An ice cream machine that is easy to clean

Abstract

The application discloses an ice cream machine convenient to clean, which comprises a machine body, a refrigeration container and a drainage pipeline, wherein the drainage pipeline is configured to be capable of discharging liquid of the refrigeration container; the ice cream machine further comprises a cleaning mechanism arranged on the machine body, the cleaning mechanism comprises a cleaning water supply device and a liquid collecting device, the cleaning water supply device is configured to supply cleaning water to the refrigeration container; the liquid collecting device is provided with an open top, and a water outlet end of the drainage pipeline is located above the open top, so that liquid discharged by the drainage pipeline enters the liquid collecting device through the open top; wherein the drainage pipeline supplies cleaning water to the refrigeration container, and the cleaning water is discharged into the liquid collecting device through the drainage pipeline after cleaning the refrigeration container; compared with the prior art, the scheme can realize efficient supply of cleaning water and orderly collection of waste liquid during the cleaning process of the ice cream machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of food machinery, and in particular to an ice cream machine that is easy to clean. 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] Currently, ice cream machines on the market typically consist of a main body and a refrigeration container. Their core function is to freeze and churn ingredients in the refrigeration container to make ice cream. During use, ice cream machines accumulate dirt and residue, requiring regular cleaning. However, traditional ice cream machines present several inconveniences in terms of cleaning and maintenance. While the churning components can be removed for cleaning, the refrigeration container cannot be removed, making cleaning it difficult.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides an easy-to-clean ice cream machine, designed to simplify the cleaning process, improve cleaning effectiveness, and facilitate wastewater discharge.

[0006] This application provides an easy-to-clean ice cream machine, including a body, a refrigeration container, and a drain pipe, wherein the drain pipe is configured to drain liquid from the refrigeration container; The ice cream machine further includes a cleaning mechanism disposed on the machine body, the cleaning mechanism comprising: A cleaning water supply device configured to supply cleaning water to the refrigeration container; and A liquid collection device has an opening at the top, and the outlet end of the drain pipe is located above the opening, so that the liquid discharged from the drain pipe enters the liquid collection device through the opening; The drain pipe delivers cleaning water to the refrigeration container, and after cleaning the refrigeration container, the cleaning water is discharged into the liquid collection device via the drain pipe.

[0007] 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.

[0008] Optionally, the outlet of the drainage pipe is located at the rear of the machine body; The liquid collection device is attached to the rear side of the machine body and fixed to the machine body.

[0009] Optionally, the liquid collection device includes: Mounting bracket, which is fixedly attached to the body; and A liquid collection tank body, which is fixed to the mounting bracket, the liquid collection tank body having a liquid collection tank and the opening located at the top of the liquid collection tank.

[0010] Optionally, the liquid collection device further includes a guide plate formed by its own bending, the guide plate comprising; The main body covers the top of the mounting bracket and has an opening that mates with the opening; and The guide section extends away from the main body and is fixedly attached to the body.

[0011] Optionally, the cleaning water supply device is disposed on the mounting bracket.

[0012] Optionally, the cleaning water supply device includes a water outlet and a connecting pipe connected to the water outlet; The mounting bracket has a through hole that mates with the connecting pipe, allowing the water outlet to move relative to the mounting bracket.

[0013] Optionally, the cleaning mechanism further includes: A faucet, configured on the mounting bracket, wherein the faucet's outlet is positioned above the opening; and / or A partition is disposed within the liquid collection tank.

[0014] Optionally, the number of the refrigeration containers is multiple; There are multiple drainage pipes, and each drainage pipe is matched with a corresponding refrigeration container. The outlet ends of the plurality of drainage pipes are arranged along a first direction, and the opening extends along the first direction.

[0015] Optionally, the liquid collection device includes at least one liquid collection tank, and each of the liquid collection tanks is arranged along the first direction.

[0016] Optionally, the ice cream machine further includes a sealing rod, which is detachably disposed within the drain pipe; When the sealing rod is inserted into the drain pipe, it will push out the residue inside the drain pipe.

[0017] This application discloses an ice cream machine that is easy to clean. The coordinated structure of the cleaning water supply device and the liquid collection device effectively overcomes the shortcomings of traditional ice cream machines, such as cumbersome cleaning and inconvenient waste liquid treatment. This allows the ice cream machine to achieve both efficient supply of cleaning water and orderly collection of waste liquid during the cleaning process. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an easy-to-clean ice cream machine according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ice cream machine, omitting part of the sealing rod; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a medium-sized ice cream machine omitting the cleaning mechanism and the transparent cover; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the stirring device; Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism with some parts omitted.

[0019] The annotations in the figure are explained as follows: 100. Ice cream machine; 10. Body; 20. Refrigeration container; 21. Receiving cavity; 22. Bottom wall; 23. Side wall; 24. Transparent cover; 25. Drain hole; 30. Drainage pipe; 301. Water outlet; 31. Sealing rod; 40. Cleaning mechanism; 41. Cleaning water supply device; 42. Liquid collection device; 421. Opening; 422. Mounting bracket; 423. Liquid collection tank body; 424. Liquid collection tank; 43. Guide plate; 431. Main body; 432. Guide part; 44. Water outlet; 45. Connecting pipe; 46. Faucet; 47. Partition plate; 48. Manifold; 50. Stirring device. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this application provides an easy-to-clean ice cream machine 100, including a body 10, a refrigeration container 20, and a drain pipe 30. The drain pipe 30 is configured to discharge liquid from the refrigeration container 20. The ice cream machine 100 also includes a cleaning mechanism 40 disposed on the body 10. The cleaning mechanism 40 includes a cleaning water supply device 41 and a liquid collection device 42. The cleaning water supply device 41 is configured to supply cleaning water to the refrigeration container 20. The liquid collection device 42 has an opening 421 at the top. The outlet end 301 of the drain pipe 30 is located above the opening 421, so that the liquid discharged from the drain pipe 30 enters the liquid collection device 42 through the opening 421. The drain pipe 30 supplies cleaning water to the refrigeration container 20. After cleaning the refrigeration container 20, the cleaning water is discharged into the liquid collection device 42 through the drain pipe 30.

[0024] The coordinated structure of the cleaning water supply device 41 and the liquid collection device 42 effectively overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional ice cream machine 100, such as cumbersome cleaning and inconvenient waste liquid treatment. This allows the ice cream machine 100 to achieve both efficient supply of cleaning water and orderly collection of waste liquid during the cleaning process.

[0025] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the structure of the body 10 is not strictly limited, as long as the body 10 can support the refrigeration container 20 and the cleaning mechanism 40, etc.; for example, the structure of the body 10 is a frame structure. The body 10 has a front side and a rear side opposite to the front side. The front side of the body 10 is the side facing the consumer when the ice cream machine 100 is in use; the rear side of the body 10 is the side facing the operator when the ice cream machine 100 is in use.

[0026] In this embodiment, as Figures 3 to 4As shown, the refrigeration container 20 is generally cylindrical in structure; the refrigeration container 20 has an open receiving cavity 21. The refrigeration container 20 includes a bottom wall 22 and a side wall 23; the bottom wall 22 and the side wall 23 form the receiving cavity 21; the bottom wall 22 is generally plate-shaped; the side wall 23 has a cylindrical structure, with one end of the side wall 23 open along its own axis to form an opening, and the other end connected to the bottom wall 22. The opening edge of the refrigeration container 20 has a flange; a through hole is opened on the top of the body 10 corresponding to the refrigeration container 20, and the refrigeration container 20 is embedded in the through hole of the body 10, with its flange overlapping the top surface of the body 10.

[0027] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the ice cream machine 100 also includes a transparent cover 24 that can be placed over the opening of the refrigeration container 20; the user can view the ice cream inside the refrigeration container 20 through the transparent cover 24. The transparent cover 24 can be made of glass or plastic; the transparent cover 24 is rotatably mounted on the machine body 10 via a pivot or other means.

[0028] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the refrigeration container 20 has a drain hole 25, and the water inlet end of the drain pipe 30 is connected to the drain hole 25. The drain hole 25 is located at the connection between the bottom wall 22 and the side wall 23 of the refrigeration container 20, so that the liquid in the cleaning cavity 21 can be drained as completely as possible, reducing the residue of cleaning water.

[0029] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the outlet 301 of the drain pipe 30 is located at the rear of the body 10. The channel inside the drain pipe 30 is arranged in a straight line, and the inlet and outlet 301 of the drain pipe 30 are roughly horizontal, which allows the cleaning water to flow smoothly out of the drain pipe 30 and avoids accumulation in the drain pipe 30.

[0030] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the drain pipe 30 is a slender cylindrical pipe. The drain pipe 30 is made of metal, which provides good structural strength and makes it less prone to bending and deformation. The drain pipe 30 and the refrigeration container 20 are integrally formed to enhance the structural strength of both and reduce the complexity of their manufacturing processes. Specifically, both the drain pipe 30 and the refrigeration container 20 are metal components, welded together as one piece.

[0031] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the ice cream machine 100 also includes a sealing rod 31, which is detachably disposed within the drain pipe 30. When the sealing rod 31 is inserted into the drain pipe 30, it pushes out any residue within the drain pipe 30, thereby further cleaning the drain pipe 30. The length of the sealing rod 31 is not less than the length of the drain pipe 30 to ensure that the sealing rod 31 can be inserted into the drain hole 25.

[0032] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the sealing rod 31 is a long rod. When the sealing rod 31 blocks the drain pipe 30, it is inserted from the outlet end 301 of the drain pipe 30 to the drain hole 25 of the refrigeration container 20. This prevents ice cream from entering the drain pipe 30 during the ice cream making process and causing blockage. Furthermore, after the cleaning wastewater is discharged, the insertion of the sealing rod 31 will push out any residual wastewater and ice cream residue in the drain pipe 30, preventing residual wastewater from remaining in the drain pipe 30 for a long time, causing it to rot, smell, breed bacteria, contaminate the ice cream, and cause food safety issues. The sealing rod 31 includes a cylindrical rod body and a handle connected to the outer end of the rod body. The handle is for the user to grip and insert / remove the sealing rod 31.

[0033] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the ice cream machine 100 also includes a stirring device 50, which includes a stirring paddle and a drive motor. The stirring paddle is disposed inside the refrigeration container 20; the drive motor is configured to drive the stirring paddle. During the ice cream making process, the drive motor drives the stirring paddle to rotate, stirring the ice cream ingredients in the refrigeration container 20, ensuring uniform cooling during the refrigeration process, avoiding local freezing or uneven texture, thereby guaranteeing the smooth texture and good quality of the ice cream. The drive motor can drive the stirring paddle through a reducer or other means to enable the drive motor to drive the stirring paddle to rotate. Moreover, during the drainage process, the rotation of the stirring paddle 5 can drive the cleaning wastewater to rotate, generating centrifugal force. Driven by centrifugal force, the cleaning wastewater can be discharged from the drain pipe 3 more quickly, making the cleaning of the refrigeration container 20 more convenient.

[0034] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, there are multiple refrigeration containers 20; there are multiple drain pipes 30, each drain pipe 30 cooperating with a corresponding refrigeration container 20; the water outlets 301 of the multiple drain pipes 30 are arranged along a first direction, and the openings 421 extend along the first direction to accommodate the cleaning needs of multiple refrigeration containers 20. The water outlets 301 are located on the same side, allowing the user to operate the drainage of cleaning water from all refrigeration containers 20 from the same side without having to walk to other sides of the machine body 10, which facilitates user operation.

[0035] Specifically, there are two groups of refrigeration containers 20, which are spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Within each group, the refrigeration containers 20 are spaced apart along the first direction. The number of refrigeration containers 20 in each group is not strictly limited; for example, the number of refrigeration containers 20 in each group can be one, two, three, four, or more. Both the first and second directions are horizontal.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 as well as Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the design of the top opening 421 of the liquid collection device 42 ensures smooth and unobstructed drainage, while also ensuring that all discharged cleaning water is effectively collected, maintaining a clean working environment and facilitating subsequent waste disposal or reuse. The liquid collection device 42 is attached to and fixed to the rear side of the machine body 10, effectively utilizing the rear space of the ice cream machine 100, ensuring the compactness of the overall structure and reducing the floor space. The close-fitting arrangement of the liquid collection device 42 minimizes the gap between the liquid collection device 42 and the machine body 10, preventing cleaning water from flowing into the gap between the liquid collection device 42 and the machine body 10.

[0037] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 as well as Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the liquid collection device 42 includes at least one liquid collection tank 424, and the liquid collection tanks 424 are arranged along a first direction; the outlet end 301 of each drain pipe is located above the corresponding liquid collection tank 424 to ensure that the cleaning fluid flows into the liquid collection tank 424. The number of liquid collection tanks 424 can be adjusted according to actual needs; for example, the number of liquid collection tanks 424 is 1, 2, 3, or 4 or more.

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 as well as Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the liquid collection device 42 includes a mounting bracket 422 and a liquid collection tank body 423. The mounting bracket 422 is fixedly connected to the machine body 10; the liquid collection tank body 423 is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 422, and has a liquid collection tank 424 and an opening 421 at the top of the liquid collection tank 424. The mounting bracket 422 secures the liquid collection device 42 to the machine body 10, ensuring the stability and reliability of the liquid collection device 42 during the operation of the ice cream machine 100. A manifold 48 is provided below the liquid collection tank body 423, which can drain the liquid from the liquid collection tank 424.

[0039] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 as well as Figures 5 to 6As shown, the liquid collection device 42 also includes a guide plate 43 formed by its own bending. The guide plate 43 includes a main body 431 and a guide part 432. The main body 431 covers the top of the mounting frame 422 and has an opening that mates with the opening 421. The guide part 432 extends away from the main body 431 and is fixedly attached to the body 10. The guide plate 43 can guide the cleaning water to flow more smoothly into the liquid collection tank 424, ensuring that the liquid flowing from the drain pipe 30 can be accurately and smoothly introduced into the liquid collection tank 424. The main body 431 is fixed to the mounting frame 422 by welding or screws; the guide part 432 is fixed to the body 10 by welding or screws.

[0040] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 as well as Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the cleaning water supply device 41 can be configured on the mounting bracket 422, which facilitates the installation and removal of the cleaning water supply device 41 and avoids the problem of the cleaning water supply device 41 occupying additional internal or external space of the ice cream machine 100.

[0041] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 as well as Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the cleaning water supply device 41 includes a water outlet 44 and a connecting pipe 45 connected to the water outlet; the mounting bracket 422 has a through hole that mates with the connecting pipe 45 so that the water outlet 44 can move relative to the mounting bracket 422, thereby allowing the position of the water outlet 44 to be flexibly adjusted to meet the cleaning needs of different refrigeration containers 20.

[0042] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 as well as Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the cleaning mechanism 40 also includes a faucet 46, which is mounted on the mounting bracket 422. The outlet of the faucet 46 is positioned above the opening 421; this design allows cleaning water to flow directly and accurately into the collection tank 424 for cleaning. The faucet 46 can be used to clean disassembled components such as the agitator. The faucet 46 is a continuous-flow faucet.

[0043] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 3 as well as Figures 5 to 6 As shown, the cleaning mechanism 40 also includes a partition 47 disposed within the liquid collection tank 424, which divides the liquid collection tank 424 into multiple partition chambers. The number of partitions 47 is at least one; for example, the number of partitions 47 is one, two, three, or four or more.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are quite specific and detailed. However, 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 this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An easy-to-clean ice cream machine, comprising a body, a refrigeration container, and a drain pipe, wherein the drain pipe is configured to drain liquid from the refrigeration container; characterized in that: The ice cream machine further includes a cleaning mechanism disposed on the machine body, the cleaning mechanism comprising: A cleaning water supply device configured to supply cleaning water to the refrigeration container; and A liquid collection device has an opening at the top, and the outlet end of the drain pipe is located above the opening, so that the liquid discharged from the drain pipe enters the liquid collection device through the opening; The drain pipe delivers cleaning water to the refrigeration container, and after cleaning the refrigeration container, the cleaning water is discharged into the liquid collection device via the drain pipe.

2. The ice cream machine that is easy to clean according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the drainage pipe is located at the rear of the machine body; The liquid collection device is attached to the rear side of the machine body and fixed to the machine body.

3. The ice cream machine that is easy to clean according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid collection device includes: Mounting bracket, which is fixedly attached to the body; and A liquid collection tank body, which is fixed to the mounting bracket, the liquid collection tank body having a liquid collection tank and the opening located at the top of the liquid collection tank.

4. The ice cream machine that is easy to clean according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid collection device also includes a guide plate formed by its own bending, the guide plate comprising; The main body covers the top of the mounting bracket and has an opening that mates with the opening; as well as The guide section extends away from the main body and is fixedly attached to the body.

5. An easy-to-clean ice cream machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning water supply device is mounted on the mounting frame.

6. An easy-to-clean ice cream machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cleaning water supply device includes a water outlet and a connecting pipe connected to the water outlet. The mounting bracket has a through hole that mates with the connecting pipe, allowing the water outlet to move relative to the mounting bracket.

7. An easy-to-clean ice cream machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning mechanism also includes: A faucet, configured on the mounting bracket, wherein the faucet's outlet is positioned above the opening; and / or A partition is disposed within the liquid collection tank.

8. An easy-to-clean ice cream machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the refrigeration containers is multiple; There are multiple drainage pipes, and each drainage pipe is matched with a corresponding refrigeration container. The outlet ends of the plurality of drainage pipes are arranged along a first direction, and the opening extends along the first direction.

9. An easy-to-clean ice cream machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The liquid collection device includes at least one liquid collection tank, and the liquid collection tanks are arranged along the first direction.

10. An easy-to-clean ice cream machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ice cream machine also includes a sealing rod, which is detachably disposed within the drain pipe; When the sealing rod is inserted into the drain pipe, it will push out the residue inside the drain pipe.

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