ES1242125U - JUICE EXTRACTION MACHINE (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

A juice machine, comprising: an electric motor; a variable frequency controller configured to control the speed of the electric motor; a juice extraction mechanism having at least one extraction assembly that operates cyclically to extract juice; and at least one sensor that determines the position or positions of the juice extraction mechanism during the cycle. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

JUICE EXTRACTION MACHINE

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Juice machines of the prior art for instant juice extraction to a consumer, as found in restaurants and grocery stores, use a single-phase motor. Constant-speed, constant-speed motors can stop when trying to extract fruit juice that is too large or too hard. In many cases, this type of fruit is preferred due to its lower cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A problem with biphasic motors is that they are limited in the total power that can be transmitted to the assembly of extraction of electrical outlets of standard consumption and are usually much less electrically efficient than three-phase motors. This description refers to juice machines, for example, which are used in restaurants, grocery stores and the like that accept single-phase power supply by connection in standard electrical outlets as can be found in those places. This description refers to the use of a three-phase motor and variable frequency controller in a juice machine that is connected to a single-phase electrical supply. Therefore, the juice machine does not require three-phase industrial electrical connections.

In one embodiment, this description improves the capacity and efficiency of juice machines by:

1) increase the capacity (rpm) of the fruit or vegetables on a per minute basis;

2) increase the available compression torque to allow the machine to extract hard, large fruit juice, and

3) reduce the electrical current consumption of the machine by improving electrical efficiency.

The description provides a juice machine with Variable Frequency Controller (VFD) to convert single-phase electric current to three-phase electric current thus increasing the torque and efficiency.

The capacity increase is achieved by significantly increasing the engine speed using VFD features during the juice extraction cycle portion that does not require high torque and slows the cycle (increases the torque) for the portion of the oil extraction cycle. juice that requires high torque (ie squeezing the fruit).

The juice machine includes an upper reciprocating cup that compresses the fruit or vegetable into a lower cup. In compression, the juice is separated from the pulp through the use of a strainer tube. The juice is collected in a dispensing tank.

The juice extraction mechanism is driven by a motor connected to a gear and mechanical chain reduction system designed to reduce the speed of the extraction cycle from the normal rotation speed of the engine below a speed suitable for the extraction of fruits and Vegetables, usually 1500/1750 rpm below 18/20 rpm. According to the description the previous standard of constant speed, single phase 1 HP 120V / 220V can be replaced with a three phase 1.5 HP motor. It is possible to use a three-phase motor with single-phase supply by using a VFD capable of converting a two-phase motor to three-phase.

The use of this VFD allows certain capabilities:

1) change the constant rotation speed of the motor up to twice the speed normally available in constant frequency electrical supplies;

2) allow intermittent changes in speed during an individual machine removal cycle;

3) increase the nominal power of the engine while maintaining the same space for the engine installation inside the machine; and

4) increase the power efficiency on the single-phase motor with the effect of reducing the current consumption required for the extraction cycle.

In one embodiment, a juice machine comprises an electric motor; a variable frequency controller configured to control the speed of the electric motor; a juice extraction mechanism that has at least one extraction assembly that operates cyclically to extract juice; and at least one sensor that determines the position or positions of the mounting of extraction during a cycle.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor detects a start of a period of the cycle that requires more torque to reduce engine speed.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor determines a start of a juice extraction cycle, and one or more timers count a time (x) from the beginning of the juice extraction cycle to a start of a period that requires more torque. engine, and the one or more timers count a time (and) at the end of the period that requires more torque.

In one embodiment, the juice machine comprises a controller that sends a signal to reduce the engine speed from the beginning of the period that requires more torque at the end of the period that requires more torque.

In one embodiment, the juice machine extracts juice from one article at a time during a cycle of the extraction assembly.

In one embodiment, a difference between time (x) and time (y) from the beginning of the period that requires more torque at the end of the period that requires more torque is a period when the extraction cup is compressing a fruit or vegetable item .

In one embodiment, the juice machine comprises a rotary to linear motion converter that causes the extraction assembly to move up and down in one cycle.

In one embodiment, the one or more timers start counting when an extraction cup is at an approximate top dead center.

In one embodiment, the juice machine is configured to be operated from a single phase power supply.

In one embodiment, the juice machine comprises a user interface for entering values of time (x) and time (y).

In one embodiment, the juice extraction mechanism comprises a first extraction cup that moves up and down and a second stationary extraction cup, wherein the first extraction cup comprises a plurality of discrete projections arranged in a ring and the second cup comprises the plurality of discrete projections arranged in a ring, wherein the projections of the first cup are intertwined in the projections of the second cup.

In one embodiment, the juice machine comprises a timer that counts time (x) and time (y).

In one embodiment, the electric motor is a three-phase electric motor.

In one embodiment, a method of extracting juice from a fruit or vegetable article comprises detecting a start of a juice extraction cycle from a juice machine; counting a first time (x) of the beginning of the juice extraction cycle at the beginning of a period of the juice extraction cycle that requires greater torque; when the time (x) has been counted for the beginning of the period that requires more torque; reduce the speed of an electric motor with a variable frequency controller; count a second time (and) at the end of the period that requires more torque; When the second time (y) has been counted at the end of the period that requires more torque, increase the speed of the electric motor with the variable frequency controller.

In one embodiment, the second time count (y) comprises the count of the start of the juice extraction cycle at the end of the period that requires more torque.

In one embodiment, the second time count (y) comprises the start of the time count (x) that has been counted at the end of the period that requires more torque.

In one embodiment, the method comprises collecting juice from a fruit or vegetable article and eliminating inedible portions.

In one embodiment, the method comprises, after increasing the engine speed, detecting a start of a new juice extraction cycle of the juice machine with a new fruit or vegetable article.

In one embodiment, the juice machine extracts juice from a fruit or vegetable article at a time during a cycle of a juice extraction mechanism.

In one embodiment, a difference between time (x) and time (y) from the beginning of the period that requires more torque at the end of the period that requires more torque is a period when the extraction assembly is compressing a fruit or vegetable item.

In one embodiment, the juice extraction mechanism comprises a motion converter. Rotary to linear that causes the extraction cup to move up and down in one cycle.

In one embodiment, one or more timers begin counting when an extraction cup is at an approximate top dead center.

In one embodiment, the method comprises providing the juice machine with a single phase electrical supply.

In one embodiment, the method comprises extracting juice with a first extraction cup that moves up and down and a second stationary extraction cup, wherein the first extraction cup comprises a plurality of discrete projections arranged in a ring and the The second cup comprises a plurality of discrete projections arranged in a ring, wherein the projections of the first cup intermingle with the projections of the second cup.

In one embodiment, the method comprises loading a fruit or vegetable article in the second cup, which is stationary and under the first extraction cup.

In one embodiment, the method comprises predetermining the values of time (x) and time (y) before the start of the juice extraction cycle and entering the values.

In one embodiment, a method for making a juice machine comprises replacing a single phase motor with a three phase motor and variable frequency controller.

In one embodiment, the manufacturing method further comprises adding one or more timers that count a time (x) from the beginning of the juice extraction cycle to the beginning of a period that requires more torque, and the one or more timers have a time (and) at the end of the period that requires more torque.

In one embodiment, a method for extracting juice from a fruit or vegetable article, comprises, when it detects an onset of a period that requires greater torque for a juice machine extraction assembly, it reduces the speed of an electric motor with a variable frequency controller; and when it detects the end of the period that requires more torque for the extraction assembly, it increases the speed of the electric motor with the variable frequency controller.

In one mode, the detection of the start and end of the period that requires more torque for The extraction assembly of the juice machine is detected by at least one first and second sensors placed in proximity to the route taken by the extraction assembly, where the first and second sensors are separated from each other along the route .

This brief description is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This brief description is not intended to identify key features of the claimed content, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed content.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above aspects and much of the accompanying advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated since they are better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the attached figures, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a juice machine;

Figure 2A is a schematic illustration of a juice extraction mechanism of the juice machine of Figure 1 with the upper extraction cup in the upper dead center;

Figure 2B is a schematic illustration of a juice extraction mechanism of the juice machine of Figure 1 with the top extraction cup touching the bottom;

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a motor and juice extraction mechanism of the juice machine of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the juice machine of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method for extracting juice;

Figure 6 is a graph illustrating a juice machine cycle;

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of the juice extraction mechanism having sensors to directly detect one or more positions that signal the beginning and end of the period that requires greater torque; Y

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of the juice machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1, a reciprocating juice machine 101 designed to extract the juice of various types of fruits or vegetables is illustrated.

With reference to Figure 2, a juice extraction mechanism 100 of an electrically driven juice machine is illustrated. The juice extraction mechanism 100 is enclosed with the juice machine 101. Other subsystems of the juice machine 101 are not illustrated. Still further, the juice extraction mechanism 100 includes an extraction assembly 148 for extracting the juice from a fruit or vegetable article 160. In one embodiment, extraction assembly 148 includes a first 102 and a second 104 extraction cups. The juice extraction mechanism 100 and the juice machine 101 operate by compressing any fruit or vegetable article 160 between the first upper extraction cup 102 and the second lower extraction cup 104. At least one of the first 102 or the second 104 extraction cups move reciprocatingly, in this case, the first upper extraction cup 102 moves up and down, and in the process compresses the fruit or vegetable into the second stationary extraction cup 104. In one embodiment, extraction assembly 148 uses a linear force for compression. However, other extraction assemblies 148 contemplated in this description may use angular force or non-linear force.

The first extraction cup 102 has a plurality of discrete projections 106 arranged in a ring, wherein each of the projections 106 joins in a common center at the top of the first extraction cup 102. The projections 106 are also separated. one of the other thus leaving spaces between any of the two juxtaposed projections 106. The projections 106 are only placed at the periphery and do not extend to the axial center of the first extraction cup 102, thereby forming an interior space that It represents a cup.

The second extraction cup 104 has a plurality of discrete projections 108 arranged in a ring, wherein each of the projections 108 is joined in a common base at the bottom of the second extraction cup 104. The projections 108 also separate a on the other, leaving spaces between any of the two juxtaposed projections 108. The projections 108 are only placed at the periphery and do not extend to the axial center of the second cup of extraction 104, thus forming an interior space that represents a cup.

The axial centers of the first 102 and the second 104 extraction cups are co-linear. However, the projections 106 of the first extraction cup 102 intermingle with the projections 108 of the second extraction cup 104. That is, the projections 106 of the first extraction cup 102 passes through the spaces between the projections 108 of the second extraction cup 104, and vice versa. The fit between the projections 106, 108 is narrow, but, and there is no requirement that the projections 106, 108 should form a seal. When cups 102, 104, compress a fruit or vegetable article 160, the juice and pulp are channeled through the center of cup 104 in a strainer tube. Below the second extraction cup 104, the strainer tube separates the inedible fibers from the juice. From the strainer tube, the juice is sent to the container or spigot. The inedible fibers are removed through a plunger and removed or recycled, as compost for example. Some of the pulp can travel with the juice through the strainer tube, and inedible fibers such as shell, center and seed pieces are rejected by the strainer tube.

The extraction assembly 148, and more specifically the extraction cup 102, operates by cyclically compressing a fruit or vegetable article 160 per juice extraction cycle. However, the use of extraction assemblies that include multiple cups or compress multiple items 160 within a cup are also contemplated as being within the scope of this description. In one embodiment, a juice extraction cycle includes an upward and downward movement of the upper extraction cup 102. The cyclic operation of the upper extraction cup 102 implies that the movement up and down is repeated. Each cycle can be defined by an arbitrary starting point. A common starting point for the juice extraction cycle is when the first upper extraction cup 102 reaches the maximum height, known as the upper dead center (TDC). However, as a reference to define the beginning and end of a juice extraction cycle, any other point in the juice extraction cycle can be selected. The use of TDC as defined by the juice extraction cycle is arbitrary but is a convenient starting point. In addition, due to the inherent limitations of the sensors, the TDC as defined herein may propose the initial detection of TDC by a sensor or the loss of detection by a sensor. The acquisition or loss of a signal by a sensor can trigger the start of a timer meaning the start of the juice extraction cycle. Therefore, the TDC can be any point in the period of time in which the sensor acquires the TDC signal upon loss of the TDC signal.

Immediately before or immediately after TDC, a loading mechanism (not shown) loads an uncompressed, non-squeezed individual fruit or vegetable article 160 into the lower extraction cup 104. The upper extraction cup 102 immediately begins in the downward movement in the part of the cycle, in the downward part of the juice extraction cycle, the juice and the center of the fruit or vegetable article 160 are pressed into the strainer tube as a unit where the juice is then separated. The upper extraction cup 102 is mechanically adjusted to the bottom at a certain depth, and then begins its upward movement to repeat the cycle again upon reaching the TDC.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the reciprocating mechanism for the upper extraction cup 102, the drive system and the control components are illustrated.

An electric actuator motor 110 is used to drive the upper reciprocating cup 102. In one embodiment, the motor 110 is a three-phase motor connected to a variable frequency controller 112. However, the juice extraction mechanism 100 does not It is limited to a three phase motor. Therefore, in one embodiment, the motor 110 is a single phase motor connected to the variable frequency controller 112. The variable frequency controller 112 in turn connects to the electrical panel 142. The electrical panel 142 provides power and control signals to via the power cable 144 and the communication cable 146 to the variable frequency controller 112. In one embodiment, the electrical supply 114 to the juice machine 101 and therefore to the variable frequency controller 112 may be a single phase electrical supply. VFD 112 is used to convert the single-phase power supply 114 to the three-phase supply used by the motor 110 when the motor 110 is selected to be a three-phase motor. In addition, the electrical panel 142 is used to calculate times when the VFD 112 is used to control the speed and therefore, the motor torque 110 during the portions of the juice extraction cycle to improve efficiency.

The variable frequency controller 112 is a motor controller that controls the electric motor 110 by varying the frequency, current, or voltage or a combination supplied to the three-phase electric motor 110. In one embodiment, the variable frequency controller 112 is provided with sensors of frequency, current and voltage used to control the frequency, current, and voltage to the three-phase motor 110. Changes in frequency, current and voltage can be predetermined by using the specific motor 110 that operates curves that describe the relationships between the frequency, current, power, voltage, speed and torque. In one mode, the

one

Variable frequency controller 112 controls the electric motor 110 by varying the frequency supplied to the three-phase electric motor 110. The frequency changes can be predetermined by the use of the specific motor 110 that operates the curves that describe the relationships between frequency, current, power, voltage, speed and torque.

In one embodiment, the electronic panel 142 is provided with a programmable logic controller 116 and user interface 140. The programmable logic controller 116 communicates with the user interface 140 that allows a user or operator to enter the operating frequencies, voltages, or timers to operate during the periods of the juice extraction cycle. The electronic panel 142 is provided with a timer circuit 118 which can measure the elapsed time of certain events and compare the elapsed time to predetermined time set points. The timer circuit 118 may include an individual timer or clock that continuously counts the elapsed time, or the timer circuit 118 may include one or more timer circuits, each timer circuit may independently count an elapsed time and may also have the same or different times of start and end. For example, an individual timer counts a total elapsed time and compares the time with the predetermined timed time points, or multiple timers can be used to count the elapsed time where each timer is used to count the elapsed time from a set point individual timed. In addition, any one or more of the timers 118 may be reset based on a timing event, such as the start of each juice extraction cycle. The electronic panel 142 is provided with one or more time storage circuits 136, 138, which accept a predetermined time limit to use as the setpoints for carrying out certain timed instructions during the juice extraction cycle. A stationary proximity sensor 134, which may be an inductance sensor, is mounted above and in proximity to the beam of the cup 128 when the beam of the cup 128 reaches the TDC (the approximate TDC). The proximity sensor 134 communicates with the electronic panel 142, and is used to determine the start of a juice extraction cycle and the one or more timers 118. It should be noted that the sensor 134 cannot provide a real TDC, and can provide an approximate TDC, because the sensor 134 can acquire a signal immediately before or immediately after the actual TDC. As used herein, the TDC is an approximate TDC that can be initiated in the first instance of detection by proximity sensor 134 or in the loss of the signal from proximity sensor 134.

The motor shaft 110 is connected to a first drive pinion 120 which in turn drives the drive chain 127 which is looped on the second 122 and third 126 pinions. A chain tensioner 124 is provided. The sprockets 122 and 126 are used to drive the components of the juice extraction mechanism 100 so that the movements are synchronized to occur for a specific time in the juice extraction cycle. Although the sprockets and a drive chain are used as a representative mechanism to drive the components of the juice extraction mechanism 100 and the extraction assembly 148, the sprockets and the chain can be replaced with cams, such as eccentric cams to convert the rotating movement in linear movement.

The second pinion 122 can be connected to a rotary to linear motion converter through the use of a connecting rod 150 and crankshaft 152 to an arm and orifice tube of a lower part of the juice extraction mechanism 100. The cup of extraction 102 and the beam of the cup 128 are similarly connected with a rotary to linear motion converter through, for example, the use of a connecting rod 168 that connects the beam of the cup 128 to a crankshaft 166, and in turn the crankshaft 166 is connected to the pinion 126, to convert the rotating movement of the third pinion 126 into a linear movement of the beam of the cup 128 and the extraction cup 102. The upper extraction cup 102 is connected to the beam of the cup 128 which is guided in its upward and downward movement by two guide rods 130, 132. In a juice extraction cycle described herein, there is a period where greater force of engine torque 110 is required, such as when it compresses the fruit or vegetable article between the first 102 and second 104 cups of extraction, and there is a period where less force of torque is required, such as immediately after compression of the fruit or vegetable article to the point of compression of the next fruit or vegetable article of a new juice extraction cycle. The VFD 112 makes it possible to reduce engine speeds during periods of higher torque requirements, such as when the fruit of the vegetable article is compressed, and speed is increased during periods of less torque requirements, such as the periods between the compression of the fruit or vegetable article.

In one embodiment, proximity sensor 134 signals the start of a juice extraction site. In this case, the proximity sensor 134 is signaled on the timer 118 to zero and begins counting a time elapsed after the approximate TDC. The one or more timers 118 can be provided in the electronic panel 142 or in the programmable logic controller 116. The one or more timers 118 are comparing the elapsed time to enter the time values of a first time (x) 136 and a second time (y) 138. The first time (x) 136 and the second time (y) 138 are default values. The first time (x) 136 means a period of TDC approximate to the point in the juice extraction cycle when a larger torque is required, such as when the upper extraction cup 102 is at the point of the first start to compress The fruit or vegetable item. The time (x) 136 is predetermined from the calculations based on the dimensions of the system component, initial rpm setting of the engine 110, or the predetermined time (x) can be empirically terminated.

The second time (y) 138 means a time period of TDC approximate to the point in the juice extraction cycle that requires less torque, that is, the end of the period that requires more torque, such as after arrival at the lowest point of the upper extraction cup 102 and at the beginning of its upward movement. The time (y) is pre-determined from the calculations based on the dimensions of the system component, engine 110 rpm, or the predetermined time (y) can be determined empirically.

After the one or more timers118 has counted the time (x), the motor 110 is controlled through the VFD to reduce the speed, thereby increasing the torque for the period of the juice extraction cycle that requires more torque motor. The motor 110 is controlled at the lowest speed for the duration of the juice extraction cycle period that requires greater torque force, which is counted for the second time (y) 138 after the expiration of time (y) 138 Thus, in one mode, the time (y) coincides with the sum of time (x) plus the time period of the juice extraction cycle that requires more torque. In another embodiment, the time (y) can mean the time only of the period of the juice extraction cycle that requires more torque, such as the time (y) that is counted starting after the time (x) has elapsed and ends count at the end of the period that requires more torque. Speed gives as an example of a manipulated variable, however, other manipulated variables representative of the high and low torque can be used to control the operation of the motor 110, including the same motor torque.

After the period of the juice extraction cycle that requires more torque, that is, after the course of time (and), the juice extraction cycle enters the period that requires less torque, such as after arrival at the point lower of the upper extraction cup 102 as it begins its upward movement, to the period before compression of the next fruit or vegetable article. In that period, the lower speed requirement is

one

remove from motor 110 through control via VFD 112.

Both times (x) 136 and (y) 138 are predetermined and can be used through user interface 140 or can be pre-programmed by other means. The times (x) and (y) can have values in milliseconds. The value of the times (x) and (y) may be different for the initial speed settings. The initial speed settings will depend on the specific application settings of each juice machine 101.

With reference to Figures 5 and 6, one method illustrates the operation of the juice extraction mechanism 100 of the juice machine 101. Initially, the VFD 112 is adjusted to increase the engine speed 110 above the normal expected speed for the voltage and frequency of the power supply 114. Figure 5 assumes that the motor is running. In one embodiment, the present description depends on a three-phase motor instead of a single-phase motor for the advantages already mentioned in the foregoing.

Both single-phase and three-phase motors are designed to operate at a particular RPM based on the frequency of the incoming electrical service. For countries with 60Hz electrical frequency (United States, Mexico and others), the most common rpm is 1750 or 3600. In one embodiment, the present description uses a 1.5 HP 1750 rpm engine at 60Hz. For countries with 50Hz incoming electricity (Europe and others) the most common RPMs are 1500 and 3000. The d VFD 112 is used at least for 1) converting single phase to three phase and 2) the frequency varies, which in turn varies the speed. For example, in the constant motor power of 1.5 HP, the equations can show that the torque is inversely related to the rpm. The deceleration of the rpm increases the torque. In one mode, if the VFD is set to run initially at 90 Hz (the fastest setting), the speed is increased by 50% over the normal speed or phrase. But the torque is reduced at the highest speed.

Although a single-phase motor can be used, a single-phase motor would usually consume more electrical current than is available from standard power outlets. Typical current ratings for these plugs are approximately 10 amps. For example, a single-phase motor consumes almost 10 while a three-phase motor would consume only about 2.5 amps up to about 5 amps during the high torque period of the cycle. This represents a minimum 50% reduction in current consumption and allows the use of a more powerful motor (1HP vs 1.5HP) in the same space as a single phase motor.

With respect to the initial settings of the times (x) 136 and (y) 138, the following is provided as a representative example.

The timing functions are related to the machine speed setting that can be entered by the operator in a small display screen in the user interface 140. In one mode, there may be three speed settings.

Quick adjustment and the engine runs at 90Hz.

Medium setting and the engine runs at 80Hz.

Slow adjustment and the motor runs at 60Hz at constant speed.

For fast and medium adjustments, the motor 110 will decelerate during the part of the cycle that currently compresses the fruit. For slow adjustment, the motor will run at 60Hz throughout the cycle. Sensor 134 and timer 118 function as follows:

As the beam of cup 128 moves up, sensor 134 will detect the presence of cup beam 128.

As the beam of the cup 128 begins to move downward, the sensor 134 will detect that the beam of the cup 128 is no longer within the range of the sensor. The signal loss (falling edge) is the actuator that starts the timer, that is, the approximate TDC. Since the sensor can be placed in any of numerous locations, the selection of the starting actuator is arbitrary, and the time values (x) 136 and (y) 138 are varied according to the placement of the sensor.

Timer values (x) and (y) are based on the initial speed of the machine: fast or medium. Speed does not change when set to low speed.

Quick setting (90Hz, 2625 RPM)

The time value (x) is 50 ms, after which a signal is sent electronically to the VFD to decelerate from 90Hz to 60Hz.

The time value (y) is 800 ms, after which the deceleration signal is eliminated and the controller will accelerate again to 90Hz until the next cycle.

Medium setting (80 Hz 2333 RPM)

one

The time value (x) is 100 ms, after which the motor slows down from 80Hz to 60Hz

The time value (y) is 900 ms, after which the motor accelerates from 60Hz to 80Hz

The proximity sensor 134 will be positioned to determine the position of the approximate upper dead center (TDC) of the upper extraction cup 102 each time as the juice extraction mechanism 100 operates in its cyclic manner. When sensor 134 detects the approximate TDC in block 502, the one or more electronic timers 118 is set to zero and begins counting the time elapsed in block 504. The one or more timers 118 receive the time (x) of the block of income 506.

As the upper extraction cup 102 approaches the fruit to be extracted, the one or more timers 118 are counting down in block 508. When the one or more timers 118 have counted the predetermined time (x) in block 508 , a signal is sent to the VFD 112 to decelerate the speed of the motor 110 in the block 510 to increase the torque supplied to the juice extraction mechanism 100. The predetermined time (x) 136 can be milliseconds. The time (x) in milliseconds is approximately when the upper cup 102 is approximately TDC and the race begins down to approximately the time when the upper cup 102 is approximately in contact with the fruit or vegetable article 160 or makes contact with the fruit or vegetable article 160.

During engine speed reduction, the one or more timers 118 continue to count the elapsed time and comparing the elapsed time to find when one or more timers 118 has counted the time (y). The one or more timers 118 receives the time (y) of the input block 514. When the one or more timers 118 has counted the predetermined time (y) in the block 516, the signal reduces the speed that is removed from the VFD 112 in block 518, which allows the motor 110 to increase the speed again to the initial speed settings. Motor 110 does not decelerate again until (x) milliseconds after the determination of the approximate TDC by sensor 134. The difference between time (x) and time (y) or the slowest speed may correspond to the length of time required to extract the juice, the time required for greater torque. For example, the variable of time (y) in milliseconds is the sum of time (x) and time approximately when the upper cup is approximately in contact with the fruit at the moment when the upper cup ends the race down and begins the run up. In another embodiment, time (y) is the time when time (x) has elapsed, and time (y) therefore,

one

the time of the period of the requirement of the highest torque corresponds.

Figure 6 is a graph that represents the time on the horizontal axis and the engine rpm on the vertical axis. In the approximate TDC, the motor 110 is in the initial speed setting, and the one or more timers 118 begin to count down, which corresponds to steps 502, 504. Then, after the time (x), the engine speed 110 is reduced, engine torque is increased, and one or more timers 118 continue to count the elapsed time (without being set to zero) to count the time (y), which corresponds to steps 508, 510. Then, after the passage of time (y), the speed of the motor 110 increases again to the initial speed settings, which correspond to steps 516, 518. Next, the engine 110 is operated in the initial settings until the detection of the approximate TDC again . The period after time (x) at the time (y) corresponds to the period 156 of the juice extraction cycle that requires more torque, such as during the beginning and end of the compression of the fruit or vegetable article. Period 154 of time (x) and period 158 of time (y) are periods in the juice extraction cycle that do not require increased torque production (i.e. periods of lower torque), and the motor adjusts at initially higher speed settings. Although the speed will be like the variable manipulated on the vertical axis, the speed can be replaced with other variables manipulated or inferred, such as frequency, current, voltage, torque or power.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the use of one or more timers 118 or logic controller 116 is not used for timing events or motor speed control 110. In one mode, without the one or more timers 118 and the logic controller 116, a proximity sensor 162 (or proximity sensors 162, 164) detects the position of the extraction assembly 148, particularly the extraction cup 102, during the high torque portion of the cycle. For example, the sensor 162 may be placed in a position corresponding to the point at which the extraction cup 102 first makes contact with the fruit or vegetable article 160 as shown in Figure 7. Upon reaching the sensor 162, a signal It is sent to decelerate the motor 110. A second sensor 164 could be placed at the lowest point of the trip of the extraction cup 102 as shown in Figure 7, and the signal from the second sensor 164 can be used to increase the speed of the motor 110, and the speed is maintained until the extraction cup 102 is detected again by the first sensor 162. The period between the sensor 162 and 164 is the period of the juice extraction cycle that requires greater torque of the motor 110 The signals of said sensors 162, 164 in the new locations are then they can use to decelerate and accelerate the VFD directly without the need for timers 118 or control logic. Accordingly, the use of a plurality of sensors, such as proximity sensors 162, 164, provides another embodiment of a method for extracting the juice of a fruit or vegetable article 160, which comprises, when it detects 162 an onset of a period 156 requiring more torque for an extraction assembly 148 of a juice machine 101, reduces the speed of an electric motor 110 with a variable frequency controller 112; and when it detects 164 the end of period 156 that requires greater torque for the extraction assembly 148, it increases the speed of the electric motor 110 with the variable frequency controller 112. In this method, the detection by the sensors 162, 164 is based at the location or height of the sensors 162, 164 in the proximity to the route taken by the extraction assembly 148 comprising the extraction cup 102 or the cup beam 128 or both the extraction cup 102 and the cup beam 128 In one embodiment, the detection of the start of period 156 that requires greater torque for an extraction assembly 148 of the juice machine 101 is detected by at least the first sensor 162 placed in proximity to the route taken by the extraction assembly 148, and the detection of the end of period 156 that requires greater torque for an extraction assembly 148 of the juice machine 101 is detected by at least the second sensor 164 placed in proximity to the ru ta taken by the extraction assembly 148, where the first and second sensors are separated from each other along the route.

In one embodiment, a juice machine 101 comprises an electric motor 110; a variable frequency controller 112 configured to control the speed of the electric motor; a juice mechanism 100 having at least one extraction assembly 148 that operates cyclically to extract the juice; and at least one sensor 134 that determines the position or positions of the extraction assembly 148 during a cycle.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor 134 detects a start of a period 156 of the cycle that requires greater torque to reduce engine speed 110.

In one embodiment, the at least one sensor 134 determines a start of a juice extraction cycle, and one or more timers 118 count a time (x) 136 of the beginning of the juice extraction cycle at the beginning of a period 156 requires greater torque, and the one or more timers count a time (and) 138 a and the end of the period that requires greater torque.

In one embodiment, the juice machine 101 comprises a controller 116 that sends a signal to reduce the engine speed of the beginning of the period that requires greater torque for the

one

end of the period that requires more torque.

In one embodiment, the juice machine 101 extracts juice from an article 160 at a time during a cycle of the extraction assembly 148.

In one embodiment, a difference between the time (x) 136 and the time (y) 138 of the beginning of the period 156 that requires more torque for the end of the period that requires more torque is a period when the extraction assembly 148 is compressing a fruit or vegetable article 160.

In one embodiment, the juice machine 101 comprises a rotary to linear motion converter 166, 168 that moves the extraction assembly 148 up and down in one cycle.

In one embodiment, the one or more timers 118 begin counting when an extraction cup 102 is at an approximate top dead center.

In one embodiment, the juice machine 101 is configured to be operated from a single phase power supply 114.

In one embodiment, the juice machine 101 comprises a user interface 140 for entering values of time (x) and time (y).

In one embodiment, the juice extraction mechanism 148 comprises a first extraction cup 102 that moves up and down and a second stationary extraction cup 104, wherein the first extraction cup comprises a plurality of discrete projections 106 arranged in a ring and the second cup comprises the plurality of discrete projections 108 arranged in a ring, wherein the projections of the first cup are intertwined with the projections of the second cup.

In one embodiment, the juice machine 101 comprises a timer 118 that counts time (x) 136 and time (y) 138.

In one embodiment, the electric motor 110 is a three-phase electric motor.

In one embodiment, a method for extracting juice from a fruit or a vegetable article 160, comprises 502 detecting a start of a juice extraction cycle of a juice machine 101; 504 count a first time (x) 136 of the start of the juice extraction cycle to a start of a period 156 of the juice extraction cycle that requires greater torque; 508 when the time (x) has counted the beginning of the period that requires more torque; 510 reduce the speed of an engine

one

electric 110 with a variable frequency controller 112; 516 count a second time (y) 138 a and the end of the period that requires the greatest torque; When the second time (y) has been counted at the end of the period that requires more torque, 518 increase the speed of the electric motor with the variable frequency controller.

In one embodiment, 516 the second time count (y) comprises the count of the start of the juice extraction cycle at the end of period 156 that requires the greatest torque.

In one embodiment, 516 the second time count (y) 138 comprises the start of the time count (x) 136 that has been counted at the end of the period 156 which requires greater torque.

In one embodiment, the method comprises collecting juice from a fruit or vegetable article 160 and eliminating the inedible portions.

In one embodiment, the method comprises, after increasing the engine speed 110, 502 detecting a start of a new juice extraction cycle of the juice machine 101 with a new fruit or vegetable article 160.

In one embodiment, the juice machine 101 extracts juice from a fruit or vegetable article 160 at a time during a cycle of a juice extraction mechanism 148.

In one embodiment, a difference between the time (x) 136 and the time (y) 138 of the start of the period 156 that requires more torque at the end of the period that requires more torque is a period when the extraction assembly 148 is compressing a fruit or vegetable article 160.

In one embodiment, the juice extraction mechanism 100 comprises a rotary to linear motion converter 166, 168 that nine up and down the extraction cup 102 in one cycle.

In one embodiment, one or more timers 118 begin counting when an extraction cup 102 is at an approximate top dead center.

In one embodiment, the method comprises providing the juice machine 101 with a single phase power supply 114.

In one embodiment, the method comprises extracting juice with a first extraction cup 102 that moves up and down and a second stationary extraction cup 104, in

two

wherein the first extraction cup comprises a plurality of discrete projections 106 arranged in a ring and the second cup comprises the plurality of discrete projections 108 arranged in a ring, wherein the projections of the first cup intermingle with the projections of the second cup .

In one embodiment, the method comprises loading a fruit or vegetable article 160 in the second cup 104, which is stationary and below the first extraction cup 102.

In one embodiment, the method comprises predetermining the values of time (x) 136 and time (y) 138 before the start of the juice extraction cycle and the entry of values.

In one embodiment, a method of making a juice machine 101 comprises replacing a single phase motor with a three phase motor 110 and variable frequency controller 112.

In one embodiment, the manufacturing method further comprises adding one or more timers 118 that count a time (x) 136 of the start of the juice extraction cycle to a start of a period 156 that requires more torque, and the one or more Timers 118 count a time (y) 138 a and at the end of the period that requires more torque.

In one embodiment, a method for extracting juice from a fruit or vegetable article 160, comprises, when it detects 162 a start of a period 156 that requires greater torque for an extraction assembly 148 of a juice machine 101, reduces the speed of an electric motor 110 with a variable frequency controller 112; and when it detects 164 the end of period 156 that requires greater torque for the extraction assembly 148, it increases the speed of the motor 110 with the variable frequency controller 112.

In one embodiment, the detection by the sensors 162, 164 is based on the placement of the sensors 162, 164 in proximity to the route taken by the extraction assembly 148.

In one embodiment, the detection of the start and end of period 156 that requires greater torque for the extraction assembly 148 of the juice machine 101 is detected by at least a first 162 and a second 164 sensors placed in proximity to the route taken. by extraction assembly 148, where the first and second sensors are separated from each other along the route.

While the illustrative modalities have been illustrated and described it will be appreciated that several changes can be made to the present without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

NEW OF THE INVENTION

Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, what is contained in the following is claimed as property.

Claims (13)

1. A juice machine, comprising: an electric motor; a variable frequency controller configured to control the speed of the electric motor; a juice extraction mechanism that has at least one extraction assembly that operates cyclically to extract juice; Y at least one sensor that determines the position or positions of the juice extraction mechanism during the cycle. 2. The juice machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor detects an onset of a period of the cycle that requires greater torque to reduce engine speed. 3. The juice machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor determines a start of a juice extraction cycle, and further comprises one or more timers that count a time (x) from the start of the extraction cycle of juice at the beginning of a period that requires more torque, and the one or more timers count a time (and) at the end of the period that requires more torque. 4. The juice machine of claim 3, comprising a controller that sends a signal to reduce the engine speed from the beginning of the period that requires more torque at the end of the period that requires greater torque. 5. The juice machine of claim 1, wherein the machine extracts juice from an article at a time during a cycle of the extraction assembly. 6. The juice machine of claim 3, wherein a difference between the time (x) and the time (y) of the beginning of the period that requires more torque at the beginning of the period that requires greater torque is a period when the Extraction assembly is compressing a fruit or vegetable item. 7. The juice machine of claim 3, comprising a rotary to linear motion converter that nine up and down the extraction assembly in one cycle. two 8. The juice machine of claim 7, wherein the one or more timers begin counting when an extraction cup is at an approximate top dead center. 9. The juice machine of claim 1, configured to be operated from a single phase electrical supply. 10. The juice machine of claim 3, comprising an operator interface for entering values of time (x) and time (y). 11. The juice machine of claim 1, wherein the juice extraction mechanism comprises a first extraction cup that moves up and down a second stationary extraction cup, wherein the first extraction cup comprises a plurality of discrete projections arranged in a ring and the second cup comprises the plurality of discrete projections in a ring, wherein the projections of the first cup intermingle with the projections of the second cup. 12. The juice machine of claim 3, comprising a timer that counts time (x) and time (y). 13. The juice machine of claim 1, wherein the electric motor is a three-phase electric motor.