WO2020183217A1

WO2020183217A1 - Mixer and method for mixing food products

Info

Publication number: WO2020183217A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/051885
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrea LAZZARIN
Original assignee: Esmach S.P.A.
Priority date: 2019-03-08
Filing date: 2019-03-08
Publication date: 2020-09-17

Abstract

This patent application describes a mixer (1) for food products that comprises a support frame (2), a rotating tank (3) for containing a mixture, a rotating mixing member (4) for mixing the mixture, rotating means (5a, 5b) configured for the rotation of the tank (3) and of the mixing member (4), a control unit (6) programmed for the management of the rotation of the tank (3) and of the mixing member (4) and a column (7). Furthermore, the column (7), fixed with respect to the support frame (2), comprises a cooling circuit (9) extending internally thereto and connected to a cooling group (8), so as to cool the column (7) itself with respect to the temperature of the mixture being processed. A method for mixing a mixture at a constant temperature is also the subject matter of the present invention.

Description

MIXER AND METHOD FOR MIXING FOOD PRODUCTS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a machine for preparing mixtures based on flour, water and yeast.

In particular, the invention relates to the mixture mixing system for obtaining a good quality finished product in terms of colour, aromas, flavours and preservation.

PRIOR ART

Nowadays, automatic mixers are both an industrial and a domestic concept. The spread of mixers is due to the fact that numerous normal culinary recipes envisage the use of a mixture based on water, flour and yeast.

In a domestic environment, in which the quantity of finished product is limited and the performance times of a recipe do not contemplate the need to maximise the daily production by repeating the process numerous times, the preparation is much simpler than in an industrial environment; in fact, in the latter case, the mass of ingredients used is notably higher and the process is repeated various times during the day.

According to the prior art, such as for example that illustrated in document DE2441302A1 , the use of traditional mixers in the industrial environment envisages a series of drawbacks that this invention wishes to overcome. Another drawback derives from the need to cool the quantity of mains water to be used before it is added to the mixture. The preparation of the mixture also envisages the water being added in two distinct steps: about 70% of the total at the start of the process, whereas the rest must be deferred over time after a few minutes. Furthermore, the temperature of the water in the mixture will tend to increase as the mechanical process tends to overheat the mixture itself, altering the desired qualities thereof. Consequently, a further drawback of traditional machines is represented by the fact that, once the processing has finished, the mixture obtained must be quickly transferred to prover or retarder prover cells, to prevent the temperature of the surrounding environment altering the fundamental characteristics thereof such as colour, aroma and flavour, for example.

SUMMARY

In this context, the technical task of the present invention is to propose a mixer able to maintain the temperature of the mixture constant throughout the preparation thereof.

A further object of the present invention is to define a method for the preparation of a mixture with the use of a mixer that prevents having to cool in advance and keep at the right temperature the useful quantity of water for the preparation, overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art cited above.

In particular, the objects of the present invention are reached by a mixer that comprises the technical characteristics set out in one or more of the claims appended to the present description.

In general, the present invention relates to a mixer for food products, which comprises a support frame, a tank for containing the mixture mounted on the frame and rotating about a rotation axis of the tank itself, a mixing member rotating about a main axis thereof and at least partly inserted in the tank, rotating means configured to rotate the tank and the mixing member, a control unit operatively connected to the rotating means and configured for the management and movement thereof and a column being fixed with respect to the support frame. The column, inserted in the tank so that it rotates around it, extends towards a bottom wall thereof according to its own extension axis. In particular, the column is fixed to the frame and the tank rotates. It is to be noted that the column extends towards the bottom of the tank, but without touching the latter so as to remain distanced by a predefined distance.

According to the present invention, internally of the column a cooling circuit extends operatively connected to a cooling group, so as to cool the column itself with respect to the temperature of the mixture being processed.

Substantially, the mixer in question has a refrigerated column thanks to a cooling circuit, which extends internally of the column and is connected with a cooling group that can be inserted both internally of the support frame and externally thereof. The column is inserted inside the tank, hence being able to keep the temperature constant inside the volume of the tank and therefore also the mixture during the mechanical processing due to the rotation of the tank and of the mixing member, also arranged internally of the tank and free to move without impediments. The tank and the mixing member are able to rotate, each about its own axis, thanks to specific rotating means, which are managed by a control unit connected thereto.

Preferably, the mixer comprises at least one temperature sensor of the mixture preferably arranged at a portion of the column inserted inside the volume of the tank and electrically connected to the control unit (arranged inside the machine or connected externally thereto), configured to carry out steps of:

- detecting the temperature of the column;

- generating a temperature signal related to the column and containing the detected temperature value;

- sending the temperature signal detected to the control unit.

Advantageously, the presence of a temperature sensor of the mixture allows the temperature of the mixture to be constantly monitored, being able to record the variations that it undergoes over time during processing. According to an aspect of the invention, the control unit is programmed to perform the steps of:

- receiving the temperature signal from the temperature sensor of the mixture;

- comparing the value of the temperature signal with a predefined threshold temperature value;

- regulating the quantity of heat energy to be subtracted or added to the cooling circuit as a function of the difference between the value carried by the temperature signal (T) and the predefined threshold temperature value.

The temperature sensor of the mixture electrically connected to the control unit advantageously allows the operation of the cooling unit to be managed as a function of the temperature variation of the mixture during its processing with respect to a temperature value predefined and set as a threshold and control value. Therefore, in the case in which the mechanical processing performed on the mixture increases the temperature thereof, the continuous control of the temperature sensor of the mixture is able to detect this temperature variation and send such detection through an electric signal to the control unit which, in turn, can activate or deactivate the cooling group and manage the amount of heat energy that the latter can subtract or add to the column through the cooling circuit to which it is connected and that extends internally of the column itself.

It is to be noted that the temperature sensor of the mixture can be arranged at the column, the tank or other positions not expressly mentioned here.

Preferably, the mixer comprises other temperature sensors facing the opening of the tank (connected to the frame) for detecting the temperature of the mixture.

In other words, the machine comprises overall a plurality of temperature sensors. For example, a first temperature sensor of the mixture is arranged at the column, whereas a further second temperature sensor of the mixture is arranged at the opening of the tank.

It is to be noted that the temperature sensors of the mixture are distinct from the temperature sensors that are integrated into the cooling group or circuit for the usual intrinsic temperature control of the group itself.

Preferably, the cooling circuit, at a portion of the column inserted into the tank, comprises a coiled tube connected to a cooling group through an outflow conduit and a return conduit.

Alternatively, the cooling circuit, at a portion of the column inserted into the tank, comprises a plate heat exchanger connected to the cooling group via at least an outflow conduit and at least a return conduit.

The choice of a cooling circuit comprising a coiled tube or a plate heat exchanger or a further cooling system depends on the costs that are to be invested in the installation of the mixer and the intensity of heat energy to be exchanged or yielded during the processing step.

According to an aspect of the invention, the extension axis of the column, the rotation axis of the tank and the main axis of the mixing member are parallel to one another.

Preferably, the column is arranged in such a way that its extension axis is orientated vertically from the top-downwards. In this way, the column is confined to a central portion of the tank, not interfering with the movement thereof and of the mixing member, further leaving a portion of the tank free, useful for the insertion of the useful ingredients for the preparation of the mixture, both initially with the machine off, and during the processing step.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the support frame of the machine, in side section, extends about a part of the tank and has a C- shape. Advantageously, a structure of this shape allows greater overall stability and the possibility to distinguish a front zone, in which the tank has free access for the addition of the useful ingredients for the preparation of the mixture by an operator, and a rear portion, in which the presence of the frame is preponderant allowing the housing of some components, such as the cooling group, and the positioning of others, such as the column, so that they are inserted internally of the tank.

The subject matter of the present invention is also a method for mixing a food product with a mixer comprising a support frame, a tank, a mixing member, both rotating with respect to the support frame, and a column fixed to the support frame. The method for mixing a food product comprises the operating steps of:

- inserting the components to be mixed into the tank;

- setting the tank in rotation about a rotation axis thereof; - setting the mixing member in rotation about a rotation axis thereof, so as to realise the mixing of the components;

- cooling of the column through the use of a cooling group and a cooling circuit, the latter extending inside the column so as to cool it with respect to the temperature of the mixture being processed.

Advantageously, such method has the possibility of keeping the temperature of the mixture constant during processing and at the end of processing thanks to the final step of cooling the column itself, allowing the operator to add components at room temperature during processing and to have more time at the end of the process for transferring the mixture obtained from the tank onto a counter or a retarder prover cell.

The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a mixer for food products, which comprises the technical features disclosed in the independent claim. The dependent claims correspond to further advantageous aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the approximate and thus non-limiting description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a mixer for food products, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

^■ figure 1 illustrates a lateral section of a mixer with all the components described in the present patent application;

^■ figures 2a and 3b illustrate two different cooling circuits and, therefore, two different aspects of the column.

In the following description, the identical reference characters indicate identical or corresponding parts in the different views.

_{* * * * *}

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a mixer, specifically a system for maintaining the temperature at a constant value during the processing step of such mixer. With reference to the cited figures, reference numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a mixer for food products according to the present invention.

The mixer 1 for food products, as shown in figure 1 , has a support frame 2 on which a tank 3 is arranged for containing a mixture and which rotates with respect to the support frame 2 about a rotation axis 3a thereof.

The support frame 2 has a C-shape, which extends partially about the tank 3 so that the latter is positioned in a front zone of the frame, where an operator has available at least one access point for the insertion in the tank 3 of the useful components for the preparation of the mixture. In fact, the rear zone of the support frame 2 is occupied by the support frame 2 itself to guarantee solidity to the structure and to provide useful housings for the rest of the components of the mixer 1.

A mixing member 4, usually defined as a spiral given its shape, is connected to the support frame 2 so that it is inserted internally of the tank 3, almost coming into contact with the bottom wall (but without touching it), and that rotates about a main axis 4a thereof for the mixing of the mixture. The rotation of the tank 3 is obtained through the connection with the first rotating means 5a mounted on the support frame 2.

The rotation of the mixing member 4 is obtained through the connection with the second rotating means 5b mounted on the support frame 2.

It is to be noted that the rotating means 5a and 5b could be defined by a single motorised unit or by distinct units.

Furthermore, the machine 1 comprises a control unit 6 connected to the rotating means 5a and 5b for controlling the movement thereof. Such control unit 6 can be inserted either internally or externally with respect to the machine 1 (or to the frame 2).

Preferably, the mixing of the ingredients for forming the mixture is performed by simultaneously moving the mixing member 4 and the tank 3. The frame 2 also comprises a column 7 preferably arranged at one of the ends of the C-shape.

Such column 7 is fixed with respect to the frame and therefore remains stationary in position during the rotation of the tank 3 and/or of the mixing member 4.

In detail, the column 7 extends in a cantilever fashion internally of the tank 3 reaching a bottom surface 14, but without touching it. Specifically, the final end 12 of the column 7 faces the bottom surface 14 of the tank 3 and is preferably flat.

Furthermore, such final end of the column 7 has an appendage 13 that extends transversally with respect to the axis of the column 7 (and therefore substantially parallel to the bottom surface 14 of the tank 3) so as to promote the detachment of the mixture from the column 7 itself.

Preferably, such appendage 13 is tip-shaped.

It is also to be noted that in the preferred case illustrated in the appended figures the extension axis 7a of the column 7 is vertical. Preferably, the extension axis 7a of the column 7 is parallel to the axes 3a and 4a of the tank 3 and of the mixing member 4.

According to the present invention, the machine 1 comprises a cooling group 8 and a cooling circuit 9 that extends from the cooling group 8 towards the inside of the column 7. In particular, the cooling circuit 9 extends to a more internal portion of said column 7 so as to cool the internal volume of the tank 3.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the appended figures, the cooling group 8 is arranged internally of the machine 1 and is fixed to the part of the frame 2 arranged laterally with respect to the tank 3. The cooling system 9 extends through conduits towards the column 7.

Alternatively, the cooling group 8 may be installed also externally to the machine 1 (or to the frame 2) according to requirements.

Preferably, the column 7 is arranged almost centrally with respect to the axis 3a of the tank 3.

Furthermore, the column 7 comprises a sensor 10 for detecting the internal temperature of the tank so as to control the cooling group 9. The sensor 10 can be connected to the column 7, internally to the column 7 or externally to the column 7 or inserted into the structure of the frame and directed towards the inside of the tank 3 (e.g. infra-red sensor arranged at the rotating means 5b).

Precisely, the control unit 6 is configured for:

- detecting the temperature through the sensor 10 connected thereto;

- processing the temperature signal T generated by the sensor 10;

- comparing it with a predefined threshold temperature value;

- controlling the cooling group 8 (connected to the control unit 6) for increasing or reducing the temperature of the column 7 in order to maintain the effective temperature at the predefined threshold temperature value.

Preferably, the machine 1 can comprise one or more further temperature sensors arranged in different positions with respect to the first one cited above. For example, a further temperature sensor can be arranged above the opening of the tank 3 for detecting the temperature of the mixture. Such temperature sensor is preferably of the infra-red type and is oriented towards the inside of the tank 3.

The control unit 6 is configured for:

- detecting the temperature via the further temperature sensor;

- comparing it with the temperature value contained in the temperature signal T and with the predefined threshold temperature value;

- controlling the cooling group 8 (connected to the control unit 6) so as to increase or reduce the temperature.

Precisely, the cooling circuit 9 comprises an outflow conduit 1 1 a for transporting a heat exchange vector from said cooling group 8 towards the column 7 at a temperature that is a function of the difference between the value contained in said temperature signal T and said predefined threshold temperature. Furthermore, the cooling circuit 9 comprises a return conduit 1 1 b for transporting said heat exchange vector from said cooling circuit 9 to said cooling group 8 at a temperature varied following the passage through the portion of the column 7 inserted inside said tank 3.

Advantageously, as set out above, the column 7 realises the function of heat exchanger as a cooling system is created inside it (in the form of a coil, a plate or the like...).

In this way the temperature of the mixture remains advantageously always constant so as to guarantee the desired quality in the expectation of a recipe (“codified” structure).

Furthermore, the machine 1 allows the mixing times to be optimised and the dough to be kept for longer at the end of the processing inside the tank without its characteristics changing as the temperature is substantially constant.

Any modifications or variants which, in the light of the description, are evident to the person skilled in the art, must be considered to fall within the scope of protection established by the present invention, according to considerations of technical equivalence.

Claims

1. A mixer (1 ) for food products, comprising

- a support frame (2);

- a tank (3) for containing a mixture mounted on said support frame (2), wherein said tank (3) rotates with respect to said support frame (2) about a rotation axis of the tank (3a);

- a mixing member (4) rotating about a main axis thereof (4a) and at least partly inserted in said tank (3);

- first rotating means (5a) configured to rotate said tank (3) and second rotating means (5b) configured to rotate said mixing member (4);

- a control unit (6) connected to said first rotating means (5a) and said second rotating means (5b) programmed for managing the rotation of said tank (3) and said mixing member (4);

- a column (7) inserted in said tank (3) and extending towards a bottom wall of said tank (3) according to an extension axis (7a); said column (7) being fixed with respect to said support frame (2) in such a way that said tank (3) rotates about said column (7);

characterised in that it comprises

- a cooling group (8) connected to said control unit (6);

- a cooling circuit (9) operatively connected to the cooling group (8) and extending internally of said column (7) so as to cool the column (7) with respect to the temperature of the mixture being processed.

2. The mixer (1 ) according to claim 1 , comprising a temperature sensor of the mixture (10) arranged at a portion of said column (7) inserted in said tank (3) or at the support frame (2) and facing internally of said tank (3), and electrically connected to said control unit (6) and configured to carry out steps of:

- detecting the temperature of the mixture;

- generating a temperature signal (T) containing the detected temperature value of the mixture;

- sending said temperature signal (T) to said control unit (6).

3. The mixer (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein said control unit (6) is configured to carry out steps of:

- receiving said temperature signal (T) from said temperature sensor of the mixture (10);

- comparing said temperature signal (T) with a predefined threshold temperature value;

- regulating the quantity of heat energy to be subtracted or added to said cooling circuit (9) as a function of the difference between the value contained in said temperature signal (T) and said predefined threshold temperature value.

4. The mixer (1 ) according to any one of claims from 2 to 3, characterised in that it comprises one or more further temperature sensors of the mixture arranged in different positions with respect to the sensor (10) and connected to the control unit (6); said control unit (6) being configured for:

- detecting the temperature via the further temperature sensor;

- comparing said detected temperature with the temperature value contained in the temperature signal (T) and with a predefined threshold temperature value;

- controlling the cooling group (8) so as to increase or reduce the temperature generated.

5. The mixer (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cooling circuit (9) comprises, at a portion of said column (7) inserted inside said tank (3), a coiled tube connected to said cooling group (8) via an outflow conduit (1 1 a) and a return conduit (1 1 b).

6. The mixer (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims from 1 to 4, wherein said cooling circuit (9) comprises, at a portion of said column (7) inserted inside said tank (3), a plate heat exchanger connected to said cooling group (8) via at least an outflow conduit (1 1 a) and at least a return conduit (11 b).

7. The mixer (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said extension axis (7a) of said column (7), said rotation axis (3a) of said tank (3) and said main axis (4a) of said mixing member (4) are parallel to one another.

8. The mixer (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said column (7) is arranged in such a way that said extension axis (7a) is orientated vertically from the top-downwards.

9. The mixer (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support frame (2), in lateral section, extends about a part of said tank (3) and has a C-shape.

10. A method for mixing a food product with a mixer (1 ), comprising a support frame (2), a tank (3) rotating with respect to said support frame

(2), a mixing member (4) rotating with respect to said support frame (2) and a column (7) that is fixed with respect to said support frame (2), wherein the method comprises operating steps of:

i. inserting the components to be mixed into said tank (3);

ii. setting said tank (3) in rotation about a rotation axis (3a) thereof; iii. setting said mixing member (4) in rotation about a rotation axis (4a) thereof, so as to realise the mixing of the components;

characterised in that it comprises a further operating step of:

iv. cooling said column (7) by using a cooling group (8) and a cooling circuit (9) extending internally of said column (7) so as to cool the column (7) with respect to the temperature of the mixture being processed.