Technical Field

The present invention relates to a distribution terminal for a transport conduit of ice and/or snow.

In particular, the invention relates to a terminal of a conduit through which an amount of ice and/or snow is conveyed, in that the terminal is configured for the distribution of ice and/or snow in a specific area of interest, for example for the purposes of recreation or for food preservation.

In addition, the invention relates to a system for the distribution of ice and/or snow on which the aforesaid terminal is installed.

Prior Art

Currently, specific cooling machinery is known to be used, configured to produce ice and/or snow to be spread in a second moment for recreational purposes in an open environment or for the preservation of food arranged on boxes or pallets, for example for its display and sale.

Generally, these machines comprise a pair of rollers, or equivalent devices, configured for crushing and roughing the ice and snow crystals produced by a suitable generator associated with the machine. In this way, the ice and snow are more easily transportable to the place of interest and usable for the purposes already mentioned.

The machinery, therefore, comprise nozzles configured to emit a stream of cold air and compressed so as to convey the crushed ice and/or roughed snow in a pipe to reach the place of interest.

An example of cooling machinery configured for the production of ice and/or snow is described in the documents CA2121268, FR2530930 and EP945694.

However, these machines need to be associated to auxiliary external devices, such as for example a conveyor belt, baffles or a combination of these elements, which are configured to distribute and spread the ice and/or snow on the place of interest.

These auxiliary external devices increase the complexity of the cooling machinery, further increasing the elements on which to perform routine maintenance to ensure good efficiency.

In addition, a further disadvantage of the prior art is represented by the poor capacity of cooling machinery and the auxiliary devices to homogeneously distribute the crushed ice and/or roughed snow crystals in the place of interest.

Aims of the invention

In this context, the technical task underpinning the present invention is to provide a distribution terminal for a transport conduit of ice and/or snow that obviates the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a distribution terminal configured to homogeneously distribute the ice and/or snow produced on the place of interest.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a distribution terminal for ice and/or snow having a reduced number of components for the production, roughing and distribution of ice and/or snow.

The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a distribution terminal for a transport conduit of ice and/or snow, which comprises the technical features disclosed in the independent claim. The dependent claims correspond to further advantageous aspects of the invention.

It should be highlighted that this summary introduces, in simplified form, a selection of concepts which will be further elaborated in the detailed description given below.

The invention relates to a distribution terminal for a transport conduit of ice and/or snow. The transport conduit extends between an inlet thereof and an outlet thereof. The distribution terminal is associated with the outlet of the transport conduit.

In particular, the terminal comprises at least one distribution element rotating in relation to the transport conduit. More precisely, the distribution element is rotatable along a rotation axis substantially parallel to a distribution direction of the ice and/or snow, which is defined at the outlet of the transport conduit.

In addition, the distribution element is configured to radially distribute in relation to the rotation axis a flow of ice and/or snow, which exits from the transport conduit along the distribution direction.

Specifically, the distribution element has a concavity at least partially facing the outlet of the transport conduit and configured to at least partly radially divert the ice and/or snow in relation to the distribution direction so as to provide the aforesaid radial distribution of the flow of ice and/or snow along a radial direction.

More precisely, the distribution element is shaped in a substantially curved way so that its concavity faces at least partially towards the distribution direction (in particular towards the rotation axis) at least to provide a rotation of the same distribution element about the rotation axis.

According to one aspect of the invention, a system for the distribution of ice and/or snow comprises a generator configured to produce a useful quantity of ice and/or snow, blowing members associated with the generator to convey a flow of ice and/or snow produced and, specifically, in a transport conduit extending along the distribution direction between an inlet thereof in fluid communication with the generator and an outlet thereof.

Advantageously, the system comprises the previously described distribution terminal of ice and/or snow, which is connected to the outlet of the conduit. Brief description of the figures

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following indicative, and hence non limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a distribution terminal for a transport conduit of ice and/or snow, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

- figure 1 shows a side view of a distribution terminal of ice and/or snow;

- figure 2 shows a perspective view of the distribution terminal of ice and/or snow;

- figure 3 shows a perspective view of an enlargement of the terminal shown in figure 2;

- figure 4 shows a top view of the distribution terminal of ice and/or snow;

- figure 5 shows a side view of a section of a system for the distribution of ice and/or snow.

With reference to the drawings, they serve solely to illustrate embodiments of the invention with the aim of better clarifying, in combination with the description, the inventive principles at the basis of the invention.

Description of at least one first embodiment of the invention

The present invention relates to a distribution terminal for a transport conduit of ice and/or snow.

With reference to the figures, a distribution terminal has been generically indicated with the number 1.

The other numerical references refer to technical features of the invention which, barring indications otherwise or evident structural incompatibilities, the person skilled in the art will know how to apply to all the variant embodiments described.

Any modifications or variants which, in the light of the description, are evident to the person skilled in the art, must be considered to fall within the scope of protection established by the present invention, according to considerations of technical equivalence.

Figure 1 shows a distribution terminal 1 installed on a transport conduit 2 of ice and/or snow. The conduit extends between an inlet 3 thereof (not visible in figure 1 ) and an outlet 4 thereof which is connected to the terminal 1. Preferably, said outlet 4 is suspended in the air at a certain height from the ground so as to perform a distribution of ice/snow from above.

In particular, the terminal 1 comprises at least one distribution element 5 rotating in relation to the transport conduit 2 along a rotation axis A, which is parallel to a distribution direction D of the ice and/or snow. In detail, the distribution direction D is defined mainly at the outlet 4 or at the last portion of the transport conduit 2.

In addition, the distribution element 5 is configured to radially distribute in relation to the rotation axis A a flow of ice and/or snow in output from the transport conduit along the distribution direction D. Preferably, the distribution element 5 is configured to rotate about the axis A and to perform a radial distribution of the ice and/or snow along a radial direction R.

More precisely, the distribution element 5 is shaped in a substantially curved way so that its concavity C faces at least partially towards the distribution direction D at least to provide a rotation of the same distribution element 5 about the rotation axis A.

In other words, an advantage of the concavity C of the distribution element 5 is to allow the radial conveyance of the flow of ice and/or snow conveyed along the distribution direction D and at the same time rotate the same distribution element 5 about its own rotation axis A. This latter aspect will also be described hereinafter in the present description.

In this way, the sole force of impact generated by the flow of ice and/or snow on the curved distribution element 5 helps to place the latter in rotation at least idly. According to one aspect of the invention better described in the following, a motor can be connected to the distribution element 5 to start and/or assist and/or maintain the rotation thereof about the rotation axis A.

Furthermore, even more advantageously, the rotation of the distribution element 5 allows spreading the flow of ice and/or snow homogeneously along the entire circumference described during the rotation of the distribution element 5.

According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution element 5 has a profile that is at least partially shaped in the form of an arc of an ellipse. More precisely, when the distribution element 5 is sectioned by a vertical plane incident and parallel to the rotation axis A, the resulting profile has a shape like an arc of an ellipse, or more preferably an arc of a circumference.

According to one aspect of the invention, the concavity C is substantially comprised between the two half-lines that generate an angle other than a right angle and preferably a convex angle.

In other words, the distribution element 5 extends such that the concavity C is similar to a convex angle having an amplitude different from that of a right angle, preferably obtuse.

According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution element 5 is defined by a curved and continuous surface interposed between the distribution direction D and a radial direction R so as to describe the concavity C.

In other words, according to the above embodiment, the distribution element 5 lies on a curved surface which is part of a spherical or ellipsoid or paraboloid surface, i.e. a surface free of discontinuities or points of variation in the concavity.

According to an alternative aspect of the invention, the distribution element 5 is defined by a plurality of surfaces which are flat and arranged consecutively side by side, interposed between the distribution direction D and a radial direction R so as to describe the concavity C. In other words, according to the above alternative embodiment, the distribution element 5 lies on a segmented surface obtained by approaching multiple, substantially flat surface portions.

In figure 1 it can be seen that the distribution element 5 is hung below the outlet 4 so as to accommodate the flow of ice and/or snow in output from the conduit 2. Preferably, the distribution element 5 is distanced from the outlet 4.

In further detail, the distribution element 5 has a concavity C at least partially facing the outlet 4 of the transport conduit 2 and configured to at least partly radially divert the ice and/or snow in relation to the distribution direction D so as to provide the aforesaid radial distribution.

In other words, the terminal 1 connected to the outlet 4 of the transport conduit 2, through which a flow of ice and/or snow is conveyed, is configured to divert this flow from the distribution direction D in a radial direction R, similarly to an axial-flow propeller with radial distribution. The radial direction R is better defined in relation to the rotation axis A about which the terminal 1 is able to rotate in relation to the transport conduit 2. The rotation axis A is also substantially parallel to the distribution direction D.

Advantageously, the terminal 1 comprises at least one distribution element 5 shaped so as to facilitate the diversion of the flow of ice and/or snow from the distribution direction D. The distribution element 5 is comparable to a blade of an axial-flow propeller. In particular, the terminal 1 has a curved shape, the concavity C of which is facing the outlet 4 of the transport conduit 2 from which the flow of ice and/or snow is emitted. Preferably, the concavity C of the distribution element 5 faces towards a portion of the transport conduit 2, and more precisely its outlet 4, which surrounds the rotation axis A.

Even more advantageously, moreover, the shape of the distribution element 5, at the same time as the diversion of the ice and/or snow emitted, allows putting the same terminal 1 in rotation about the rotation axis A following the collision of the flow of ice and/or snow with the concavity C of the distribution element 5.

In particular, the rotation direction is substantially opposite the concavity C.

According to one aspect of the invention, as better seen in figures 2 and 3, the distribution element 5 has at least a first surface 6 which is oblique in relation to the distribution direction D and to a plane which is orthogonal to the rotation axis A so as to divert the ice and/or snow emitted from the transport conduit 2 in relation to the distribution direction D.

In other words, the first surface 6 is arranged transversely and along the distribution direction D of the flow of ice and/or snow in output from the transport conduit 2, so that the flow impacts with this surface and changes its propagation direction.

According to another aspect of the invention, the distribution element 5 has at least a second surface 7 which is also oblique in relation to the distribution direction D and to the plane which is orthogonal to the rotation axis A. The second surface 7 is arranged as a continuation of the first surface 6 and is inclined in relation to the latter so as to form a more acute angle with the plane which is orthogonal to the rotation axis A. In this way, the first surface 6 and the second surface 7 define the concavity C of the distribution element 5 with which the ice and/or snow come into contact.

In other words, the second surface 7 defines a continuation of the first surface 6 with a different inclination in relation to the latter, so as to define a useful curvature for the diversion of the flow of ice and/or snow. In the attached figures it can be seen that the second surface 7 has a surface extension along the axis A starting from the first surface 6.

According to a further aspect of the invention, still visible in figures 2 and 3, the distribution element 5 comprises a third surface 8 extending orthogonally to the rotation axis A and arranged as a continuation of the second surface 7. Preferably, the third surface 8 has a greater width than that of the second surface 7, which has a width greater than or equal to the first surface 6. Preferably, moreover, the distribution element 5 is made as a single piece and is formed by three surfaces 6,7,8 arranged inclined and in succession to each other so as to define a useful curvature for radially diverting the flow of ice and/or snow from the distribution direction D.

According to a different aspect of the invention, the distribution element 5 can comprise a different number of surfaces, which can be more or less than three. However, regardless of the number of surfaces that compose it, the distribution element 5 must be shaped so as to divert the flow of ice and/or snow in a substantially radial way in relation to the distribution direction D, i.e. along the radial direction R.

For example, the distribution element 5 can be formed by a single curved surface and, for example, free of corners, whose concavity is facing towards the outlet 4 of the transport conduit 5 such that the flow of ice and/or snow, entering in contact with this surface, follows the profile diverting from the distribution direction D to a radial direction R, and therefore substantially perpendicular.

Alternatively, the distribution element 5 can be made as a plurality of components which are interconnected so as to define the curved shape therebetween, free of corners or not, which the distribution element 5 itself must assume in order to be able to divert the flow of ice and/or snow.

Preferably, as can be seen in figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4, the distribution terminal 1 comprises a plurality of distribution elements 5 arranged about the rotation axis A (preferably there are three elements). Preferably the distribution elements 5 are arranged in an axially symmetric manner, so that the respective concavities C are aligned circumferentially about the rotation axis A.

In other words, each concavity C of a first distribution element 5 is facing the convex portion of a second, subsequent distribution element 5. More precisely, the convex portion of each distribution element 5 is the portion opposite the respective concavity C of the same distribution element 5. Therefore, the first surface 6 of each distribution element 5 overlaps at least part of the distribution element 5 that precedes it. Consequently, the third surface 8 of each distribution element 5 is subjected to the subsequent distribution element 5.

According to one aspect of the invention, if the terminal 1 comprises a plurality of distribution elements 5, the terminal 1 also comprises a connecting element 9 on which each third surface 8 of each distribution element 5 is fixed.

Preferably, the connecting element 9 is a plate having a substantially circular shape. Each third surface 8 therefore has a shape that is substantially equal to a circular segment. In this way, the approach of the third surface 8 substantially forms a disc which can be superimposed on the connecting element 9, following the circumferential arrangement of each distribution element 5.

Advantageously, each third surface 8 can be fixed to the connecting element 9 by fixing means, such as bolts and nuts or a welding.

It should be noted that the bulk of the terminal along a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis A is substantially equal to the diameter of the outlet 4 so that the flow in output is received by the distribution elements 5.

According to one aspect of the invention, each distribution element 5 is configured to idly rotate about the rotation axis A as a function of the flow of ice and/or snow in output from the transport conduit 2 and diverted thanks to the concavity C.

In other words, the flow of ice and/or snow in output from the transport conduit 2 along the distribution direction D, incising with each distribution element 5, imparts a thrust force sufficient to cause the rotation of the terminal 1 about the rotation axis A.

According to another aspect of the invention, the terminal 1 comprises a motor configured to rotate in a forced manner each distribution element 5 rotating about the rotation axis A.

Preferably, the motor is arranged inside the transport conduit 2, near the outlet 4, to rotate the terminal 1 about the rotation axis A, independently of the flow rate of ice and/or snow in output from the transport conduit 2. Advantageously, the motor is configured to maintain the rotation speed of the terminal 1 constant, or to impart a variable motion in which phases of acceleration alternate with phases of deceleration.

Preferably, the terminal 1 is made with a plastic or metallic material such as aluminium.

Figure 5 shows a system 100 for the distribution of ice and/or snow. The system 100 comprises a generator 101 configured to produce ice and/or snow, blowing members 102 associated with the generator 101 for conveying a flow of ice and/or snow within the transport conduit 2, whose inlet 3 is placed in fluid connection with the generator 101 , and a distribution terminal 1 for ice and/or snow as described previously.

Preferably, the system 100 comprises a box-like body 103, such as for example a container, in which the generator 101 , blowing members 102, such as a rotor or a compressed air generator, and any members for crushing ice and/or snow are contained. In this case, the inlet 3 of the transport conduit 2 is connected in fluid communication with a portion of this container.

According to one aspect of the invention, the system 100 comprises a rotation shaft 104 connected to the outlet 4 of the transport conduit 2 and, in a fixed manner, to the terminal 1 for supporting the latter. In particular, the rotation shaft 104 extends along the rotation axis A.

In this way, the terminal 1 is able to freely rotate about the rotation axis A as a function of the flow rate and/or the flow speed of the ice and/or snow in output from the transport conduit 2.

In the case where the motor is present, the latter is connected to the rotation shaft 104 so as to rotate the terminal 1 at a constant speed or alternating specific phases of acceleration with specific phases of deceleration.

Preferably, the transport conduit 2 comprises therein a plurality of blades 105 configured to rough the ice and/or snow conveyed through the transport conduit 2 itself. These blades 105 are arranged transversely to the transport conduit 2 in relation to its extension, so that the flow of ice and/or snow conveyed therein collides with these blades 105, being shredded and refined before the collision with each distribution element 5. In addition, the arrangement of the blades 105 homogeneously distributes the flow of ice and/or snow on the section of the transport conduit 2. In fact, during their flow, the ice and/or snow is subjected to a centrifugal force that accumulates it along the inner wall of the transport conduit 2 mainly due to the speed with which it is conveyed by the blowing members 102 and the presence of curves and bends along the transport conduit 2 (as better seen in figure 5). Advantageously, therefore, the impact with the blades 105 also distributes the flow of ice and/or snow again towards a central portion of the transport conduit 2, so as to render the distribution of ice and/or snow on the section of the conduit itself more homogeneous. With regard to an operating example of the distribution terminal 1 installed in the system 100, it derives directly from what is described above which is referred to below.

A generator 101 and blowing members 102 are installed inside a container. The generator 101 is configured to produce ice and/or snow while the blowing members 102 convey the ice and/or snow produced inside a transport conduit 2, which extends between an inlet 3 thereof, connected in fluid communication to the container, and an outlet 4 thereof. The distribution terminal 1 of ice and/or snow is connected to the outlet 4, the former comprising a plurality of distribution elements 5 rotating in relation to the transport conduit 2.

The flow of ice and/or snow, conveyed inside the transport conduit 2 by the blowing members 102 with a specific speed, before coming into contact with the terminal 1 , collides with a plurality of blades 105 arranged at the outlet 4 and shaped so as to rough the ice and/or snow crystals.

Thereafter, the flow of roughed ice and/or snow exits from the transport conduit 2 along the distribution direction D to then collide with the distribution elements 5 of the terminal 1. The latter have a curved shape, in which the concavity is facing the outlet 4 of the conduit. The impact between the flow and the distribution elements 5 involves a radial diversion from the distribution direction D of the flow of ice and/or snow and at the same time imparts a recoil force which is substantially radial to each distribution element 5 which accordingly rotates the terminal 1 , free to rotate about the rotation axis A.

Advantageously, at the same time as the diversion of the flow of ice and/or snow, the rotation of the terminal 1 allows homogeneously distributing the ice and/or snow roughed both by the blades 105 and by the impact with the distribution elements 5.

Thus the terminal 1 operates as an axial-flow propeller with radial distribution, in which the distribution elements 5 are comparable to propeller blades. In fact, the distribution elements 5 are advantageously shaped for channelling the flow of ice and/or snow along their shape from the distribution direction D, along which it is emitted from the transport conduit 2, towards a radial direction R which is substantially orthogonal to the distribution direction D.

In conclusion, advantageously, the shape of the distribution elements 5, together with the free rotation or rotation forced by the motor of the terminal 1 , allows the flow of ice and/or snow to be diverted along the radial direction R and, in addition, be distributed by each distribution element 5 for an arc of a circumference so as to uniformly spread along the circumference defined by the sequential arrangement of each distribution element 5.