LIQUID OR SEMI-LIQUID FOOD PRODUCT PROCESSING MACHINE

Abstract

A machine (1) for the preparation of liquid or semi-liquid food products comprises: - a frame (2), including at least a front wall (21) and a side wall (22); - at least one container (3) for the product to be prepared; - an agitator (4) disposed inside the container (3); - a heat treatment installation (100) functionally connected to said container (3) for heating its walls; - a dispenser (5) connected to the container (3) for the extraction of the product to be prepared, the dispenser (5) being disposed in the front wall (21) of the frame (2);The machine (1) is characterized in that it comprises: - a support rod (6), having a longitudinal axis (A2), coupled to said lateral wall (22) of the frame (2) and movable in rotation, with respect to an axis (A1) perpendicular to the lateral wall (22), between a rest position (P1) and a functionally active position (P2); - a shelf (7) rotationally coupled to said support rod (6), the support rod (6) is configured to support said shelf (7), the shelf (7) is movable in rotation with respect to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the support rod (6) between a non-operating position (P3) and an operating position (P4). Figure 1.;

Description

Title of the invention: MACHINE FOR PRODUCING LIQUID OR SEMI-LIQUID FOOD PRODUCTS

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for producing food products (liquid and / or semi-liquid and / or semi-solid).

[0002] In particular, the present invention refers to machines for the production and distribution of food products, such as for example ice creams, whipped cream, creams, chocolate, yogurt, jams and similar products.

[0003] In general, these machines comprise a container for holding the product to be produced, an agitator arranged inside the container for mixing the product, and at least one dispensing tap arranged on the lower front part of the container.

[0004] Dispensing a product following a preparation step can take several minutes, particularly for higher density products.

[0005] Therefore, it can be tiring for an operator to manually hold a container to collect the dispensed product, for example a product intended for further processing.

[0006] We know of machines equipped with shelves capable of supporting the container during its filling. However, these shelves are fixed and bulky.

[0007] A need felt in this sector is therefore that of being able to have a food product production machine which is versatile and can support such containers during their filling.

[0008] Another requirement is to have a food processing machine that minimizes the space requirement when not filling the aforementioned containers.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to provide a machine for producing liquid and / or semi-liquid food products which meets the above-mentioned requirements.

[0010] In particular, the aim of the present invention is to provide a machine for producing liquid and / or semi-liquid food products which is versatile and which, when filling a container by means of a dispenser, is able to support the container itself while minimizing the space requirement when it is not filling the container.

[0011] Said objective is fully achieved by the machine which is the subject of the present invention, which is characterized by the claims appearing below.

[0012] The technical characteristics of the invention and its advantages are highlighted in the following description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment.

[0013] The present description refers to the attached drawings, which are also given purely by way of example and not limitation, in which:

[0014] [Fig-1] indicates, schematically, in a perspective view, a machine according to the present invention;

[0015] [Fig.2] indicates, schematically, in a sectional view a machine according to the present invention;

[0016] [Fig.3], [Fig.4], [Fig.5] and [Fig.6] indicate, schematically, in a view in perspective, a detail of the machine shown in [Fig.l] in different operating positions;

[0017] [Fig.7] indicates, schematically, the detail referred to in figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 in a view in a different perspective.

[0018] It should be noted that the figures are schematic and are therefore not representative of the actual dimensions of the system.

[0019] With reference to the attached figures, the number 1 is used to indicate, as a whole, a machine for producing liquid, or semi-liquid, or semi-solid food products, in particular for the production, processing and distribution of the above-mentioned food products.

[0020] For example, the aforementioned food products may be ice cream, whipped cream, creams, baking mixes, chocolate, yogurt, jams or other similar products.

[0021] According to the present invention, the machine 1 for the production of liquid or semi-liquid food products, also more simply called machine 1 in the description, comprises a frame 2.

[0022] The frame 2 comprising at least one front wall 21 and one side wall 22.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the front wall 21 and the side wall 22 are perpendicular to each other.

[0024] According to the present invention, the machine 1 comprises at least one container 3 containing the product to be produced.

[0025] The container 3 is arranged at least partially inside the frame 2.

[0026] The container 3 comprises inner side and bottom walls.

[0027] Preferably, the container 3 is a cylindrical container.

[0028] More preferably, the container 3 has a horizontal axis.

[0029] According to the present invention, the machine 1 comprises at least one agitator 4 arranged inside the container 3.

[0030] The agitator 4 may be configured for mixing products having a liquid main component, i.e. liquid or semi-liquid products, and / or for mixing mainly dense products, i.e. semi-solid products.

[0031] According to the present invention, the machine 1 comprises a heat treatment installation 100.

[0032] Preferably, the heat treatment installation 100 is configured to heat the product inside the container 3.

[0033] Preferably, the heat treatment installation 100 is configured to heat the product inside the container 3 to a temperature between 40 and 85°C.

[0034] This heat treatment installation 100 is associated with the container 3 for heat treating the product contained therein.

[0035] In particular, the heat treatment installation 100 is functionally connected to the container 3 to heat the walls thereof;

[0036] According to one aspect, the heat treatment installation 100 comprises at least one thermodynamic system (illustrated schematically in the attached figures).

[0037] The thermodynamic system comprises a closed circuit configured to circulate a heat transfer fluid.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, the machine 1 comprises a control and command unit U.

[0039] The control and command unit U is configured to control the heat treatment installation 100.

[0040] According to one aspect of the present invention, the machine 1 comprises a motor 101 configured to rotate the agitator 4 around its own axis of rotation.

[0041] The control and command unit U is configured to operate the motor 101.

[0042] In one embodiment, the machine 1 comprises an interface 102 operatively connected to the control and command unit U and configured to allow interaction with a user.

[0043] According to the present invention, the machine 1 comprises a dispenser 5, connected to the container 3 containing the product to be produced in order to allow the extraction of the product to be produced.

[0044] The distributor 5 is arranged in the front wall 21.

[0045] In other words, the extraction of the product to be produced is possible from the front wall of the machine 1.

[0046] Preferably, the dispenser 5 comprises a control lever, configured to open or close a channel in communication with the interior volume of the container 3.

[0047] According to the present invention, the machine 1 comprises a tablet 7 and a support rod 6. The support rod 6 is configured to support the tablet 7.

[0048] The support rod 6 is coupled to the side wall 22 of the frame 2 and rotatable, relative to an axis A1, between a rest position P1 and an operating position. tionally active P2.

[0049] The rest position PI of the support rod 6 is indicated, for example, in [Fig. 3], and the functionally active position P2 is indicated, for example, in [Fig. 4].

[0050] Preferably, the axis A1 of rotation is perpendicular to the side wall 22.

[0051] In other words, the support rod 6 preferably remains parallel to the side wall 22 during its own rotation relative to the axis A1. The support rod 6 has a longitudinal axis A2.

[0053] The tablet 7 is rotationally coupled to the support rod 6.

[0054] The tablet 7 is movable in rotation relative to the longitudinal axis A2 of the rod of support 6 between a non-operating position P3 and an operating position P4.

[0055] The non-operating position P3 of the tablet 7 is indicated, for example, in [Fig.4], and the operating position P4 is indicated, for example, in [Fig.5].

[0056] In [Fig.l] the machine 1 is shown with the support rod in the functionally active position P2 and the tablet in the operating position P4.

[0057] Advantageously, the shelf 7 makes it possible to support a weight, for example a container which collects the product during its distribution by means of the dispenser 5.

[0058] Advantageously, the support rod 6 and the shelf 7, both movable in rotation as described, make it possible to move from a non-operating configuration to an operating configuration. By operating configuration, we mean a configuration in which the shelf 7 is in a position allowing an operator to place a load on it. In particular, this load may be a container intended to collect the product dispensed by the dispenser 5.

[0059] According to one aspect of the description, the support rod 6, in the rest position PI, is configured to place the shelf 7 facing the side wall 22 of the frame 2.

[0060] According to one aspect of the description, the support rod 6, in the functionally active position P2, is configured to arrange the tablet 7 facing a space area in front of the front wall 21 of the frame 2, as illustrated, for example, in [Fig.l].

[0061] Advantageously, this makes it possible to reduce the space taken up by the machine when the tablet 7 is not in use.

[0062] According to one aspect of the present invention, the machine 1 comprises a pivot 8.

[0063] The support rod 6 is movable in rotation, between the rest position PI and the functionally active position P2, around said pivot 8.

[0064] In one embodiment, the side wall 22 of the frame 2 comprises at least one hole 9, 9A, 9B capable of receiving said pivot 8.

[0065] In other words, the pivot 8 couples the support rod 6 to the side wall 22 of the frame 2 and constitutes the fulcrum for the rotation of the support rod 6.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the frame 2 comprises a first hole 9A and a second hole 9B.

[0067] The first and second holes (9A, 9B) are capable of selectively receiving the pivot 8 and are arranged respectively at a first height and a second height, the second height being greater than the first height.

[0068] In other words, the pivot 8 can be introduced into the first hole 9A, as shown in [Fig.5], or into the second hole 9B, as shown in [Fig.6].

[0069] Advantageously, the first and second holes (9A, 9B) arranged at different heights make it possible to couple the support rod 6 to the frame 2 at different heights as required. Consequently, the shelf 7 can also be positioned at different heights.

[0070] According to one aspect of the description, the frame 2 comprises one or more reinforcing elements 23 arranged at least in correspondence with the parts of the frame 2 adjacent to each hole (9, 9A, 9B).

[0071] For the sake of clarity, the frame 2 comprises, in correspondence with the perimeter and the parts close to each hole (9, 9A, 9B), a reinforcement, for example a plate, a stirrup or the like, which results in a greater thickness of the frame 2 itself or in greater resistance to the force applied to it.

[0072] Advantageously, this allows the pivot 8 not to deform the holes (9, 9A, 9B) and / or the frame 2 in the event of stress due to the rotation of the support rod 6 or to the weight of the support rod itself or to a possible load on the shelf 7.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the machine 1 comprises an elastically deformable housing 10 configured to deform, following the introduction of the support rod (6) therein, and to lock the support rod 6 in the rest position PI.

[0074] Preferably, the elastically deformable housing 10 is made of metallic material.

[0075] Advantageously, the elastically deformable housing 10 prevents the support rod 6 from rotating unexpectedly, that is to say without the operator determining the rotation by unlocking the support rod 6 from the elastically deformable housing 10.

[0076] In one embodiment, the machine 1 comprises a support block 11 configured to lock the support rod 6 in the functionally active position P2.

[0077] Advantageously, the support block 11 prevents the support rod 6 from rotating unexpectedly, that is to say without the operator determining the rotation by unlocking the support rod 6 from the support block 11.

[0078] According to one aspect of the description, the elastically deformable housing 10 is integral with the support block 11.

[0079] Preferably, the support block 11 is made of plastic.

[0080] According to one aspect of the present invention, the machine 1 comprises a fixing block 12 secured to the frame 2 and fixing elements 13 secured to the support block 11. The support block 11 is configured to couple to the fixing block 12 via the fixing elements 13.

[0081] The fasteners 13 may include, for example, sockets, screws, nuts and the like.

[0082] The fixing elements 13 may comprise elastic elements, not illustrated in the attached figures, capable of exerting traction on the support block 11 when it approaches the frame 2.

[0083] Preferably, the fixing block 12 is arranged inside the frame 2.

[0084] According to one aspect of the description, the fixing block 12 comprises at least one pair of cavities (14, 14A, 14B).

[0085] Each cavity (14, 14A, 14B) is configured to accommodate a respective fastening element 13.

[0086] In other words, each fixing element 13 can be inserted into a cavity (14, 14A, 14B) of the fixing block 12.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the fixing block 12 comprises a first pair of cavities 14A and a second pair of cavities 14B.

[0088] The first and second pairs of cavities (14A, 14B) are configured to selectively receive a pair of fasteners 13. In other words, a pair of fasteners 13 can be inserted into the cavity 14 of the first pair of cavities 14A or the second pair of cavities 14B.

[0089] The first and second pairs of cavities (14A, 14B) are arranged at a first height and a second height, respectively, the second height being greater than the first height.

[0090] Advantageously, the first and second pair of cavities (14A, 14B) arranged at different heights make it possible to couple the support block 11 to the fixing block 13, and therefore to the frame 2, at different heights as required.

[0091] Preferably, the difference between the heights at which the first and second pairs of cavities (14A, 14B) are arranged is equal to the difference between the heights at which the first and second holes (9A, 9B) are arranged.

[0092] Advantageously, this makes it possible to change both the hole (9A, 9B) into which the pivot 8 is introduced and the pair of cavities (14A, 14B) into which the pair of fixing elements 13 are introduced without altering the characteristics described above.

[0093] According to one aspect of the description, the fixing block 12 comprises guides 17 allowing movement of the pair of fixing elements 13 between the first pair of cavities 14A and the second pair of cavities 14B.

[0094] Preferably, the guides 17 are defined by a slot or a pair of slots.

[0095] According to one aspect of the description, the frame 2 comprises an opening 24 in correspondence with a part of the fixing block 12.

[0096] In other words, the fixing block 12 is arranged inside the frame 2 and secured to it, and the frame 2 comprises the opening 24 on the side wall 22 in correspondence with which at least a part of the fixing block 12 is arranged.

[0097] The opening 24 is configured to allow movement of the pair of fasteners 13 between the first pair of cavities 14A and the second pair of cavities 14B.

[0098] For the sake of clarity, for the purposes of the description, the fixing block 12 is preferably disposed within the frame 2 and, therefore, the fixing elements 13 pass through the frame 2 to couple the support block 11 to the fixing block 12. Therefore, the opening 24 allows movement of the fixing elements 13 between the first pair of cavities 14A and the second pair of cavities 14B of the fixing block 12.

[0099] According to one aspect of the description, the machine 1 comprises a closing wall 15 of the side wall 22 of the frame 2 secured to the support block 11. This closing wall 15 is arranged inside the frame 2 and in contact with it in correspondence with the opening 24 to close this same opening 24.

[0100] The closing wall 15 is configured to obstruct the passage from the outside to the inside of the frame 2 through the opening 24.

[0101] Advantageously, the closing wall 15 makes it possible to prevent dust or dirt from penetrating inside the frame 2 by allowing the fixing elements 13 to move as described above.

[0102] It should be noted that the closing wall 15, being integral with the support block 11, is movable relative to the frame 2.

[0103] Preferably, the closing wall 15 is a panel or a plate.

[0104] According to one aspect of the description, the support block 11 comprises a gripping element 11A projecting outside the side wall 22 of the frame 2.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the support block 11 is movable relative to the frame 2 due to the traction of the gripping element 11 A.

[0106] In other words, the gripping element 1 IA allows an operator to move the support block 11, and the fixing elements 13 secured to the latter, relative to the frame 2.

[0107] Advantageously, the gripping element 1 IA thus facilitates the movement of the fixing elements 13 between the pairs of cavities (14A, 14B) at the different heights.

[0108] According to one aspect of the present invention, the machine 1 comprises one or more support arms 61 of the tablet 7 movably secured to the support rod 6.

[0109] Each support arm 61 is rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis A2 of the support rod 6.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, the support rod 6 comprises a slot 62 for each support arm 61.

[0111] Each slot 62 is configured to allow rotation of the respective support arm 61 relative to the longitudinal axis A2 of the support rod 6.

[0112] According to one aspect of the present invention, the tablet 7 comprises one or more hollow parts 71.

[0113] Each support arm 61 of the support rod 6 is configured to be inserted into the respective hollow portion 71 of the shelf 7.

[0114] According to a preferred embodiment, the machine 1 comprises one or more screws 16.

[0115] Each screw 16 is configured to removably lock the coupling of the support arm 61 of the support rod 6 to the respective hollow portion 71 of the shelf 7.

[0116] For the sake of clarity, the screws 16 connect the shelf 7 to the support arms 61.

[0117] In other words, the support arms 61 and the shelf 7 are coupled together and, by means of the screws 16, can rotate relative to the longitudinal axis A2 of the support rod 6 in a manner integral with each other.

[0118] Advantageously, the support arms 61 allow the shelf 7 to support the load placed on it and / or to increase the maximum load that can be supported by the shelf 7 itself.

[0119] Note that by unscrewing the screws 16, it is possible to separate the shelf 7 from the support arms 61.

[0120] Advantageously, detaching the tablet 7 facilitates, if necessary, any cleaning, maintenance or replacement operation of the tablet 7.

[0121] According to one aspect, the tablet 7 defines a support plane S.

[0122] Preferably, when the tablet 7 is in the non-operating position P3, the support plane S is arranged parallel to the vertical and, when the tablet 7 is in the operating position P4, the support plane S is arranged perpendicular to the vertical.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, when the tablet 7 is in operating position P4, the support plane S is arranged under the dispenser 5.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, the machine 1 comprises an additional container 30, an additional agitator 40 disposed inside the additional container 30 and an additional dispenser 50.

[0125] According to one aspect of the present invention, the machine 1 comprises an additional motor 103 configured to rotate the additional agitator 40 around its own axis of rotation.

[0126] The control and command unit U is configured to operate the motor 103.

[0127] According to one aspect of the description, the machine 1 comprises a hopper 60 secured ex outside the frame 2 and arranged under the distributor 5 to supply the additional container 30 with the product to be produced extracted by the distributor 5.

[0128] Preferably, the additional container 30 is configured to cool the product being prepared.

[0129] According to one aspect of the present invention, the heat treatment installation 100 is operatively connected to said additional container 30 in order to cool the walls thereof.

[0130] In other words, the additional container 30 is connected to the heat treatment installation 100 to cool the product inside the additional container 30 at the same time as the mixing carried out by the additional agitator 40.

[0131] Preferably, the heat treatment installation 100 is configured to cool the product inside the additional container 30 to a temperature between 0 and -15°C, preferably between -3 and -10°C.

[0132] It should be noted that, advantageously, the additional container 30 makes it possible to produce ice cream products, for example ice creams or cold pastry products.

[0133] In this regard, the basic product can be pre-treated, for example pasteurized, in the container 3, then extracted by the distributor 5 and fed into the additional container 30, through the hopper 60, to be produced there.

[0134] According to one aspect, the machine 1 comprises a shelf 70 fixed to the frame 2 on the front wall 21. This shelf 70 is located under the additional dispenser 50.

[0135] The shelf 70 is fixed and is configured to support a load, for example a container to be filled with product produced by dispensing from the additional dispenser 50.

[0136] According to one aspect of the present invention, the distributor 5 is movable in rotation around an axis A3 perpendicular to the vertical.

[0137] The distributor 5 comprises a distribution orifice 51.

[0138] The distributor 5 is movable in rotation between a first position P5 (illustrated in [Fig.l] by a solid line), in which the distribution orifice 51 is arranged vertically on the hopper 60, and a second position P6 (illustrated in [Fig.l] by a dotted line), in which the distribution orifice 51 is arranged vertically entirely outside the hopper 60.

[0139] In other words, when dispensing the product by means of the dispenser 5 in the first position P5, the extracted product falls by gravity into the hopper 60; when dispensing the product by means of the dispenser 5 in the second position P6, the extracted product falls by gravity outside relative to the hopper 60.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment, with the tablet 7 in the operating position P4, the dispensing orifice 51 of the dispenser 5 in the second position P6 is arranged vertically on tablet 7.

[0141] In other words, when dispensing the product by means of the dispenser 5 in the second position P6, the extracted product falls by gravity onto the support plane S of the tablet 7. It should be noted that by placing a container on the tablet 7, the dispensing of the product involves filling this container with the product itself, and thanks to the characteristics described above, the tablet 7 is able to support this load.

Claims

Claims

1. Machine (1) for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products, comprising: - a frame (2), comprising at least one front wall (21) and one side wall (22); - at least one container (3) for holding the product to be produced; - an agitator (4) arranged inside the container (3); - a heat treatment installation (100) operatively connected to said container (3) for heating the walls thereof; - a distributor (5) connected to the container (3) for allowing the extraction of the product to be produced, the distributor (5) being arranged in the front wall (21) of the frame (2);the machine (1) being characterized in that it comprises: - a support rod (6), having a longitudinal axis (A2), coupled to said side wall (22) of the frame (2) and rotatable, relative to an axis (Al) perpendicular to the side wall (22), between a rest position (PI) and a functionally active position (P2); - a shelf (7) rotatably coupled to said support rod (6), the support rod (6) being configured to support said shelf (7), the shelf (7) being rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the support rod (6) between a non-operating position (P3) and an operating position (P4).;

2. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support rod (6) is configured: - in the rest position (PI) to arrange the tablet (7) facing the side wall (22) of the frame (2); - in the functionally active position (P2), to arrange the tablet (7) facing a space zone in front of the front wall (21) of the frame (2).

3. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pivot (8); the support rod (6) being movable in rotation, between the rest position (PI) and the functionally active position (P2), around said pivot (8).

4. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the side wall (22) of the frame (2) comprises at least one hole (9, 9A, 9B) capable of receiving said pivot (8).

5. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, in wherein the frame (2) comprises a first hole (9A) and a second hole (9B), the first and second holes (9A, 9B) being able to selectively accommodate the pivot (8) and being arranged respectively at a first height and at a second height, the second height being greater than the first height.

6. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the frame (2) comprises one or more reinforcing elements (23) arranged at least in correspondence of the parts of the frame (2) adjacent to each hole (9, 9A, 9B).

7. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an elastically deformable housing (10) configured to deform, following the introduction of the support rod (6) therein, and to lock the support rod (6) in the rest position (PI).

8. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the elastically deformable housing (10) is made of metallic material.

9. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support block (11) configured to lock the support rod (6) in the functionally active position (P2).

10. Machine (1) according to claims 8 and 9, in which the elastically deformable housing (10) is integral with the support block (11).

11. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the support block (11) is made of plastic material.

12. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising a fixing block (12) integral with the frame (2) and fixing elements (13) integral with the support block (11), the support block (11) being configured to couple to the fixing block (12) by means of said fixing elements (13).

13. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing block (12) comprises at least one pair of cavities (14, 14A, 14B), each cavity (14, 14A, 14B) being configured to receive a respective fixing element (13).

14. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing block (12) comprises a first pair of cavities (14A) and a second pair of cavities (14B), the first and second pair of cavities (14A, 14B) being configured to selectively accommodate a pair of fixing elements (13), the first and second pair of cavities (14A, 14B) being arranged respectively at a first height and at a second height, the second height being greater than the first height.

15. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fixing block (12) comprises guides (17), the pair of fixing elements (13) being movable between the first pair of cavities (14A) and the second pair of cavities (14B) by means of said guides (17).

16. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the frame (2) comprises an opening (24) in correspondence with a part of the fixing block (12), said opening (24) being configured to allow the movement of the pair of fixing elements (13) between the first pair of cavities (14A) and the second pair of cavities (14B).

17. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a closing wall (15) of the side wall (22) of the frame (2) secured to the support block (11), the closing wall (15) being arranged internally to the frame (2) and in contact with it in correspondence with the opening (24), to close said opening (24).

18. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the support block (11) comprises a gripping element (1 IA), projecting outside the side wall (22) of the frame (2).

19. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support block (11) is movable relative to the frame (2) following the traction of the gripping element (1 IA).

20. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more support arms (61) of the tablet (7) movably secured to the support rod (6).

21. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, in which each support arm (61) is rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the support rod (6).

22. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support rod (6) comprises a slot (62) for each support arm (61), each slot (62) being configured to allow rotation of the respective support arm (61) relative to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the support rod (6).

23. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the tablet (7) comprises one or more hollow parts (71), each support arm (61) of the support rod (6) being configured to engage in the respective hollow part (71) of the tablet (7).

24. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising one or more screws (16), each screw (16) being configured to block removably coupling the support arm (61) of the support rod (6) to the respective hollow part (71) of the shelf (7).

25. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the tablet (7) defines a support plane (S).

26. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, in which, when the tablet (7) is in the non-operating position (P3), the support plane (S) is arranged parallel to the vertical and in which, when the tablet (7) is in the operating position (P4), the support plane (S) is arranged perpendicular to the vertical.

27. ​​Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, in which, when the tablet (7) is in the operating position (P4), the support plane (S) is arranged under the dispenser (5).

28. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an additional container (30), an additional agitator (40) arranged inside the additional container (30) and an additional dispenser (50).

29. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a hopper (60) secured externally to the frame (2), arranged under the distributor (5) to feed the additional container (30) with the product to be produced extracted by means of the distributor (5).

30. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 28 to 29, wherein the heat treatment installation (100) is operatively connected to said additional container (30) to carry out cooling of its walls.

31. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 28 to 30, comprising a shelf (70) fixed to the frame (2) on the front wall (21), said shelf (70) being located under said additional dispenser (50).

32. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the distributor (5) is movable in rotation around an axis (A3) perpendicular to the vertical.

33. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim and claim 29, in which the distributor (5) comprises a distribution orifice (51), the distributor (5) being rotatable between a first position (P5), in which the distribution orifice (51) is arranged vertically on the hopper (60), and a second position (P6), in which the distribution orifice (51) is arranged vertically entirely outside from the hopper (60).

34. Machine (1) according to the preceding claim, in which, when the tablet (7) is in the operating position (P4), the dispensing orifice (51) of the dispenser (5) in the second position (P6) is arranged vertically on the tablet (7).

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