Liquid containing bag and frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus using the same

There is provided a liquid containing bag capable of supplying mixture directly to a cooling cylinder from the bag without depending on gravity and without moving the mixture into a hopper. A liquid containing bag 5 comprises a bag main body 21 containing a liquid and having flexibility, and an outer layer member 23 disposed outside the bag main body 21, capable of forming a sealed space between the outer layer member and the bag main body 21, and having flexibility. Therefore, for example, when compressed air is sealed between the outer layer member 23 and the bag main body 21, an volume of the sealed space between them is enlarged, and the liquid cooled in the bag main body 21 can be pushed to the outside.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, for example, to a liquid containing bag for containing a liquid of a mixture or the like which is a raw material of a frozen dessert such as a soft ice cream, and a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus using the bag.

This type of a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus has heretofore comprised a cooling device constituted of a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube, a cooling unit disposed in a cooling cylinder and a hopper (mixing tank). Pressure of a liquefied refrigerant is reduced, and the refrigerant is passed through the cooling unit to cool the cooling cylinder and hopper at the time of the manufacturing of the frozen dessert by the cooling device. Moreover, a beater is attached to the inside of the cooling cylinder, and mixture in the cooling cylinder is cooled by the cooling unit and stirred by the beater to manufacture frozen desserts such as soft ice cream and sherbet.

In this case, a system has been adopted in which the mixture is stored in a hopper, and passed into the cooling cylinder from the hopper by a mixture supplying unit. This mixture supplying unit has a pipe shape whose upper end is opened to the atmosphere and which communicates with the inside of the hopper in a lower end portion of the hopper, and a supply amount of the mixture depends on a head difference in the mixture supplying unit.

That is, since the supplying of the mixture into the cooling cylinder from the hopper depends on gravity, there is a disadvantage that the supply amount is not stable. Since the mixture contained in a raw material bag beforehand is unsealed and injected into the hopper, there has been a disadvantage that a hygienic problem occurs.

Therefore, there has been a demand for development of a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus capable of supplying the mixture directly to the cooling cylinder from the raw material bag without depending on the gravity or without moving the mixture to the hopper, and manufacturing the frozen dessert. The present invention has been developed in order to solve the conventional technique problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid containing bag comprising: a bag main body containing a liquid and having flexibility; and an outer layer member disposed outside the bag main body, capable of forming a sealed space between the member and the bag main body, and having the flexibility.

The liquid containing bag of the present invention additionally comprises: an outlet member connecting the inside of the bag main body to the outside; and a communication port member connecting the space between the outer layer member and the bag main body to the outside.

In the above-described respective inventions, the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a cold storage which cold-stores the liquid containing bag containing the mixture in the bag main body; a cooling cylinder which stirs and cools the mixture flowing out of the bag main body of the liquid containing bag to thereby manufacture frozen dessert; a cooling device which cools the cold storage or the cooling cylinder; and an air compression device which supplies compressed air between the outer layer member and the bag main body of the liquid containing bag and which pushes out the mixture in the bag main body.

According to the present invention, there is provided a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus comprising: a cold storage which cold-stores a liquid containing bag constituted of a bag main body containing a mixture and having flexibility and an outer layer member disposed outside the bag main body, capable of forming a sealed space between the member and the bag main body, and having flexibility; a cooling cylinder which stirs and cools the mixture supplied from the liquid containing bag to thereby manufacture frozen dessert; a cooling device which cools the cold storage or the cooling cylinder; an air compression device; a mixture supply passage for connecting the inside of the bag main body of the liquid containing bag to the inside of the cooling cylinder; a bag pressurizing passage for supplying compressed air produced by the air compression device between the outer layer member and the bag main body of the liquid containing bag; and an air supply passage for supplying compressed air into the cooling cylinder.

The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention additionally comprises: a check valve which is in a forward direction on the side of the cooling cylinder in a path in which the mixture supplied to the cooling cylinder from the liquid containing bag flows and in a path in which the compressed air supplied to the cooling cylinder from the air compression device flows.

According to the present invention, there is provided a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus comprising: a cold storage which cold-stores a liquid containing bag constituted of a bag main body containing a mixture and having flexibility and an outer layer member disposed outside this bag main body, capable of forming a sealed space between the outer layer member and the bag main body, and having flexibility; a cooling cylinder which stirs and cools the mixture supplied from the liquid containing bag to thereby manufacture frozen dessert; a cooling device which cools the cold storage or the cooling cylinder; an air compression device; a mixture supply passage for connecting the inside of the bag main body of the liquid containing bag to the inside of the cooling cylinder; a bag pressurizing passage for supplying compressed air produced by the air compression device between the outer layer member and the bag main body of the liquid containing bag; and an air supply passage for supplying compressed air into the cooling cylinder, wherein the mixture supply passage is combined with the air supply passage, and thereafter connected to the inside of the cooling cylinder.

The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention additionally comprises: a combined passage member detachably attached to the cooling cylinder and disconnectably connected to the mixture supply passage and the air supply passage.

The frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention additionally comprises: check valves which are connected between the mixture supply passage and the combined passage member and between the air supply passage and the combined passage member and which are in a forward direction on the side of the combined passage member.

In addition to the above-described respective inventions, in the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the combined passage member is disposed in the cold storage.

In addition to the above-described respective inventions, in the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the mixture supply passage is disposed in the cold storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus SM of the embodiment is an apparatus for manufacturing/selling frozen dessert (it is assumed in the embodiment that soft ice cream is manufactured) such as soft ice cream or sherbet (shake). InFIG. 1, on a main body1, a heat-insulating cold storage2is disposed for storing/keeping cold a mixed raw material bag5which is a liquid containing bag containing a raw material mixture (mixture which is a frozen-dessert raw material of soft ice cream, sherbet or the like) of the soft ice cream. A storage inside2A of the cold storage2opens in a front face, this front face opening is openably closed by a rotatable heat-insulating door3, and this heat-insulating door3is opened at the time of changing of the mixed raw material bag5. It is to be noted that reference numeral33denotes a cold storage open/close switch for detecting opening/closing of the heat-insulating door3.

On the other hand, a cold storage cooling unit4and an air blower (not shown) are disposed in a ceiling part of the storage inside2A of the cold storage2. Cold air cooled by this cold storage cooling unit4is circulated in the storage inside2A to keep cold the mixed raw material bag5in the cold storage2or peripheral parts described later at a predetermined temperature.

It is to be noted that the mixed raw material bag is detachably contained in a cover31of nylon or the like having a predetermined strength, and contained in the cold storage2in this state. This cover31is a bag whose upper surface is openably closed by a fastener32, and a pipe connection portion (not shown) for discharge from an outlet member22and a communication port member24of the mixed raw material bag5described later is formed in a lower surface of the cover. When the mixed raw material bag5is contained in this cover31, and if the mixture leaks from the mixed raw material bag5, a disadvantage that the storage inside2A is contaminated/damaged is avoided or suppressed. Since bulging of the mixed raw material bag5at the time of the supplying of compressed air is regulated by the cover31as described later, occurrence of disruption of the mixed raw material bag5can be avoided.

In this cold storage2, a holding base6for obliquely holding the mixed raw material bag5in such a manner that the bag is low on a front side is disposed. A bag pressurizing pipe7(shown inFIG. 2) constituting a bag pressurizing passage is drawn into the storage inside2A from an inner wall of the cold storage2. Furthermore, a mixture inlet9of a cooling cylinder8described later is opened/disposed in a bottom wall of the storage inside2A of the cold storage2.

Here, the mixed raw material bag (liquid containing bag in the present invention)5comprises: an aluminum evaporated resin bag main body21having flexibility; the outlet member22(sealed by a sealing material when unused) connecting the inside of the bag main body21to the outside and formed of a hard resin; a flexible outer layer member23whose periphery is fusion-bonded to the other surface of the bag main body21and which is formed of the same material as that of the bag main body21; and the communication port member24attached to one surface of the bag main body21in such a manner as to communicate with a non-bonded portion described later between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21and formed of the hard resin (FIG. 2).

The outer layer member23is not bonded to the bag main body21except the periphery of the outer layer member23, and accordingly a sealed space can be constituted between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21. Moreover, the communication port member24connects a space (sealed space) between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21to the outside. Mixture (shown by M inFIG. 2) is contained in the bag main body21, and it is possible to supply compressed air (shown by AI inFIG. 2) to the sealed space between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21.

As described above, the mixed raw material bag5containing the mixture is contained in the cover31as described above, contained in the storage inside2A of the cold storage2, and inclined/held on the holding base6. At this time, the bag is laid in such a manner that the outlet member22and the communication port member24are disposed downwards. In this arrangement, even when the mixed raw material bag5bulges, a sufficient interval is held from the ceiling of the storage inside2A, and cold air circulation can be secured. Each pipe or tube can be easily connected. Moreover, one end of the bag pressurizing pipe7is detachably connected to the communication port member24, and communicates with the space (sealed space) between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21. The outlet member22is detachably connected to one end of a mixed raw material tube34constituting a mixture supply passage. The mixed raw material tube34comprises a flexible tube.

On the other hand, inFIG. 1, reference numeral8denotes the cooling cylinder which rotates/stirs the mixture flowing into the mixture inlet9by a beater10to manufacture frozen dessert, and a cylinder cooling unit11is attached to the periphery of the cylinder. The beater10is rotated via a beater motor12, a driving transmission belt, a speed reducer13, and a rotation shaft. The manufactured frozen dessert is taken out, when a plunger16vertically moves by operation of a take-out lever15disposed on a freezer door14openably closing the front surface opening of the cooling cylinder8, an extraction path (not shown) is opened, and the beater10is rotated/driven. The freezer door14, take-out lever15, and plunger16constitute a frozen dessert extraction unit.

The freezer door14is formed of transparent glass, or transparent hard resin to constitute a see-through unit. The inside of the cooling cylinder8can be seen through the freezer door14from a front side. A permanent magnet36is buried in the surface of the freezer door14on the side of the main body1, and a lead switch37is attached to the front surface of the main body1in a position corresponding to the permanent magnet36. Moreover, when the freezer door14is attached to the main body1, and the front surface opening of the cooling cylinder8is closed, a contact of this lead switch37is closed by the permanent magnet36. When the freezer door14is remove to open the front surface opening of the cooling cylinder8, the contact of the lead switch37is opened.

Moreover, a proximity switch (proximity sensor)38is attached to the front surface of the main body1in a position under the take-out lever15constituting the frozen dessert extraction unit. This proximity switch38detects that a container such as a cone or paper cup to contain frozen dessert is disposed under the take-out lever15using infrared rays or sound waves.

Furthermore, a cleaning hose39is attached to the storage inside2A of the cold storage2as shown inFIG. 1. The cleaning hose39is disposed in order to discharge cleaning water into the cooling cylinder8during cleaning in the cooling cylinder8, extends downwards through the main body1, and is connected to a cleaning water piping41drawn out to the side surface. This cleaning water piping41is connected to a city water pipe (not shown), and further an open/close plug42is disposed halfway in the cleaning water piping41, and positioned on the front surface of the main body1. This open/close plug42constantly closes the cleaning water piping41, and is turned to thereby open the cleaning water piping41when cleaning the cooling cylinder8.

Moreover, a connector43is attached to a tip of the cleaning hose39, and the connector43is detachably connected to the mixture inlet9of the cooling cylinder8. In this case, the connector43has a mechanism which constantly closes a tip opening of the cleaning hose39(therefore cleaning water does not come out, even when the open/close plug42is opened in this state) and which opens when connected to the mixture inlet9. Accordingly, a connecting operation into the mixture inlet9is remarkably facilitated.

A compressor18, a condenser20, a four-way valve19and the like constituting a cooling device R are contained/disposed in a lower part of the main body1. It is to be noted that the four-way valve19passes a high-temperature refrigerant through the cylinder cooling unit11to perform thawing/sterilizing.

Next, inFIG. 2, reference numeral27denotes an air pump constituting an air compression device, and a discharge pipe28of the air pump is connected to a distributor46. Moreover, the distributor46is connected to the other end of the bag pressurizing pipe7. Furthermore, the distributor46is connected to a sensor (pressure sensor)47in an air circuit and an exhaust pipe49constituting pressure detection means, and the exhaust pipe49is connected to an exhaust electromagnetic valve48(for protecting the air pump and exhausting the air circuit) in the air circuit, constituting exhaust means.

Furthermore, the distributor46is connected to one end of an air circuit51which is the air supply passage. Accordingly, the bag pressurizing pipe7, air circuit51, air pump27, the sensor47in the air circuit, and the exhaust pipe49communicate with one another via the distributor46in a branched/connected state. An air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52and an air filter53which are channel opening/closing means are disposed in the air circuit51. The air filter53captures and removes foreign matters or miscellaneous bacteria in the compressed air flowing into the air circuit51.

Moreover, the other end of the mixed raw material tube34and the other end of the air circuit51are disconnectably connected to two inlets of a Y-type mixing unit57which is a combined passage member via check valves54,56, respectively. In either of the check valves54,56, the direction of the Y-type mixing unit57is assumed as a forward direction. The outlet of the Y-type mixing unit57is disconnectably connected to the mixture inlet9of the cooling cylinder8. The mixed raw material bag5, the mixed the raw material tube34, the other end portion of the air circuit51, one end portion of the bag pressurizing pipe7, and the Y-type mixing unit57are positioned in the storage inside2A of the cold storage2, and kept cold. Therefore, the temperature of the mixture does not rise in the process of flowing through the mixed raw material tube34.

Here, a concrete connection structure of the bag pressurizing pipe7, the mixed raw material tube34, the air circuit51, or the Y-type mixing unit57will be described with reference toFIG. 3. The bag pressurizing pipe7also comprises a tube having flexibility, and is disconnectably connected to the communication port member24of the mixed raw material bag5by a one-touch joint61. One end of the mixed raw material tube34is disconnectably connected to the outlet member22of the mixed raw material bag5via an O ring64by an attachment nut62and a connection pipe63whose tip has an arrowhead shape. This outlet member22first is sealed with a sealing material as described above. However, when the connection pipe63is inserted, the O ring64seals the inside of the outlet member22. Simultaneously or thereafter, the sealing material is broken in the tip.

Moreover, the other end of the mixed raw material tube34is disconnectably connected to one inlet of the Y-type mixing unit57by an attachment nut66and a connection pipe67(containing the check valve54). Since the mixed raw material tube34is a flexible tube as described above, the tube can be easily sealed when held by a pinch68. Additionally, it is assumed that the pinch68is opened at the time of usual use.

On the other hand, the other end of the air circuit51is disconnectably connected to the other inlet of the Y-type mixing unit57by a connection pipe69(containing the check valve56). Moreover, the outlet of the Y-type mixing unit57is disconnectably connected to the mixture inlet9of the cooling cylinder8via an O ring71. The mixed raw material tube34, Y-type mixing unit57, check valves54,56and the like are easily cleaned by disconnectable connection.

Next, inFIG. 4, reference numeral73is a general-purpose microcomputer constituting control means, and inputs of the microcomputer73are connected to the cold storage open/close switch33, the sensor47in the air circuit, the proximity switch38, and the lead switch37. The inputs of the microcomputer73are further connected to a pre-charge switch (operation switch)76and a cooling switch77disposed on a control panel74of the main body1.

Furthermore, outputs of the microcomputer73are connected to a frozen dessert manufacturing unit comprising the compressor18, beater motor12, and the like of the above-described cooling device R, and additionally to the exhaust electromagnetic valve48in the air circuit, the air pump27, and the air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52. Furthermore, the output of the microcomputer73is also connected to a sold-out display lamp78disposed on the operation panel74.

Next, an operation of the above-described constitution will be described. When a power plug (not shown) of the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus SM is connected to a power supply to turn on the power supply, the microcomputer73first judges whether or not the contact of the lead switch37is closed. Moreover, when the freezer door14is attached to close the front surface opening of the cooling cylinder8, and the permanent magnet36closes the contact of the lead switch37, a subsequent operation is allowed to start. However, when the freezer door14is not normally attached, and the contact of the lead switch37opens, the following operation is prohibited from being started. For example, the sold-out display lamp78blinks, and warning is displayed. Accordingly, the operation in a state in which the freezer door14is forgotten to be attached or is not normally attached is prevented from being started, and a user is urged to attach the freezer door14.

Next, the supplying of the mixture to the manufacturing of the frozen dessert, and the extracting of the frozen dessert will be described with reference to timing charts ofFIGS. 5 and 6. It is to be noted that the mixed raw material bag5contained in the cover31as described above is set in the storage inside2A of the cold storage2, and the bag pressurizing pipe7, the mixed raw material tube34, and the Y-type mixing unit57are also connected as shown inFIG. 2. Additionally, the air circuit51including the check valve56is detached from the Y-type mixing unit57at a time when pre-charging is started.

(1) Initial State

In an initial state from when power supply turns on inFIG. 1, the microcomputer73first opens the exhaust electromagnetic valve48in the air circuit for a predetermined period (five seconds in the embodiment). Thereafter, after the mixed raw material bag5is set in the storage inside2A of the cold storage2as described above, the closing of the heat-insulating door3is detected based on a detection operation of the cold storage open/close switch33, and then the microcomputer73operates the air pump27. Thereafter, when the heat-insulating door3of the cold storage2is opened, the microcomputer73stops the air pump27based on the detection operation of the cold storage open/close switch33. Moreover, the exhaust electromagnetic valve48in the air circuit is opened for the predetermined period (5 seconds) to exhaust air from the air circuit51or the bag pressurizing pipe7.

That is, the microcomputer73stops the air pump27in a case where the heat-insulating door3of the cold storage2is opened, and permits the operation of the air pump27only in a case where the heat-insulating door3is closed. Accordingly, safety is enhanced in attaching/detaching the pipe and the like during the changing of the mixed raw material bag5. Especially, when the heat-insulating door3is opened, the exhaust electromagnetic valve48in the air circuit is opened to exhaust the compressed air from the air circuit51or the bag pressurizing pipe7, and therefore a disadvantage that the compressed air blows out can be securely avoided in attaching/detaching the pipe.

It is to be noted that the air pump27is stopped, and the sold-out display lamp78is allowed to blink to thereby make a warning in a case where the sensor47in the air circuit does not detect any pressure rise in the bag pressurizing pipe7(including the sealed space between the bag main body21and the outer layer member23of the mixed raw material bag5communicating with the bag pressurizing pipe7) connected to the distributor46or the air circuit51even with elapse of three minutes after the air pump27is operated in the initial state.

Next, when a user turns on the pre-charge switch76(presses the switch less than two seconds), the microcomputer73enters the pre-charge mode to start pre-charging. In this pre-charge mode, the microcomputer73operates the air pump27, and supplies compressed air into the bag pressurizing pipe7(including the sealed space between the bag main body21and the outer layer member23of the mixed raw material bag5communicating with the bag pressurizing pipe7) connected to the distributor46or the air circuit51(the air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52is closed in the pre-charge mode).

Moreover, when the air pressure detected by the sensor47in the air circuit rises to a set value, the microcomputer73stops the air pump27based on the output of the sensor47in the air circuit. Thereafter, the microcomputer73starts counting of a three-minute timer (not limited to three minutes and predetermined) which is its own function.

When the compressed air is fed into the sealed space between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21of the mixed raw material bag5from the bag pressurizing pipe7, a certain pressure is applied to the bag main body21from the outside. Accordingly, when a volume of the sealed space between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21is enlarged, the mixture in the bag main body21is pushed out to the mixed raw material tube34from the outlet member22. The mixture pushed out into the mixed raw material tube34flows into the cooling cylinder8from the mixture inlet9via the check valve54and the Y-type mixing unit57. At this time, since the air circuit51including the check valve56is removed, the air in the cooling cylinder8goes out of the other outlet of the Y-type mixing unit57. Accordingly, the mixture also smoothly flows into the cooling cylinder8.

When the mixture flows out of the mixed raw material bag5, the volume of the sealed space between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21is enlarged, and therefore air pressure in the pipe extending to the distributor46from the bag pressurizing pipe7also drops. Moreover, when the sensor47in the air circuit detects that the pressure drops to a predetermined lower limit value, the microcomputer73operates the air pump27to restart the supplying of the compressed air. The operation panel74repeats this, and maintains the air pressure detected by the sensor47in the air circuit (air pressure of the sealed space between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21of the mixed raw material bag5) between the set value and the lower limit value (predetermined pressure in a range of the set value and the lower limit value).

Thereafter, the counting of the three-minute timer is continued until ended, and the mixture is supplied into the cooling cylinder8. Accordingly, the mixture is stored in the cooling cylinder8. When the counting of the three-minute timer ends, the microcomputer73stops the operation of the air pump27, opens the exhaust electromagnetic valve48in the air circuit for five seconds to once discharge the compressed air. The user confirms a liquid level of the mixture in the cooling cylinder8via the transparent freezer door14, and continues to press the pre-charge switch76(ON for two seconds or more) in a case where a predetermined liquid level is not satisfied.

When the pre-charge switch76continues to be turned on, the microcomputer73operates the air pump27to start the supplying of the compressed air again, and maintains the air pressure (air pressure of the sealed space between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21of the mixed raw material bag5) detected by the sensor47in the air circuit as described above at the set value. Accordingly, the mixture is supplied into the cooling cylinder8from the mixed raw material bag5again. Moreover, the user visually confirms that the mixture in the cooling cylinder8is stored to a predetermined liquid level. When the pre-charge switch76is released (OFF), the microcomputer73stops the air pump27, and opens the exhaust electromagnetic valve48in the air circuit to discharge the compressed air between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21of the mixed raw material bag5. Accordingly, the supplying of the mixture is stopped, and the mixture is stored up to the predetermined liquid level in the cooling cylinder8.

When this pre-charge is disposed in the microcomputer73, the mixture can be smoothly stored in the cooling cylinder8at a time when the shop is opened. Especially, since the pre-charge switch76is disposed, and the pre-charging can be manually started, usability becomes satisfactory.

It is to be noted that in the above-described embodiment, the three-minute timer and the pre-charge switch76is continuously pressed while seeing through the cooling cylinder8from the freezer door14. Accordingly, the mixture is stored up to the predetermined liquid level in the cooling cylinder8, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. A liquid level sensor may be disposed in a height of the predetermined liquid level of the cooling cylinder8to execute automatic control. In this case, the microcomputer73enters the pre-charge mode based on the operation of the pre-charge switch76to start the pre-charging. Moreover, when the mixture in the cooling cylinder8reaches the predetermined liquid level, the microcomputer stops the air pump27, and opens the exhaust electromagnetic valve48in the air circuit to end the supplying of the mixture in the same manner as described above based on the output of the liquid level sensor. According to this control, an operation to store the mixture to the predetermined liquid level in the cooling cylinder8after instructed to start the pre-charging by the pre-charge switch76can be automated.

After storing the mixture to the predetermined liquid level in the cooling cylinder8in this manner, the heat-insulating door3is opened, and the air circuit51is connected to the other inlet of the Y-type mixing unit57in the storage inside2A of the cold storage2(the check valve54is also attached). Moreover, the heat-insulating door3is closed. When the heat-insulating door3is opened, as described above the microcomputer73stops the air pump27, and opens the exhaust electromagnetic valve48in the air circuit to discharge the compressed air. However, when the heat-insulating door3is closed after connected to the air circuit51, the microcomputer operates the air pump27to raise the air pressure (air pressure of the bag pressurizing pipe7including the sealed space between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21of the mixed raw material bag5, the distributor46, and the air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52in the air circuit51) to the set value.

When the air pressure detected by the sensor47in the air circuit rises to the set value, the microcomputer73opens the air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52for a predetermined period (e.g., five seconds), and supplies the compressed air into the air circuit51extending to the Y-type mixing unit57. The mixture is inhibited from being fed into the cooling cylinder8from the mixed raw material tube34by the pressure of the compressed air flowing into the cooling cylinder8from the air circuit51through the Y-type mixing unit57.

At this time, overrun (state in which air is mixed into the frozen dessert and bulk increases) of the frozen dessert is obtained by the amount of the compressed air flowing into the cooling cylinder8, but the liquid level of the mixture stored in the cooling cylinder8can be defined at a predetermined liquid level by the operation of the pre-charge switch76or the position of the liquid level sensor as described above. Therefore, the air amount in the cooling cylinder8can be defined, and accordingly the overrun amount of the frozen dessert can be correctly set.

Moreover, since the compressed air flowing into the cooling cylinder8passes through the air filter53at this time, foreign matters or miscellaneous bacteria included in the air are captured by the air filter53. Accordingly, a disadvantage that the foreign matters or the miscellaneous bacteria are mixed into the cooling cylinder8together with the compressed air can be avoided, and hygiene management can be securely performed.

Furthermore, since the mixed raw material tube34is provided with the check valve54, the disadvantage that the compressed air supplied into the Y-type mixing unit57from the air circuit51flows into the bag main body21of the mixed raw material bag5via the mixed raw material tube34is inhibited.

Additionally, after the mixed raw material tube34is combined with the air circuit51in the Y-type mixing unit57as described above, the mixture inlet9communicates with the inside of the cooling cylinder8. Therefore, the mixture can be supplied into the cooling cylinder8, and air for overrun can be supplied via the single mixture inlet9, and the structure of the cooling cylinder8is simplified.

As described above, the pre-charge mode ends. The microcomputer waits for the operation of the cooling switch77in this state. It is to be noted that the microcomputer73counts and holes a pre-charge time required for storing the mixture to the predetermined liquid level in the cooling cylinder8as described above from when the cooling switch77is first operated. In this case, when the cooling switch77is operated by visual check as described above to thereby store the mixture to the predetermined liquid level, the counting of the pre-charge time ends at a time when the pre-charge switch77is finally released. When the mixture is stored to the predetermined liquid level by the liquid level sensor as described above, the counting of the pre-charge time ends at a time when the liquid level sensor detects the predetermined liquid level of the mixture.

(3) Usual Selling Mode

Next, turning toFIG. 6, when the user turns on (presses) the cooling switch77, the microcomputer73operates the compressor18of the cooling device R to start a cooling operation on condition that the freezer door14is normally attached and closed as described above. When the compressor18is operated, refrigerant condensed by the condenser20is supplied to the respective cooling units4,11via a pressure reducing device (not shown), and evaporated there to thereby exert a cooling function. Accordingly, the mixture of the mixed raw material bag5of the storage inside2A of the cold storage2is kept cold. Since the mixture raw material tube68in the storage inside2A, the other end portion of the air circuit51, and parts (surrounded with a two-dot chain line inFIG. 2) including the Y-type mixing unit57are also kept cold, the temperature of the mixture or the compressed air flowing into the cooling cylinder8does not rise in the process of passage as described later.

On the other hand, the mixture is cooled at a freezing temperature by the cylinder cooling unit11in the cooling cylinder8. Moreover, the microcomputer73rotates the beater10by the beater motor12. Therefore, frozen dessert (soft ice cream) in a half hardened state is manufactured in the cooling cylinder8. Thereafter, a selling standby state results.

In this state, the user disposes, for example, a cone (container) under the take-out lever15, and brings the cone close to the proximity switch38. Then, the proximity switch38detects the cone and turns on (selling detection). When the proximity switch38turns on, the microcomputer73starts the counting of a selling detection three-second (predetermined period not limited to three seconds) timer which is its own function. Moreover, when this state continues for three seconds, and the timer ends the counting, that is, when the proximity switch38continuously detects the cone for three seconds, the microcomputer73rotates the beater10. Moreover, when the user operates the take-out lever15, the plunger16moves up as described above. Therefore, the frozen dessert (soft ice cream) is pushed out to an extraction path (not shown) by the beater10, and extracted into the cone.

Since the rotation of the beater10is controlled using the proximity switch38in this manner, it is not necessary to dispose the take-out switch using the arm cooperating with the vertical movement of the plunger16as in the conventional art, the number of parts is reduced, further a mechanism is simplified, and therefore a trouble does not easily occur. Moreover, the beater10is rotated in a case where the cone is continuously detected for a predetermined period (three seconds). Therefore, an erroneous operation caused in a case where a hand is placed over the vicinity of the proximity switch8by mistake can be prevented.

It is to be noted that when the take-out lever15is returned, the plunger16moves downwards to close the extraction path. Moreover, when the cone is detached from the proximity switch38, the microcomputer73stops the beater10. Accordingly, the extraction of the frozen dessert stops. When the frozen dessert is extracted from the cooling cylinder8, the pressure drops. Therefore, the mixture flows into the cooling cylinder8from the mixture inlet9through the mixed raw material tube34, check valve54, and Y-type mixing unit57from the bag main body21of the mixed raw material bag5, and is replenished.

In this case, since the check valve56is disposed in the air circuit51, the disadvantage that the mixture supplied into the Y-type mixing unit57from the mixed raw material tube34flows into the air circuit51is avoided at this time. Therefore, the air circuit51on an upstream side from the check valve56does not have to be cleaned.

On the other hand, the microcomputer73opens the air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52for b seconds (predetermined period) after a-seconds (delay time) from the selling detection. When the air circuit51opens by the air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52, the mixture is inhibited from being passed into the cooling cylinder8from the mixed raw material tube34by the pressure of the compressed air flowing into the cooling cylinder8through the Y-type mixing unit57from the air circuit51, and the operation stops in the same manner as described above. That is, when the air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52is opened with delay from the start of the extraction of the frozen dessert from the cooling cylinder8, the mixture can be replenished into the cooling cylinder8from the mixed raw material tube34.

It is to be noted that the air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52opens continuously for b seconds in the embodiment ofFIG. 6, but the air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52may be intermittently opened/closed a plurality of times after a-seconds.

Here, although the replenishment amount of the mixture is determined by a delay time of a-seconds, the amount of the mixture flowing into the cooling cylinder8differs with viscosity of the mixture for the delay time. That is, a replenishment amount decreases with the same delay time in a case where the viscosity of the mixture is high. When the viscosity is low, the replenishment amount increases. On the other hand, when the viscosity of the mixture is high, a time (pre-charging time) required for the pre-charging lengthens. When the viscosity is low, the time shortens.

Then, based on the pre-charge time counted and held as described above, the microcomputer73lengthens the delay time of a-seconds in a case where the pre-charge time is long, and shortens the time in a case where the pre-charge time is short. Accordingly, the amount of the mixture replenished into the cooling cylinder8can be constantly set to be substantially certain regardless of the viscosity of the mixture with the extraction of the frozen dessert, and both excessive replenishment of the mixture into the cooling cylinder8and the shortage of the mixture in the cooling cylinder8can be avoided.

Here, the microcomputer73controls ON/OFF of the air pump27in order to maintain the pressure detected by the sensor47in the air circuit at the above-described set value. With the above-described extraction of the frozen dessert, the mixture flows out of the mixed raw material bag5. Since the air flows into the cooling cylinder8from the air circuit51, the pressure detected by the sensor47in the air circuit gradually drops, but the pressure drops to a lower limit value, when the extraction is performed approximately five times, and the air pump27is operated.

Therefore, in most cases excluding very few situations in which the extraction is continuously performed six times or more, the air pump27is not operated while the air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52is opened for b seconds as described above. Therefore, the compressed air in the sealed space between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21of the mixed raw material bag5enters the air circuit51via the bag pressurizing pipe7and the distributor46for b seconds, and flows into the cooling cylinder8via the air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52, air filter53, and Y-type mixing unit57.

The compressed air in the sealed space between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21of the mixed raw material bag5is air cooled in the storage inside2A of the cold storage2. That is, since the compressed air having low temperature is supplied into the cooling cylinder8from the air circuit51, volume does not become bulky, and the constitution is advantageous for the overrun.

Moreover, the air pressure in the sealed space between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21of the mixed raw material bag5is sealed using the air pump27and the sensor47in the air circuit in this manner, accordingly the volume of the sealed space between them is enlarge to push out the mixture contained in the bag main body21into the mixed raw material tube34, and therefore it is possible to realize automatic supply of the mixture to the cooling cylinder8from the bag main body21. Accordingly, a system in which the mixture is supplied depending on gravity using the mixture supply pipe as in a conventional art is abolished, and stable automatic supply of the mixture can be realized. Moreover, since the mixture is supplied directly to the cooling cylinder8from the mixed raw material bag5, hygienic problems can be solved.

Furthermore, the air pressure in the sealed space between the outer layer member23and the bag main body21of the mixed raw material bag5is maintained at a predetermined pressure between the set value and the lower limit value using the air pump27and the sensor47in the air circuit in this manner. The mixture is pushed out to the mixed raw material tube34from the bag main body21by the air pressure, and supplied to the cooling cylinder8. Moreover, the air circuit open/close electromagnetic valve52is opened to let in the compressed air from the air circuit51, and accordingly the replenishment of the mixture from the mixed raw material tube34is stopped. Therefore, an electromagnetic valve for controlling the supply of the mixture on the side of the mixed raw material tube34does not have to be disposed. Accordingly, a cleaning operation is remarkably facilitated.

When the above-described selling operation is performed, and the mixture in the bag main body21of the mixed raw material bag5is eliminated, the mixture to be replenished is eliminated even by the extraction of the frozen dessert performed after the detection of the selling. Therefore, a change of the pressure detected by the sensor47in the air circuit is not generated or remarkably reduced. In the embodiment, when there is not any pressure change after the selling detection, the microcomputer73judges that all has been sold, and continuously turns on the sold-out display lamp78(ON). The operation of the air pump27also stops.

(5) Bag Change

When the user confirms that the mixture has been sold out by the lit sold-out display lamp78, and opens the heat-insulating door3for replacement, the microcomputer73opens the air circuit exhaust electromagnetic valve48for five seconds to discharge the compressed air in the same manner as described above. Thereafter, the bag pressurizing pipe7and the mixed raw material tube34are removed, and the emptied mixed raw material bag5is taken out. In this case, the mixed raw material tube34, the attachment nuts66,62, the connection pipe63, and the O ring64are cleaned. Moreover, a new mixed raw material bag5is set in the storage inside2A. After connecting the bag pressurizing pipe7and the mixed raw material tube34, the heat-insulating door3is closed. Then, the microcomputer73operates the air pump27again to raise the air pressure detected by the sensor47in the air circuit to the set value, and a selling standby state is obtained.

Here, when there remains the mixture in the mixed raw material bag5at a shop closing time, the mixture is kept to be cold in the storage inside2A of the cold storage2, and used for business the next day. In this case, first the mixed raw material tube34which is a flexible tube is held by the pinch68, and sealed. Accordingly, the mixture does not flow out of the bag main body21. Thereafter, the attachment nut66of the mixed raw material tube34is removed, and the mixed raw material tube34is removed from the Y-type mixing unit57. The bag pressurizing pipe7is also detached from the communication port member24.

Next, as shown inFIG. 7, a sterile container79in which an alcohol liquid or the like is stored, and the tip of the mixed raw material tube34is disconnectably connected to the port of the sterile container79by the attachment nut66, and stored to be cold in the storage inside2A of the cold storage2. Accordingly, the mixed raw material bag5can be stored in the storage inside2A of the cold storage2in a hygienic state.

It is to be noted that instead of using the sterile container79, a method may be used in which the mixed raw material tube34is sealed by the pinch68, thereafter the attachment nut66is removed, and the tip of the tube34is sterilized with alcohol for storage in the storage inside2A.

Moreover, the cooling cylinder8or each part of the mixture supply path needs to be cleaned at the shop closing time. In this case, the power plug is first removed to stop the operation. Next, as described above, the mixed raw material tube34which is a flexible tube is held by the pinch and sealed. Moreover, after detaching the attachment nut66of the mixed raw material tube34connected to the mixed raw material bag5from the connection pipe67of the Y-type mixing unit57, the Y-type mixing unit57is also removed from the mixture inlet9. Moreover, the connection pipes67,69, the check valves54,56, and the O ring71are detached from the Y-type mixing unit57and disassembled, and the Y-type mixing unit57, connection pipes67,69, check valves54,56, and O ring71are cleaned.

On the other hand, the connector43on the tip of the cleaning hose39disposed in the storage inside2A is connected to the mixture inlet9during the cleaning in the cooling cylinder8. Moreover, when the open/close plug42is opened, cleaning water is supplied into the cooling cylinder8from the cleaning hose39. The beater10is rotated, and the remaining frozen dessert attached to the cooling cylinder8is washed with cooling water in a state in which the supplied cleaning water is stored. The plunger16is opened to thereby discharge the cleaning water to the outside from the cooling cylinder8.

In this case, the connector43on the tip of the cleaning hose39constantly closes the tip opening of the hose. Therefore, even when the open/close plug42is operated by mistake in a state in which the connector is not connected to the mixture inlet9, the cleaning water does not leak into the storage inside2A. Moreover, after ending the cleaning in the cooling cylinder8, the connector43is detached from the mixture inlet9, and connected to the cleaned Y-type mixing unit57or the like to prepare for the business the next day.

It is to be noted that in the above-described embodiment, the check valve54is disposed between the mixed raw material tube34and the Y-type mixing unit57, and the check valve56is disposed between the air circuit51and the Y-type mixing unit57. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. As shown inFIG. 8, the check valve54is connected between the Y-type mixing unit57and the mixture inlet9of the cooling cylinder8, and the check valve56may be connected to a position where the air circuit51extends out of the storage inside2A of the cold storage2. It is to be noted that the side of the cooling cylinder8of either of the check valves54and56is set to a forward direction.

Even in this case, since the check valve54is in a path where the mixture supplied to the cooling cylinder8from the mixed raw material bag5flows in the same manner as described above, the mixture in the cooling cylinder8does not flow backwards toward the mixed raw material tube34or the air circuit51. Since the check valve56is in the air circuit51constituting a path where the compressed air supplied to the cooling cylinder8from the air pump27flows, the disadvantage that the mixture flows backwards to the air circuit51outside the storage inside2A is prevented, and necessity for cleaning can be avoided.

Moreover, in the above-described respective embodiments, after the mixture is combined with the compressed air by the Y-type mixing unit57, they are supplied to the cooling cylinder8. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. As shown inFIG. 9, a compressed air inlet9A is separately formed in the cooling cylinder8, the compressed air inlet9A is connected to the air circuit51, and the compressed air may be supplied to the cooling cylinder8separately from the mixture.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, refrigerant is circulated in the respective cooling units4,11in the same cooling device R, and the storage inside2A of the cold storage2and the cooling cylinder8are cooled. However, as to the cold storage cooling unit4, a special compressor or condenser is disposed to constitute a separate cooling device, the refrigerant is circulated, and the storage inside2A may be cooled.

As described above, a liquid containing bag of the present invention comprises: a bag main body containing a liquid and having flexibility; and an outer layer member disposed outside the bag main body, capable of forming a sealed space between the member and the bag main body, and having the flexibility. Therefore, for example, when the compressed air is sealed between the outer layer member and the bag main body, the volume of the sealed space between them is enlarged, and the liquid contained in the bag main body can be pushed out to the outside. Accordingly, it is possible to realize automatic supply of the liquid from the bag main body.

Especially, according to the present invention, the bag additionally comprises: an outlet member connecting the inside of the bag main body to the outside; and a communication port member connecting the space between the outer layer member and the bag main body to the outside. Therefore, the above-described supplying of the compressed air and the connecting of the pipe or the like for outflow of the liquid are also remarkably facilitated.

Moreover, the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a cold storage which cold-stores the liquid containing bag containing the mixture in the bag main body; a cooling cylinder which stirs and cools the mixture flowing out of the bag main body of the liquid containing bag to thereby manufacture frozen dessert; a cooling device which cools the cold storage or the cooling cylinder; and an air compression device which supplies compressed air between the outer layer member and the bag main body of the liquid containing bag and which pushes out the mixture in the bag main body. Therefore, the mixture is stored to be cold together with the liquid containing bag. By the air compression device, the compressed air is supplied between the outer layer member and the bag main body of the liquid containing bag to forcibly push out the mixture from the bag main body, and the mixture can be supplied directly to the cooling cylinder to manufacture the frozen dessert.

Accordingly, a system in which the mixture is supplied depending on gravity is abolished, and stable automatic supply of the mixture can be realized. Moreover, since the mixture is supplied directly to the cooling cylinder from the mixed raw material bag, hygienic problems can be solved.

Moreover, a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a cold storage which cold-stores a mixed raw material bag constituted of a bag main body containing a mixture and having flexibility and an outer layer member disposed outside the bag main body, capable of forming a sealed space between the member and the bag main body, and having flexibility; a cooling cylinder which stirs and cools the mixture supplied from the mixed raw material bag to thereby manufacture frozen dessert; a cooling device which cools the cold storage or the cooling cylinder; an air compression device; a mixture supply passage for connecting the inside of the bag main body of the mixed raw material bag to the inside of the cooling cylinder; a bag pressurizing passage for supplying compressed air produced by the air compression device between the outer layer member and the bag main body of the mixed raw material bag; and an air supply passage for supplying the compressed air into the cooling cylinder. Therefore, the mixture is stored to be cold together with the mixed raw material bag in the cold storage. By the air compression device, the compressed air is supplied between the outer layer member and the bag main body of the mixed raw material bag via the bag pressurizing passage to forcibly push out the mixture from the bag main body, and the mixture can be supplied directly to the cooling cylinder via the mixture supply passage to manufacture the frozen dessert.

Accordingly, a system in which the mixture is supplied depending on gravity is abolished, and stable automatic supply of the mixture can be realized. Moreover, since the mixture is supplied directly to the cooling cylinder from the mixed raw material bag, hygienic problems can be solved. Furthermore, since the compressed air is supplied into the cooling cylinder via the air supply passage, overrun of the frozen dessert can be obtained without any problem.

Moreover, according to the present invention, the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus additionally comprises: a check valve which is in a forward direction on the side of the cooling cylinder in a path in which the mixture supplied to the cooling cylinder from the liquid containing bag flows and in a path in which the compressed air supplied to the cooling cylinder from the air compression device flows. Therefore, a disadvantage that the mixture flows backwards in the path where the compressed air flows can be prevented. Accordingly, a danger of clogging is avoided, and a cleaning operation can be saved.

Moreover, a frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a cold storage which cold-stores a mixed raw material bag constituted of a bag main body containing a mixture and having flexibility and an outer layer member disposed outside this bag main body, capable of forming a sealed space between the outer layer member and the bag main body, and having flexibility; a cooling cylinder which stirs and cools the mixture supplied from the mixed raw material bag to thereby manufacture frozen dessert; a cooling device which cools the cold storage or the cooling cylinder; an air compression device; a mixture supply passage for connecting the inside of the mixed raw material bag to the inside of the cooling cylinder; a bag pressurizing passage for supplying compressed air produced by the air compression device between the outer layer member and the bag main body of the mixed raw material bag; and an air supply passage for supplying compressed air into the cooling cylinder. The mixture supply passage is combined with the air supply passage, and thereafter connected to the inside of the cooling cylinder. Therefore, the mixture is stored to be cold together with the mixed raw material bag in the cold storage. By the air compression device, the compressed air is supplied between the outer layer member and the bag main body of the mixed raw material bag via the bag pressurizing passage to forcibly push out the mixture from the bag main body, and the mixture can be supplied directly to the cooling cylinder via the mixture supply passage to manufacture the frozen dessert.

Accordingly, a system in which the mixture is supplied depending on gravity is abolished, and stable automatic supply of the mixture can be realized. Moreover, since the mixture is supplied directly to the cooling cylinder from the mixed raw material bag, hygienic problems can be solved. Furthermore, since the compressed air is supplied into the cooling cylinder via the air supply passage, overrun of the frozen dessert can be obtained without any problem. Especially, after combining the mixture supply passage with the air supply passage, the passages are allowed to communicate with the inside of the cooling cylinder. Therefore, both the supplying of the mixture into the cooling cylinder and the supplying of the air for the overrun can be performed from one position, and a structure of the cooling cylinder is simplified.

Moreover, the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention additionally comprises: a combined passage member detachably attached to the cooling cylinder and disconnectably connected to the mixture supply passage and the air supply passage. Therefore, a cleaning operation of the mixture supply passage or the combined passage member is facilitated.

Furthermore, the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention additionally comprises: check valves which are connected between the mixture supply passage and the combined passage member and between the air supply passage and the combined passage member and which are in a forward direction on the side of the combined passage member. Therefore, a disadvantage that the mixture flows into the air supply passage from the mixture supply passage or compressed air flows into the mixture supply passage from the air supply passage can be avoided. Disadvantages caused by contamination/damage by the mixture of the air supply passage and the backward flow of the air into the bag main body from the mixed raw material bag can be avoided in advance.

Additionally, according to the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the combined passage member is disposed in the cold storage. Therefore, the temperature of the mixture or the compressed air flowing into the cooling cylinder via the combined passage member can be prevented from being raised in the course of the passing.

Moreover, in addition to the above-described respective inventions, accordingly to the frozen dessert manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the temperature of the mixture flowing into the cooling cylinder via the mixture supply passage can be prevented from being raised in the course of the passing.