阅读说明：本技术 用于生产液体或半液体食品的机器及其制造方法 (Machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products and method for making same ) 是由 S·格兰迪 于 2019-10-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请涉及一种用于生产液体或半液体食品的机器,包括：容器(20),该容器用于容纳液体或半液体食品和/或用于生产所述食品的基础混合物和/或半成品,所述容器(20)有基本竖直的延伸部分以及顶部开口(21)；至少一个工具(40),该工具在所述容器(20)内部延伸,以便加工所述食品和/或所述基础混合物和/或所述半成品；促动器(30),该促动器与所述工具(40)连接,以便使所述工具(40)运动,用于生产所述食品；热处理系统(50),该热处理系统包括与所述容器(20)相连的换热结构(51)。该换热结构包括：环形壁(510),该环形壁围绕所述容器(20),并有沿轴向方向的通孔(511)；基本直的管形导管(520),该管形导管容纳在所述通孔(511)中；以及接头(530),用于连接所述管形导管(520),以便形成用于热流体的通路。还介绍了一种用于制造所述机器(1)的方法。(The present application relates to a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products, comprising: a container (20) for containing a liquid or semi-liquid food product and/or a base mix and/or a semi-finished product for producing said food product, said container (20) having a substantially vertical extension and a top opening (21); at least one tool (40) extending inside said container (20) for processing said food product and/or said base mix and/or said semi-finished product; an actuator (30) connected to said tool (40) for moving said tool (40) for producing said food product; a thermal treatment system (50) comprising a heat exchange structure (51) associated with the vessel (20). This heat transfer structure includes: an annular wall (510) surrounding said container (20) and having a through hole (511) in an axial direction; a substantially straight tubular duct (520) housed in said through hole (511); and a joint (530) for connecting the tubular conduits (520) so as to form a passage for a hot fluid. A method for manufacturing the machine (1) is also presented.)

1. Machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products, comprising:

a container (20) for containing a liquid or semi-liquid food product and/or a base mix and/or a semi-finished product for producing said food product, said container (20) having a substantially vertical extension and a top opening (21);

at least one tool (40) extending inside said container (20) for processing said food product and/or said base mix and/or said semi-finished product;

an actuator (30) connected to the tool (40) for moving the tool (40) for producing the food product;

a thermal treatment system (50) comprising a heat exchange structure (51) associated with the vessel (20), the heat exchange structure comprising:

i. an annular wall (510) surrounding the container (20) and having a through hole (511) in an axial direction;

a substantially straight tubular conduit (520) housed in said through hole (511);

a fitting (530) for connecting said tubular conduits (520) so as to form a passage for a hot fluid.

2. The machine of claim 1, wherein: the thermal processing system (50) further comprises:

a compressor (54);

a heat exchanger (53);

one or more thermal expansion elements (52);

wherein the hot fluid is circulated in the heat treatment system (50).

3. The machine of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the annular wall (510) comprises a first portion (510a) and a second portion (510b), the first and second portions (510a, 510b) each having a substantially C-shaped cross-section, the first and second portions (510a, 510b) facing each other defining the annular wall (510).

4. The machine of claim 3, further comprising: -a connection system (60) for removably connecting the first portion (510a) and the second portion (510b) of the annular wall (510) so that the annular wall (510) is movable between a closed condition, in which the radial ends (510a ', 510a ") of the first portion (510a) are affixed to the respective radial ends (510b', 510 b") of the second portion (510b), and an open condition, in which at least one radial end (510a ', 510a ") of the first portion (510a) is spaced apart from the respective end (510b', 510 b") of the second portion (510 b).

5. The machine of the preceding claim, wherein: the connection system (60) comprises at least one articulation element (61) for constraining a first radial end (510a ') of the first portion (510a) to a corresponding first radial end (510b') of the second portion (510 b).

6. The machine of claim 4 or 5, wherein: the connection system (60) comprises a selective locking device (62) acting on the second radial end (510a ') of the first portion (510a) and on the second radial end (510b') of the second portion (510b), the selective locking device (62) being transitionable between a first condition in which it keeps the second radial end (510a ') of the first portion (510a) in abutment with the second radial end (510b') of the second portion (510b), and a second condition in which it allows the second radial end (510a ') of the first portion (510a) and the second radial end (510b') of the second portion (510b) to move away from each other.

7. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein: the joint (530) is substantially U-shaped, each end of the U being connected to a respective axial end of one of the tubular conduits (520).

8. The machine of claim 7, wherein: the joints (530) are positioned continuously on axially opposite sides of the annular wall (510).

9. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein: the tubular conduits (520) each extend axially through the annular wall (510).

10. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein: the annular wall (510) is a cut-to-size extrusion, preferably made of aluminum.

11. The machine of any preceding claim, wherein: the tubular conduit (520) is made of copper.

12. Method of manufacturing a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products, the method comprising:

providing a container (20) for containing a liquid or semi-liquid food product and/or a base mix and/or a semi-finished product for producing said food product, said container (20) having a substantially vertical extension and a top opening (21);

-providing a tool (40) extending inside said container (20) for processing said food product and/or said base mix and/or said semi-finished product;

connecting an actuator (30) to the tool (40), the actuator being arranged to move the tool (40) for producing the food product;

providing a heat treatment system (50) comprising a heat exchange structure (51);

connecting the heat exchange structure (51) to the vessel (20),

wherein providing the heat exchange structure (51) comprises:

providing an annular wall (510);

-making a through hole (511) in the annular wall (510) in an axial direction;

inserting a substantially straight tubular conduit (520) into said through hole (511);

connecting said tubular conduits (520) by means of joints (530) so as to form a passage for a hot fluid;

surrounding the container (20) with the annular wall (510).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein: providing the annular wall (510) comprises:

extruding a continuous annular semi-finished product, preferably made of aluminium;

cutting said continuous annular semi-finished product to size so as to obtain said annular wall (510).

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, further comprising: -cutting said annular wall (510) along a diametric plane, so as to obtain a first portion (510a) and a second portion (510b), said first and second portions (510a, 510b) each having a substantially C-shaped cross section.

15. The method of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein: the tubular ducts (520) are inserted in the through hole (511) so that both axial ends of each of the tubular ducts (520) project from the annular wall (510).

16. The method of any of claims 12 to 15, further comprising: the tubular conduits (520) are expanded, preferably mechanically, after insertion into the respective through holes (511).

17. The method of any of claims 12 to 16, further comprising: such that the first portion (510a) is reversibly constrained to the second portion (510b) to enable the annular wall to transition between a closed state and an open state.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing said machine.

For example, the machine according to the invention can be used to produce ice cream of good quality.

Background

It is known that the production of high-quality ice cream comprises a step of pasteurising the mixture used, which is brought to a temperature in the range, for example, of 65 ℃ to 85 ℃ in order to eliminate any pathogenic organisms that are heat-sensitive.

The mixture then rapidly reaches a fairly low temperature, about 4 ℃.

The pasteurized mixture is then left at a substantially constant temperature of about 4 ℃ for a predetermined time (aging).

The last necessary production step is the so-called batch freezing, in which the mixture is mixed and kept at a temperature of about 4-5 ℃, whereby the product acquires its typical softness and creamy feel.

Currently available machines are capable of performing one or more of the above-described steps.

The applicant has verified that the machines known in the art are equipped with heat treatment systems which are complex from a structural/functional point of view, sometimes implying excessive manufacturing costs.

Disclosure of Invention

The aim of the present invention is to provide a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products equipped with a heat treatment system which has a simple structure, implying low costs, while still guaranteeing an efficient cooling/heating.

This and other objects are substantially achieved by the machine and the method according to the present invention.

Drawings

Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention.

The present description refers to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of illustration and not of limitation, and in which:

figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a machine according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a portion of the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the machine portion of FIG. 2 along plane B-B;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates elements of the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a thermal processing system included in the machine of FIG. 1;

6a-6b illustrate different operating states of components of the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a component of the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of the machine component illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate steps in manufacturing the components of the machine of FIG. 1;

figure 12 shows schematically the components of the machine of figure 1.

The drawings illustrate various aspects and embodiments of the present invention. Where appropriate, like structures, components, materials and/or elements are referred to by the same reference numerals throughout the various figures.

Detailed Description

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a machine for producing liquid or semi-liquid food products according to the invention.

The machine 1 (fig. 1) preferably comprises a frame 10, on which frame 10 the various components constituting the machine 1 are mounted.

The frame 10 may include a base 11, one or more support elements 12 (e.g., in the form of posts or uprights), and a top wall 13, the top wall 13 having a top surface 13a that can be used as a table.

Preferably, the frame 10 can be associated with one or more kinematic elements 14, such as swivel castors, as schematically shown in fig. 1.

The machine 1 further comprises a container 20 associated with the frame 10. The container 20 (also called "bowl") is suitable for containing liquid or semi-liquid food products and/or base mixes and/or semi-finished products for producing said food products.

For example, ingredients for making ice cream, whipped cream, whole egg, fruit sausage, meringue, marinate, oven dough, or for processing (tempering) chocolate, etc., may be inserted into the container 20.

The container 20 (fig. 3) has a substantially vertical extension and a top opening 21. The top opening 21 serves several functions: it enables loading of ingredients and removal of finished products, and also enables tools such as batch freezers, cream blenders, etc. to manipulate the contents of the container 20.

Preferably, the container 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a substantially vertical extension axis.

Preferably, the container 20 is detachably connected to the frame 10.

This can simplify the operations that need to be performed after the preparation of the product; at the end of the production cycle, the container 20 can be removed from the frame 10 and sent directly to the sales environment, the temperature of which is suitably controlled by means of a thermostat, without any additional treatment.

In other words, unlike what is normally required for machines of the prior art, the product is not removed from the container 20, since it is the container 20 that is removed from the machine 1. By being able to remove the container 20, the ice cream can be quickly moved from the machine 1 to the area where it will be kept and sold, typically for takeaway. In this way, in addition to a significantly shorter processing time and a higher intrinsic quality of the product (since no thermal shock is experienced between production and sale to the consumer), the production structure is significantly simplified, since no machine for processing the product at-40 ℃ is required anymore.

Preferably, the container 20 is positioned in a housing Y defined by the elements of a thermal treatment system 50, which thermal treatment system 50 will be described later.

Preferably, the housing Y is substantially cylindrical.

The container 20 may be made of, for example, stainless steel.

The machine 1 further comprises an actuator 30 associated with the container 20 for moving the tool for producing the food product.

Preferably, the actuator 30 includes a torque motor 31 (fig. 3).

The applicant wishes to remind that the torque motor is a particular type of brushless motor that is capable of outputting high torque in a substantially continuous manner even at low speeds. It is therefore capable of applying the desired torque in a manner that is not strictly related to the rotational speed. Torque motors are generally characterized by a number of poles: while conventional brushless motors typically have 2 to 10 poles, torque motors may have, for example, 24 to 56 poles. It is an electronically switched synchronous motor with a phase shift of 120 electrical degrees.

The torque motor 31 includes:

i. a rotor 32, the rotor 32 having a substantially annular or cylindrical shape and a substantially vertical axis of rotation X.

A stator 34, the stator 34 being mounted on the frame 10 and defining a substantially circular housing in which the rotor 32 is rotatably housed.

Preferably, the rotor 32 comprises a mobile portion 36 (fig. 4) having a substantially annular or ring shape, the mobile portion 36 being formed by a plurality of permanent magnets suitably oriented and arranged in a manner known per se.

The permanent magnets are distributed according to the ring shape or the ring shape.

In one embodiment, the permanent magnets are arranged along the entire circumferential extension of the mobile portion 36. Alternatively, the permanent magnet may be arranged only along its arc.

The stator 34 includes a plurality of windings that are circumferentially arranged in plan view so as to define the above-described circular housing.

It should be noted that the windings may be distributed over the entire circumference of the stator 34 or only over the arc of the stator.

However, it is envisaged that, for proper operation of the motor 31, the permanent magnets of the mobile portion 36 are distributed along the entire circumferential extension thereof and/or the windings of the stator 34 are distributed over the entire circumference thereof.

The windings of the stator 34 are suitably powered and controlled to generate a magnetic field which, by interacting with the permanent magnets belonging to the rotor 32, will cause the rotor 32 to rotate about its own axis of rotation X.

Fig. 4 schematically shows the permanent magnets "NS"/"SN" and the stator 34 (the windings of the stator 34 are not shown for simplicity) that make up the moving part 36.

It is preferably envisaged that a sensing element (e.g. a hall sensor) is associated with the rotor 32 in order to sense the position of the rotor 32 and enable proper driving of the stator windings. In this way, the rotation speed of the rotor 32 can be appropriately adjusted.

In more detail, the detection element is located in a suitable seat in the stator body. By reading the magnetic flux of the movable portion 36 of the rotor 32, it is possible to determine the angular position and the speed of the rotor 32 itself.

One can therefore avoid the use of encoders/resolvers or other similar detection devices, although it is envisaged that they may be used where appropriate or desired.

In one embodiment, a so-called "sensorless" technique is used for controlling the actuator 30, i.e. a control technique that does not require a transducer and provides parameters representative of the mutual position and/or speed of the rotor 32 and the stator 34: the control is based on the electromotive force of the motor 31 itself.

Preferably, the machine 1 is equipped with a supporting structure 35 (fig. 3) associated with the rotor 32, so as to enable the rotor 32 to rotate with respect to the other components of the machine 1, in particular with respect to the stator 34.

In particular, the supporting structure 35 can be mounted higher than the stator 34, in a radially outer position with respect to the rotor 32.

Preferably, the rotor 32 has a radially inner region 33 (fig. 4) which, in plan view, at least partially overlaps the top opening 21.

In particular, the rotor 32 is arranged in a radially outer position with respect to the container 20, so that, in plan view, the top opening 21 is completely accommodated in a radially inner region 33 of the rotor 32.

Preferably, the rotor 32 and stator 34 define a substantially cylindrical structure that is substantially coaxial with the vessel 20.

Preferably, the interior of the container 20 is accessible via the top opening 21 through a radially inner region 33 of the rotor 32.

Among other advantages, this means that some ingredients can be very easily introduced into the mixture when it is handled (e.g. fruit pieces, preserves, etc.).

According to the invention, machine 1 comprises a heat treatment system 50 (fig. 5) for heating and/or cooling container 20 and its contents.

The heat treatment system 50 comprises, in a manner known per se, a compressor 54, a heat exchanger 53 and preferably one or more thermal expansion elements 52.

According to the present invention, the thermal treatment system 50 includes a heat exchange structure 51 associated with the vessel 20.

The function of the heat exchange structure 51 is to supply heat to the container 20 and/or to remove heat from the container 20. The product, ingredients or semi-finished product in the container 20 can thus be heated/cooled.

The heat exchanging structure 51 comprises an annular wall 510, the annular wall 510 surrounding the container 20 and having a plurality of through holes 511, the through holes 511 extending in an axial direction along the annular wall 510.

The annular wall 510 is mounted on the frame 10.

The free radial inner space of the annular wall 510 defines a housing Y for the container 20.

Preferably, the annular wall 510 is an extrusion, preferably made of aluminum, cut to size according to the dimensions of the machine 1 and the container 20.

The heat exchange structure 51 comprises a plurality of substantially straight tubular conduits 520.

Each tubular conduit 520 is received in a respective through hole 511.

In particular, each tubular conduit 520 extends axially through the annular wall 510. Each tubular conduit 520 has a first axial end and a second axial end. The first and second axial ends of each tubular conduit 520 project from the respective through hole 511.

Preferably, tubular conduit 520 is made of copper.

The heat exchanging structure 51 comprises a plurality of joints 530, and these joints 530 preferably have a curved shape, such as a U-shape.

Preferably, the tab 530 is made of copper.

A fitting 530 connects the tubular conduits 520 to form a passageway for the hot fluid.

By means of said hot fluid, heat exchange with the container 20 and its contents can be achieved.

The applicant has observed that a hot fluid is a fluid capable of modifying its own physical characteristics so as to enable the system to exchange heat with the container 20. Heat exchange may include supplying heat to the vessel 20 (i.e., heating the vessel 20) or removing heat from the vessel 20 (i.e., cooling the vessel 20). The heat treatment undergone by the container 20 is then directly transferred to the product, mixture or semi-finished product contained in the container 20.

For example, reference can be made to the schematic diagram of fig. 5: the compressor 54 circulates the hot fluid through the heat exchanger 53, and preferably through the thermal expansion element 52; a suitable cooling or heating fluid can then be supplied to the tubular conduit 520 and heat supplied to the container 20 or removed from the container 20 through the tubular conduit 520. The fluid is then sent back to the compressor 54 to begin a new heat treatment cycle.

Referring again to the tabs 530, they are preferably positioned continuously on axially opposite sides of the annular wall 510.

Preferably, each end of the U-shape of each fitting 530 is connected to a respective axial end of the tubular conduit 520. Thus a coil is defined in which each tubular conduit 520 is connected to a previous or subsequent tubular conduit by a respective junction 530.

Preferably, the annular wall 510 includes a first portion 510a and a second portion 510 b.

Each of the first and second portions 510a, 510b has a substantially C-shaped cross-section.

Preferably, the term "cross section" refers to a section in a plane orthogonal to the axial extension of the annular wall 510.

The first and second portions 510a, 510b facing each other define an annular wall 510.

In practice, the first portion 510a and the second portion 510b are obtained by axially cutting the annular wall 510 along a diametric plane.

The first portion 510a and the second portion 510b are detachably coupled to each other. Thus, the annular wall 510 is movable between a closed state and an open state.

When the radial ends 510a ', 510a "of the first portion 510a are attached to the radial ends 510b', 510 b" of the second portion 510b, the annular wall 510 is in a closed state (fig. 6 a).

When the annular wall 510 is in the closed condition, its radially inner surface adheres to the radially outer surface of the container 20. This ensures optimal heat exchange between the heat exchange structure 51 and the vessel 20.

Preferably, when the annular wall 510 is in the closed condition, the container 20 is constrained to the annular wall 510 so that it cannot be removed.

When at least one of the radial ends 510a ', 510a "of the first portion 510a is spaced apart from the respective radial end 510b', 510 b" of the second portion 510b, the annular wall 510 is in an open state (fig. 6 b).

When the annular wall 510 is in the open state, its radially inner surface does not adhere (or does not adhere completely) to the radially outer surface of the container 20. Thus, the container 20 is not constrained to the annular wall 510 and can be extracted.

In the operating condition, the container 20 is housed in a casing Y, constrained therein by the radially inner surface of the annular wall 510 in the closed condition. The annular wall 510 is transitionable from a closed state to an open state. When it is in the open condition, the annular wall 510 does not retain the container 20 constrained by its radially inner surface. The container 20 can thus be removed.

Subsequently, the container 20 can be positioned again in the housing Y. Preferably, this operation is performed with the annular wall 510 in the open state. The annular wall is then transformed into the closed condition in order to constrain the container 20. The preparation/processing of the liquid or semi-liquid food product contained in the container 20 can then proceed.

Thus, the annular wall 510 is reversibly convertible between an open state and a closed state while remaining mounted on the frame 10. In other words, the open condition of the annular wall 510, in which the container 20 is released so as to be able to extract it and then preferably reinserted for further processing, is not related to the step of disassembling the machine 1, but to the functional condition of the machine 1.

The first portion 510a and the second portion 510b are connected to each other by a connection system 60.

Preferably, the connection system 60 comprises at least one articulated element 61 (fig. 8). The hinge element 61 serves to constrain a first radial end 510a 'of the first portion 510a to a corresponding first radial end 510b' of the second portion 510 b.

In one embodiment, the hinge element 61 is constrained to the first portion 510a and to the second portion 510b by means of respective connecting plates 61a, 61b, for example the connecting plates 61a, 61b are provided with holes for fixing the hinge element 61.

Preferably, the connection system 60 comprises a selective locking device 62 acting on the second radial end 510a "of the first portion 510a and on the second radial end 510 b" of the second portion 510 b.

The locking device 62 is switchable between a first state and a second state.

When in the first state, the locking device 62 holds the second radial end 510a "of the first portion 510a in abutment with the second radial end 510 b" of the second portion 510 b.

When in the second state, the locking device 62 allows the second radial end 510a "of the first portion 510a and the second radial end 510 b" of the second portion 510b to move away from each other.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 7, the locking means 62 comprises a first locking plate 62a, which first locking plate 62a is provided with an elongated hole 62a' and is mounted on a first portion 510a of the annular wall 510.

The locking means 62 comprises a second locking plate 62b, which second locking plate 62b is provided with an elongated hole 62b' and is mounted on the second portion 510b of the annular wall 510.

The locking device 62 further comprises an operating rod 63 which operating rod 63 is pivoted centrally on the support structure (not shown) and is connected at its axial ends with the elongated holes 62a 'and 63 a'. When rotationally moved, the operating lever 63 causes the first and second portions 510a, 510b to be fastened to each other by the respective locking plates 62a, 62b (an inclined position indicated by a thick line in fig. 7), or allows the first and second portions 510a, 510b to be moved away from each other (a horizontal position indicated by a thin line in fig. 7).

In one embodiment, the operating lever 63 is manually movable by an operator.

In one embodiment, the operating rods 63 are driven by respective actuators (not shown).

In one embodiment, the webs 61a, 61b and the locking plates 62a, 62b are all equal. In practice, the connection plates 61a, 61b and the locking plates 62a, 62b are each made as schematically shown in fig. 12: they include an elongated aperture X1, a first pair of apertures X1, and a second pair of apertures X2.

As for the locking plates 62a, 62b, the elongated holes X1 correspond to the elongated holes 62a ', 62 b'. The elongated hole X1 of the connecting plates 61a, 61b is not used.

As far as the locking plates 62a, 62b are concerned, the first pair of holes X2 is not used, while the second pair of holes X2 of the connecting plates 61a, 61b are used for fastening the hinge element 61.

For both the web 61a, 61b and the locking plate 62a, 62b, a second pair of holes X3 is used to mount the plates on the annular wall 510.

Preferably, first portion 510a and second portion 510b each have a pair of splines S (FIGS. 9-11).

Each spline S may have a dovetail cross-section, a T-shaped cross-section, or other similar shape.

The splines S are adapted to receive an abutment element E, which preferably has a pair of holes.

The plates 61a, 61b, 62a, 62b can be constrained to the portions 510a, 510b by means of a pair of screws or equivalent elements engaging the through holes X3 and the holes provided on the abutment element E.

Preferably, the use of a pair of spacers D, schematically represented in fig. 11, is envisaged.

Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a first and a second closing flange 70, 71 (fig. 11), which first and second closing flanges 70, 71 are connected respectively to the bottom edges of the first portion 510a and of the second portion 510b of the annular wall 510, so as to close the bottom of the casing Y.

Each of the closure flanges 70, 71 has: a plurality of through cavities 70a, 71a through which tabs 530 extend, mounted at the bottom edges of the first and second portions 510a, 510 b; and a pair of holes 70b, 71b through which extensions of the two tubular conduits 520 extend to connect with the remaining components of the thermal treatment system 50.

Preferably, the machine 1 comprises a first and a second top flange 72, 73 (fig. 11), which first and second top flanges 72, 73 are fixed respectively to the upper edges of the first portion 510a and of the second portion 510b of the annular wall 510, so as to enable it to be connected to the remaining components of the machine 1 (for example the frame 10).

The top flanges 72, 73 have a plurality of holes 72a, 73a through which the joints 530 arranged at the upper edges of the first and second portions 510a, 510b extend.

It should be noted that the annular wall 510 and the flanges 70, 71, 72, 73, the actuator 30 and any other structural elements connected thereto (such as the containment structure 600, preferably arranged externally to the annular wall 510, also constituted by two reversibly separable parts) together form an assembly 700, schematically represented in fig. 1-3.

Preferably, for processing the food product and/or the basic mix and/or the semi-finished product, the machine 1 comprises at least one tool 40 (figure 2).

The tool 40 is mounted on the rotor 32 and extends inside the container 20.

Preferably, the tool 40 comprises:

a) an engaging portion 41 for mounting it on the rotor 32;

b) an operating portion 42, which operating portion 42 is connected to the engaging portion 41, for processing the food and/or base mix and/or semi-finished product.

Preferably, the handle portion 42 has a substantially vertical extension and, when in use, extends within the container 20 to a distance from the inner surface of the container 20 that is less than the radius of the container 20. In other words, when the tool 40 is mounted on the rotor 32 and rotated by the rotor 32, there will still be a substantially cylindrical radially inner region of the container 20 that will not be reached by the tool 40.

Preferably, the tool 40 is removably mounted to the rotor 32.

Thus, different tools may be used depending on the operation to be performed.

For example, the tool may be a mixer, batch freezer, creamer mixer, or the like.

In one embodiment, it is envisaged to also use a further tool 40', which further tool 40' is similar to the tool 40 and is schematically represented in fig. 3.

The machine 1 preferably comprises a covering element 100 (fig. 1), for example a cover associated with the top wall 13 of the frame 10.

The covering element 100 may simply be arranged on the top wall 13 or may be hinged on the top wall 13.

The function of the covering element 100 is to keep the container 20 and its contents isolated from the outside, for hygienic and thermal reasons.

When it is necessary to replace the tool 40, or when it is necessary to remove the container 20, it is sufficient to remove/open the covering element 100 and then perform the desired operations.

The method for manufacturing the above-described machine will be described below.

It is envisaged to provide an annular wall 510 and to make a through hole 511 in said annular wall 510 in the axial direction.

Preferably, the annular wall is made by extrusion of a continuous annular semi-finished product, preferably made of aluminum, which is cut to size so as to obtain the annular wall 510.

Then, the annular wall 510 is cut axially along a diametric plane, so as to obtain a first portion 510a and a second portion 510 b.

Fig. 9 shows a portion, which may be portion 510a or portion 510 b.

The first portion 510a and the second portion 510b each have a substantially C-shaped cross-section.

Preferably, the first portion 510a and the second portion 510b are substantially identical.

A substantially straight tubular conduit 520 is then inserted into the through hole 511.

Preferably, the tubular ducts 520 are inserted in the respective through holes 511 so that the two axial ends of each tubular duct 520 project from the annular wall 510.

Preferably, tubular conduit 520 is made of copper.

Preferably, after the tubular conduits 520 are inserted into the through holes 511, they are mechanically expanded so as to adhere to the profile delimiting the through holes 511.

The tubular conduits 520 are connected by joints 530 to form a passage for the hot fluid.

Preferably, the fitting 530 is fixed to the tubular duct 520, in particular to the axial end projecting from the annular wall 510, by welding.

Fig. 10 shows a portion, which may be a first portion 510a or a second portion 510b, connected to a tubular conduit 520 and a fitting 530.

The closure flanges 70, 71 and top flanges 72, 73 are in turn mounted to the first and second portions 510a, 510b (fig. 11).

Annular wall 510, tubular conduit 520 and fitting 530 form heat exchange structure 51.

The heat exchange structure 51 is connected to the remaining elements of the thermal treatment system 50, such as a compressor 54, a heat exchanger 53 and one or more thermal expansion elements 52, as schematically shown in fig. 5.

The container 20 is inserted into a cylindrical housing Y defined by the free radial inner space of the heat exchanging structure 51.

An actuator 30 (as mentioned above, the actuator 30 is preferably a torque motor 31) is mounted on the frame 10 and is connected to the heat exchanging structure 51.

The tool 40 is in turn mounted on the rotor 32 of the actuator 30, the tool 40 extending inside the container 20 in order to process the product, mixture and/or ingredient contained therein.