Machine for the production and distribution of ice particles

Abstract

A machine for the production and distribution of ice particles, having a frame comprising a refrigerator group evaporator and forming means for forming the ice particles, the machine further having a distributing device for distributing the ice particles and comprising a closed housing for storing the ice particles, wherein the distributing device is located outside of the frame.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Disclosure[0002]The present disclosure relates to a machine for the production and distribution of ice.[0003]2. Discussion of the Background Art[0004]Machines for ice production have existed on the market for some time, of the type comprising a tubular pipe for forming the ice, covered by a refrigerator group evaporator, and equipped with an auger at its interior that transfers the ice to the production outlet, to which a ring nut pierced with drawing holes is associated.[0005]In particular, the machines referred to herein are conceived to produce ice in particles, so-called “nuggets” or “flakers” in granule or cube o cylindric form.[0006]One of the main problems of these machines involves positioning the machine in an area that is easily accessible, making the ice readily available for the user, without the machine installation position being inconvenient.[0007]Generally, this type of machine is equipped with an external ice dispenser on one of its s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]One object of the disclosure is that of providing a machine for the production and distribution of ice particles that protects the ice from pollutants or dust present in the environment where the machine is installed.

[0015]Another object of the disclosure is that of providing a machine for the production and distribution of ice particles that has a supply position with comfortable user access to the ice dispenser while making all machine parts easily accessible for inspection, maintenance, assembly, disassembly and cleaning, at the same time.

[0016]A further object of the disclosure is that of providing a machine for the production and distribution of ice particles that permits positioning the ice dispenser at standing height without complicating the machine structure or requiring a specific support structure in a position raised from the ground.

Problems solved by technology

One of the main problems of these machines involves positioning the machine in an area that is easily accessible, making the ice readily available for the user, without the machine installation position being inconvenient.

In order to retrieve the ice particles, the user must use some form of shovel, thereby introducing pollutants.

This further leaves the ice susceptible to pollutants.

Furthermore, such ice dispensers do not have good thermal insulation, which results in conglomeration of the ice particles.

In this case, the advantages of improved hygiene and easy access to the ice at standing height are compromised by the fact that the position of the machine often obstructs transit, and complicated systems must be created to support the machine, including suitable support brackets and safety locking systems which are not necessary when the machine is simply positioned on the ground.

Furthermore, when the machine is placed in a raised position, not all parts are easily accessed by the user.

However, although not at ground level, the delivery outlet having an open end is still susceptible to contamination by air pollutants and there is no disclosure of an ice dispenser having thermal insulation.

Furthermore, this does not provide a readily available supply of ice particles as the ice must first be produced each time ice is desired.

Images