Adjustable pump for pumping liquid food

Abstract

A pump (100) for pumping a liquid food product (F), the pump (100) comprising a housing (30), an impeller (14) arranged to rotate within the housing, a star wheel (12) arranged to be driven by the impeller, and a base unit (10) connected to the star wheel (12), the base unit being movable in a longitudinal direction (H) from a closed position (P1) to an open position (P2). The adjustment device (60) is configured to adjustably set the position of the base unit in the longitudinal direction (H) so as to provide a predetermined adjustment distance (D) between the impeller and the star wheel and / or between the impeller and the base unit in the longitudinal direction (H) when the base unit is in the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump for pumping liquid food and a method of regulating the pump. Background Art

[0002] Today, many food processing devices are used in the food processing industry, such as pumps for transporting food through a food processing production line. One type of food processing production line is for producing ice cream products, including dairy ice cream products and water-based frozen desserts (popsicles). Product names such as frozen custard, frozen yogurt, smoothies, ice cream, and frozen dairy desserts are used to distinguish different varieties and styles of ice cream products.

[0003] In the mass production process of ice cream products, the products are typically pumped through pipes and different types of equipment, which are part of the food processing production line. This applies both to the finished ice cream product and to the ice cream product (ingredients and mixtures) that will ultimately form part of the finished ice cream product. Special pumps are typically used to pump the finished ice cream product or the ice cream product in the form of ingredients / mixtures that will form part of the finished product. These pumps have moving parts, and like most pumps, there is some wear between the moving parts. The parts that are subject to wear are made of safe materials that are naturally present in the human body and the wear is minimal, so that the product is not contaminated. However, the worn pump parts must ultimately be replaced, which incurs costs and downtime. In addition, during the replacement of worn pump parts, the customer may occasionally damage expensive parts or make imperfect adjustments to the pump parts, which results in increased costs and reduced pump performance. In addition, the pump needs to be cleaned regularly using a clean-in-place (CIP) process and may need to be adjusted after the CIP process.

[0004] Although current pumps generally operate well, there is still room for improvement, especially considering the above challenges and limitations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome at least in part one or more limitations of the above-mentioned conventional pumps. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a pump with less wear, shorter downtime, and longer service life compared to conventional pumps. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pump that can be adjusted, opened, and / or closed in a more user-friendly manner compared to conventional pumps.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pump for pumping liquid food. The pump comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet for the product; an impeller arranged to rotate within the housing about a first axis of the pump; a star wheel arranged to be driven by the impeller (14) to rotate about a second axis of the pump which is offset from the first axis; and a base unit arranged to support the star wheel. The base unit is movable in a longitudinal direction parallel to the first axis from a closed position to an open position. The base unit includes an arcuate element extending between the star wheel and the impeller such that when the base unit is in the closed position, the product is pumped from the inlet to the outlet and the impeller rotates and drives the star wheel. The pump has adjusting means configured to adjustably set the position of the base unit in the longitudinal direction so as to provide a predetermined adjustment distance between the impeller and the star wheel and / or between the impeller and the base unit in the longitudinal direction when the base unit is in the closed position.

[0007] The advantage of such a pump is that the position of the base unit relative to the impeller can be conveniently set such that the longitudinal distance between the impeller and the star wheel and / or between the impeller and the base unit is very small. The small distance results in high pumping efficiency while reducing wear between components. This extends the service life of the pump compared to traditional pumps of a similar kind where the components are in contact with each other when viewed in the longitudinal direction. Here, the "predetermined adjustment distance" means setting the distance to a desired value (predetermined) that can be adjusted by the adjusting means.

[0008] Here, the "closed position" means that the star wheel is located further in or deeper within the impeller, while the "open position" means that the star wheel is located further out or shallower outside the impeller. The "closed position" can be understood as a first position of the star wheel relative to the impeller, and the "open position" can be understood as a second position of the star wheel relative to the impeller, where the first position is different from the second position.

[0009] When viewed in the longitudinal direction, the adjustment distance between the impeller and the star wheel and / or between the impeller and the base unit can be at most 2.0 mm, at most 1.0 mm, at most 0.5 mm or at most 0.2 mm. Compared to traditional pumps, this allows for a fixed clearance and can significantly reduce wear. The reduction in wear can extend the service life and reduce downtime.

[0010] The adjusting means may include a rod connected to the base unit and having an exterior extending through an opening in the housing. The adjusting means may include a fixed element having a fixed position relative to the housing. The adjusting means may include an adjustable element engaged to the exterior of the rod and arranged to interact with the fixed element to provide the adjustment distance.

[0011] "External" here refers to the part of the rod that is outside the housing and / or extends out of the housing. In contrast, the impeller, star wheel, and base unit are arranged inside the housing. Thus, "external" can refer to the part of the rod that is outside the structure or body (housing) that encloses the impeller, star wheel, and base unit. The "external" of the rod is still part of the rod.

[0012] The adjusting device prevents the rod and thus the base unit from moving further towards the impeller in the direction towards the pump. When the base unit moves from the closed position to the open position, the adjusting device contacts the fixed element, thereby achieving the above purpose.

[0013] Therefore, the adjustable element engages with the external part of the rod and interacts with the fixed element, allowing the position of the base unit to be adjustably set to provide this adjustment distance. The rod, fixed element, and adjustable element can be arranged on one side of the pump.

[0014] The adjustable element can move relative to the fixed element and / or relative to the rod in the longitudinal direction to provide the adjustment distance.

[0015] Therefore, by setting the position of the adjustable element relative to the fixed element and / or the rod in the longitudinal direction, the position of the base unit in the longitudinal direction can be set.

[0016] The adjustable element can move in the longitudinal direction in the following order: move to a first position where it is out of contact with the fixed element when the impeller and star wheel and / or the impeller and base unit are in contact with each other, move to a second position where it is in contact with the fixed element, and move to a third position that is at a distance corresponding to the adjustment distance from the second position when viewed in the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed element and / or the rod.

[0017] Therefore, the adjusting mechanism can perform the adjustment in a more effective manner, for example, in a more controllable and precise manner.

[0018] The first position of the adjustable element can represent the position where the adjustable element is out of contact with the fixed element while the impeller and star wheel and / or the impeller and base unit are in contact with each other.

[0019] The second position of the adjustable element can represent the position where the adjustable element is in contact with the fixed element while the impeller and star wheel and / or the impeller and base unit are in contact with each other.

[0020] The third position of the adjusting element can represent the position where the adjustable element is in contact with the fixed element while the impeller and star wheel and / or the impeller and base unit are out of contact with each other. The "out of contact" between the impeller and the star wheel and / or the impeller and the base unit as used here means that there is a small distance between the impeller and the star wheel and / or the impeller and the base. The third position is the adjustment position, representing the position where the adjusting element should be when the pump is running because it can effectively reduce the wear of the pump.

[0021] The first position, the second position, and the third position can be the sequence of the adjustment mechanism. The adjustable element can be a nut. For example, a technician can first move the adjustable element, such as unscrewing the nut, to disengage it from the fixed element. Next, the technician can arrange the impeller, the star wheel, and the base unit together such that the impeller and the star wheel and / or the impeller and the base unit are in contact with each other, i.e., the first position. This can be achieved by pushing the rod connected to the base unit all the way towards the impeller in the direction along the longitudinal direction. Next, the technician can move the adjustable element, such as screwing the nut tight, to make it in contact with the fixed element, i.e., the second position. Next, the technician can adjust the adjustable element such that it deviates from the second position by a distance corresponding to the adjustment distance when viewed in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed element and / or the rod, i.e., the third position. The technician can slightly tighten the nut such that the position of the nut with respect to the fixed element and / or the rod corresponds to the adjustment distance, for example, by tightening the nut to "pull out" the rod and thus create the adjustment distance.

[0022] The adjustable element can be moved in the longitudinal direction (H) in the following sequence: move to the first position where it is disengaged from the rod when the impeller and the star wheel and / or the impeller and the base unit are in contact with each other, move to the second position where it is in contact with the rod, and move to the third position where it deviates from the second position by a distance corresponding to the adjustment distance when viewed in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed element and / or the rod.

[0023] Therefore, the adjustment mechanism can be carried out in an improved manner, for example, in a more controllable and precise manner.

[0024] The first position, the second position, and the third position can be the sequence of the adjustment mechanism. The adjustable element can be a disk. For example, a technician can first move the adjustable element, such as loosening the disk, to disengage it from the rod. Then, the technician can arrange the impeller, the star wheel, and the base unit such that the impeller and the star wheel and / or the impeller and the base unit are in contact with each other, i.e., the first position. This can be achieved by pushing the rod connected to the base unit all the way in along the longitudinal direction. Next, the technician can move the adjustable element, such as turning the disk, to make it in contact with the rod, i.e., the second position. Then, the technician can adjust the adjustable element such that it "pulls out" the rod by a distance corresponding to the adjustment distance when viewed in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the third position.

[0025] The fixed element can be part of the housing.

[0026] Therefore, the fixed element can have a fixed position relative to the housing. The housing can have multiple components. The fixed element can be part of the housing corresponding to or connected / attached to the end of the housing. This can improve the on / off and the adjustment mechanism in terms of accessibility and user-friendliness.

[0027] The adjustable element can be a threaded nut and the exterior of the rod can be provided with threads for meshing with the nut.

[0028] Accordingly, the threaded nut can be conveniently tightened or loosened relative to the external threaded portion of the rod in the longitudinal direction. In this way, the position of the base unit can be adjustably set in the longitudinal direction in a simple, convenient and controllable manner.

[0029] The adjusting device includes a nut locking element for fixing the nut on the exterior of the rod.

[0030] The nut locking element can ensure that the adjustment distance remains unchanged during the operation of the pump. The locking element can be another nut, a clip, a sleeve or any other element that can mechanically fix the nut.

[0031] The adjusting device can include a motor arranged to set and fix the adjustable element relative to at least one of the fixed element and the rod.

[0032] Accordingly, the adjustable element can be set and fixed relative to at least one of the fixed element and the rod in a controlled and automated manner by the motor. The motor can include a torque sensor configured to sense torque when setting the adjustable element to provide the adjustment distance.

[0033] The adjusting device can include a spacer located between the fixed element and the adjustable element for providing the adjustment distance.

[0034] Accordingly, the spacer can further facilitate providing the adjustment distance between the impeller and the star wheel and / or between the impeller and the base unit. The spacer can be of any shape suitable for being located between the fixed element and the adjustable element.

[0035] The housing can include a protrusion around which the spacer is at least partially arranged, wherein the spacer extends a distance corresponding to the adjustment distance in the longitudinal direction and when viewed relative to the protrusion towards the adjustable element.

[0036] Accordingly, the protrusion can further facilitate providing the adjustment distance, especially when the adjustment distance is very small.

[0037] The housing can include a first end where an axis for the impeller is arranged; a middle part where the impeller is arranged; and a second end where at least one piston for moving the base unit is arranged. The first end of the housing can have an elongated through-hole extending in the longitudinal direction for receiving a first bolt connecting the first end to the middle part, and the second end of the housing can have an elongated through-hole extending in the longitudinal direction for receiving a second bolt connecting the second end to the middle part.

[0038] Through the longitudinally extending through-hole, the housing becomes rigid in the longitudinal direction. This effectively ensures that during the operation of the pump, the set position of the base unit remains stable in the longitudinal direction.

[0039] The shaft of the impeller may include an annular protrusion that abuts a corresponding annular protrusion on the impeller. The pump may further include a clamping device that includes two semi-annular members. The two semi-annular members may be configured to be connected to each other around the protrusion to fix the shaft to the impeller in the longitudinal direction.

[0040] Thus, the clamping device can fix the impeller, so that the clamping device can prevent or at least reduce the impeller from moving back and forth in the longitudinal direction. This helps to ensure that during the operation of the pump, the set position of the base unit remains stable in the longitudinal direction.

[0041] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for adjusting a pump is provided. The method includes moving an adjustable element to a first position where it disengages a fixed element when the impeller and the star wheel and / or the impeller and the base unit are in contact with each other in the longitudinal direction. The method further includes moving the adjustable element to a second position where it contacts the fixed element. The method also includes moving the adjustable element to a third position that is at a distance corresponding to an adjustment distance from the second position when viewed in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed element and / or the rod.

[0042] The pump may correspond to the pump related to the first aspect of the present invention defined above. The second aspect generally has the same or corresponding advantages as the first aspect.

[0043] The method may further include, after moving the adjustable element to the second position and before moving the adjustable element to the third position, providing a spacer between the fixed element and the adjustable element to provide the adjustment distance.

[0044] Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0046] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pump for pumping liquid food,

[0047] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a front view of the pump in

[0048] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a sectional view of the pump in

[0049] Figure 4 is Figure 1Perspective view of the impeller and impeller shaft of the pump in

[0050] Figure 5a is Figure 1 Perspective view of the star wheel and base unit of the pump in

[0051] Figure 5b is Figure 5a Side view of the star wheel and base unit in

[0052] Figure 6 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional side view of the pump in the closed position in

[0053] Figure 7 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional side view of the pump in the open position in

[0054] Figure 8 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a part of the pump in , which perspectively shows the adjusting device

[0055] Figure 9 is Figure 8 Partial side cross-sectional view of the adjusting device in

[0056] Figure 10a -f is a side view of various embodiments of an adjusting device for a pump for pumping liquid food, and

[0057] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a method for adjusting a pump for pumping liquid food. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0058] Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a perspective view of a pump 100 for pumping a liquid food F. The liquid food is a food that can be pumped and is edible by humans to provide nutritional support. The liquid food can be either a product in its final form or a food in the form of a mixture or ingredient that can be pumped and will become part of the final food. The liquid food can be an ice cream product.

[0059] Figure 1 shows that the pump 100 has a housing 30 extending in a longitudinal direction H. Further reference is made to Figure 3 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7, the first end 24 of the housing 30 may have an elongated through-hole 24a extending in the longitudinal direction H for receiving a first bolt 25 that connects the first end 24 to the intermediate portion 16 of the housing 30. The second end 7 of the housing 30 may have an elongated through-hole 7a extending in the longitudinal direction H for receiving a second bolt 8 that connects the second end 7 to the intermediate portion 16. The pump 100 has an inlet 40 and an outlet 50 for the product F.

[0060] Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the pump 100 further includes an impeller 14. The impeller 14 is arranged to rotate within the housing 30 about a first axis A1 of the pump 100 (as Figure 6 shown). The pump 100 includes a shaft 21 for the impeller 14. The shaft 21 for the impeller 14 may be arranged in the first end 24 of the housing 30. The impeller 14 may be arranged in the intermediate portion 16 of the housing 30. A motor (not shown) may be connected to the shaft 21 to rotate the impeller 14.

[0061] Preferably, the impeller 14 is fixedly arranged in the housing 30. This means that once the impeller 14 is installed as intended for performing the pumping operation, the impeller 14 does not move relative to the housing 30 when viewed in the longitudinal direction H.

[0062] The impeller 14 has a base surface 141 and a plurality of impeller teeth 143 that extend from the base surface 141 in the longitudinal direction H. The impeller 14 has a top surface 142 located on top of the impeller teeth 143. The impeller 14 may have an annular protrusion 14a. The annular protrusion 14a may be arranged at the other end of the impeller 14, which is opposite to the end where the impeller teeth 143 are arranged. The shaft 21 for the impeller 14 may also include an annular protrusion 21a. The annular protrusion 21a of the shaft 21 may abut the annular protrusion 14a on the impeller 14. The pump 100 further includes a clamping device 17. The clamping device 17 may include two semi-circular members 17a, 17b. The two semi-circular members 17a, 17b of the clamping device 17 may be configured to connect to each other around the protrusions 21a, 14a to fix the shaft 21 to the impeller 14 in the longitudinal direction H.

[0063] Further referring to Figure 5a and 5b , the pump 100 includes a star wheel 12. The star wheel 12 is arranged to be driven by the impeller 14 to rotate about a second axis A2 of the pump 100. The second axis A2 of the pump 100 is offset from the first axis A1, as shown in Figure 6。The star wheel 12 can be mainly in the shape of a gear with a central opening 122 and a plurality of star wheel teeth 123. The star wheel 12 has a front surface 121. The star wheel 12 can be located within the impeller teeth 1143 such that some of the star wheel teeth 123 can extend into the spaces formed between the impeller teeth 143. When the impeller 14 is driven to rotate about the first axis A1, the impeller teeth 143 can engage with the star wheel teeth 123, so that the star wheel 12 can rotate about the second axis A2 in the rotational direction, thereby pumping the liquid food F from the inlet 40 to the outlet 50.

[0064] The pump 100 further includes a base unit 10 on which the star wheel 12 is arranged. The star wheel 12 can be arranged on the base unit 10 by a shaft 11 connected to the base unit 10. The star wheel 12 is arranged on the shaft 11. The base unit 10 can move from a closed position P1 to an open position P2 in a longitudinal direction H parallel to the first axis A1. The closed position P1 can be a position where the main part of the star wheel 12 is located between the impeller teeth 143. The main part of the star wheel 12 can include more than 50% of the star wheel 12 when viewed in the longitudinal direction H. The open position P2 can be a position where the minor part of the star wheel 12 is located between the impeller teeth 143. The minor part of the star wheel 12 can include less than 50% of the star wheel 12 when viewed in the longitudinal direction H.

[0065] Figure 5a and 5b It is shown that the base unit 10 has a base surface 102 and a back surface 103. The back surface 103 of the base unit 10 is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the base surface 102 is arranged. The pump 100 can further include at least one rod portion 9 for moving the base unit 10. The at least one rod portion 9 can be connected to the back surface 103 of the base unit 10. The at least one rod portion 9 for moving the base unit 10 can be located within the second end portion 7 of the housing 30.

[0066] The base unit 10 includes an arc-shaped element 105 extending between corresponding parts of the star wheel 12 and the impeller 14, so that when the base unit 10 is in the closed position P1 and the impeller 14 rotates and drives the star wheel 12, the product F is pumped from the inlet 40 to the outlet 50. The arc-shaped element 105 can extend from the base unit 10 into the position between the impeller 14 and the star wheel 12. The arc-shaped element 105 can also be referred to as a protrusion because it protrudes from the base unit 10 into the position between the impeller 14 and the star wheel 12. Figure 5aIt is shown that the arcuate element 105 extends along a portion of the periphery of the star wheel 12. The arcuate element 105 is located on the side of the star wheel 12 opposite to the position where the impeller teeth 143 can engage with the star wheel teeth. The arcuate element 105 has a top surface 101. When viewed in the longitudinal direction H, the length of the arcuate element 105 can be similar to the thickness of the star wheel 12. When viewed in the longitudinal direction H, the height of the impeller teeth 143 can also be similar to that of the arcuate element. The star wheel 12 is arranged on a shaft 11 extending from the base unit 10. The shaft 11 can be centered about a second axis A2 and can be attached to the base unit 10 by using any suitable conventional technique, or can be made as an integral part of the base unit 40.

[0067] Further referring Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the pump 100 includes an adjustment device 60. The adjustment device 60 is configured to adjustably set the position of the base unit 10 in the longitudinal direction H, so that when the base unit 10 is in the closed position P1, an adjustment distance D of at most 2.0 mm, at most 1.0 mm, at most 0.5 mm or at most 0.2 mm is provided between the impeller 14 and the star wheel 12 and / or between the impeller 14 and the base unit 10 in the longitudinal direction H.

[0068] The adjustment device 60 may include a rod 5 connected to the base unit 10, and this connection is achieved directly or through a rod portion 9, or by using other suitable connection elements that engage the rod 5 with the base unit 10. The rod 5 may have an exterior 5a extending through an opening 4a in the housing 30. The adjustment device 60 may have a fixed element 4 having a fixed position relative to the housing 30. The fixed element 4 may be a part of the housing 30. The fixed element 4 may be configured to be attached / connected to the housing 30, for example, attached / connected to the second end 7 of the housing 30. The adjustment device 60 may further have an adjustable element 2 that engages with the exterior 5a of the rod 5, and the adjustable element 2 is arranged to interact with the fixed element 4 to provide the adjustment distance D. The adjustable element 2 can move relative to the fixed element 4 and / or the rod 5 in the longitudinal direction H to provide the adjustment distance D. A piston 6 is connected to the rod 5. As Figure 6 shown, on the left side of the piston 6, a first chamber 62 is formed between the piston 6 and a partition wall 61 in the housing 30. By feeding pressurized air into the first chamber 62, the base unit 10 can be moved to Figure 7 the open position P2 as shown. A second chamber 63 is formed between the partition wall 61 and the back surface of the base unit 10. A third chamber 64 is formed between the piston 6 and the end 65 of the housing 30. By feeding pressurized air into one or both of the second chamber 63 and the third chamber 64, the base unit 10 can be moved from the open position P2 to Figure 6The closed position shown. By controlling the pressure fed into one or both of the first chamber 62 and the second chamber 63, the base unit 10 can be switched from the closed position P1 to the open position P2.

[0069] The pump 100 has a plurality of components, including a pump housing sleeve 15, a V-ring 18, a bracket cover 19, a radial shaft seal 20, a bracket safety cover 22, a ball bearing 23, a plug 26, and a connector 27, etc. The connector is used to connect the motor to the pump 100 so that the motor can rotate the impeller 14.

[0070] Figure 8 and Figure 9 An embodiment of the adjusting device 60 is shown, which has an adjustable element 2 covered by a cover 1. The cover 1 can be in the form of a sleeve and can lock the adjustable element 2 so that it cannot rotate. The adjustable element 2 can be a nut 2, such as a threaded nut 2. The outer portion 5a of the rod 5 can be provided with threads to engage with the nut 2. A spacer 3 is located between the fixed element 4 (here the end of the housing) and the adjustable element 2 for providing an adjustment distance D. The fixed element 4 can include a protrusion 403, and the spacer 3 is at least partially arranged around the protrusion 403. The spacer 3 extends a distance corresponding to the adjustment distance D further towards the adjustable element 2 relative to the protrusion 403 when viewed in the longitudinal direction H. The fixed element 4 has a first surface 401 and a second surface 402. The second surface 402 can be arranged opposite to the first surface. The first surface 401 of the fixed element 4 can face the adjustable element 2. The fixed element 4 can have a protrusion 403 on the first surface 401. The spacer 3 is at least partially arranged around the protrusion 403. The extension D1 of the protrusion 403 in the longitudinal direction H can be about 2.0 mm. The thickness D2 of the spacer 3 in the longitudinal direction H can be the same as the extension D1 of the protrusion 403 plus the required adjustment distance D. Thus, the adjustment distance D can be calculated as D = D2 - D1. As shown, the pump 100 can be in the closed position P1 and the open position P2. The adjustment distance D is the distance between the impeller 14 and the star wheel 12 and / or the distance between the impeller 14 and the base unit 10 when viewed in the longitudinal direction H. The adjustment distance D can correspond to the distance between the base surface of the impeller and the front surface 121 of the star wheel 12. Alternatively or in combination, the adjustment distance D can correspond to the distance between the base surface 141 of the impeller 14 and the top surface 101 of the arc-shaped element 105. Alternatively or in combination, the adjustment distance D can correspond to the distance between the top surface 142 of the impeller 14 and the base surface 102 of the base unit 10.

[0071] The adjustable element 2 can be moved sequentially and in the longitudinal direction H. The adjustable element 2 can be moved to a first position where it is disengaged from the fixed element 4. For example, a technician can set the pump 100 to the open position P2 and then move the adjustable element 2, such as by loosening the nut 2, so that it moves further away from the fixed element 4. After that, the technician can set the pump 100 to the closed position P1, causing the impeller 14 and the star wheel 12 and / or the impeller 14 and the base unit 10 to come into contact. Since the nut 2 has been loosened, it now does not contact the fixed element 4 (the protrusion 403).

[0072] Then the adjustable element 2 can be moved to a second position where it contacts the fixed element 4 (the protrusion 403). For example, a technician can move the adjustable element 2, such as by tightening the nut 2, so that it contacts the fixed element 4 or the protrusion 403.

[0073] The adjustable element 2 can be moved to a third position when viewed in the longitudinal direction H, and this third position is offset from the second position by a distance corresponding to the adjustment distance D. This can be done by setting the pump 100 to the open position P2 and arranging the spacer 3 around the protrusion 403 as described above. After that, the pump 100 is set to the closed position P1 to be ready for operation. At this time, a predetermined adjustment distance D has been provided between the impeller 14 and the star wheel 12 and / or between the impeller 14 and the base unit 10 through the spacer 3. This is because the spacer "moves" the nut outwards, thus also moving the rod and the base unit away from the impeller.

[0074] Figure 10a -f shows various embodiments of the adjusting device 60 that can be used for the pump 100.

[0075] Figure 10a It is shown that the adjustable element 2 is the nut 2. The nut 2 can have an internal thread. The outer part 5a of the rod 5 is provided with a thread that meshes with the nut 2. The sleeve 1 can be used to fix the nut 2 on the outer part 5a of the rod 5. For this purpose, the internal shape of the sleeve 1 can correspond to the outer shape of the nut 2. The sleeve 1 can be fixed to the housing 30 in any suitable manner. When the pump 100 is in the closed position P1, the adjusting device 60 is operated by loosening the nut 2 until the nut 2 does not contact the fixed element 4. At this time, the impeller 14 and the star wheel 12 and / or the impeller 14 and the base unit 10 are in contact. Then the nut 2 is tightened so that it contacts the fixed element 4. Then the nut 2 is further tightened, thereby pulling out the rod 5. The pitch of the thread and the angle of rotation of the nut 2 determine the degree to which the rod 5 is pulled out, that is, the set adjustment distance D. For example, if the thread pitch of the nut 2 is 1.0 mm and the thread rotates 120°, the set adjustment distance D is approximately 0.33 mm. The sleeve 1 can be omitted. The nut 2 can be a conventional type of self-locking nut.

[0076] Figure 10b Shown in connection withFigure 10a a corresponding adjusting device 60, except that the sleeve is replaced by a locking nut 2b. When the nut 2 is operated to set the adjusting distance D, the locking nut 2b is tightened against the nut 2 to fix the nut 2, thereby preventing the nut 2 from rotating inadvertently.

[0077] Figure 10c shows an adjusting device 60 corresponding to Figure 10a a corresponding adjusting device, except that the nut is replaced by a clip 2c, the outer surface 5a of the rod 5 is provided with a friction-increasing surface that interacts with the clip 2c, and the sleeve is omitted. The adjusting distance D is set as follows: when the pump is in the closed position P1, the rod 5 is manually pulled out by a distance corresponding to the adjusting distance D, and then the clip 2c is fixed on the rod 5 and the clip 2a is brought into contact with the fixing element 4.

[0078] Figure 10d shows an adjusting device 60 having a sleeve-shaped fixing element 4', the fixing element 4' being connected to the housing 30 and surrounding the outer surface 5a of the rod 5. The sleeve-shaped fixing element 4' has an internal thread. The externally threaded disk 2d engages with the thread in the fixing sleeve 4' and can be further screwed into or out of the fixing sleeve 4' in the longitudinal direction H accordingly. The outer surface 5a of the rod 5 has a protrusion 5b. The threaded disk 2d is located between the opening 4a of the housing 30 and the protrusion 5b. When the pump 100 is in the closed position P1, the adjusting device is operated by loosening the threaded disk 2d until the threaded disk 2d does not contact the protrusion 5b on the rod 5. At this time, the impeller 14 and the star wheel 12 and / or the impeller 14 and the base element 10 are in contact. Then the disk 2d is tightened so that it contacts the protrusion 5b (screwed to the right in the figure). Then the disk 2d is further tightened, thereby pulling out the rod 5. The pitch of the thread on the disk 2d and the angle of rotation of the disk 2d determine the degree to which the rod 5 is pulled out, i.e., the set adjusting distance D.

[0079] Figure 10e shows an adjusting device 60 which, except for the sleeve, is Figure 10a and Figure 10d a combination of the adjusting devices. The adjusting distance D can be set by tightening one or both of the nut 2 and the disk 2d.

[0080] Figure 10f shows an adjusting device 60 which, except for the sleeve, corresponds to Figure 10a the adjusting device. The adjusting device 60 has a motor 70. The motor 70 is arranged to rotate the adjustable element 2 and then fix it relative to the rod 5. Figure 10fShow the nut connected to the motor 70. The motor 70 can be equipped with, for example, a torque sensor so that when the nut 2 is tightened against the fixed element 4, the sensor senses the torque. Subsequently, the motor further tightens the nut 2, thereby pulling out the rod 5. This can be achieved by controlling the motor 70 to rotate the nut 2 by an angle that adjusts the distance D, in a manner similar to Figure 1 the adjustment process described in

[0081] Figures 10a to 10f The different embodiments shown can be combined as appropriate.

[0082] Figure 11 Show a schematic diagram of the steps of a method 200 for adjusting a pump 100. The pump 100 can correspond to the pump 100 described above. The method 200 includes moving the adjustable element 2 to a first position disengaged from the fixed element 4 when the impeller 14 and the star wheel 12 and / or the impeller 14 and the base unit 10 are in contact with each other in the longitudinal direction H. The method 200 further includes moving the adjustable element 2 to a second position in contact with the fixed element 4. The method 200 further includes moving the adjustable element 2 to a third position at a distance corresponding to the adjustment distance D that is offset from the second position when viewed in the longitudinal direction H with respect to the fixed element and / or the rod 5. The method 200 may further include positioning a spacer 3 between the fixed element 4 and the adjustable element 2 after moving the adjustable element 2 to the second position and before moving the adjustable element 2 to the third position to provide the adjustment distance D. The method is directed to Figure 8 and Figure 9 the adjusting device shown. When the pump 100 has the adjusting device shown in any one of Figures 10a to 10f the adjustment distance D is set as described for the corresponding adjusting device.

[0083] From the above description, it can be seen that although various embodiments of the present invention have been described and shown, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A pump (100) for pumping a liquid food product (F), the pump (100) comprising: A housing (30) having an inlet (40) and an outlet (50) for the product (F), An impeller (14) arranged to rotate within the housing (30) about a first axis (A1) of the pump (100), A star wheel (12) arranged to be driven by the impeller (14) to rotate about a second axis (A2) of the pump (100) offset from the first axis (A1), A base unit (10) arranged to support the star wheel (12), the base unit (10) being movable in a longitudinal direction (H) parallel to the first axis (A1) from a closed position (P1) to an open position (P2), the base unit (10) including an arcuate element (105) extending between the star wheel (12) and the impeller (14) such that when the base unit (10) is in the closed position (P1) and the impeller (14) rotates and drives the star wheel (12), the product (F) is pumped from the inlet (40) to the outlet (50), characterized in that Adjusting means (60) configured to adjustably set the position of the base unit (10) in the longitudinal direction (H) so as to provide a predetermined adjustment distance (D) between the impeller (14) and the star wheel (12) and / or between the impeller (14) and the base unit (10) in the longitudinal direction (H) when the base unit (10) is in the closed position (P1).

2. The pump (100) according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting means (60) comprises: A rod (5) connected to the base unit (10) and having an outer portion (5a) extending through an opening (4a) in the housing (30), A fixing element (4) having a fixed position relative to the housing (30), and An adjustable element (2, 2c, 2d) engaged to the outer portion (5a) of the rod (5) and arranged to interact with the fixing element (4) so as to provide the adjustment distance (D).

3. The pump (100) according to claim 2, wherein the adjustable element (2) is movable relative to the fixing element (4) and / or relative to the rod (5) in the longitudinal direction (H) so as to provide the adjustment distance (D).

4. The pump (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the adjustable elements (2, 2c) are movable in the longitudinal direction (H) in the following order: To a first position out of contact with the fixing element (4) when the impeller (14) and the star wheel (12) and / or the impeller (14) and the base unit (10) are in contact with each other, To a second position in contact with the fixing element (4), and To a third position offset from the second position by a distance corresponding to the adjustment distance (D) when viewed in the longitudinal direction (H) relative to the fixing element and / or the rod (5).

5. The pump (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the adjustable element (2d) is movable in the longitudinal direction (H) in the following order: When the impeller (14) and the star wheel (12) and / or the impeller (14) and the base unit (10) are in contact with each other, it moves to a first position where it is disengaged from the rod (5); It moves to a second position where it is in contact with the rod (5), and It moves to a third position that is offset from the second position by a distance corresponding to the adjustment distance (D) when viewed in the longitudinal direction (H) relative to the fixed element and / or the rod (5).

6. The pump (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the fixed element (4) is part of the housing (30).

7. The pump (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the adjustable element (2) is a threaded nut (2) and the outer part (5a) of the rod (5) is provided with a thread for meshing with the nut (2).

8. The pump (100) according to claim 7, wherein the adjustment device (60) includes a nut locking element (2b) for fixing the nut (2) to the outer part (5a) of the rod (5).

9. The pump (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the adjustment device (60) includes a motor (70) arranged to position and fix the adjustable element (2) relative to at least one of the fixed element (4) and the rod (5).

10. The pump (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the adjustment device (60) includes a spacer (3) located between the fixed element (4) and the adjustable element (2) for providing the adjustment distance (D).

11. The pump (100) according to claim 10, wherein the housing (30) includes a protrusion (403), and the spacer (3) is at least partially arranged around the protrusion (403), and the spacer (3) extends further towards the adjustable element (2) by a distance corresponding to the adjustment distance (D) in the longitudinal direction (H) and when viewed relative to the protrusion (403).

12. The pump (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (30) includes: A first end (24) in which an axis (21) for the impeller (14) is arranged, An intermediate part (16) in which the impeller (14) is arranged, and A second end (7) in which at least one piston (6) for moving the base unit (10) is arranged, wherein The first end (24) of the housing (30) has an elongated through-hole (24a) extending in the longitudinal direction (H) for receiving a first bolt (25) that connects the first end (24) to the intermediate part (16), and The second end portion (7) of the housing (30) has an elongated through-hole (7a) extending in the longitudinal direction (H) for receiving a second bolt (8) that connects the second end portion (7) to the intermediate portion (16).

13. The pump (100) according to claim 12, wherein the shaft (21) for the impeller (14) includes an annular projection (21a) that abuts a corresponding annular projection (14a) on the impeller (14), and wherein the pump (100) further includes a clamping device (17) that includes two semi-circular members (17a, 17b) configured to be interconnected around the projections (21a, 14a) to fix the shaft (21) to the impeller (14) in the longitudinal direction (H).

14. A method (200) of adjusting a pump (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 13, the method comprising, in the longitudinal direction (H), when the impeller (14) and the star wheel (12) and / or the impeller (14) and the base unit (10) are in contact with each other, moving (210) the adjustable element (2) to a first position out of contact with the fixed element (4), moving (220) the adjustable element (2) to a second position in contact with the fixed element (4), moving (240) the adjustable element (2) to a third position offset from the second position by a distance corresponding to the adjustment distance (D) when viewed in the longitudinal direction (H) relative to the fixed element and / or the rod (5).

15. The method (200) according to claim 14, further comprising, after moving the adjustable element (2) to the second position (230) and before moving the adjustable element (2) to the third position (240), positioning (230) a spacer (3) between the fixed element (2) and the adjustable element (2) to provide the adjustment distance (D).

Images