Container structure for a standard household granita machine

Abstract

A container structure for a household granita machine, usable in a granita machine, in which a transversely extending cylindrical evaporator (1) is arranged on the granita machine, the outer surface of which is equipped with an agitator (2) suitable for scraping and stirring ice, wherein the container body (3) encloses the outer surface of the agitator (2). The container body (3) comprises left and right side walls, which are connected to each other at the top and bottom via an arcuate surface, and the front part of the container body (3) is equipped with a vertical front plate (31), the lower part of which has an outlet opening (32) connected to the interior of the container body (3); characterized in that the inner side of the front part of the container body (3) has a projecting rib (33).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of granita machines, in particular a container structure for a household granita machine.

[0002] An ice cream machine, also known as a granita machine, was operated in the early days of ice cream production by filling the inner cylinder of a cylindrical evaporator with raw material. Inside the cylindrical evaporator was a coaxially rotating agitator with a scraper blade. This blade scraped the granita that had formed on the inner wall of the evaporator, creating separate ice flakes and preventing the granita from clumping together into larger lumps. Through continuous stirring and scraping, ice cream was eventually formed. To facilitate cleaning, a granita machine was developed in which the scraping and stirring took place on the outside of the evaporator. For example, such a granita machine is disclosed in the Chinese utility model patent with publication number CN202722423U, "Granita Machine for the Production of Ice Cream."This comprises a container structure containing a horizontally cylindrical evaporator. A rotating agitator is mounted on the outside of the evaporator, performing the functions of scraping and mixing. The lower inner wall of the container is in close contact with the outside of the agitator.

[0003] When the agitator of this granita machine rotates, it can propel the scraped granita forward. This not only causes the granita to collect at the outlet at the front of the container, but also exerts pressure on the accumulated granita. However, during operation, the continuous forward movement of the agitator creates high pressure in the front of the container. This can cause the crushed granita pieces to clump together, forming larger lumps that ultimately negatively affect the texture of the ice cream. Since the front of the container is typically flat, the rotation and compression of the front agitator against the inside of the front wall further exacerbates the clumping of the granita. Simultaneously, the agitator as a whole generates a strong forward thrust.Because the back of the container is clamped into the housing, this forward thrust force can cause larger gaps to form at the rear of the container, leading to liquid leakage. Furthermore, the continuous pressure exerted by the agitator causes the granita to push the container backward during operation in an attempt to reduce the pressure. This process not only compromises the container's stability but can also lead to permanent deformation, potentially causing leaks and other damage during use.

[0004] Based on the disadvantages of the prior art, the present invention proposes a container structure for a standard household granita machine. The special design of ribs in the front section of the container effectively reduces the pressure of the granita at the front. A flow guide plate located in the upper front section of the container redirects the granita, which is pushed forward by the agitator, to the rear. Furthermore, raised areas on the inside of the container loosen the granita, resulting in finer granita particles.

[0005] To solve the aforementioned technical problem, the present invention proposes the following technical solution: A container structure for a household granita machine, which is used in a granita machine, wherein a horizontally cylindrical evaporator is provided on the granita machine. An agitator for scraping and stirring the granita is mounted on the outside of the evaporator, and the container body encloses the agitator from the outside. The container body (3) comprises left and right side walls, which are connected to each other by an arcuate surface at the top and bottom. A vertically arranged front plate is provided in the front region of the container body, the lower section of which has an outlet opening connected to the interior of the container. Projecting ribs are formed on the inside of the front region of the container body.

[0006] As a preferred solution, the ribs are arranged vertically on the sides of the outlet opening. Agitator blades are provided in the front section of the agitator, their leading edge being strip-shaped and arranged parallel to the front plate. During rotation of the agitator, the leading edge of the agitator blades passes successively through the outlet opening and the ribs.

[0007] As a preferred solution, a flow guide plate inclined downwards from back to front is provided in the front section of the upper arc-shaped surface of the container body.

[0008] As a preferred solution, the flow guide plate consists of two parts, arranged symmetrically on the left and right and each inclined towards the sides.

[0009] As a preferred solution, the front plate of the container body protrudes upwards above the flow guide plate.

[0010] A preferred solution is to provide a gap between the upper end of the ribs and the flow guide plate.

[0011] As a preferred solution, a protrusion is provided at the lower position of the inner upper arc-shaped surface of the container body, which is located in the flow path of the granita flowing forward and upward.

[0012] As a preferred solution, the inner side of the container body has two horizontally arranged protrusions.

[0013] As a preferred solution, the lower arcuate surface of the container body has a semicircular shape in cross-section, with the axis of the agitator running coaxially to the lower semicircular arcuate surface.

[0014] As a preferred solution, a vertical hole is provided on the front of the container body in front of the outlet opening, in which an outlet head can be mounted.

[0015] In comparison to the prior art, the present invention of a container structure for a household granita machine offers the following advantageous effects: 1. Protruding ribs are provided on the inside of the front plate of this container structure for a standard household granita machine. These ribs reinforce the structural strength of the front section of the container and are located along the front inner section of the container body, following the granita's path of rotation. During operation, the agitator moves the granita forward, setting it into a rotational motion along the inside of the front plate of the container body. The ribs help to break up the compacted granita. Furthermore, the ribs are positioned to the sides of the outlet opening. As the front agitator blades rotate, they push the granita against the position of the ribs.By blocking the ribs, higher pressure is created on the granita in the area of ​​the outlet opening. This results in a greater outlet pressure when the outlet opens, allowing the granita to be expelled more quickly. Since the ribs partially block the flow of granita, the pressure on the opposite side of the outlet opening is lower. This reduces the pressure acting on the front plate of the container body while simultaneously ensuring sufficient outlet pressure, and thus also the overall forward thrust force acting on the container body. Consequently, the container body not only exhibits greater strength and allows for a higher outlet pressure of the granita, but is also subject to less overall mechanical stress. This reduces the likelihood of deformation of the container body, and the sealing effect of the rear mounting area can be reliably maintained even after prolonged use. 2. The flow guide plate, located in the upper front section of the curved surface of the container body and inclined forwards and downwards, directs the pressurized granita from the front to the rear. This prevents the granita from accumulating in the front of the container body, thereby reducing compression and clumping, and ensuring a fine granita structure. Since the container body must be locked into place from the rear during assembly and pulled out from the front for cleaning during disassembly, the extended front plate significantly facilitates insertion and removal of the container body. 3. The raised sections arranged on the inside of the container body along the flow path of the granita serve to break up clumped granita and create flow disturbances during the stirring process to ensure the fineness of the granita. Since the raised sections are located in the upper area above the agitator, the pressure of the upward-moving granita is reduced at this point. This further enhances the loosening effect of the raised sections and significantly reduces the re-compaction of the granita during the subsequent agitation process. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective schematic representation of the Granita machine. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective schematic representation of the agitator and evaporator arranged inside the Granita machine. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective schematic representation of a container structure for a household granita machine in front view. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective schematic representation of a container structure for a household granita machine in rear view. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the front of the container structure for a typical household granita machine. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the side view of the container structure for a typical household granita machine. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the rear view of the container structure for a typical household granita machine.

[0016] The technical solution of the invention is described clearly and completely below with reference to the exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. Obviously, the described exemplary embodiments represent only a portion of the embodiments of the invention and not all possible embodiments. Based on the exemplary embodiments described in this invention, all further embodiments that can be achieved by those skilled in the art without inventive step also fall within the scope of protection of this invention. In the present invention, the position of the outlet opening of the granita machine and the container body is defined as the front side. Fig. Figure 5 shows the front view of the structure of the container body (3) of this patent application.

[0017] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a container structure for a household granita machine is used within a granita machine. The outer and inner structure of the granita machine is in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the granita machine. A horizontally cylindrical evaporator 1 is mounted horizontally. A coaxial agitator 2 is mounted on the outside of the evaporator 1, serving to scrape and mix the granita. The container body 3 encloses the agitator 2 externally. An inlet opening 30 is provided in the upper part of the container body 3, through which the liquid intended for ice cream production is poured. During operation, the outer surface of the evaporator 1 serves for evaporation and cooling. The agitator 2 performs a rotary motion, scraping the thin ice produced onto the inside of the container body. Subsequently, the crushed granita is conveyed forward by the rotation of the agitator 2. The functional design of this section corresponds to that of a conventional granita machine, therefore no detailed description is provided here.

[0018] As in Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the container body 3 has an overall structure similar to conventional designs. It comprises left and right side walls, which are connected to each other at the top and bottom by an arcuate surface. A vertically arranged front plate 31 is provided at the front of the container body 3. In the lower part of the front plate 31 is an outlet opening 32 connected to the interior of the container body 3. The upper and lower arcuate surfaces of the container body 3 each have a semicircular cross-section, with the axis of the agitator 2 being arranged coaxially with the lower semicircular surface. The lower part of the container body 3, together with the outer wall of the evaporator 1, forms a uniformly shaped receiving chamber. The height of the upper arcuate surface of the container body 3 above the outer wall of the evaporator 1 is significantly greater than the height of the lower receiving chamber.During operation of the granita machine, the interior of the container body 3 is filled with granita up to and above the axis of the evaporator, but below its uppermost position. During operation, the lower receiving chamber is filled with a mixture of granita and liquid. When the agitator 2 rotates, the granita and liquid in the receiving chamber are pushed forward. This creates an outlet pressure at the discharge opening. When there is sufficient granita inside the container body 3, the discharge opening can be opened to dispense the finished granita. In this embodiment, a vertical bore is provided in front of the discharge opening 32 on the front of the container body 3, in which a valve for controlling the discharge can be mounted. Since the front plate 31 of the container body 3 bears the greatest pressure, it is prone to deformation.

[0019] In the present embodiment, as in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a protruding rib 33 is formed on the inside of the front area of ​​the container body 3. Specifically, the rib 33 is arranged vertically on the side surface of the outlet opening 32. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a stirring blade 21 is provided on the front of the agitator 2. After assembly, the stirring blade 21 projects beyond the front of the evaporator 1. The leading edge of the stirring blade 21 is rod-shaped and runs parallel to the front plate 31. During rotation of the agitator 2, the leading edge of the stirring blade 21 successively approaches the outlet opening 32 and the rib 33.

[0020] The inner side of the front plate 31 of the container body is provided with a projecting rib 33. This rib 33 reinforces the stability of the front plate 31 and is also located on the path of rotation of the granita in the front inner area of ​​the container body 3. During operation of the granita machine, the agitator 2 moves the granita forward and simultaneously sets it in a rotating motion against the inner side of the front plate of the container body 3. The rib 33 can loosen the granita as it is pushed forward. Furthermore, the rib 33 is located to the side of the outlet opening 32. When the agitator blade at the front of the agitator 2 rotates, the granita is pushed towards the rib 33. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the blockage by rib 33 results in a higher pressure at the outlet position of the granita machine. This increases the discharge pressure when the outlet opening 32 opens, leading to a faster granita output. Due to the blockage by rib 33, the pressure of the granita on the opposite side of the outlet opening is lower. Therefore, with a constant granita outlet pressure, the pressure acting on the front plate 31 of the container body 3 is reduced, which in turn reduces the forward thrust force acting on the entire container body 3. Consequently, the container body 3 not only exhibits higher strength and allows for a higher granita outlet pressure, but also experiences a lower overall internal stress.This prevents the container body 3 from deforming so easily, and the sealing effect at the rear mounting position of the container body 3 can be reliably maintained even after prolonged use.

[0021] In the specific design, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a flow guide plate 34 is provided in the front area of ​​the upper arcuate surface of the container body 3. This plate is inclined downwards from rear to front, its lowest point extending to the front plate 31. The upper flow guide plate 34 is divided into two symmetrical parts, each inclined to the sides.

[0022] Due to the forward and downward inclined arrangement of the flow guide plate 34 in the upper area of ​​the arc-shaped surface above the front part of the container body 3, pressurized granita can be diverted to the rear when there is a large accumulation in the upper front area. This reduces the maximum pressure in the front area of ​​the container body 3, minimizes the compaction and clumping of the granita, and ensures a fine granita consistency. When assembling the container structure 3 of the granita machine, the container body 3 must be placed over the agitator 2 and pushed backward, then secured using locking elements. For disassembly and cleaning, the container body 3 is pulled out forward.In the present embodiment, the front plate 31 of the container body 3 projects upwards relative to the flow guide plate 34, thus facilitating handling during operation and making it more convenient to remove and place the container body 3 on top.

[0023] At the same time, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a gap is provided between the upper surface of the rib 33 on the rear of the front plate 31 and the flow guide plate 34. This allows granita to flow through this gap to the left if there is a large accumulation on the right side of the rib 33 and to be conveyed again by the agitator blades 21 to the lower outlet opening 32.

[0024] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, projections 35 are provided on the lower position of the upper arcuate surface on the inside of the container body 3, which are located in the forward and upward flow path of the granita. Specifically, the inside of the container body 3 has two horizontally adjacent projections 35.

[0025] During the operation of the granita machine, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 7, the granita is moved forward and downward on the left side of rib 33, and forward and upward on the right side of rib 33. The design of the protrusions 35 in the flow path of the granita on the left side of the inner surface of the container body 3 not only ensures that clumped granita is broken up, but the protrusions 35 also create a disturbance during the stirring process that ensures the fineness of the granita. Since the upper arcuate surface of the container body 3 is relatively high, a cavity typically forms in the upper region of the granita mixture. By arranging the protrusions in this upper region, which lies above the agitator 2, the pressure on the granita at this point is lower. This further enhances the loosening effect of the protrusions, which significantly reduces the re-compaction and clumping of the granita during the subsequent movement.

[0026] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "including," "comprise," or any variant thereof denote non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, item, or device comprising a set of elements may contain not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or elements inherent to that process, method, item, or device. Without further limitations, the phrase "including a..." does not preclude the presence of other identical elements in a process, method, item, or device comprising the said element.

[0027] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the field will recognize that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations of these embodiments can be made without departing from the basic principles and spirit of the invention. The scope of protection of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Reference symbol list: 1 evaporator 2 agitator 21 stirring blades 3 container bodies 30 Entrance opening 31 Front panel 32 Outlet opening 33rd rib 34 Flow guide plate 35 Survey QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 202722423U

[0002]

Claims

[1] A container structure for a household granita machine, usable in a granita machine, wherein a transverse cylindrical evaporator (1) is arranged on the granita machine, the outer surface of which is equipped with an agitator (2) suitable for scraping and stirring ice, the container body (3) enclosing the outer surface of the agitator (2). The container body (3) comprises left and right side walls, which are connected to each other at the top and bottom via an arcuate surface, and the front part of the container body (3) is equipped with a vertical front plate (31), the lower part of which has an outlet opening (32) connected to the interior of the container body (3); characterized by , that the inside of the front part of the container body (3) has a protruding rib (33). [2] The container structure for a household granita machine according to claim 1, characterized by, that the rib (33) is arranged vertically on the side of the outlet opening (32), the front part of the agitator (2) is provided with an agitator vane (21) whose front edge runs parallel to the front plate (31) in a strip shape, and that during the rotational movement of the agitator (2) the front edge of the agitator vane (21) passes successively through the outlet opening (32) and the rib (33). [3] The container structure for a household granita machine according to claim 2, characterized by , that the front area of ​​the upper arcuate surface of the container body (3) is provided with a flow guide plate (34) inclined from back to front and downwards. [4] The container structure for a household granita machine according to claim 3, characterized by , that the flow guide plate (34) is divided into two parts which are inclined symmetrically to the left and right. [5] The container structure for a household granita machine according to claim 2, characterized by , that a gap remains between the upper part of the rib (33) and the flow guide plate (34). [6] The container structure for a household granita machine according to claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the front plate (31) of the container body (3) protrudes upwards in relation to the flow guide plate (34). [7] The container structure for a household granita machine according to claim 1, characterized by , that the lower part of the upper arc-shaped surface on the inside of the container body (3) is provided with a protrusion (35), the protrusion (35) being located on the forward and upward flow path of the granita. [8] The container structure for a household granita machine according to claim 7, characterized by , that the inside of the container body (3) has two horizontally arranged protrusions (35). [9] The container structure for a household granita machine according to claim 1, characterized by , that the cross-section of the lower arcuate surface of the container body (3) has a semicircular shape and the axis of the agitator (2) is coaxial with the semicircle of the lower arcuate surface. [10] Container structure for a household granita machine according to claim 1, characterized by , that a vertical hole for mounting an outlet head is provided in front of the outlet opening (32) on the front of the container body (3).

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