The application discloses a one-way valve mounting structure for an ice cream machine expansion system and an ice cream machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses an easy to dismantle and wash maintenance's one -way valve mounting structure for ice -cream machine expansion system and ice -cream machine, including one -way valve, one -way valve is installed in a plug -in groove body inside, the plug -in groove body sets up on the feed flange of ice -cream machine evaporation jar, the plug -in groove body has a recess and an air inlet end with the one -way valve appearance match, the recess front wall of plug -in groove body communicates the expansion air inlet hole on feed flange, the recess rear wall of plug -in groove body is set up with a plug -in groove body air inlet hole, the plug -in groove body air inlet hole communicates the air inlet end, the air inlet end is connected gas pump through the air pipe, the air outlet of one -way valve is communicated with expansion air inlet hole through the first elastic sealing piece of hollow, and the air inlet of one -way valve is communicated with the plug -in groove body air inlet hole through the second elastic sealing piece of hollow. The utility model can solve the health safety hidden danger of expansion air pipe line thoroughly, improve the food safety of ice -cream.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ice cream extrusion technology, specifically to an easy-to-disassemble, clean, and maintain one-way valve installation structure for an ice cream machine extrusion system and an ice cream machine. Background Technology

[0002] The evaporation cylinder of an ice cream machine, also known as the refrigeration cylinder or freezing cylinder, is the main structure for making ice cream. Inside the evaporation cylinder, ice cream ingredients are churned and cooled to form ice cream. The working principle of the ice cream machine's overfilling system is to inject air into the evaporation cylinder, allowing the ice cream ingredients to mix evenly with the air during the churning and cooling process, achieving an overfilling effect. Overfilling is a key step that determines the taste and quality of ice cream.

[0003] Traditional overrunning methods primarily control the overrun of ice cream by directly inserting an overrunning tube into the feed inlet. While simple and easy to clean, this method results in poor overrunning, typically achieving only around 20%, and the overrun is not adjustable. To improve the overrun, a common method now is to use a mechanical pump to inject air into the evaporation cylinder. Because the flow rate of a mechanical pump is adjustable and the start-stop time is easy to control, the overrun of ice cream can be controlled within the range of 25% to 40%.

[0004] Chinese Patent No. CN207692899U, entitled "A Controllable Simple Ice Cream Extrusion Device and Ice Cream Machine," discloses a commonly used mechanical pump-type extrusion system, including an air pump, a hose, and a one-way valve. In existing technology, the one-way valve is often fixedly installed on the inlet flange of the evaporating cylinder, with the valve's outlet connected to the interior of the evaporating cylinder, and the inlet connected to the air pump via a hose. This type of structure has the following technical defects in practical applications:

[0005] 1. Hygiene and safety hazards: After the ice cream machine is stopped, the residual liquid in the evaporator can easily flow back into the air passage between the puffing air inlet and the one-way valve. The internal area of ​​this passage cannot be thoroughly cleaned, and the residual liquid can easily breed bacteria, leading to food hygiene and safety risks, which does not meet the requirements of GB 4789.2-2022 "National Food Safety Standard for Microbiological Examination of Food - Determination of Total Colony Count" and other standards.

[0006] 2. Pipe blockage issue: The liquid returned to the area between the overrun air inlet and the one-way valve gradually dries during ice cream machine downtime, forming solid residue that adheres to the inner wall of the pipes and the one-way valve core. With increased use, the accumulation of residue leads to airway blockage, preventing the air pump from effectively entering the evaporator, directly impairing the ice cream machine's overrun effect, reducing the overrun ratio, and making the ice cream harder. In severe cases, it is necessary to disassemble the entire inlet flange and airway pipes for cleaning.

[0007] 3. Check valves are usually fixed to the feed flange by pipe insertion, threaded connection or welding. The disassembly and installation steps are complicated and require professional tools and technicians to operate. This not only results in high maintenance costs, but also long maintenance time and low efficiency.

[0008] 4. Insufficient compatibility of check valves: The installation structure of check valves in ice cream machines from different manufacturers varies greatly, making it difficult to achieve universal interchangeability. Utility Model Content

[0009] One of the purposes of this utility model is to provide an easy-to-disassemble, clean, and maintain one-way valve installation structure for the overfilling system of an ice cream machine, which can completely solve the hygiene and safety hazards of the overfilling air intake pipeline and improve the food safety of ice cream.

[0010] One of the objectives of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions.

[0011] A one-way valve mounting structure for an easily disassembled, cleaned, and maintained ice cream machine overfilling system includes a one-way valve installed inside a plug-in slot. The plug-in slot is located on the feed flange of the ice cream machine's evaporation cylinder. The plug-in slot has a groove matching the shape of the one-way valve and an air inlet end. The front wall of the groove of the plug-in slot is connected to an overfilling air inlet hole on the feed flange. The rear wall of the groove of the plug-in slot has an air inlet hole connected to the air inlet end. The air inlet end is connected to an air pump via an air inlet pipe. The air outlet of the one-way valve is connected to the overfilling air inlet hole through a hollow first elastic seal, and the air inlet of the one-way valve is connected to the air inlet hole of the plug-in slot through a hollow second elastic seal.

[0012] This invention features a plug-in groove on the feed flange of the evaporator cylinder. A one-way valve assembly, consisting of a one-way valve, a first elastic seal, and a second elastic seal, is constructed. Both the first and second elastic seals are elastomers, ensuring both airtightness and ease of assembly and disassembly. The one-way valve assembly is detachably installed within the plug-in groove, connecting its inlet end to the expansion air inlet on the feed flange to form a one-way air intake passage. The disassembled one-way valve assembly can be reused after cleaning and disinfection. Furthermore, after disassembly, the expansion air inlet on the feed flange is fully exposed, facilitating cleaning and maintenance. Therefore, this invention enables thorough cleaning and disinfection of the one-way valve and expansion air inlet, completely solving the problem of uncleanable piping upstream of the one-way valve and effectively ensuring the hygiene and safety of ice cream products.

[0013] This utility model also has the following preferred designs:

[0014] To facilitate the disassembly of the one-way valve, a pull ring is fitted onto the main body of the one-way valve. The inner end of the pull ring is a circular ring fitted onto the main body of the one-way valve, and the outer end of the pull ring is a handle. By pulling the handle, the one-way valve assembly can be disassembled. The pull ring can rotate around the main body of the one-way valve. A locking structure can be added to the pull ring to fix the locking structure to the insertion slot by rotation, preventing the one-way valve from loosening due to vibration during the operation of the ice cream machine.

[0015] As another feasible implementation, a sealing component for fixing the one-way valve is provided at the slot of the insertion groove. This sealing component can prevent dust from entering and fix the one-way valve, preventing the one-way valve from becoming loose due to the vibration of the ice cream machine during operation.

[0016] As a preferred design of this utility model, the sealing component is a plug, which is fixed at the opening of the insertion groove by means of a pin connection, magnetic adsorption connection or snap-on connection.

[0017] As a preferred design of this utility model, a disassembly hole is provided on the side wall of the insertion slot, through which the one-way valve installed in the insertion slot can be pushed out, making disassembly more convenient and quick.

[0018] The one-way valve of this invention is a duckbill type one-way valve or a diaphragm type one-way valve, and the opening pressure of its valve core is adapted according to the expansion pressure requirements of ice cream.

[0019] The first and second elastic sealing elements of this invention are food-grade silicone parts, but other elastic airtight parts that meet food-grade safety requirements can also be used as substitutes.

[0020] The one-way valve of this invention is connected to an intake pressure sensor or a flow sensor, which can monitor the intake pressure or flow rate in the expansion intake passage, making it easier to detect intake abnormalities and thus enabling more timely cleaning and maintenance.

[0021] The second objective of this invention is to provide an ice cream machine that improves the ease of disassembling and installing the one-way valve.

[0022] The second objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a one-way valve assembly is formed by combining the one-way valve, the first elastic seal, and the second elastic seal. The ice cream machine is provided with a guide component, which has a guide hole facing the groove on the insertion slot. A long-handled pull ring is fitted onto the body of the one-way valve, and the inner end of the long-handled pull ring is a ring fitted onto the body of the one-way valve. The side plate of the ice cream machine housing has a mounting hole corresponding to the guide hole on the guide component. The long-handled pull ring and the one-way valve assembly are installed in the groove of the insertion slot through the mounting hole and the guide hole, and the outer end of the long-handled pull ring protrudes outside the mounting hole.

[0023] The ice cream machine of this utility model is equipped with a long handle pull ring and a guide component. The long handle pull ring can control the one-way valve assembly to be installed into the insertion slot body along the guide hole of the guide component; conversely, pulling the long handle pull ring outward can disassemble the one-way valve assembly and remove it from the ice cream machine, which is convenient for cleaning and maintenance of the one-way valve.

[0024] The guide component of this invention is fixedly installed on the bracket inside the ice cream machine and / or fixedly installed on the side panel of the ice cream machine.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] 1. The one-way valve of this utility model is easy to disassemble, and the one-way valve and the puffing air inlet on the feed flange can be fully exposed, realizing thorough cleaning and disinfection without dead corners, avoiding the growth of bacteria from residual liquid, and completely solving the hygiene and safety hazards of the puffing air inlet pipeline, thus improving the hygiene and safety of ice cream products.

[0027] 2. Because the one-way valve of this utility model is easy to disassemble, clean and maintain, and convenient for regular cleaning and replacement, it can reduce the chance of blockage in the puffing air intake passage, ensure the puffing effect of the ice cream machine, and thus effectively guarantee the taste and quality of the ice cream.

[0028] 3. The maintenance convenience of this utility model is significantly improved. It consists of a one-way valve and two elastic seals, which can be installed and disassembled by plugging and unplugging. There is no need to disassemble the feed flange of the evaporator cylinder. Ordinary users can complete the disassembly and installation of the one-way valve within a few minutes.

[0029] 4. Because the one-way valve of this utility model is an independent structure and is installed outside the feed flange of the evaporator cylinder, the one-way valve can be directly applied to new and old ice cream machines as an upgrade component of the ice cream machine without the need for large-scale modification of the ice cream machine, reducing the upgrade cost for enterprises. In addition, the one-way valve is easier to achieve universal interchangeability and has strong compatibility.

[0030] 5. The ice cream machine of this utility model, by setting a long-handled pull ring and guide components, can realize the installation and disassembly of the one-way valve assembly without disassembling the outer shell of the ice cream machine, further improving the maintenance efficiency of the one-way valve. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the front of the installation structure of a one-way valve for an ice cream machine extrusion system that is easy to disassemble, clean and maintain according to this utility model.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the back of the mounting structure of a one-way valve for an ice cream machine's overfilling system that is easy to disassemble, clean, and maintain.

[0033] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the installation structure of a one-way valve for an ice cream machine's overfilling system that is easy to disassemble, clean, and maintain.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a feed flange with a plug-in groove according to the present invention, showing the expanded air inlet hole on the feed flange;

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the feed flange from another angle, showing the air inlet of the insert groove on the rear wall of the insert groove.

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the back of the feed flange, showing the disassembly holes on the insertion slot body;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of the one-way valve of this utility model in the insertion groove body. The first elastic seal and the second elastic seal have been removed.

[0038] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of part A;

[0039] Figure 9 This is an assembly structure diagram of a one-way valve assembly and a pull ring used in this utility model;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the usage status of the one-way valve installation structure for the easily disassembled, cleaned, and maintained ice cream machine extrusion system of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 11 This is an external structural diagram of an ice cream machine according to this utility model;

[0042] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Enlarged view of part B;

[0043] Figure 13yes Figure 11 Internal structure diagram of an ice cream machine with its side panel removed;

[0044] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Enlarged view of part C;

[0045] Figure 15 This is an assembly structure diagram of the long-handled pull ring and one-way valve assembly of this utility model;

[0046] Figure 16 yes Figure 11 A structural diagram of the internal components of an ice cream machine related to the one-way valve assembly.

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Feed flange; 11. Expansion air inlet; 2. Insertion slot; 21. Air inlet end; 22. Disassembly hole; 23. Air inlet of insertion slot; 3. One-way valve assembly; 31. One-way valve; 32. First elastic seal; 33. Second elastic seal; 4. Pull ring; 4a. Long-handled pull ring; 5. Evaporation cylinder; 6. Air inlet pipe; 7. Air pump; 8. Ice cream machine; 81. Side plate; 82. Bracket; 9. Guide component; 91. Guide hole. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] Please see Figures 1 to 9 A one-way valve mounting structure for an easily disassembled and maintained ice cream machine overfilling system includes a one-way valve 31, which is installed inside a plug-in groove 2. The plug-in groove 2 is located on the feed flange 1 of the ice cream machine's evaporation cylinder. The plug-in groove 2 has a groove matching the shape of the one-way valve 31 and an air inlet end 21. The front wall of the groove of the plug-in groove 2 is connected to the overfilling air inlet hole 11 on the feed flange 1, and the rear wall of the groove of the plug-in groove 2 has a plug-in groove air inlet hole 23, which is connected to the air inlet end 21. Figure 10 As shown, the feed flange 1 is fixedly connected to the evaporation cylinder 5, the air inlet end 21 is connected to the air pump 7 through the air inlet pipe 6, the air outlet of the one-way valve 31 is connected to the expansion air inlet 11 through the hollow first elastic seal 32, and the air inlet of the one-way valve 31 is connected to the insertion slot air inlet 23 through the hollow second elastic seal 33, thus forming a complete expansion air inlet passage.

[0051] In this embodiment, the one-way valve 31, the first elastic seal 32, and the second elastic seal 33 constitute a one-way valve assembly 3. To facilitate the disassembly of the one-way valve 31, a pull ring 4 is fitted onto the main body of the one-way valve 31. The inner end of the pull ring 4 is a ring fitted onto the main body of the one-way valve 31, and the outer end of the pull ring 4 is a handle. By pulling the handle 4, the one-way valve assembly 3 can be disassembled. The pull ring 4 can rotate around the main body of the one-way valve 31. A locking structure can be added to the pull ring 4 to fix the locking structure to the insertion slot 2 by rotation, preventing the one-way valve 31 from becoming loose due to vibration during the operation of the ice cream machine.

[0052] In order to further reduce the difficulty of disassembling the one-way valve 31, a disassembly hole 22 is provided on the side wall of the insertion slot 2 in this embodiment, through which the one-way valve 31 installed in the insertion slot 2 can be pushed out.

[0053] In this embodiment, the one-way valve 31 is an independent component. It can be a duckbill type one-way valve or a diaphragm type one-way valve in the prior art. The opening pressure of its valve core is adapted according to the expansion pressure requirements of ice cream. Generally, the valve core opening pressure is 0.1MPa to 0.3MPa.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first elastic seal 32 and the second elastic seal 33 are food-grade silicone parts, but other elastic airtight parts that meet food-grade safety requirements can also be used as substitutes.

[0055] In this embodiment, the one-way valve 31 is also connected to an intake pressure sensor or a flow sensor, which can monitor the intake pressure or intake flow in the expansion intake passage, making it easier to detect intake abnormalities and thus achieve more timely cleaning and maintenance.

[0056] As an alternative to this embodiment, the pull ring 4 can be omitted. A sealing assembly for fixing the one-way valve 31 is provided at the opening of the insertion slot 2. This sealing assembly can prevent dust from entering and also fix the one-way valve, preventing the one-way valve from loosening due to vibration during the operation of the ice cream machine. The sealing assembly is preferably a plug, which is fixed at the opening of the insertion slot 2 by means of a pin connection, magnetic adsorption connection, or snap-on connection.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] This embodiment provides an ice cream machine, such as Figures 11 to 16As shown, a one-way valve assembly 3 is formed by combining a one-way valve 31, a first elastic seal 32, and a second elastic seal 33. The ice cream machine 8 is provided with a guide component 9, which has a guide hole 91 facing the groove on the insertion slot 2. A long-handled pull ring 4a is fitted onto the body of the one-way valve 31. The inner end of the long-handled pull ring 4a is a ring fitted onto the body of the one-way valve 31. The side plate 81 of the outer shell of the ice cream machine 8 has a mounting hole corresponding to the guide hole 91 on the guide component 9. The long-handled pull ring 4a and the one-way valve assembly 3 are installed in the groove of the insertion slot 2 through the mounting hole and the guide hole 91. The outer end of the long-handled pull ring 4a is exposed outside the mounting hole.

[0059] By setting up a long-handled pull ring 4a and a guide component 9, the long-handled pull ring 4a can control the one-way valve assembly 3 to be installed into the insertion slot 2 along the guide hole 91 of the guide component 9; conversely, pulling the long-handled pull ring 4a outward can disassemble the one-way valve assembly 3 and remove it from the ice cream machine 8, making it convenient to clean and maintain the one-way valve 31.

[0060] In this embodiment, the guide component 9 is fixedly installed on the bracket 82 inside the ice cream machine 8. As an alternative, the guide component 9 can also be fixedly installed on the side plate 81 of the ice cream machine 8, either alone or simultaneously. Figure 16 The ice cream machine shown uses a dual evaporation cylinder, and each evaporation cylinder is equipped with a set of one-way valve assembly 3, so there are two guide components 9, which are respectively set on both sides of the ice cream machine.

[0061] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A one-way valve mounting structure for an ice cream machine overfilling system that is easy to disassemble, clean, and maintain, comprising a one-way valve (31), characterized in that: The one-way valve (31) is installed inside a plug-in groove (2), which is located on the feed flange (1) of the evaporation cylinder of the ice cream machine. The plug-in groove (2) has a groove that matches the shape of the one-way valve (31) and an air inlet (21). The front wall of the groove of the plug-in groove (2) is connected to the puffing air inlet (11) on the feed flange (1). The rear wall of the groove of the plug-in groove (2) is provided with a plug-in groove air inlet (23). The plug-in groove air inlet (23) is connected to the air inlet (21). The air inlet (21) is connected to the air pump (7) through the air inlet pipe (6). The air outlet of the one-way valve (31) is connected to the puffing air inlet (11) through a hollow first elastic seal (32). The air inlet of the one-way valve (31) is connected to the plug-in groove air inlet (23) through a hollow second elastic seal (33).

2. The one-way valve mounting structure for the easily disassembled and maintained ice cream machine overfilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pull ring (4) is fitted onto the body of the one-way valve (31). The inner end of the pull ring (4) is a circular ring fitted onto the body of the one-way valve (31), and the outer end of the pull ring (4) is a handle.

3. The one-way valve installation structure for the easily disassembled and maintained ice cream machine overfilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slot of the insertion groove (2) is provided with a sealing component for fixing the one-way valve (31).

4. The one-way valve mounting structure for the easily disassembled and maintained ice cream machine overfilling system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sealing component is a plug, which is fixed at the opening of the insertion groove (2) by means of a pin connection, magnetic adsorption connection or snap-on connection.

5. The one-way valve mounting structure for an ice cream machine overfilling system that is easy to disassemble and maintain according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The side wall of the insertion slot (2) is provided with a disassembly hole (22).

6. The one-way valve mounting structure for the easily disassembled and maintained ice cream machine overfilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way valve (31) is either a duckbill type one-way valve or a diaphragm type one-way valve.

7. The one-way valve mounting structure for the easily disassembled and maintained ice cream machine overfilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first elastic seal (32) and the second elastic seal (33) are food-grade silicone parts.

8. The one-way valve mounting structure for the easily disassembled and maintained ice cream machine overfilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way valve (31) is connected to an intake pressure sensor or a flow sensor.

9. An ice cream machine employing the one-way valve mounting structure for the overfilling system of an ice cream machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way valve (31), the first elastic seal (32), and the second elastic seal (33) form a one-way valve assembly (3). The ice cream machine is provided with a guide component (9). The guide component (9) has a guide hole (91) facing the groove on the insertion slot (2). A long-handled pull ring (4a) is sleeved on the body of the one-way valve (31). The inner end of the long-handled pull ring (4a) is a ring sleeved on the body of the one-way valve (31). The side plate (81) of the outer shell of the ice cream machine (8) has a mounting hole corresponding to the guide hole (91) on the guide component (9). The long-handled pull ring (4a) and the one-way valve assembly (3) are installed in the groove of the insertion slot (2) through the mounting hole and the guide hole (91). The outer end of the long-handled pull ring (4a) is exposed outside the mounting hole.

10. The ice cream machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The guide component (9) is fixedly installed on the bracket (82) inside the ice cream machine (8) and / or fixedly installed on the side plate (81) of the ice cream machine (8).

Images