MXPA97003594A - Impulsor assembly for a transportation - Google Patents

Abstract

A transmission assembly for a conveyor facilitates speed adjustments by varying the radiating distance between a rotating arrow and a link driven by the rotating arrow

Description

ASSEMBLY DRIVER FOR A CONVEYOR Field of the Invention The present invention relates to conveyors and in particular, to an adjustable speed drive assembly for a commercial dishwasher conveyor.

Background of the Invention Conveyor dishwashers are known in the art. The plates enter a dirty end and come out at the opposite end clean. A desirable attribute of such a dishwasher is the adjustable conveyor speed. For example, a relatively dirty load of dishes may require "more" washing than a relatively clean load. In such a case, it would be pleasant to operate the conveyor at a relatively slow speed to effectively increase the washing time. On the other hand, with a relatively clean load, it would be nice to operate the conveyor at a relatively fast speed to conserve resources. Also, since the groups of relatively clean plates can be interspersed with each other, it would be nice to adjust the conveyor speed without interrupting the operation of the dishwasher.

Brief Description of the Invention The present invention provides a transmission assembly capable of driving a dishwasher conveyor at different speeds to accommodate different needs, without requiring a multiple speed motor. In addition, speed settings can be made "on the fly" (without stopping the conveyor and without any risk of engine damage). The adjustments are affected by varying the radial distance between a driven member and an axis around which the driving assembly pivots. A detent arrangement provides a positive indication that the speed is set at a particular setting corresponding to a particular radial distance. Many of the advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiment set forth below.

Brief Description of the Drawings With reference to the Figures of the Drawing, in which like numbers represent equal parts and assemblies through several views, Figure 1 is an isometric view of an impeller assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 2a is a top view of the drive assembly of Figure 1, shown in a relatively low setting and in a relatively extended orientation; Figure 2b is a top view of the drive assembly of Figure 1, shown in a relatively low setting and in an intermediate orientation; Figure 2c is a top view of the drive assembly of Figure 1, shown in a relatively low setting and in a relatively retracted orientation; Figure 3a is a top view of the drive assembly of the Figure 1, shown in a relatively high setting and in a relatively extended orientation; Figure 3b is a top view of the drive assembly of Figure 1, shown in a relatively high setting and in an intermediate orientation; Figure 3c is a top view of the drive assembly of Figure 1, shown in a relatively high setting and in a relatively retracted orientation; and Figure 4 is a top view of the drive assembly of Figure 1, shown in a relatively low setting and in an obstructed orientation.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Modality an impeller assembly of the preferred embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is designated 100 in Figures 1-4. The drive assembly 100 generally includes an input driver 120, a driven member 140, and an adjustable transmission assembly 200 interconnected therebetween. The transmission assembly 200 includes a main bar or lever 210 having a first inlet end 211 and a second outlet end or end 212. Two opposite arms 221 and 222 are pivotally mounted to the inlet end 211 by means of separate pins 223 The arms 221 and 222 are images identical to one another. The arms 221 and 222 extend from the pivot ends 224 to distal ends 225. The interface surfaces of the inlet end 211 and each of the pivot ends 224 are tilted down and away from each other, so that when in the orientation shown in Figures 2b and 3b, each arm 221 and 222 is free to pivot away from its counterpart, but not towards its counterpart. One of these surfaces 204 is disclosed in Figure 4. This release feature of the arms 221 and 222 allows the engine 120 to operate unimpeded in the event that the link 141 and / or the lever 210 is obstructed.

A limb 226 extends outwardly from each remote end 225 toward a distal, buttressed end 227, and a coil spring 228 is interconnected between the distal ends 227. The tension in the spring 228 deflects the limbs 226 and the arms 221 and 222 one toward other. When the distal ends 225 touch, the arms 221 and 222 cooperate to form an oval channel 229 therebetween. The input driver 120 includes a motor positioned behind the main bar 210. The motor includes an output shaft 122, to which a cam 129 is mounted eccentrically mounted. The cam 129 protrudes into the oval channel 229 between the arms 221 and 222. The rotation of the output shaft 122 causes the cam 129 to alternately rest against the arm 221 and the arm 222. An oval groove 239 is formed in the main bar 210 proximate the outlet end 212. A sliding member 230 is slidably mounted within slot 239 and moved along the line EF. The sliding member includes upper and lower flanges 231 and 232 and an intermediate portion 233 interconnected therebetween. The flanges 231 and 232 overlap and effectively "sandwich" portions of the bar 210 to retain the sliding member 230 within the slot 239. A spacer 234, which has a relatively large diameter, is mounted on the upper part of the housing. upper flange 231 and a pin 240, which has a relatively small diameter, protrudes upwardly from the top of spacer 234.

The driven member 140 includes a link 141 that is connected in some way as a key. The link 141 is connected to a frame (shown diagrammatically at 90) by means of a rectangular slot that restricts the link 141 to move linearly backward and forward (along the line AB), or not at all. An arrow 142 extends transversely between a first end 143, which is generally rectangular and a second opposite end 144 that is generally J-shaped. An oval slot 149 is wide enough to receive the pin 240 but not the spacer 234. Both the groove 149 as the groove 239 are relatively elongated and extend parallel to each other. When moving in a first direction, towards safety bars on a commercial dishwasher, the J-shaped end 144 engages a safety bar and thereby drives a conveyor in a first direction. When moving in the second opposite direction, the J-shaped end 144 is released from the safety bar and repositioned in relation to the conveyor. In this way, the repetitive backward and forward movements of the link 141 drive the conveyor in an individual direction. Intermediate between the slot 139 and the pivoting arms 221 and 222, the main bar 210 is secured to an arrow 250 which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis (indicated by the arc GH). The arrow 250 is rotatably mounted to the frame 90 by means of a stump or similar structure. The motor 120 rotates the bar 210 and the arrow 250 oscillatory (indicated by the arc CD), thereby causing the link 141 to move back and forth (along the line AB). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the stroke of the link 141 is a function of the distance between the axis of rotation and the linear path that the link 141. was displaced. If the speed of the motor 120 is constant, the speed of transportation can be varied. however, by adjusting the distance between the axis of rotation and the trajectory of the link 141. The present invention provides an adjustment means 260 for adjusting the stroke in this manner. The adjustment means 260 includes a rod 261 extending through the arrow 250 and the bar 210. The rod 261 has a first end connected to a knob 263 and a second opposite end connected to a rotating plate 264. A coil spring 269 is compressed between the knob 263 and one end of the arrow 250 opposite the bar 210. The spring 269 deflects the plate 264 toward the bar 210. Separate circumferential holes 266 are formed in the plate 264 at a common radial distance from the rod. 261. A protrusion 267 protrudes upwardly from the bar 210 and selectively couples any one of the holes 266. The rod 261, the knob 263 and the plate 264 are free to rotate relative to the arrow 250 and the lever 210 until one of the holes 266 in the plate 264 aligns with the protrusion 267, at which time the deflection of the spring 269 attracts the plate 264 down on the protrusion 267. To rotate the plate 264, you must first push on the knob 263 to force the plate 264 out of engagement with the protrusion 267. Those skilled in the art will recognize that those portions cooperate to provide an arrangement of catch. A pin 268 extends upwardly from an eccentric location on the plate 264. The pin 268 projects through an oval channel 279 in a plate or support member 270. A rod 279 extends between and rigidly interconnects the member 270 and the sliding member 230. An intermediate portion of the rod 274 passes through a hole in a flange 276 extending upwardly from the bar 210. Since the distance between the pin 268 and the pin 240 is commanded by the rod 274, the rotation of the plate 264 adjusts the stroke of the link 141 (changing the radial distance between the pin 240 and the longitudinal axis of the arrow 250). In other words, the five holes 267 through plate 264 allow five discrete speed settings. With plate 264 turned towards the lowest or lowest setting, as shown in Figures 2a-2c, the stroke of link 141 is equal to the sum of the distance between lines L1 and M1 (shown in Figure 2a) and the distance between lines L1 and N1 (shown in Figure 2c). With plate 264 rotated to a plus or maximum setting, as shown in Figures 3a-3c, the stroke of link 141 is equal to the sum of the distance between lines L5 and M5 (shown in Figure 3a) and the distance between lines L5 and N5 (shown in Figure 3c). The plate 264 is shown in an intermediate fixation in Figure 1. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the length of the channel 229 must be at least as large as the diameter of the path traveled by the cam 129.; the length of the slot 279 must be at least as large as the radius of the path displaced by the pin 268; the length of the slot 239 must be at least as large as the diameter of the path displaced by the pin 268, plus the length of the slidable member 230, plus the lateral component of displacement of the sliding member 230 within the slot 239 to the rotation of lever 210; and the length of the slot 149 should be at least as large as the diameter of the path displaced by the pin 268, plus the diameter of the pin 240, plus the lateral component of displacement of the pin 240 within the slot 149 to rotation of lever 210. However, those skilled in the art will also recognize other ways of executing this same kind of adjustment, including for example, an axially movable cable connected to the sliding member. For ease of reference, the drive assembly 100 is described as seen or as it is vertical from above in Figures 1-4. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the particular orientation of the drive assembly 100 is not critical to its operation. In addition, the specific configurations and the relative dimensions of the different parts are not necessarily vital to the utility of the present invention. The present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment and a specific application. However, the present invention is not limited in this way and, those skilled in the art will recognize additional modalities and / or applications in view of this description. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the extension of the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. A dishwashing appliance, comprising: a motor; a transporter; a transmission assembly interconnected between the conveyor and the motor; and adjustment means, connected to the transmission assembly, to adjust the speed at which the transmission assembly drives the conveyor in response to the operation of the engine at a constant speed.

The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein the transmission assembly includes a lever having a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the intermediate portion is intersected by an axis of rotation and, the motor oscillates the first portion about the axis of rotation and, the conveyor is connected to the second portion.

The dishwashing appliance of claim 2, wherein a support on the second portion is connected to a conveyor and is movable relative to the conveyor and to the second portion, in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation.

The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, wherein the drive assembly includes a lever movable about an axis of rotation and, the adjustment means includes a member interconnected between the lever and the conveyor link and movable radially relative to the axis of rotation.

The dishwashing appliance of claim 4, wherein the member slides relative to both the lever and the conveyor link.

The dishwashing appliance of claim 4, wherein the motor and the member are connected to opposite ends of the lever.

The dishwashing appliance of claim 4, further comprising movement means, connected to the member, for moving the member radially relative to the axis of rotation.

The dishwashing appliance of claim 7, wherein the movement means includes a plate rotatably mounted on the lever, a pin mounted eccentrically on the plate, and a rod interconnected between the pin and the member.

The dishwashing appliance of claim 1, further comprising elastic biasing means, connected to the plate, for deflecting the plate to stop at the changes of increase in orientation.

The dishwashing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the biasing means includes a rod interconnecting the plate and the knob and, the lever and a spring are compressed between the knob and the plate and, a protrusion protrudes from the lever and selectively couples any of a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes in the plate.

11. The dishwashing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the movement means further includes a part having a channel formed therein and, the part is secured to one end of the rod opposite the member, and the pin protrudes into the channel.

12. A dishwashing appliance, comprising: a lever movable about an axis of rotation, a motor connected to a first end of the lever; a transport link; a member interconnected between the conveyor link and a second opposite end of the lever, wherein the member is movable relative to both the conveyor link and the lever, in a radial direction toward the axis of rotation; a plate rotatably mounted on the lever; a pin mounted eccentrically on the plate; and a first rod interconnected between the pin and the member, so that the rotation of the plate adjusts the speed at which the transmission assembly drives the conveyor in response to the operation of the engine at a constant speed.

The dishwashing appliance of claim 12, further comprising a part having a channel formed therein, wherein the part is secured to one end of the rod opposite the member and the pin projects into the channel.

The dishwashing apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a second rod interconnected between the plate and a knob; a spring, where the lever and the spring are compressed between the knob and the plate; and a protrusion projecting from the lever and selectively engaging any of a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes in the plate.

15. A method for converting the rotational, constant velocity input from a motor into any of a plurality of conveyor speeds, comprising the steps of: mounting a conveyor link to a frame in such a way that the conveyor link is restricted to move linearly; mounting a lever to the frame such that the lever is restricted from rotating about an axis of rotation; connect the motor to a first end of the lever; and interconnecting a second, opposite end of the lever and the conveyor link at a selectively adjustable distance from the axis of rotation.

The method of claim 15, wherein the step of interconnecting involves slidingly connecting a sliding member into the slots in the lever and the conveyor link.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of pivotally mounting a plate on the lever; and interconnecting the plate and the sliding member such that the rotation of the plate causes the sliding member to slide along the slots in the lever and the conveyor link.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of inserting a rod through the lever and a compressed spring; connect a first end of the rod to the plate; connect a second opposite end of the rod to a knob, with the knob next to the spring and, the plate next to the lever; place a protrusion on the lever; and forming holes circumferentially spaced apart in the plate such that each of the holes can be selectively aligned with the protrusion to the rotation of the knob.

19. A dishwashing appliance, comprising: a rotating arrow; a lever having a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the intermediate portion is mounted on the arrow; an engine connected to the first portion; and a conveyor connected to the second portion at a selectively adjustable distance from the arrow.

20. The dishwasher apparatus of claim 19, wherein the arrow has a longitudinal axis and the lever rotates oscillatory about the longitudinal axis.