Machines for producing liquid and semi-liquid products

Abstract

To provide a machine to make it possible to make small quantities of products in the ice cream, bakery and confectionery or catering sector particularly easily based on requirements expressed on the spot by a customer.SOLUTION: A machine for making liquid or semi-liquid food products comprises: a frame 13; a thermal system which performs a thermodynamic cycle using a heat exchanger fluid; and a production unit. The production unit comprises: a processing container 3 having a cavity which defines a processing chamber 4; a stirrer 5 attached or attachable to the processing container 3; and coupling means to allow transmission of motion from a motor to the processing container 3. The stirrer 5 comprises an inner core 5a and an outer cover 5b made of different materials.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Field of the Technology

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine and method for manufacturing liquid and semi - liquid products in the fields of ice cream (gelato, sherbet, soft - serve, etc.), bakery and confectionery (custard and chocolate cream, etc.), or catering (ceviche soup, etc.).

Background Art

[0002] As is known, a strongly felt need in this field is the ability to manufacture small amounts of ice - cream - type products very quickly and according to the individual requirements of customers.

[0003] In particular, one of the particularly strongly felt needs in this industry is the ability to immediately manufacture liquid or semi - liquid food while the customer is waiting.

[0004] On the other hand, a particularly strongly felt need among machine manufacturers is the ability to manufacture very small amounts (for one person) of liquid and semi - liquid products in the ice - cream field and to provide a machine that is particularly simple and reliable.

[0005] Another particularly strongly felt need in the field in question is the need for a machine that can reduce the risk of product contamination and thus enhance food safety.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a machine for manufacturing liquid or semi - liquid food that enables the satisfaction of the above - mentioned needs, more specifically, a machine that can manufacture small amounts of products in the fields of ice cream, bakery and confectionery, or catering particularly easily based on the requirements stated by the customer on the spot.

[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for manufacturing liquid and semi - liquid products in the ice cream, bakery and confectionery, or catering sectors that is particularly safe from the perspective of food hygiene.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a machine capable of producing liquid and semi-liquid products for the ice cream, bakery and confectionery, or catering sectors, and that can optimize product processing.

[0009] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid products for the ice cream, bakery and confectionery, or catering sector, having the technical features described in one or more of the claims of the appended patent claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] The technical features of this disclosure relating to the above-mentioned objectives are expressly described in the claims, and their advantages are evident from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the machine according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the machine's details. [Figure 3] A detailed cross-sectional view of Figure 2 is shown. [Figure 4] Figures 2 and 3 show another perspective view of the details. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of the machine in detail. [Figure 6-7] Each shows a perspective view detailing the machine of the present invention. [Figure 8] Further perspective views of the machine of the present invention are shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] With respect to the attached drawings, number 1 shows a machine for manufacturing liquid or semi-liquid products for the ice cream, bakery and confectionery, or catering sectors.

[0012] Machine 1 is preferably designed to manufacture ice cream or products for the bakery and confectionery or catering industry.

[0013] Products in the ice cream or bakery and confectionery or catering sectors include products such as ice cream (soft serve, homemade gelato, sorbet, granita, etc.) and products such as custard and chocolate cream or savory soups.

[0014] These products can be either hot or cold, without distinction.

[0015] Preferably, but not exclusively, machine 1 is an ice cream machine suitable for making homemade gelato.

[0016] In the context of this invention, the term "ice cream" is used to mean a food preparation that is based on milk or a milk-derived product and has different flavors obtained by adding fruit, flavoring or other ingredients.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, Machine 1 is Frame 13 and, A thermal system 14 for performing at least one thermodynamic cycle using a main heat exchanger fluid (as shown in Figure 1), comprising a compressor 20, a first heat exchanger 21, a second heat exchanger and a depressurization element 22, all through which the main heat exchanger fluid flows, A motor 11 has a drive shaft 11a that can rotate around a vertical axis X, and a motor 12 for rotating the shaft 11a, It comprises at least one manufacturing unit G1.

[0018] Manufacturing unit G1 is, A cylindrical processing container 3 is operated by a thermal system 14 and has a cavity 9 that defines a processing chamber 4 for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products, A stirrer 5 that is applied or applicable to a fixed position of the frame and is attached or attachable to the processing container 3, Coupling means 23 between the first processing container 3 and the drive shaft 11a for enabling coupling and thus enabling transmission of motion from the motor 11 (via the drive shaft 11a) to the first processing container 3.

[0019] Note that the stirrer 5 is fixed to the machine frame. That is, while the first processing container 3 is rotationally driven (by the rotation of the drive shaft 11a), the stirrer remains fixed and does not rotate integrally with the first processing container 3.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment shown as a non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, a second container 6 and a channel 8 are also provided. The second container 6 has a cavity 7 shaped to rotatably accommodate the container 3 and is fixed to the frame 13. The channel 8 is a channel for circulating the main heat exchanger fluid and is associated with the second container 6 and defines a second exchanger 24 of a heat system 14 through which the main heat exchanger fluid circulates.

[0021] The machine 1 also preferably includes a control and drive unit configured to adjust and control different operating parts.

[0022] In this embodiment, the processing container 3 and the second container 6 are cylindrical and are coaxially arranged during use.

[0023] Preferably, the machine 1 includes a platform having at least one cavity into which the processing container 3 and the second container 6 are inserted.

[0024] More specifically, the cavity 9 of the processing container 3 that defines the processing chamber 4 is substantially cylindrical, and the cavity 7 of the second container 6 is shaped to rotatably accommodate the processing container 3.

[0025] The cavity 9 of the processing container 3 is open only at the top and has a closed bottom.

[0026] As will be explained in detail below, the cavity 7 of the second container 6 is open at the top, allowing the processing container 3 to be inserted therein, and at the bottom, allowing the first processing container 3 to be coupled to the drive shaft 11a.

[0027] With respect to the coupling means 23, these may include at least one protrusion formed on the drive shaft 11a and at least one coupling groove formed in the container 3, or more generally, they may include a spline coupling.

[0028] The processing container 3 can be removably housed in the cavity 7 of the second container 6 so that an operator can perform maintenance, cleaning, and / or replacement work on components of the machine 1 or other components located near the container 3.

[0029] A gap 47, or empty space 47, exists between the processing container 3 and the second container 6, which can be filled with secondary heat exchanger fluid.

[0030] The processing vessel 3 is provided with at least one channel 30 on its exterior, the function of which is to enable optimal heat transfer by a secondary heat exchanger fluid inserted between the first vessel 3 and the second vessel 6. When the first vessel 3 is rotated, the presence of the channel 30 causes the second heat exchanger fluid to swirl, thereby increasing the efficiency of heat exchange (making it possible to change from a state of natural convection to a state of forced convection).

[0031] The channel 30 extends along the (outer) side surface of the container 3, for example, along the helical side surface of the container 3.

[0032] Machine 1 includes a covering shell 41 fixed to the outside of the second vessel 6 to cover and seal the channel 8 for circulating the main heat exchanger fluid.

[0033] The main heat exchanger fluid circulates within the circulation channel 8.

[0034] Therefore, the circulation channel 8 defines the aforementioned second exchanger of the thermal system 14.

[0035] Therefore, the main heat exchanger fluid is circulated within the circulation channel 8 by a pressure head generated by the thermal system's compressor 20.

[0036] The cooling and / or heating of the product in container 3 is thus achieved by two heat exchanger fluids, namely a primary heat exchanger fluid and a secondary heat exchanger fluid that exchange heat with each other (through other elements).

[0037] The product in the processing container 3 is partially processed by mechanical action applied by the agitator 5, which mixes the product.

[0038] More specifically, the agitator 5 is applied to or applicable to a fixed position on the frame 13 and is attached to or can be attached to the processing container 3.

[0039] In other words, during use, the agitator 5 is mounted on the frame, and the movement of the product relative to the agitator 5 is induced by the rotation of the container 3 itself.

[0040] Structurally, as shown in Figure 5, the agitator 5 comprises an inner core 5a and an outer cover 5b.

[0041] The inner core 5a is completely enclosed by the outer cover 5b.

[0042] A distinguishing feature of the present invention relates to the materials from which the inner core 5a and the outer cover 5b are made. More specifically, the inner core 5a and the outer cover 5b are made of different materials.

[0043] The inner core 5a is preferably made of a metal material, or in any case a high-strength material, to provide a durable structure to the agitator 5.

[0044] In other words, the inner core 5a defines the load-bearing structure of the agitator 5, which can withstand the mechanical stresses that the agitator 5 experiences during the normal operation of the machine 1.

[0045] The outer cover 5b is configured to at least partially cover the inner core 5a and to come into contact with the product during use. The outer cover 5b is preferably made of a plastic material.

[0046] More preferably, the outer cover 5b is made of a food-safe plastic material that is suitable for contact with food, reduces the risk of contamination, and enhances food safety.

[0047] In another embodiment, the outer cover 5b is made of a material that is easy to clean and disinfect.

[0048] Advantageously, this structure makes the agitator 5 particularly robust.

[0049] Looking at the structure in more detail, the agitator 5 has an elongated body 5' and a lower part 5''.

[0050] Preferably, the agitator 5 has a J-shape.

[0051] More specifically, the elongated body 5' has a substantially elongated structure that extends along the height of the container 3 and has a main unfolding direction that is preferably vertical during use.

[0052] On the other hand, the bottom portion 5'' is shaped to coincide with the bottom portion 3a of the container.

[0053] More specifically, the bottom 3a of the container 3 has an axially symmetric shape with an upward-facing concave axially symmetric recess and a central raised portion, as shown in Figure 5.

[0054] The bottom 5'' of the agitator 5 is shaped to match the shape of the container 3 and works in conjunction with the container 3 to optimize product processing and help prevent the product from sticking to the walls of the container and forming unwanted clumps.

[0055] According to another structural embodiment, the agitator 5 has a substantially constant cross-section along its main direction of deployment, preferably a substantially constant cross-section of a constant shape and size.

[0056] Specifically, the cross-section having a certain shape extends from the elongated body 5' to the bottom 5'' of the agitator 5, and is preferably polygonal (rectangle, trapezoid, or triangle), or even circular or elliptical.

[0057] The agitator 5 is preferably attached to or can be attached to the frame 13 by fixing means 10.

[0058] More specifically, the fixing means 10 is adaptable to the frame 13 and is configured to engage with the upper part of the elongated body 5' of the agitator 5.

[0059] Preferably, the fixing means 10 is detachably attached to the frame 13 by at least one screw-type quick connect-disconnect means (e.g., a screw means with an operating knob).

[0060] Preferably, the fixing means 10 has an elongated shape, and in the installed configuration, this elongated shape is oriented laterally with respect to the elongated body 5' of the agitator 5, and more specifically, radially with respect to the container 3.

[0061] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the machine is equipped with a thrust element 15 that acts against the agitator 5 and keeps the agitator 5 pressed against the bottom 3a of the container 3, and is configured to bring the agitator 5 into contact with the bottom 3a and to perform a scraping action.

[0062] As a result, the scraping action prevents the formation of clumps covering the inner wall of the container, making it easier to clean the container.

[0063] Preferably, the thrust element 15 is made in the form of an elastically deformable element, specifically a helical compression spring.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the thrust element 15 is positioned between the fixing means 10 and the upper part of the elongated body 5'.

[0065] More specifically, the fixing means 10 has an end 10a, which includes a hole 10b having at least two portions of different diameters. That is, the first upper portion of the hole 10b slidably accommodates the end pin of the agitator 5, and the second lower portion of the hole 10b at least partially accommodates the thrust element 15.

[0066] In this way, one end of the thrust element 15 is housed in the second lower part of the hole 10b and is integral with the fixing means 10, while the other end, which is the opposite end, is integral with the upper part of the elongated body 5'.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, the machine further includes an additional (second) thrust element 101, which acts on the agitator 5 and keeps the agitator 5 pressed against the side wall of the container 3, and is configured to bring the agitator 5 into contact with the side wall of the container 3 and to perform a scraping action.

[0068] This additional (second) thrust element 101 is independent of the aforementioned thrust element 15. That is, machine 1 may include one or both of the thrust elements (15, 101).

[0069] Preferably, the additional thrust element 101 includes a spring.

[0070] Preferably, the spring of the additional thrust element 101 is configured to be in an extended configuration under normal circumstances (i.e., during normal use).

[0071] Therefore, the spring elastic return force of the additional thrust element 101 is directed along direction A towards the end E2 of the wall of the container 3.

[0072] More precisely, one end of the spring E1 is fixed to the machine frame, and the other end of the spring E2 is fixed to the agitator 5.

[0073] Therefore, the elastic force of the spring tends to bring the agitator 5 into contact with the side wall.

[0074] Advantageously, the machines described herein can optimize the process by which the product is manufactured, thus overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0075] This result is achieved thanks to the shape of the agitator, which optimizes its function based on its unique characteristics.

[0076] Advantageously, the machines described herein overcome the shortcomings of prior art by reducing the risk of product contamination and, consequently, enhancing food safety.

[0077] This result is obtained thanks to the structure of the agitator, in particular thanks to the possibility of easily removing the agitator for maintenance, cleaning, and / or replacement, and thanks to the materials from which the agitator is made.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products, A frame (13) and a thermal system (14) for carrying out at least one thermodynamic cycle using a main heat exchanger fluid, the thermal system (14) including a compressor (20), a heat exchanger (21) and a pressure reducing element (22), all of which are affected by the circulation of said main heat exchanger fluid; at least one motor (11) with a drive shaft (11a) rotatable about a vertical axis (X); At least one manufacturing unit (G1), a treatment vessel (3) having a cavity (9) defining a treatment chamber (4) for producing a liquid or semi-liquid food product, on which the heat system (14) acts; an agitator (5) that is or can be applied in place on the frame and that is or can be attached to the treatment vessel (3); at least one production unit (G1) comprising coupling means (23) between the treatment vessel (3) and the drive shaft (11a) for enabling the coupling and thus the transmission of motion from the motor (11) to the treatment vessel (3), The machine (1), wherein the agitator (5) comprises an inner core (5a) and an outer cover (5b) made of different materials.

2. 2. The machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the inner core (5a) of the agitator is made of a metal material and / or the outer cover (5b) of the agitator (5) is made of a plastic material.

3. 2. The machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the inner core (5a) of the agitator is made of a metallic material and / or the outer cover (5b) of the agitator (5) is made of another metal alloy.

4. 2. The machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the inner core (5a) of the agitator is made of a metallic material and / or the outer cover (5b) of the agitator (5) is made of a ceramic material.

5. 2. The machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the inner core (5a) of the agitator is made of a metallic material and / or the outer cover (5b) of the agitator (5) is made of a composite material.

6. 6. The machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the agitator (5) comprises an elongated body (5') extending along the height of the treatment vessel (3) and a lower part (5'') shaped to match the bottom (3a) of the treatment vessel (3).

7. 7. The machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a thrust element (15) adapted to act on the agitator (5) and keep it pressed towards the bottom (3a) of the treatment vessel (3), in particular to bring the agitator (5) into contact with the bottom (3a) and to apply a scraping action thereto.

8. 8. Machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein the thrust element (15) is made in the form of an elastically deformable element, in particular a helical compression spring.

9. 9. The machine (1) according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising fixing means (10) fixable to the frame and configured to engage an upper part of the elongated body (5'), the thrust element (15) being arranged between the fixing means (10) and the upper part of the elongated body (5').

10. 10. The machine (1) according to claim 9, wherein the fixing means (10) is removably attached to the frame (13) by at least one screw-type quick connect-disconnect means, in particular a screw means with an operating knob.

11. 11. The machine (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the fixing means (10) has an elongated shape which, in the assembled configuration, is oriented transversely to the elongated body of the agitator (5), the fixing means (10) having an end (10a) which includes a hole (10b) having at least two portions with different diameters, a first portion of the hole (10b) slidably receiving an end pin of the agitator (5) and a second portion of the hole (10b) at least partially receiving the thrust element (15).

12. 12. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the agitator (5) has, along its main direction of development, a cross-section of substantially constant shape, preferably of substantially constant shape and size.

13. 13. Machine (1) according to claim 12 when dependent on claim 6, wherein the shaped cross section extends from the elongated body (5') to the lower part (5'') of the agitator (5).

14. 14. The machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising an additional thrust element (101) configured to act on the agitator (5) and keep it pressed against the side wall of the treatment vessel (3), in particular to bring the agitator (5) into contact with the side wall of the treatment vessel (3) and to apply a scraping action thereto.

15. 15. The machine (1) according to claim 14, wherein the additional thrust element (101) comprises a spring.

16. 16. The machine (1) according to claim 15, wherein the spring of the additional thrust element (101) comprises a first end (E1) and a second end (E2), the first end (E1) being connected to the frame and the second end being connected to the agitator (5).

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