at the shaped end equipped with a stroke element to move the rotary element from a closed position of a second opening formed in the head to a free passage position in which the two openings coincide.

[0011] However, this configuration of prior art machines having a single dose dispensing feature has several disadvantages.

[0012] The mixing unit and the cylinder have dimensions and dimension ratios such that the time required to obtain dispensing of a good quality product is very long.

[0013] In order to control the steps of starting mixing and cooling and then dispensing the product, the electronic control unit needs to have complex operating commands, which increases the cost of the machine.

[0014] The annular closing element must include dimensions and elements for the product feed and discharge which are very bulky, in addition to the hinge constraints necessary to allow access to the cylinder.

[0015] Furthermore, it has been noted that, during operation, the mixing and cooling unit has an internal pressure substantially equal to the external pressure (atmospheric pressure) when it is supplied with the product to be mixed and cooled, which must be transformed from a liquid state to a product / ice cream (creamy / semi-liquid).

[0016] During the treatment (mixing of the liquid product), the product goes from the temperature reached in the chamber to a temperature of about -15°C (this sudden and sharp decrease in temperature is related to the need to avoid the formation of too large crystals, in order to obtain a smoother and less rough compound). The air inside the cooling chamber is trapped by the molecules of fat and protein present in the product. As mentioned above, the agitation of the mixture serves to favor the introduction of air in the product in order to increase the volume of the compound and soften it.

[0017] So, in short, absorbing air in the product to increase the volume reduces the pressure within the chamber until it has a substantial negative pressure within the chamber.

[0018] At the end of the mixing and start-up dispensing sequence, the product is not dispensed in the correct manner, there is not enough pressure to allow for complete discharge (there is the problem of continuous cleaning of the mixing and cooling chamber at each product change).

[0019] Furthermore, the increase in product volume may block any opening to the chamber, with the risk of blocking some entry / exit areas for the mixture and / or product. Summary of the invention

[0020] The object of the present invention is to provide a machine for preparing single doses of food which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0021] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a machine for preparing single-dose food products capable of dispensing a dose of product / ice cream in a very short time while maintaining a high quality of the product.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for preparing single-dose food products that enables the operations for feeding the mixture and dispensing the product to be actuated by a very simple and practical structure and that enables the overall cost of the machine to be reduced.

[0023] Said object is fully achieved by a machine for preparing single doses of food as characterized in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The main features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred non-limiting embodiment illustrated purely by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] - Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a machine for preparing a single dose of food according to the invention;

[0026] - Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a mixing and cooling unit of the machine of the preceding Figures;

[0027] - Figure 2A yes Figure 2 Exploded perspective view of enlarged details;

[0028] - Figure 3 It is in assembled configuration Figure 2 A perspective view of a partial cross section of a mixing and cooling unit;

[0029] - Figure 3A is a schematic side view of a variant embodiment of a function selector element forming part of a machine;

[0030] - Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 a perspective rear view of a mixing and cooling unit of FIG. 1 , with some parts cut away to better illustrate other parts;

[0031] - Figure 5 is in a configuration for feeding a creamy liquid product into a cylinder Figure 4 a rear perspective view of a mixing and cooling unit of FIG. 1 with some portions cut away to better illustrate other portions;

[0032] - Figure 6 is in a configuration for removing the cold product obtained in the cylinder Figure 4 a rear perspective view of a mixing and cooling unit of FIG. 1 with some portions cut away to better illustrate other portions;

[0033] - Figures 7 to 12 is a front view of different operating positions of a control unit and a function selector element positioned on the closing head of the mixing and cooling unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] With reference to the accompanying drawings, and in particular with reference to Figures 1 to 3 , a machine according to the invention, generally referenced 100 , is used to prepare single doses of cold or hot food products, such as ice cream.

[0035] As shown, the machine 100 comprises a mixing and cooling unit 1 .

[0036] The mixing and cooling unit 1 has at least one cooling cylinder 2 with a longitudinal extension axis X, with a rear wall or bottom 3 and a front opening (cooling of the cylinder is achieved by a cooler circuit wound around the cylinder 2, not shown).

[0037] The mixing and cooling unit 1 also has a head 4 for closing the front opening of the cylindrical body 2 .

[0038] The closing head 4 comprises feeding means 5 configured to feed a liquid or creamy mixture into the cylindrical body 2 and dispensing means 6 configured to remove / dispense the cold product prepared in the cylindrical body 2 .

[0039] The mixing and cooling unit 1 further comprises a mixer having a rotor shaft 7 which is positioned parallel to the longitudinal extension axis X of the cylindrical body 2 and which is connected to a drive unit 8 .

[0040] As shown, the shaft 7 is provided with a plurality of blades 9 which radially protrude from the shaft 7 and are configured to mix the liquid-creamy product mixture in the cylinder 2 .

[0041] As shown in the figure ( Figures 4 to 12 ), the closing head 4 comprises at least one function selector element 10 constrained on a surface of the closing head 4 positioned towards the interior of the cylinder 2 .

[0042] In other words, the selection element 10 defines the inner end wall of the cylindrical body 2 and superposes on the inner surface of the closing head 4 in a manner facing the bottom 3 of the cylindrical body 2 .

[0043] At least one functional selector element 10 has a disc shape, which is provided with a notch 11 along a relevant circumference, and the notch 11 is able to position itself alternatively at least at the feed device (5) or the distribution device (6) by means of rotation of the selector element 10 around a relevant axis to obtain selective connection of the cylinder 2 with the outside.

[0044] The machine 100 also comprises a control unit 12 outside the cylindrical body 2 , connected to the selector element 10 and configured to obtain a rotation of the selector element 10 .

[0045] The control unit 12 is configured to rotate and position the selector element 10 in at least three operating positions: a mixture feed position, a cold product discharge position, an intermediate position for forming a product with the feed device 5 and the distribution device 6 closed.

[0046] As shown, the selector member's notch 11 is defined by a half-moon shaped opening formed along a peripheral region of the disc-shaped member.

[0047] Figure 3A An alternative embodiment of a disc-shaped selector element 10 is shown.

[0048] According to this solution, the inner surface of the selector element 10 has a greater thickness so as to form a surface with a frustoconical cross section, the annular surface being inclined towards the inside of the chamber of the cylindrical body 2 .

[0049] These annular surfaces can assist in feeding the mixture by directing it downwards and directing the obtained product to a product discharge area.

[0050] As shown, the machine 100 comprises an air generating unit 13 connected to the interior of the cylindrical body 2 by a channel 14 formed on the closed head 4 and opening onto the surface of the closed head 4 engaged by the selector element 10 .

[0051] In view of this, the selector element 10 has a through hole 15 on its disc-shaped surface, which is configured to coincide with or be coaxially positioned with the air passage 14 leading to the cylinder 2 when the selector element 10 is positioned with the associated notch 11 at the distribution device 6, so as to allow air to enter the cylinder 2.

[0052] This air supply system is used for correct and complete distribution of cold products.

[0053] In fact, the agitation of the mixture inside the cylinder 2 also serves to facilitate the introduction of air into the product in order to increase the volume of the compound and soften it.

[0054] The absorption of air in the product to increase its volume reduces the pressure in the chamber of the cylinder 2 until it has a substantial negative pressure in the chamber.

[0055] Thus, at the end of the stirring program, and upon activation of the selector element 10 in the dispensing position, the introduction of air is carried out in the chamber of the cylindrical body 2 in order to increase the internal pressure and thus carry out a correct and complete dispensing of the cold product.

[0056] The machine 100 also comprises a liquid (water) supply 16 having a first conduit 17 .

[0057] The machine 100 also comprises liquid heating means 18 between the first duct 17 and the closed head 4 and a second duct 19 for the passage of heated liquid, at least partially formed in the closed head 4 and leading close to the feed means 5 .

[0058] The liquid supply device 16 may be a container coupled to the machine 100 or a connector connected to the machine 100 for supplying tap water.

[0059] The heating device 18 is configured to heat the fluid to a temperature between 80° C. and 95° C. and deliver the fluid at this temperature.

[0060] Thanks to this hot fluid supply system, it is possible, as will be described, to clean and sterilize the feed device 5 and the chamber of the cylindrical body 2 cyclically or also each time it is necessary to dispense a cold product.

[0061] The liquid used can be discharged through the dispensing device 6 and by means of pressurized air, so that the closing head 4 does not have to be removed frequently.

[0062] Alternatively, the machine 100 (see Figure 2 ) may include an intermediate conduit connected to the first conduit 17 upstream and to the second conduit 19 downstream.

[0063] The intermediate duct is configured to bypass the heating device 18 (via a control valve not shown) and to supply liquid at ambient temperature directly towards the closing head 4 in cases where only rapid cleaning of the operating area of ​​the machine needs to be performed in rapid succession between one operating cycle and another.

[0064] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the closing head 4 has a through seat 20 engaged by a rotatable rod 21 and keyed at one end to the selector element 10 and at the other end to a control rod 22 positioned on the outside of the closing head 4 .

[0065] The control rod 22 defines the control unit 12 .

[0066] As shown again in the figures, the feed device 5 comprises an open manifold 23 formed on the upper part of the closed head 4 .

[0067] The manifold 23 has a slide surface 24 extending at an angle towards the longitudinal extension axis X of the cylindrical body 2 .

[0068] In view of this, the second conduit 19 for the passage of heated liquid opens into the runner surface 24 of the manifold 23 .

[0069] In this way, heated liquid can be introduced along the manifold 23 and clean the inclined surface 24.

[0070] With the selector element 10 positioned with the indentation 11 at the feed device 5 , liquid can enter the chamber of the cylindrical body 2 and clean it.

[0071] After the cleaning step has been completed, the selector element 10 is rotated and its notch 11 is moved to the dispensing device 6 .

[0072] The opening of the distribution device 6 allows the liquid to flow out of the cylindrical body 2 , if necessary this flow being assisted by reintroducing air into the cylindrical body 2 .

[0073] As shown, each blade 9 of the mixer (in this case, three blades 9 ) is slidably inserted into a pair of pins 25 projecting radially from the shaft 7 .

[0074] An elastic element 26 is interposed between each pin 25 and a corresponding cavity 27 (preferably a blind cavity) formed in each blade 9 to allow radial movement of the blade 9 relative to the shaft 7 in both directions (see Figure 2 a).

[0075] For this reason, each blade 9 has a trapezoidal cross section and is positioned obliquely relative to the shaft 7 so that the surface with greater extension is positioned along a trajectory diagonal relative to the longitudinal extension axis X of the cylindrical body 2 and facing the closing head 4 .

[0076] The three blades 9 shown are positioned along the axis 7 at complementary distances from one another so as to engage almost the entire extension of the chamber of the cylindrical body 2 .

[0077] For this purpose, the shaft 7 is rotatably keyed with the relevant end at the selector element 10 .

[0078] The specific shape of each blade 9 and its geometrical arrangement on the shaft 7 make it possible to obtain different positioning of the product if it is being formed in the chamber or if it is being dispensed once it is ready.

[0079] In fact, in the case of a first direction of rotation of the shaft 7, the blades 9 tend to convey the mixture towards the bottom 3 (the coldest part) of the chamber of the cylindrical body 2, so as to mix and cool the mixture.

[0080] Once the product has been formed, the direction of rotation may be reversed so that the blades 9 may carry the product towards the dispensing device 6 for dispensing.

[0081] The above-mentioned dispensing device 6 comprises an opening 28 formed in the closed head 4 , the opening 28 being connected to a dispensing nozzle 29 .

[0082] Thanks to the machine 100, a high-quality cold product can be obtained in a very short time.

[0083] The product forming cycle can also be controlled by a control unit 30 which controls the drive unit 8 of the shaft 7 and the means 13 and 16 for distributing heated air and liquid.

[0084] In order to obtain a cold product using the machine 100, the following steps are performed:

[0085] - Prepare the selector element 10 with the notch 11 at the feed device 5 ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 );

[0086] - a certain amount of liquid or creamy mixture is fed into the cylinder 2 through the manifold 23;

[0087] - Rotating the selector element 10 by means of the rod 22 to a certain angle in order to determine the closed position of the feed device 5 and the distribution device 6, that is, the notch 11 is in the middle position between the two devices 5 and 6 ( Fig. 9 , Fig.10 );

[0088] - starting the mixer by rotating the shaft 7 and the blades 9 in a first direction of rotation to mix and cool the mixture for a predetermined time (less than one minute);

[0089] - Rotate the selector element 10 further by another angle by means of the rod 22 in order to displace the notch 11 of the selector element 10 to the dispensing device 6 ( Fig.11 and Fig.12 );

[0090] The mixer is activated by rotating the shaft 7 and the blades 9 in the second direction of rotation to dispense the cold product and at the same time the air generating means 13 are activated to allow a fast, safe and complete dispensing of the cold product through the nozzles 29 .

[0091] The washing and sterilizing cycle of the chamber of the cylinder 2 is carried out in the same way as just described for forming the cold product but at a faster time.

[0092] With the machine just described, the preset objectives are achieved by means of an extremely compact and versatile design of the mixing and cooling unit.

[0093] The closed head is provided with a set of components which are necessary for the operation of the machine but which are constructed in such a way as to reduce their dimensions while maintaining a high level of practicality and operating precision.

[0094] The closing head with the closed opening system in the mixing and cooling chamber can be constructed in a simple manner and does not require bulky and expensive external elements.

[0095] Similarly, the mixing and cooling chamber can be constructed in a simple and compact manner, since it requires no further openings along its surface in order to obtain a high level of product efficiency and quality.

Claims

1. A machine for preparing single-dose cold food products, said machine comprising a mixing and cooling unit (1), said mixing and cooling unit (1) having at least: - a cooling cylinder (2) with a longitudinal extension axis (X), said cylinder (2) having a rear wall or bottom (3) and a front opening; - a closing head (4) for closing the front opening of the cylindrical body (2), the closing head (4) having a feeding device (5) configured to feed a liquid or creamy mixture into the cylindrical body (2) and a dispensing device (6) configured to remove / dispense the cold product prepared in the cylindrical body (2); - a mixer comprising a rotating shaft (7) positioned parallel to the longitudinal extension axis (X) of the cylindrical body (2) and connected to a drive unit (8); the shaft (7) being provided with a plurality of blades (9) projecting radially from the shaft (7) and configured to mix the mixture of liquid-creamy product in the cylindrical body (2); It is characterized in that The closed head (4) comprises: - at least one functional selector element (10) constrained on the surface of the closing head (4) positioned towards the inside of the cylindrical body (2); the at least one selector element (10) has the shape of a disk provided with notches (11) along a relevant circumference, the notches (11) being able to position themselves alternately at least at the feed device (5) or at the distribution device (6) by means of a rotation of the selector element (10) around a relevant axis, in order to obtain a selective connection of the cylindrical body (2) with the outside; - a control unit (12) located outside the cylindrical body (2), connected to the selector element (10) and configured to obtain a rotation of the selector element (10).

2. A machine according to claim 1, comprising an air generating unit (13), which is connected to the interior of the cylinder (2) through a channel (14), and the channel (14) is formed on the closed head (4) and leads to the surface of the closed head (4) engaged by the selector element (10).

3. The machine according to claim 2, wherein: The selector element (10) has a through hole (15) on its disc-shaped surface, and the through hole (15) is configured to coincide with or be coaxially positioned with an air passage (14) leading to the cylinder (2) when the selector element (10) is positioned with the associated notch (11) at the distribution device (6) so as to allow air to enter the cylinder (2).

4. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a liquid supply device (16) having a first conduit (17); - a second duct (19) for the passage of liquid, which is at least partially formed in the closed head (4), is connected to the first duct (7) and leads out close to the feed device (5).

5. A machine according to claim 4, comprising a liquid heating device (18), which is located between the first duct (17) and the second duct (19) and is configured to heat the liquid supplied by the supply device (16) before it is supplied to the first duct (19).

6. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The closed head (4) has a through seat (20) engaged by a rotatable rod (21) and keyed at one end to the selector element (10) and at the other end to a control rod (22) positioned on the outside of the closed head (4); the control rod (22) defines the control unit (12).

7. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The feed device (5) comprises an open manifold (23) formed on the upper part of the closed head (4); the manifold (23) has a slide surface (24) extending at a certain angle towards the longitudinal extension axis (X) of the cylindrical body (2).

8. A machine according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: The second conduit (19) for the passage of heated liquid opens into the chute surface (24) of the manifold (23).

9. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each blade (9) of the mixer is slidably inserted into a pair of pins (25) radially protruding from the shaft (7); an elastic element (26) is interposed between each pin (25) and a corresponding seat (27) formed on each blade (9) to allow radial movement of the blade (9) relative to the shaft (7) in two directions.

10. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each blade (9) has a trapezoidal cross section and is positioned obliquely relative to the shaft (7) so that the surface with greater extension is positioned along a trajectory that is diagonal relative to the longitudinal extension axis (X) of the cylindrical body (2) and faces the closed head (4).

11. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The shaft (7) is rotatably keyed at the relevant end at the selector element (10).

12. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The control unit (12) is configured to rotate and position the selector element (10) in a first operating position for feeding a mixture, in a second position for discharging a cold product, and in a third intermediate position for forming a product with the feed device (5) and the dispensing device (6) closed.

13. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The notch (11) of the selector element (10) is formed by a half-moon-shaped opening formed along the outer peripheral area of ​​the disc-shaped element.

14. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inner surface of the selector element (10) has a greater thickness to form a surface with a frustoconical cross-section, the annular surface being inclined toward the interior of the chamber of the cylinder (2).

15. A method for obtaining cold food products using a machine (100) according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: - preparing a selector element (10) with a notch (11) at the feed device (5); - feeding a certain amount of liquid or creamy mixture into the cylinder (2) through the feeding device (5); - rotating the selector element (10) by a certain angle so as to determine the closed position of the feed device (5) and the distribution device (6), that is, the notch (11) is in an intermediate position between the two devices (5, 6); - activating the mixer by rotating the shaft (7) and the blades (9) in a first direction of rotation to mix and cool the mixture for a predetermined length of time; - rotating the selector element (10) further by another angle so as to shift the notch (11) of the selector element (10) to the dispensing device (6); - activating the mixer by rotating the shaft (7) and the blades (9) in a second direction of rotation in order to distribute the cold product through the distribution device (6).

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