EP1757880B1 - Machine with a container and a device for controlling the tilting of said container - Google Patents
Machine with a container and a device for controlling the tilting of said container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1757880B1 EP1757880B1 EP06114076A EP06114076A EP1757880B1 EP 1757880 B1 EP1757880 B1 EP 1757880B1 EP 06114076 A EP06114076 A EP 06114076A EP 06114076 A EP06114076 A EP 06114076A EP 1757880 B1 EP1757880 B1 EP 1757880B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- rotation
- machine according
- motor
- tilting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C1/00—Producing ice
- F25C1/10—Producing ice by using rotating or otherwise moving moulds
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C2305/00—Special arrangements or features for working or handling ice
- F25C2305/022—Harvesting ice including rotating or tilting or pivoting of a mould or tray
- F25C2305/0221—Harvesting ice including rotating or tilting or pivoting of a mould or tray rotating ice mould
Definitions
- the invention relates to a machine according to the preamble of claim 1.
- a machine is known, for example, from FR-A-2 522 123 . It comprises a device for controlling the tilting of a container and is usable in particular, but not exclusively, for producing ice-cubes, and the following description is provided with reference to this field of application for the sole purpose of simplifying the presentation thereof.
- GB-A-2 090 955 describes a machine for producing ice cubes comprising a water tray connected to a shaft rotatable by means of a geared motor and means for interconnecting the motor and the shaft including a torsion spring.
- controlling the positioning of the container by means of a tab envisages that the container, when tilting, locks itself in the event that it meets an obstacle during its movement; this locking causes a stoppage of the machine, which can be set in motion again only by manual intervention to remove the obstacle.
- Another aim of the present invention is to guarantee greater safety for a user who might absent-mindedly place a hand in the vicinity of the moving container.
- a further aim of the present invention is to provide a device that is easier to assemble than those used in the prior art.
- the container rotates until it meets the first mechanical check means, and the right-angle structure, continuing the rotation with the motor member, actuates the means for reversing the rotation of the motor member, bringing back the container into the normal position, until it meets the second mechanical check means. Also in this situation, the right-angle structure continues the reverse rotation with the motor member and actuates means for blocking rotation of the motor member.
- Figure 1 shows an assembly comprising container and device 1 for controlling the tilting, applied to the container 4, in a first embodiment of the present invention, in particular in a limit position for loading (horizontal position), while Figure 2 shows the same assembly comprising container 4 and device 1 in a tilting limit position (inclined position).
- the device 1 is seated on a support surface 20 which may belong to machinery for various uses, in particular for producing ice.
- the device may be seated on the frame of a machine.
- the device 1 comprises a motor member 2 (shown in Figure 3 ) connected by means of a shaft 7 to a container 4.
- the motor member 2 comprises a small electric motor 5 coupled to a geared motor 6;
- the electric motor 5 is, for example, of the type produced by Saia Burgess supplied at 230 V, 50 Hz frequency with an input capacity of 0.068 ⁇ F.
- the rotary motion of said motor 5 is transmitted to the geared motor 6; this also is produced, for example, by Saia Burgess.
- a pin 8 permits the engagement between a rotation shaft 9, for rotation of the container 4, and the geared motor 6, therefore linking the rotation of the container 4 to that of the shaft 7 of said geared motor.
- the container 4, shown briefly in Figure 1 and in more detail in Figure 3 is sub-divided into two troughs 10 and 11;
- the first trough 10 has dimensions close to those of the entire container, is located in the vicinity of the rotation shaft 9 and is intended to receive water for producing ice;
- the second trough 11 is of smaller dimensions than the first, is located on the opposite side of the container 4 with respect to the rotation shaft 9 and receives the water discharged from the first at the moment when the container begins to tilt.
- the device 1 for controlling the tilting of a container into the tilting limit position is shown in Figure 2 , together with the container 4, where the components in common with Figure 1 retain the same reference numbers.
- the container 4, in this phase is locked in a downwardly inclined position with respect to the support surface 20, by means of a bend 12 provided on the same support surface; the bend 12 may be, more generally, any mechanical check means able to cause the container 4 to pass from a tilting position into a locking position.
- the device 1 further comprises a balance structure 30, fixed on the support surface 20 and secured to the motor member 2, in particular to the geared motor 6, for example by means of two through screws seated in the holes 21 and 22.
- the balance structure 30 is shown in Figures 1, 2 , 3 and separately in greater detail in Figure 4a , in which all the parts of which it is composed are numbered.
- the balance structure 30 comprises a pair of loading members 70, 71 comprising in turn two guide pins 31 and 32, which have respective support bases 33 and 34, are secured to the support surface 20 and onto which two springs 35 and 36 are fitted.
- the guide pins 31 and 32 and the respective springs are secured to a base 37 of a right-angle structure 38 by means of screws 45, 46, in particular hexagonal-headed screws, tightened onto special washers 39 and 40, such that the springs 35 and 36 remain interposed between the aforesaid base 37 and the bases 33 and 34 of the guide pins.
- the right-angle structure 38 further has a side 41 perpendicular to the base 37, in contact with the outer surface of the geared motor 6, on which there are seating holes 21 and 22 for the screws for fixing to the geared motor 6 itself and a further hole 42 in which there sits the shaft 7 equipped with the through pin 8 which permits the engagement between the rotation shaft 9, of the container 4, and the geared motor 6.
- a second side 43 forming part of the right-angle structure 38 is arranged partly perpendicular to the base 37 and to the side 41, and as regards the remainder diverges from the side 43 at a predetermined angle by means of a tab 44 which fits into a position interposed between two microswitches 51 and 52, shown in Figures 1 and 2 , and which control the direction of rotation of the shaft of the motor member 2 and consequently the rotation of the container 4 about the rotation shaft 9.
- Figure 4b shows a constructional variant of the balance structure 30 according to Figure 4a ; the two figures have the same reference numbers, in respect of the components present in both of them.
- FIG. 5a shows a front view of the aforesaid structure, in which it will be noted that the seating holes 21 and 22 for the screws for fixing to the geared motor 6 and present on the side 41 perpendicular to the base 37, have been provided on an axis inclined with respect to the latter and, consequently, with respect to the support surface 20; this inclination mirrors the inclination of the longitudinal axis of the geared motor 6 with respect to that of the balance structure 30.
- Figure 5c shows a view from above of the right-angle structure 38 in which holes 55 and 56 occupied by the guide pins 31 and 32 are visible.
- Figure 5b shows a side view of the right-angle structure 38.
- the guide pins 31 and 32 are shown in greater detail in Figures 6a - 6c ; in particular, Figure 6a shows a front view of the pin, in which at least one facet for coupling to the right-angle structure 38 may also be provided.
- Figure 6b shows a view from above of the pin 31, 32 and Figure 6c shows a sectional view; in the latter it is possible to note the presence of a cavity 58 which is within the pin, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and which passes through the pin itself from the base 33 or 34 as far as the screw, in particular the special washer 39 or 40.
- Figures 7a and 7b show in greater detail the spring 35, respectively in top view and in front view.
- Figures 8a and 8b show in greater detail the special washer 39 or 40, respectively in a sectional view and in a top view.
- the device 1 for controlling the tilting of a container 4 initially has the container 4 in a horizontal position parallel to the support surface 20, as shown in Figure 1 .
- the container 4 is preferably kept in the horizontal position by a flexion spring not shown in the drawings and by the absence of rotation of the electric motor 5 and, therefore, of the shaft 7 of the geared motor 6, which determine the absence of rotation also of the shaft 9 of the container 4. In this position, the container is in contact with a rise limit member 60. More generally, this member 60 is nothing more than a mechanical check member able to prevent the container 4 from going beyond the horizontal loading position.
- the container During the stage of formation of the ice cubes, the container is in the position described; once the moment of the start of tilting is determined, the container 4 rotates about the shaft 9 and moves away from the limit member 60.
- the electric motor 5 transmits a clockwise rotary motion to the geared motor 6 which, in turn, sets in rotation the shaft 7 engaged, via the through pin 8, with the rotation shaft 9 for rotation of the container 4; this continues its own descending rotation until it comes into abutment on the bend 12 provided on the support surface 20.
- the container 4 remains locked; consequently the shaft 9 remains locked, in turn also keeping the shaft 7 of the geared motor locked.
- the balance structure 30 permits the geared motor 6, rotating anticlockwise on itself, to load the spring 35 and partially load the spring 36, having the effect that all the torque delivered by the electric motor 5, amplified by the reduction ratio of the geared motor 6, is not completely discharged onto the gearwheels of the motor member 2.
- the horizontal position of the container 4 is defined by the' limit member 60; when the container 4 comes into abutment on said member, it is blocked.
- the balance structure 30 permits the geared motor, rotating clockwise on itself, to load the spring 36 and partially load the spring 35, with the result that all the torque delivered by the motor, amplified by the reduction ratio of the geared motor 6, is not completely discharged onto the gearwheels of the motor member 2.
- the initial prestress of the springs added to the descent limit loading (tilting position of the container) or rise limit loading (horizontal position for loading) makes it possible to keep the torque delivered constantly below the maximum torque that, can be withstood by the kinematic chain of the geared motor 6.
- the container 4 if during the phase of descending rotation the container 4 should meet an obstacle left erroneously or absent-mindedly in the path of its movement, it will reverse the direction of rotation in the same way as it reverses the direction of rotation when it reaches the descent limit member, without causing any damage either to the device or to the obstacle touched.
- the system guarantees complete safety for a user who absent-mindedly places a hand in the gap below the container while extracting the ice previously produced by the machinery.
- the device would suspend rotation of the geared motor 6 in the same way as it suspends rotation when it reaches the rise limit member; the device 1, however, remains in the locked position until the removal of the obstacle that has blocked the movement of the container 4.
- the device 1 for controlling the tilting of a container with the balance structure 30 according to the present invention, would bring the container into the horizontal position for the start of the loading stage.
- the balance structure 30, not being welded onto the shaft for rotation of the container, but on the contrary being capable of rectifying itself autonomously, is not subject to problems of manual readjustment that exist in the prior art; the device according to the invention is therefore simpler to assemble.
- only one of the loading members 71, 72 has a spring fitted on it, while the second is not fitted with a spring; the spring is preferably mounted on the loading member closest to the tab 44; in the figure, therefore, this spring is that denoted by 36 and the loading member onto which it is fitted is that denoted by 71.
- the loading member 72 without spring or with resilient members of a different nature, acts as a spacer between the right-angle structure 38 and the support base 33. Only the spring 36 performs balancing of the force exerted by the right-angle structure 38 so as to change the direction of rotation of the motor 5.
- At least one of the loading members comprises an electric transducer denoted by 150 in Figures 9 and 10 , where parts corresponding to those in Figures 1 and 2 will have the same reference numbers increased by 100.
- this electric transducer 150 is of the piezoelectric type; it comprises a crystal, in particular a quartz crystal, which is sensitive to the force exerted on the loading member 171 by the right-angle structure 38, when the container 4 contacts the bend 112 or the limit member 160.
- the transducer emits a signal of difference in potential corresponding to the intensity of the force applied onto the member 171.
- the electric transducer 150 is set to function within a permitted range of forces exerted by the right-angle structure 38 on the loading member 171; within this' range continuous operation of the device during titling or repositioning is ensured.
- the value of the difference in potential generated by the transducer is transferred, after passing through any suitable amplification circuit, to the electric motor 5, in order to control the direction of rotation thereof.
- the transducer When the value of the force exerted on the loading member 171 exceeds the predefined range, the transducer generates a signal which varies the power supply of the electric motor 5, which may cause either reversal or stoppage of rotation of the shaft 7 of the geared motor and, consequently, of the shaft 9 of the container 4.
- the transducer 150 connected directly to the electric motor 5, replaces entirely the system composed of the tab 44 and the microswitches 51, 52 of the first embodiment.
- the variant of the first embodiment and the second embodiment described ensure less mechanical stress on the tilting device, ensuring an increase in the working life thereof.
- the present invention provides a device for controlling the tilting of a container which is reliable in terms of operation, is not dependent upon manual mechanical adjustments, and does not pose any risk during use, even for inexpert users.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
Description
- The invention relates to a machine according to the preamble of
claim 1. Such a machine is known, for example, fromFR-A-2 522 123 - As is well known, there are machines for producing ice which use tilting containers designed to contain water for producing ice and, temporarily, the ice produced; the container is rotated about a shaft by a suitable motor such that it passes from a limit position for loading with water and producing ice (horizontal position) to a tilting limit position for discharging the water and the ice produced (inclined position); the control of the exact positioning of the container in the two limit positions is effected by a suitable tab which is fixed on the shaft for rotation of the container and which intercepts two limit-indicating switches.
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GB-A-2 090 955 - Unfortunately, it may occur that the aforesaid tab, at the time of assembly of the machine, is not fixed in a position suitable for guaranteeing perfect functioning thereof; this results in, an incorrect alignment of the container in the loading and tilting positions; manual intervention is therefore necessary to rectify the tab, for example with pliers, in order to allow the machine to work in the correct position.
- Moreover, controlling the positioning of the container by means of a tab envisages that the container, when tilting, locks itself in the event that it meets an obstacle during its movement; this locking causes a stoppage of the machine, which can be set in motion again only by manual intervention to remove the obstacle.
- The problems described result in not inconsiderable costs for ordinary or extraordinary maintenance, and also in costs for lost production in the event of complete inactivity of the machine.
- It is an aim of the present invention to provide a device for controlling the tilting of a container having structural and functional characteristics such as to remedy the drawbacks described above, that is, guaranteeing correct rotation of the container and correct positioning of same in the limit positions, as well as the return of the container into a horizontal position, thus avoiding the stoppage of the machine in the event that, while descending, it meets obstacles in its path.
- Another aim of the present invention is to guarantee greater safety for a user who might absent-mindedly place a hand in the vicinity of the moving container.
- A further aim of the present invention is to provide a device that is easier to assemble than those used in the prior art.
- The aims indicated above are achieved by a machine as defined in
claim 1. - Therefore, when the motor member is commanded to rotate for the tilting rotation of the container, the container rotates until it meets the first mechanical check means, and the right-angle structure, continuing the rotation with the motor member, actuates the means for reversing the rotation of the motor member, bringing back the container into the normal position, until it meets the second mechanical check means. Also in this situation, the right-angle structure continues the reverse rotation with the motor member and actuates means for blocking rotation of the motor member.
- The advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, provided by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings.
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Figures 1 and 2 show sectional views of an assembly comprising container and device for controlling the tilting into respective loading and tilting positions, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. -
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of parts of the assembly comprising container and device for controlling the tilting shown inFigures 1 and 2 , according to the present invention. -
Figures 4a and4b shows a front view of two variants of a balance structure, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. - The groups of
Figures 5a - 5c ,6a - 6c, 7a, 7b, 8a and 8b show details of the balance structure ofFigures 1 and 2 , according to the present invention. -
Figures 9 and 10 show sectional views of the assembly comprising container and device for controlling the tilting into respective loading and tilting positions, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. - With reference to said figures,
Figure 1 shows an assembly comprising container anddevice 1 for controlling the tilting, applied to thecontainer 4, in a first embodiment of the present invention, in particular in a limit position for loading (horizontal position), whileFigure 2 shows the sameassembly comprising container 4 anddevice 1 in a tilting limit position (inclined position). - As is clear from both figures, the
device 1 is seated on asupport surface 20 which may belong to machinery for various uses, in particular for producing ice. - More generally, the device may be seated on the frame of a machine.
- The
device 1 comprises a motor member 2 (shown inFigure 3 ) connected by means of ashaft 7 to acontainer 4. - With reference to
Figure 3 , themotor member 2 comprises a smallelectric motor 5 coupled to a gearedmotor 6; theelectric motor 5 is, for example, of the type produced by Saia Burgess supplied at 230 V, 50 Hz frequency with an input capacity of 0.068µF. The rotary motion of saidmotor 5 is transmitted to the gearedmotor 6; this also is produced, for example, by Saia Burgess. - Still with reference to
Figure 3 , apin 8 permits the engagement between a rotation shaft 9, for rotation of thecontainer 4, and the gearedmotor 6, therefore linking the rotation of thecontainer 4 to that of theshaft 7 of said geared motor. - The
container 4, shown briefly inFigure 1 and in more detail inFigure 3 , is sub-divided into twotroughs first trough 10 has dimensions close to those of the entire container, is located in the vicinity of the rotation shaft 9 and is intended to receive water for producing ice; thesecond trough 11 is of smaller dimensions than the first, is located on the opposite side of thecontainer 4 with respect to the rotation shaft 9 and receives the water discharged from the first at the moment when the container begins to tilt. - The
device 1 for controlling the tilting of a container into the tilting limit position is shown inFigure 2 , together with thecontainer 4, where the components in common withFigure 1 retain the same reference numbers. - As will be noted, the
container 4, in this phase, is locked in a downwardly inclined position with respect to thesupport surface 20, by means of abend 12 provided on the same support surface; thebend 12 may be, more generally, any mechanical check means able to cause thecontainer 4 to pass from a tilting position into a locking position. - Advantageously, according to the invention, the
device 1 further comprises abalance structure 30, fixed on thesupport surface 20 and secured to themotor member 2, in particular to the gearedmotor 6, for example by means of two through screws seated in theholes - The
balance structure 30 is shown inFigures 1, 2 ,3 and separately in greater detail inFigure 4a , in which all the parts of which it is composed are numbered. - Advantageously, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the
balance structure 30 comprises a pair ofloading members guide pins respective support bases support surface 20 and onto which twosprings guide pins base 37 of a right-angle structure 38 by means ofscrews special washers springs aforesaid base 37 and thebases angle structure 38 further has aside 41 perpendicular to thebase 37, in contact with the outer surface of the gearedmotor 6, on which there areseating holes motor 6 itself and afurther hole 42 in which there sits theshaft 7 equipped with the throughpin 8 which permits the engagement between the rotation shaft 9, of thecontainer 4, and the gearedmotor 6. - A
second side 43 forming part of the right-angle structure 38 is arranged partly perpendicular to thebase 37 and to theside 41, and as regards the remainder diverges from theside 43 at a predetermined angle by means of atab 44 which fits into a position interposed between twomicroswitches Figures 1 and 2 , and which control the direction of rotation of the shaft of themotor member 2 and consequently the rotation of thecontainer 4 about the rotation shaft 9. -
Figure 4b shows a constructional variant of thebalance structure 30 according toFigure 4a ; the two figures have the same reference numbers, in respect of the components present in both of them. - In
Figure 4b , only one of thesprings loading member 72 is devoid of the corresponding spring and theguide pin 31 is completely visible or could be covered by a resilient member of a different nature. - The right-
angle structure 38 is shown in greater detail and separately inFigures 5a, 5b and 5c ; in particular,Figure 5a shows a front view of the aforesaid structure, in which it will be noted that theseating holes motor 6 and present on theside 41 perpendicular to thebase 37, have been provided on an axis inclined with respect to the latter and, consequently, with respect to thesupport surface 20; this inclination mirrors the inclination of the longitudinal axis of the gearedmotor 6 with respect to that of thebalance structure 30. -
Figure 5c shows a view from above of the right-angle structure 38 in whichholes guide pins -
Figure 5b shows a side view of the right-angle structure 38. - The
guide pins Figures 6a - 6c ; in particular,Figure 6a shows a front view of the pin, in which at least one facet for coupling to the right-angle structure 38 may also be provided. -
Figure 6b shows a view from above of thepin Figure 6c shows a sectional view; in the latter it is possible to note the presence of acavity 58 which is within the pin, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and which passes through the pin itself from thebase special washer -
Figures 7a and 7b show in greater detail thespring 35, respectively in top view and in front view. -
Figures 8a and 8b show in greater detail thespecial washer - A description will now be given of the operation of the device for controlling the tilting of a container, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- The
device 1 for controlling the tilting of acontainer 4 initially has thecontainer 4 in a horizontal position parallel to thesupport surface 20, as shown inFigure 1 . - The
container 4 is preferably kept in the horizontal position by a flexion spring not shown in the drawings and by the absence of rotation of theelectric motor 5 and, therefore, of theshaft 7 of the gearedmotor 6, which determine the absence of rotation also of the shaft 9 of thecontainer 4. In this position, the container is in contact with arise limit member 60. More generally, thismember 60 is nothing more than a mechanical check member able to prevent thecontainer 4 from going beyond the horizontal loading position. - During the stage of formation of the ice cubes, the container is in the position described; once the moment of the start of tilting is determined, the
container 4 rotates about the shaft 9 and moves away from thelimit member 60. - In practice, once tilting has begun, the
electric motor 5 transmits a clockwise rotary motion to the gearedmotor 6 which, in turn, sets in rotation theshaft 7 engaged, via the throughpin 8, with the rotation shaft 9 for rotation of thecontainer 4; this continues its own descending rotation until it comes into abutment on thebend 12 provided on thesupport surface 20. - Once it is in abutment, the
container 4 remains locked; consequently the shaft 9 remains locked, in turn also keeping theshaft 7 of the geared motor locked. - The
electric motor 5, however, continues to transmit a clockwise rotary motion to theshaft 7 of the gearedmotor 6; the gearedmotor 6, in order to balance the rotational force which it receives from theelectric motor 5, and unable to rotate about itsown shaft 7, inasmuch as it is blocked by thecontainer 4 which is in turn in a locked position, executes a rotation of a few degrees on itself in an anticlockwise direction. - Advantageously, according to the invention, the
balance structure 30 permits the gearedmotor 6, rotating anticlockwise on itself, to load thespring 35 and partially load thespring 36, having the effect that all the torque delivered by theelectric motor 5, amplified by the reduction ratio of the gearedmotor 6, is not completely discharged onto the gearwheels of themotor member 2. - The slight anticlockwise rotation on itself of the geared
motor 6, with the consequent loading of thespring 35 and partial loading of thespring 36, causes the right-angle structure 38 to be inclined and effects a slight raising of thetab 44 which moves into a position such as to contact thedescent limit microswitch 51 which commands the reversal of rotation of theelectric motor 5, consequently also reversing the direction of rotation of theshaft 7 of the geared motor and of the shaft 9 of the container. Once the direction of rotation of the shaft of the gearedmotor 6 is reversed, the container returns, by rotating about the shaft 9, into its horizontal working position and thesprings - The horizontal position of the
container 4 is defined by the' limit member 60; when thecontainer 4 comes into abutment on said member, it is blocked. - The
electric motor 5, however, continues to transmit an anticlockwise rotary motion to theshaft 7 of the gearedmotor 6; the gearedmotor 6, in order to balance the rotational force which it receives from theelectric motor 5, and unable to rotate about itsown shaft 7, inasmuch as it is blocked by thecontainer 4 in the locked position, executes a rotation of a few degrees on itself in a clockwise direction. - Advantageously, according to the invention, the
balance structure 30 permits the geared motor, rotating clockwise on itself, to load thespring 36 and partially load thespring 35, with the result that all the torque delivered by the motor, amplified by the reduction ratio of the gearedmotor 6, is not completely discharged onto the gearwheels of themotor member 2. - The slight clockwise rotation of the geared
motor 6 on itself, with the consequent loading of thespring 36 and partial loading of thespring 35, causes the right-angle structure 38 to be inclined and effects a slight lowering of thetab 44, which moves into a position such as to contact therise limit microswitch 52, which commands the cut-off of the power supply to theelectric motor 5, stopping the rotation of theshaft 7 of the geared motor and of the shaft 9 of the container. - Advantageously, according to the invention, the initial prestress of the springs, added to the descent limit loading (tilting position of the container) or rise limit loading (horizontal position for loading) makes it possible to keep the torque delivered constantly below the maximum torque that, can be withstood by the kinematic chain of the geared
motor 6. - In addition, with the tilting device described, if during the phase of descending rotation the
container 4 should meet an obstacle left erroneously or absent-mindedly in the path of its movement, it will reverse the direction of rotation in the same way as it reverses the direction of rotation when it reaches the descent limit member, without causing any damage either to the device or to the obstacle touched. - In particular, the system guarantees complete safety for a user who absent-mindedly places a hand in the gap below the container while extracting the ice previously produced by the machinery.
- The same problem of interception of an obstacle could arise during the phase of ascending rotation of the container; in this case the device would suspend rotation of the geared
motor 6 in the same way as it suspends rotation when it reaches the rise limit member; thedevice 1, however, remains in the locked position until the removal of the obstacle that has blocked the movement of thecontainer 4. - Furthermore, if on first starting up the ice-making machine, the container should not be in a perfectly horizontal position, the
device 1 for controlling the tilting of a container, with thebalance structure 30 according to the present invention, would bring the container into the horizontal position for the start of the loading stage. - In addition, the
balance structure 30, not being welded onto the shaft for rotation of the container, but on the contrary being capable of rectifying itself autonomously, is not subject to problems of manual readjustment that exist in the prior art; the device according to the invention is therefore simpler to assemble. - In the variation of the embodiment described above and shown in
Figure 4b , only one of theloading members tab 44; in the figure, therefore, this spring is that denoted by 36 and the loading member onto which it is fitted is that denoted by 71. - In this case, the loading
member 72 without spring or with resilient members of a different nature, acts as a spacer between the right-angle structure 38 and thesupport base 33. Only thespring 36 performs balancing of the force exerted by the right-angle structure 38 so as to change the direction of rotation of themotor 5. - In a second embodiment, on the other hand, at least one of the loading members comprises an electric transducer denoted by 150 in
Figures 9 and 10 , where parts corresponding to those inFigures 1 and 2 will have the same reference numbers increased by 100. - In particular, this
electric transducer 150 is of the piezoelectric type; it comprises a crystal, in particular a quartz crystal, which is sensitive to the force exerted on the loading member 171 by the right-angle structure 38, when thecontainer 4 contacts thebend 112 or thelimit member 160. - The transducer emits a signal of difference in potential corresponding to the intensity of the force applied onto the member 171.
- The
electric transducer 150 is set to function within a permitted range of forces exerted by the right-angle structure 38 on the loading member 171; within this' range continuous operation of the device during titling or repositioning is ensured. - The value of the difference in potential generated by the transducer is transferred, after passing through any suitable amplification circuit, to the
electric motor 5, in order to control the direction of rotation thereof. - When the value of the force exerted on the loading member 171 exceeds the predefined range, the transducer generates a signal which varies the power supply of the
electric motor 5, which may cause either reversal or stoppage of rotation of theshaft 7 of the geared motor and, consequently, of the shaft 9 of thecontainer 4. - In this embodiment, the
transducer 150, connected directly to theelectric motor 5, replaces entirely the system composed of thetab 44 and themicroswitches - If there is contact between the
container 4 and a foreign body during one of the two stages of rotation of the container, the operation is similar to that already described with reference to the first embodiment. - The variant of the first embodiment and the second embodiment described ensure less mechanical stress on the tilting device, ensuring an increase in the working life thereof.
- The solutions presented so far are not limiting either with regard to the shape or the dimensions of the container, of the balance structure or of the support surface, the motor members and resistance devices being suitably interchangeable with others suitable for greater or lesser loads and the electric transducer being able to be set on the basis of varying loads applicable to the device.
- In conclusion, the present invention provides a device for controlling the tilting of a container which is reliable in terms of operation, is not dependent upon manual mechanical adjustments, and does not pose any risk during use, even for inexpert users.
Claims (13)
- Machine comprising a container (4) seated on a fixed frame (20, 120) of the machine and a device (1, 101) for controlling the tilting of said container (4), comprising a motor member (2) having a first shaft (7) mechanically connected to a second shaft (9), rigidly connected to the container (4, 104), and with which the container (4, 104) rotates for said tilting, said device further comprising:- a first mechanical check means (12, 112) provided on the frame (20, 120), for stopping the tilting rotation of the container (4, 104),- a second mechanical check means (60, 160), fixed to the frame (20, 120), for stopping said container (4, 104) during rotation in the opposite direction to the tilting direction,characterized in that it comprises:- a balance structure (30, 130) comprising in turn a right-angle structure (38), loading members (70, 71, 72, 170, 171), associated with the right-angle structure (38), sensitive to the movement of the latter and preventing all the torque delivered by an electric motor (5) from being completely discharged onto the gearwheels of the motor member (2), the balance structure (30) being rigidly connected to the motor member (2) and rotatable together therewith about said first shaft (7), and- means (44, 51, 52, 150, 38) for reversing and blocking rotation of said motor member (2), actuated by said right-angle structure (38) during its rotation with said motor member (2) for reversing or blocking the rotation of the container (4, 104), upon contact of the latter with said first mechanical (12, 122) and second mechanical (60, 160) check means.
- A machine according to claim 1, wherein the loading member (70, 71) comprises at least one compression spring (35, 36).
- A machine according to claims 1 or 2, wherein reversing and blocking means comprise an actuating tab (44) positioned between a first microswitch (51) for reversing rotation of said motor member (2) and a second microswitch (52) for blocking rotation of said motor member (2).
- A machine according to claim 1, wherein reversing and blocking means comprise an electric transducer (150) able to detect the force exerted on the right-angle structure (38) and convert it into an electric command signal for the motor (5), so as to control the latter during reversal of rotation or blocking.
- A machine according to claim 4, wherein the electric transducer is of the piezoelectric type.
- A machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the right-angle structure (38) comprises in turn a base (37), a first side (41) perpendicular to the base (37), fixed to the motor member (2), and a second side (43) in turn perpendicular to the side (41) and to the base (37), from which the actuating tab (44) diverges in order to contact the microswitches (51, 52).
- A machine according to claim 6, wherein the first side (41) is fixed to the motor member (2) by means of through screws seated in holes (21, 22).
- A machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the side (41) further includes a hole (42) for seating said first shaft (7).
- A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading member (70, 71, 72) further comprises at least one guide pin (31, 32) having a support base (33, 34) onto which the at least one compression spring (35, 36) is fitted.
- A machine according to claim 9, wherein the guide pin (31, 32) and the at least one compression spring (35, 36) are secured to the base (37) of the right-angle structure (38), via clamping means (39, 40, 45, 46) so that the at least one compression spring (35, 36) is interposed between the base (37) and the base (33, 34) of the guide pin (31, 32).
- A machine according to claim 10, wherein the clamping means (39, 40) are special washers.
- A machine according to claim 10, wherein the clamping means (44, 45) are hexagonal-headed screws.
- A machine according to claims 1 to 12. For producing ice.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP06114076A EP1757880B1 (en) | 2005-06-20 | 2006-05-17 | Machine with a container and a device for controlling the tilting of said container |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP05425446A EP1736722A1 (en) | 2005-06-20 | 2005-06-20 | Device for controlling the tilting of a container |
EP06114076A EP1757880B1 (en) | 2005-06-20 | 2006-05-17 | Machine with a container and a device for controlling the tilting of said container |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1757880A1 EP1757880A1 (en) | 2007-02-28 |
EP1757880B1 true EP1757880B1 (en) | 2008-08-27 |
Family
ID=37667872
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP06114076A Active EP1757880B1 (en) | 2005-06-20 | 2006-05-17 | Machine with a container and a device for controlling the tilting of said container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP1757880B1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2526262A (en) * | 1948-09-21 | 1950-10-17 | Coltemp Corp | Automatic ice cube producing and storing apparatus |
US3027731A (en) * | 1959-08-06 | 1962-04-03 | Milton L Lindenberg | Ice cube making machine |
IT8120442V0 (en) * | 1981-01-09 | 1981-01-09 | Castel Mac Spa | MACHINE PERFECTED FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ICE CUBES. |
FR2522123B1 (en) * | 1982-02-25 | 1986-10-24 | Simkens Marcellus | DEVICE FOR FORMING ICE CUBES |
DE69326360D1 (en) * | 1992-07-31 | 1999-10-14 | Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd | Ice making machine |
IT232673Y1 (en) * | 1994-01-11 | 2000-01-19 | Eurfrigor S R L | MACHINE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ICE BLOCKS, EQUIPPED WITH A SAFETY DEVICE, AGAINST THE OVERLOAD OF THE MECHANISM OF |
-
2006
- 2006-05-17 EP EP06114076A patent/EP1757880B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1757880A1 (en) | 2007-02-28 |
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