EP3515265A1

EP3515265A1 - Machine for squeezing pomegranates

Info

Publication number: EP3515265A1
Application number: EP17791144.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Luigi FRANCESCONI; Federico PERLINI
Original assignee: Grenade Trading & Services SRL
Current assignee: Grenade Trading & Services SRL
Priority date: 2016-09-22
Filing date: 2017-09-22
Publication date: 2019-07-31
Also published as: WO2018055562A1

Abstract

The machine (1) for squeezing pomegranates comprises: a supporting structure (2); at least one abutment element (5) associated with said structure (2) and adapted to receive and support a portion of pomegranate (6) to be squeezed for obtaining the related juice; at least one pressing assembly (8, 9) comprising at least one crushing element (9) movable between a lifting position, in which the crushing element (9) is moved away from the abutment element (5), and a crushing position, in which the crushing element (9) is approached to the abutment element (5); electromechanical motor means (11) associated with the pressing assembly (8, 9) for the mobilization of the crushing element (9) from the lifting position to the crushing position.

Description

MACHINE FOR SQUEEZING POMEGRANATES

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a machine for squeezing pomegranates.

Prior Art

It is known that the pomegranate has beneficial properties for the body, being very rich in anti- oxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, group B vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates, as well as containing potassium and other minerals.

Increasingly more widespread knowledge in the food sector and increasingly easier distribution of the pomegranate fruit have resulted in major growth in the demand for pomegranate-based drinks, in particular squeezed juices, extracts or the like.

The machines currently used to squeeze pomegranates are of the manual type and have a cap adapted to envelop a half portion of the fruit and a fixed abutment element on which the pomegranate is pressed to make the juice come out.

The cap is movable between a raised position, where it is moved away from the abutment element, and a squeezing position, where it is moved nearer, pressing the pomegranate against the abutment element and causing the juice to come out.

The main drawback of the machines of known type is that the manual operating means for the vertical displacement of the cap consist of a lever system which, inevitably, requires the operator to apply considerable force.

It should be recalled in fact that the pomegranate is a very difficult fruit to squeeze, having a hard and tough skin and being characterized by strong inner partitions containing the seeds, called arils, which are in turn surrounded by the pulp and separated from each other by a membrane.

Another drawback is tied to the fact that the cap, with its rigidity, does not allow uniform distribution of pressures to be applied to the surface of the pomegranate which has to be squeezed.

This affects the effective squeezing yield, as some portions of the fruit are not sufficiently pressed.

Description of the Invention The main aim of the present invention is to provide a machine for squeezing pomegranates which allows improving squeezing operations in terms of both ease of execution and speed.

One object of the present invention is, furthermore, to provide a machine for squeezing pomegranates which allows increasing the yield of the obtainable juice.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for squeezing pomegranates which allows overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the scope of a simple, rational, easy and efficient to use solution. The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present machine for squeezing pomegranates, having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a machine for squeezing pomegranates, illustrated by way of an indicative, but non-limiting example, in the attached drawings in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are schematic sectional views of a first embodiment of the machine according to the invention;

Figures 3 to 5 are schematic sectional views of a second embodiment of the machine according to the invention;

Figures 6 to 8 are views of details of the machine according to the invention; Figures 9 and 10 are axonometric views of a third embodiment of the machine according to the invention;

Figure 11 is an axonometric view of a fourth embodiment of the machine according to the invention;

Figures 12 and 13 are views of details of a fourth embodiment of the machine according to the invention;

Figure 14 is an axonometric view of a fifth embodiment of the machine according to the invention;

Figure 15 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the machine according to the invention.

Embodiments of the Invention With particular reference to these illustrations, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a machine for squeezing pomegranates.

The machine 1 comprises a supporting structure 2 provided with substantially vertical sustaining elements 3 and with a holding cross member 4, which is orthogonal to them.

The machine 1 also comprises one abutment element 5 associated with the structure 2 and adapted to receive and support a portion of pomegranate 6 to be squeezed for obtaining the related juice.

Usefully, the abutment element 5 is at least partially surrounded by a collecting element 7, associated with the holding cross member 4 and is adapted to both prevent juice coming out during squeezing and to collect it.

Furthermore, the machine 1 comprises one pressing assembly 8, 9 provided with at least one crushing element 9 movable between a lifting position (Figure 1), in which the crushing element 9 is moved away from the abutment element 5, and a crushing position (Figure 2), in which the crushing element 9 is approached to the abutment element 5 to apply pressure on the portion of pomegranate 6 to be squeezed.

The machine according to the invention comprises electromechanical motor means 11 associated with the pressing assembly 8, 9 for the mobilization of the crushing element 9 from the lifting position to the crushing position.

In particular, the motor means 11 comprise a gearmotor 12 and at least one nut screw cylinder 13 associated with the gearmotor 12.

Solutions providing for different motor means cannot be ruled out, for example associated with hydraulic or pneumatic thrust systems.

In this respect, in the present treatise, by the term electromechanical motor means is meant all the means and systems adapted to drag in motion the movement element 8 to move it from the raised position to the crushing position and vice versa, including hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

The pressing assembly 8, 9 comprises a movement element 8 associated with the crushing element 9 for the movement of the latter along a direction of thrust

10.

Advantageously, the movement element 8 is at least partially threaded. In the present embodiments, the movement element 8 is shaped like an elongated body, but different solutions cannot be ruled out in which the movement element 8 has a different shape, e.g., curved, or consists of multiple folding arms.

The movement element 8 is inserted in the nut screw cylinder 13 to form a screw-nut screw coupling for its displacement along the direction of thrust 10. With reference to the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the supporting structure 2 comprises a work portion 14 on which is mounted the abutment element 5.

Advantageously, the work portion 14 supports the holding cross member 4 and is movable between a first position (Figure 9), in which the abutment element 5 is placed along the direction of thrust 10, and a second position (Figure 10), in which the abutment element 5 is placed along a second direction rotated with respect to the direction of thrust 10.

In particular, the work portion 14 is hinged to the structure 2 so as to rotate with respect to this, to facilitate the positioning/removal of pomegranate portions to be squeezed/already squeezed.

In first position (Figure 9), the portion of pomegranate 6 is on the direction of thrust 10, ready to be squeezed.

In second position (Figure 10), the portion of pomegranate 6 is moved away from the direction of thrust 10 and the operator can easily remove it to position another one for squeezing.

Still with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the crushing element 9 has a concave shape with its concavity turned towards the abutment element 5.

The abutment element 5, on the other hand, has a convex shape with its convexity turned towards the crushing element 9 so as to enter at least partially inside the element itself in the crushing position.

This way, the portion of pomegranate 6 is crushed between the two elements 5, 9 and, consequently, squeezed.

The shape of the two elements enable for squeezing the portion of pomegranate 6 distributed on the entire surface of the fruit.

Advantageously, the abutment element 5 comprises a base 15 associated with the supporting structure 2 and a top portion 16.

The abutment element 5 is variable between an idle configuration (for simplicity not shown in the illustrations), in which the portion of pomegranate 6 is moved away from it, and a use configuration (Figures 1, 3, 4, 7), in which the portion of pomegranate 6 is leaning against it.

Advantageously, the abutment element 5 comprises elastic means 17, 18 adapted to accumulate elastic energy when the crushing element 9 is in the crushing position and the abutment element 5 is in the use configuration (Figures 2 and 5), and to release energy when the crushing element 9 is brought towards the lifting position.

This way, part of the energy used to crush the portion of pomegranate 6 is used to load the elastic means 17, 18 and, subsequently, released from the elastic means themselves to facilitate the detachment of the squeezed fruit from the abutment element 5.

Usefully the elastic means 17, 18 comprise a first spring element 17 associated with the top portion 16 for the lifting of the latter with respect to the base 15 in the idle configuration.

As shown in Figure 8, the spring element 17 operates on the top portion 16 by pushing it beyond the base 15.

The elastic means 17, 18 also comprise a spiral spring 18 defining the base 15 and that, in the crushing position, is compressed to accumulate elastic energy.

Solutions cannot be ruled out wherein the elastic means 17, 18 are provided only with the spiral spring 18 or only with the spring element 17, or wherein the elastic means 17, 18 have several springs or are made with alternative elements, e.g. elements in rubber or other elastic material.

The operation of the present invention is as follows.

An operator places a portion of pomegranate 6 to be crushed on the abutment element 5.

By operating the motor means 11, the crushing element 9 is automatically brought into a crushing position to apply pressure on the portion of pomegranate 6.

The elastic means 17, 18 accumulate energy until the abutment element 5 is brought into crushing configuration.

Once the fruit has been squeezed and the juice obtained, the crushing element 9 is returned to the lifting position by the same motor means 11 and therefore in an automated manner.

The elastic means 17, 18, at this point release the previously accumulated mechanical energy by pushing the crushed portion of pomegranate 6 upwards. The work portion 14 is rotated with respect to the direction of thrust 10 so that the operator can easily remove the crushed portion of pomegranate and position another one to be squeezed.

In a first embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the crushing element 9 is of the type of a rigid cap, having dimensions such that it can cover a portion of a pomegranate 6 to be crushed.

In this case the cap is locked together with the movement element 8.

The operation in this first embodiment provides for the crushing element 9 first of all applying pressure on the portion of pomegranate 6 thanks to its rigidity. As it gradually descends along the direction of thrust 10, the crushing element 9 presses on the pomegranate 6 and, thanks to its rigidity, counteracts the deformation of the latter by increasing the pressure on it.

In a second embodiment (Figures 3, 4 and 5), the crushing element 9 comprises a fixing joint 19 locked together with the movement element 8, and at least one pair of contact elements 20 hinged to the joint 19 and adapted to rotate with respect to it between a lifting configuration (Figure 3), in which they are moved away from one another, and a crushing configuration (Figure 5), in which they are rotated approaching to one another.

In this second embodiment, the machine 1 comprises at least one auxiliary crushing element 21 arranged at the abutment element 5 and engageable with the pair of contact elements 20 for their mutual approach when the crushing element 9 is in the crushing position.

As shown in the figures from 3 to 5, there are two auxiliary crushing elements 21 which are of the type of a protrusion obtained inside the collecting element 7, in this case shaped like a shrinking truncated cone.

This way, the contact elements 20 come into contact with the respective auxiliary elements 21 and, as they gradually descends along the direction of thrust 10, they are mutually approached by crushing, in a manner similar to grippers, the portion of pomegranate 6.

In the present embodiment, the crushing element 9 comprises three pairs of contact elements 20, as shown in Figure 6, but other solutions cannot be ruled out with a different number of contact elements 20.

The operation of the second embodiment is completely similar to the one described above and provides that the contact elements 20 are adapted to the shape of the portion of pomegranate 6.

The contact elements 20, when they come into contact with the auxiliary elements 21, rotate nearer to one another, coming nearer and nearer as the crushing element 9 drops to the crushing position.

This way, the contact elements 20 apply a pressure on the pomegranate 6 which grows to an increasing extent as one gradually drops along the direction of thrust 10.

In a third embodiment (Figures 9 and 10), the machine 1 comprises two pressing assemblies 8, 9 and two abutment elements 5.

Both pressing assemblies 8, 9 are operable by means of electromechanical motor means 11 , thus enabling the squeezing of two portions of pomegranate 6 simultaneously or at close time intervals.

Alternative solutions involving three or more pressing assemblies 8, 9 and their related abutment elements 5 cannot be ruled out.

The operation in the third embodiment is exactly the same as those expounded above and provides for the above-described operations being performed at the same time or at close time intervals, for two different pomegranates 6 to be squeezed.

In a fourth embodiment, illustrated in Figures 11, 12 and 13, the machine 1 is similar to the one described in the previous embodiments, the detailed description of which is referred to integrally.

The machine 1 of Figure 11 is different as far as it comprises at least two pressing assemblies 8, 9, of which a first pressing assembly 8a, 9a and a second pressing assembly 8b, 9b comprising a respective first crushing element 9a and a second crushing element 9b.

As shown in Figure 11 , both pressing assemblies 8a, 9a and 8b, 9b are arranged substantially parallel to each other, but different configurations cannot be ruled out wherein, e.g., the two crushing elements 9a and 9b have converging crushing directions.

Advantageously, the machine 1 comprises movement means associated with the first pressing assembly 8a, 9a and with the second pressing assembly 8b, 9b, adapted to mobilize in a coordinated manner the first crushing element 9a and the second crushing element 9b from the lifting position to the crushing position and vice versa.

In particular, the movement means comprise a movement body 22 associated with the motor means 11, and adapted to drive in motion the first crushing element 9a and the second crushing element 9b.

Usefully, the movement body 22 comprises a supporting element 23 associated with the motor means 11 and sliding along a direction of thrust 10.

The motor means 11, for simplicity not shown in the Figure 11, are entirely similar to those described and illustrated in the previous embodiments.

Preferably, the supporting element 23 is of the type of rod arranged vertically and sliding along the direction of thrust 10.

Usually, the supporting structure 2 comprises a sustaining portion 30 in which the supporting element 23 is sliding.

The sustaining portion 30 is substantially cylindrical and contains, besides the supporting element 23, also part of the motor means 11, for example the gearmotor 12 or, in the case of hydraulic or pneumatic systems, the fluid used to move the supporting element itself.

The movement body 22 also comprises a first movement element 8a and a second movement element 8b associated with the supporting element 23 and associated with a respective first crushing element 9a and second crushing element 9b for their movement along the direction of thrust 10.

In the present embodiment, the movement body 22 comprises an auxiliary backing 29 associated with the supporting element 23 and adapted to hold the movement elements 8a, 8b. The auxiliary backing 29 is of the type of a horizontal rod hinged at the head of the movement body 22, but different conformations cannot be ruled out.

Usefully the machine 1 comprises hinging means 31, 32 of the movement elements 8a, 8b to the auxiliary backing 29.

The hinging means 31, 32 are provided with:

at least one elongated slot 32 formed on the auxiliary backing 29; and at least one pin 31 associated with the movement elements 8a, 8b and passing through the slot 32.

The slot 32 is elongated towards the direction of extension of the auxiliary backing and the pin 31 can slide inside it.

Such solutions enable the swinging movement of the auxiliary backing 29 useful to balance the forces to obtain poised and balanced squeezing, e.g., when two pomegranates are being crushed having different shapes and dimensions. In the present embodiment, the movement elements 8a and 8b are associated with the ending part of the auxiliary backing 29, preferably equidistant from one another.

The movement body 22, therefore, permits moving the crushing elements 9a, 9b at the same time, making it possible to crush two pomegranates at the same time and balancing the crushing forces.

Different solutions cannot be ruled out which involve a different conformation of the auxiliary backing 29, e.g., with curved shape, or which provide for a different arrangement of the movement elements 8a, 8b with respect to the auxiliary backing 29, e.g., in asymmetric or inclined position with respect to the direction of thrust 10.

The supporting structure 2 has at least one opening 27 adapted to allow access by an operator to the area in which the abutment elements 5 are arranged.

The opening 27 is closable by means of a protection element 28 which is adapted to prevent access by an operator during working conditions.

As shown in Figure 11 , the machine 1 comprises a protection element 28 which is associated with the structure 2 at the abutment element 5 and in a movable manner between a safety configuration, in which access to the abutment element 5 is prevented, and a maneuver configuration, in which access to the abutment element 5 is permitted.

Advantageously, the machine 1 comprises collecting means 25, 26 of the juice which are associated with the supporting structure 2.

The collecting means 25, 26 comprise at least one collecting portion 25 in which the abutment element 5 can be housed.

In the embodiment shown in the Figures 11, 12 and 13, the collecting portion 25 is housed in a cavity 24 of the supporting structure 2 obtained below the crushing element 9a or 9b.

The collecting portion 25 is accessible from the opening 27 formed in the supporting structure 2.

The collecting means 25, 26 also comprise one conveyor element 26 associated with the collecting portion 25 and communicating therewith for the outflow conveying of the juice.

Usefully, the conveyor element 26 is of the type of a duct communicating with the collecting portion 25 and adapted to convey the outflow juice.

Usefully, the conveyor element 26 is associated with the collecting portion 25 to form a single piece.

This way the advantage is obtained of facilitating the interchangeability of the piece and, therefore of making cleaning operations easier and quicker.

In the fourth embodiment, the movement means comprise a processing and control unit, for simplicity not shown in the illustrations, associated with at least one pressing assembly 8, 9 and adapted to process control information of the movement of the pressing assembly 8, 9.

Usefully, the machine 1 comprises a data display and entering unit, for simplicity not shown in the illustrations, operatively connected to the processing and control unit and adapted to receive and provide command instructions from a user.

By way of example, the data display and entering unit can be of the type of a "touch screen" whereby the user can choose different types of squeezing according to the type of fruit to be squeezed and the type of fruit juice to be obtained. The data entered by the user are transferred to the processing unit and control which, in turn, translates them into commands adapted to control the movement of the pressing assemblies 8, 9.

Advantageously, the machine 1 comprises at least one sensing device, this too not shown in the illustrations, associated with the protection element 28 for the detection of input data relating to the safety configuration and to the maneuver configuration.

The sensing device is operatively connected to the processing and control unit for sending the input data.

Also the aforementioned input data are translated into commands adapted to control the pressing assemblies 8, 9.

In particular, the input data which signal the maneuver configuration are translated into commands which stop the progress of the crushing element 9 towards the abutment element 5, preventing any accidental crushing of the user's fingers or hands.

Solutions that involve a different number of sensing devices cannot be ruled out, just as solutions cannot be ruled out that involve a different number of processing and control units.

The operation of this fourth embodiment is entirely similar to the previous ones, the description of which is referred to integrally.

In the fourth embodiment, the movement body 22 permits moving the two pressing assemblies 8a, 9a, and 8b, 9b at the same time, squeezing two fruits at the same time.

The collecting means 25, 26 collect the squeezed juice and convey it out of the machine 1.

The collecting portion 25 and the conveyor element 26, in particular, are easy to disassemble and clean.

The processing and control unit receives input data from the sensing device and/or from the data display and entering unit, translates the input data into command information and performs a control on the movement of the pressing assemblies 8, 9.

In the event of the sensing device detecting the opening of the protection element (maneuver configuration), the processing and control unit sends a command to the relative pressing assembly 8, 9 to prevent the crushing element 9 sliding towards the abutment element 5, ensuring the safety of any operator or user.

The machine 1, in all embodiments illustrated, is designed to squeeze pomegranates, but it is easy to understand that the same machine can also be used for squeezing other fruits such as citrus and / or apples.

A fifth embodiment of the machine 1 is shown in Figures 14 and 15.

The fifth embodiment is entirely similar to the previous embodiments, the description of which is referred to integrally.

The machine 1 according to the fifth embodiment shown differs from the others described due to the fact that the motor means 11 comprise at least an actuator body 32 substantially positioned along the direction of thrust 10.

The actuator body 32 is associated with the movement element 8 so as to push it along the direction of thrust 10.

This way the motor means 11 are configured in thrust and are positioned in line with the machine 1.

This feature helps to improve the compactness of the machine itself, facilitating its home use.

The operation of this fifth embodiment is entirely similar to that described for the previous embodiments.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects and in particular the fact is underlined that the machine for squeezing pomegranates permits improving the pomegranate juice squeezing operations both in terms of easier operation and in terms of speed.

The electromechanical motor means, in fact, exempt the operator from tiring manual operations, permitting greater speed in the preparation of pomegranate fruit juices.

Furthermore, the new elastic means provided allow speeding up the operations of replacement of the portions of squeezed pomegranates with new pomegranate portions to be squeezed.

Other solutions, such as the work portion rotatable with respect to the direction of thrust and the particular crushing element having one or more pairs of contact elements, permit improving the speed and ease of preparation of the fruit juice. Furthermore, the particular crushing element permits a better distribution of the pressures on the surface of the pomegranate, thus making it possible to improve the juice yield obtainable from a single fruit.

Claims

1) Machine (1) for squeezing pomegranates comprising:

a supporting structure (2);

at least one abutment element (5) associated with said structure (2) and adapted to receive and support a portion of pomegranate (6) to be squeezed for obtaining the related juice;

at least one pressing assembly (8, 9) comprising at least one crushing element (9) movable between a lifting position, in which said crushing element (9) is moved away from said abutment element (5), and a crushing position, in which said crushing element (9) is approached to said abutment element (5);

characterized by the fact that it comprises electromechanical motor means (11) associated with said pressing assembly (8, 9) for the mobilization of said crushing element (9) from said lifting position to said crushing position.

2) Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least two of said pressing assemblies (8, 9) of which a first pressing assembly (8a, 9a) and a second pressing assembly (8b, 9b) comprising respective first crushing element (9a) and second crushing element (9b).

3) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises movement means (x,x) associated with said first pressing assembly (8a, 9a) and with said second pressing assembly (8b, 9b), adapted to mobilize in a coordinated manner said first crushing element (9a) and said second crushing element (9b) from said lifting position to said crushing position and vice versa.

4) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said movement means comprise a movement body (22) associated with said motor means (11), and adapted to drive in motion said first crushing element (9a) and said second crushing element (9b).

5) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said movement body (22) comprises:

a supporting element (23) associated with said motor means (11) and sliding along a direction of thrust (10); a first movement element (8a) and a second movement element (8b) fastened to said supporting element (23) and associated with respective first crushing element (9a) and second crushing element (9b) for their movement along said direction of thrust (10).

6) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said movement body (22) comprises an auxiliary backing (29) associated with said supporting element (23) and adapted to hold at least one of said first movement element (8a) and said second movement element (8b).

7) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises hinging means (31, 32) of at least one of said movement elements (8a, 8b) to said auxiliary backing (29) provided with:

at least one elongated slot (32) formed on said auxiliary backing (29);

at least one pin (31) associated with said movement elements (8a, 8b) and passing through said slot (32).

8) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises collecting means (25, 26) of said juice which are associated with said structure (2).

9) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said collecting means (25, 26) comprise at least one collecting portion (25) in which said abutment element (5) can be housed.

10) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said collecting means (25, 26) comprise at least one conveyor element (26) associated with said collecting portion (25) and communicating therewith for the outflow of said juice.

11) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said conveyor element (26) is associated with said collecting portion (25) to form a single piece.

12) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said movement means comprise a processing and control unit associated with said movement assembly (8, 9) and adapted to process control information of the movement of the pressing assembly (8, 9).

13) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises a protection element (28) associated with said structure (2) at said abutment element (5) and in a movable manner between a safety configuration, in which access to said abutment element (5) is prevented, and a maneuver configuration, in which access to said abutment element (5) is permitted.

14) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one sensing device associated with said protection element (28) for the detection of input data relating to said safety configuration and to said maneuver configuration and operatively connected to said processing and control unit for sending said input data.

15) Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said motor means (11) comprise a gearmotor (12) and at least one nut screw cylinder (13) associated with said gearmotor (12) for its dragging in motion.

16) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said pressing assembly (8, 9) comprises a movement element (8) associated with said crushing element (9) for the movement of the latter along a direction of thrust (10).

17) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said movement element (8) is at least partially threaded and inserted in said nut screw cylinder (13) to form a screw-nut screw coupling for its displacement along said direction of thrust (10).

18) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said crushing element (9) has a concave shape with its concavity turned towards said abutment element (5).

19) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said abutment element (5) has a convex shape with its convexity turned towards said crushing element (9) and adapted to enter at least partially inside said crushing element (9) in said crushing position.

20) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said abutment element comprises a base (15) associated with said supporting structure (2) and a top portion (16) and is variable between an idle configuration, in which said pomegranate (6) is moved away from it, and a use configuration, in which said pomegranate (6) is leaning against it.

21) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said abutment element (5) comprises elastic means (17, 18) adapted to accumulate elastic energy when said crushing element (9) is in the crushing position and said abutment element (5) is in the use configuration, and to release said energy when said crushing element (9) is brought towards said lifting position.

22) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said elastic means (17, 18) comprise a first spring element (17) associated with said top portion (16) for the lifting of the latter with respect to said base (15) in said idle configuration.

23) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said elastic means (17, 18) comprise a spiral spring (18) associated with said base (15) and that, in said use configuration and with said crushing element (9) in said crushing position, is compressed to accumulate said elastic energy.

24) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said crushing element comprises a fixing joint (19) locked together with said movement element (8), and at least one pair of contact elements (20) hinged to said joint (19) and adapted to rotate with respect to it between a lifting configuration, in which they are moved away from one another, and a crushing configuration, in which they are rotated approaching to one another.

25) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises an auxiliary crushing element (21) arranged at said abutment element (5) and engageable with said pair of contact elements (20) for their mutual approach when said crushing element (9) is in said crushing position.

26) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said supporting structure (2) comprises a work portion on which is mounted said abutment element (5), movable between a first position, in which said abutment element (5) is placed along said direction of thrust (10), and a second position, in which said abutment element (5) is placed along a second direction rotated with respect to said direction of thrust (10).

27) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said motor means (11) comprise at least an actuator body (32) substantially positioned along said direction of thrust (10) and associated with said movement element (8) so as to push the movement element (8) along the direction of thrust (10).