Quick release motor mount

摘要

An ice dispensing machine includes a housing defining an ice retaining bin. The bin includes an auger/dispensing wheel releasably secured to a shaft of a motor, the shaft extending through one sidewall of the ice bin. A motor mounting panel is secured to the opposite side of the sidewall and includes a plurality of keyway slots having a key receiving hole on one end and a narrower slot portion. The motor includes a similar plurality of keys extending therefrom. A further motor retaining plate is secured to the sidewall and includes two holes. A U-shaped motor retaining rod is threaded on one end and unthreaded on the other. In operation, the plurality of motor keys are aligned with the keyways and inserted into the hole ends thereof, after which the motor is rotated so that the keys are locked and retained in the narrower slot portions. The U-shaped rod is mounted around the cylindrical exterior of the motor housing whereby the two ends thereof are inserted into and through the corresponding two holes of the second motor mounting bracket. A wing nut is secured to the threaded end of the U-shaped rod and tightened thereby pulling the motor against the second motor mount bracket and securing it there to. The non threaded end is of sufficient length to simply extend through its corresponding hole so as to prevent any rotation of the U-shaped bracket.