Ice cream capsule and ice cream capsule machine
By designing ice cream capsules and ice cream capsule machines, the problem of cross-contamination of flavors in ice cream caused by the inability to clean the mixer in time has been solved. This has enabled uniform mixing and quantitative output of ice cream liquid, ensuring ice cream quality and user experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423303118.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-31
AI Technical Summary
When existing ice cream making equipment continuously produces different flavors of ice cream, the mixer cannot be cleaned in time, resulting in residue from the previous flavor contaminating the new flavor and affecting the pure taste and quality of the product.
Design an ice cream capsule and an ice cream capsule machine, including a capsule body, an end cap, and a stirring paddle. The capsule body has an opening and a discharge port. The end cap is a sealing cap located at the opening. The stirring paddle is rotatably mounted on the end cap and sealed to the end cap. The discharge port is provided with a ruptureable membrane. The stirring paddle is driven to rotate by a drive component. Combined with a refrigeration component and a puncture component, the ice cream liquid is uniformly stirred and quantitatively output.
It effectively prevents the mixing of different flavored ice cream liquids, ensuring the taste and quality of ice cream, improving the user experience, and is easy to operate. Each capsule is equipped with a stirring paddle to prevent flavor mixing, ensuring high safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN223568595U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice cream making technology, and in particular to an ice cream capsule and an ice cream capsule machine. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of modern society and economy and the significant improvement of people's living standards, ice cream, as a dessert with a delicate taste and diverse flavors, has been widely loved and sought after, and its market demand has shown a continuous growth trend.
[0003] Ice cream making equipment is a core tool in the ice cream production process. Ice cream making equipment generally uses a refrigeration system as its core mechanism. By circulating refrigerant, it effectively lowers the temperature environment within the mixing chamber, causing the liquid ice cream ingredients to gradually solidify into a solid or semi-solid ice cream product under low-temperature conditions. The application of this technology has greatly enriched the taste and form of ice cream, promoting the diversification of ice cream products.
[0004] However, when making different flavors of ice cream in succession, the mixer cannot be cleaned in a timely and effective manner. Residue from the previous flavor of ice cream may contaminate the new flavor, thus affecting the pure taste and quality of the product. Utility Model Content
[0005] This invention provides an ice cream capsule and an ice cream capsule machine to solve the problem in the prior art where the mixer cannot be cleaned in time when making ice cream of different flavors continuously, thus affecting the flavor of the next ice cream.
[0006] This utility model provides an ice cream capsule, comprising: a capsule body, an end cap, and a stirring paddle. The capsule body contains ice cream liquid, and the capsule body has an opening and a discharge port. The end cap is a sealing cap located at the opening. The stirring paddle is rotatably mounted on the end cap and is sealed to the end cap. The end of the stirring paddle protrudes from the end cap to form a connector. The discharge port is provided with a ruptureable membrane.
[0007] According to the present invention, an ice cream capsule is provided, wherein the connector is provided with a slot, and the slot wall has an elastic locking head.
[0008] According to the present invention, an ice cream capsule is provided, wherein the slot is an irregularly shaped slot.
[0009] According to the present invention, an ice cream capsule is provided with an installation hole on the end cap, and the shaft of the stirring paddle is inserted into the installation hole through a rotating seal.
[0010] According to the present invention, an ice cream capsule is provided, the capsule body includes a main body and a transition part, the main body and the transition part are connected, the cross-sectional area of the transition part gradually decreases from one end of the transition part near the main body to the other end away from the transition part, the opening is provided on the end face of the main body away from the transition part, and the discharge port is located on the end face of the transition part away from the main body.
[0011] According to the present invention, an ice cream capsule is provided in which the ice cream liquid filling amount is 50% to 90% of the volume of the capsule body.
[0012] This utility model also provides an ice cream capsule machine, including an ice cream capsule as described in any of the above claims, and further including a shell and a drive component. The shell has an installation cavity for holding the ice cream capsule. The drive component is disposed in the shell, and the drive end of the drive component is detachably connected to the connector to drive the stirring paddle to rotate.
[0013] The ice cream capsule machine provided by this utility model also includes a refrigeration component, which is disposed inside the housing and surrounds the outer periphery of the mounting cavity.
[0014] The ice cream capsule machine provided by this utility model also includes a puncturing member. The shell is provided with an ice cream outlet, and the mounting cavity is provided with a channel communicating with the ice cream outlet. The puncturing member is used to puncture the fragile membrane of the outlet after the ice cream liquid in the capsule body is cooled and forms ice cream, so that the ice cream flows out from the ice cream outlet.
[0015] The ice cream capsule machine provided by this utility model also includes a drive mechanism. The channel has a corrugated section, and the puncturing member is fixed to the inner wall of the corrugated section. The drive mechanism drives the corrugated section to extend and retract so that the puncturing member approaches or moves away from the easily ruptured membrane at the discharge port.
[0016] The ice cream capsule and ice cream capsule machine provided by this utility model have an opening on the capsule body, through which users can input ice cream liquid into the capsule body; by sealing the end cap at the opening of the capsule body, external contamination of the ice cream liquid or leakage of the ice cream liquid can be prevented; by rotatably mounting the stirring paddle to the end cap and sealing it with the end of the stirring paddle protruding from the end cap to form a connector, the user can manually or mechanically drive the connector to rotate the entire stirring paddle, thereby stirring the ice cream liquid in the capsule body and making the ice cream liquid in the capsule body evenly mixed; each capsule body is equipped with a stirring paddle, which can effectively prevent the mixing or cross-contamination of different flavors of ice cream liquid, ensuring the taste and quality of the ice cream in the later stage and improving the user experience; in addition, this utility model has an easy-break membrane at the discharge port, which makes it convenient for users to process the ice cream liquid in the capsule body, making the operation convenient. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the capsule assembly provided by this utility model;
[0019] Figure 2 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the capsule body provided by this utility model;
[0020] Figure 3 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the capsule body provided by this utility model;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ice cream capsule machine provided by this utility model;
[0022] Figure 5 This is a right view of the ice cream capsule machine provided by this utility model;
[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration component provided by this utility model surrounding the mounting cavity;
[0024] Figure label:
[0025] 10. Ice cream capsule; 1. Capsule body; 11. Opening; 12. Dispensing spout; 13. Tear-resistant membrane; 14. Main body; 15. Transition section; 2. End cap; 3. Stirring paddle;
[0026] 20. Housing; 21. Ice cream outlet; 22. Placement port; 30. Base; 40. Piping; 50. Fixture; 60. Cover plate; 70. Control panel. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0028] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0029] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this utility model.
[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0031] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0032] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.
[0033] The following is combined Figures 1-5 This invention describes the ice cream capsule 10 and the ice cream capsule machine.
[0034] Ice cream capsule 10 is used in ice cream capsule machines. (Reference) Figure 1 The ice cream capsule 10 includes a capsule body 1, an end cap 2, and a stirring paddle 3. The capsule body 1 contains ice cream liquid, and different ice cream capsule bodies 1 can contain different ice cream liquids. The capsule body 1 has an opening 11 and a discharge port 12, and the end cap 2 is sealed at the opening 11. The stirring paddle 3 is rotatably mounted on the end cap 2 and sealed to the end cap. The end of the stirring paddle 3 protrudes from the end cap 2 to form a connector, which is used to connect with a drive component. An easy-break membrane 13 is provided at the discharge port 12.
[0035] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The capsule body 1 is made of food-grade plastic, aluminum foil, or composite materials, and has good sealing properties. The capsule body 1 has a receiving cavity to hold the ice cream mixture. The capsule body 1 has an opening 11 and a discharge port 12. The shapes of the opening 11 and the discharge port 12 are not specifically limited; the opening 11 can be circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. The discharge port 12 can be circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. In one specific embodiment, the opening 11 and the discharge port 12 are located at opposite ends of the capsule body 1. The user can input the ice cream mixture into the capsule body 1 through the opening 11 as needed. A ruptureable membrane 13 is provided at the discharge port 12. The ruptureable membrane 13 provides a sealing function and also facilitates penetration by other components (such as the blades of a stirrer, puncture devices, etc.). The ruptureable membrane 13 includes a food-grade plastic film, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), etc. In one embodiment, the ruptureable membrane 13 is provided on the inner side of the discharge port 12. When the ice cream liquid inside the capsule body 1 cools and forms ice cream, the puncturing component can puncture the fragile membrane 13 at the outlet 12, allowing the ice cream inside the capsule body 1 to flow out from the outlet 12 for the user to enjoy.
[0036] The end cap 2 is sized to match the opening 11. The end cap 2 is a removable sealing cap located at the opening 11 to prevent external contamination of the ice cream mixture or spillage of the ice cream mixture inside the capsule body 1 during storage or transportation. In one embodiment, the end cap 2 can be inserted into the opening 11 of the capsule body 1. When the user needs to close the opening 11, they simply insert the end cap 2 into the opening to form a seal. For easy disassembly, the end cap 2 can be equipped with a snap-fit mechanism, allowing the user to easily install or remove the end cap 2. In another embodiment, the end cap 2 is threaded into the opening 11 of the capsule body 1. Specifically, the edges of the end cap 2 and the opening 11 are threaded, allowing the user to seal or open the capsule by rotating the end cap 2. In one embodiment, a sealing element is provided between the outer edge of the end cap 2 and the inner wall of the opening 11 to improve the sealing between the end cap 2 and the opening 11, effectively isolating the external environment, maintaining the freshness of the ice cream mixture, and thus ensuring the quality of the ice cream produced later.
[0037] The end cap 2 has a mounting hole, through which the stirring paddle 3 is inserted into the capsule body 1. The end of the stirring paddle 3 protrudes from the end cap 2, forming a connector, and the stirring paddle 3 is sealed to the end cap 2. Furthermore, the stirring paddle 3 can rotate around the axis of the mounting hole. The connector of the stirring paddle 3 can be rotated manually or by machine. The stirring paddle 3, located inside the capsule body 1, can stir the ice cream mixture inside the capsule body 1, ensuring thorough mixing and preventing the ice cream mixture from separating or settling. In one embodiment, one of the outer periphery of the stirring paddle 3 and the inner wall surface of the mounting hole has an annular boss, and the other has an annular groove. The stirring paddle 3 can be stably secured by the annular boss and the annular groove, thereby achieving a stable connection between the stirring paddle 3 and the end cap 2. The annular boss can rotate freely around the axis of the mounting hole within the annular groove, preventing loosening or instability during rotation.
[0038] To ensure smooth rotation of the mixing paddle 3, a support component, such as a sliding bearing or bushing, can be installed inside the mounting hole. This reduces friction during smooth rotation, making the paddle 3 rotate more smoothly and extending its service life. Furthermore, the support component prevents excessive heat generation due to friction, thus avoiding any impact on the quality of the ice cream mixture.
[0039] The ice cream capsule provided in this embodiment of the utility model has an opening 11 on the capsule body 1, through which the user can input ice cream liquid into the capsule body 1. By sealing the end cap at the opening 11 of the capsule body 1, external contamination of the ice cream liquid or spillage of the ice cream liquid can be prevented. The stirring paddle 3 is rotatably mounted on the end cap 2 and sealed to the end cap 2, with the end of the stirring paddle 3 protruding from the end cap 2 to form a connector. The user can manually or mechanically drive the connector to rotate the entire stirring paddle 3, thereby stirring the ice cream liquid in the capsule body 1 and making the ice cream liquid in the capsule body 1 evenly mixed. Each capsule body 1 is equipped with a stirring paddle 3, which can effectively prevent the mixing or cross-contamination of ice cream liquids of different flavors, ensuring the taste and quality of the ice cream in the later stage and improving the user experience. In addition, the utility model has a ruptureable membrane 13 at the discharge port 12, which makes it convenient for the user to process the ice cream liquid in the capsule body 1, and the operation is convenient.
[0040] After use, ice cream capsule 10 can be returned to the factory for recycling. It should be noted that all parts of ice cream capsule 10 must be cleaned and sterilized at high temperature before the next use.
[0041] In one embodiment, the connector has a slot, and the slot wall has an elastic locking head. The connector is used to connect with the drive component, which drives the connector to rotate the entire stirring paddle 3. Specifically, the drive end of the drive component has a limiting groove. The elastic locking head has a certain elasticity. When the drive end of the drive component is inserted into the slot, the elastic locking head is compressed and deformed. When the drive component is fully inserted, the limiting groove at the drive end of the drive component corresponds to the elastic locking head, and the elastic locking head returns to its original shape and is inserted into the limiting groove, thereby locking the drive component and ensuring a stable connection. When disassembly is required, a certain force can be applied to deform or slip the elastic locking head, separating the drive component from the connector.
[0042] In one embodiment, the slot is an irregularly shaped groove to prevent loosening or incomplete connection due to incorrect orientation or improper insertion. Irregularly shaped grooves, through differences in shape, size, or structure, ensure a tighter fit between the connector and the drive component, increasing the tensile and torsional strength of the connection, thereby improving the overall system reliability and service life. Furthermore, the irregularly shaped groove design effectively prevents the connector from accidentally detaching during operation, ensuring a secure connection between the drive component and the connector. Irregularly shaped grooves include D-grooves, wedge-shaped grooves, etc.
[0043] In one embodiment, the end cap 2 has a mounting hole, and the shaft of the stirring paddle 3 is inserted into the mounting hole via a rotary seal. Specifically, the rotary seal includes a sealing ring that forms a sealing contact with the inner wall of the mounting hole, thereby effectively preventing leakage of the ice cream mixture. Furthermore, the shaft and the rotary seal are coupled via a bearing or sliding structure to ensure smooth rotation of the stirring paddle 3, reduce friction and wear, and extend the service life of the equipment. The size and shape of the mounting hole precisely match the outer diameter and shape of the rotary seal, ensuring a good sealing effect while facilitating installation and disassembly.
[0044] In one embodiment, the height of the rotary seal is greater than the thickness of the end cap 2, and the rotary seal is protruding on both the inner and outer sides of the end cap 2, which has good sealing performance.
[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the capsule body 1 includes a main body 14 and a transition portion 15. The main body 14 and the transition portion 15 are connected. The cross-sectional area of the transition portion 15 gradually decreases from one end of the transition portion 15 near the main body 14 to the end away from the main body 14. An opening 11 is provided on the end face of the main body 14 away from the transition portion 15, and a discharge port 12 is located on the end face of the transition portion 15 away from the main body 14.
[0046] The cross-sectional area of the transition section 15 gradually decreases from the end of the transition section 15 near the main body 14 to the end away from the main body 14, which helps to guide the ice cream liquid or ice cream in the capsule body 1 to flow to the outlet 12 and avoid the ice cream liquid or ice cream from accumulating in the capsule body 1.
[0047] In this embodiment of the invention, the opening 11 is circular. In one embodiment, the circular opening 11 is located on the end face of the main body 14 away from the transition portion 15. In a specific embodiment, the circular opening 11 is located at the center of this end face, and the stirring paddle 3 is rotatably mounted at the center of the end cap 2. When the end cap 2 is sealed over the opening 11, the stirring paddle 3 is located at the center of the capsule body 1, resulting in more uniform stirring and preventing uneven stirring of the ice cream liquid or mixture inside the capsule, thus improving the stirring effect.
[0048] In this embodiment of the invention, the outlet 12 is circular. In one specific embodiment, the circular outlet 12 is located on the end face of the transition portion 15 away from the main body portion 14. In another specific embodiment, the circular outlet 12 is located at the center of this end face, which facilitates the piercing member to pierce the outlet 12 when the ice cream liquid cools and forms ice cream, so that the ice cream can flow out smoothly.
[0049] The ice cream mixture inside capsule 1 solidifies upon cooling, changing from a liquid to a solid state. This increases its volume; an excessively large volume can damage capsule 1, while a small volume results in waste. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention features graduated lines on the inner wall of capsule 1. The level of the ice cream mixture inside capsule 1 is lower than or equal to these graduated lines, allowing the user to clearly see the level and thus more easily control the amount of ice cream mixture, preventing it from being too much or too little. In one embodiment, the graduated lines can be set at 50%-90% of the volume of capsule 1, such as 50%, 60%, 68%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 82%, or 90% of the volume.
[0050] The filling volume of the ice cream liquid is 50%-90% of the volume of the capsule body 1, such as 50%, 60%, 68%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 82%, 90% of the volume of the capsule body 1.
[0051] This utility model embodiment also provides an ice cream capsule machine, including the ice cream capsule 10 in any of the above embodiments.
[0052] The ice cream capsule machine also includes a housing 20 and a drive unit. The housing 20 has an installation cavity for holding ice cream capsules 10. The drive unit is located inside the housing 20. The drive end of the drive unit is detachably connected to the connector to drive the stirring paddle 3 to rotate and stir the ice cream liquid inside the capsule body 1.
[0053] The housing 20 can be made of stainless steel and has certain heat insulation properties. The housing 20 has an internal mounting cavity whose structure matches the ice cream capsule 10. In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the mounting cavity has a mounting platform with a mounting groove. The end face of the ice cream capsule is mounted in the mounting groove, and the outer wall of the ice cream capsule 10 fits against the inner wall of the mounting cavity, preventing the ice cream capsule 10 from shaking within the cavity and ensuring good stability. The ice cream capsule 10 contains ice cream liquid, and users can replace it with ice cream capsules containing different types of ice cream liquid according to their actual needs. It should be noted that the mounting platform has a through hole, which is coaxially arranged with the outlet. The through hole size is larger than or equal to the outlet size, facilitating the flow of ice cream.
[0054] After the ice cream capsule 10 is installed in the installation cavity, the drive end of the drive component and the connector are detachably connected, such as by snap-fit. The drive component drives the connector to rotate the stirring paddle 3 to stir the ice cream liquid in the ice cream capsule 10, so as to ensure that the ice cream liquid is evenly mixed and has a delicate taste.
[0055] This utility model embodiment constructs an installation cavity within the housing 20, allowing users to replace the ice cream capsules 10 containing different types of ice cream liquid according to different needs. Since each ice cream capsule 10 is equipped with a stirring paddle 3, there is no need to clean the installation cavity, allowing for the production of different flavors of ice cream. This also prevents bacterial growth and ensures high safety.
[0056] In one embodiment, the top surface of the housing 20 is provided with a placement opening 22, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the placement port 22 corresponds to the mounting cavity, allowing the user to easily place the ice cream capsule 10 into the mounting cavity through the placement port 22. The ice cream capsule machine also includes a cover plate 60, which covers the placement port 22 to achieve a seal and ensure the sealing of the refrigeration and stirring processes. In one embodiment, the drive component is connected to the inner wall surface of the cover plate 60; when the ice cream capsule 10 is installed in the mounting cavity, the user can plug and unplug the cover plate 60 to cover the placement port 22, and the drive end of the drive component is detachably connected to the connector of the stirring paddle 3. In a specific embodiment, the inner wall surface of the cover plate 60 is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the drive component, reducing the size of the housing 20, improving structural compactness, and optimizing space utilization. The receiving groove of the cover plate 60 can also be designed with different shapes and structures as needed to accommodate different drive components.
[0057] It should be noted that during use, the driver can be installed together with the ice cream capsule 10 before being placed into the installation cavity.
[0058] The ice cream capsule machine also includes a refrigeration component, which is located inside the housing 20 and surrounds the outer periphery of the mounting cavity. The refrigeration component is used to reduce the temperature of the ice cream liquid inside the capsule body 1, so that it maintains a suitable temperature during the production process and finally freezes to form ice cream.
[0059] Specifically, the refrigeration assembly includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The compressor outlet, condenser, evaporator, and compressor inlet are sequentially connected via pipe 40. At least a portion of pipe 40 surrounds the outer wall of the mounting cavity, and refrigerant circulates within pipe 40. The refrigeration assembly operates through this closed loop, removing heat from the ice cream capsule 10, causing the ice cream mixture to freeze rapidly and form ice cream. In one embodiment, the refrigeration assembly also includes an expansion valve. The inlet of the expansion valve is connected to the outlet of the condenser, and the outlet of the expansion valve is connected to the inlet of the evaporator. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor enters the condenser through pipe 40. After releasing heat in the condenser, the refrigerant becomes liquid. After being depressurized by the expansion valve, the refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid or a two-phase mixture and enters the evaporator. After absorbing heat in the evaporator, the refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas and returns to the compressor through pipe 40, completing one cycle. The entire cycle is closed, and the refrigerant circulates continuously in this closed loop, absorbing and releasing heat through phase change (evaporation and condensation) to achieve a cooling effect, thereby forming ice cream in the ice cream mixture inside the capsule body 1.
[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, the pipes 40 are spirally wound along the height direction of the mounting cavity. During operation, the refrigerant flows continuously within the pipes 40, exchanging heat with the capsule body 1 inside the mounting cavity to achieve cooling. Pipes 40 are installed along the entire height direction of the mounting cavity, making the temperature more uniform and enhancing the freezing effect. In one embodiment, there is a gap between adjacent rows of pipes 40 to optimize airflow and cooling effect, preventing the pipes 40 from becoming overcrowded and reducing cooling efficiency.
[0061] The ice cream capsule machine may also include a fixing member 50, which is located inside the housing 20 and on the outer periphery of the mounting cavity. It matches the mounting cavity and is used to fix the pipe 40, so that the pipe 40 is clamped between the fixing member 50 and the outer wall of the mounting cavity, thereby effectively preventing the pipe 40 from falling or shifting due to vibration or gravity during use, and ensuring the stable operation of the refrigeration system.
[0062] In one embodiment, there are multiple fasteners 50, and the multiple fasteners 50 are arranged at circumferential intervals along the mounting cavity. For example... Figure 6 As shown, there are 6 fasteners 50, but there can also be 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, etc.
[0063] The ice cream capsule machine also includes a puncturing component. The shell 20 is provided with an ice cream outlet 21, and the mounting cavity is provided with a channel communicating with the ice cream outlet 21. Under the action of the refrigeration component, the ice cream liquid in the ice cream capsule 10 is cooled to form ice cream. The puncturing component punctures the easily ruptured membrane 13 at the discharge port 12, and the ice cream in the ice cream capsule 10 flows out through the discharge port, the channel, and the ice cream outlet 21 for the user to enjoy.
[0064] In one specific embodiment, the ice cream capsule machine also includes a drive mechanism, the channel has a corrugated section, the puncture element is fixed to the inner wall of the corrugated section, the drive mechanism is connected to the corrugated section, and the drive mechanism drives the corrugated section to extend or retract so that the puncture element approaches or moves away from the ruptured membrane 13 of the outlet 12.
[0065] Specifically, a corrugated section is located at one end near the outlet 12, and a piercing element is mounted on the inner wall of the corrugated section via a connector. The piercing end of the piercing element faces the outlet. In the initial state, i.e., when the ice cream capsule 10 contains ice cream liquid, there is a gap between the piercing end of the piercing element and the fragile membrane 13 of the outlet 12 to prevent the piercing element from piercing the fragile membrane 13 of the outlet 12 and causing the ice cream liquid to flow out. When the ice cream in the ice cream capsule 10 cools and forms ice cream, the drive mechanism drives the corrugated section to compress towards the outlet 12, and the piercing element gradually approaches the fragile membrane 13 at the outlet 12 until it pierces the fragile membrane 13 at the outlet 12. After piercing, the drive mechanism drives the corrugated section to extend, moving the piercing element away from the outlet 12. Under the action of extrusion pressure, the ice cream in the ice cream capsule 10 enters the channel from the outlet 12 and flows towards the ice cream outlet 21.
[0066] The ice cream capsule machine also includes a controller, and a drive mechanism is connected to the controller. Based on the state inside the ice cream capsule 10, the controller controls the drive mechanism to extend and retract the corrugated section so that the puncture piece moves closer to or away from the fragile film 13 of the outlet 12.
[0067] Both the drive mechanism and the refrigeration component are electrically connected to the controller. During actual operation, with the ice cream capsule 10 installed inside the mounting cavity, the drive component is detachably connected to the connector. The controller controls the drive component to rotate the stirring paddle 3, mixing the ice cream mixture inside the capsule body 1. Simultaneously, it controls the refrigeration component to ensure the ice cream mixture inside the capsule body 1 freezes into ice cream within an appropriate time. Once the ice cream mixture inside the capsule body 1 has frozen into ice cream, the controller controls the drive mechanism to extend and retract the corrugated section, causing the puncture device to move closer to or further away from the easily ruptured membrane 13 at the outlet 12, facilitating the outflow of the ice cream from the capsule body 1 for the user's enjoyment.
[0068] The ice cream capsule machine may also include a switching valve. A switching valve is also provided between the ice cream outlet 21 and the channel of the mounting cavity. The switching valve is used to control the connection and disconnection between the ice cream outlet 21 and the channel. Furthermore, the switching valve is electrically connected to a controller, which automatically or manually controls the opening and closing of the switching valve as needed. In one specific embodiment, the switching valve is located at the ice cream outlet 21, enabling precise control of the timing and speed of ice cream flow, ensuring operational accuracy and smooth flow.
[0069] The ice cream capsule machine may also include a temperature sensor located within the mounting cavity to measure the temperature inside the cavity, i.e., the temperature inside the capsule body 1. Furthermore, the temperature sensor is electrically connected to a controller, which adjusts the operation of the refrigeration components and drive units based on the current temperature obtained by the sensor to ensure optimal freezing and churning of the ice cream mixture. For example, when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature inside the capsule body 1 is lower than the set ice cream making temperature, the controller will stop or slow down the operation of the drive units and appropriately adjust the refrigeration components to promote ice cream freezing.
[0070] The ice cream capsule machine may also include a control panel 70, which is located on the outer wall of the housing 20. The control panel 70 is electrically connected to the controller and can display the operating parameters of the drive components, the operating parameters of the refrigeration components, and the current temperature inside the installation cavity. Additionally, the control panel 70 is equipped with buttons, allowing the user to control the operation of the drive components and the refrigeration components, and to set the target temperature inside the installation cavity. The buttons include touch buttons for intuitive user operation. In one embodiment, the control panel 70 is located on the front wall of the housing 20, such as... Figure 4 As shown, one side of the ice cream outlet 21 is the front wall, and the control panel 70 is usually located above or below the ice cream outlet 21, making it convenient for users to view relevant information and operate it.
[0071] The ice cream capsule machine may also include a pumping unit. The inlet of the pumping unit is connected to the capsule body 1, and the outlet of the pumping unit is connected to the ice cream outlet 21. The pumping unit generates sufficient pressure to accelerate the pumping of ice cream from the capsule body 1 to the ice cream outlet 21 for the user to consume. Furthermore, the pumping unit is electrically connected to a controller, which can control the operation of the pumping unit according to user needs and settings.
[0072] The ice cream capsule machine may also include a base 30, which is connected to the housing 20 and located below the ice cream outlet 21 for holding ice cream cups. The base 30 is also designed to prevent the ice cream cups from slipping, ensuring smooth flow of ice cream into the cups. For example, an anti-slip mat or a grid can be provided on the placement surface of the base 30 to increase friction. In one embodiment, the base 30 is connected to the side wall of the housing 20, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the ice cream outlet 21 is located between the bottom surface of the ice cream outlet 21 and the shell 20, such as in the middle between the ice cream outlet 21 and the bottom surface of the shell 20, which reduces the distance between the ice cream outlet 21 and the ice cream cup, further ensuring the stability and accuracy of the ice cream flow.
[0073] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. An ice cream capsule, characterized in that, include: The capsule body comprises an end cap and a stirring paddle. The capsule body contains ice cream liquid and has an opening and a discharge port. The end cap is a sealing cap located at the opening. The stirring paddle is rotatably mounted on the end cap and is sealed to the end cap. The end of the stirring paddle protrudes from the end cap to form a connector. The discharge port is provided with a ruptureable membrane.
2. The ice cream capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector is provided with a slot, and the slot wall has an elastic retainer.
3. The ice cream capsule according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slot is an irregularly shaped slot.
4. The ice cream capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap is provided with a mounting hole, and the shaft of the agitator is inserted into the mounting hole through a rotary seal.
5. The ice cream capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capsule body includes a main body and a transition section, which are connected. The cross-sectional area of the transition section gradually decreases from one end of the transition section near the main body to the end away from the transition section. The opening is located on the end face of the main body away from the transition section, and the discharge port is located on the end face of the transition section away from the main body.
6. The ice cream capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice cream liquid filling volume is 50% to 90% of the volume of the capsule body.
7. An ice cream capsule machine, characterized in that, The device includes the ice cream capsule as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, and further includes a shell and a drive member, wherein the shell has an installation cavity for holding the ice cream capsule; the drive member is disposed within the shell, and the drive end of the drive member is detachably connected to the connector to drive the stirring paddle to rotate.
8. The ice cream capsule machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a cooling component, which is disposed within the housing and surrounds the outer periphery of the mounting cavity.
9. The ice cream capsule machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a puncturing element, the housing is provided with an ice cream outlet, the mounting cavity is provided with a channel communicating with the ice cream outlet, and the puncturing element is used to puncture the fragile membrane of the outlet after the ice cream liquid in the capsule body is cooled and formed into ice cream, so that the ice cream flows out from the ice cream outlet.
10. The ice cream capsule machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a drive mechanism, the channel has a corrugated section, the puncturing element is fixed to the inner wall of the corrugated section, and the drive mechanism drives the corrugated section to extend or retract so that the puncturing element moves closer to or away from the fragile membrane at the discharge port.