IMPROVED AUTOMATIC SQUEEZER WITH THE ENTIRE SQUEEZING UNIT INTERCONNECTED BY A SUPPORT INDEPENDENT OF THE DRIVE UNIT

Abstract

The invention relates to a squeezing machine of the type in which the juice is obtained in a squeezing unit comprising at least one male drum (5) and at least one female drum, the female drum (4) having recesses for holding the fruit and the male drum having protrusions that insert in the recesses of the female drum to catch the fruit, the squeezing unit (2) and other auxiliary elements are joined to each other, preferably by a casing, such that they can engage and be released from the drive element (1) as a single block.

Claims

1. AUTOMATIC SQUEEZING MACHINE of the type comprising, as the main squeezing elements, at least one male drum and at least one female drum with synchronised rotational movement, as drive elements at least one motor and the movement transmission elements, characterized in that it comprises two clearly differentiated modules (1) and (2), where: 1. Module 1 (1), the drive module, comprises the drive element. 2. Module 2 (2) acting as a block that comprises a squeezing unit that in turn comprises: a. At least one male drum (5). b. At least one female drum (4). 3. A support (7) with housings (13) and (14), where this support is a casing to which are connected, preferably in a removable manner, at least the various individual elements of the squeezing unit, such that the support allows at least one rotational degree of freedom in said elements. 4. Engagement elements (3) between the module 1 (1) and the module 2 (2), such that when engaged the movement of module 1 (1) is transmitted to module 2 (2).

2. AUTOMATIC SQUEEZING MACHINE according to claim 1 characterized in that the squeezing unit comprises some of the following auxiliary elements: blade (6), guide (9), skin extractors (10), filter (12), vat (11), turner, skin extraction ducts, fruit or vegetable feeder, or spigot.

3. AUTOMATIC SQUEEZING MACHINE according to claim 2 characterized in that the auxiliary elements are interconnected to the support.

4. AUTOMATIC SQUEEZING MACHINE according to claim 1 characterized in that the interconnection between the squeezing unit elements and the casing is not permanent.

5. AUTOMATIC SQUEEZING MACHINE according to claim 1 characterized in that the engagement elements between module 1 (1) and module 2 (2) comprise the shafts (3) that are inserted in the male (5) and female (6) drums.

6. AUTOMATIC SQUEEZING MACHINE according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises means for securing (8) and attaching said module to each other.

7. AUTOMATIC SQUEEZING MACHINE according to claim 3 characterized in that the interconnection between the squeezing unit elements and the casing is not permanent.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 shows the drive module 1 (1) and the squeezing module 2 (2) engaged to each other, also showing the rotary female drums (4) and male drums (5). Also visible is the casing (7) that contains the various individual elements of the squeezing unit, as well as the safety elements (8). Also visible are other auxiliary elements such as the blade (6), the guide (9), the skin extractor (10), vat (11), filter (12) and fruit feeder (19).

[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the squeezing module (2) showing the casing (7) that comprises the bearings (13) which support an on which revolve the female drums (4), the housings (14) for the lugs (16) of the skin extractor (10) with arms (18) that act as bearings for the male drums (5). The casing (7) also comprises the housing (15) for the guide (9), which in turn supports the blade (6). Also shown are the filter (12) and the vat (11), where the vat and filter are attached to the casing by a set of lugs (17).

[0025] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the drive module 1 revealing the top and bottom drive shafts (3) which convey the rotation movement respectively to the female and male drums, not shown here. Also shown are the gears (19) that enable the synchronised movement of all the shafts and the safety element (8) for attaching the modules.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the drive module 1 (1) and the squeezing module 2 (2) in the engaged position.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0027] To aid the understanding of the invention, a description is made of an embodiment for purposes of illustration only and in a non-limiting sense, as other embodiments are possible.

[0028] The invention relates to an automatic squeezing machine of the type in which the squeezing occurs in a squeezing unit generally comprising one or more male drums and one or more female drums driven by a drive module which, using transmission means, in this case the shafts (3), transmits the movement from the drive module to the squeezing module, specifically to the male (5) and female (4) drums.

[0029] As indicated in the preceding paragraph, the invention comprises: [0030] 1. A drive module, the module 1 (1), comprising the drive elements, the gears and the movement transmission elements, which in this case are shafts (3) with a suitable shape for being inserted in the module 2 (2), specifically in the male (5) and female (6) drums. This drive module is attached to the frame of the machine. [0031] 2. A squeezing module, module 2 (2), comprising: [0032] a. The squeezing unit, in this case the female drums (4) and the male drums (5). Auxiliary elements such as the blade (6), the guide (9) and the skin extractor (10). [0033] b. A casing used for support and connection to the various individual elements of the squeezing unit, which allows at least one rotational degree of freedom to the drums.

[0034] The two modules are engaged through the shafts (3) such that when inserted in and engaging the male (5) and female (4) drums, the shafts (3) transmit the movement generated by the drive module (1) to the squeezing module (2).

[0035] Module 1 (1) comprises the mechanics and electronics, such that module 2 (2) is limited to specific squeezing elements, often made of plastic, which can be washed without risk of damage.

[0036] The squeezing module 2 (2) is connected to module 1 such that it can be disengaged from module 1 (1) as a block, thereby facilitating and streamlining the removal and assembly operations for washing, particularly since the squeezing module 2 (2) can be also washed as a block.

[0037] The various elements of module 2 (2) are interconnected with each other, although in this specific embodiment the elements can also be removed independently of module 2 (2) for a more thorough washing, specific maintenance operations or removing or repairing parts.

[0038] The casing has two functions: interconnecting the squeezing module 2 (2) acting as a support for the various elements thereof and containing them as a cover.

[0039] The female drums (4) are joined to the casing (7) by the bearings (3), which maintain them in position while allowing them to rotate.

[0040] The male drums (5) are mounted on the shafts (3) and rest on the arms (18) of the skin extractor (10) that act as a bearing from the male drums.

[0041] The skin extractor (10) is joined to the casing (7) by lugs (16) that are inserted in housings (14) made in the casing (7).

[0042] The blade (6) is mounted on a guide (9) that can be inserted in a housing (15) provided in the casing (7).

[0043] The filter (12) and the vat (11) are attached to the casing by a set of lugs (17).

[0044] In this way, all the elements of the squeezing unit and the auxiliary elements thereof are attached to the casing (7).

[0045] To ensure the correct attachment and engagement of the modules and to maintain the correct engagement thereof during the operation of the machine, safety locks (8) are provided that can include electronic systems that turn off the machine if the relative position of the modules is changed to ensure safety.