FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is comprised in the field of the ice production industry. More
specifically, the invention relates to a system for making compacted ice from crushed
or flake ice.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various processes for making compacted ice on an industrial level are known today.
Said processes can generally be divided into two groups. The first group is based
on a direct method for obtaining the compacted ice, which consists of generating ice
blocks directly, through a thermodynamic cycle, in which cold is generated and the
water gradually freezes. These methods have the drawback that thermal processes are
slow, and the production of compacted ice from notable dimensions, such as the typical
dimensions of ice cubes, is relatively low.
[0003] The second known group of processes is based on an indirect method in which compacted
ice is obtained by compression from crushed or flake ice. Said flakes are obtained
by applying the direct method, explained above, with the advantage that since the
flakes are of a smaller size and since they do not require being produced in a specific
manner, it is a much faster process than the process of forming ice cubes or blocks
of compacted ice having larger dimensions. Among these processes, compaction of crushed
ice known is performed from shipments processed in lots discontinuously. Therefore,
the productivity of these processes is also low. An example of processes of this type
is described in patent
ES 2402968 B1.
[0004] Said patent discloses a system which has an upper hopper or receptacle where the
crushed ice is stored. It is fed into a mould through an opening in the lower part
of said hopper where, by the compression action of two linear and horizontal pistons,
the ice is compressed and compacted ice cubes are formed. Finally, the pistons separate
from one another and the cubes are removed. The described system, therefore, is a
linear and discreet compression system which does not allow for high productivity
rates.
[0005] The present invention aims to solve the problem of the low productivity rates present
in the methods of the state of the art through a novel system for the production of
compacted ice, based on rotary means for compacting crushed ice capable of operating
continuously, thereby achieving productivity rates that are substantially higher than
those of the known technologies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] As described in the preceding section, the object of the invention relates to a system
for producing compacted ice from crushed and/or flake ice, intended for significantly
increase the rate of production compared to the alternatives of the state of the art.
[0007] Said system preferably comprises:
- A receiving sub-system configured with means for feeding crushed ice into the system.
- A sub-system for compacting the crushed ice, comprising at least a press module against
which the crushed ice is compacted, and a compression module provided with means for
generating compression forces by means of the movement of one or more press rollers.
- A sub-system for actuating the compaction sub-system.
[0008] Although reference will mainly be made in the present description to the compaction
of crushed ice, this term must also be understood to comprise flake ice as a possible
base material for compaction, without altering the main object of the invention.
[0009] Advantageously, the compaction sub-system of the invention also comprises one or
more rotary platforms for moulding the crushed ice, arranged between the press module
and the compression module, such that the rotary movement thereof is used to convey
the crushed ice and the compacted ice during production. Additionally, the actuation
sub-system is provided with means for rotating the rotary platforms while the crushed
ice is being compacted.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receiving sub-system comprises an
upper receiving hopper, provided with manual or automatic ice feeding means.
[0011] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the moulding rotary platforms comprise
one or more interchangeable templates provided with one or more moulding openings.
[0012] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compression module comprises
a plurality of wheels connected with the compression rollers, and guided by one or
more corresponding guiding tracks, such that the passage of the wheels over the guiding
tracks generates the linear movements of said compression rollers.
[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the wheels are distributed as a
group of outer wheels and a group of inner wheels in the compression module.
[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the guiding tracks have paths of
travel of different heights on which slide the wheels.
[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compression module also comprises
an assembly of lower press pistons, and an assembly of lower wheel-carrying arms and
of corresponding upper pushing arms, which accompany the linear movement of the wheels,
to exert compression of the crushed ice against the press module.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compression module comprises
at least one divisional rotary platform, configured for isolating against water the
part of the compaction sub-system that is located between the inner wheels and the
moulding rotary platforms. More preferably, the module comprises, between said divisional
rotary platform and the moulding rotary platform, a plurality of substantially vertical
structural arms.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the moulding rotary platform is
connected to one or more connecting rollers. More preferably, said connecting arms
are located radially in relation to the moulding rotary platforms.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuation sub-system comprises
a ring gear fixed integrally to the moulding rotary platforms, engaged with a pinion
and a motor.
[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuation sub-system comprises
one or more secondary motors for providing movement to respective impellers, located
on the moulding rotary platform.
[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a bed sub-system
configured for supporting the assembly of said system. More preferably, said bed sub-system
comprises a platform and a bed base with a plurality of supporting legs, and/or an
inspection window with lower access to the system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0021] To better understand that described herein, eight figures depicting a preferred embodiment
of the invention, as well as of the different sub-systems integrating same are appended
hereto.
Figure 1 shows a general perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the system
for the production of compacted ice from crushed ice.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the sub-system for receiving crushed ice of the
invention according to a preferred embodiment thereof.
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the moulding rotary platforms of the invention
according to a preferred embodiment thereof.
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the press platform of the invention according
to a preferred embodiment thereof.
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the compression module of the invention according
to a preferred embodiment thereof.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the guiding tracks of the inner and outer wheels
of the invention according to a preferred embodiment thereof.
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the actuation sub-system of the invention according
to a preferred embodiment thereof.
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the bed sub-system of the invention according
to a preferred embodiment thereof.
REFERENCE NUMBERS USED IN THE FIGURES
[0022] For the purpose of helping to better understand the technical features of the invention,
the mentioned figures include a series of reference numbers where the following is
depicted in an illustrative and non-limiting manner:
1 |
Sub-system for receiving crushed ice |
2 |
Moulding rotary platform |
3 |
Compaction sub-system |
4 |
Press module |
5 |
Compression module |
6 |
Press rollers |
7 |
Actuation sub-system |
8 |
Bed sub-system |
9 |
Upper Hopper |
10 |
Interchangeable moulding templates |
11 |
Moulding openings |
12 |
Outer wheels |
13 |
Inner wheels |
14 |
Guiding tracks of the outer wheels |
15 |
Guiding tracks of the inner wheels |
16 |
Lower pistons |
17 |
Lower wheel-carrying arms |
18 |
Upper pushing arms |
19 |
Divisional rotary platform |
20 |
Vertical structural arms |
21 |
Connecting rollers |
22 |
Ring gear |
23 |
Pinion |
24 |
Motor |
25 |
Secondary motors |
26 |
Impellers |
27 |
Bed platform |
28 |
Bed base |
29 |
Supporting legs |
30 |
Inspection window |
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] As described in the preceding sections, the present invention relates to a system
for the production of compacted ice from crushed ice. A detailed description of the
invention in reference to a preferred embodiment thereof shown in Figures 1 to 8 is
described below.
[0024] As shown in said figures, the system for compacting ice of the present invention,
in said preferred embodiment, generally comprises a plurality of sub-systems which
define the main functions thereof: a receiving sub-system (1) (Figure 2) configured
with means for feeding crushed ice the system; one or more moulding rotary platforms
(2) (Figure 3), the function of which is to serve as a compaction mould for the crushed
ice, in addition to conveying the crushed ice and the compacted ice throughout the
production process; a sub-system (3) for compacting (Figures 4, 5 and 6) the crushed
ice, comprising, in its preferred embodiment, at least a press module (4) (Figure
4), which is preferably fixed and rigid, against which the crushed ice will be compacted,
and a compression module (5) (Figure 5) capable of generating compression forces by
means of the movement of one or more press rollers (6); an actuation sub-system (7)
(Figure 7) which generates the movement for the compaction sub-system (3); and, optionally,
a bed sub-system (8) (Figure 8) structurally supporting the assembly of the system.
Each of the identified sub-systems is described below.
[0025] The receiving sub-system (1) (Figure 2) comprises, in its preferred embodiment, an
upper receiving hopper (9). The function of said upper hopper (9) is to feed crushed
ice for the moulding rotary platforms (2) through at least one opening in the lower
region of the upper hopper (9). To restock the crushed ice of said upper hopper (9)
manual or automatic feeding means can be used in various embodiments of the invention.
Likewise, another function of the upper hopper (9) is to act as a limiting surface
for the crushed ice that is located on the moulding rotary platforms (2) at the beginning
of the production process. Preferably, the upper hopper (9) will not completely cover
the upper part of the assembly so as to leave free space for the press module (4),
as well as for removing the compacted ice from the system as it is formed as part
of the production process.
[0026] Figure 3 shows, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a moulding rotary platform
(2) the function of which is to serve as a mould for crushed ice, in addition to being
used as a conveying surface for the crushed ice and compacted ice throughout the production
process. Said moulding rotary platform (2) preferably comprises a plurality of interchangeable
templates (10) provided with one or more moulding openings (11). The functions of
said templates (10) are, primarily, to be readily replaceable in the event of malfunction
or maintenance, and to offer the capacity to accommodate different technical specifications
for the moulds of the compacted ice, both in size and in shape, which are determined
in a corresponding manner by size and shape of the moulding openings (11), which can
adopt a cylindrical design, prismatic design, etc. The mentioned interchangeable templates
(10) are integrated in their respective moulding rotary platforms (2), forming the
mould of the compacted ice itself. The crushed ice that is located on the moulding
rotary platform (2) will thus fall into said moulding openings (11), and as its passes
through the press module (4), it will be compacted by the pressure exerted by the
press rollers (6) until it is compacted to the desired shape.
[0027] Figures 5 and 6 show the elements of the compression module (5) in addition to the
moulding rotary platform (2) in a preferred embodiment. In a preferred embodiment
of the invention, said compression module (5) comprises: a plurality of wheels (12,
13), distributed preferably as a group of outer wheels (12) and a group of inner wheels
(13), guided by the corresponding guiding tracks (14, 15) (Figure 6) which together
generate the linear movements necessary for compressing the crushed ice; an assembly
of lower pistons (16) and press rollers (6), and an assembly of lower wheel-carrying
arms (17) and upper pushing arms (18), which accompany the linear movement of the
outer wheel (12) and inner wheel (13) and exert compression of the crushed ice against
the press module (4). Furthermore, said compression module (5) comprises at least
one divisional rotary platform (19), the function of which is to isolate against water
the lower part of the compaction sub-system (3) that is located between the inner
wheel (13) and outer wheel (12) and the moulding rotary platform (2). In a preferred
embodiment, there is a series substantially vertical structural arms (20) which integrally
attach the elements of said compression module (5) between said divisional rotary
platform (19) and the moulding rotary platform (2).
[0028] In said preferred embodiment, the moulding rotary platform (2) is connected by means
of one or more connecting rollers (21) located on the outer diameter and/or on the
inner diameter of the interchangeable templates (10). Said connecting rollers (21)
thereby serve as an attachment element for the elements of the compression module
(5).
[0029] Preferably, the connecting rollers (21) are connected to the upper pushing arms (18).
More preferably, said arms (18) are located radially with respect to the divisional
rotary platforms (19), in the free space between the lower part of the moulding rotary
platform (2) and the upper part of the divisional rotary platform (19). Said divisional
platform (19) consists of openings for housing and serving as a guide for both the
vertical structural arms (20) and for the lower pistons (16). In turn, in addition
to serving as a guide and as reinforcement for the vertical structural arms (20),
the upper pushing arms (18) are for carrying and exerting pressure on the press rollers
(6), as the latter are pushed linearly by the upper pushing arms (18), obtaining as
a result compaction against the press module (4) of the crushed ice, located inside
the moulding openings (11). Likewise, the upper pushing arms (18) will be raised by
the lower pistons (16), each of them being supported at its lower end on the lower
wheel-carrying arms (17) which will move linearly, guided by the movement of the outer
wheels (12) and inner wheels (13), when sliding over the guiding tracks of the outer
wheels (14) and inner wheels (15) having a variable section.
[0030] Additionally, the lower wheel-carrying arms (17) have a dual function. On one hand,
in a preferred embodiment each arm carries an outer wheel (12) and another inner wheel
(13), guiding the assembly of the compression module (5). On the other hand, they
act as a support for the lower pistons (16). Said lower wheel-carrying arms (17) are
distributed radially in the space between the divisional rotary platform (19) and
the inner guiding track (15) and outer guiding track (14).
[0031] Figure 6 shows a preferred embodiment in which there can be observed the inner guiding
track (15) and outer guiding track (14), having a circular path of travel and with
different heights on which both the outer wheels (12) and the inner wheels (13) slide.
When travelling across the space projected by the press module (4) on the guiding
tracks (14, 15), they generate an upward movement in the outer wheels (12) and inner
wheels (13), therefore raising the position of the entire assembly formed by the outer
wheels (12) and inner wheels (13), lower wheel-carrying arms (17), lower pistons (16),
upper pushing arms (18), and press rollers (6), with the latter exerting pressure
and compacting against the press module (4) the crushed ice which will be located
inside the moulding openings (11).
[0032] Figure 7 shows the actuation sub-system (7) of the invention, the main function of
which is to generate the main rotational movement of the system, as described above.
To that end, the actuation sub-system (7) comprises in a preferred embodiment a ring
gear (22) fixed integrally to outer diameter of the moulding rotary platforms (2),
engaged with a pinion (23) and a motor (24) capable of rotating the assembly. Optionally,
in said preferred embodiment, the invention has one or more secondary motors (25)
capable of providing movement to respective impellers (26) located on the moulding
rotary platform (2) the purpose of which is to aid in the crushed ice not being compacted
before beginning the actual mechanical compaction process of the invention.
[0033] Figure 8 shows, in a preferred embodiment, the bed sub-system (8) configured for
supporting the assembly of the system. Said bed sub-system (8) preferably comprises
a platform (27) and a bed base (28) with a plurality of supporting legs (29) for being
supported on the ground or any other bearing surface. Additionally, the sub-system
(8) may optionally comprise an inspection window (30), which facilitates repairs and
changing of parts in the event of a possible malfunction, from the lower part of the
system.
[0034] In this manner and as described, the invention provides a system for compacting crushed
ice capable of forming compacted ice by means of a continuous process, thereby improving
the limitations of the state of the art.
1. System for the production of compacted ice from crushed ice, comprising:
- a receiving sub-system (1) configured with means for feeding crushed and/or flake
ice into the system;
- a sub-system (3) for compacting the crushed ice, comprising at least a press module
(4) against which the crushed ice is compacted, and a compression module (5) provided
with means for generating compression forces by means of the movement of one or more
press rollers (6);
- a sub-system (7) for actuating the compaction sub-system (3);
and
characterised in that the compaction sub-system (3) also comprises one or more rotary platforms (2) for
moulding the crushed ice, arranged between the press module (4) and the compression
module (5), such that the rotary movement thereof is used to convey the crushed ice
and the compacted ice during production;
and
in that the actuation sub-system (7) is provided with means for rotating the rotary platforms
(2) while the crushed ice is being compacted.
2. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the receiving sub-system comprises
an upper receiving hopper (9), provided with manual or automatic ice feeding means.
3. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moulding rotary platforms
(2) comprise one or more interchangeable templates (10) provided with one or more
moulding openings (11).
4. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the compression module (5)
comprises a plurality of wheels (12, 13) connected with the compression rollers (6),
and guided by one or more corresponding guiding tracks (14, 15), such that the passage
of the wheels (12, 13) over the guiding tracks generates the linear movements of said
compression rollers (6).
5. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the wheels (12, 13) are distributed
as a group of outer wheels (12) and a group of inner wheels (13) in the compression
module (5).
6. System according to any of claims 4-5, wherein the guiding tracks (14, 15) have paths
of travel of different heights on which the wheels (12, 13) slide.
7. System according to any of claims 4-6, wherein the compression module (5) also comprises
an assembly of lower press pistons (16), and an assembly of lower wheel-carrying arms
(17) and of corresponding pushing upper arms (18), which accompany the linear movement
of the wheels (12, 13), to exert compression of the crushed ice against the press
module (4).
8. System according to any of claims 4-7, wherein the compression module (5) comprises
at least one divisional rotary platform (19), configured for isolating against water
the part of the compaction sub-system (3) that is located between the wheels (12,
13) and the moulding rotary platforms (2).
9. System according to the preceding claim comprising, between the divisional rotary
platform (19) and a moulding rotary platform (2), a plurality of substantially vertical
structural arms (20).
10. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moulding rotary platform
(2) is connected to one or more connecting rollers (21).
11. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting rollers (21) are located
radially in relation to the moulding rotary platforms (2).
12. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation sub-system
(7) comprises a ring gear (22) fixed integrally to the moulding rotary platforms (2),
engaged with a pinion (23) and a motor (24).
13. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation sub-system
(7) comprises one or more secondary motors (25) for providing movement to respective
impellers (26), located on the moulding rotary platform (2).
14. System according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a bed sub-system (8) configured
for supporting the assembly of said system.
15. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the bed sub-system (8) comprises
a platform (27) and a bed base (28) with a plurality of supporting legs (29), and/or
an inspection window (30) with lower access to the system.