Machine for making and dispensing a food emulsion

Abstract

To provide a machine for producing and supplying a food emulsion, which is simple and hardly requires intervention in terms of cleaning.SOLUTION: A machine for producing and dispensing a food emulsion, comprising, in combination, a product-handling system 5 comprising a reservoir, a texturizer and a pump 72 connected at an inlet end to the reservoir and at an outlet end to the texturizer, and a dispensing device 87 comprising a delivery duct connected to the texturizer, the delivery duct having a delivery port 61 for delivering the emulsified product; The feed device comprising a first chamber associated with a portion of the delivery duct, a plug member arranged inside the first chamber and movable between an open position of the delivery duct and a closed position of the delivery duct, and a diaphragm connected to the plug member and defining a separating wall of the first chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for producing and dispensing food emulsions.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a machine for producing and dispensing food emulsions such as whipped cream, semifreddo desserts, creams, sweet and savory mousses, etc. [Background technology]

[0003] The principles of emulsion technology are commonly used in the food industry to produce a wide variety of products. The rheological behavior of food emulsions varies greatly depending on the nature of the food. Indeed, food emulsions can be viscous liquids, viscoelastic liquids, viscoelastic solids, plastic, or elastic solids, depending on their composition, structure, and interactions. The nature of emulsions imparts specific functional properties to foods, such as desirable appearance, consistency, texture, and flavor profile.

[0004] From a chemical-physical point of view, an emulsion is a mixture of two or more normally immiscible liquids that, through a specific transformation process, appear homogeneous at the macroscopic level while remaining heterogeneous at the microscopic level.

[0005] Thus, in general, emulsions are a dispersion of one liquid (the dispersed phase) atomized in the form of droplets in another liquid (the continuous phase), and are characterized by a non-static, thermodynamically unstable internal structure.

[0006] A need particularly felt in the industry in question is for machines for producing and dispensing food emulsions that are simple and at the same time require little intervention in terms of cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to produce a machine for processing and dispensing food emulsions that meets the aforementioned needs.

[0008] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to produce a machine for processing and dispensing food emulsions that is simple and requires minimal intervention in terms of cleaning.

[0009] Said object is fully achieved by the machine of the present invention, which is characterized by the following claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] The features of the invention will emerge from the content of the following claims, and its advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show embodiments given purely by way of non-limiting example, in which: [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic front view of a machine according to the invention; [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a machine of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a detail of the machine of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic exploded view of a portion of the machine of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the machine of the previous drawing. [Figure 6] 1 shows a perspective view of a detail of the machine of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 shows a plan view of a detail of the machine of the present invention; [Figure 8] 7A and 7B show cross-sectional views of the details of FIGS. 6A and 7B along section VII-VII. [Figure 9] 9 shows a perspective enlarged view of the components of the details of FIGS. 6 to 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 shows a perspective view of further details of the mechanical object of the present invention; [Figure 11] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a further detail of the mechanical object of the invention; [Figure 12] 12 shows an enlarged view of the details shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. [Figure 13] 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the detail shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. [Figures 14A-14B] 10 to 13 show details of different positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic and may not represent the actual size of the system.

[0012] With reference to the composite drawing, reference number 1 indicates as a whole a food processing machine, in particular for producing, processing and dispensing food emulsions.

[0013] The food emulsion mentioned above can be, for example, whipped cream, cream, and the like.

[0014] According to the invention, the machine 1 comprises a container 4 for containing the product to be emulsified.

[0015] According to another embodiment, a machine 1 for processing liquid or semi-liquid food products, also referred to herein more simply as machine 1, comprises a tank 3.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the machine comprises a containment body 2 .

[0017] Preferably, the tank 3 is located inside the containment body 2 .

[0018] The tank 3 has a wall with an outer surface 30 .

[0019] According to another embodiment, the machine 1 comprises an insulating body 11 configured to house the containment body 2 in order to insulate the containment body 2 from the outside.

[0020] The machine 1 may be provided with a removable lid on top, not shown in the accompanying drawings, to prevent access to the tank 3.

[0021] Preferably, the container 4 is located inside the tank 3 .

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the container 4 is removable.

[0023] In other words, it is possible to remove the container 4 from the tank 3 and reinsert it into the tank 3 itself as required.

[0024] Advantageously, the container 4 can be removed from the tank 3, facilitating cleaning operations.

[0025] According to the invention, the machine 1 comprises a processing system 5 .

[0026] Preferably, but not exclusively, the processing system 5 is located inside the tank 3 .

[0027] The processing system 5 comprises at least one pump 51 connected to the receiving vessel 4 and a texturizer 52 .

[0028] The pump 51 and the texturizer 52 define a product processing circuit 50 .

[0029] The product passes along processing circuit 50 through pump 51 and then texturizer 52 .

[0030] The pump 51 is configured to suck product from the reservoir 4 and force the product towards the texturizer 52 .

[0031] Preferably, the product to be emulsified that is drawn by the pump 51 is in liquid form, for example a liquid cream.

[0032] In one embodiment, the pump 51 is a positive displacement pump, in particular a rotary positive displacement pump, which is capable of varying its rotational speed and, as a result, the flow rate and / or delivery pressure of the food to be delivered to the texturizer 52.

[0033] The positive displacement pump may be of the blade or impeller type.

[0034] The machine 1 comprises a motor, not shown in the accompanying drawings, arranged to drive a pump 51 .

[0035] The texturizer 52 is preferably a texturizer tube.

[0036] Preferably, the treatment system 5 includes a regulator valve 53 disposed along the treatment circuit 50 .

[0037] The regulating valve 53 is configured to regulate the amount of air introduced into the treatment circuit 50 .

[0038] In one embodiment, the regulator valve 53 is manual.

[0039] The machine 1 comprises an actuator, not shown in the accompanying drawings, arranged to introduce air into the treatment circuit 50 via a regulating valve 53 .

[0040] In particular, air introduced into the treatment circuit 50 by the regulating valve 53 is added to the product drawn by the pump 51 .

[0041] To be more clear, air is introduced into the circuit 50 by a regulating valve 53 and the liquid product is sucked from the container 4 by a pump 51 .

[0042] Pump 51 is configured to push the aspirated air and product assembly along processing circuit 50 towards texturizer 52 .

[0043] The texturizer 52 makes it possible to increase the volume of the mixture of liquid product and air.

[0044] In particular, the adjusting valve 53 is configured to adjust the amount of air per unit of liquid product.

[0045] Advantageously, by adjusting the amount of air per unit of liquid product, it is possible to control the volume gain of the final product.

[0046] Considering an example in which the container 4 contains liquid cream, it is possible to control the increase in the volume of the final whipped cream by adjusting the amount of air per unit of liquid cream.

[0047] According to the invention, the machine 1 comprises a delivery duct 6 connected to a texturizer 52 .

[0048] For the sake of clarity, the processing circuit 50 leads to the delivery duct 6, that is, the texturized product delivered from the texturizer 52 enters the delivery duct 6.

[0049] Preferably, at least a part of the delivery duct 6 is located inside the tank 3 .

[0050] The delivery duct 6 has a delivery port 61 for the emulsified product.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the delivery port 61 is removable.

[0052] Advantageously, the adjustable delivery port 61 allows for the final product form and texture to be altered.

[0053] According to one aspect of the present specification, the delivery duct 6 includes a delivery opening 92 for adjusting the opening of the delivery port 61 .

[0054] Preferably, the outlet 92 is removable.

[0055] Advantageously, the outlet 92 can be replaced with another outlet 92 of a different shape, for example to adjust the opening of the outlet port 61 .

[0056] In other words, the delivery port 61 can be adjusted by replacing the delivery outlet 92 with another delivery outlet 92 of a different shape.

[0057] Advantageously, the interchangeable delivery ports 92 allow for quick changes in final product form and texture.

[0058] Advantageously, the outlet 92 is removable, making it easier to clean.

[0059] Some particular aspects of the invention will now be described in further detail.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the machine comprises a feeding device 87 .

[0061] The supply device 87 comprises a delivery duct 6 .

[0062] According to one embodiment, the machine 1 comprises a first chamber 40 associated with a portion of the delivery duct 6, the first chamber 40 having therein a plug member 43 movable between an open position of the delivery duct 6 and a closed position of the delivery duct 6, and a diaphragm 41 connected to the plug member 43.

[0063] The chamber 40 , diaphragm 41 and movable plug member 43 are part of the supply device 87 .

[0064] Advantageously, it should be noted that the diaphragm 41 prevents leakage of product outside the area of ​​the first chamber 40 in which the duct 6 is located during movement of the plug member 43 .

[0065] It should be noted that the diaphragm 41 is peripherally disposed relative to the plug member 43 .

[0066] Advantageously, the diaphragm 41 defines an (internal) separating wall for the first chamber 40 and isolates the part of the chamber 40 associated with the delivery duct 6 .

[0067] More precisely, the diaphragm 41 defines part of the wall of the duct 6 inside the chamber 40 .

[0068] According to another embodiment, the machine 1 further comprises a spring 42 disposed inside the first chamber 40, the spring 42 acting on the plug member 43 to maintain it in the closed position.

[0069] The structure of the first chamber 40 will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0070] The first chamber 40 is defined by a first casing 65 and a delivery body 66 (which forms part of the feeding device 87).

[0071] The first casing 65 is configured to mate with the delivery body 66, preferably by threading.

[0072] It is worth noting that the first chamber 40 has an inlet 67 and an outlet 68 of the delivery duct 6 (or more precisely of a part of the delivery duct 6).

[0073] More specifically, the inlet 67 is preferably transverse to the delivery body 66 and thus to the first chamber 40 .

[0074] Additionally, the outlet 68 is preferably located below the delivery body 66 , i.e., below the first chamber 40 .

[0075] The plug member 43 is configured to engage the outlet 68 to close or open it.

[0076] Preferably, the delivery body 66 is goblet-shaped, having a cup-shaped (upper) portion 80 and an elongated (lower) portion 81 .

[0077] Preferably, the inlet 67 is in the (upper) cup-shaped portion 80 .

[0078] Preferably, the outlet 68 is in the (upper) cup-shaped portion 80 .

[0079] The elongated (lower) portion 81 has a channel 82 which defines part of the delivery duct 6 .

[0080] The outlet 68 leads to a channel 82 .

[0081] It should be noted that the (upper) cup-shaped portion 80 comprises an abutment area 83 for the diaphragm 41 .

[0082] Essentially, the diaphragm 41 abuts or contacts the delivery body 66 at an abutment area 83 of the diaphragm 41 .

[0083] This region 83 is defined by an annular shoulder on the delivery body 66 .

[0084] Notably, delivery body 66 preferably includes a threaded region FI1.

[0085] Furthermore, the first casing 65 comprises a threaded region FI2 configured to threadably engage with the threaded region FI1 of the delivery body 66.

[0086] It should be noted that the diaphragm 41 is interposed between the delivery body 66 and the casing 65, or more precisely is pressed between them (at the abutment area 83).

[0087] Thus, the diaphragm 41 divides the first chamber 40 into a first portion 62 and a second portion 63 .

[0088] The delivery duct 6 is associated with a first portion 62 .

[0089] It is important to note that the second portion 63 is an area isolated from the first portion 62, i.e. the diaphragm 41 ensures that the product cannot enter the second portion 63 and does not leak from the second portion 63, e.g. to the outside.

[0090] According to another embodiment, the casing 65 is provided with a hole 84 .

[0091] It is noted that the actuating body 43 is moved between the closed position P2 and the open position P1 substantially by the liquid product pressure applied by the pump 51.

[0092] In other words, actuation of the pump 51 causes the actuating body 43 to move between the closed position P2 and the open position P1 (overcoming the resistance of the spring 42), opening the delivery duct 6 and allowing the product itself to be dispensed.

[0093] It is notable that the spring 42 is operatively active between the casing 65 and the plug member 43 .

[0094] More precisely, the spring 42 is arranged in the second portion 63 of the first chamber 40 .

[0095] The spring 42 contacts the plug member 43 at one end and the casing 65 at the other end.

[0096] In another embodiment, it is noted that the diaphragm 41 has an S-shaped cross section.

[0097] In other words, the diaphragm 41 radially defines a series of regions of different heights.

[0098] It should be noted that the diaphragm 41 is preferably elastically deformable.

[0099] With reference to FIG. 13, it is noted that the machine 1 comprises a supply body 46 having a nozzle 97 arranged at the outlet end 44 of the delivery duct 6 .

[0100] It is therefore worth noting that the supply body 46 is detachable relative to said delivery duct 6 .

[0101] Additionally, it should be noted that the machine includes a coupling body 85 .

[0102] The coupling body 85 defines a portion of the delivery duct 6 .

[0103] More specifically, the coupling body 85 comprises a plurality of (radial) orifices 86 which define the aforementioned portion of the delivery duct 6 .

[0104] The coupling body 85 includes a cavity 86 .

[0105] The delivery body 66 is inserted within the cavity 86 .

[0106] It should be noted that the delivery body 66 (more precisely, the elongated portion 81 ) is threaded into the coupling body 85 .

[0107] According to another embodiment, at least one of the supply body 46 and the outlet end 44 of the delivery duct 6 is made of a magnetic or magnetizable material.

[0108] Advantageously, the supply body 46 can be easily attached to and removed from the delivery port 6 in this manner.

[0109] More precisely, the supply body 46 can be easily attached to and removed from the coupling body 85 .

[0110] It is therefore noteworthy that the supply body 46 may be made of a magnetic material and the outlet end 44 of the delivery duct 6 may be made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0111] It is worth noting that the supply body 46 corresponds to the delivery port 92 previously described.

[0112] Another aspect of the invention will now be described.

[0113] The pump 51 comprises a blade 47 having two lateral ends, a first lateral end 47A and a second lateral end 47B.

[0114] Additionally, the blade 47 includes a serpentine-shaped central portion 47C connecting the first side end 47A and the second side end 47B.

[0115] The blades 47 are connected to the rotor and driven to rotate.

[0116] The pump 51 has an inlet 91 and an outlet 90 .

[0117] According to the invention, the machine 1 is equipped with a cooling system 7 .

[0118] The cooling system 7 comprises a closed circuit 70 configured to circulate a first heat exchange fluid F1, an evaporator 71, a compressor 72, a condenser 73 and a throttle element 74.

[0119] The first heat exchange fluid F1 passes along a closed circuit 70 through an evaporator 71, a compressor 72, a condenser 73 and a throttle element 74 in that order.

[0120] Preferably, the first heat exchange fluid F1 consists of CO2 or propane.

[0121] The evaporator 71 contacts the outer surface 30 of the wall of the tank 3 and cools the wall of the tank 3 itself.

[0122] Preferably, the tank 3 has a side surface 33 and the evaporator 71 contacts the side surface 33 of the tank 3 .

[0123] Preferably, the side surface 33 of the tank 3 has a flat wall.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, the evaporator 71 comprises a serpentine section 71A.

[0125] Preferably, the serpentine portion 71A extends around the side surface 33 of the tank 3.

[0126] The evaporator 71 is made of a pipe wound in a spiral shape along the shape of the tank 3.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, the tank 3 comprises a first portion 31 having a first depth H1 along the vertical direction and a second portion 32 having a second depth H2 along the vertical direction.

[0128] The first depth H1 is greater than the second depth H2.

[0129] For further clarity, the tank 3 has a bottom wall 34 and an upper edge 35, which define the access boundary to the tank 3 itself.

[0130] The bottom wall 34 of the tank 3 consists of a first bottom wall 341 of the first part 31 and a second bottom wall 342 of the second part 32, i.e., the distance between the upper edge 35 and the first bottom wall 341 corresponds to the first depth H1, and the distance between the upper edge 35 and the second bottom wall 342 corresponds to the second depth H2.

[0131] Preferably, the reservoir 4 is located in a first portion 31 of the tank 3 and the treatment system 5 is located in a second portion 32 of the tank 3 .

[0132] In one embodiment, the reservoir 4 is defined by a portion of the tank 3 .

[0133] In particular, in this embodiment, the reservoir 4 is defined by a first portion 31 of the tank 3 .

[0134] Advantageously, the evaporator 71 in contact with the outer surface of the tank 3 allows heat exchange with the product being processed to produce an emulsion to be fed from the receiving vessel 4 to the texturizer 52 or delivery duct 6, i.e., to the delivery point of the finished product.

[0135] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second portion 32 has a first opening 32° configured to accommodate the delivery duct 6 .

[0136] In other words, the delivery duct 6 passes through the first opening 32A.

[0137] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second portion 32 has a second opening 32B configured to accommodate connection and transmission elements between the processing system components 5 and the respective motors. In other words, these connection and transmission elements pass through the second opening 32B.

[0138] It is worth noting that the containment body 2 and the insulating body 11 also have openings at the first opening 32A and the second opening 32B, respectively.

[0139] According to the invention, the machine 1 comprises a cooling chamber 20 for the tank 3 .

[0140] In particular, according to one aspect of the invention, the cooling system 7 comprises a cooling chamber 20 of the tank 3 .

[0141] The cooling chamber 20 extends around the tank 3 between the outer surface 30 of the tank 3 and the containment body 2 .

[0142] In other words, the cooling chamber 20 substantially corresponds to the space defined between the containment body 2 and the outer surface 30 of the tank 3 .

[0143] The cooling chamber 20 is configured to house an evaporator 71 therein.

[0144] For further clarity, the evaporator 71 is located within the cooling chamber 20 and is disposed between the containment body 2 and the outer surface 30 of the tank 3 .

[0145] It is worth noting that the cooling chamber 20 surrounds the entire tank 3 and therefore surrounds both the first portion 31 of the tank 3 and the second portion 32 of the tank 3 .

[0146] In other words, the cooling chamber 20 surrounds the tank 3 with both the containment vessel 4 and the processing system 50 .

[0147] According to one aspect herein, the cooling chamber 20 is permeated with a second heat exchange fluid F2 to increase the thermal inertia of the evaporator 71.

[0148] In other words, the second heat exchange fluid F2 defines a mass of heat exchange fluid substantially confined within a sealed chamber such as the cooling chamber 20, which increases the thermal inertia and, in effect, makes the cooling of the tank 3 more stable and efficient.

[0149] For further clarity, the evaporator 71 is embedded in the second heat exchange fluid F2, ensuring optimal heat exchange between the first heat exchange fluid F1 circulating inside the evaporator 71 and the inner surface of the tank 3.

[0150] The second heat exchange fluid F2 preferably consists of a diathermic fluid such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

[0151] The heat exchange mechanism between the first heat exchange fluid F1 and the product appears as follows:

[0152] The evaporator 71 exchanges heat with the tank 3 by direct contact with the outer surface 30 of the tank 3 (in some areas) and also exchanges heat with the second heat exchange fluid F2, so that the second heat exchange fluid F2 is cooled and further cools the outer surface 30 in certain areas. By conduction, the cooling of the outer surface 30 makes it possible to also cool the inner surface of the tank 3 and consequently both the storage vessel 4 and the elements of the processing system 5. By conduction, the cooling of the storage vessel 4 and the elements of the processing system 5 makes it possible to also cool the product contained therein.

[0153] It is worth noting that the action of the second heat exchange fluid F2 in this way increases the overall heat exchange efficiency between the evaporator 71 and the inner surface of the tank 3, and consequently between the evaporator 71 and the product (otherwise heat exchange would only occur at the contact points between the evaporator 71 and the outer surface 30 of the wall of the tank 3).

[0154] In other words, heat exchange with the product being processed is optimized throughout the production and delivery of the emulsion from the receiving vessel 4 to the texturizer 52 or delivery duct 6 .

[0155] Advantageously, heat exchange with the product being processed is optimized in each part of the machine 1 that contains the product.

[0156] Advantageously, in particular, heat exchange with the product is optimized up to the delivery point of the emulsified product.

[0157] Advantageously, the cooling chamber 20 permeated with the second heat exchange fluid F2 makes it possible to equalize the temperature of the products being treated up to the delivery point.

[0158] Preferably, the cooling chamber 20 permeated by the second heat exchange fluid F2 is configured to keep the temperature of the emulsified final product constant within the range of -5°C to 10°C, more preferably between -1°C and 7°C.

[0159] According to one embodiment herein, the second heat exchange fluid F2 contacts the outer surface 30 of the tank 3 to cool the tank walls.

[0160] It is worth noting that the second heat exchange fluid F2 also cools the entire outer surface 30 of the tank 3 by contact with the entire outer surface 30, advantageously increasing the heat exchange.

[0161] To clarify further, the second heat exchange fluid F2 provides thermal inertia, in fact it defines a liquid mass, which is at a predetermined temperature and which is able to equalize and stabilize the temperature inside the tank 3.

[0162] Advantageously, cooling of the tank 3 by the second heat exchange fluid F2 disposed inside the cooling chamber 20 provides greater uniformity than cooling by the evaporator 71 alone. In fact, the heat exchange fluid F2 diffuses throughout the cooling chamber 20, thus ensuring heat transfer to all parts of the outer surface 30 of the tank 3 that are not in direct contact with the evaporator 71 in the cooling chamber 20. This improves the ability to uniform the temperature over the entire inner surface of the tank 3.

[0163] Preferably, the second heat exchange fluid F2 is in contact with a part of the outer surface 30 of the tank 3 that corresponds to a side surface 33 of the tank 3 itself.

[0164] According to one aspect of the present description, the machine 1 comprises a control unit U configured to control at least the cooling system 7 .

[0165] In particular, the control unit U is configured to control the operation of the compressor 72 .

[0166] In one embodiment, the control unit U is configured to control the regulating valve 53 .

[0167] In this embodiment, the regulating valve 53 is a solenoid valve, and the control unit U is configured to control the regulating valve 53 to regulate the flow rate of air introduced into the processing circuit 50 .

[0168] The control unit U is preferably configured to control an actuator configured to introduce air into the processing circuit 50 via a regulating valve 53 .

[0169] The control unit U may be configured to control the pump 51 to regulate the flow rate of the product sucked from the reservoir 4 and to force the product towards the texturizer 52 .

[0170] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the machine 1 comprises a (first) temperature sensor 8 located inside the cooling chamber 20 .

[0171] The temperature sensor 8 is configured to detect the temperature of the second heat exchange fluid F2.

[0172] The temperature sensor 8 is connected to the control unit U and sends a signal to the control unit U relating to the temperature of the second heat exchange fluid F2.

[0173] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit U is configured to control the cooling system 7 in response to a signal received from a temperature sensor 8 related to the temperature of the second heat exchange fluid F2.

[0174] In particular, the control unit U is configured to control the compressor 72 in response to a signal received from a temperature sensor 8 related to the temperature of the second heat exchange fluid F2.

[0175] According to another embodiment, the machine 1 comprises a further (second) temperature sensor 100 arranged at the bottom of the containment vessel 4 .

[0176] The temperature sensor 100 is configured to detect the temperature of the bottom of the container 4 .

[0177] According to one aspect of the present specification, the control unit U is configured to control the cooling system 7 (in particular the compressor 72) in response to a signal received from a temperature sensor 8 related to the temperature of the second heat exchange fluid F2 and / or in response to a signal received from a temperature sensor 100 arranged at the bottom of the storage vessel 4.

[0178] It should be noted that advantageously, higher reliability and performance can be achieved by controlling the compressor based on dual signals, one from sensor 8 and the other from sensor 100. Advantageously, the control unit U can control the circulation of the first heat exchange fluid F1 through the closed circuit 70 by controlling the compressor 72.

[0179] Advantageously, the control of the cooling system 7 by the control unit U makes it possible to control the temperature of the product being processed and therefore to ensure the stability of the emulsion being processed.

[0180] Advantageously, controlling the cooling system 7 by the control unit U in response to signals received from the temperature sensor 8 makes it possible to regulate the temperature of the emulsion being processed in an automatic or semi-automatic manner.

[0181] In one embodiment, the machine 1 comprises a user interface 9 connected to a control unit U.

[0182] The user interface 9 includes at least one command that can be activated by the user.

[0183] Preferably, the user interface 9 includes a number of commands that can be activated by the user.

[0184] Preferably, the user interface 9 comprises command and / or activation and selection buttons that can be activated by the user.

[0185] Advantageously, the user interface 9 makes it possible to display information about the machine 1 and / or the product being processed, even in real time, such as the temperature of the second heat exchange fluid F2.

[0186] Advantageously, the user interface 9, in conjunction with the control unit U, can control various aspects of the machine 1, such as the power supply and output of the compressor 72 to regulate the temperature of the emulsion, the regulating valve 53 to regulate the air flow supplied to the processing circuit 50, an actuator configured to introduce air into the processing circuit 50 via the regulating valve 53, and the operation of the pump 51 by a corresponding motor to regulate the flow rate of product sucked from the storage vessel 4 and to force the product towards the texturizer 52.

[0187] Advantageously, the user interface 9, in conjunction with the control unit U, allows the operator to set various thermal cycles to carry out a number of different preparations.

[0188] According to another embodiment, the pump 51 is placed inside the tank 3 in a region 86 cooled by the evaporator 71 .

[0189] According to a further embodiment, the delivery duct 6 is at least partially arranged in the tank 3 in a region 86 cooled by the evaporator 71 .

[0190] According to another embodiment, the texturizer 52 is placed inside the tank 3 in an area 86 that is cooled by the evaporator 71 .

[0191] It is worth noting that advantageously, the fact that the components of the processing system 5 are located in the area 86 cooled by the evaporator 71 means that the components of the system are kept at a low temperature at all times to minimise food safety risks, and therefore product can be delivered and manufactured whilst minimising the bacterial load therein.

Claims

1. 1. A machine for producing and dispensing a food emulsion, comprising: a container (4), a product processing system (5) comprising at least: - a texturizer (52), a product processing system (5) comprising a pump (51) connected at its inlet end to said receiving vessel (4) and at its outlet end to said texturizer (52); in combination with a feeder (87) comprising a delivery duct (6) connected to said texturizer (52), the delivery duct (6) having a delivery port (61) for delivering the emulsified product, The supply device (87) a first chamber (40) associated with a portion of said delivery duct (6); a plug member (43) located inside said first chamber (40) and movable between an open position (P1) of the delivery duct (6) and a closed position (P2) of the delivery duct (6); a diaphragm (41) connected to said plug member (43) and defining a separating wall of said first chamber (40).

2. 2. A machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said diaphragm (41) is fixed to said plug member (43) and is peripherally disposed relative to said plug member (43).

3. 3. A machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said plug member (43) and said diaphragm (41) are integrally formed.

4. 4. A machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a spring (42) disposed within the first chamber (40) and acting on the plug member (43) to maintain it in the closed position (P2).

5. 5. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the diaphragm (41) divides the first chamber (40) into a first portion (63) and a second portion (62), and the delivery duct (6) is associated with the first portion (63).

6. 6. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a supply body (46) with a nozzle (97) installed at the outlet end (44) of the delivery duct (6), the supply body (46) being detachable from the delivery duct (6).

7. 7. A machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the supply body (46) and the outlet end (44) of the delivery duct (6) is made of a magnetic or magnetisable material.

8. 8. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pump (51) comprises a blade (47) having two lateral ends, namely a first lateral end (47A) and a second lateral end (47B), and a serpentine-shaped central portion (47C) connecting the first lateral end (47A) and the second lateral end (47B).

9. moreover, at least one containment body (2), A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a tank (3) for containing said container (4), said tank (3) being arranged inside said containment body (2).

10. moreover, a cooling system (7) comprising a closed circuit (70) configured to circulate a first heat exchange fluid (F1), an evaporator (71), a compressor (72), a condenser (73) and a throttle element (74), said first heat exchange fluid (F1) flowing through said closed circuit (70) in the order of the evaporator (71), the compressor (72), the condenser (73) and the throttle element (74), said evaporator (71) being in contact with the outer surface (30) of the wall of said tank (3) in order to cool said wall; A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and claim 9, comprising a cooling chamber (20) for cooling the tank (3), the cooling chamber (20) extending around the tank (3) between the outer surface (30) of the tank (3) and the containment body (2) and configured to enclose the evaporator (71) inside it.

11. The pump (51) is located inside the tank (3) in an area (86) cooled by the evaporator (71).

11. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and claim 10.

12. 11. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and claim 10, wherein the delivery duct (6) is at least partially arranged in an area (86) inside the tank (3) cooled by the evaporator (71).

13. 11. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and claim 10, wherein the texturizer (52) is arranged inside the tank (3) in an area (86) cooled by the evaporator (71).

14. A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm (41) defines part of the wall of the delivery duct (6).

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