FR2648339A1 - Automatic apparatus for making and dispensing refreshing ice cubes suitable for consumption - Google Patents

Abstract

The object of the invention is automatically and constantly to make refreshing ice cubes and dispense them at any moment whenever the user wishes. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of the machine, in which the following are visible: 1 - The housing. 2 - The production unit. 3 - The frame of stainless steel angle bars. 4 - The tank made of stainless steel sheet. 5 - The motor and gearing-down mechanism for driving the tank. 6 - The stirring paddles. 7 - The dispensing bucket. 8 - The dispensing chute. 9 - The ice cube exit flap. 10 - The contacts for monitoring the stock. 11 - The stainless steel tank shaft. 12 - The shaft bearings. 13 - The tray for recovering water of condensation.

Description

 The present invention relates to the production, as a new industrial product, of an automatic and autonomous dispensing device for ice cubes suitable for consumption.

 The device is composed of a conventional manufacturing element and a rotary storage tank mounted on a central axis placed on two bearings, the so-called cylindrical tank ensuring the storage, the mixing and the distribution of the ice cubes. tank functions is programmed automatically.

 Currently the supply of ice to be refreshed is ensured from the factory manufacture, either of ice bars, or of crushed ice in bulk or packaged in 2kg plastic bags. These products are then transported by refrigerated vehicles to wholesalers equipped with chambers cold bars which cut the ice bars and pack them in 2kg plastic bags.

 This ice cream is then delivered to retail merchants who resell to consumers. The retailers are either boutique merchants or itinerant merchants touring daily in a specific sector.

 This distribution system requires significant handling and numerous transports by road vehicles subject to traffic difficulties in summer.

 There is another artisanal method of making ice used by some traders but not very widespread which consists in filling with water tubular plastic bags, which are then suspended on hooks inside a freezer; the ice thus obtained in 24h comes in the form of cylinders. Some traders use the same. way to plastic recovery bottles.

 It is therefore important to implement a reliable process that meets the growing needs of tourism.

 The invention presented aims to supply regions with hot climates with ice to be refreshed in the form of ice cubes.

 It is remarkable, compared to the aforementioned methods in that it manufactures on demand and distributes directly to consumers, that is to say without intermediary and on the very places of consumption, this in places accessible day and night and outside .

 Service: Customers can stock up with ice cubes at all times, at any time, without any schedule requirement, and close to their place of stay.

 Hygiene: The water which feeds the appliance is supplied by the urban network. It is then filtered by an osmosis system incorporated in the manufacturing appliance. All the elements for making and distributing the ice cubes are made of stainless steel.

There is no handling or transport of the product. All operations are carried out in a vacuum, away from any external contact. A plastic food bag is automatically delivered by the device each time it is collected.

 Safety: The design of the bodywork prevents any access to the interior parts of the appliance. The ice exit flap is locked automatically after each withdrawal.

 Use: It is simple. The introduction of a coin triggers the distribution function which automatically controls the other manufacturing and storage functions whenever necessary.

No waiting to be served.

 Maintenance: The device does not require any maintenance intervention, except a weekly inspection visit.

 Consequences: Cost per kilo of ice lower than that generally practiced.

 The description which follows is made with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of indicative but nonlimiting example.

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of the distributor showing the mechanical distribution assembly.

Figure 2 is a top view of the chassis supporting the manufacturing-distribution assembly.

Figures 3-4-5-6 show the chassis assembly details.

Figure 7 is a side view of the storage and distribution tank.

Figure 8 is a front view of the tank.

Figure 9 shows a detail of the level contact device.

Figures 10-11-12 are front, side and top views of the dispensing cup.

Figure 13 is a view of the body with its access door shown.

Figures 14-15-16 are the details of manufacture and position of the access door on the bodywork.

Figures 17-18 show the manufacturing details of the door hinges.

 The distributor is completely covered with a body (1) which is in the form of a standing cylinder equipped with an access door (15) and the upper part of which is a dome. Under this envelope, a chassis (3) in stainless steel angle supports a production unit (2) and the distribution mechanism.

The production unit (2) is an already known ice-making apparatus, not described below, the particularity of which is to form the ice cubes by trickling water over an alveolar evaporator. It is placed on the top of the chassis and overhangs the tank.

The mechanical distribution assembly is supported by the chassis (3), a top view of which shows the shape adapted to that of the stainless steel tank (4). This tank rotates on a stainless steel shaft (11> placed on two bearings (12) fixed to the chassis, it is driven by a geared motor (5).

The attached figures show in detail the storage and distribution operating accessories, namely: - The stock control contactors (10) acting under the pressure exerted by the ice level; they actuate micro-contacts thus transmitting pulses on the control panel.

- The distribution cup (7) consisting of a trapezoidal stainless steel box welded to the inside of the tank and which has two orifices, one for filling, the other for distributing ice cubes, the filling being directed anti-clockwise rotation of the tank.

- The distribution chute (8) in stainless steel of rectangular section, fixed to the frame (3) and attached to the tank (4), but not integral with the latter, whose ice outlet flap (9) is actuated electro -mechanically using a button located within reach of the user.

- The inspection hatch (14) of the tank.

- The mixing blades (6) made of stainless steel round irons fixed perpendicularly to the walls of the tank.

- The condensation water recovery tank (13), the slightly conical bottom of which allows this water to flow to a drain orifice.

 This distribution assembly, the main object of the invention, involves for an automatic device of this type, three functions: 1) Storage of ice cubes.

2) Permanent and efficient stirring to avoid solidification of the ice cubes which could affect distribution.

3) The distribution itself.

The simplicity of the mechanism used ensures these three functions by the rotary movement of the tank generated by a variable speed gearmotor with two directions of rotation.

The stock is constantly renewed by the unit of
production at a rate proportional to the frequency of sampling. Two level detection devices
are fixed inside the. These devices act
under pressure from the large stock of
ice cubes have the function of stopping the fabrica cycle
tion as soon as the stock is at its maximum and to reset
this cycle as soon as the level drops.
also come if the stock is depleted by strong
samples by activating a red light which signals the
out of stock to the user and forwarded to the coin mechanism
the order of reimbursement of any intro parts
In normal operating condition, a green light indicates
that the distributor is able to supply ice cubes.

The rotational movement of the tank allows, thanks to a
electronic device ensuring arm at the same time
sage icicles - clockwise - via
diairs of palss fixed on its walls and distribution
using the dispensing bucket which, at each request,
driven8 by movement - counterclockwise
acts like a shovel by filling with a back of ice
let’s pour it into the chute leading to the hatch
Before each collection, a plas bag
food tick is delivered automatically, then
outlet hatch releases ice cubes on electric impulse
user-induced stick.

The body in 3mm thick galvanized sheet metal, designed to avoid any act of vandalism or
personal injury which may be caused to third parties involves
only two openings: - the access door reserved for technical visits provided with reinforced hinges invisible from the outside and a three-point lock also invisible from the outside, - - the ice outlet flap inaccessible from the outside - laughing and opening only in the direction of passage of the ice cubes.

 This invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown, which is only an example to which modifications can be made.

Claims (9)

Ft EE V ER N O I O A T I O N S 1) Automatic dispensing device for ice cubes suitable for consumption, designed for outdoor use, this device being characterized by the fact that it comprises a rotary tank (4) mounted on a central axis (11) placed on two ball bearings (12) which is driven by a variable speed motor with two directions of rotation. 2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the geared motor (5) has two directions of rotation allowing the tank to rotate in both directions so as to ensure the distribution function (anti-clockwise) and stirring of its stock (clockwise). 3) Device according to claim 1 characterized by the presence in the tank of a dispensing cup (7) having a trapezoidal shape and comprising at its base a filling opening and at its tip a pouring opening 4) Device according to claim 1, characterized by the presence on a part of the tank of a chute (8) of rectangular section matching the shape of the tank and leading the ice cubes to the outlet of the dispenser. 5) Device according to claim 4, characterized by the presence of a hatch (9) allowing the exit of the ice cubes but prohibiting the manual introduction of any object which could block and damage the mechanic or cause an accident. 6) Device according to claim 1, characterized by the very design of the tank (4) of a specially studied shape and its mixing elements (6) avoiding the formation of ice blocks which can affect the proper functioning of the distribution system . 7) Device according to claim 1, characterized by two contactors (10) acting under pressure, controlling the level of stock and transmitting operating orders to the production unit and the coin mechanism. 8) Device according to claims 1-2, characterized by an electro-mechanical apparatus particular to the device allowing the coordination of the different functions of the distribution or brewing devices, of the manufacturing or defrosting cycle, of stopping or switching on. on the way to the production unit according to the stock status, recording the quantities of product distributed. 9) Device according to claim 1 characterized by the Constitution and shape of the bodywork (1) ensuring total insulation and weathertightness and prohibiting any act of vandalism on the machinery or violation that could lead to an accident.