Ice cream mould slats

Abstract

A set of ice cream mould slats for an ice cream filling line that comprises a first roller chain (10) and a second roller chain (20), each chain having links (11a, 21a) with slat attachment sections (16a, 26a) for holding the set of ice cream mould slats (2) between them. A pair (9a) of ice cream mould slats (80a, 90a) in the set is connectable to two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections (16b, 26b, 16d, 26d), and has a combined width (W1) that extends, as seen in the traveling direction (D) of the roller chains (10, 20), over the two pairs of slat attachment sections and an intermediate pair of opposite slat attachment sections (16c, 26c) located between them.

Description

[0001] ICE CREAM MOULD SLATS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to production of ice cream products. More particularly, it is related to a set of ice cream mould slats for an ice cream filling line that has roller chains which hold the ice cream mould slats between them.

[0004] Background

[0005] Today, linear ice cream filling lines are utilized in the high-capacity production of moulded, frozen food products such as ice cream, sherbet, water ice, and fruit-juice lollies, commonly referred to as “ice cream products”. These filling lines are engineered to deliver exceptional efficiency, and productivity in continuous linear ice cream production, meeting the demands of modern food manufacturing processes.

[0006] A linear ice cream filling line has a long track composed of elongated mould slats that are arranged between two roller chains. These mould slats have their short ends connected to respective roller chains. Driven by an indexing drive unit, the chains move forward by one slat at a time, forming a continuous loop similar to a conveyor belt, or “caterpillar track”. The mould slats are equipped with mould pockets designed to receive ice cream products. The openings of these pockets are situated on the outside of the loop, while the pockets themselves extend towards the inside.

[0007] The production process within a linear filling line involves filling an ice cream product mix into the mould slats' pockets. These pockets are critical as they impart the unique shape to the frozen food products. A typical ice cream filling line can be approximately 17 meters long and accommodate more than 400 mould slats. Changing these slats, for instance, when producing moulded, frozen food products of different sizes, can be a cumbersome process.

[0008] Summary

[0009] It is an object of the invention to at least partly overcome one or more of the above-identified limitations of the prior art. One such object is to provide a set of ice cream mould slats that enhances the efficiency and flexibility of ice cream production in linear filling lines.

[0010] One or more of these objectives, as well as further objectives that may appear from the description below, are at least partly achieved by a set of ice cream mould slats, an ice cream filling line and a method according to the following aspects and embodiments. A first aspect relates to a set of ice cream mould slats for an ice cream filling line. The ice cream filling line comprising a first roller chain and a second roller chain, each roller chain having links with slat attachment sections, the roller chains being arranged to hold the set of ice cream mould slats between them, with the slat attachment sections holding opposite ends of each ice cream mould slat in the set. A pair of ice cream mould slats in the set is connectable to two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections and has a combined width that, in the traveling direction of the roller chains, extends over the two pairs of slat attachment sections and an intermediate pair of opposite slat attachment sections that is located between the two pair of slat attachment sections.

[0011] An advantage provided by this aspect is the increased versatility in replacing the mould slats. By connecting a pair of ice cream mould slats to two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections and extending over an intermediate pair of opposite slat attachment sections, it allows for easier and quicker replacement of the mould slats. This design facilitates the seamless changeover between different sizes and shapes of moulded products, enhancing the flexibility of the ice cream filling line to adapt to varying production requirements. As a result, production downtime is minimized, and operational efficiency is significantly improved. As will be discussed below, other mould slats may extend over slat attachment sections in a different way, or may be connected to each of the slat attachment sections. This allows different types of mould slats to be used, efficiently adapting the ice cream production to different requirements.

[0012] As used herein, “ice cream” refers to dairy-based frozen desserts including traditional ice cream, gelato, sherbet, frozen yogurt, kulfi, as well as other frozen treats such as sorbet, water ice (Italian ice), popsicles (ice lollies), and bombe (layered ice cream and / or sorbet).

[0013] As used herein, “a set of mould slats” refers to at least two mould slats, but typically more, such as at least one hundred mould slats. The set of mould slats may include mould slats that are all identical, or it may include slats of different types.

[0014] As used herein, “pair” may refer to two ice cream mould slats that are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pair of ice cream mould slats has a combined width that, in the traveling direction of the roller chains, extends over less than four pairs of opposite slat attachment sections.

[0016] In some embodiments, the set of ice cream mould slats comprises multiple pairs of ice cream mould slats, where each pair of ice cream mould slats is configured to be attached to every two out of three consecutive pairs of slat attachment sections, as seen in the traveling direction of the roller chains.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pair of ice cream mould slats is, when connected to the two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections, unconnected to the intermediate pair of attachment sections.

[0018] In some embodiments, the ice cream mould slats, when connected to the two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections, are mirrored in a plane that has a normal direction that is parallel to the traveling direction of the roller chains.

[0019] In some embodiments, a second pair of ice cream mould slats in the set is connectable to second two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections, the second two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections being located adjacent each other, and the second pair of ice cream mould slats having a combined width that, in the traveling direction of the roller chains, extends over the second two pairs of slat attachment sections.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second pair of ice cream mould slats has a combined width that, in the traveling direction of the roller chains, extends over less than three pairs of opposite slat attachment sections.

[0021] In some embodiments, the set of ice cream mould slats comprises multiple second pairs of ice cream mould slats, where each pair of ice cream mould slats is configured to be attached to every consecutive pairs of slat attachment sections, as seen in the traveling direction of the roller chains.

[0022] In some embodiments, a third pair of ice cream mould slats in the set is connectable to two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections and has a combined width that, in the traveling direction of the roller chains, extends over the two pairs of slat attachment sections, an intermediate pair of opposite slat attachment sections that is located between them, and a respective part of two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections that are located on either side of them.

[0023] In some embodiments, the third pair of ice cream mould slats has a combined width that, in the traveling direction of the roller chains, extends over a distance that is less than a distance between five pairs of opposite slat attachment sections.

[0024] In some embodiments, the set of ice cream mould slats comprising multiple sets of third pair of ice cream mould slats, where each pair of ice cream mould slats is configured to be attached to every second out of four consecutive pairs of slat attachment sections, as seen in the traveling direction of the roller chains. In some embodiments, the third pair of ice cream mould slats is, when connected to the two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections, unconnectable to the intermediate pair of attachment sections.

[0025] The various embodiments of ice cream mould slats offer several significant advantages that enhance the overall functionality and efficiency of the ice cream filling line. By allowing slats of different widths, such as 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch slats, to be configured in various attachment patterns, the system gains a high degree of flexibility in accommodating different mould sizes and shapes. This adaptability enables quick and seamless transitions between different production requirements, reducing downtime and increasing throughput. Additionally, the ability to connect slats over varying numbers of slat attachment sections or to skip intermediate sections further optimizes the use of available space, maximizing the filling line's capacity and efficiency. These design features collectively contribute to a more versatile and efficient production process, capable of meeting diverse manufacturing needs with minimal reconfiguration time and effort.

[0026] A second aspect relates to an ice cream filling line that comprises sets of ice cream mould slats according to the first aspect and any of the embodiments. The ice cream filling line also comprises a first roller chain and a second roller chain, each roller chain having links with slat attachment sections, the roller chains being arranged to hold the set of ice cream mould slats between them, with the slat attachment sections holding opposite ends of each ice cream mould slat in the set.

[0027] A third aspect relates to a method of operating an ice cream filling line according to the second aspect. The method comprises producing ice cream with multiple first pairs of ice cream mould slats, replacing the multiple first pairs of ice cream mould slats with multiple second pairs of ice cream mould slats, and producing ice cream with the multiple second pairs of ice cream mould slats.

[0028] The second and third aspects build on the first aspect's advantages. The second aspect integrates versatile mould slats into the filling line, enabling quick transitions between different mould sizes and shapes. This reduces downtime and optimizes space utilization, increasing the filling line’s capacity for diverse production demands. The third aspect, focusing on the method of operation, ensures seamless slat replacement during production. This allows for quick adjustments with minimal interruptions, boosting throughput and overall efficiency.

[0029] The embodiments of the first aspect, which include various slat sizes and attachment configurations, can be fully implemented within the filling line and method described in the second and third aspects. Further objectives, features, aspects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following detailed description as well as from the drawings.

[0030] Drawings

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ice cream filling line, showing the overall arrangement of mould slats, roller chains, and their travel direction.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the mould slats and roller chains.

[0033] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are detailed views of the roller chains and their components, including slat attachment sections.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mould slat, illustrating its structural features, including attachment slots and mould pockets.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates the arrangement of multiple pairs of mould slats that are held by the roller chains.

[0036] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are side and top views, respectively, of a pair of mould slats according to a first embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are side and top views, respectively, of a pair of mould slats according to a second embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are side and top views, respectively, of a pair of mould slats according to a third embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 13 illustrates the arrangement of multiple pairs of different mould slats that are held by the roller chains.

[0040] FIG. 14 is schematic view of an ice cream moulder that includes a filling line, a filling station, a stick insertion station and a product removal station.

[0041] FIG. 15 is a flow chart outlining the method of operating the ice cream moulder, including the steps of producing ice cream with different pairs of mould slats and replacing them sequentially.

[0042] Description

[0043] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. Indeed, the subject of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0044] Where possible, any of the advantages, features, functions, devices, and / or operational aspects of any of the embodiments described and / or contemplated herein may be included in any of the other embodiments described and / or contemplated herein, and / or vice versa. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and / or vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, the terms "a" and / or "an" shall mean "at least one" or "one or more", even though the phrase "one or more" or "at least one" is also used herein. The terms "set", "multiple", "plural" and "plurality" are intended to imply provision of two or more elements. The term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Like reference signs refer to like elements throughout.

[0046] With reference to FIGS. 1 , 2 and 14, an ice cream filling line 91 of an ice cream moulder 1 is shown. The ice cream moulder 1 is used for the high-volume production of moulded frozen products such as ice cream, sherbet, water ice, and fruit-juice lollies, herein collectively referred to as “ice cream”. The moulder 1 operates continuously in a linear fashion, ensuring efficient production while maintaining the quality and consistency of the ice cream products. The filling line 91 has a set of elongated ice cream mould slats 2 that are arranged as a belt, forming a continuous loop similar to a conveyor belt, or “caterpillar track”. The short ends of the slats 2 are designed to attach securely to two roller chains 10, 20, referred to as a first roller chain 10 and a second roller chain 20. The roller chains 10, 20 are driven by a drive unit 8.

[0047] The drive unit 8 has a stepper motor and a chainwheel that is rotated by the stepper motor in discrete steps. Each time the stepper motor completes one step, it turns the chainwheel by a precise angle, which corresponds to a small, defined movement. This rotation moves the roller chain, advancing it by the distance of one mould slat with each step, in a traveling direction D of the roller chains 10, 20. This step-by-step motion allows for accurate control of the mould slat's position. Alternatively, the roller chain may be advanced by the distance of several, such as two or three, mould slats with each step, as required by the stations describe below which perform operations in cooperation with the filling line 91 .

[0048] A filling station 92 is located at a filling section 3 of the filling line 91 . The filling section 3 is the end of the line 91 where the ice cream, having the form of a mixture, is dispensed into mould pockets 88a of the mould slats 2. The filling station 92 has filling heads aligned with the mold pockets 88a in the mould slats 2. The mold pockets 88a extends towards the inside of the belt formed by the slats 2 and roller chains 10, 20. As the mould slats 2 move through the filling line 91 , the filling heads accurately deposit the mixture into each mould pocket 88a, ensuring consistent product shape and volume. This process is controlled to maintain uniformity across all filled mould slats 2, setting the stage for the subsequent freezing and extraction stages.

[0049] A stick insertion station 94 is used for placing wooden sticks into the ice cream mixture, before the mixture is fully frozen to form the ice cream product. The stick insertion station 94 includes a stick sorter that aligns sticks from a bulk supply and a dispensing mechanism that places them onto the mixture in the mould pockets 88a. The stick insertion station 94 synchronizes with the movement of the mould slats 2, ensuring accurate stick insertion into each mold pocket 88a.

[0050] The filling line 91 has a brine tank 5 that is used for freezing the products. It has the form of a long, rectangular, double-walled tank that is insulated with polyurethane foam to maintain the low temperatures required for freezing. The tank 5 contains a cold brine distribution system that circulates brine, typically at temperatures around -40°C, around the mould pockets 88a. As the mould slats 2 move over the brine tank 5, the mould pockets “dip down” into the brine as they extend downwards from the slats 2, such that the outside of the pockets 88a, located at the underside of the slats 2, are surrounded by cold brine. This freezes the product inside the mould pockets 88a.

[0051] The design of the brine tank 5 ensures even distribution of the cold brine around each mould pocket 88a, facilitating uniform freezing of the ice cream. The tank 5 is made of stainless steel, with the parts exposed to brine being of a high-quality, corrosion-resistant grade. The brine tank 5 has a brine flow system that circulates and maintains the brine at the optimal temperature for freezing. The brine flow system includes a return flow mechanism where brine flows by gravity into a filter tank. From there, pumps divide the brine into two streams: one re-circulates back into the brine tank, while the other is pumped through an optional external plate heat exchanger before returning to the brine tank 5. This circulation ensures consistent brine temperature and flow. The filling line 91 has also a defrosting system 6 that loosens the frozen ice cream from the mould slats 2 to facilitate easy extraction. The defrosting system 6 sprays warm water onto the underside of the mould slats 2, on the outside of the mould pockets 88a, as they exit the brine tank 5. The warm water slightly thaws the outer layer of the frozen ice cream in the mould pocket 88a, creating a thin slip film that allows the ice cream to be easily removed from the mould slat 2. The defrost water is circulated through a tank and heated by steam, with temperature control managed by a precision steam valve to maintain the ideal conditions for defrosting.

[0052] The ice cream moulder 1 has a product removal station 93 that is located at an extraction section 4 of the filling line 91 . Thus, the extraction section 4 is located at the end of the filling line 91 where the ice cream is removed from the mould slats 2.

[0053] A flush and cleaning system 7 is located at the lower side of the filling line 91 for maintaining hygiene and operational efficiency in the filling line 91. The flush and cleaning system 7 includes tanks for flushing the moulds slats 2 with water during production. The flushing is performed on the mould slats 2 that travel in the direction from the extraction section 4 to the filling section 3, un the underside of the belt. The moulds are typically flushed three times with water spray and once with a tap water rinse. The flushing and cleaning basically consists of spraying upwards into the mould pockets, to thereby remove any residual product from the mould pocket and from the top surfaces of the mould slats 2. The water used in flushing is reused optimally through a backward overflow system, minimizing water consumption. After production or during scheduled cleaning, an additional tank can be used to apply cleaning agents like lye or sanitizer.

[0054] The filling line 91 has also electric equipment, which includes the main circuit breaker, motor controllers, and relays that power and control all operations, such as the servo-driven drive unit 8 for the roller chains 10, 20 that move the slats 2 forward, the brine tank 5, the defrosting system 6 and the cleaning system 7. The electric equipment can also control the filling station 91 , the stick insertion station 94, and the product removal station 93.

[0055] A control panel, typically featuring a touch screen interface, serves as a central hub for operating the filling line 91 , allowing operators to manage all functions, monitor the machine’s status in real-time, and adjust settings for different products, all from a convenient location near the extraction area.

[0056] A dipping and a lay-off device may be included, and can handle ice cream after removal from the moulds. It uses a servo-driven chain conveyor with tongs to grip and lift ice cream out of the mould slats 2. The ice cream can then be dipped in chocolate or another coating material using a controlled dipping mechanism before being transferred by the lay-off device onto the wrapping machine conveyor in the correct position.

[0057] The operating principle of the ice filling line 91 involves a continuous, automated process divided into several stages. First, the ice cream mix or other frozen product base that shall form the ice cream is filled into the mould slats’ pockets 88a, while the roller chains 10, 20 securely hold the slats 2. If the ice cream shall be provided with sticks, the sticks are then automatically inserted into the ice cream as the slats 2 move along the line 91 . Next, the filled mould slats 2 enter the brine tank 5, where the ice cream is frozen by the circulating cold brine. Once frozen, the moulds pass through the defrosting system 6, where warm water is sprayed on the outside of the mould slats’ pockets 88a, slightly melting the outer layer of the ice cream to allow for easy extraction by the product removal station 93. The extracted products can then be coated, if desired, before being laid down into a wrapping machine for packaging. Throughout this process, the filling line’s components, including the roller chains, brine tank, defrosting system, cleaning system, work together to ensure efficient and high- quality production of ice cream. The mould slats 2 are moved forward in the traveling direction D of the roller chains 10, 20 in steps corresponding to the width of one slat. Between these steps that move the mould slats 2, the slats 2 remain stationary, allowing the filling station 92 and product removal station 93 to perform their tasks of filling and extracting product from the slats 2, one slat at a time.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the roller chains, having the form of a first roller chain 10 and a second roller chain 20, are the components within the filling line 91 that hold the ice cream mould slats 2. The roller chains 10, 20 are structurally similar and arranged in parallel to each other, as continuous loops designed to hold and transport the mould slats 2 through the line 91 .

[0059] The first roller chain 10 has a series of interconnected links 11a, 11 b, 11c, 11 d that include inner and outer links. The inner links 11a, 11c are formed by two parallel inner plates 12a, 13a that have bushings 14 around which rollers 15 rotate. The outer links 11 b, 11 d are formed by two outer plates 12b, 13b which have bearing pins that pass through the bushings of the inner links. The rollers, which rotate freely around the bushings, engage with the teeth of the chain wheel that is rotated by the drive unit 8.

[0060] The plates 12a, 12b of the first roller chain 10 that are arranged to face the second roller chain have slat attachment sections 16a, 16b. These sections 16a, 16b extend in direction towards the second roller chain 20, forming a series of shelves on which the slats can rest. The attachment sections have on their tops a respective pair of headed attachment pins 17, 18, referred to as a first headed attachment pin 17 and a second headed attachment pin 18.

[0061] Every second attachment section is offset in the height direction H of the chain 10. For example, the slat attachment section 16a of each inner link is vertically below the slat attachment section 16b of each outer link, or vice versa, as seen when the headed attachment pins 17, 18 are facing upwards. The height direction H is perpendicular to the traveling direction D of the roller chains 10, 20, and is also perpendicular to the direction in which a slat 2, attached to the roller chains 10, 20, extends between the chains 10, 20.

[0062] Support wheels 19 are attached to a number of the links, allowing the chain 10 to run on a support structure of the filling line 91 . For example, every second link of at least a majority of the second links may be fitted with a support wheel. The support wheels may face the same direction as the slat attachment sections 16a, 16b.

[0063] The second roller chain 20 is identical to the first roller chain 10, except that it links 21a, 21 b, 21c, 21 d have the slat attachment sections 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d arranged to face the first roller chain 10, and it has straight attachment pins 27 and 28 instead of headed ones.

[0064] The pitch of each roller chain is 2 inches. The pitch is defined as the distance from the center of one bearing pin (or roller) to the center of the next bearing pin (or roller) along the length of the chain. This means that the slat attachment sections 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are also spaced apart from each other by 2 inches, as measured from the center of one attachment section to the next. The distance between the centers of adjacent slat attachment sections is referred to as the “slat attachment pitch”. Therefore, the slat attachment pitch is also 2 inches.

[0065] The mould slats 2 are the components within the filling line 91 that shape the ice cream. Each mould slat is a flat, elongated piece made of durable, food-grade material, typically stainless steel. These slats have multiple pockets or cavities shaped according to the desired product design. The ice cream mixture to be frozen is poured into these pockets, where it solidifies during the freezing process. The mould slats come in various sizes and configurations, allowing the production of different product shapes and sizes. The ends of the slats are designed to attach securely to the roller chains 10, 20, ensuring precise movement through the moulder.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 5, one of the ice cream mould slats 2 is illustrated, in this case, a 3-inch wide slat 80a (the width is measured in the traveling direction D). The slat 80a has a slat top 81a that forms the upper surface of the ice cream mould slat 80a. The slat 80a has mould pockets 88a distributed along its surface. These pockets are recessed areas where the ice cream mixture is deposited during the filling process. The number, size, and arrangement of these mould pockets are designed to create the desired ice cream shapes, with the pockets extending into the slat top 81a to a specified depth.

[0067] The slat has an elongated shape with a first longitudinal slat edge 82a and a second longitudinal slat edge 83a. The distance between these edges 82a and 83a is 3 inches, or slightly more than 3 inches (±15 %), as the slats may overlap (as described further on). The edges 82a, 83a extend along the length of the slat 80a, providing structural integrity and defining the boundaries of the mould slat in the longitudinal direction.

[0068] At each end of the slat 80a, there are a first short end 84a and a second short end 85a. These ends 84a, 85a cap the slat, closing off the slat structure and helping to position the slat 80a correctly between the roller chains 10, 20.

[0069] Attachment slots 86a are provided at the first short end 84a of the slat 80a, while attachment openings 87a are provided at the second end 85a. The slat 80a is connected to two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections 16a, 26a on the chains 10, 20 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). This is done by first moving the attachment slots 86a on the first end 84a onto the headed attachment pins 17, 18, such that the heads are located over the attachment slots 86a. The slat 80a is then folded down with the second short end 85a towards the first and second attachment pins 27, 28, such that the pins 27, 28 extend through the openings 87a. The heads on the headed pins 17, 18 have a greater diameter than the width of the slots 86a in the first end 84a, while the pins 27, 28 have a diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the openings 87a in the second end 85a. This fixates the first end 84a in all directions, while the second end 85a is fixed in all directions except directly upwards from the pins 27, 28.

[0070] To prevent the second end 85a from falling off the second chain 20 when the slat 80a is on the underside of the loop formed by the chains 10, 20, the filling line 91 has a counter element (not shown) on which the second end 85a slides, holding it back towards the chain 20. This counter element extends along the length of the filling line 91 , on the underside of the loop formed by the chains 10, 20.

[0071] The slat 80a can be removed from the chains 10, 20 when it is located on the upper side of the loop formed by the chains 10, 20. This is accomplished by lifting the second end 85a from the pins 27, 28 and pulling the slat 80a out and away from the headed pins 17, 18. With reference to FIG. 6, multiple slats 2, similar to the illustrated 3-inch slat 80a, can be arranged adjacent to each other. Since the slat attachment pitch is 2 inches, and the width of each slat is 3 inches, or approximately 3 inches, two slats will cover three pairs of attachment sections. This is further illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, showing how a first slat 80a and a second slat 90a of the slats are arranged adjacent each other, forming a pair 9a of ice cream mould slats 80a, 90a, referred to as 3-inch mould slats. Multiple such pairs of slats are arranged adjacent each other, until the chains 10, 20 are completely filled with slats.

[0072] The pair 91 is connectable to two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections 16b, 26b, 16d, and 26d, and has a combined width W1 that, in the traveling direction D of the roller chains 10, 20, extends over two pairs of slat attachment sections 16b, 26b, 16d, and 26d, as well as an intermediate pair of opposite slat attachment sections 16c and 26c located between them. The slats 80a and 90a then occupy three pairs of opposite links: 11 b, 11c, 11 d, 21 b, 21 c, and 21 d in the roller chains 10, 20.

[0073] When the slats 80a, 90a are connected to the chains 10, 20 next to each other, the second longitudinal slat edge 83a of one slat 90a extends underneath the first longitudinal slat edge 82a of the adjacent slat 80a. Thereby, the slats are overlapping. To achieve this, the first slat edge 82a has a portion that extends downward from the slat top 80a, perpendicular to the slat top 80a. The second slat edge 83a includes a first portion that extends downward from the slat top 80a, also perpendicular to the slat top 80a, and a second portion that extends from the first portion parallel to the slat top 80a and in a direction away from the first edge 82a.

[0074] The ice cream mould slats 80a, 90a are thus designed so that each pair 9a of slats 80a, 90a has, as seen in the travelling direction D, a combined width W1 over fewer than four pairs of opposite slat attachment sections. As indicated, the ice cream mould slats 2 typically include multiple pairs 9a of slats 80a, 90a. Each pair 9a of slats 80a, 90a is then arranged to be attached to every two out of three consecutive pairs of slat attachment sections. This configuration is seen in the traveling direction D of the roller chains 10, 20. The ice cream mould slats are configured so that, when connected to two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections 16b, 26b, 16d, 26d, the pair of slats 80a, 90a cannot be connected to the intermediate pair of attachment sections 16c, 26c. This means that every third pair of attachment section are unused, i.e., does not carry any slats. The ice cream mould slats 80a, 90a, when connected to the two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections 16b, 26b, 16d, 26d, are mirrored. This mirroring occurs in a plane that has a normal direction parallel to the traveling direction D of the roller chains 10, 20. With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the set of ice cream mould slats 2 can include a second set of ice cream mould slats, identified as a second pair 9b of slats 80b, 90b, also referred to as “2-inch mould slats”. The second pair 9b of mould slats is thus structurally different from the pair of mould slats 9a discussed in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8, which may be referred to as the “first pair of mould slats” 9a.

[0075] The second pair 9b is designed to be connectable to a second set of two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections, 16b, 26b, 16c, 26c. These second pairs of slat attachment sections, 16b, 26b, 16c, 26c, are located adjacent to each other in the traveling direction D of the roller chains 10, 20.

[0076] The second pairs of slat attachment sections, 16b, 26b, 16c, 26c, are per se identical to the previously discussed slat attachment sections. The difference lies in which attachment sections holds slat ends.

[0077] The second pair 9b of slats 80b, 90b has a combined width W2 that extends over two pairs of slat attachment sections, 16b, 26b, 16c, 26c. This means that the slats have a width that is about 2 inches, or slightly more than 3 inches (±15%).

[0078] Multiple second pairs 9b of slats 80b, 90b can be connected to the chains 10, 20. The 3-inch pairs of slats 9a can, as mentioned, be replaced, partly or fully, with the 2-inch pairs of slats 9b. Since the slat attachment pitch is 2 inches, and the width of each slat is 2 inches, or approximately 2 inches, two slats will cover two pairs of attachment sections. Each of these second pairs 9b of slats 80b, 90b is thus configured to be attached to every consecutive pair of slat attachment sections.

[0079] In contrast to the first pair of mould slats 9a, the second pair 9b of slats 80b, 90b is configured such that its combined width W2 extends over fewer than three pairs of opposite slat attachment sections in the traveling direction D of the roller chains 10, 20. The slats 80b and 90b then occupy two pairs of opposite links: 11 b, 11 c, 21 b, 21 c in the roller chains 10, 20.

[0080] When the slats 80b, 90b are connected to the chains 10, 20 next to each other, the second longitudinal slat edge 83b of one slat 90b extends underneath the first longitudinal slat edge 82b of the adjacent slat 80b. Thereby, the slats 80b, 90b are overlapping. To achieve this, the first slat edge 82b has a portion that extends downward from the slat top 80b, perpendicular to the slat top 80b. The second slat edge 83b includes a first portion that extends downward from the slat top 80b, also perpendicular to the slat top 80b, and a second portion that extends from the first portion parallel to the slat top 80b and in a direction away from the first edge 82b.

[0081] As indicated, the ice cream mould slats 2 may include multiple pairs 9b of slats 80b, 90b. Each pair 9b of slats 80b, 90b is then arranged to be attached to every two consecutive pairs of slat attachment sections; i.e., every slat 80b, 90b is attached to a respective pair of attachment sections. This configuration is seen in the traveling direction D of the roller chains 10, 20.

[0082] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the set of ice cream mould slats 2 can include a third set of ice cream mould slats, identified as a third pair 9c of slats 80c, 90c, also referred to as “4-inch mould slats”. The third pair 9c of mould slats is thus structurally different from first and second pairs of mould slats 9a, 9b discussed in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8 respectively FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0083] The third pair 9c is designed to be connectable to a second set of two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections, 16b, 26b, 16d, 26d. These third pairs of slat attachment sections, 16b, 26b, 16d, 26d constitute every second pair of attachment sections in the traveling direction D of the roller chains 10, 20.

[0084] The third pairs of slat attachment sections, 16b, 26b, 16d, 26d, are per se identical to the previously discussed slat attachment sections. The difference lies in which attachment sections holds slat ends.

[0085] The third pair 9c of slats 80c, 90c has a combined width W3 that extends over a length that length that corresponds to four pairs of slat attachment sections, 16a, 26a, 16b, 26b. 16c, 26c, 16d, 26d, 16e, 26e (three full attachment sections and two half attachment sections at a respective side of the three full sections). This means that the slats have a width that is about 4 inches, or slightly more than 4 inches (±15%).

[0086] Multiple third pairs 9c of slats 80c, 90c can be connected to the chains 10, 20. The 3-inch and 2-inch pairs of slats 9a, 9b can, as mentioned, be replaced, partly or fully, with the 4-inch pairs of slats 9c. Since the slat attachment pitch is 2 inches, and the width of each slat is 4 inches, or approximately 4 inches, two slats will cover four pairs of attachment sections. Each of these third pairs 9c of slats 80c, 90c is thus configured to be attached to every second pair of slat attachment sections.

[0087] The third pair 9c of slats 80c, 90c is configured such that its combined width W3 extends over more than three pairs of opposite slat attachment sections in the traveling direction D of the roller chains 10, 20. The slats 80b and 90b then occupy four (0.5+1 + 1 + 1 +0.5) pairs of opposite links: 11a, 11 b, 11c, 11 d, 11 e, 21a, 21 b, 21c, 21d, 21 e in the roller chains 10, 20.

[0088] When the slats 80c, 90c are connected to the chains 10, 20 next to each other, the second longitudinal slat edge 83c of one slat 90c extends underneath the first longitudinal slat edge 82c of the adjacent slat 80c. Thereby, the slats 80c, 90c are overlapping. To achieve this, the first slat edge 82c has a portion that extends downward from the slat top 80c, perpendicular to the slat top 80c. The second slat edge 83c includes a first portion that extends downward from the slat top 80c, also perpendicular to the slat top 80c, and a second portion that extends from the first portion parallel to the slat top 80c and in a direction away from the first edge 82c.

[0089] As indicated, the ice cream mould slats 2 may include multiple pairs 9c of slats 80c, 90c. The slats 80c, 90c of the third pair 9c are then arranged to be attached to every second pair of slat attachment sections; i.e., the slats 80b, 90b are attached with intermediate, empty slat attachment sections between them. This configuration is seen in the traveling direction D of the roller chains 10, 20. This means that every second attachment section is unused, i.e., does not carry any slats.

[0090] With reference to FIG. 13, different types of mould slats are illustrated when attached to the chains 10, 20, including the 3-inch slats 80a, 90a with two lines of mould pockets per slat, the 2-inch mould slat 80b with one line of mould pockets per slat, and the 4-inch slat 80c with one line of wide mould pockets per slat. Other configurations are also shown, such as 3-inch slats 180a, 190a with a single line of mould pockets, and a 2-inch slat 192a with a single line of mould pockets having a different shape. This figure demonstrates the capability of the ice cream moulder to simultaneously handle slats of different widths (3-inch, 2-inch, and 4-inch) within the same production line, as well as arranging different sizes and shapes of mould pockets in the slats.

[0091] The set of ice cream slats 2 may include any number of slats, or pairs of slats, which can be fitted on the chains 10, 20. In production, the same type of mould slats may be used throughout the entire filling line 91 , or slats of different types may be used. Using different types of slats can be accomplished by properly indexing the movement of the chains and adjusting the dispensing of the ice cream mix, as required.

[0092] For efficient production, the same type of mould slats is typically used throughout the entire filling line 91 . The set of ice cream mould slats 2 may then have some of its slats attached to the chains 10, 20, while other slats in the set 2 may be stored next to the filling line 91 or in a dedicated storage area where the slats can be retrieved. An operator can then change which slats are used in the filling line.

[0093] With reference to FIG. 15, a flow chart outlining a method 200 of operating the ice cream filling line 91 is illustrated, which includes the changing of mould slats. The method 200 includes producing 201 ice cream with a first pairs of mould slats, replacing 202 the first pairs with a second pairs, and producing 203 ice cream with the second pair of mould slats. Optionally, the method 200 also comprises replacing 204 the second pairs with third pairs, and producing 205 ice cream with the third pairs of mould slats. This sequence illustrates the efficient transition between different production setups, minimizing downtime and enhancing the overall throughput of the moulder.

[0094] From the description above, it is evident that, although various embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Instead, it can be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the subsequent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A set of ice cream mould slats (2) for an ice cream filing line (91), the ice cream filling line (91) comprising a first roller chain (10) and a second roller chain (20), each roller chain (10, 20) having links (11a, 21a) with slat attachment sections (16a, 26a), the roller chains (10, 20) being arranged to hold the set of ice cream mould slats (2) between them, with the slat attachment sections (16a, 26a) holding opposite ends (84a, 85a) of each ice cream mould slat in the set (2), wherein a pair (9a) of ice cream mould slats (80a, 90a) in the set (2) is connectable to two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections (16b, 26b, 16d, 26d) and has a combined width (W1) that, in the traveling direction (D) of the roller chains (10, 20), extends over the two pairs of slat attachment sections (16b, 26b, 16d, 26d) and an intermediate pair of opposite slat attachment sections (16c, 26c) that is located between the two pair of slat attachment sections (16b, 26b, 16d, 26d).

2. A set of ice cream mould slats (2) according to claim 1 , wherein the pair (9a) of ice cream mould slats (80a, 90a) has a combined width (W1) that, in the traveling direction (D) of the roller chains (10, 20), extends over less than four pairs of opposite slat attachment sections.

3. A set of ice cream mould slats (2) according to any preceding claim, comprising multiple pairs (9a) of ice cream mould slats (80a, 90a), where each pair (9a) of ice cream mould slats (80a, 90a) is configured to be attached to every two out of three consecutive pairs of slat attachment sections, as seen in the traveling direction (D) of the roller chains (10, 20).

4. A set of ice cream mould slats (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein the pair of ice cream mould slats (80a, 90a) is, when connected to the two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections (16b, 26b, 16d, 26d), unconnectable to the intermediate pair of attachment sections (16c, 26c).

5. A set of ice cream mould slats (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein the ice cream mould slats (80a, 90a), when connected to the two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections (16b, 26b, 16d, 26d), are mirrored in a plane that has a normal direction that is parallel to the traveling direction (D) of the roller chains (10, 20).

6. A set of ice cream mould slats (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein a second pair (9b) of ice cream mould slats (80b, 90b) in the set (2) is connectable to second two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections (16b, 26b, 16c, 26c), the second two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections (16b, 26b, 16c, 26c) being located adjacent each other, and the second pair (9b) of ice cream mould slats (80b, 90b) having a combined width (W2) that, in the traveling direction (D) of the roller chains (10, 20), extends over the second two pairs of slat attachment sections (16b, 26b, 16c, 26c).

7. A set of ice cream mould slats (2) according to claim 6, wherein the second pair (9b) of ice cream mould slats (80b, 90b) has a combined width (W2) that, in the traveling direction (D) of the roller chains (10, 20), extends over less than three pairs of opposite slat attachment sections.

8. A set of ice cream mould slats (2) according to claim 6 or 7, comprising multiple second pairs (9b) of ice cream mould slats (80b, 90b), where each pair (9b) of ice cream mould slats (80b, 90b) is configured to be attached to every consecutive pairs of slat attachment sections, as seen in the traveling direction (D) of the roller chains (10, 20).

9. A set of ice cream mould slats (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein a third pair (9c) of ice cream mould slats (80c, 90c) in the set (2) is connectable to two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections (16b, 26b, 16d, 26d) and has a combined width (W3) that, in the traveling direction (D) of the roller chains (10, 20), extends over the two pairs of slat attachment sections (16b, 26b, 16d, 26d), an intermediate pair of opposite slat attachment sections (16c, 26c) that is located between them, and a respective part of two pair of opposite slat attachment sections (16c, 26d) that are located on either side of them.

10. A set of ice cream mould slats (2) according to claim 9, wherein the third pair (9c) of ice cream mould slats (80c, 90c) has a combined width (W3) that, in the traveling direction (D) of the roller chains (10, 20), extends over a distance that is less than a distance between five pairs of opposite slat attachment sections.11 . A set of ice cream mould slats (2) according to claim 9 or 10, comprising multiple sets of third pair (9c) of ice cream mould slats (80c, 90c), where each pair (9c)19 of ice cream mould slats (80c, 90c) is configured to be attached to every second out of four consecutive pairs of slat attachment sections, as seen in the traveling direction (D) of the roller chains (10, 20).

12. A set of ice cream mould slats (2) according to any of claims 9 - 11 , wherein the third pair of ice cream mould slats (80c, 90c) is, when connected to the two pairs of opposite slat attachment sections (16b, 26b, 16d, 26d), unconnected to the intermediate pair of attachment sections (16c, 26c).

13. An ice cream filling line (91) comprising sets of ice cream mould slats (2) according to any preceding claim, and a first roller chain (10) and a second roller chain (20), each roller chain (10, 20) having links (11a, 21a) with slat attachment sections (16a, 26a), the roller chains (10, 20) being arranged to hold the set of ice cream mould slats (2) between them, with the slat attachment sections (16a, 26a) holding opposite ends (84a, 85a) of each ice cream mould slat in the set (2).

14. A method (200) of operating an ice cream filling line (91) according to claim 13, the method comprising producing (201) ice cream with multiple first pairs (9a) of ice cream mould slats (80a, 90a), replacing (202) the multiple first pairs (9a) of ice cream mould slats (80a, 90a) with multiple second pairs (9b) of ice cream mould slats (80b, 90b), and producing (203) ice cream with the multiple second pairs (9b) of ice cream mould slats (80b, 90b).

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