Detachable center rod

By adopting a triangular boss and triangular hole design combining plastic and metal in the ice cream machine, the problem of easy damage of traditional threaded connections is solved, stable and reliable connection and convenient cleaning are achieved, and the operating reliability of the equipment and food safety are improved.

CN223310590UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-09ZHEJIANG SPACEMAN ICE SYST CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422790308.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-15
Publication Date
2025-09-09
Estimated Expiration
2034-11-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In traditional ice cream machines, the threaded connection between the dispenser and the center rod is easily damaged, resulting in loose connections and difficulty in cleaning, increasing maintenance costs and downtime, and affecting the equipment's operational stability and sanitary quality.

Method used

It adopts a structure combining plastic and metal. A triangular boss is set at the end of the plastic part of the center rod, and a triangular hole is set on the distributor. The triangular fit replaces the threaded connection to ensure the connection reliability. It is designed as a detachable structure for easy cleaning.

Benefits of technology

It improves the stability and security of the connection, reduces maintenance costs, simplifies the cleaning process, ensures food safety, and extends the life of the equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN223310590U_ABST
    Figure CN223310590U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model relates to a detachable center rod which is mainly applied to an ice cream machine. The device comprises a distributor, a central rod and a sealing ring, two center rods can be inserted into the inner side of the distributor, a rotating table is arranged on the front face of the distributor, an inserting groove with a guide slope and a fixing groove are formed in the middle of the rotating table, a scale groove is formed in the front face, and angle marks are arranged on the surface of the rotating table. The center rod is composed of a metal part (in a hollow handle shape) and a plastic part, the end of the plastic part is a special hexagonal triangular boss, and the outer contour of the plastic part is provided with a sealing ring groove. During installation, the center rod is inserted through the guide inclined face, the triangular boss and the fixing groove are matched and positioned, and sealing and fixing are guaranteed through the sealing ring. During working, the two cooperate to process raw materials. According to the design, connection is reliable, stability is high, a detachable structure is convenient to clean, the problems that traditional connection is prone to damage and inconvenient to clean are solved, the ice cream machine is suitable for various ice cream machines, and equipment durability and operation convenience are improved.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of ice cream machines, in particular to a detachable center rod. Background Art

[0002] In traditional ice cream machines, the connection between the dispenser and the center rod is usually achieved by providing a boss on the evaporator side of the dispenser, machining an internal thread on the boss, and machining an external thread on the center rod. The two are connected by threads to form an integral component. However, this structure has obvious defects. The threads of the plastic part of the dispenser are easily damaged after long-term stress. Especially when the ice cream machine is in frequent operation, the thread wear is aggravated, resulting in loose connections and affecting the normal operation of the equipment. The boss is made of plastic material, which has limited mechanical strength and is easily broken under large starting torque. Once the boss is damaged, not only does the dispenser need to be replaced, but the ice cream machine will also be shut down for maintenance, increasing equipment maintenance costs and downtime, and reducing production efficiency.

[0003] The threaded connection makes cleaning the center rod and dispenser difficult. Ice cream ingredients and dirt easily accumulate in the gaps between the threads, making it difficult to completely remove them. Long-term accumulation can breed bacteria, affecting the hygienic quality of the ice cream. Furthermore, ensuring effective cleaning often requires additional time and effort to disassemble and clean, increasing the workload for operators.

[0004] Furthermore, with increasingly stringent food safety and hygiene standards, easy cleaning of ice cream machines has become a crucial consideration. Operators need to be able to quickly and easily clean and disinfect the equipment to ensure the quality and safety of every batch of ice cream. Therefore, the market urgently needs a well-designed, easy-to-clean connection between the dispenser and the center rod that can meet the demands of high-intensity operation while also complying with hygiene standards. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (1) Technical problems solved

[0006] In response to the deficiencies of the prior art, the purpose of the present utility model is to provide a detachable center rod, which solves the problems existing in the prior art. The present patent adopts a structure combining plastic and metal. A triangular boss is provided at the end of the plastic part of the center rod, and a triangular hole is provided on the distributor. The triangle has the characteristics of high tolerance and stability, so that the two cooperate to form a whole, which greatly improves the reliability of the connection and avoids the problem of connection failure due to thread wear. The distributor of the present patent cancels the boss design and replaces it with a triangular hole that cooperates with the triangular boss of the center rod, which fundamentally solves the problem of the boss being easy to break, improves the safety and stability of the entire structure when subjected to large starting torques, reduces the need to replace the distributor due to boss damage, and reduces equipment maintenance costs. The center rod of the present patent adopts a detachable design. When cleaning, you only need to remove the center rod from the distributor, and you can easily clean the center rod and the distributor separately, avoiding cleaning dead corners caused by complex structure, greatly improving cleaning efficiency and cleanliness, and ensuring food safety.

[0007] (2) Technical solution

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a detachable center rod, including a distributor, two center rods are inserted into the inner side of the distributor, and a sealing ring is sleeved on the outer contour of the center rod; the center rod includes a metal part and a plastic part, and a triangular boss is provided at the end of the plastic part, and the triangular boss is a hexagonal shape with the end of the triangle cut off along the central axis; a rotating table is provided on the front of the distributor, and a plug-in slot is provided in the middle of the rotating table.

[0009] Preferably, the inner contour of the plug-in slot is provided with a gradually shrinking guide slope, and the bottom of the plug-in slot is a fixing slot.

[0010] Preferably, the bottom of the insertion slot matches the shape of the triangular boss.

[0011] Preferably, the metal part is in the shape of a handle with a hollow center.

[0012] Preferably, a sealing ring groove is provided on the outer contour of the triangular boss.

[0013] Preferably, a scale groove is provided on the front side of the dispenser.

[0014] Preferably, the surface of the rotating table is provided with angle marks.

[0015] (3) Beneficial effects

[0016] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a detachable center rod that utilizes a plastic-metal structure. Through a unique triangular boss and triangular hole design, it replaces the traditional, easily damaged threaded connection, greatly enhancing the reliability and stability of the connection, effectively preventing wear of the dispenser's plastic threads and breakage of the boss, and significantly reducing equipment maintenance costs. Furthermore, its detachable structure makes cleaning extremely convenient, completely resolving the problem of threaded gaps harboring dirt and grime, improving cleaning efficiency and cleanliness, and effectively ensuring food safety. The simplified disassembly and installation steps also reduce operator labor intensity. Furthermore, this design significantly enhances the overall durability of the equipment, making it particularly suitable for equipment with large cooling capacities and prone to freezing. It can operate stably under complex operating conditions, extending the equipment's service life and enhancing its adaptability to diverse working environments, providing strong support for the efficient, reliable, and hygienic operation of ice cream machines. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is an overall schematic diagram of the utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the dispenser of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 It is an enlarged view of point A of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the center rod in the utility model.

[0021] Figure 5 It is an enlarged view of point B in the present invention.

[0022] In the figure: 1-distributor, 2-center rod, 3-sealing ring, 11-rotating table, 12-plug-in slot, 13-scale slot, 21-metal part, 22-plastic part, 111-angle mark, 121-guide slope, 122-fixing slot, 221-triangular boss, 222-sealing ring slot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following is a combination of the appended examples of the present invention Figure 1-Figure 5 A clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention is provided. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] A detachable center rod comprises: a distributor 1, two center rods 2 are inserted into the inner side of the distributor 1, and a sealing ring 3 is sleeved on the outer contour of the center rod 2;

[0025] Dispenser 1 serves as the foundation of the entire assembly. Its inner side provides a mounting location for center rod 2. A specific structural design positions center rod 2, ensuring it can be accurately installed in the intended position and the accurate relative position between center rod 2 and dispenser 1. This allows them to work together in subsequent operations to achieve the various functions of the ice cream machine. Dispenser 1 is used to guide the proper distribution and flow of raw materials within the machine, providing the necessary conditions for ice cream production. Sealing ring 3 fits over the outer contour of center rod 2. After center rod 2 is inserted into dispenser 1, sealing ring 3 fills the gap between center rod 2 and dispenser 1, providing a seal. This prevents ice cream raw materials or other substances from leaking from the mating point between center rod 2 and dispenser 1, ensuring the sealing of the internal working environment of the ice cream machine and avoiding problems such as waste caused by raw material leakage, equipment contamination, or impact on ice cream quality. The sealing ring 3 can also increase the friction between the center rod 2 and the dispenser 1, and to a certain extent help fix the center rod 2, preventing the center rod 2 from accidentally falling off from the dispenser 1 due to various forces during operation, ensuring the stability of the connection between the center rod 2 and the dispenser 1, thereby ensuring that the entire detachable center rod assembly can operate reliably when the ice cream machine is working.

[0026] A rotating platform 11 is provided on the front of the dispenser 1 , and a plug-in slot 12 is provided in the middle of the rotating platform 11 .

[0027] The rotating table 11 is arranged on the front of the dispenser 1, and one of its main functions is to facilitate the installation and operation of the center rod 2. By setting the plug-in slot 12 in the middle, an accurate position is provided for the insertion of the center rod 2, so that the center rod 2 can be reliably connected to the dispenser 1, ensuring the stability of the coordinated operation of the two during the operation of the ice cream machine. The inner contour of the plug-in slot 12 is provided with a gradually shrinking guide bevel 121, and the bottom of the plug-in slot 12 is a fixed slot 122. The gradually shrinking guide bevel 121 set on the inner contour of the plug-in slot 12 plays a guiding role during the insertion of the center rod 2. When the triangular boss 221 of the center rod 2 is close to the plug-in slot 12, the guide bevel 121 can make it easier for the triangular boss 221 to align and enter the plug-in slot 12, reducing the difficulty of installation and improving installation efficiency. Even if there is a certain deviation during the installation process, the guide bevel 121 can help the center rod 2 automatically correct its position and insert it smoothly.

[0028] The fixing groove 122 at the bottom of the insertion slot 12 matches the shape of the triangular boss 221, which is the key structure for securing the center rod 2. When the center rod 2 is fully inserted, the triangular boss 221 enters the fixing groove 122, and the two fit tightly together, preventing the center rod 2 from axial displacement or rotation during operation. This ensures that the center rod 2 is firmly installed on the dispenser 1, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the entire detachable center rod assembly during operation of the ice cream machine.

[0029] A graduated groove 13 is provided on the front of the dispenser 1. An angle mark 111 is provided on the surface of the rotating table 11. The purpose of the graduated groove 13 is to provide an intuitive visual reference for the operator. During the operation of the ice cream machine, for example, when adjusting the amount of raw materials to be distributed, controlling the range of motion of the center rod 2, or other operations related to working parameters, the graduated groove 13 can help the operator perform operations more accurately. The operator can determine the position or motion state of the center rod 2 or other related components based on the markings on the graduated groove 13, thereby achieving more precise control and improving the quality and consistency of ice cream production. The purpose of the angle mark 111: The angle mark 111 provided on the surface of the rotating table 11 is mainly used to assist the operator in accurately grasping the rotation angle when rotating the rotating table 11. In certain operating scenarios of the ice cream machine, if the angle of the center rod 2 needs to be adjusted (for example, to achieve different stirring effects or raw material flow directions), the angle mark 111 can provide a clear angle reference, allowing the operator to operate according to the predetermined angle requirements, ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the operation.

[0030] The center rod 2 comprises a metal portion 21 and a plastic portion 22. The end of the plastic portion 22 is provided with a triangular boss 221, which is a hexagonal shape with the end of the triangle cut along the central axis. The center rod 2 is composed of the metal portion 21 and the plastic portion 22. This combined structure fully utilizes the respective advantages of metal and plastic. The metal portion 21 is shaped like a handle with a hollow center. On the one hand, the metal material provides high strength and rigidity, capable of withstanding large forces, ensuring the stability of the center rod 2 during operation. It is particularly difficult to deform or damage when subjected to large external forces such as stirring resistance and the impact of raw material flow. On the other hand, the hollow center handle shape facilitates the operator's grip and application of force.

[0031] The plastic portion 22 and the metal portion 21 are joined together through an injection molding process. A triangular boss 221 is provided at the end of the plastic portion 22. The unique shape of the boss 221 (a hexagonal shape with the triangular end cut away along the central axis) matches the corresponding structure of the dispenser 1 (the fixing groove 122 at the bottom of the insertion slot 12 in the rotating table 11), achieving precise positioning and a secure connection between the center rod 2 and the dispenser 1. During operation, the plastic portion 22 leverages the plastic's material properties, such as its flexibility and corrosion resistance, to better adapt to temperature fluctuations and contact with raw materials in the operating environment. This also reduces the overall weight of the center rod 2 to a certain extent, contributing to the efficient operation of the device.

[0032] The shape design of the triangular boss 221 makes it play a key role in the cooperation with the distributor 1. Its hexagonal outer contour matches the shape of the fixing groove 122 at the bottom of the plug-in slot 12 in the distributor 1. When the center rod 2 is inserted into the distributor 1, the triangular boss 221 can accurately enter the fixing groove 122 to realize the positioning of the center rod 2 on the distributor 1, ensuring that the relative position between the center rod 2 and the distributor 1 is fixed, thereby ensuring that the two can work together during operation. This shape of boss has advantages in terms of bearing capacity. Compared with traditional structures (such as circular bosses, etc.), the triangular structure itself has better stability and load-bearing capacity, which can better disperse the various forces on the center rod 2 during operation, reduce stress concentration, reduce the risk of boss damage, and improve the reliability and durability of the entire detachable center rod assembly.

[0033] The outer contour of the triangular boss 221 is provided with a sealing ring groove 222. This groove is used to receive a sealing ring 3. When the center rod 2 is inserted into the dispenser 1, the sealing ring 3 is located within the groove 222 and in close contact with the inner wall of the insertion slot 12 of the dispenser 1. This seal effectively prevents ice cream ingredients or other substances from leaking through the gap between the center rod 2 and the dispenser 1. This is crucial for maintaining a clean working environment within the ice cream machine, avoiding ingredient waste, and ensuring a hygienic ice cream-making process.

[0034] At the same time, the friction between the sealing ring 3, the sealing ring groove 222, and the inner wall of the insertion groove 12 effectively secures the center rod 2 in the dispenser 1, further preventing the center rod 2 from accidentally falling off during operation. Especially during operation of the ice cream machine, which may produce vibrations, the presence of the sealing ring 3 enhances the stability of the connection between the center rod 2 and the dispenser 1, ensuring that the entire assembly can operate reliably in dynamic operating environments.

[0035] Working principle:

[0036] The center rod is made of a metal part 21 and a plastic part 22 through an injection molding process. The end of the plastic part 22 is provided with a triangular boss 221, and the outer surface of the triangular boss 221 is provided with a sealing ring groove 222 for installing the sealing ring 3. The sealing ring 3 is installed in the sealing ring groove 222, ensuring its correct position and good sealing performance.

[0037] Align the triangular boss 221 of the center rod's plastic portion 22 with the triangular hole in the dispenser 1 and insert it into the insertion slot 12 along the guiding bevel 121. The guiding bevel 121 allows the boss 221 to enter the insertion slot 12 smoothly. As the insertion depth increases, the boss 221 eventually reaches the fixing slot 122, where it tightly fits, effectively positioning and securing the center rod on the dispenser 1. During this process, the sealing ring 3 maintains close contact with the inner wall of the insertion slot 12, increasing friction and preventing the center rod from falling out of the hole while also providing a seal.

[0038] After installation, the center rod and dispenser 1 form a single unit. During operation, the center rod and dispenser 1 jointly process the ice cream ingredients. Because the center rod and dispenser 1 utilize a triangular structure, this structure offers high resilience and stability, capable of withstanding the various forces generated during operation, such as stirring resistance and the impact of ingredient flow. This ensures stability and continuity throughout the entire operation, prevents the center rod from loosening or falling under stress, and ensures smooth ice cream production.

[0039] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A detachable center rod, characterized in that: It comprises a distributor (1), wherein two center rods (2) are inserted into the inner side of the distributor (1), and a sealing ring (3) is sleeved on the outer contour of the center rod (2); The center rod (2) comprises a metal part (21) and a plastic part (22); a triangular boss (221) is provided at the end of the plastic part (22); the triangular boss (221) is in a hexagonal shape with the end of the triangle cut off along the central axis; A rotating platform (11) is provided on the front of the dispenser (1), and a plug-in slot (12) is provided in the middle of the rotating platform (11).

2. A detachable center rod according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner contour of the plug-in slot (12) is provided with a gradually shrinking guide slope (121), and the bottom of the plug-in slot (12) is a fixing slot (122).

3. The detachable center rod according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the insertion slot (12) matches the shape of the triangular boss (221).

4. The detachable center rod according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal part (21) is in the shape of a handle with a hollow center.

5. The detachable center rod according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing ring groove (222) is provided on the outer contour of the triangular boss (221).

6. The detachable center rod according to claim 1, characterized in that: A scale groove (13) is provided on the front side of the dispenser (1).

7. The detachable center rod according to claim 1, characterized in that: An angle mark (111) is provided on the surface of the rotating platform (11).