APPARATUS FOR DRIVING AN OSCILLATING SPROUT

摘要

An apparatus for driving an oscillating spout capable of pivoting about two orthogonal axes under the action of a pivoting control arm having the same degrees of liberties as the spout is presented. The driving apparatus includes a control mechanism which directs the control arm to perform the movement required by the spout and a transmission device which acts to transmit the control arm movement to the spout to reproduce it as spout movement, and vice versa. The apparatus further includes a rotary internal housing supported on a support frame via a bearing member and enclosed by an outer housing or cowl. The rotary housing is associated with a toothed rim which is actuated by a first motor fixed to or adjacent to the support frame. A control mechanism is also provided which includes a driving rod which is coaxial with the rotary internal housing and which is capable of sliding in the axial direction. The control mechanism is associated with a second motor which is also adjacent to or fixed to the support frame. A pivotal connecting means consisting of a central body and two diametrically opposed pivots is mounted on the lower end of the driving rod via one or more bearings in such a way so as to be freely rotatable in relation to the rod (and in conjunction with the rotary housing) but integral therewith with regard to vertical or axial movement. The pivotal connecting means is associated with the rotary housing such that a high rate of rotation may be transferred thereto.