Reducer assembly

Abstract

The invention is a reducer assembly comprising an input group 200, an output group 300, and a shell 100, suitable for housing said input group 200 and output group 300. The input group 200 comprises an input shaft 210 and an input gear 220; the output group 300 comprises an output shaft 310 and an output gear 320, suitable for engaging with the input gear 220. At least the shell 100 of the reducer assembly 500 is made of technopolymer.

Description

REDUCER ASSEMBLY"DESCRIPTIONField of application

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of reducers . In particular, the present invention relates to a reducer assembly with improved characteristics and performance .

[0002] A reducer is a mechanical device designed to reduce and / or increase the rotational speed and to increase and / or reduce the torque transmitted from a motor to a driven system. Its main function is therefore to adapt the power supplied by the motor to the operating requirements of a machine or equipment connected to said reducer .

[0003] For many applications, the need to reduce production and installation costs, or overall dimensions, or the weight of the components used, is increasingly felt . Such applications also require components characterised by high corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning.

[0004] Furthermore, some specific applications, for example in the medical or food field, require the reduction or complete elimination of the risk of contact with lubricants or other substances that are usually used to ensure the correct functioning andservice life of reducers according to known art .

[0005] In addition, some specific applications, such as production plants, filling lines, and conveyor belts in the food, medical or pharmaceutical fields, require components resistant to aggressive washing, for example alkaline and / or acid washing, and free of stagnation areas .Obj ect of the invention

[0006] An obj ect of the present invention is to provide a reducer capable of meeting the above-mentioned needs .

[0007] Another obj ect of the invention is to provide a reducer that is quiet, economical, lightweight, easy to maintain, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean.

[0008] These obj ects are achieved by a reducer assembly in accordance with claim 1. The dependent claims describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention.Description of the drawings

[0009] The features and advantages of the reducer assembly according to the invention will become evident from the description below of some preferred embodiments, given by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:Figure 1 shows a reducer assembly in an axonometric view in an embodiment, in accordance with the present invention;Figure 2 shows the reducer assembly of figure 1 in a further axonometric view;Figure 3 represents the reducer assembly of figure 1 in a sectional view;Figure 4 represents the reducer assembly of figure 1 in an exploded view;Figure 5 shows a reducer assembly in an axonometric view in a further embodiment, in accordance with the present invention;Figure 6 shows the reducer assembly of figure 5 in a further axonometric view;Figure 7 represents the reducer assembly of figure 5 in a sectional view;Figure 8 represents the reducer assembly of figure 5 in an exploded view;- Figure 9 shows a reducer assembly in an axonometric view in a further embodiment, in accordance with the present invention.Detailed description

[0010] With reference to the above figures, the reference number 500 denotes as a whole a reducer assembly .

[0011] The reducer assembly 500 in accordance with the present invention is suitable for interacting with an external motor apparatus .

[0012] As will become clear from the following description, the reducer assembly 500 has a scalable configuration in dimensional terms . In other words, the dimensions of the reducer may be adapted according to the external motor apparatus with which it is intended to interact .

[0013] The reducer assembly 500 comprises a shell 100, an input group 200, and an output group 300.

[0014] In particular, the shell 100 is suitable for housing the input group 200 and the output group 300. In other words, the input group 200 and the output group 300 are housed inside the shell 100.

[0015] In the shell 100 is formed an input unit compartment 120 which extends predominantly around a first axis X to house the input group 200. Furthermore, in the shell 100 is formed an output unit compartment 130 which extends predominantly around a second axis Y to house the output group 300.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first axis X and the second axis Y are perpendicular to one another .

[0017] The shell 100 extends in the direction defined by the first axis X between a proximal end 101and a distal end 102, opposite the proximal end 101. Said proximal end 101 is suitable for connecting the reducer assembly 500 to a support .

[0018] Furthermore, the shell 100 extends in the direction defined by the second axis Y between a first lateral end 103 and a second lateral end 104, opposite the first lateral end 103.

[0019] For the purposes of this discussion, the terms "proximal", "distal", "lateral" and respective derivatives are to be understood as referring to the reducer assembly 500 in operating configuration.

[0020] In one embodiment, said input unit compartment 120 extends through between said proximal end 101 and distal end 102, and said output unit compartment 130 extends through between said first lateral end 103 and second lateral end 104 .

[0021] In one embodiment, the shell 100 has internal radii greater than 2.5 mm and / or surfaces with roughness lower than 2.2 pm. Advantageously, this feature gives the shell a hygienic self-draining shape .

[0022] The shell 100 is made of technopolymer .

[0023] In one embodiment, preferably the shell 100 is made of thermoplastic technopolymer, such as for example Polyphenylene Sulphide (PPS) , Polyamide, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) , Polyketone, aromatic oraliphatic Polyamide (PA) . Advantageously, such materials exhibit high chemical resistance to a wide range of agents, including industrial detergents, caustic soda solutions, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, ammonia, and alcohol . In particular, such materials show high resistance to aggressive and / or alkaline and / or acid washing and chemical inertia to alkaline substances, used, for example, for high-pressure washing cycles with caustic soda solutions (CIP washing cycles, Clean-In-Place) frequently employed in the Food & Beverage fields . Furthermore, a further advantage is the low moisture absorption of such materials, comparatively superior to traditional materials .

[0024] In one embodiment, the shell 100 is made of polymeric material with the addition of organic or inorganic antimicrobial additives . Advantageously, the use of such additives further reduces bacterial proliferation, allowing the use of the reducer assembly in applications requiring a high standard of cleanliness and hygienic compliance, such as the food or pharmaceutical field.

[0025] In one embodiment, the shell 100 is made of filled technopolymer . For example, the technopolymermay include fibrous fillers, such as glass fibres, carbon fibres or aramidic fibres, suitable for increasing mechanical strength. Alternatively or in addition, ceramic fillers may be incorporated to improve heat dissipation, and / or graphite, which contributes both to heat dissipation and to friction reduction .

[0026] In one embodiment, the technopolymer is filled with ferrite or ferromagnetic powders, which increase thermal dissipation and enable their detection (metal-detectable) . Advantageously, this enables the identification of possible fragments in case of breakage, an essential requirement especially in critical fields such as food and pharmaceuticals .

[0027] The input group 200 comprises an input shaft 210 and an input gear 220, rotationally integral with said input shaft 210. Said input shaft 210 extends axially in a development direction parallel to the direction of the first axis X, between a proximal end of the input shaft 211, suitable for connecting to a motor apparatus, and a distal end of the input shaft 212 .

[0028] In one embodiment, the input group 200 comprises an input coupling joint between the input shaft 210 and a motor apparatus . Preferably, said inputjoint is made of technopolymer .

[0029] In a further embodiment, the input joint and the input shaft 210 are made in one piece .

[0030] In one embodiment, the shell 100 extends in the development direction of the input shaft 210 between the proximal end 101 and the distal end 102.

[0031] The input shaft 210 is housed in the input unit compartment 120.

[0032] In one embodiment, the input gear 220 is a worm gear .

[0033] In one embodiment, the input gear 220 is a worm gear obtained on the input shaft 210. Advantageously, this configuration allows less heat to accumulate during use of the reducer assembly.

[0034] In one embodiment, the input gear 220 is a bevel pinion or a hypoid pinion.

[0035] In one embodiment, the input gear 220 is made of bronze .

[0036] In one embodiment, the input shaft 210 is a hollow shaft . Advantageously, this configuration allows less heat to accumulate during use of the reducer assembly .

[0037] The output group 300 comprises an output shaft 310 and an output gear 320 rotationally integral with said output shaft 310. Said output shaft 310extends axially in a development direction parallel to the direction of the second axis Y, between a proximal transverse end of the output shaft 311 and a distal transverse end of the input shaft 212 .

[0038] The output shaft 310 is made of a material suitable for dissipating heat, preferably of metallic material, even more preferably stainless steel .

[0039] The output gear 320 is suitable for engaging with said input gear 220. More precisely, the coupling of said input gear 220 and output gear 320 enables the reducer assembly 500 to achieve the reduction or increase, depending on the use, of the transmission ratio .

[0040] In one embodiment, the output gear 320 is made of technopolymer .

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the output gear 320 is made of metallic material, ferrous or nonferrous .

[0042] In one embodiment, the output gear 320 is made of bronze .

[0043] In one embodiment, the output gear 320 is a helical gear .

[0044] In one embodiment, the output gear 320 is a bevel crown or a hypoid crown.

[0045] In one embodiment, preferably the output gear320 is made of thermoplastic technopolymer, such as for example Polyphenylene Sulphide (PPS) , aromatic or aliphatic Polyamide (PA) , Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) , Polyketone .

[0046] In one embodiment, the output gear 320 is made of polymeric material with the addition of organic or inorganic antimicrobial additives .

[0047] In one embodiment, the shell 100 and the output gear 320 are made of the same material .

[0048] In one embodiment, the shell 100 and the output gear 320 are made of technopolymer, preferably thermoplastic, such as for example Polyphenylene Sulphide (PPS) , Polyamide, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) , Polyketone, aromatic or aliphatic Polyamide (PA) .

[0049] In one embodiment, the reducer assembly 500 further comprises cooling and / or heat dissipation means 400. Advantageously, the presence of such cooling and / or heat dissipation means allows the dissipation and / or disposal of the heat accumulated inside the reducer assembly.

[0050] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such elements may provide the reducer assembly with improved structural characteristics .

[0051] In one embodiment, the cooling and / or heat dissipation means 400 comprise a cooling fan 410.Advantageously, the presence of the cooling fan (or convection fan) allows the disposal of heat accumulated inside the reducer assembly.

[0052] In one embodiment, the cooling fan 410 is keyed onto the input shaft 220. In particular, the cooling fan is powered by the motor apparatus when coupled to the reducer assembly 500.

[0053] In one embodiment, the cooling fan 410 is positioned between the input gear 220 and the proximal end of the input shaft 211.

[0054] In one embodiment, the cooling fan 410 is powered by the rotation of the input shaft 210, making the use of external power supply unnecessary.

[0055] In one embodiment, the cooling fan 410 is keyed onto the output shaft 320.

[0056] In one embodiment, the cooling and / or heat dissipation means 400 comprise a fluid in forced motion inside the reducer assembly 500. The movement of said fluid is carried out through the action of the cooling fan 410.

[0057] In one embodiment, the moving fluid is a gas, preferably air . Thermal dissipation is achieved by the fan-induced movement of the gas .

[0058] In one embodiment, the moving fluid is a liquid, preferably oil . In said embodiment, it isprovided that no component of the input group 200 and output group 300 is made of plastic material . The cooling and / or heat dissipation means 400 comprise a fluid recirculation system comprising stirring elements such as fans or blades . Thermal dissipation occurs by the effect of stirring of the liquid by the fluid recirculation system.

[0059] In one embodiment, the cooling and / or heat dissipation means 400 comprise a shell element 420. Advantageously, the presence of the shell element allows the dissipation of the heat accumulated inside the reducer assembly 500.

[0060] The shell element 420 has a shape suitable for promoting thermal exchange with the surrounding environment .

[0061] In one embodiment, the shell element 420 is made of a material suitable for promoting thermal exchange with the surrounding environment .

[0062] In one embodiment, the shell element 420 is made of a metallic material, preferably stainless steel .

[0063] In one embodiment, the shell 100 is overmoulded onto the shell element 420. In other words, after the shell element 420 has been made, the shell 100 is moulded over or around it . Advantageously, thisintegrated manuf cturing process ensures the elimination of potential stagnation areas inside the reducer assembly. Furthermore, this structural integration significantly reduces or entirely eliminates the need for separate assembly stages for the element 420 during production, thereby optimising the manufacturing time and costs of the reducer assembly .

[0064] In a further embodiment, the shell element 420 and the shell 100 are produced by means of a comoulding process, i . e . the shell element 420 and the shell 100 are formed in a single moulding process, simultaneously or in close sequence, in the same mould cavity .

[0065] In one embodiment, the shell element 420 is a cap applied to the distal end 102 of the shell 100, suitable for closing the input unit compartment 120.

[0066] The cap is made of stainless steel, to dissipate the heat accumulated in the reducer assembly.

[0067] In one embodiment, the shell element 420 comprises a metal core co-moulded with the shell 100. In other words, it is formed together with the shell 100 through the co-moulding process, extending along one of the main development directions of the shell 100. For example, the metal core has a main developmentdirection along the first axis X . Advantageously, the presence of the metal core allows the dissipation and / or disposal of the heat accumulated inside the reducer assembly. Furthermore, it gives the shell and the reducer assembly improved structural characteristics .

[0068] In one embodiment, the metal core co-moulded with the shell 100 is made of the same material as the shell 100.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the metal core co-moulded with the shell is made of a material different from the shell, for example a polymer, a metal, ceramic .

[0070] In one embodiment, the cooling and / or heat dissipation means 400 comprise at least one fin 430. Said at least one fin 430 has a shape and / or material suitable for promoting thermal exchange with the surrounding environment . Advantageously, the presence of said at least one fin 430 allows the dissipation of heat accumulated inside the reducer assembly.

[0071] In one embodiment, the cooling and / or heat dissipation means 400 comprise a plurality of fins 430; for example, said plurality of fins 430 comprises 2, 3, 4, 5 fins 430.

[0072] In one embodiment, said at least one fin islocated at the shell 100.

[0073] In one embodiment, the reducer assembly 500 comprises a connecting flange 150 suitable for connecting the shell 100 to a support element . In particular, the connecting flange 150 is engaged to a shell flange 102' which defines an access mouth 120' to the input unit compartment 120.

[0074] In one embodiment, the connecting flange 150 comprises first connection means 151 suitable for engaging with second connection means 152 included in the shell flange 102' .

[0075] In one embodiment, a shaft hole 153 is formed in the connecting flange 150, suitable for housing the input shaft 210 and allow the connection between the proximal end of the input shaft 211 and a drive shaft of the motor apparatus when connected.

[0076] In one embodiment, the connecting flange 150 is made of technopolymer .

[0077] In one embodiment, preferably the connecting flange 150 is made of plastic material, such as for example Polyphenylene Sulphide (PPS) , Polyamide, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) , Polyketone, aromatic or aliphatic Polyamide (PA) .

[0078] In one embodiment, the connecting flange 150 is made of polymeric material with the addition oforganic or inorganic antimicrobial additives .

[0079] In one embodiment, the connecting flange 150 is made of reinforced technopolymer .

[0080] In one embodiment, the connecting flange 150 is made of the same material as the shell 100.

[0081] In one embodiment, represented for example in figure 4, the input group 200 comprises at least one input protection element 251, for example a seal, keyed onto the input shaft 210. Said at least one input protection element 251 is suitable for preventing the leakage of substances used to reduce friction and wear, such as lubricants, preventing external elements, such as dust, dirt, or other impurities, from entering the reducer assembly, and protecting the components of the input group 200.

[0082] In one embodiment, represented for example in figure 4, the input group 200 comprises at least one input locking element 252, for example a Seeger ring, keyed onto the input shaft 210. Said at least one input locking element 252 is suitable for blocking the displacement of the elements keyed onto the input shaft 210, keeping them in position during operation.

[0083] In one embodiment, the input group 200 comprises at least one input friction-reduction element 253, for example a bearing, keyed onto the input shaft210. Said at least one input friction-reduction element 253 is suitable for minimising resistance to movement during the rotation of the input shaft 210, improving stability and reducing wear .

[0084] In an alternative embodiment, the metal core co-moulded with the shell 100 serves as the housing for the bearing. Advantageously, this configuration provides a bearing seat with high structural strength.

[0085] In one embodiment, represented for example in figure 4, the input group 200 comprises two input friction-reduction elements 253, one keyed at the proximal end of the input shaft 211, the other keyed at the distal end of the input shaft 212 .

[0086] In a further embodiment, represented for example in figure 8, the input group 200 comprises at least one input housing element 254, keyed onto the input shaft 210. Said at least one input housing element 254 is suitable for housing the input shaft 210, minimising resistance to movement during rotation, improving stability and reducing wear .

[0087] In a further embodiment, represented for example in figure 8, the input group 200 comprises at least one input dynamic sealing element 255, keyed onto the input shaft 210 and positioned externally to the connecting flange 150, to maintain the stability of theinput group 200 during use .

[0088] In the embodiment in which the shell element 420 is a cap applied to the distal end 102 of the shell 100, said cap is in contact with the bearing keyed at the distal end of the input shaft 212, to improve heat dissipation inside the reducer assembly 500.

[0089] In one embodiment, the output group 300 comprises at least one output protection element 351, for example a seal, keyed onto the output shaft 310. Said at least one output protection element 351 is suitable for preventing the leakage of substances used to reduce friction and wear, such as lubricants, preventing external elements, such as dust, dirt, or other impurities, from entering the reducer assembly, and protecting the components of the output group 300.

[0090] In one embodiment, the output group 300 comprises at least one output locking element 352, for example a Seeger ring, keyed onto the output shaft 310. Said at least one output locking element 352 is suitable for blocking the displacement of the elements keyed onto the output shaft 310, keeping them in position during operation.

[0091] In one embodiment, represented for example in figure 4, the output group 300 comprises at least one output friction-reduction element 353, for example abearing, keyed onto the output shaft 310. Said at least one output friction-reduction element 353 is suitable for minimising resistance to movement during rotation of the output shaft 310, improving stability and reducing wear .

[0092] In one embodiment, the output group 300 comprises an output flange suitable for connecting the shell 100 to a support element .

[0093] The reducer assembly according to the present invention is suitable for use in plants and / or machinery for processing food and / or beverages or hygiene-sensitive products and to withstand CIP, Clean-In-Place, washing cycles .

[0094] The above-described reducer assembly allows to achieve the specified obj ects .

[0095] The reducer assembly has a lower weight compared to an equivalent reducer entirely made of metallic material, to the advantage of production costs, as well as installation and maintenance operations .

[0096] Advantageously, the reducer assembly according to the invention is free of stagnation areas, making it suitable for applications requiring frequent washing and sanitisation.

[0097] Furthermore, advantageously, due to thecharacteristics of the device according to the invention, it is possible to reduce the use of substances intended to reduce friction and wear, such as lubricants, contributing to make the reducer assembly cleaner, with lower environmental impact, and suitable for use in particularly demanding applications in terms of contaminant substances, such as the food or pharmaceutical field.

[0098] According to a further advantage, the use of technopolymer for the manufacture of certain components of the reducer assembly prevents the formation of oxidation and corrosion phenomena .

[0099] It is inherent in the functioning of the reducer the possibility of defining the transmission ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft in relation to the dimensions of the input and output mechanisms . A significant advantage offered by the assembly obj ect of the present invention consists in the ability to adapt the input and output dimensions, thus allowing the configuration of reduction ratios in accordance with specific requirements .[000100] Furthermore, advantageously, due to the dimensional scalability and flexibility in the configuration of reduction ratios, the device according to the invention is adaptable to most motorapparatuses .[000101] It is clear that, to the embodiments of the above reducer assembly, a person skilled in the art, in order to meet specific requirements, may make changes or replace elements with other functionally equivalent ones . Such variants are also covered by the scope of protection as defined by the following claims . Furthermore, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be implemented independently of the other described variants .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A reducer assembly (500) comprising:- an input group (200) , comprising an input shaft (210) and an input gear (220) , rotationally integral with said input shaft (210) ;- an output group (300) , comprising an output shaft (310) and an output gear (320) , rotationally integral with said output shaft (310) and suitable for engaging with said input gear (220) ;- a shell ( 100) , suitable for housing said input group (200) and output group (300) ;wherein at least the shell (100) is made of technopolymer .

2. Reducer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shell ( 100) and the output gear (320) are made of technopolymer .

3. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising cooling and / or heat dissipation means (400) .

4. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell ( 100) is made of thermoplastic technopolymer, such as for example Polyphenylene Sulphide (PPS) , Polyamide, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) , Polyketone, aromatic oraliphatic Polyamide (PA) .

5. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell ( 100) is made of reinforced technopolymer, for example with glass fibres, and / or carbon fibres, and / or aramidic fibres, and / or ceramic fibres, and / or graphite .

6. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the input gear (220) is a worm gear or the input gear (220) is a worm gear obtained on the input shaft (210 ) .

7. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the input shaft (210) is a hollow shaft .

8. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 3, wherein the cooling and / or heat dissipation means (400) comprise a cooling fan (410) keyed onto the input shaft (220) or onto the output shaft (320) .

9. Reducer assembly (500) according to claim 8, wherein the cooling and / or heat dissipation means (400) comprise a fluid in forced motion and wherein the movement of said fluid is carried out through the action of the cooling fan (410) .

10. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 3, wherein thecooling and / or heat dissipation means (400) comprise a shell element (420) having a shape and / or a material suitable for promoting thermal exchange with the surrounding environment .

11. Reducer assembly (500) according to claim 10, wherein the shell element (420) is made of a metallic material, preferably stainless steel .

12. Reducer assembly (500) according to claim 10, wherein the shell ( 100) extends, in the development direction of the input shaft (210) , between a proximal end ( 101 ) suitable for connecting to a support of the reducer assembly (500) , and a distal end ( 102 ) opposite to the proximal end ( 101 ) , and wherein the shell element (420) is a cap applied to said distal end (102 ) of the shell ( 100) to close an input unit compartment ( 120) .

13. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the shell element (420) comprises a metal core co-moulded with the shell (100) .

14. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the shell ( 100) is moulded over or around the shell element (420 ) .

15. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of claims 8-14, wherein the input shaft (210) extends axially between a proximal end of the input shaft(211 ) , suitable for connecting with a motor apparatus, and a distal end of the input shaft (212 ) , and wherein the cooling fan (410) is positioned between the input gear (220) and the proximal end of the input shaft (211 ) .

16. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 3, wherein the cooling and / or heat dissipation means (400) comprise at least one fin ( 430) having a shape and / or material suitable for promoting thermal exchange with the surrounding environment .

17. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output shaft (310) is made of a material suitable for dissipating heat, preferably a metallic material, even more preferably stainless steel .

18. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a connecting flange ( 150) suitable for connecting the shell ( 100) to a support element, and wherein said connecting flange ( 150) is made of the same material as the shell (100) .

19. Reducer assembly (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the shell ( 100) are formed an input unit compartment ( 120) that extends predominantly around a first axis (X) to house theinput group (200 ) and an output unit compartment ( 130) that extends predominantly around a second axis (Y) to house the output group (300) .

20. Reducer assembly (500) according to claim 19, wherein the first axis (X) and the second axis (Y) are perpendicular to one another .

21. Use of a reducer assembly according to any one of the preceding claims in plants and / or machinery with Clean-In-Place washing cycles for the processing of food and / or beverages or sensitive products .

Images