Stirring device for ice cream machine and ice cream machine

Abstract

The invention discloses a stirring device for an ice cream machine and the ice cream machine. The stirring device for the ice cream machine is arranged in a refrigeration container of the ice cream machine. The stirring device is characterized in that the stirring device comprises a stirring shaft rotating around a set axis; the stirring paddle is suitable for being assembled on or separated from the stirring shaft; the scraper is attached to the stirring paddle, and the scraper is configured to be attached to the inner wall of the refrigeration container under the gravity action of the stirring paddle; wherein the scraper is provided with at least one elastic arm, and the stirring paddle is provided with an abutting part which is in abutting contact with the elastic arm; when the stirring paddle is assembled to the stirring shaft, the elastic arm is limited in the elastic deformation space of the elastic arm to generate elastic deformation, so that the stirring paddle is prevented from being axially separated from the stirring shaft under the action of the reactive force of the elastic arm acting on the pressing part; compared with the prior art, the scheme has the advantage that the axial separation of the stirring paddle and the stirring shaft is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food machinery technology, and in particular to a stirring device for an ice cream machine and an ice cream machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the upgrading of consumption, the types of ice cream have become more diverse and the taste is also richer. Now, many consumers prefer to buy ice cream made on the spot for reasons such as fresh taste and clear visibility of hygiene. Ice cream machines used for making ice cream on the spot are also called front-desk ice cream machines, which allow consumers to watch the ice cream making process while they are waiting to buy.

[0003] An ice cream machine is equipped with a refrigeration container and a stirring device. The user adds the ice cream ingredients to the refrigeration container, which cools the ingredients while the stirring device churns them, thus creating ice cream. However, during the churning process, ice cream ingredients can adhere to the side and bottom walls of the refrigeration container, affecting the churning effect.

[0004] In related technologies, the stirring blades of the stirring device are equipped with scrapers that mate with the side walls of the refrigeration container. During the rotation of the stirring device, the scrapers engage with the side and bottom walls of the refrigeration container, improving the cleaning effect of the scraper on the inner wall of the refrigeration container. However, when the side walls of the refrigeration container are frosted or contain particulate foreign matter, the scrapers can cause the stirring paddle to move axially along the stirring shaft, resulting in axial separation between the stirring paddle and the stirring shaft.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a stirring device for an ice cream machine and an ice cream machine that avoids axial separation of the stirring paddle and the stirring shaft.

[0007] This invention provides a stirring device for an ice cream machine, which is disposed in the refrigeration container of the ice cream machine; the stirring device includes: A stirring shaft that rotates around a set axis; A stirring paddle suitable for assembly or separation on the stirring shaft; and A scraper attached to the agitator, the scraper being configured to adhere to the inner wall of the refrigeration container under the gravity of the agitator; The scraper has at least one elastic arm, and the agitator has a pressing part that presses against the elastic arm. In the assembled state where the agitator is assembled to the agitator shaft, the elastic arm is confined within its elastic deformation space to generate elastic deformation, so as to prevent the reaction force of the elastic arm acting on the pressing part from driving the axial separation of the agitator and the agitator shaft.

[0008] Several alternative methods are provided below, but they are not intended as additional limitations on the overall solution above. They are merely further additions or optimizations. Provided there are no technical or logical contradictions, each alternative method can be combined individually with respect to the overall solution above, or multiple alternative methods can be combined with each other.

[0009] Optionally, the pressing part can press against the middle position of the elastic arm.

[0010] Optionally, the scraper has a deformation groove configured to allow the elastic arm to deform.

[0011] Optionally, at least a portion of the elastic arm is arc-shaped; Both ends of the elastic arm are fixed to the scraper.

[0012] Optionally, the scraper also has a guide groove, along which the pressing part can slide.

[0013] Optionally, the guide groove extends in a horizontal direction; or The end of the guide groove facing the side wall of the refrigeration container is lower than the end facing away from the side wall of the refrigeration container.

[0014] Optionally, the elastic arm is located on the side of the guide groove facing the side wall of the refrigeration container.

[0015] Optionally, the elastic arm further has an abutting portion that abuts against the pressing portion, the abutting portion extending into the guide groove.

[0016] Optionally, the weight of the stirring paddle is greater than 250g.

[0017] The present invention provides an ice cream machine, including a refrigeration container and a stirring device, wherein the stirring device is any of the stirring devices for ice cream machines described above.

[0018] This invention discloses a stirring device for an ice cream machine and an ice cream machine. When the stirring shaft drives the scraper to rotate, the gravity applied by the stirring paddle to the counterweight component ensures that the scraper continuously adheres to the inner wall of the refrigeration container. This improves the scraping effect of the scraper on the inner wall of the refrigeration container, allowing adhering ice cream to be scraped off and mixed, thereby improving the mixing effect of the ice cream and ensuring its texture. Because the scraper can closely adhere to the inner wall of the refrigeration container, the residue of raw materials in the container is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth and helping to ensure the food safety and hygiene quality of the ice cream product. The stirring paddle applies a constant force to the scraper, reducing unnecessary loosening of the scraper during operation.

[0019] When the side wall of the refrigeration container is frosted or contains particulate matter, the scraper blade compresses the elastic arm as it passes over this area. This causes the elastic arm to deform elastically, preventing the reaction force exerted by the elastic arm on the pressing part from driving the axial separation of the stirring paddle and stirring shaft. Furthermore, the elastic arm allows the scraper to form elastic contact with the inner wall of the refrigeration container. This elastic pressing design allows the scraper to adaptively adjust its contact with the inner wall of the refrigeration container during scraping, avoiding scraper deformation or breakage due to excessive friction, maximizing the scraping effect, improving the stirring effect and machine stability during ice cream making, and effectively extending the service life of the stirring device. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ice cream machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the stirring device; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the diagram; Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the scraper and counterweight components in the diagram; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the counterweight component; Figure 6 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the middle scraper; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the scraper in this invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the scraper in this invention.

[0021] The annotations in the figure are explained as follows: 100. Ice cream machine; 20. Refrigeration container; 21. Inner wall; 211. Side wall; 212. Bottom wall; 22. Receiving cavity; 30. Stirring device; 31. Stirring shaft; 311. Anti-rotation part; 32. Stirring paddle; 33. Scraper; 331. Deformation groove; 332. Vertical arm; 333. Horizontal arm; 334. Smooth transition edge; 341. Connecting sleeve; 3411. Anti-rotation hole; 342. Paddle arm; 351. Elastic arm; 3511. Abutting part; 352. Guide groove; 353. Pressing part; 3531. Sliding section; 3532. Limiting head. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or it can be connected to a component in between. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or it may be set to a component in between.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the present invention provides a stirring device 30 for an ice cream machine 100, which is disposed in the refrigeration container 20 of the ice cream machine 100; the stirring device 30 includes a stirring shaft 31 that rotates about a set axis; a stirring paddle 32 adapted to be assembled or detached from the stirring shaft 31; and a scraper 33 attached to the stirring paddle 32, the scraper 33 being configured to adhere to the inner wall 21 of the refrigeration container 20 under the gravity of the stirring paddle 32; wherein the scraper 33 has at least one elastic arm 351, and the stirring paddle 32 has a pressing portion 353 that presses against the elastic arm 351; in the assembled state where the stirring paddle 32 is assembled to the stirring shaft 31, the elastic arm 351 is confined within its elastic deformation space to generate elastic deformation, so as to prevent the reaction force of the elastic arm 351 acting on the pressing portion 353 from driving the stirring paddle 32 and the stirring shaft 31 to separate axially.

[0026] When the stirring shaft 31 drives the scraper 33 to rotate, the force of gravity applied by the stirring paddle 32 to the counterweight component ensures that the scraper 33 continuously adheres to the inner wall 21 of the refrigeration container 20. This improves the scraping effect of the scraper 33 on the inner wall 21 of the refrigeration container 20, allowing any adhering ice cream to be scraped off and mixed, thus improving the mixing effect and ensuring the texture of the ice cream. Because the scraper 33 adheres tightly to the inner wall 21 of the refrigeration container 20, it reduces the residue of raw materials in the container, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth and helping to ensure the food safety and hygiene quality of the ice cream product. The stirring paddle 32, by applying a constant force to the scraper 33, reduces unnecessary loosening of the scraper 33 during operation.

[0027] When the side wall 211 of the refrigeration container 20 is frosted or contains particulate foreign matter, the scraper blade will compress the elastic arm 351 as it passes over this area, causing the elastic arm 351 to deform elastically. This prevents the reaction force of the elastic arm 351 acting on the pressing part 353 from driving the stirring paddle 32 and the stirring shaft 31 to separate axially. In addition, the elastic arm 351 allows the scraper 33 to form elastic contact with the inner wall 21 of the refrigeration container 20. This elastic pressing design allows the scraper 33 to adaptively adjust its contact with the inner wall 21 of the refrigeration container 20 during the scraping process. This avoids deformation or breakage of the scraper 33 due to excessive friction, and ensures the maximization of the scraping effect. This improves the stirring effect and machine stability during the ice cream making process, and effectively extends the service life of the stirring device 30.

[0028] The specific configuration of the refrigeration container 20; refer to one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the refrigeration container 20 has an open receiving cavity 22; the scraper 33 and the agitator 32 are both located within the receiving cavity 22. The inner wall 21 of the refrigeration container 20 includes a bottom wall 212 and a side wall 211; the bottom wall 212 and the side wall 211 form the receiving cavity 22; the bottom wall 212 is generally plate-shaped; the side wall 211 has a cylindrical structure, with one end of the side wall 211 open along its own axis to form an opening, and the other end connected to the bottom wall 212. The bottom wall 212 has a mounting hole through which the agitator 31 extends into the receiving cavity 22.

[0029] The specific arrangement of the stirring shaft 31; refer to one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, part of the stirring shaft 31 is located inside the refrigeration container 20 and connected to the stirring paddle 32, while the other part is located outside the refrigeration container 20 and connected to the power source. The power source is a motor, which is located outside the refrigeration container 20. The motor can be connected to the stirring shaft 31 via a speed reducer or other means, so that the motor can drive the stirring shaft 31 to rotate.

[0030] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the stirring paddle 32 has a certain weight, which is not strictly limited and can be selected according to actual use; for example, the weight of the stirring paddle 32 is greater than 250g. More preferably, the weight of the stirring paddle 32 is greater than 300g, 350g, 400g, 450g, or 500g. The stirring paddle 32 can be made of metal to make it heavier for the same volume; for example, the material of the stirring paddle 32 is iron or copper.

[0031] In this embodiment, as Figure 2As shown, the impeller 32 includes a connecting sleeve 341 and an impeller arm 342. The connecting sleeve 341 is sleeved on the outside of the stirring shaft 31; the impeller arm 342 is fixed to the connecting sleeve 341, and the scraper 33 is disposed on the impeller arm 342. The connecting sleeve 341 has an anti-rotation hole 3411, and the stirring shaft 31 has an anti-rotation portion 311 that can be located within the anti-rotation hole 3411 and is circumferentially fixed to the connecting sleeve 341. By sleeved on the outside of the stirring shaft 31, the connecting sleeve 341 can be installed along a set axis to the stirring shaft 31, facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the impeller 32.

[0032] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the connecting sleeve 341 is generally tubular in shape; the top of the connecting sleeve 341 has an anti-rotation hole 3411; when the connecting sleeve 341 is fitted onto the outside of the stirring shaft 31, the anti-rotation portion 311 of the stirring shaft 31 extends into the anti-rotation hole 3411 to facilitate the connection between the connecting sleeve 341 and the stirring shaft 31. The anti-rotation hole 3411 is non-circular; the cross-section of the portion of the stirring shaft 31 that mates with the anti-rotation portion 311 is approximately the same shape as the anti-rotation hole 3411. For example, the anti-rotation hole 3411 is square; the cross-section of the portion of the stirring shaft 31 that mates with the anti-rotation portion 311 is square.

[0033] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the structure of the propeller arm 342 is not strictly limited, as long as the propeller arm 342 can support the scraper 33; for example, the propeller arm 342 is roughly L-shaped. The propeller arm 342 is fixed to the outside of the connecting sleeve 341 by welding or screws.

[0034] In this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the structure of the scraper 33 is not strictly limited; for example, the scraper 33 has an L-shaped structure. The scraper 33 can not only scrape the ice cream on the inner wall 21, but also stir the ice cream. The scraper 33 has a vertical arm 332 that fits against the side wall 211 of the refrigeration container 20 and a horizontal arm 333 that fits against the bottom wall 212 of the refrigeration container 20. There is a smooth transition edge 334 between the vertical arm 332 and the horizontal arm 333. This smooth transition edge 334 corresponds to the transition area between the side wall 211 and the bottom wall 212 of the refrigeration container 20, ensuring the fit between the scraper 33 and the inner wall 21 of the refrigeration container 20, and can effectively scrape off the ice cream adhering to the inner wall 21 of the refrigeration container 20.

[0035] In this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 8As shown, the scraper 33 is inclined; the angle between the scraper 33 and the bottom wall 212 of the refrigeration container 20 is less than 90 degrees. The inclined arrangement of the scraper 33, tilting towards the side opposite to the stirring direction, reduces the stirring resistance of the ice cream on the scraper 33. Furthermore, it balances resistance and stability while ensuring effective scraping of the inner wall 21 of the refrigeration container 20. For example, the angle between the scraper 33 and the bottom wall 212 of the refrigeration container 20 ranges from 25 degrees to 60 degrees.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 8 As shown, the elastic arm 351 is roughly C-shaped; both ends of the elastic arm 351 are fixed to the scraper 33. The elastic arm 351 and the scraper 33 are integrally formed to enhance the structural strength of the elastic arm 351 and the scraper 33, and to reduce the processing difficulty of the elastic arm 351 and the scraper 33.

[0037] In this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 8 As shown, at least a portion of the elastic arm 351 is arc-shaped; for example, the entire elastic arm 351 is arc-shaped. The pressing portion 353 can press against the middle position of the elastic arm 351; the scraper 33 has a deformation groove 331, configured to allow the elastic arm 351 to deform. The deformation groove 331 is located on the deformation path of the elastic arm 351; specifically, the deformation groove 331 is located on the side of the elastic arm 351 opposite to the pressing portion 353. When the elastic arm 351 is pressed by the pressing portion 353, its free end bends into the deformation groove 331, avoiding interference with the scraper 33 structure. The width of the deformation groove 331 is greater than the maximum deformation of the elastic arm 351, ensuring smooth elastic pre-tightening action.

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 8 As shown, the scraper 33 also has a guide groove 352, and the pressing part 353 can slide along the guide groove 352. The scraper 33 is also assembled to the stirring paddle 32 through the cooperation of the guide groove 352 and the pressing part 353. The guide groove 352 extends in the horizontal direction; or the end of the guide groove 352 facing the side wall 211 of the refrigeration container 20 is lower than the end facing away from the side wall 211 of the refrigeration container 20, so that when the pressing part 353 locks the scraper 33, it can adapt and adjust the scraper 33 according to the inner wall 21 of the refrigeration container 20, so that the scraper 33 can move in the direction of adhering to the side wall 211, so that the scraper 33 can adhere to the side wall 211 of the refrigeration container 20.

[0039] In this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 8As shown, the elastic arm 351 is located on the side of the guide groove 352 facing the side wall 211 of the refrigeration container 20; the pressing part 353 can press against the elastic arm 351, so that the pressing part 353 applies a force to the scraper 33 in the direction of the side wall 211 through the elastic arm 351, so as to ensure that the scraper 33 remains in contact with the side wall 211. Driven by the counterweight member, the pressing part 353 abuts against the bottom of the guide groove 352, so as to drive the scraper 33 to remain in contact with the bottom wall 212. The deformation groove 331 is located on the side of the elastic arm 351 facing away from the guide groove 352; when the pressing part 353 slides to the end of the guide groove 352, the pressing part 353 presses the middle arc-shaped protrusion of the elastic arm 351, forcing the elastic arm 351 to undergo elastic deformation, thereby providing elastic force to the scraper 33.

[0040] In this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the elastic arm 351 also has an abutting portion 3511 that abuts against the pressing portion 353, and the abutting portion 3511 extends into the guide groove. The pressing portion 353 applies a continuous force to the scraper 33 by pressing against the abutting portion 3511 of the elastic arm 351, so that the vertical arm 332 of the scraper 33 is always in close contact with the side wall 211, and the horizontal arm 333 remains in contact with the bottom wall 212.

[0041] In this embodiment, as Figures 2 to 8 As shown, the pressing part 353 has a sliding section 3531 that slides along the guide groove 352 and a limiting head 3532 that restricts the pressing part 353 from disengaging from the guide groove 352. The pressing part 353 can be fixed to the counterweight component by welding or threading. Specifically, the pressing part 353 is a fixing screw, and the paddle arm 342 is provided with a threaded groove that mates with the fixing screw. The scraper 33 is fixed to the paddle arm 342 by the fixing screw. The sliding section 3531 can press against the elastic arm 351.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the present invention also provides an ice cream machine 100, which includes a refrigeration container 20 and a stirring device 30; the stirring device 30 is the stirring device 30 for the ice cream machine 100 in the above embodiments. The stirring device 30 is rotatably disposed inside the refrigeration container 20, and during the stirring process, it can scrape off the ice cream adhering to the inner wall 21 of the refrigeration container 20 and participate in the stirring, thereby improving the stirring effect of the ice cream. A lid is hinged to the top of the refrigeration container 20 to seal the refrigeration container 20.

[0043] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification. When technical features of different embodiments are embodied in the same drawing, it can be regarded as the drawing also disclosing examples of combinations of the various embodiments involved.

[0044] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A stirring device for an ice cream machine, disposed in the refrigeration container of the ice cream machine; characterized in that, The stirring device includes: A stirring shaft that rotates around a set axis; A stirring paddle suitable for assembly or separation on the stirring shaft; and A scraper attached to the agitator, the scraper being configured to adhere to the inner wall of the refrigeration container under the gravity of the agitator; The scraper has at least one elastic arm, and the agitator has a pressing part that presses against the elastic arm. In the assembled state where the agitator is assembled to the agitator shaft, the elastic arm is confined within its elastic deformation space to generate elastic deformation, so as to prevent the reaction force of the elastic arm acting on the pressing part from driving the axial separation of the agitator and the agitator shaft.

2. The stirring device for an ice cream machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing part can press against the middle position of the elastic arm.

3. A stirring device for an ice cream machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The scraper has a deformation groove configured to allow the elastic arm to deform.

4. The stirring device for an ice cream machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the elastic arm is arc-shaped; Both ends of the elastic arm are fixed to the scraper.

5. The stirring device for an ice cream machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper also has a guide groove, and the pressing part can slide along the guide groove.

6. The stirring device for an ice cream machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide groove extends horizontally; or The end of the guide groove facing the side wall of the refrigeration container is lower than the end facing away from the side wall of the refrigeration container.

7. A stirring device for an ice cream machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The elastic arm is located on the side of the guide groove facing the side wall of the refrigeration container.

8. The stirring device for an ice cream machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The elastic arm also has an abutting portion that abuts against the pressing portion, the abutting portion extending into the guide groove.

9. A stirring device for an ice cream machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weight of the stirring paddle is greater than 250g.

10. An ice cream machine, comprising a refrigeration container and a stirring device, characterized in that, The stirring device is the stirring device for an ice cream machine according to any one of claims 1-9.

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