(19)
(11)EP 3 231 291 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
06.05.2020 Bulletin 2020/19

(21)Application number: 17165526.9

(22)Date of filing:  07.04.2017
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A23G 9/04(2006.01)
A23G 9/16(2006.01)
A23G 9/28(2006.01)
A23G 9/08(2006.01)
A23L 3/36(2006.01)
A23G 9/12(2006.01)
A23G 9/20(2006.01)
A23G 9/46(2006.01)
A23G 9/30(2006.01)
A23G 9/22(2006.01)

(54)

MACHINE AND METHOD FOR MAKING LIQUID OR SEMI-LIQUID PRODUCTS

MASCHINE UND VERFAHREN ZUR HERSTELLUNG VON FLÜSSIGEN ODER HALBFLÜSSIGEN PRODUKTEN

MACHINE ET PROCÉDÉ DE FABRICATION DE PRODUITS LIQUIDES OU SEMI-LIQUIDES


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 13.04.2016 IT UA20162572

(43)Date of publication of application:
18.10.2017 Bulletin 2017/42

(73)Proprietor: ALI GROUP S.r.l. - CARPIGIANI
20063 Cernusco Sul Naviglio (MI) (IT)

(72)Inventors:
  • COCCHI, Andrea
    40012 CALDERARA DI RENO (Bologna) (IT)
  • LAZZARINI, Roberto
    42100 REGGIO EMILIA (IT)

(74)Representative: Milli, Simone 
Bugnion S.p.A. Via di Corticella, 87
40128 Bologna
40128 Bologna (IT)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A1- 2 783 574
US-A- 4 412 428
US-A1- 2015 096 322
GB-A- 875 608
US-A- 5 072 599
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] This invention relates to a machine and a method for making and dispensing products generically defined as liquid or semi-liquid products.

    [0002] A need which is felt particularly strongly in the ice cream trade is that for a compact machine capable of making, even simultaneously, ice cream type products (where the basic mixture normally increases in volume during processing) and products whose volume before and after processing remains the same (for example, fruit based products or yogurts).

    [0003] Document GB 875 608 A discloses an ice-cream freezers having a horizontal cylinder refrigerated by an evaporator and provided with a mixer and, at one end, a dispensing tap, mix incorporating air is introduced into the cylinder through a pipe when necessary by a continuously-running gear pump. The pump has two gears drawing in mix from tank through pipe and valve and air through valve respectively, the latter being incorporated in the mix by the pump. A non-return valve in the exit of pipe prevents back-flow from the cylinder. A relief valve in pipe vents excess mix back to tank. The front plate of pump is loaded by springs towards the pump casing and these give if the discharge pressure becomes too high so that plate moves away from the casing to relieve the pump. The mix is pre-cooled in tank by a heat conductive member between the tank and evaporator.

    [0004] Document US2015/096322 shows a machine for the thermal treatment of liquid and semi-liquid food products comprises: at least two tanks for containing respective products to be subjected to the thermal treatment, at least one dispenser for dispensing the product contained in said tanks, at least one stirrer mounted inside each tank for mixing the product contained therein, thermal treatment means operatively acting on the products contained in the containers. Document EP 2 783 574 shows a method for making and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products implemented in a machine, the latter comprising at least one containment tank for containing a liquid basic product, a processing circuit for that product, to obtain a liquid or semi-liquid food product, dispensing means for dispensing the food product, at least one actuator acting on the basic product and/or on the food product and/or on parts of the machine and a user interface configured for controlling the making and dispensing. Document US5072599 discloses an air and liquid product flow control element that can be adjusted to vary the flow of liquid dessert product and ambient air into the freezing chamber of a frozen confectionery dispensing machine. The flow control element can be easily retrofitted into existing machines.

    [0005] Document US 4 412 428 shows an apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated frozen confection in which a pump is mounted in the liquid ingredients reservoir of the apparatus and operates to pump a mixture of air and liquid ingredients, in selected proportions, to the freezer compartment of the apparatus. The pump itself is responsive to pressure within the freezer compartment to regulate the volume of mixture supplied to the freezer compartment by the pump for enabling automatic replenishment of the aerated mix in the freezer compartment.

    [0006] This invention has for an aim to provide a machine and a method for making liquid or semi-liquid products to meet the above mentioned need in a particularly simple manner.

    [0007] Yet another aim of this invention is to provide a machine and a method for making liquid or semi-liquid products and capable of making product of two different kinds simultaneously.

    [0008] This will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
    • Figure 1 shows a machine for making liquid or semi-liquid products according to the invention;
    • Figure 2 shows a detail from Figure 1;
    • Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of a detail of the machine of Figures 1 and 2;
    • Figures 5 to 7 are perspective views of another detail of the machine of Figures 1 and 2.


    [0009] The invention is defined by the appended claims. As shown in Figure 1 and following figures, the numeral 1 denotes a machine for making liquid or semi-liquid products (preferably ice cream type products).

    [0010] Defined according to the invention is a machine 1 for making liquid or semi-liquid (in particular, for making, even simultaneously, products of two different kinds, a first liquid or semi-liquid product and a second liquid or semi-liquid product), comprising:
    • a first container 2A adapted to contain a first liquid or semi-liquid basic product;
    • a first stirrer 3A, mounted inside the first container 2A;
    • a second container 2B connected to the first container 2A to receive therefrom the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product;
    • a pipe 9 connecting the first container 2A to the second container 2B;
    • a second stirrer 3B, mounted inside the second container 2B;
    • first thermal treatment means 4A, associated with the first container 2A to heat and/or cool the walls of the first container 2A;
    • second thermal treatment means 4B, associated with the second container 2B to heat and/or cool the walls of the second container 2B in such a way as to make a first liquid or semi-liquid product (preferably, a first liquid or semi-liquid product with high overrun);
    • a pump 5, having a first inlet duct 6, connected to the first container 2A in order to draw the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product, a second, air inlet duct 7, and an outlet 8 connected to the connecting pipe 9, the pump 5 being also configured to mix the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product with air by compression;
    • a first dispensing device 10, connected to the second container 2B to allow delivering (to the outside of the machine) the first liquid or semi-liquid product contained in the second container 2B;
    • a third container 2C adapted to contain a second liquid or semi-liquid basic product;
    • a fourth container 2D connected to the third container 2C to receive therefrom the second liquid or semi-liquid basic product;
    • a pipe 11 connecting the third container 2C to the fourth container 2D;
    • third thermal treatment means 4C, associated with the third container 2C to heat and/or cool the walls of the third container 2C;
    • fourth thermal treatment means 4D, associated with the fourth container 2D to cool the walls of the fourth container 2D;
    • a suction device 12 for taking in the second liquid product and mixing it with air, comprising a tubular element 13 provided with at least one lower opening 14 for receiving the second liquid or semi-liquid basic product and at least one upper opening 40 for receiving air, located in the third container 2C and connected, in use, to the connecting pipe 11 between the third container 2C and the fourth container 2D, configured to allow mixing together the second liquid or semi-liquid basic product and air;
    • a second dispensing device 15, connected to the fourth container 2D to allow delivering (to the outside of the machine) the second liquid or semi-liquid product contained in the fourth container 2D.


    [0011] It should be noted that the first, second, third and fourth thermal treatment means (4A; 4B; 4C;4D) preferably comprise a heat exchanger.

    [0012] Preferably, the heat exchange means also comprise a circuit containing a heat exchanger fluid and a thermodynamic system configured to release/absorb heat to/from the heat exchangers.

    [0013] It should be noted that the circuit may be the same and that the exchangers forming part of the first, second, third and fourth thermal treatment means (4A; 4B; 4C;4D) may be associated with different parts of the circuit.

    [0014] It should also be noted that the circuit may comprise one or more branches which may be opened or closed to modify the configuration of the system with regard to the releasing or absorption of heat at one or more of the exchangers forming part of the first, second, third and fourth thermal treatment means (4A; 4B; 4C;4D).

    [0015] According to another aspect, the first container 2A and the third container 2C are defined by respective tanks which are openable at the top.

    [0016] According to another aspect, the second container 2B and the fourth container 2D are cylindrical containers.

    [0017] It should be noted that according to this aspect, the second and fourth thermal treatment means are configured to absorb heat from the walls of the second container 2B and of the fourth container 2D, respectively: that means the product being processed inside the second and fourth containers 2B and 2D is subjected to cooling.

    [0018] It should be noted that normally, in use, when the second and fourth thermal treatment means are operating in cooling mode, the second and fourth stirrers (3B;3D) are also on.

    [0019] According to another aspect, the pump 5 is a gear pump.

    [0020] More preferably, the pump 5 comprises a first gear 5A and a second gear 5B acting in conjunction with each other.

    [0021] The gears (5A;5B) are configured to rotate about two distinct pivot points.

    [0022] The gears (5A;5B) are configured to rotate about two distinct pivot points in opposite directions.

    [0023] It should be noted that these gears are each defined by a circular element provided with a toothed periphery.

    [0024] The compression of the liquid or semi-liquid basic product occurs in a zone where the teeth of the gears (5A;5B) are meshed together.

    [0025] It should be noted that the pump 5 is configured to compress the first liquid or semi-liquid product and to mix it with air; more specifically, the pump compresses the liquid outflow to up to approximately 3 bar. It should be noted that the pump substantially compresses the first basic liquid or semi-liquid product more than the suction device 12.

    [0026] In effect, the suction device 12 transfers the second liquid basic product from the third container 2C to the fourth container 2D mainly by gravity and/or by the suction effect created by the rotation of the fourth stirrer 3D.

    [0027] Thus, increasing the compression of the first liquid or semi-liquid product during transfer from the first container 2A to the second container 2B by means of the pump 5 has the effect of producing a liquid or semi-liquid product with a high overrun during processing inside the second container 2B.

    [0028] As is known, overrun measures the percentage of air incorporated into the finished product and is defined and measured as follows:



    [0029] Thus, the machine 1 allows processing in the first and second containers a liquid or semi-liquid product with a high overrun such as, for example, artisan gelato, soft ice cream, sorbets, etc.

    [0030] It should be noted that pasteurization, that is, heating to a temperature between 60 and 85°C, is carried out in the first container 2A for a predetermined length of time (normally less than 45 minutes).

    [0031] Next, the first liquid or semi-liquid product in the first container 2A is held at a temperature between 0 °C and 6 °C, more preferably between 3 °C and 5 °C (this step is called "ageing").

    [0032] With reference, on the other hand, to processing in the third container 2C and fourth container 2D, it should be noticed that such processing allows obtaining a product with less overrun than that obtainable in the first and second containers (2A;2B).

    [0033] In effect, as already stated, the suction device 12 cannot pressurize the liquid or semi-liquid basic product (to the same extent as the pump 5).

    [0034] Thus, the liquid or semi-liquid product processed in the third container 2C and in the fourth container 2D, such as fruit-based products or yogurt, for example, has less overrun than the first liquid or semi-liquid product.

    [0035] Advantageously, the first and second products may be processed at the same time.

    [0036] Thus, it should be noted that the machine 1 advantageously allows products of two different kinds - a product with high overrun and a product with low overrun - to be processed simultaneously.

    [0037] The machine 1 thus allows shopkeepers to save on costs and to optimize shop floor space.

    [0038] As regards the suction device 12, it should be noted that this device also comprises a second tubular element 20 (in the following referred also with the expression "adjustment element") which is keyed (slidably coupled) to the tubular element 13 (that is, positioned in contact with the outside wall of the tubular element 13).

    [0039] It should be noted that the second tubular element 20 is internally hollow so that it can be coupled to the tubular element 13.

    [0040] At the bottom of it, the tubular element 13 comprises a flange for abutting against the second tubular element 20.

    [0041] The position of the second tubular element 20 relative to the first tubular element 13 can be adjusted to allow regulating the outflow area of the lower receiving opening 14 (thereby adjusting the ratio between air and the second liquid base product transferred to the fourth container 2D).

    [0042] In other words, the inside wall of the second tubular element 20 occludes a part of the lower opening 14 as a function of the position of the second tubular element 20 relative to the tubular element 13.

    [0043] It should be noted that the machine 1 preferably comprises a dispensing device 30 provided with three controls: a first control 30A (or lever) can be operated to dispense the product from the second container 2B, a second control 30B can be operated to dispense the product from the fourth container 2D, and a third control 30C can be operated to dispense a product mixture from the second container 2B and from the fourth container 2D.

    [0044] Also defined according to the invention is a method for making a first liquid or semi-liquid ice cream type product and a second liquid or semi-liquid yogurt type product, comprising the following steps:
    • preparing a machine 1 according to any one of the features described in the foregoing;
    • preparing a first liquid basic product inside the first container 2A;
    • subjecting the first liquid basic product to stirring and thermal treatment simultaneously inside the first container 2A;
    • drawing the first liquid basic product by means of the pump 5 and mixing it with air;
    • increasing the pressure of the first liquid basic product by means of the pump 5 and transferring it into the second container 2B;
    • mixing the first liquid product in the second container 2B and subjecting it to thermal treatment to make an ice cream type finished product;
    • preparing a second liquid basic product inside the third container 2C;
    • subjecting the second liquid basic product to stirring and thermal treatment simultaneously inside the third container 2C;
    • transferring the second liquid basic product by means of the suction device 12 from the third container 2C to the fourth container 2D and simultaneously mixing it with air;
    • mixing the second liquid product in the fourth container 2D and subjecting it to thermal treatment to make a yogurt type finished product.


    [0045] According to another aspect, the step of transferring the second liquid basic product by means of the suction device 12 from the third container 2C to the fourth container 2D and simultaneously mixing it with air comprises a step of adjusting the outflow cross section area of the lower receiving opening 14 of the second liquid or semi-liquid basic product in order to adjust and thereby set the ratio between the air and the second liquid basic product inside the tubular element 13. According to another aspect, the steps of: mixing the second liquid product in the fourth container 2D and subjecting it to thermal treatment to make a yogurt type finished product; and mixing the first liquid product in the second container 2B and subjecting it to thermal treatment to make an ice cream type finished product, are carried out simultaneously.


    Claims

    1. A machine (1) for making liquid or semi-liquid products comprising:

    - a first container (2A) adapted to contain a first liquid or semi-liquid basic product;

    - a first stirrer (3A), mounted inside the first container (2A);

    - a second container (2B) connected to the first container (2A) to receive therefrom the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product;

    - a pipe (9) connecting the first container (2A) to the second container (2B);

    - a second stirrer (3B), mounted inside the second container (2B);

    - first thermal treatment means (4A), associated with the first container (2A) to heat and/or cool the walls of the first container (2A);

    - second thermal treatment means (4B), associated with the second container (2B) to heat and/or cool the walls of the second container (2B) in such a way as to make a first liquid or semi-liquid product;

    - a pump (5), having a first inlet duct (6), connected to the first container (2A) in order to draw the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product, a second, air inlet duct (7), and an outlet (8) connected to the connecting pipe (9), the pump (5) being also configured to mix the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product with air by compression;

    - a first dispensing device (10), connected to the second container (2B) to allow releasing the first liquid or semi-liquid product contained in the second container (2B);

    - a third container (2C) adapted to contain a second liquid or semi-liquid basic product;

    - a fourth container (2D) connected to the third container (2C) to receive therefrom the second liquid or semi-liquid basic product;

    - a pipe (11) connecting the third container (2C) to the fourth container (2D);

    - third thermal treatment means (4C), associated with the third container (2C) to heat and/or cool the walls of the third container (2C);

    - fourth thermal treatment means (4D), associated with the fourth container (2D) to cool the walls of the fourth container (2D);

    - a suction device (12) for taking in the second liquid product and mixing it with air, comprising a tubular element (13) provided with at least one lower opening (14) for receiving the second liquid or semi-liquid basic product and at least one upper opening (40) for receiving air, located in the third container (2C) and connected, in use, to the connecting pipe (11) between the third container (2C) and the fourth container (2D), configured to allow mixing together the second liquid or semi-liquid basic product and air;

    - a second dispensing device (15), connected to the fourth container (2D) to allow releasing the second liquid or semi-liquid product contained in the fourth container (2D).


     
    2. The machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the first container (2A) and the third container (2C) are defined by respective tanks which are openable at the top.
     
    3. The machine according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the second container (2B) and the fourth container (2D) are cylindrical.
     
    4. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (5) is a gear pump.
     
    5. The machine according to claim 4, wherein the pump comprises a first gear (5A) and a second gear (5B) acting in conjunction with each other.
     
    6. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction device (12) for taking in the second liquid product and mixing it with air also comprises an adjustment element (20) for adjusting the outflow cross section of the lower receiving opening (14) of the tubular element (13) and, in use, coupled to the tubular element (13).
     
    7. The machine according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment element (20) is keyed to the tubular element (13), coupled to an outside wall of the tubular element (13).
     
    8. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment element (20) is configured to be positioned at a plurality of positions relative to the tubular element (13), in such a way as to adjust the outflow cross section area of the lower receiving opening (14) and thus adjust the ratio between the air and the second liquid basic product transferred to the fourth container (2D).
     
    9. A method for making a first liquid or semi-liquid ice cream type product and a second liquid or semi-liquid yogurt type product, comprising the following steps:

    - preparing a machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims;

    - preparing a first liquid basic product inside the first container (2A);

    - subjecting the first liquid basic product to stirring and thermal treatment simultaneously inside the first container (2A);

    - drawing the first liquid basic product by means of the pump (5) and mixing it with air;

    - increasing the pressure of the first liquid basic product by means of the pump (5) and transferring it into the second container (2B);

    - mixing the first liquid product in the second container (2B) and subjecting it to thermal treatment to make an ice cream type finished product;

    - preparing a second liquid basic product inside the third container (2C);

    - subjecting the second liquid basic product to stirring and thermal treatment simultaneously inside the third container (2C);

    - transferring the second liquid basic product by means of the suction device (12) from the third container (2C) to the fourth container (2D) and simultaneously mixing it with air;

    - mixing the second liquid product in the fourth container (2D) and subjecting it to thermal treatment to make a yogurt type finished product.


     
    10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the step of transferring the second liquid basic product by means of the suction device (12) from the third container (2C) to the fourth container (2D) and simultaneously mixing it with air comprises a step of adjusting the outflow cross section area of the lower receiving opening (14) of the second liquid or semi-liquid basic product in order to adjust and thereby set the ratio between the air and the second liquid basic product inside the tubular element (13).
     
    11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the steps of:

    - mixing the second liquid product in the fourth container (2D) and subjecting it to thermal treatment to make a yogurt type finished product;

    - and mixing the first liquid product in the second container (2B) and subjecting it to thermal treatment to make an ice cream type finished product, are carried out simultaneously.


     


    Ansprüche

    1. Maschine (1) zur Herstellung von flüssigen oder halbflüssigen Produkten, umfassend:

    - einen ersten Behälter (2A), der ausgelegt ist, um ein erstes flüssiges oder halbflüssiges Basisprodukt zu enthalten;

    - ein erstes Rührwerk (3A), das im ersten Behälter (2A) montiert ist;

    - einen zweiten Behälter (2B), der mit dem ersten Behälter (2A) verbunden ist, um von diesem das erste flüssige oder halbflüssige Produkt zu empfangen;

    - eine Rohrleitung (9), die den ersten Behälter (2A) mit dem zweiten Behälter (2B) verbindet;

    - ein zweites Rührwerk (3B), das im zweiten Behälter (2B) montiert ist;

    - erste thermische Behandlungsmittel (4A), die mit dem ersten Behälter (2A) assoziiert sind, um die Wände des ersten Behälters (2A) zu erwärmen und/oder zu kühlen;

    - zweite thermische Behandlungsmittel (4B), die mit dem zweiten Behälter (2B) assoziiert sind, um die Wände des zweiten Behälters (2B) zu erwärmen und/oder zu kühlen, sodass ein erstes flüssiges oder halbflüssiges Produkt hergestellt wird;

    - eine Pumpe (5), die eine erste Einlassleitung (6) aufweist, die mit dem ersten Behälter (2A) verbunden ist, um das erste flüssige oder halbflüssige Produkt anzusaugen, eine zweite Lufteinlassleitung (7) und einen Auslass (8), verbunden mit der Verbindungsrohrleitung (9), wobei die Pumpe (5) auch konfiguriert ist, um das erste flüssige oder halbflüssige Basisprodukt durch Druck mit Luft zu vermischen;

    - eine erste Ausgabevorrichtung (10), die mit dem zweiten Behälter (2B) verbunden ist, um die Freisetzung des ersten flüssigen oder halbflüssigen Produkts, das im zweiten Behälter (2B) enthalten ist, zu erlauben;

    - einen dritten Behälter (2C), der ausgelegt ist, um ein zweites flüssiges oder halbflüssiges Basisprodukt zu enthalten;

    - einen vierten Behälter (2D), der mit dem dritten Behälter (2C) verbunden ist, um von diesem das zweite flüssige oder halbflüssige Produkt zu empfangen;

    - eine Rohrleitung (11), die den dritten Behälter (2C) mit dem vierten Behälter (2D) verbindet;

    - dritte thermische Behandlungsmittel (4C), die mit dem dritten Behälter (2C) assoziiert sind, um die Wände des dritten Behälters (2C) zu erwärmen und/oder zu kühlen;

    - vierte thermische Behandlungsmittel (4D), die mit dem vierten Behälter (2D) assoziiert sind, um die Wände des vierten Behälters (2D) zu kühlen;

    - eine Saugvorrichtung (12), um das zweite flüssige Produkt anzusaugen und mit Luft zu vermischen, umfassend ein Rohrelement (13), das mit mindestens einer unteren Öffnung (14) versehen ist, um das zweite flüssige oder halbflüssige Produkt zu empfangen, und mit mindestens einer oberen Öffnung (40), um Luft zu empfangen, angeordnet im dritten Behälter (2C) und in Verwendung verbunden mit der Verbindungsrohrleitung (11) zwischen dem dritten Behälter (2C) und dem vierten Behälter (2D), konfiguriert, um das Vermischen des zweiten flüssigen oder halbflüssigen Basisprodukts mit Luft zu erlauben;

    - eine zweite Ausgabevorrichtung (15), die mit dem vierten Behälter (2D) verbunden ist, um die Freisetzung des zweiten flüssigen oder halbflüssigen Produkts, das im vierten Behälter (2D) enthalten ist, zu erlauben.


     
    2. Maschine nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei der erste Behälter (2A) und der dritte Behälter (2C) durch jeweilige Tanks definiert sind, die an der Oberseite geöffnet werden können.
     
    3. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der zweite Behälter (2B) und der vierte Behälter (2D) zylinderförmig sind.
     
    4. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Pumpe (5) eine Zahnradpumpe ist.
     
    5. Maschine nach Anspruch 4, wobei die Pumpe ein erstes Zahnrad (5A) und ein zweites Zahnrad (5B) umfasst, die in Verbindung miteinander wirken.
     
    6. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Saugvorrichtung (12) zum Ansaugen des zweiten flüssigen Produkts und zu dessen Vermischen mit Luft auch ein Justierelement (20) umfasst, um den Ausströmungsquerschnitt der unteren Aufnahmeöffnung (14) des Rohrelements (13) zu justieren und das in Verwendung mit dem Rohrelement (13) gekuppelt ist.
     
    7. Maschine nach Anspruch 6, wobei das Justierelement (20) am Rohrelement (13) verkeilt ist, gekuppelt mit einer außenseitigen Wand des Rohrelements (13).
     
    8. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Justierelement (20) konfiguriert ist, um an einer Vielzahl an Positionen relativ zum Rohrelement (13) positioniert zu werden, sodass der Bereich des Ausströmungsquerschnitts der unteren Aufnahmeöffnung (14) justiert wird und entsprechend das Verhältnis zwischen der Luft und dem zweiten flüssigen Basisprodukt, das in den vierten Behälter (2D) transferiert wird, geregelt wird.
     
    9. Verfahren zur Herstellung eines ersten flüssigen oder halbflüssigen speiseeisartigen Produkts und eines zweiten flüssigen oder halbflüssigen joghurtartigen Produkts, umfassend die folgenden Schritte:

    - Vorbereiten einer Maschine (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche;

    - Vorbereiten eines ersten flüssigen Basisprodukts im ersten Behälter (2A);

    - Unterziehen des ersten flüssigen Basisprodukts gleichzeitig dem Rühren und einer thermischen Behandlung im ersten Behälter (2A);

    - Ansaugen des ersten flüssigen Basisprodukts mittels der Pumpe (5) und dessen Vermischen mit Luft;

    - Erhöhen des Drucks des ersten flüssigen Basisprodukts mittels der Pumpe (5) und dessen Transferieren in den zweiten Behälter (2B);

    - Verrühren des ersten flüssigen Produkts im zweiten Behälter (2B) und dessen Unterziehen einer thermischen Behandlung, um ein speiseeisartiges Fertigprodukt herzustellen;

    - Vorbereiten eines zweiten flüssigen Basisprodukts im dritten Behälter (2C);

    - Unterziehen des zweiten flüssigen Basisprodukts gleichzeitig dem Rühren und einer thermischen Behandlung im dritten Behälter (2C);

    - Transferieren des zweiten flüssigen Basisprodukts mittels der Saugvorrichtung (12) vom dritten Behälter (2C) zum vierten Behälter (2D) und gleichzeitiges Vermischen des Produkts mit Luft;

    - Verrühren des zweiten flüssigen Produkts im vierten Behälter (2D) und dessen Unterziehen einer thermischen Behandlung, um ein joghurtartiges Fertigprodukt herzustellen.


     
    10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Schritt zum Transferieren des zweiten flüssigen Basisprodukts mittels der Saugvorrichtung (12) vom dritten Behälter (2C) zum vierten Behälter (2D) und zum gleichzeitigen Vermischen des Produkts mit Luft einen Schritt zum Justieren des Ausströmungsquerschnittsbereichs der unteren Aufnahmeöffnung (14) des zweiten flüssigen oder halbflüssigen Basisprodukts umfasst, um diesen zu justieren und dadurch das Verhältnis zwischen der Luft und dem zweiten flüssigen Basisprodukt im Rohrelement (13) festzulegen.
     
    11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Schritte zum

    - Verrühren des zweiten flüssigen Produkts im vierten Behälter (2D) und dessen Unterziehen einer thermischen Behandlung, um ein joghurtartiges Fertigprodukt herzustellen;

    - Verrühren des ersten flüssigen Produkts im zweiten Behälter (2B) und dessen Unterziehen einer thermischen Behandlung, um ein speiseeisartiges Fertigprodukt herzustellen, gleichzeitig ausgeführt werden.


     


    Revendications

    1. Machine (1) de fabrication de produits liquides ou semi-liquides, comprenant:

    - un premier récipient (2A) pouvant contenir un premier produit liquide ou semi-liquide de base;

    - un premier agitateur (3A) monté à l'intérieur du premier récipient (2A);

    - un second récipient (2B) relié au premier récipient (2A) pour recevoir de celui-ci le premier produit liquide ou semi-liquide de base;

    - un conduit (9) reliant le premier récipient (2A) au second récipient (2B);

    - un second agitateur (3B) monté à l'intérieur du second récipient (2B);

    - des premiers moyens de traitement thermique (4A) associés au premier récipient (2A) pour chauffer et/ou refroidir les cloisons du premier récipient (2A);

    - des seconds moyens de traitement thermique (4B) associés au second récipient (2B) pour chauffer et/ou refroidir les cloisons du second récipient (2B) de manière à fabriquer un premier produit liquide ou semi-liquide;

    - une pompe (5), comportant un premier conduit d'entrée (6), reliée au premier récipient (2A) afin de soutirer le premier produit liquide ou semi-liquide de base, un second conduit d'admission d'air (7) et une sortie (8) reliée au conduit de raccordement (9), la pompe (5) étant aussi configurée pour mélanger le premier produit liquide ou semi-liquide de base à l'air par compression;

    - un premier dispositif de distribution (10) relié au second récipient (2B) pour permettre la libération du premier produit liquide ou semi-liquide contenu dans le second récipient (2B);

    - un troisième récipient (2C) pouvant contenir un second produit liquide ou semi-liquide de base;

    - un quatrième récipient (2D) relié au troisième récipient (2C) pour recevoir de celui-ci le second produit liquide ou semi-liquide de base;

    - un conduit (11) reliant le troisième récipient (2C) au quatrième récipient (2D);

    - des troisièmes moyens de traitement thermique (4C) associés au troisième récipient (2C) pour chauffer et/ou refroidir les cloisons du troisième récipient (2C);

    - des quatrièmes moyens de traitement thermique (4D) associés au quatrième récipient (2D) pour refroidir les cloisons du quatrième récipient (2D);

    - un dispositif d'aspiration (12) pour aspirer le second produit liquide et mélanger celui-ci à l'air, comprenant un élément tubulaire (13), pourvu d'au moins une ouverture inférieure (14) pour recevoir le second produit liquide ou semi-liquide de base et au moins une ouverture supérieure (40) pour recevoir l'air, situé dans le troisième récipient (2C) et relié, en fonctionnement, au conduit de raccordement (11) entre le troisième récipient (2C) et le quatrième récipient (2D), configuré pour permettre le mélange du second produit liquide ou semi-liquide de base et l'air;

    - un second dispositif de distribution (15) relié au quatrième récipient (2D) pour permettre la libération du second produit liquide ou semi-liquide contenu dans le quatrième récipient (2D);


     
    2. Machine selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle le premier récipient (2A) et le troisième récipient (2C) sont définis par des réservoirs respectifs pouvant s'ouvrir au sommet.
     
    3. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le second récipient (2B) et le quatrième récipient (2D) sont cylindriques.
     
    4. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la pompe (5) est une pompe à engrenages.
     
    5. Machine selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle la pompe comprend un premier engrenage (5A) et un second engrenage (5B) agissant conjointement l'un avec l'autre.
     
    6. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le dispositif d'aspiration (12) pour aspirer le second produit liquide et mélanger celui-ci à l'air comprend aussi un élément de réglage (20), servant à régler la section transversale de sortie de l'ouverture de réception inférieure (14) de l'élément tubulaire (13) et, en fonctionnement, couplé à l'élément tubulaire (13).
     
    7. Machine selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle l'élément de réglage (20) est calé sur l'élément tubulaire (13) couplé à une cloison extérieure de l'élément tubulaire (13).
     
    8. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'élément de réglage (20) est configuré pour être positionné en correspondance d'une pluralité de positions relatives à l'élément tubulaire (13), de manière à régler la zone à section transversale de sortie de l'ouverture de réception inférieure (14) et ainsi régler le rapport entre l'air et le seconde produit liquide de base transféré vers le quatrième récipient (2D).
     
    9. Procédé de fabrication d'un premier produit liquide ou semi-liquide de type crème glacée, et d'un second produit liquide ou semi-liquide de type yaourt, comprenant les étapes suivantes:

    - préparer une machine (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes;

    - préparer un premier produit liquide de base à l'intérieur du premier récipient (2A);

    - soumettre simultanément le premier produit liquide de base à une agitation et à un traitement thermique à l'intérieur du premier récipient (2A);

    - soutirer le premier produit liquide de base au moyen de la pompe (5) et le mélanger à l'air;

    - augmenter la pression du premier produit liquide de base au moyen de la pompe (5) et le transférer dans le second récipient (2B);

    - mélanger le premier produit liquide dans le second récipient (2B) et le soumettre au traitement thermique pour réaliser un produit fini de type crème glacée;

    - préparer un second produit liquide de base à l'intérieur du troisième récipient (2C);

    - soumettre simultanément le second produit liquide de base à une agitation et à un traitement thermique à l'intérieur du troisième récipient (2C);

    - transférer le second produit liquide de base au moyen du dispositif d'aspiration (12) du troisième récipient (2C) au quatrième récipient (2D) en le mélangeant simultanément à l'air;

    - mélanger le second produit liquide dans le quatrième récipient (2D) et le soumettre au traitement thermique pour réaliser un produit fini de type yaourt.


     
    10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, dans lequel l'étape consistant à transférer le second produit liquide de base au moyen du dispositif d'aspiration (12) du troisième récipient (2C) vers le quatrième récipient (2D) en le mélangeant simultanément à l'air comprend une étape consistant à régler la zone à section transversale de sortie de l'ouverture de réception inférieure (14) du second produit liquide ou semi-liquide de base afin de régler et donc de fixer le rapport entre l'air et le second produit liquide de base à l'intérieur de l'élément tubulaire (13).
     
    11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel les étapes consistant à:

    - mélanger le second produit liquide dans le quatrième récipient (2D) et le soumettre au traitement thermique pour réaliser un produit fini de type yaourt;

    - et mélanger le premier produit liquide dans le second récipient (2B) et le soumettre au traitement thermique pour réaliser un produit fini de type crème glacée, sont réalisées simultanément.


     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description