Machines for producing liquid or semi-liquid products

Abstract

To solve a risk of contaminating a product which is fed from a machine because a channel for syrup is clogged with syrup.SOLUTION: An ice cream producing machine comprises: a producing unit comprising a treating container that specifies a treating chamber, for treating a liquid or semi-liquid base product; a heat treating system for the treating chamber; a feeding device for feeding an additional product; a first channel for transferring the base product from the treating container to a distributing section; at least one second channel for transferring the additional product from the feeding device to the distributing section; a shutter which can be moved between a closed position and an open position in order to open and close the first channel, and in which the second channel is formed; a storage body having a contact portion where the shutter can slide in a translational direction, and which receives a shutter head at the closed position; and a drive control unit. The second channel is formed inside the shutter, and the heating device, which is integrated with the shutter, heats the additional product and is controlled by the drive control unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to machines for producing liquid or semi-liquid products, which are widely used in the food industry. [Background technology]

[0002] In the industries concerned, there is a strong need to produce liquid or semi-liquid food products such as ice cream, soft serve ice cream, shakes, etc. in a variety of flavors starting from the same base product.

[0003] The liquid or semi-liquid base product is flavored and / or variegated with additional products in the form of syrups of various flavors and / or colors.

[0004] Known in the prior art are machines configured to dispense a base product and dispense one or more syrups onto and / or within it to obtain a speckled product.

[0005] More specifically, this type of machine typically comprises a processing chamber in which a liquid or semi-liquid base product is processed and one or more receiving chambers for the syrup. Each chamber is connected to a dispensing device by a corresponding channel that is opened or closed depending on the type and amount of base product or syrup to be dispensed. Thus, these machines allow dispensing a base product and adding one or more syrups to it, obtaining a speckled product with a small amount of the selected syrup on or in the base product.

[0006] However, these machines have inherent drawbacks with regard to maintenance and food safety.

[0007] After a certain number of uses, the syrup channels become coated with syrup and clog, posing a risk of contaminating the product dispensed from the machine.

[0008] This problem is exacerbated when using, for example, chocolate syrup, which tends to form sticky lumps that adhere to the walls of the channels.

[0009] In this situation, the machine must be almost completely disassembled in order to clean it to remove the sticky deposits that are blocking the passage of the syrup, which is often a very time-consuming task that must be carried out by a skilled technician. Summary of the Invention

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid products which is able to guarantee a high level of product quality.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid products that can be quickly and easily cleaned while at the same time preventing the formation of encrusted deposits.

[0012] The specified technical objectives and objects are substantially achieved by a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products, which machine comprises the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description with reference to preferred, non-limiting embodiments of a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products.

[0014] The description will now be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes only, without limiting the scope of the invention. [Figure 1] 1 shows a cross-section of a machine according to the invention; [Figure 2] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of the machine of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 indicates a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid products which forms the subject of the present invention.

[0016] The machine 1 is preferably adapted to produce ice cream, preferably soft serve ice cream.

[0017] The soft serve ice cream produced is variegated.

[0018] It should be noted that speckled products are generally made by adding one or more additional products to plain ice cream. Thus, in the context of the present invention, the term "speckled product" means any food preparation based on sugar, milk (and / or products derived therefrom) and cream, to which at least one flavoring has been added.

[0019] In other words, the machine 1 is adapted to produce a speckled product from a base material, i.e. a plain product comprising a liquid or semi-liquid base product (hereinafter also referred to as "base product"), and one or more additional products (hereinafter also referred to as "syrups").

[0020] According to the invention there is provided a machine for producing ice cream, comprising: a production unit 2 comprising a processing vessel 3 defining a processing chamber 4 for processing a liquid or semi-liquid based product, the processing vessel 3 being provided with an agitator 5 rotating within the processing chamber 4; a thermal processing system 20 associated with the processing vessel 3 for heating / cooling the processing chamber 4; a supply device 9 for supplying additional product; a first transfer channel 11 configured to transfer the liquid or semi-liquid base product from the treatment vessel 3 to the distribution section 12; at least one second transfer channel 13 configured to transfer additional product from the supply device 9 to the distribution section 12; a shutter 14 movable between a closed position and an open position for controlled opening and closing of the first transfer channel 11, in which the second transfer channel 13 is formed; a housing 15 in which the shutter 14 is slidably movable along a translation direction X and having an abutment portion 15a configured to receive the head portion 14a of the shutter 14 in a closed position; a drive and control unit 21.

[0021] According to another embodiment, at least one second transfer channel 13 is formed inside the shutter 14 .

[0022] According to yet another embodiment, the machine 1 comprises a heating device 22 integrally associated with the shutter 14 for heating additional product in at least one second channel 13 and connected to and controlled by the drive and control unit 21.

[0023] It should be noted that the heating device 22 is therefore movable together with the shutter 14 .

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] In this embodiment, the machine 1 comprises a production unit 2 with a treatment vessel 3 containing a liquid or semi-liquid base product. The treatment vessel 3 defines a treatment chamber 4 in which a rotary agitator 5 treats the liquid or semi-liquid base product by continuous agitation.

[0026] Preferably, the processing vessel 3 is formed in the form of a horizontal batch freezing cylinder adapted to process a liquid or semi-liquid base product at a temperature suitable for producing a plain product.

[0027] To maintain these temperatures, the machine 1 comprises a thermal treatment system 20 associated with the treatment vessel 3 for heating / cooling the treatment chamber 4. More specifically, the thermal treatment system 20 comprises a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat and cool the treatment vessel 3 so that the liquid or semi-liquid base product is at a temperature between −12° C. and −2° C. during treatment.

[0028] Preferably, the machine 1 also comprises further heat treatment means configured to heat or cool the wall of a further vessel 6 comprising at least one heat exchanger (not shown) and equipped with a further stirring element 24.

[0029] The further vessel 6 is essentially used to pasteurise a liquid or semi-liquid base product, which is then transferred to the treatment vessel 3 via a duct 7 equipped with a transfer pump 8 .

[0030] The machine 1 also includes a feeder 9 for supplying additional product, from which the additional product is fed in a controlled manner so as to mottle the basic product.

[0031] In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 1, the supply device 9 may include a socket for receiving a syrup capsule that is opened (e.g., pierced) at the moment the machine 1 is used to allow the release of the syrup.

[0032] In other variant embodiments not shown, the supply device 9 may be formed differently and, more particularly, may include one or more containers in which the additional product is held in substantially liquid form, from which the product is drawn during use of the machine 1, or, even differently, may include one or more supply lines for supplying one or more additional products.

[0033] Preferably, the additional product is chocolate.

[0034] Preferably, the second transport channel 13 extends at least partially vertically between a first upper end 13a connected or connectable to the supply device 9 and a second lower end 13b preferably directed towards the distribution section 12 to define a gravity feed system for supplying additional product.

[0035] Preferably, as mentioned above, the machine 1 also comprises at least one drive and control unit 21 configured to drive and control the heating device 22 .

[0036] Additionally, the drive and control unit 21 may control the motors of the agitator 5 and / or the agitator 6 and other actuators (eg, the pump 8).

[0037] Preferably, the drive and control unit 21 may include a user interface with controls configured to control the type (flavor and amount) of additional product dispensed.

[0038] Thus, in operation, when a user selects a particular additional product, the drive and control unit 21 causes a predetermined quantity of the selected additional product to be transferred from the supply device 9 to the dispensing section 12 .

[0039] 1 embodiment in particular, the liquid or semi-liquid base product and the additional product, as they are dispensed, form a mottled product outside of machine 1, preferably inside a serving container (e.g., a cup or cone) located below dispensing section 12. More precisely, the additional product may be dispensed simultaneously with the liquid or semi-liquid base product, such that machine 1 appropriately dispenses a mottled product, or may be dispensed after the liquid or semi-liquid product has been dispensed, so as to form a topping on the base product.

[0040] The heating device 22 advantageously prevents the second transport channel 13 from becoming clogged with deposits of additional product that have dried and adhered to the inner walls of the second transport channel 13, and also makes it possible to keep the additional product in the supply area at the correct consistency / viscosity at all times.

[0041] Preferably, in this embodiment, the machine 1 may comprise an electric heating device 22 integrated into the shutter 14 and configured to promote fluidization of the additional product.

[0042] It is indeed important to maintain the additional product at an optimum viscosity level for dispensing while it is being dispensed. Since the optimum viscosity level varies depending on the type of additional product being dispensed, the heating device 22 comprises an electric heating element having at least two electrical connectors 20 connected to an energy source to facilitate a controlled increase or decrease in the temperature of the additional product flowing within the second channel 13 of the shutter 14.

[0043] Advantageously, the heating device 22 contributes to cleaning the second transport channel 13 in that by heating at least a portion of the second transport channel 13 (which coincides with the deployment portion of the shutter 14), the heating device 22 helps to melt any covered deposits that may have formed in the transport channel 13.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the machine 1 may also comprise a cleaning device 17 comprising at least one cleaning means 17a inserted or insertable into the second transport channel 13 for mechanically removing encrustations from the interior of the second transport channel 13.

[0045] Preferably, the cleaning means 17a is inserted or insertable into the second transfer channel 13 via the first end 13a or the second end 13b of the second transfer channel 13.

[0046] Alternatively, the cleaning means 17a are inserted into the transfer channel 13 through specific openings formed along the transfer channel 13 itself. This solution is advantageous when the additional product is not supplied from a capsule but from a container or supply line.

[0047] In use, the cleaning means 17a is inserted into the second transfer channel 13 and moves in a vertical reciprocating motion along the entire length of the second transfer channel 13 to scrape off any encrusted deposits. After the cleaning operation, the cleaning means 17a is withdrawn from the second transfer channel 13 and placed in a rest position which allows additional product to flow normally along the second transfer channel 13.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the cleaning means 17a comprise brush elements and are made substantially in the form of a pipe brush.

[0049] Advantageously, the brush elements allow for thorough removal of deposits, especially those that are very sticky (such as those of fruit or honey syrup), and prevent the cleaning means 17a from getting stuck in the second transport channel 13.

[0050] In a further embodiment not shown, the cleaning means 17 a comprises a rigid scraper whose outer contour is substantially shaped to match the inner contour of the second transfer channel 13 .

[0051] Advantageously, when the scraper moves vertically, it impacts the covered deposits and removes them completely from the second transfer channel 13, preventing them from remaining partially attached to the channel or to the cleaning means 17a itself.

[0052] Alternatively, the cleaning means 17 a can be formed in the form of a sheath-like element that is tightly inserted, preferably press-fit, into the second transfer channel 13 .

[0053] Advantageously, in this embodiment, the cleaning means 17a do not have to be moved to a rest position in which they are fully withdrawn from the second transport channel 13, since the cleaning means 17a made in this way occupies very little space and in any case allows additional product to flow through the second transport channel 13.

[0054] According to a further embodiment, the cleaning means 17 a may comprise brush elements moving in a spiral motion which facilitates the removal of deposits coated along the entire length of the second transport channel 13 .

[0055] Advantageously, this solution also makes it possible to remove any encrusted deposits that may form in possible depressions or surface defects in the second transport channel 13 .

[0056] The second transfer channel 13 is preferably made of a metallic material so as to remove any deposits that may be encrusted during operation, and the scraping action does not remove the material from which the interior of the second transfer channel 13 is made.

[0057] According to another embodiment, if the additional product is supplied from a container (or from a supply line) rather than from a capsule, the first end 13a of the second transport channel 13 is provided with a connector 21 that can be connected and disconnected from the supply device 9 of the additional product, leaving the first end 13a of the second transport channel 13 exposed so that cleaning means 17a can be inserted during operation for cleaning the machine 1.

[0058] In operation, the shutter 14 is slidable within the housing 15 between an open configuration, in which the first transfer channel 11 is also opened, and a closed configuration, in which a head portion 14a of the shutter 14 contacts an abutment portion 15a of the housing 15 to close the first transfer channel. Preferably, the shutter 14 is movable by means of a lever 18 arranged on the outside of the machine 1 and adapted to be gripped by a user.

[0059] By operating the lever 18, the shutter 14 allows the base product and the additional product to flow out of the machine 1 through a single dispensing nozzle located at the side or bottom of the container 15. In this situation, the dispensing section 12 is therefore defined by the dispensing nozzle through which, as a result of the movement of the shutter 14, a speckled product is dispensed.

[0060] The present invention achieves the preset objective of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0061] In particular, the heating device 22 makes it possible to dispense additional product under optimal conditions and to prevent problems with food contamination and blockage of the second transfer channel 13 .

[0062] Advantageously, existing machines 1 can be retrofitted with the heating device 22 by simply replacing the shutter 14 .

Claims

1. A machine (1) for producing ice cream, comprising: a production unit (2) comprising a processing vessel (3) for processing a liquid or semi-liquid base product, the processing vessel (3) defining a processing chamber (4) and provided with an agitator (5) rotating within said processing chamber (4); a thermal treatment system (20) associated with said treatment vessel (3) for heating / cooling said treatment chamber (4); a supply device (9) for supplying additional product; a first transfer channel (11) configured to transfer said liquid or semi-liquid base product from said treatment vessel (3) to a distribution section (12); at least one second transfer channel (13) configured to transfer said additional product from said supply device (9) to said distribution section (12); a shutter (14) movable between a closed position and an open position for controlled opening and closing of said first transfer channel (11), in which said second transfer channel (13) is formed; a housing (15) in which the shutter (14) is slidably movable along a translation direction (X) and which has an abutment portion (15a) configured to receive a head portion (14a) of the shutter (14) in the closed position; a drive and control unit (21), The at least one second transfer channel (13) is formed inside the shutter (14); the machine (1) further comprises a heating device (22) integrally associated with the shutter (14), for heating the additional product in the at least one second channel (13) and connected to and controlled by the drive and control unit (21); the heating device (22) is an electric device and is configured to promote fluidization of the additional product, the heating device (22) being integrated into the shutter (14); The machine (1), wherein the shutter (14) comprises a pair of electrical connectors (20) for connecting the heating device (22) to a source of electrical energy.

2. 2. The machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second transport channel (13) extends inside the shutter (14) along the translation direction (X) and leads to a head of the shutter (14), and the first transport channel (11) leads to a side of the shutter (14).

3. 3. The machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one second transport channel (13) extends at least partly along a vertical direction between a first end (13a) connected or connectable to the supply device (9) for supplying additional product, and a second end (13b) directed towards the distribution section (12).

4. 4. The machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one second transport channel (13) has at its first end (13a) a connector (23) connectable to the supply device (9) for supplying additional product.

5. 4. Machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein said at least one second transport channel (13) is connected at its first end (13a) to a socket for receiving a capsule of additional product.

6. 6. The machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container (15) comprises a distribution outlet arranged on the side or bottom of the container (15) and defining the distribution section (12), the distribution outlet being closed by the shutter (14) in a closed configuration and being open in an open configuration of the shutter (14).

7. 7. Machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said at least one second transfer channel (13) is made of a metallic material.

8. 8. The machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a cleaning device (17) configured to remove the deposit of the additional product in the at least one second channel (13), the cleaning device (17) comprising at least one cleaning means (17a) inserted or insertable into the second transport channel (13) for mechanically removing the deposit of the additional product in the at least one second channel (13).

9. 9. Machine (1) according to claim 8, wherein said cleaning means (17a) comprise brush-like elements.

10. Machine (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said cleaning means (17a) comprise a rigid scraper.

11. 10. The machine (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the cleaning means (17a) has an outer contour substantially shaped to match the inner contour of the at least one second transport channel (13) and / or an outer contour that is form-fitting and insertable into the at least one second transport channel (13).

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