WO2024111011A1 - Cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products - Google Patents

Cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024111011A1
WO2024111011A1 PCT/IT2023/050264 IT2023050264W WO2024111011A1 WO 2024111011 A1 WO2024111011 A1 WO 2024111011A1 IT 2023050264 W IT2023050264 W IT 2023050264W WO 2024111011 A1 WO2024111011 A1 WO 2024111011A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cylinder
stainless steel
techno
spiral
steel cylinder
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2023/050264
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Luca CUPPINI
Fulvio ZUFFI
Carlo Bernardini
Fabrizio Salton
Original Assignee
S.P.M. Drink Systems S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by S.P.M. Drink Systems S.P.A. filed Critical S.P.M. Drink Systems S.P.A.
Publication of WO2024111011A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024111011A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
    • A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
    • A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
    • A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
    • A23G9/222—Freezing drums
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
    • A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
    • A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
    • A23G9/045—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream of slush-ice, e.g. semi-frozen beverage
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
    • A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
    • A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
    • A23G9/08—Batch production
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
    • A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
    • A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
    • A23G9/08—Batch production
    • A23G9/12—Batch production using means for stirring the contents in a non-moving container
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
    • A23G9/00—Frozen sweets, e.g. ice confectionery, ice-cream; Mixtures therefor
    • A23G9/04—Production of frozen sweets, e.g. ice-cream
    • A23G9/22—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups
    • A23G9/28—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing
    • A23G9/281—Details, component parts or accessories of apparatus insofar as not peculiar to a single one of the preceding groups for portioning or dispensing at the discharge end of freezing chambers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
    • F25D31/002—Liquid coolers, e.g. beverage cooler
    • F25D31/003—Liquid coolers, e.g. beverage cooler with immersed cooling element
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/12—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs
    • F25C1/14—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs to form thin sheets which are removed by scraping or wedging, e.g. in the form of flakes
    • F25C1/142—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs to form thin sheets which are removed by scraping or wedging, e.g. in the form of flakes from the outer walls of cooled bodies
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/12—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs
    • F25C1/14—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs to form thin sheets which are removed by scraping or wedging, e.g. in the form of flakes
    • F25C1/145—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs to form thin sheets which are removed by scraping or wedging, e.g. in the form of flakes from the inner walls of cooled bodies
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/12—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs
    • F25C1/14—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs to form thin sheets which are removed by scraping or wedging, e.g. in the form of flakes
    • F25C1/145—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs to form thin sheets which are removed by scraping or wedging, e.g. in the form of flakes from the inner walls of cooled bodies
    • F25C1/147—Producing ice by freezing water on cooled surfaces, e.g. to form slabs to form thin sheets which are removed by scraping or wedging, e.g. in the form of flakes from the inner walls of cooled bodies by using augers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cooling device intended for use in apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products, in particular food products, such as for example slushes, creamy ice creams, sorbets, cold drinks and the like.
  • Countertop apparatuses are currently known that allow chilled products of the type of traditional water-based granites or alternatively creamy products such as ice creams, sorbets, coffee creams and the like to be prepared and dispensed instantly.
  • Such apparatuses known in the art generally consists of a tank adapted to contain the product to be prepared and dispensed, in which a cooling device is arranged to cool the product to the appropriate temperature and a mixing device that determines the continuous circulation of the product inside the tank.
  • the circulation device consists, for example, of a screw member rotatable according to a longitudinal axis to the tank.
  • the circulation device is adapted to convey the cooled product towards a front area, where a product dispensing device is placed.
  • the dispensing device is equipped with a shutter element operable by means of an external lever member.
  • the cooling device often consists of a coil evaporator arranged inside a tubular, substantially cylindrical body, arranged according to the horizontal axis of the tank.
  • the evaporator is connected to a refrigeration system housed inside a base body on which the product containment tank is mounted.
  • the screw member of the mixing device wraps around the tubular body of the evaporator.
  • cooling devices comprising a composite evaporator consisting of an outer cylinder, usually made of stainless steel, carrying inside a metal spiral traversed in operation by the flow of refrigerant gas.
  • the metal spiral is in contact with the inner surface of the cylinder.
  • the spiral is made for example of copper, aluminium or stainless steel.
  • a conductive paste is deposited on the inner surface of the stainless steel cylinder, before inserting the metal spiral inside the same stainless steel cylinder.
  • the aim of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems, by devising a device that allows the product to be cooled optimally in the apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products, in particular thanks to a high heat exchange rate.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products of simple constructive and functional design, which is reliable in operation, has versatile use, as well as relatively economical cost.
  • the apparatus for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products comprises a containment tank designed to contain the product to be prepared; a cooling device arranged inside said containment tank to cool said product; a mixing device arranged inside said containment tank and capable of determining the continuous circulation of the product inside the tank, to convey the product towards a front area of said tank; a product dispensing device, located at said front area of the containment tank.
  • the cooling device comprises a stainless steel cylinder adapted to be brought into contact, at the external surface, with the product to be cooled.
  • a cylinder made of a techno-polymer is associated with the inner surface of said stainless steel cylinder.
  • the techno-polymer cylinder has a spiral-shaped channel on the outer surface, suitable for being traversed in use by a cooling fluid.
  • said techno-polymer cylinder is coupled to the inner surface of the stainless steel cylinder, so as to hermetically close said spiral-shaped channel.
  • said spiral shaped channel is closed by the interference coupling of said techno- polymer cylinder with the inner surface of the stainless steel cylinder.
  • said spiral-shaped channel extends to cover the entire external surface of said techno-polymer cylinder.
  • said techno-polymer cylinder is suitable to act as a thermal insulator when in contact with said stainless steel cylinder.
  • the cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products comprises a stainless steel cylinder suitable for containing the product to be prepared and dispensed; a techno-polymer cylinder associated with the external surface of said stainless steel cylinder; wherein said techno-polymer cylinder, in contact with said external surface of said stainless steel cylinder, has a spiral-shaped channel closed by the same stainless steel cylinder and capable of being passed through, in operation, by a refrigerant fluid.
  • the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products, comprising the steps of a. arranging a stainless steel cylinder; b. arranging a techno-polymer cylinder with a spiral-shaped channel on the external surface or internal surface; c. inserting said techno-polymer cylinder onto said stainless steel cylinder, so as to close said spiral-shaped channel in contact with the internal surface or the external surface of said stainless steel cylinder; d. feeding, in operation, said spiral-shaped channel with a cooling fluid.
  • the method involves coupling said techno-polymer cylinder with interference to said internal surface or said external surface of said stainless steel cylinder to hermetically close said spiral-shaped channel.
  • the device according to the present invention is suitable for use in an apparatus for preparing and dispensing heated products, such as for example chocolate makers.
  • the device is suitable for being used to alternatively cool or heat the product in apparatuses equipped with a refrigeration system that can be transformed into a heat pump by reversing the refrigeration cycle.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products equipped with the cooling device according to the invention, with parts removed to show internal parts of the apparatus;
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged view of detail A in Figure 1
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the evaporator of the cooling device
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view, with removed parts, of a different embodiment of the cooling device according to the invention.
  • Figure 5 is an enlarged view of detail B of Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of the evaporator of the cooling device of Figure 4.
  • the number 1 as a whole indicates the apparatus for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products, such as for example slushes, creamy ice creams, sorbets and the like.
  • the apparatus 1 is provided with a tank 2 to contain the product to be prepared and dispensed, preferably made of transparent plastic material.
  • the tank 2 is open at the top and equipped with a special lid 3.
  • the tank 2 has a frontal dispensing device 4, which is in communication with the lower portion of the tank 2.
  • the dispensing device 4 is equipped with a shutter member which can be operated by means of an external lever member, in a manner known in the art and therefore not shown in the drawings.
  • the tank 2 is mounted on a base body not shown in the drawings.
  • the base body is designed to contain within it the operating members of the apparatus, which are known in the art.
  • a refrigeration system inside the base body, which includes, in a substantially known way, a compressor and a condenser.
  • a cooling device 10 is arranged inside the tank 2 to cool the product to a suitable temperature.
  • the cooling device 10 comprises a coil evaporator which is part of said refrigeration system of the apparatus.
  • the cooling device 10 comprises a stainless steel cylinder 11 capable of being brought into contact, at the external surface, with the product to be cooled.
  • the cylinder 11 is arranged, with a substantially horizontal axis, inside the lower part of the product containment tank 2.
  • a cylinder 12 made of a techno-polymer is associated with the internal surface of the stainless steel cylinder 11 .
  • the techno-polymer cylinder 12 has a spiral-shaped channel 13 on its external surface. Conveniently, the spiral-shaped channel 13 extends to cover the entire external surface of the techno-polymer cylinder 12.
  • the techno-polymer cylinder 12 is coupled with interference to the internal surface of the stainless steel cylinder 11 , so as to hermetically close the spiral-shaped channel 13.
  • the refrigerant fluid supplied to the cooling device 10 flows along the spiral-shaped channel 13.
  • the preparation cycle is activated, in which the product is progressively frozen, passing from the liquid phase to the frozen phase typical, for example, of slush.
  • the cooling device 10 is activated to cool the product contained in the tank 2, thanks to the action of the refrigerant fluid flowing in the channel 13.
  • FIGS 4-6 illustrate a different embodiment of the cooling device according to the present invention, in which the stainless steel cylinder, indicated with 21 for greater clarity, acts as a container for the product to be cooled.
  • a cylinder 22 made of a techno-polymer is associated with the external surface of the stainless steel cylinder 21.
  • the techno-polymer cylinder 22 has a spiral-shaped channel 23 on its internal surface.
  • the techno-polymer cylinder 22 is coupled with interference to the external surface of the stainless steel cylinder 21 , so as to hermetically close the spiral-shaped channel 23.
  • the cooling fluid supplied to the cooling device flows along the spiral-shaped channel 23.
  • the cooling fluid that flows through the spiralshaped channel 23 is always in direct contact with the external surface of the stainless steel cylinder 21 , so as to significantly increase the speed of the heat exchange between the cooling fluid and the product contained in the same stainless steel cylinder 21.
  • the device therefore achieves the aim of cooling in an optimal manner in the apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products, in particular by ensuring a high speed of heat exchange.
  • a feature of the invention is the fact that the spiral-shaped channel along which the cooling fluid flows is in direct contact with the stainless steel cylinder surface; in particular, the need to resort to the insertion of a conductive paste to increase the heat exchange surface is avoided.
  • Another feature of the invention is the fact that the cylinder made of techno-polymer is adapted to act as a thermal insulator in contact with the stainless steel cylinder. Unlike known solutions, this avoids the creation of thermal dispersion zones, as it can occur in areas of the usual metal coils.
  • the device according to the present invention is adapted for example to be used in an apparatus for preparing and dispensing heated products, such as for example chocolate makers.
  • the device is advantageously adapted to be used to alternately cool or heat the product in the apparatuses equipped with a refrigeration system that can be transformed into a heat pump, reversing the refrigeration cycle.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)

Abstract

The cooling device (10) for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products comprises a stainless steel cylinder (11, 21) capable of being brought into contact, externally or internally, with the product to be cooled. A cylinder (12, 22) of techno-polymer is associated with the internal surface or the external surface of said stainless steel cylinder (11, 21). Said techno- polymer cylinder (12, 22) has a spiral-shaped channel (13, 23) closed by the same cylinder (11, 21) in contact with said internal or external surface of said stainless steel cylinder (11, 21).

Description

Description
COOLING DEVICE FOR APPARATUSES FOR PREPARING AND DISPENSING REFRIGERATED PRODUCTS
Technical Field
[01] The present invention relates to a cooling device intended for use in apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products, in particular food products, such as for example slushes, creamy ice creams, sorbets, cold drinks and the like.
Prior art
[02] Countertop apparatuses are currently known that allow chilled products of the type of traditional water-based granites or alternatively creamy products such as ice creams, sorbets, coffee creams and the like to be prepared and dispensed instantly.
[03] Such apparatuses known in the art generally consists of a tank adapted to contain the product to be prepared and dispensed, in which a cooling device is arranged to cool the product to the appropriate temperature and a mixing device that determines the continuous circulation of the product inside the tank. The circulation device consists, for example, of a screw member rotatable according to a longitudinal axis to the tank. The circulation device is adapted to convey the cooled product towards a front area, where a product dispensing device is placed. The dispensing device is equipped with a shutter element operable by means of an external lever member.
[04] The cooling device often consists of a coil evaporator arranged inside a tubular, substantially cylindrical body, arranged according to the horizontal axis of the tank. The evaporator is connected to a refrigeration system housed inside a base body on which the product containment tank is mounted. The screw member of the mixing device wraps around the tubular body of the evaporator.
[05] In practice, the rotation of the screw member of the mixing device continuously pushes the product from the rear of the tank towards the front part, at which the dispensing device is placed. Therefore, a continuous recirculation of the product is created inside the tank, which ensures the desired fluidity.
[06] An apparatus for dispensing refrigerated products of this type is illustrated for example in patent application US 2008/0202130.
[07] More specifically, in the considered field, cooling devices are currently known comprising a composite evaporator consisting of an outer cylinder, usually made of stainless steel, carrying inside a metal spiral traversed in operation by the flow of refrigerant gas. The metal spiral is in contact with the inner surface of the cylinder. The spiral is made for example of copper, aluminium or stainless steel.
[08] According to a known solution, to increase the useful heat exchange surface, a conductive paste is deposited on the inner surface of the stainless steel cylinder, before inserting the metal spiral inside the same stainless steel cylinder.
[09] However, known cooling devices are not without drawbacks. It is in fact complained that the existing solutions have a high production cost, a low energy efficiency, a low thermal transmission speed and a high thermal inertia.
[10] A specific problem complained about in this regard is that, during use, the refrigerant gas first cools the metal spiral; then the stainless steel cylinder is cooled, thanks to the contact with the spiral, and with the conductive paste, and finally the cylinder cools the product. Therefore, there are several thermal steps that slow down the cooling of the product surface in contact with the product.
Disclosure
[11] The aim of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems, by devising a device that allows the product to be cooled optimally in the apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products, in particular thanks to a high heat exchange rate.
[12] Within the scope of this task, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a cooling device having a low thermal inertia.
[13] Another object of the invention is to provide a cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products of simple constructive and functional design, which is reliable in operation, has versatile use, as well as relatively economical cost.
[14] The cited objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by the cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products according to claim 1.
[15] The apparatus for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products comprises a containment tank designed to contain the product to be prepared; a cooling device arranged inside said containment tank to cool said product; a mixing device arranged inside said containment tank and capable of determining the continuous circulation of the product inside the tank, to convey the product towards a front area of said tank; a product dispensing device, located at said front area of the containment tank.
[16] The cooling device comprises a stainless steel cylinder adapted to be brought into contact, at the external surface, with the product to be cooled.
[17] According to the present invention, a cylinder made of a techno-polymer is associated with the inner surface of said stainless steel cylinder.
[18] The techno-polymer cylinder has a spiral-shaped channel on the outer surface, suitable for being traversed in use by a cooling fluid.
[19] Advantageously, said techno-polymer cylinder is coupled to the inner surface of the stainless steel cylinder, so as to hermetically close said spiral-shaped channel.
[20] Preferably said spiral shaped channel is closed by the interference coupling of said techno- polymer cylinder with the inner surface of the stainless steel cylinder.
[21] It should be noted that the cooling fluid that runs through the spiral-shaped channel is always in direct contact with the inner surface of the stainless steel cylinder. In this way, the speed of the heat exchange between the cooling fluid and the product contained in the tank, and therefore the efficiency of the apparatus, is significantly increased.
[22] Usefully, said spiral-shaped channel extends to cover the entire external surface of said techno-polymer cylinder.
[23] Usefully, said techno-polymer cylinder is suitable to act as a thermal insulator when in contact with said stainless steel cylinder.
[24] According to a different embodiment, the cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products comprises a stainless steel cylinder suitable for containing the product to be prepared and dispensed; a techno-polymer cylinder associated with the external surface of said stainless steel cylinder; wherein said techno-polymer cylinder, in contact with said external surface of said stainless steel cylinder, has a spiral-shaped channel closed by the same stainless steel cylinder and capable of being passed through, in operation, by a refrigerant fluid.
[25] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products, comprising the steps of a. arranging a stainless steel cylinder; b. arranging a techno-polymer cylinder with a spiral-shaped channel on the external surface or internal surface; c. inserting said techno-polymer cylinder onto said stainless steel cylinder, so as to close said spiral-shaped channel in contact with the internal surface or the external surface of said stainless steel cylinder; d. feeding, in operation, said spiral-shaped channel with a cooling fluid.
[26] Advantageously, the method involves coupling said techno-polymer cylinder with interference to said internal surface or said external surface of said stainless steel cylinder to hermetically close said spiral-shaped channel.
[27] According to a different application, the device according to the present invention is suitable for use in an apparatus for preparing and dispensing heated products, such as for example chocolate makers.
[28] Advantageously, the device is suitable for being used to alternatively cool or heat the product in apparatuses equipped with a refrigeration system that can be transformed into a heat pump by reversing the refrigeration cycle.
Description of drawings
[29] The details of the invention will be more evident from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products, illustrated by way of example in the attached drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products equipped with the cooling device according to the invention, with parts removed to show internal parts of the apparatus;
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of detail A in Figure 1
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the evaporator of the cooling device;
Figure 4 is a perspective view, with removed parts, of a different embodiment of the cooling device according to the invention;
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of detail B of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the evaporator of the cooling device of Figure 4.
Description of embodiments of the invention
[30] With particular reference at first to figures 1-3, the number 1 as a whole indicates the apparatus for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products, such as for example slushes, creamy ice creams, sorbets and the like.
[31] The apparatus 1 is provided with a tank 2 to contain the product to be prepared and dispensed, preferably made of transparent plastic material.
[32] The tank 2 is open at the top and equipped with a special lid 3. The tank 2 has a frontal dispensing device 4, which is in communication with the lower portion of the tank 2. The dispensing device 4 is equipped with a shutter member which can be operated by means of an external lever member, in a manner known in the art and therefore not shown in the drawings.
[33] The tank 2 is mounted on a base body not shown in the drawings. The base body is designed to contain within it the operating members of the apparatus, which are known in the art. In particular, there is a refrigeration system inside the base body, which includes, in a substantially known way, a compressor and a condenser.
[34] A cooling device 10 is arranged inside the tank 2 to cool the product to a suitable temperature. The cooling device 10 comprises a coil evaporator which is part of said refrigeration system of the apparatus.
[35] In particular, the cooling device 10 comprises a stainless steel cylinder 11 capable of being brought into contact, at the external surface, with the product to be cooled. The cylinder 11 is arranged, with a substantially horizontal axis, inside the lower part of the product containment tank 2.
[36] According to the present invention, a cylinder 12 made of a techno-polymer is associated with the internal surface of the stainless steel cylinder 11 . The techno-polymer cylinder 12 has a spiral-shaped channel 13 on its external surface. Conveniently, the spiral-shaped channel 13 extends to cover the entire external surface of the techno-polymer cylinder 12.
[37] Advantageously, the techno-polymer cylinder 12 is coupled with interference to the internal surface of the stainless steel cylinder 11 , so as to hermetically close the spiral-shaped channel 13. In operation, the refrigerant fluid supplied to the cooling device 10 flows along the spiral-shaped channel 13.
[38] It should be noted that it is possible to obtain the hermetic closure of the spiral-shaped channel 13 in a different way. For example, it is possible to provide for the insertion of an O-ring capable of creating the mechanical seal or the use of a sealing material, for example an expandable foam, inserted in a special housing.
[39] The operation of the cooling device associated with an apparatus for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products, such as slushes, creamy ice creams, sorbets and the like, is easily understandable from the above description.
[40] After introducing the product into the tank 2, through the upper opening, the preparation cycle is activated, in which the product is progressively frozen, passing from the liquid phase to the frozen phase typical, for example, of slush. In particular, the cooling device 10 is activated to cool the product contained in the tank 2, thanks to the action of the refrigerant fluid flowing in the channel 13.
[41] It should be noted that the cooling fluid that runs through the spiral-shaped channel 13 is always in direct contact with the inner surface of the stainless steel cylinder 11 . In this way, the speed of the heat exchange between the cooling fluid and the product contained in the tank 2, and therefore the efficiency of the apparatus, is significantly increased.
[42] Figures 4-6 illustrate a different embodiment of the cooling device according to the present invention, in which the stainless steel cylinder, indicated with 21 for greater clarity, acts as a container for the product to be cooled.
[43] In this case, a cylinder 22 made of a techno-polymer is associated with the external surface of the stainless steel cylinder 21. The techno-polymer cylinder 22 has a spiral-shaped channel 23 on its internal surface.
[44] The techno-polymer cylinder 22 is coupled with interference to the external surface of the stainless steel cylinder 21 , so as to hermetically close the spiral-shaped channel 23. In operation, the cooling fluid supplied to the cooling device flows along the spiral-shaped channel 23.
[45] Such as the first described embodiment, the cooling fluid that flows through the spiralshaped channel 23 is always in direct contact with the external surface of the stainless steel cylinder 21 , so as to significantly increase the speed of the heat exchange between the cooling fluid and the product contained in the same stainless steel cylinder 21.
[46] The device therefore achieves the aim of cooling in an optimal manner in the apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products, in particular by ensuring a high speed of heat exchange.
[47] This result is achieved thanks to the inventive idea of replacing the metal coil in which, in known solutions, the refrigerant fluid flows, with a cylinder made of a techno-polymer, on whose surface a spiral-shaped channel is made. The cylinder made of techno-polymer is coupled with interference to the stainless steel cylinder, so as to hermetically close the spiral-shaped channel.
[48] A feature of the invention is the fact that the spiral-shaped channel along which the cooling fluid flows is in direct contact with the stainless steel cylinder surface; in particular, the need to resort to the insertion of a conductive paste to increase the heat exchange surface is avoided.
[49] In this way, the heat exchange between the cooling fluid and the surface in contact with the product is significantly facilitated and therefore the cooling rate of the product itself is increased. This also entails an obvious energy advantage.
[50] Another feature of the invention is the fact that the cylinder made of techno-polymer is adapted to act as a thermal insulator in contact with the stainless steel cylinder. Unlike known solutions, this avoids the creation of thermal dispersion zones, as it can occur in areas of the usual metal coils.
[51] In addition, said result is achieved thanks to a very simple structure, which does not change the size of the apparatus currently in operation and ultimately allows a reduction in production costs.
[52] The apparatus described by way of example is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants according to different needs.
[53] According to a different application, the device according to the present invention is adapted for example to be used in an apparatus for preparing and dispensing heated products, such as for example chocolate makers.
[54] In particular, the device is advantageously adapted to be used to alternately cool or heat the product in the apparatuses equipped with a refrigeration system that can be transformed into a heat pump, reversing the refrigeration cycle.
[55] This allows, for example, to speed up some operating cycles, for example the transition from the "freeze" step to the "defrost" step; or to use a single solution for different types of apparatuses, capable of cooling and/or heating the product. Such apparatuses could be used, in addition to preparing and dispensing refrigerated products or hot products, also to vary the preparation depending on the season, for example functioning as a winter chocolate maker and as a summer slush maker.
[56] In the practical embodiment of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and the dimensions, may be modified depending on needs without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
[57] Should the technical features mentioned in any claim be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included strictly with the aim of enhancing the understanding of the claims and hence they shall not be deemed restrictive in any manner whatsoever on the scope of each element identified for exemplifying purposes by such reference signs.

Claims

A cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products comprising a tank (2) for containing the product to be prepared and dispensed, said cooling device comprising a stainless steel cylinder (11 ) arranged inside said tank (2) and adapted to be brought into contact, at the external surface, with the product to be cooled; a cylinder (12) of techno-polymer associated with the inner surface of said cylinder (11 ) of stainless steel; wherein said techno-polymer cylinder (12) has, in contact with said inner surface of said stainless steel cylinder (11 ), a spiral-shaped channel (13) hermetically closed by the said stainless steel cylinder (11 ) and adapted to be traversed in operation by a cooling fluid. The cooling device of claim 1 , wherein said spiral-shaped channel (13) is coupled with interference to said inner surface of said stainless steel cylinder (11 ). The cooling device of claim 1 or 2, wherein said spiral-shaped channel (13) extends to cover the entire outer surface of said techno-polymer cylinder (12). The cooling device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said techno-polymer cylinder (12) is adapted to act as a thermal insulator in contact with said stainless steel cylinder (11 ). A cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products comprising a stainless steel cylinder (21 ) suitable for containing the product to be prepared and dispensed, said cooling device comprising a cylinder (22) of techno-polymer associated with the outer surface of said cylinder (21 ) of stainless steel; wherein said techno-polymer cylinder (22) has a spiral-shaped channel (23), which is in contact with said external surface of said stainless steel cylinder (21 ), closed by said stainless steel cylinder (21 ) and capable, in operation, of being passed through by a cooling fluid. The cooling device of claim 5, wherein said spiral-shaped channel (23) is coupled with interference to said external surface of said stainless steel cylinder (21 ). The cooling device of claim 5 or 6, wherein said spiral-shaped channel (23) extends to cover the entire internal surface of said techno-polymer cylinder (22). The cooling device of any one of claims 5 - 7, wherein said techno-polymer cylinder (22) is suitable to act as a thermal insulator in contact with said stainless steel cylinder (21 ). A cooling and/or heating device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated and/or heated products, comprising a stainless steel cylinder (11 , 21 ) adapted to be brought into contact, at the external or internal surface, with the product to be cooled and/or heated; a cylinder (12, 22) of techno-polymer associated with the internal surface or the external surface of said cylinder (11 , 21 ) of stainless steel; wherein said techno-polymer cylinder (12, 22) has, in contact with said internal or external surface of said stainless steel cylinder (11 , 21 ), a spiral-shaped channel (13, 23) hermetically closed by said stainless steel cylinder (11 , 21 ) and capable, in operation, of being passed through by a cooling and/or heating fluid. A method for manufacturing a cooling and/or heating device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated and/or heated products, including the steps of a. arranging a stainless steel cylinder (11 , 21 ); b. arranging a techno-polymer cylinder (12, 22) with a spiral-shaped channel on the external surface or internal surface; c. inserting said techno-polymer cylinder (12, 22) onto said stainless steel cylinder (11 , 21 ), so as to hermetically close said spiral-shaped channel (13, 23) in contact with the internal surface or the external surface of said stainless steel cylinder (11 , 21 ); d. feeding, in operation, said spiral-shaped channel (13, 23) with a cooling fluid.
PCT/IT2023/050264 2022-11-24 2023-11-24 Cooling device for apparatuses for preparing and dispensing refrigerated products WO2024111011A1 (en)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997027438A1 (en) * 1996-01-23 1997-07-31 Frank Jimmy I A refrigerated mixing chamber and method for making same
US20120055189A1 (en) * 2010-09-03 2012-03-08 Grindmaster Corporation Beverage dispenser for partially frozen beverages with an improved drive and sealing system
EP3305090A1 (en) * 2016-10-07 2018-04-11 ALI S.p.A. - CARPIGIANI GROUP Machine for making liquid or semi-liquid products
EP3360421A1 (en) * 2017-02-14 2018-08-15 ALI S.p.A. - CARPIGIANI GROUP Machine for making and dispensing a liquid or semiliquid product
WO2022150600A1 (en) * 2021-01-08 2022-07-14 Sani-Tech West, Inc. Process cooling rod

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997027438A1 (en) * 1996-01-23 1997-07-31 Frank Jimmy I A refrigerated mixing chamber and method for making same
US20120055189A1 (en) * 2010-09-03 2012-03-08 Grindmaster Corporation Beverage dispenser for partially frozen beverages with an improved drive and sealing system
EP3305090A1 (en) * 2016-10-07 2018-04-11 ALI S.p.A. - CARPIGIANI GROUP Machine for making liquid or semi-liquid products
EP3360421A1 (en) * 2017-02-14 2018-08-15 ALI S.p.A. - CARPIGIANI GROUP Machine for making and dispensing a liquid or semiliquid product
WO2022150600A1 (en) * 2021-01-08 2022-07-14 Sani-Tech West, Inc. Process cooling rod

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