DESCRIPTION

AUTOMATIC FROZEN. DESSERT STIRRING DEVICE

AND

FROZEN DESSERT MANUFACTURING DEVICE INCLUDING SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to automatic frozen dessert stirring devices and frozen dessert manufacturing devices including such a stirring device. More specifically, the invention relates to automatic frozen dessert stirring devices which automatically stir a frozen dessert substance prepared by adding an additive to a frozen dessert base which is a major ingredient of frozen dessert and also relates to frozen dessert manufacturing devices including such a stirring device.

BACKGROUND ART

Stirring devices for frozen dessert manufacturing have been conventionally used which stir a frozen dessert substance prepared by adding an additive to a frozen dessert base for ice cream, soft serve ice cream, etc. The additive may be fresh of strawberry, banana, or another fruit or green tea, instant coffee, or other types of drink powder. The stirring

device for frozen dessert manufacturing, for example, is equipped with a cup which holds the frozen dessert substance and a spiral stirring member which stirs the frozen dessert substance. In the stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing, the spiral stirring screw rotates to stir the frozen dessert substance in the cup. On the cup bottom is provided a dispense hole through which the stirred frozen dessert substance is dispensed to be placed in a cone cup, for example.

This stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing allows the use of a frozen dessert base and an additive which are separately stored at low temperature. In other words, the frozen dessert base and the additive do not need to be stored in a mixed state at low temperature. Thus, the additive does not lose its texture or flavor due to storage at excessively low temperature. In addition, if the frozen dessert base and the additive should be preferably adapted so that be stored at different temperatures, the base and the additive can be stored separately at desirable temperatures. Other additives that are not cold stored may be added to, and mixed with, the frozen dessert base .

A prior art example of the frozen dessert stirring device is disclosed in patent document 1. This manually operated frozen dessert mixer includes an arc- shaped gear and a

pinion gear that allow a cone container for mixing use to be manually moved up and down.

Patent document 2 discloses another example of the stirring devices for frozen dessert manufacturing. The device includes a blender provided with a " mixing screw" which is an equivalent to the spiral stirring screw in this specification. The document also describes a method of providing soft serve ice cream using the stirring device, for frozen dessert manufacturing by mixing either ice cream or frozen yogurt with another food material and dispensing the result. The document is silent about washing of the mixing screw and the stirring container after the frozen dessert substance is stirred and dispensed. Residual frozen dessert substance may get mixed with another frozen dessert substance. Other problems can also occur.

Patent document 3 discloses another example of the stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing. Its auger is completely enclosed in a funnel which has a spray nozzle used for washing. The auger is an equivalent to the spiral stirring screw in this specification. The funnel is an equivalent to the cup function in this specification. The spray nozzle is capable of removing residual frozen dessert substance. The technology alleviates the problem of residues being mixed with frozen dessert substance .

Patent Document 1 : Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication 61 - 187753 / 1986 (Tokukaisho 61 - 187753 ; published August 21 , 1986)

Patent Document 2 : Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Tokukai) .2001 -299228 (published October 30 , 2001 )

Patent Document 3 : Published Japanese Translation of PCT Application (Tokuhyo) 2002-532106 (published October 2 , 2002)

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The conventional stirring devices for frozen dessert manufacturing and frozen dessert mixer outlined above have the following problems.

In the frozen dessert mixer of patent document 1 , the cup -must be manually moved up and down. The operation that produces the upward/ downward movement requires trained skill, and it is difficult to operate the device.

Specifically, a lever needs to be moved to raise the cup, which complicates the work that the operator has to do . Furthermore, the lever projects itself on the left-hand side of the stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing; the device needs an extra installation space.

The stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in the patent document 3 has other problems. The device is capable of washing the funnel. The washed funnel is however

enclosed in the auger and cannot be visually inspected. Residual frozen dessert substance at the funnel can be mixed with another frozen dessert substance, possibly degrading the texture, flavor, and appearance of the frozen dessert. These factors are very important for frozen dessert. So, it is an issue to reduce mixing with residues. In addition, in patent document 3 , the funnel used is so large , and the auger is moved up/ down. That raises another problem that an overall size of the stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing becomes large .

The present invention, conceived in view of these conventional problems and issues, has a major objective of providing a stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing which is easy to operate and capable of reducing labor in stirring. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing which is capable of removing the frozen dessert substance more appropriately through a washing operation.

The automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing with a self-washing function in accordance with the present invention, to solve the problems, is characterized in that it includes: a stirring member, driven to rotate by rotation drive means, for stirring a frozen dessert substance placed in a container member; washing means for washing the container member and the stirring member;

elevating means for moving up/ down at least either one of the container member and the stirring member to change a position of the container member relative to that of the stirring member to a desired position; position sensing means for detecting the position of the container member relative to that of the stirring member; input "means for issuing a command for stirring by the stirring member, washing by the washing means, or upward / downward movement by the elevating means; and first control means for controlling actions of the elevating means, the rotation drive means, and the washing means based on associated signal outputs from the input means and the position sensing means, wherein the first control means controls either the rotation drive means to carry out the stirring or the washing means to carry out the washing whilst changing the position of the container member relative to that of the stirring member by means of the elevating means.

In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention preferably further includes: a shield member for shielding the container member, the stirring member, and the washing means from outside; and shielding state sensing means for detecting a shielding state of the shield member, In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic

stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that when the input means has issued a command for the stirring member to carry out the stirring, the first control means controls to restrain the actions, of the rotation drive means and the elevating means, which correspond to the stirring process if the shielding state of the shield member as detected by the shielding state sensing means is not in a predetermined shielding position associated with the stirring. In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that when the input means has issued a command for the washing means to carry out the washing, the first control means controls to restrain the actions, of the washing means, which correspond to the washing if the shield member as detected by the shielding state sensing means is not in a predetermined shielding position associated with the washing process. In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that when the input means has issued a command for the elevating means to carry out the upward/ downward movement, the first control means controls to restrain the actions, of the

elevating means, which correspond to the upward/ downward movement if the shield member as detected by the shielding state sensing means is not in a predetermined shielding position associated with the upward / downward movement. In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that: the shield member includes: a first door member formed to shield at least the stirring member; and a second door member formed to shield at least the washing means in concert with the first door member; and the first control means controls to restrain the actions of at least either one of the rotation drive means and the elevating means when the shielding state sensing means has detected that the first door member is not in a predetermined shielding state.

In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that: the shield member includes: a first door member formed to shield at least the stirring member; and a second door member formed to shield at least the washing means in concert with the first door member; and the first control means controls to restrain at least the actions of the washing means when the shielding state sensing means has detected that either the first or second door member is not in a predetermined

shielding state.

In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that the first control means controls to restrain the actions of the rotation drive means when the position sensing means has detected the position of the container member relative to that of the stirring member as being distanced by a distance more than or equal to a predetermined distance . In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that the elevating means includes a guide section, which lets the container member slide in contact therewith, for guiding the container member to a predetermined holding position.

In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that: the container member has a brim; and the elevating means includes a motion restricting section provided so that the container member guided by the guide section can interlock with the brim.

In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that: the

brim has two diagonally positioned motion-restricted sections; the motion restricting section has two diagonally formed grooves; and the container member, as being guided by the guide section to the predetermined holding position, is restricted in rotational and up/ down motion by the two motion-restricted sections interlocking respectively with the two grooves, whilst the container member is allowed to rotate in the same direction as the stirring member.

In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that: the elevating means includes: a holder member for holding the container member; and drive means for moving up/ down at least either one of the holder member and the stirring member; the container member is provided separable from the holder member; and the drive means moves up/ down at least either one of the holder member and the stirring member to change the position of the container member relative to that of the stirring member to the desired position. In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that the guide section and the motion restricting section are provided on the holder member. In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic

stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that when the input means has issued a command for the washing means to carry out the washing, the first control means controls the rotation drive means and the washing means so that the stirring member can be washed while being driven to rotate by the rotation drive means.

In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention is preferably adapted so that: the container member has a dispense hole through which is dispensed frozen dessert manufactured by the stirring member stirring the frozen dessert substance; and the first control means activates the washing means after the frozen dessert is dispensed through the dispense hole.

In the above-mentioned arrangement, the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention preferably further includes: an enclosure for housing the container member, the stirring member, and the washing member; and separation means, disposed on a lower part of the enclosure, for preventing foreign objects from flowing into a drainage channel.

The frozen dessert manufacturing device in accordance with the present invention, to solve the problems, is characterized in that it includes: a frozen dessert base

manufacturing device, including second control means for controlling chilling and stirring of a frozen dessert material, which manufactures a frozen dessert base from a frozen dessert material under control of the second control means; and the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing for stirring a frozen dessert substance to manufacture frozen dessert, the frozen dessert substance being prepared by adding a desired additive to the frozen dessert base manufactured by the frozen dessert base manufacturing device .

The automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention, as described in the foregoing, is capable of quickly manufacturing frozen dessert from materials which have desired taste or texture by the automatic stirring process, without requiring skills with the operator. The device is capable also of efficiently providing fresh frozen dessert without losing the texture or flavor of the fresh of fruit and other additives because the device allows for automatic washing when necessary.

In addition, the frozen dessert manufacturing device which includes the automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing in accordance with the present invention contains the frozen dessert base manufacturing device and the automatic stirring device that are integrated

with each other. The frozen dessert manufacturing device is therefore compact when compared with conventional devices in which the frozen dessert base manufacturing device and the automatic stirring device are provided individually. The frozen dessert manufacturing device therefore can be installed in a small space .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the frozen dessert manufacturing device in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the frozen dessert manufacturing device in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the frozen dessert manufacturing device of the present embodiment with the upper and lower doors being closed.

Figure 4(a) is a schematic illustration of an upper door being detectable by an upper door sensor of the frozen dessert manufacturing device of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4(b) is a schematic illustration of a lower door being detectable by a lower door sensor of the frozen dessert manufacturing device of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4(c) is a schematic illustration of a lower door sensor of the frozen dessert manufacturing device of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating operations of the automatic stirring device of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a frozen dessert base being dispensed into a cup.

Figure 7 is a flow chart showing an example of a stirring process of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a flow chart for an upper door sensing process of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a flow chart showing an example of a lowering process of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the frozen dessert manufacturing device in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a stirred frozen dessert substance being piled in a cone cup. Figure 12 is a flow chart showing the example of the washing process of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a flow chart for an example of the door sensing process of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of the structure of a cup and a cup holder.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 Spiral stirring screw. Alternatively referred to as stirring member.

2 Rotation shaft. Alternatively referred to as rotation drive means.

3 Cup . Alternatively referred to as container member.

3a Cup Main Body. Alternatively referred to as container member.

3b Brim. 3c Dispense hole .

3d Corner. Alternatively referred to as motion-restricted section .

3e Corner. Alternatively referred to as motion-restricted section . 4 Cup holder. Alternatively referred to as holder member.

4a Cup holder main body. Alternatively referred to as holder member.

4b Guide section.

4c Motion restricting section. 4d Groove. Alternatively referred to as motion restricting section.

4e Groove. Alternatively referred to as motion restricting section .

5 Enclosure. 6a Spray nozzle. Alternatively referred to as washing

means .

6b Spray nozzle. Alternatively referred to as washing means.

7 Upper door. Alternatively referred to as first door member or shield member.

8 Lower door. Alternatively referred to as second door member or shield member.

10 BLEND switch. Alternatively referred to as input means.

1 1 DOWN switch. Alternatively referred to as input means. 12 WASH switch. Alternatively referred to as input means.

16 Power supply switch.

23 Electromagnetic water valve . Alternatively referred to as washing means .

40a Upper position sensor. Alternatively referred to as position sensing means.

40b Lower position sensor. Alternatively referred to as position sensing means.

50 Control section. Alternatively referred to as first control means. 60a Upper door sensor. Alternatively referred to as shielding state sensing means.

60b Lower door sensor. Alternatively referred to as shielding state sensing means.

80 Frozen dessert base manufacturing device. 90 Automatic stirring device . Alternatively referred to as

automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing. 100 Frozen dessert manufacturing device .

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION The following will describe an embodiment of the present invention on the basis of Figures 1 to 14.

Figure 1 schematically shows the structure of a frozen dessert manufacturing device 100 of the _. present embodiment. The frozen dessert manufacturing device 100 includes a frozen dessert base manufacturing device 80 and an automatic stirring device 90. The device 80 stirs and chills a frozen dessert material, which is, for example, a soft serve ice cream mix, to manufacture a frozen dessert base, which is, for example, a soft serve ice cream. The device 90 is an automatic stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing which automatically stirs a frozen dessert substance prepared by adding an additive to the frozen dessert base, which is, for example, a soft serve ice cream, manufactured by the frozen dessert base manufacturing device 80, to manufacture frozen dessert. The additive may be fresh of strawberry, banana, or another fruit or green tea, instant coffee, or another drink powder.

In the present embodiment, the frozen dessert base manufacturing device 80 is provided on the right-hand side of the frozen dessert manufacturing device in Figure 1 , and the

automatic stirring device 90 on the left-hand side. However, it is needless to mention that the frozen dessert base manufacturing device 80 may be provided on the left-hand side, and the automatic stirring device 90 on the right-hand side .

Frozen Dessert Base Manufacturing Device

The structure of the frozen dessert base manufacturing device 80 of the present embodiment will be first described. The frozen dessert base manufacturing device 80 includes a tank, a chilling cylinder, and a second control section (none shown) . The tank stores a soft serve ice cream mix which is a material for the frozen dessert base, which is, for example, a soft serve ice cream. The cylinder stirs and chills the soft serve ice cream mix fed from the tank to manufacture the frozen dessert base. The second control section, which is the second control means, controls the stirring and chilling of the soft serve ice cream mix.

The frozen dessert base manufactured in the chilling cylinder is dispensed from a frozen dessert base dispense port

15 shown in Figure 1. The specific structure of the tank, chilling cylinder, second control section, and frozen dessert base dispense port 15 is not limited in any particular manner, and any conventional, publicly known shape, material, mechanism, and structure may be used.

The frozen dessert base manufacturing device 80 may have either a single chilling cylinder for manufacturing one kind of soft serve ice cream with, for example, a vanilla flavor, or a plurality of cylinders for manufacturing more than one kind of soft serve ice cream with, for example, vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate flavors .

Automatic Stirring Device

Next, the structure of the automatic stirring device 90 of the present embodiment will be described. The automatic stirring device 90 , as shown in Figure 1 , includes a spiral stirring screw 1 , a cup holder 4, and spray nozzles 6a and 6b. The spiral stirring screw 1 is a stirring member which stirs a frozen dessert substance which contains a frozen dessert base and an additive. The cup holder 4 is a holder member which holds a cup 3 that is a container member for the frozen dessert substance. The spray nozzles 6a and 6b are part of washing means which washes the spiral stirring screw 1 and the cup 3. The spray nozzle 6a is provided on an upper part of an interior wall of the enclosure 5. The spray nozzle 6a is attached above the top end of the cup 3 when the cup holder 4 is moved into a top end position. Meanwhile, the spray nozzle 6b is attached to the cup holder 4 so that it can be moved up/ down with an upward/ downward movement of the

cup holder 4.

The spray nozzles 6a and 6b are suitably angled. The spray nozzle 6a may be angled to wash the cup 3 , and the spray nozzle 6b to wash the spiral stirring screw 1. The present invention may involve any number of spray nozzles . Employing the two spray nozzles 6a and 6b give only an example. The number of spray nozzles may be changed depending on the shape of the spiral stirring screw 1 or cup 3 , for example. In addition, the liquid washing agent discharged from the spray nozzle(s) may be changed suitably depending on the ingredient(s) of the frozen dessert substance. For the liquid washing agent, an agent, which is made of water or other ingredients, that does not harm human body can be used. The spiral stirring screw 1 , the cup 3 , the cup holder 4, and the spray nozzles 6a and 6b are housed in the enclosure 5.

The enclosure 5 is provided with an upper position sensor 40a and a lower position sensor 40b . These sensors 40a and 40b constitute position sensing means for detecting the position of the cup holder 4. That position corresponds to the relative position of the cup 3 with respect to the spiral stirring screw 1 . The upper position sensor 40a is located near the spiral stirring screw 1 to prevent the cup 3 and the spiral stirring screw 1 from coming in contact with each other

by detecting the position of the cup holder 4. Meanwhile , the lower position sensor 40b is located on a lower part of the enclosure 5 to prevent the cup 3 from straying out of its movement boundaries by detecting the position of the cup holder 4.

The upper and lower position sensors 40a and 40b may be, for example, metal sensors. The cup holder 4 has a metal fixing screw. The upper position sensor 40a or the lower position sensor 40b detects the metal fixing screw, enabling the detection of the position of the cup holder 4. The upper position sensor 40a and the lower position sensor 40b are by no means limited to metal sensors : they may be any suitable optical sensors, switches, or any other publicly known sensors . The enclosure 5 is further provided with an upper door sensor 60a and a lower door sensor 60b. The sensors 60a and 60b constitute shielding state sensing means for detecting the shielding state of an upper door and a lower door (which will be detailed later) . The upper and lower door sensors 60a and 60b may be metal sensors. For example, two metal sensors may be embedded in the enclosure 5 to detect the respective metal fixing screws provided in the parts of the upper door and the lower door whose shielding states will be detected. Thus, the respective shielding states of the upper and lower doors are independently detected.

As shown in Figure 1 , there are provided input switches, which are input means, in the left-hand side of a top section 14 of the enclosure 5 of the frozen dessert manufacturing device 100. The switches are, namely, a BLEND switch 10 through which to issue a command for a stirring process, a

DOWN switch 1 1 through which to issue a command for a lowering process of the cup holder 4 , and a WASH switch 12 through which to issue a command for a washing process using the spray nozzle 6a and the spray nozzle 6b. The input switches are button switches in the present embodiment. This is however by no means limiting the input means of the present invention: for example, the input means may be provided on a remote controller.

Four lamps are provided to the right of the WASH switch 12. The lamps are turned on/ off to indicate the operation status of the automatic stirring device 90. The lamps are, namely, a STIR lamp 17, an UP/ DOWN lamp 18, a WASH lamp 19 , and an ERROR lamp 20. It will be detailed later how the lamps are manipulated. Figure 2 shows the interior of the enclosure 5, a bottom section 13, and a top section 14. As shown in the figure, a stirring motor 21 , which is rotation drive means, is coupled to a rotation shaft 2 in the top section 14. The stirring motor 2 1 is adapted so that it can drive and rotate the spiral stirring screw 1 . The spiral stirring screw 1 and the stirring motor 2 1 ,

which are stirring members, are not limited in any particular manner: they may be any types of various publicly known spiral stirring screws and stirring motors.

An elevation threaded shaft 28 , which constitutes a part of elevating means, is provided inside the enclosure 5 and coupled to the cup holder 4. An elevation motor 22 which rotates the elevation threaded shaft 28 is provided in the top section 14. A fixing screw is formed on the external surface of the elevation threaded shaft 28. A fixing screw is formed also on the internal surface of a through hole of the cup holder 4 through which the elevation threaded shaft 28 extends above and below the cup holder 4. This screw mechanism interlocks the elevation motor 22 with the cup holder 4.

The elevation motor 22 rotates the elevation threaded shaft 28 which in turn moves up/ down the cup holder 4 holding the cup 3 whereby the cup 3 can be raised or lowered as desired. The elevation motor 22 may be a belt motor, an oil pressure motor, or any of other various publicly known elevation motors . The bottom section 13 is provided with an electromagnetic water valve 23, which constitutes part of washing means. One end of the electromagnetic water valve 23 is connected to an external water feeding facility (which is not shown) for water supply. The other end of the electromagnetic water valve 23 is connected to a joint 24

which in turn connects to a hose 25 supply water to the spray- nozzle 6a and the spray nozzle 6b . The hose 25 is sufficiently long so that it can supply water when the spray nozzle 6a moves up with an upward motion of the cup holder 4. This structure enables the spray nozzle 6a and the spray nozzle 6b to discharge water to wash the spiral stirring screw 1 and the cup 3 when the electromagnetic water valve 23 is opened.

There are also provided a drainage channel 26 and a strainer 27, which is separation means, in the bottom section 13 below the cup holder 4. The water discharged by the spray nozzle 6a and the spray nozzle 6b is hence drained together with the frozen dessert residue (detailed later) on the spiral stirring screw 1 and in the cup 3 via the drainage channel 26. The provision of the strainer 27 makes it less likely for the additive, such as fresh of fruit, which is a frozen dessert residue contained in the water to be discharged to the drainage channel 26.

The enclosure 5 is provided with an upper door 7 , which is a shield member or a first door member, and a lower door 8 , which is a shield member or a second door member, as shown in Figure 3. These doors 7 and 8 provide a shield to the spiral stirring screw 1 , the cup 3, the cup holder 4 , the spray nozzle 6a, and the spray nozzle 6b. The upper door 7 and the lower door 8 have a metal fixing screw 7a and a metal fixing screw 8a respectively in the middle on the left-hand side near the

enclosure 5.

Figure 3 shows a shielding state in which the upper door 7 and the lower door 8 are closed. The upper door 7 and the lower door 8 are adapted so that they can shield the spiral stirring screw 1 , the cup 3 , the cup holder 4, the spray nozzle

6a, and spray nozzle 6b from outside when they are in the state shown in Figure 3. The metal fixing screws 7a and 8a are in Figure 3 located where they can be detected by the upper door sensor 60a and the lower door sensor 60b respectively. These sensors 60a and 60b are shown in Figure

1 .

Now, the upper door sensor 60a and the lower door sensor 60b will be described in reference to Figure 4. The solid lines in Figure 4(a) indicate the upper door 7 being detectable by the upper door sensor 60a. In contrast, the dash-dot lines indicate the upper door 7 being out of place. The displaced upper door 7 could be detected by the upper door sensor 60a as not being in the shielding state due to the displacement. The same description applies to a displaced lower door 8 and its detection by the lower door sensor 60b.

In Figure 4 (b) , the solid lines indicate the lower door 8 being detectable by the lower door sensor 60b. In contrast, the dash-dot lines indicate the lower door 8 being displaced away from the lower door sensor 60b. The displaced lower door 8 could be detected by the lower door sensor 60b as not

being in the shielding state due to the displacement. The same description applies to a displaced upper door 7 and its detection by the upper door sensor 60a.

Figure 4(c) shows an example of the structure of the lower door sensor 60b. The lower door sensor 60b contains a capacitor 61 , an inductor 62 , a magnetic core 63 , an amplifier 64, a frequency meter 65 , and other components. The lower door sensor 60b and the metal fixing screw 8a in the lower door 8 are located as shown in the figure when the lower door 8 is in the shielding state .

As the lower door 8 is displaced and moved out of this position, the distance separating the metal fixing screw 8a from the lower door sensor 60b changes. That change translates into a change in the characteristics of the magnetic circuit constituted by the magnetic core 63 of the inductor 62 , the metal fixing screw 8a, and the space between them. As a result, the inductance of the inductor 62 changes. The change in the inductance causes a change in the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit constituted by the capacitor 61 and the inductor 62 and hence a change in the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit constituted by the resonance circuit and the amplifier 64. The frequency change is detected by the frequency meter 65, and the control section 50 is fed with a signal in accordance with the frequency. The control section 50 determines according to the signal whether

the lower door 8 is or is not in the shielding state.

Referring to Figure 1 , the automatic stirring device 90 contains a control section 50, which is first control means which is not shown in Figure 1. The control section 50 controls the upward/ downward movement of the cup holder 4, the stirring by the spiral stirring screw 1 , and the washing by the spray nozzle 6a and the spray nozzle 6b according to signal outputs from the BLEND switch 10, the DOWN switch 1 1 , the WASH switch 12, the upper position sensor 40a, the lower position sensor 40b, the upper door sensor 60a, and the lower door sensor 60b. The control section 50 may be a microcomputer as an example .

A control method involving the control section 50 will be described in reference to Figure 5. As shown in the figure, when the BLEND switch 10, the DOWN switch 1 1 , or the

WASH switch 12 is operated, a signal is output from that switch to control section 50. The upper position sensor 40a, the lower position sensor 40b, the upper door sensor 60a, and the lower door sensor 60b output to the control section 50 a signal indicating that the metal fixing screw 7a, the metal fixing screw 8a, and a metal fixing screw, provided in the cup holder 4, which are objects to be detected are being detected.

The control section 50 is adapted to control the stirring motor 2 1 , the elevation motor 22 , and the electromagnetic water valve 23 according to the signal inputs. The control

section 50 is connected to the STIR lamp 17 , the UP/ DOWN lamp 18, the WASH lamp 19 , and the ERROR lamp 20 so that it can turn on/ off the lamps according to the signals.

Next, the stirring, lowering, and washing processes carried out by the automatic stirring device 90 of the present embodiment will be described.

Processing will be described which is implemented when the operator operates the BLEND switch 10 to send a command for the stirring process. Only the upper door 7 is attached to the automatic stirring device 90. First, the operator draws frozen dessert from the frozen dessert base dispense port 15 and puts it in the cup 3 as shown in Figure 6. Next, the operator puts additive, such as frozen fruit, in the cup 3. The operator loads the cup 3 onto the cup holder 4. Subsequently, the operator operates the BLEND switch 10.

Figure 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the stirring process to be carried out by the automatic stirring device 90. " S" is an abbreviation of " step" in the following description. The operator has loaded the cup 3 containing soft serve ice cream, which is frozen dessert base, and frozen fruit, which is an additive, onto the cup holder 4. A stirring process command signal is output to the control section 50 in S l in response to the operator operating the BLEND switch 10. Accordingly, the stirring process starts in S2. Next, in S3 , the control section 50 determines, from the lower position sensor

40b which detects the position of the cup holder 4 , whether there is a signal indicating that the cup holder 4 is in a detectable position.

When, in S4, the lower position sensor 40b does not detect the metal fixing screw provided in the cup holder 4 , that is, the cup holder 4 is not in the position of the lower position sensor 40b, in other words, when the process follows the "NO" branch in the flow chart, the control section 50 sends a signal indicating that the cup holder 4 is in an undesirable position in terms of safety (hereinafter, "danger signal") to the ERROR lamp 20 , which turns on the ERROR lamp. Thereafter, the stirring process ends. On the other hand, when the cup holder 4 is in the position of the lower position sensor 40b, in other words, when the process follows the "YES" branch in the flow chart, the processing continues at S5.

In S5, the control section 50 outputs a control signal to the elevation motor 22 to start moving the cup holder 4 up by- means of the rotation drive by the elevation threaded shaft 28. Furthermore, the control section 50 sends a signal to the

UP/ DOWN lamp 18, turning on the UP/ DOWN lamp 18.

Next, in S6, the control section 50 determines the passing of a predetermined time, for example, 3 seconds. After that predetermined time , in S7 , the control section 50 outputs a control signal to the stirring motor 2 1 . The spiral

stirring screw 1 thus rotates, starting the stirring by means of the rotation drive by the rotation shaft 2. Almost simultaneously with this, the control section 50 sends a signal to the STIR lamp 17 , turning on the STIR lamp 17. Accordingly, the frozen dessert substance in the cup 3 attached to the cup holder 4 which has already started to move upward comes in contact with the rotating spiral stirring screw 1 to be stirred.

The position of the cup holder 4 which has moved up is detected by the upper position sensor 40a in S8. When the upper position sensor 40a has failed to detect the metal fixing screw provided in the cup holder 4 , in other words, when the process follows the "NO" branch in the flow chart, the detection is repeated again. On the other hand, when the upper position sensor 40a has detected the metal fixing screw provided in the cup holder 4, in other words, when the process follows the "YES" branch in the flow chart, the control section 50 in S9 sends a control signal to the elevation motor 22. Thus, the elevation motor 22 stops, and the control section 50 sends a signal to the UP/ DOWN lamp

18, turning off the UP/ DOWN lamp 18. Then, in S l O, a predetermined time, for example, 3 seconds, elapses. Thereafter, in S I l , the control section 50 sends a signal to the stirring motor 21 and the STIR lamp 17. Thus, the stirring motor 21 stops, and the STIR lamp 17 turns off. The stirring

process ends in S 12. A state in which the stirred frozen dessert is removed from the cup 3 will be described later.

The rotational speed of the spiral stirring screw 1 and the rising speed of the cup holder 4 can be set to suitable values within proper ranges for the frozen dessert base and additive used, so as to stir the frozen dessert substance in the cup 3.

Figure 8 is a flow chart for a danger prevention mechanism example which exploits an upper door detection process carried out by the control section 50 simultaneously with the stirring or lowering processes (detailed later) . First, in S20 , the stirring or lowering process starts . Thereafter, the upper door sensor 60a continues to detect the shielding state of the upper door 7 in S21 . As shown in the figure, the upper door sensor 60a detects the upper door 7. When the upper door 7 is not in a predetermined position, that is, the upper door 7 is not in the shielding state, in other words, when the process follows the "NO" branch in the flow chart, due to, for example, a hand touching the upper door (in which case the hand could touch the rotating spiral stirring screw 1 and get injured) , the danger signal is sent to the control section 50. Then, in S22 , the control section 50 sends a signal to the ERROR lamp 20, turning on the ERROR lamp 20. Furthermore, in S23 , the control section 50 sends a control signal to the stirring motor

2 1 and the elevation motor 22. Thus, the stirring motor 21 and the elevation motor 22, both rotating, stop. Accordingly, the stirring process ends in S24. In other words, the present embodiment includes the danger prevention mechanism. On the other hand, in S21 , when the upper door 7 is in a predetermined position, that is, in the shielding state, in other words, when the process follows the "YES" branch in the flow chart, the upper door 7 detects the upper door sensor 60a again. This upper door detection process ends when the stirring process shown in Figure 7 ends.

Due to the inclusion of the automatic stirring function and the danger prevention mechanism, the automatic stirring device 90 manufactures desired frozen dessert quickly without requiring skills with the operator. The device 90 also prevents the operator's hand from touching the rotating spiral stirring screw 1 , thereby allowing for safe automatic stirring of the frozen dessert substance.

Now, processing will be described which is implemented when the operator operates the DOWN switch 1 1 to send a command for a lowering process of the cup holder 4. When the lowering process is carried out, the upper door detection process is simultaneously carried out as in the stirring process.

Figure 9 is a flow chart for an example of the lowering process to be carried out by the automatic stirring device 90.

A command signal for the lowering process of the cup holder 4 is output to the control section 50 in S30 in response to the operator operating the DOWN switch 1 1 . Accordingly, the lowering process starts in S31 . Then in S32 , the control section 50 checks whether or not the lower position sensor 40b is transmitting a signal indicating that the position of the cup holder 4 is an undesirable position in terms of safety for the lowering process . When the cup holder 4 is detected, that is, the cup holder 4 is in the position of the lower position sensor 40b, in other words, when the process follows the "YES" branch in the flow chart, the control section 50 sends a signal to the ERROR lamp .20 in S33, turning on the ERROR lamp. The lowering process then ends in S37. On the other hand, when the cup holder 4 is not in the position of the lower position sensor 40b in S32, in other words, when the process follows the "NO" branch in the flow chart, the control section 50 outputs a control signal to the elevation motor 22 in S34 _? causing the cup holder 4 to start lowering by means of the rotation drive by the elevation threaded shaft 28. Furthermore, the control section 50 sends a signal to the UP/ DOWN lamp 18 , turning on the UP/ DOWN lamp 18 (S34) .

The position of the cup holder 4 which has moved down is detected by the lower position sensor 40b in S35. When the

lower position sensor 40b has failed to detect the position of the cup holder 4, in other words, when the process follows the "NO" branch in the flow chart, the detection is repeated again. On the other hand, when the lower position sensor 40b has detected the position of the cup holder 4, in other words, when the process follows the "YES" branch in the flow chart, the control section 50 sends a control signal to the elevation motor 22 in S36 based on the signal transmitted by the lower position sensor 40b . Thus, the elevation motor 22 stops, and the control section 50 sends a signal to the UP/ DOWN lamp

18, turning off the UP/ DOWN lamp 18. Accordingly, the lowering process ends in S37.

The upper door detection process shown in Figure 8 is carried out simultaneously with the lowering process. When the upper door 7 is not in the shielding state due to, a hand touching the upper door (in which case the hand could touch the lowering cup holder 4 and get injured) , the elevation motor 22 stops, brining the lowering process to an end. In other words, the present embodiment includes the danger prevention mechanism.

Due to the inclusion of the automatic up / down motion function and the danger prevention mechanism, the automatic stirring device 90 moves up/ down the cup holder 4 safely without requiring skills with the operator. The lowering process carried out in response to the operation of the DOWN

switch 1 1 is useful, for example, when there is no need for a washing process (which will be detailed later) and, for example, the same type of frozen dessert is manufactured continuously. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the spiral stirring screw 1 having completed the stirring process and been put in the cup 3. The cup holder 4 is found in the top end position as shown in Figure 10 when the frozen dessert manufactured in the stirring process described above has been dispensed from the cup 3 and piled in a desired container, which is, for example, a cone cup for frozen dessert. Therefore, when the washing process (which will be detailed later) is unnecessary, the cup holder 4 needs to be lowered, the cup 3 to be removed from the cup holder 4, and a frozen dessert substance for the frozen dessert to be manufactured next to be placed in the cup 3. In a case like this, by operating the DOWN switch 1 1 , the operator can automatically lower the cup holder 4 as explained above .

Figure 1 1 is an illustration of the frozen dessert stirred by the spiral stirring screw 1 being piled in the cone cup 31 .

The use of the frozen dessert manufacturing device 100 enables the manufacturing of frozen dessert in which the additive 30 is uniformly stirred in the frozen dessert base 29. The stirring is automatically carried out. That enables quick manufacturing of stirred frozen dessert.

Now, processing will be described which is implemented when after the stirring process, the operator operates the WASH switch 12 to send a command for a washing process of the spiral stirring screw 1 and the cup 3. Figure 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the washing process to be carried out by the automatic stirring device 90. A command signal for the washing process is output to the control section 50 in S40 in response to the operator operating the WASH switch 12. Accordingly, the washing process starts in S41 . Then in S42 , the control section 50 determines whether or not the upper position sensor 40a is transmitting a signal indicating that the position of the cup holder 4 is an undesirable position in terms of safety for the washing process the control section 50 is instructed to carry out.

When the upper position sensor 40a has failed to detect the cup holder 4 in S42, that is, the cup holder 4 is not in the position of the upper position sensor 40a, in other words, when the process follows the "NO" branch in the flow chart, the control section 50 sends a control signal to the ERROR lamp 20 in S43, turning on the ERROR lamp . Thereafter, the washing process ends in S51. On the other hand, when the cup holder 4 is in the position of the upper position sensor 40a, in other words, when the process follows the "YES" branch in the flow chart, the processing continues at S44.

In S44, the control section 50 outputs a control signal to the electromagnetic water valve 23 to open an electromagnetic valve in the electromagnetic water valve 23. Accordingly, water is supplied to the j oint 24. The spray nozzle 6a and the spray nozzle 6b start discharging water at the cup 3 and the spiral stirring screw 1 . The control section 50 sends a signal to the WASH lamp 19 in response to the opening of the electromagnetic water valve 23, turning on the WASH lamp 19. Next, in S45 , the control section 50 outputs a signal to the stirring motor 2 1 to activate the stirring motor 21 . Simultaneously with this, the control section 50 sends a signal to the STIR lamp 17, turning on the STIR lamp 17. As explained above, the washing process here is carried out by spraying water while rotating the spiral stirring screw 1.

Alternatively, the washing process may be carried out without rotating the spiral stirring screw 1. When the spiral stirring screw 1 , which is the obj ect to be washed, is washed while it is rotating as in the present embodiment, however, the spiral stirring screw 1 is washed more quickly and more thoroughly.

In S46, the control section 50 activates the elevation motor 22, starting to lower the cup holder 4. Simultaneously with this, the control section 50 sends a control signal to the

UP/ DOWN lamp 18 , turning on the UP/ DOWN lamp 18. The position of the cup holder 4 which has moved down is

detected by the lower position sensor 40b in S47.

When the lower position sensor 40b has failed to detect the position of the cup holder 4 , in other words, when the process follows the "NO" branch in the flow chart in S47, the detection is repeated. On the other hand, when the lower position sensor 40b has detected the position of the cup holder 4, in other words, when the process follows the "YES" branch in the flow chart, the control section 50 sends a control signal to the elevation motor 22 in S48 based on the control signal transmitted by the lower position sensor 40b.

Thus, the elevation motor 22 stops, and the control section 50 simultaneously sends a signal to the UP/ DOWN lamp 18, turning off the UP/ DOWN lamp 18.

Thereafter, in S49 , in response to a signal from the control section 50, the stirring motor 21 stops, and the STIR lamp 17 turns off. Then, in S50, in response to a signal from the control section 50, the electromagnetic water valve 23 closes, and the WASH lamp 19 turns off. Accordingly, the washing process ends in S51. Figure 13 is a flow chart for a danger prevention mechanism example which exploits door detection process carried out simultaneously with the washing process . The shielding state of the upper door 7 and the lower door 8 is detected in the door detection process. After the washing process is started in S60, the upper door sensor 60a detects

the shielding state of the upper door 7 in S60.

When, in S61 , the upper door sensor 60a has sensed that the upper door 7 is not in a predetermined position, that is, not in the shielding state, in other words, when the process follows the "NO" branch in the flow chart, the control section 50 sends a signal to the ERROR lamp 20 in S63 , turning on the ERROR lamp 20. Then, in S64, the control section 50 sends a control signal to the stirring motor 21 and the elevation motor 22, Thus, the stirring motor 21 and the elevation motor 22, both rotating, stop, and the UP/DOWN lamp 18 turns off. In addition, the electromagnetic water valve 23 closes, and the WASH lamp 19 turns off. Finally, the washing process ends in S65.

On the other hand, when the upper door sensor 60a has sensed in S62 that the upper door 7 is in the predetermined position, that is, in the shielding state, in other words, when the process follows the "YES" branch in the flow chart, the lower door sensor 60b detects the lower door 8 similarly to the case with the upper door 7. When no signal is sent to the ERROR lamp 20, the shielding state of the upper door 7 and the lower door 8 are detected repeatedly in S61 and S62. This door detection process ends when the washing process ends. On the other hand, when the lower door 8 is not detected in S62 , in other words, when the process follows the "NO" branch in the flow chart, the processing continues at S63 and

subsequent steps as explained above . The danger that the water discharge from the spray nozzle 6a or the spray nozzle 6b can scatter outside the automatic stirring device 90 and make the operator's clothes wet, if the upper door 7 or the lower door 8 is illegally attached, can be prevented by the above mentioned mechanism.

Due to the inclusion of the washing process and the danger prevention mechanism described above , the automatic stirring device 90 manufactures desired frozen dessert quickly without requiring skills with the operator. The device 90 also prevents the operator's hand from touching the rotating spiral stirring screw 1 and the washing water from scattering, thereby allowing for safe automatic stirring of the frozen dessert substance. In the present embodiment, the washing process is not automatically carried out after the frozen dessert is dispensed. The washing process is carried out automatically only after the operator manually operates the WASH switch 1.2. Accordingly, the washing process can be omitted when it is not necessary, for example, when two consumers successively have ordered frozen dessert prepared from material of the same taste or the same texture. Accordingly, that eliminates unnecessary water and power consumption as well as waste of time . Instead of requiring the operator to manually operate the

WASH switch 12, the washing process may be automatically carried out after the frozen dessert is dispensed. In other words, the cup 3 may have a dispense hole through which is dispensed the frozen dessert manufactured by stirring the frozen dessert substance with the spiral stirring screw 1 , and the control section 50 controls to activate the washing means after the frozen dessert is dispensed through the dispense hole. This alternative will be detailed later.

"The control section 50 controls to activate the washing means after the frozen dessert is dispensed through the dispense hole" can be rephrased as "the control section 50 controls to activate the washing means after the time when the dispensation of the frozen dessert is completed" or also as "the control section 50 controls to activate the washing means a predetermined period of time after the completion of the stirring process. " The predetermined period can be suitably specified according to the time required to attach the lower door 8 and other factors. Alternatively, the attaching of the lower door 8 may be detected, irrespective of the aforementioned period, before the washing means is activated.

The automatic washing involving no WASH switch 12 operation as immediately above is very suitable when two successive consumers want materials of different tastes or textures. It takes less time to start washing process. As described in the foregoing, the automatic stirring

device 90 of the present embodiment is adapted so that the control section 50 can control the spray nozzle 6a and the spray nozzle 6b to automatically wash the spiral stirring screw 1 and the cup 3. Hence, the washing process can be carried out without requiring as many skills with the operator as in manual washing.

In addition, the inclusion of the danger prevention mechanism prevents the operator' s hand from touching the rotating spiral stirring screw 1. That inclusion also prevents the scattering of the water discharge from the spray nozzle 6a and the spray nozzle 6b and the frozen dessert residue removed in the washing, thus allowing for safe washing of the spiral stirring screw 1 and the cup 3.

Details of the structure of the cup 3 and the cup holder 4 will be described in reference to Figure 14. Figure 14 is schematic illustration of the cup 3 and the cup holder 4 interlocking with each other. Figure 14(a) is a top view of the interlocking. Figure 14(b) is a side view of the interlocking. As shown in the figures, the cup 3 is made of a cup main body 3a and a brim 3b and has on its bottom section a dispense hole 3c through which the manufactured frozen dessert is dispensed into a cone cup for frozen dessert or other container for piling.

The cup holder 4 has a guide section 4b which guides a cup holder main body 4a and the cup 3 to a predetermined

holding position. As shown in Figure 14(b) , the guide section 4b is tilted. When the brim 3b of the cup 3 is brought into contact with the guide section 4b from above the cup holder 4 , the brim 3b of the cup 3 adjusts its position by sliding along the tilt due to the weight of the cup 3 itself so that the cup 3 can interlock with the cup holder 4. The provision of the guide section 4b hence enables the cup 3 to be readily placed to the predetermined holding position inside the cup holder 4. The tilt given to the guide section 4b may be suitably altered depending on the shape, composition, etc. of the cup 3 and the cup holder 4.

The cup holder 4 includes a motion restricting section 4c provided so as to interlock with the brim 3b of the cup 3 guided by the guide section 4b. Also, the brim 3b of the cup 3 has two diagonally positioned corners 3d and 3e the motion of which is restricted by the motion restricting section 4c . Meanwhile, the motion restricting section 4c of the cup holder 4 has two grooves 4d and 4e at diagonal positions corresponding to the two corners 3d and 3e . The rotational force exerted by the spiral stirring screw

1 is transferred via the frozen dessert to the cup 3 which has been guided to the predetermined holding position by the guide section 4b . That transferred force rotates the cup 3 in the same direction as the spiral stirring screw 1 . As the cup 3 rotates, the two corners 3d and 3e interlock with the two

associated grooves 4d and 4e of the cup holder 4 respectively. The interlocking restricts the motion of the cup 3 both in the direction of the rotation of the spiral stirring screw 1 (rotational motion) and in the directions upward / downward with respect to the cup holder 4.

In the automatic stirring device 90 of the present embodiment, the cup 3 rotates clockwise together with the spiral stirring screw 1 which is rotating in the direction indicated by an arrow in Figure 14. In short, when the spiral stirring screw 1 rotates, the frozen dessert substance in the cup 3 rotates. In these circumstances , the cup 3 also rotates in the same direction due to the viscosity of the frozen dessert substance. Accordingly, the cup 3 , originally guided to the position indicated by the dash-dot lines, rotates to the position indicated by the solid lines. Thus, the corners 3d and

3e of the motion-restricted sections for the brim 3b interlock with the associated grooves 4d and 4e of the motion restricting section 4c. Accordingly, the up/ down and rotational motion of the brim 3b is restricted. The above mechanism prevents the cup 3 from being displaced out of the cup holder 4 due to, for example, vibration while the frozen dessert substance in the cup 3 is being stirred. In addition, to remove the cup 3 from the cup holder 4, the cup 3 can be released from the interlocking with the cup holder 4 simply by rotating the cup 3

counterclockwise.

The present embodiment assumes the use of the soft serve ice cream as the frozen dessert base. This is by no means limiting the frozen dessert base of the present invention. Alternatives include creamy ice cream, frozen yogurt, and other dairy products.

The additive is, for example, fresh of fruit, such as strawberry, banana, peach, pear, grape, or mango; nuts, such as almond, cashew nut, peanut, or pine nut; a vegetable, such as melokhia, spinach, or carrot, or; drink powder, such as green tea and instant coffee . The additive may be anything so long as it can be added to the frozen dessert base.

As described in the foregoing, the frozen dessert manufacturing device 100 of the present embodiment contains the frozen dessert base manufacturing device 80 and the automatic stirring device 90 that are integrated with each other. The frozen dessert base manufacturing device 80 manufactures frozen dessert base, which is, for example, a soft serve ice cream. The automatic stirring device 90 automatically stirs a frozen dessert substance prepared by adding an additive, which is, for example, fresh of fruit, to the frozen dessert base manufactured by the frozen dessert base manufacturing device, to manufactures the frozen dessert. Therefore, the overall size of the frozen dessert manufacturing device 100 is compact when compared with

conventional devices in which the two devices 80 and 90 are provided individually. The device 100 therefore can be installed in a small space. The automatic stirring device 90 quickly stirs the frozen dessert substance prepared by adding an additive to the frozen dessert base dispensed through the frozen dessert base dispense port of the frozen dessert base manufacturing device 80, to provide frozen dessert from materials which have desired taste or texture . In addition, the frozen dessert manufacturing device 100 enables the control of power supply through the turning on/off of one power supply switch 16 provided on the bottom right part of the enclosure for the frozen dessert manufacturing device 100. The power supply feeds the second control section (not shown) and the control section 50. The second control section is the second control means in the frozen dessert base manufacturing device 80 which controls the stirring and chilling of, for example, a soft serve ice cream mix from which a frozen dessert base, which is, for example, a soft serve ice cream, is prepared. The control section 50 is the first control section in the automatic stirring device 90. The frozen dessert manufacturing device 100 enables the control of the power supply to the control sections in the frozen dessert base manufacturing device and the automatic stirring device through the operation of the power supply switch 16. The device 100 thus allows for simple operation.

The frozen dessert manufacturing device 100 shown in

Figure I ₅ 2 , 3 , or 10 may be used to stir the frozen dessert substance as mentioned earlier. Alternatively, the device 100 may be used to put, in a cup, only the frozen dessert base with no additive added, for example.

The embodiments and concrete examples of implementation discussed in the foregoing detailed explanation serve solely to illustrate the technical details of the present invention, which should not be narrowly interpreted within the limits of such embodiments and concrete examples, but rather may be applied in many variations within the spirit of the present invention, provided such variations do not exceed the scope of the patent claims set forth below.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is suitably applicable in the field of stirring devices for frozen dessert manufacturing which stir a frozen dessert base, which is, for example, a soft serve ice cream or ice cream, and an additive, which is, for example, fresh of fruit. The invention also finds a wide range of applications in the field of frozen dessert manufacturing devices which contain the stirring device for frozen dessert manufacturing.