Ice cream machine for making spaghetti ice cream

Abstract

Ice cream machine for making spaghetti ice cream, including: a support frame (2); a receiving part (3) for an ice portion, enclosing an ice receiving chamber (4) with a side wall (5) and a bottom wall (6), provided with passage and dispensing openings (7) for the ice; a holding part (8) for the receiving part (3), detachably attachable to the support frame (2), wherein the receiving part (3) is detachably attachable to the holding part (8); a piston (9) movably held by the support frame (2) such that it is movable in the ice receiving chamber (4) between an upper position (P1), away from the bottom wall (6) of the receiving part (3), and a lower position, closer to the bottom wall (6) of the receiving part (3), wherein the piston (9) comprises an upper shaft (10) and a lower head (11) which is detachably coupled to the shaft (10), wherein the machine (1), characterized by that it includes at least one stop element (12) for the head (11) when the piston (9) is in the upper, remote position (P1), that the retaining part (8) is equipped with at least one opening (20) for inserting the stop element (12); and that the stop element (12) is held movable in use such that it is movable via the opening (20) between an ineffective position in which it does not rest against the head (11) when the piston (9) is in the upper, remote position (P1) and an effective position in which it rests against the head (11) when the piston (9) is in the upper, remote position (P1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an ice cream machine according to the preamble of claim 1 for the production of spaghetti ice cream.

[0002] As is known, such machines comprise a container enclosing a pressing chamber suitable for receiving ice, which is usually designed separately, and a pressing template enclosed by the bottom of the container.

[0003] The template includes a large number of holes with the diameter of the ice cream spaghetti to be produced.

[0004] Such machines also include a movable piston to push the ice into the pressing chamber to force its passage through the holes of the pressing template.

[0005] DE 20 2007 016 778 U1 discloses a device for shaping ice cream, in particular spaghetti ice cream, comprising at least one press piston guided on a machine stand, at least one ice cream pot whose bottom has at least one ice cream outlet opening and whose wall is designed as a guide for the positive locking reception of the press piston, a pot holder for positioning the ice cream pot below the press piston and a connecting part for attaching the pot holder to the machine stand.

[0006] From DE 10 2012 002 364 B4 a device for shaping ice cream is known, which has a press piston that can be immersed in a shaping pot, which, after being filled with ice cream, can be inserted into a guide tube directed downwards from the machine head.

[0007] In this way, such machines make it possible to produce ice cream pressed out in the shape of spaghetti.

[0008] A particularly common demand in the relevant technical field is to provide a machine capable of producing spaghetti-shaped ice cream that is particularly hygienic and safe from a food safety point of view, while also being quick and easy to disassemble for cleaning.

[0009] Based on the known state of the art, the object of the invention is to prevent microbial contamination of the machine, in particular of the press piston, during downtime.

[0010] This problem is solved by an ice machine with the features according to claim 1.

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is therefore to fulfill the aforementioned requirement.

[0012] In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine for the production of ice cream in the form of spaghetti, which makes it possible to meet the above-mentioned requirement.

[0013] According to the invention, the purpose is achieved by a machine for producing ice cream in the form of spaghetti, which comprises the technical features set out in one or more of the attached claims.

[0014] The technical characteristics of the invention according to the stated purposes are clearly ascertainable from the content of the claims reproduced below, and its advantages are most clearly evident in the following detailed description, which is prepared with reference to the attached drawing, which represents a purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiment thereof, in which: Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a machine for the production of spaghetti ice cream, which is the subject of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a side view of the machine that is the subject of the present invention, in which some components have been removed to better highlight others; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the machine that is the subject of the present invention, in which some components have been removed to better highlight others; Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10 corresponding perspective views of some components of the machine from the preceding figures; and Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13 to Fig.Figure 14 shows respective side views of some features of the machine that is the subject of the present invention in different operating arrangements.

[0015] According to the attached drawing, 1 denotes an ice cream machine for the production of spaghetti ice cream.

[0016] The machine therefore makes it possible to produce spaghetti ice cream (produced separately, in any way) from a single portion of ice cream.

[0017] According to the invention, the machine 1 comprises a support frame 2.

[0018] The support frame 2 comprises a column 2a, a base plate 2b and an upper head 2c.

[0019] Furthermore, the machine 1 according to the invention comprises a receiving part 3 for an ice portion, which encloses an ice receiving chamber 4 with a side wall 5 and a bottom wall 6 provided with passage and dispensing openings 7 for the ice.

[0020] The base wall 6, which is provided with openings 7, encloses a dispensing template for all effects.

[0021] The machine 1 according to the invention also includes a holding part 8 for the receiving part 3, which can be detachably attached to the support frame 2.

[0022] The receiving part 3, in turn, can be detachably attached to the holding part 8 (as described in more detail below).

[0023] The machine 1 also includes a piston 9, movably held by the support frame 2 such that it is movable between an upper position P1, away from the bottom wall 6 of the receiving part 3, and a lower position, adjacent to the bottom wall of the receiving part.

[0024] The piston 9 is provided with an upper shaft 10 and a lower head 11, which is detachably coupled to (and can be removed from) the shaft 10.

[0025] The upper shaft 11 is connected to a (preferably pneumatic) actuator to be moved between the upper, distant position P1 and the lower, adjacent position.

[0026] The head 11 is suitable for pushing the portion into the receiving chamber 4 in order to force the passage of the ice through the openings 7 of the bottom wall 6.

[0027] The machine 1 also includes at least one stop element 12 for the head 11 when the piston 9 is in the upper, remote position P1.

[0028] More precisely, the stop element 12 can rest against the upper surface of the head 11 when the piston 9 is in the upper, remote position P1.

[0029] Furthermore, the retaining part 8 is provided with at least one opening 20 for inserting the stop element 12 into the receiving chamber 4.

[0030] Therefore, the stop element 12 is inserted freely through the opening 20.

[0031] According to the illustrated embodiment, the retaining part 8 is provided with a pair of openings (designated 20A, 20B) for inserting the stop element 12 into the receiving chamber 4.

[0032] The stop element 12 is held movable in use (directly or indirectly) by the support frame 2 such that it is movable between an ineffective position, in which it does not rest against the head 11 when the piston 9 is in the upper, remote position P1, and an effective position, in which it rests against the head 11 when the piston 9 is in the upper, remote position P1.

[0033] More precisely, the stop element 12 is inserted at least partially into the volume enclosed by the receiving part 3 when the stop element 12 is in its actual effective position.

[0034] In contrast, the stop element 12 is located outside the volume enclosed by the receiving part 3 when the stop element 12 is in the actual ineffective position, or at least in a position without interaction with the head 11 of the piston 9.

[0035] According to another aspect, the stop element 12 comprises a pair of prongs (12A, 12B).

[0036] Furthermore, according to this aspect, the retaining part 8 is provided with a pair of openings (20A, 20B) for inserting the stop element 12 into the receiving chamber 4.

[0037] More precisely, the prongs (12A, 12B) are inserted freely through the openings (20A, 20B) so that the stop element 12 can be movable between the effective and ineffective positions.

[0038] According to another aspect, the machine 1 includes a pneumatic actuator device 13 which can be connected to a compressed air source.

[0039] The actuator device 13 is connected to the shaft 10 of the piston 9 in order to drive the shaft 10 of the piston 9.

[0040] The machine also includes a control device 14 for the pneumatic actuator device 13.

[0041] The control device 14 is suitable for controlling the output of air to the pneumatic actuator device 13.

[0042] The receiving part 3 is provided with an element 15 for actuating the control device 14, designed to actuate the control device 14 when the holding part 8 is attached to the support frame 2 and the receiving part 3 is attached to the holding part 8.

[0043] In use, the actuating element 15 is suitable for controlling the regulation (the supply) of compressed air to the actuator device 13.

[0044] More precisely, the actuating element 15 comprises a projection 17 recessed into the receiving part 3.

[0045] The projection 3 extends outside of the recording area 3.

[0046] It should be noted that preferably the side wall 5 of the receiving part 3 is cylindrical.

[0047] Furthermore, the retaining part 8 preferably has a tubular design.

[0048] The retaining part 8 has a cylindrical side wall, which is even more preferable.

[0049] The control device 14 can be detachably attached to the support frame 2, as described in more detail below.

[0050] The control device 14 is now better described.

[0051] The control device 14 comprises a control rod 16 which, after contact and thrust from the projection 17, is movable from an ineffective position to an effective position of actuation of the pneumatic actuator device 13.

[0052] In the effective actuation position, the pneumatic actuator 13 supplies compressed air and consequently drives the piston 9 (from the upper, distant to the lower, approaching position) to squeeze out the ice and cause ice spaghetti to emerge from the bottom wall 6 of the receiving part 3.

[0053] The control device 14 also includes a support plate 18 of the control rod 16, which can be detachably attached to the frame 2.

[0054] The control rod 16 is rotatably held by the support plate 18, so that it rotates about a pivot point.

[0055] The plate 18 is provided with at least one opening into which the stop element 12 can be inserted.

[0056] More precisely, the plate 18 is provided with a pair of openings into which the prongs 12A, 12B of the stop element 12 can be inserted.

[0057] Furthermore, the machine includes means for locking the plate 18 to the frame 2.

[0058] The locking means comprise a ring rotatable between an unlocked position in which the plate 18 is released from the frame 2 and a locking position in which the plate 18 is connected (locked) to the frame 2.

[0059] According to another aspect, in order to lock the retaining part 8 to the frame 2, the machine 1 includes at least one locking element 19 of the retaining part 8 on the support frame 2.

[0060] The retaining part 8 is provided with at least one groove 21, suitable for inserting the locking element 19 there, in order to enable the retaining part 8 to be locked to the support frame 2.

[0061] In order to enable correct positioning of the holding part 8 with respect to the support frame 2, the frame 2 has a (cylindrical) area 22 for centering the holding part 8.

[0062] The retaining part 8 is positioned in relation to the frame 2 in such a way that the centering area 22 is arranged in the retaining part 8, adjacent to the inner surface of the side wall of the retaining part 8.

[0063] According to the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 19 has a pair of prongs (19A, 19B).

[0064] The retaining part 8 is provided with a pair of (continuous) grooves 21, suitable for inserting the prongs (19A, 19B) of the locking element 19 to enable the retaining part 8 to be locked to the frame 2.

[0065] The centering area 22 also has receiving seats 25, suitable for inserting the prongs (19A, 19B) of the locking element 19.

[0066] As can be seen from the attached figures, a portion of the prongs (19A, 19B) of the locking element 19 rests against the receiving seats 25 of the centering area 22.

[0067] The prongs (19A, 19B) of the locking element 19 meet corresponding locking elements 24 at the bottom, which are attached to the frame 2.

[0068] The locking elements 24 preferably comprise an element movable between a raised unlocking position and a lowered locking position.

[0069] To enable the attachment of the receiving part 3 to the holding part 8 (after the latter has been attached to the frame 2), the holding part 8 has (two) coupling recesses 23 provided therein.

[0070] Furthermore, the receiving part 3 has (two) elements 17 projecting outwards from the side wall 5, designed to fit into the coupling recesses 23 in such a way as to allow the receiving part 3 to be attached to the holding part 8.

[0071] These protruding elements 17 each consist of a section (shaft) of a handle (part of the receiving part 3) and a section (shaft) of a further projection (part of the receiving part 3).

[0072] With regard to this latter projection, this projection is preferably the already described protruding element 17, which surrounds the actuating element 15.

[0073] The handle of the recording part 3 allows the user to move the recording part 3 conveniently.

[0074] Each coupling recess 23 encloses an L-shaped area on the side surface of the retaining part 8, which is provided with a vertical entry area and a horizontal locking area.

[0075] The protruding elements 17 are located in the coupling recesses 23 when the receiving part 3 is attached to the holding part 8.

[0076] It should therefore be noted that in order to attach the receiving part 3 to the holding part 8, the receiving part 3 is brought into a predetermined angular position relative to the holding part 8.

[0077] In this position, the receiving part 3 is vertically offset so that the protruding elements 17 can be inserted into the coupling recesses 23 (into the vertical area).

[0078] Subsequently, a rotation of the receiving part 3 causes the receiving part 3 to lock onto the holding part 8.

[0079] This rotation further causes the protruding element 17 to strike the lever 16 and actuate the pneumatic actuator 13 with a corresponding lowering of the piston 9.

[0080] In this way, the piston 9 squeezes out the portion of ice that was previously filled into the receiving part 3.

[0081] It should be noted that machine 1 is advantageously easy to disassemble for cleaning purposes.

[0082] In particular, the head 11 of the piston 9 can be completely automatically removed from the shaft 10 (for cleaning purposes).

[0083] It is sufficient to push the stop element 12 into the effective position to cause the movement of the piston from the lower, approaching to the upper, distant position to release the head 11 from the shaft 10.

[0084] In fact, the head 11 collides with the tines 12A, 12B, while the shaft 10 continues to be driven vertically upwards until it (automatically) pulls itself out relative to the head 10.

[0085] As a result, the head 10 falls onto the bottom wall 6 of the recording part 3 and can be removed together with the recording part 3.

[0086] In this way, the receiving part 3 can be detached from the holding part 8 for cleaning purposes, and it contains the head 10 inside.

[0087] The control device 14 can also be advantageously removed, that is, decoupled from the frame 2.

[0088] In particular, the plate 18 can be detached from the frame 2.

[0089] Advantageously, machine 1 is therefore easily disassembled for the purpose of quick and effective cleaning, thus enabling increased food safety.

Claims

[1] Ice cream machine for making spaghetti ice cream, comprising: a support frame (2); a receiving part (3) for an ice portion, enclosing an ice receiving chamber (4) with a side wall (5) and a bottom wall (6), provided with passage and dispensing openings (7) for the ice; a holding part (8) for the receiving part (3), detachably attachable to the support frame (2), wherein the receiving part (3) is detachably attachable to the holding part (8); a piston (9) movably held by the support frame (2) such that it is movable in the ice receiving chamber (4) between an upper position (P1), away from the bottom wall (6) of the receiving part (3), and a lower position, closer to the bottom wall (6) of the receiving part (3), wherein the piston (9) comprises an upper shaft (10) and a lower head (11) which is detachably coupled to the shaft (10), wherein the machine (1), characterized by is, that it includes at least one stop element (12) for the head (11) when the piston (9) is in the upper, remote position (P1), that the retaining part (8) is equipped with at least one opening (20) for inserting the stop element (12); and that the stop element (12) is held movable in use such that it is movable via the opening (20) between an ineffective position in which it does not rest against the head (11) when the piston (9) is in the upper, remote position (P1) and an effective position in which it rests against the head (11) when the piston (9) is in the upper, remote position (P1). [2] Ice machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the stop element (12) comprises a pair of prongs (12A, 12B) and the retaining part (8) is provided with a pair of openings (20A, 20B) for inserting the prongs (12A, 12B) of the stop element (12). [3] Ice machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stop element (12) is designed such that it is located outside the holding part (8) in the ineffective position. [4] Ice machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pneumatic actuator device (13) which can be connected to a compressed air source and is connected to the shaft (10) of the piston (9) to drive the piston (9), and a control device (14) of the pneumatic actuator device (13), wherein the receiving part (3) is provided with an actuating element (15) for actuating the control device (14), designed to actuate the control device (14) when the holding part (8) is attached to the support frame (2) and the receiving part (3) is attached to the holding part (8). [5] Ice machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the control device (14) can be detachably attached to the support frame (2). [6] Ice machine according to any one of the preceding claims 4 or 5, wherein the actuating element (15) comprises a projection (17). [7] Ice machine according to claim 6, wherein the control device (14) comprises a control rod (16) which, after contact and thrust from the projection (17), is movable from an ineffective position to an effective position of actuation of the pneumatic actuator device (13). [8] Ice machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the control device (14) comprises a support plate (18) of the control rod (16) which can be detachably attached to the support frame (2). [9] Ice machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the support plate (18) is provided with at least one opening into which the stop element (12) is inserted in use to hold the stop element (12). [10] Ice machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one locking element (19) for locking the retaining part (8) to the support frame (2), wherein the retaining part (8) is provided with at least one groove (21) suitable for inserting the locking element (19) therein to enable locking of the retaining part (8) to the support frame (2). [11] Ice machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking element (19) has a pair of prongs (19A, 19B), and wherein the retaining part (8) is provided with a pair of grooves (21) suitable for inserting the prongs (19A, 19B) of the locking element (19) therein to enable the retaining part (8) to be locked to the support frame (2). [12] Ice machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (2) has a centering area (22) for centering the holding part (8). [13] Ice machine according to the preceding claim and claim 10 or 11, wherein the support frame (2) has a centering area (22) for centering the retaining part (8), and wherein the grooves (21) of the retaining part (8) are continuous and the centering area (22) also has receiving seats (25) of the locking element (19). [14] Ice machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding part (8) has coupling recesses (23) provided therein and the receiving part (3) has projections (17) extending outwards from the side wall (5), designed to fit into the coupling recesses (23) in such a way as to allow the receiving part (3) to be attached to the holding part (8).

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