Electromechanical machine for transforming animal skin into leather

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electromechanical machine for transforming animal skin into leather that consists of a machine intended to be involved in one or more steps of the transformation process for transforming any animal skin into leather. The machine is characterised in that it comprises a main tank (1), where the skins (3) are submerged in a liquid with one or more additives, which is referred to as syrup (2), an impeller-suction motor pump (4), which circulates the syrup (2) through an outlet pipe (5), until it reaches a directional valve (5.1) that directs the syrup (2) towards one or more filters (6) that, preferably, are slow sand filters, decanters, sedimentation tanks, disinfecting filters by ozone or UV-C ultraviolet radiation, zeolite filters, activated carbon filters, anthracite filters, silica filters, silver stone filters or a copper ioniser, and towards a heater (7) or a bypass (5.3) to arrive at a group of storage vats (8), equipped with opening / closing valves (5.2) after passing through directional valves (5.1). The syrup (2) is then stored in order to subsequently be discharged into the main tank (1) through the return pipe (5.4). The machine is equipped with a gear motor (9), which delivers its power through a rotary shaft (10), at the end of which a clamp (13) is mounted opposite another identical clamp (13), which is mounted on a sliding shaft (11) with a fixed stop (15.1) securely connected to the main tank (1) and a movable stop (15), which is securely connected to said sliding shaft (11), between the stops of which a helical spring (14) is installed, this spring exercising control on an inverter device (16) when its length changes in order to condition the rotation direction of the gear motor (9). The machine has a programmable central computer that exercises control depending on the characteristics required for each skin in relation to colour, tanning type, oils, fixing agents, among others.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION OF THE ELECTROMECHANICAL MACHINE FOR TRANSFORMING ANIMAL SKIN INTO LEATHER

[0002] TECHNICAL OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a device consisting of an electromechanical machine that intervenes in one or more stages of the process of transforming any animal skin into leather.

[0004] SECTOR OF TECHNIQUE TO WHICH THE INVENTION REFERS

[0005] The invention presented affects the Chemical and Metallurgical Sector, in the material chapter of Chemistry, section on hides, untanned hides, leather, of the International Patent Classification (CIP), having an industrial impact on the field of machines for transforming hides into leather.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Current or traditional processes have a long history that dates back to the beginning of humanity, starting with Neanderthals, cavemen, and Vikings, who used leather as protection against the elements. Thus, at some point in evolution, this work became a well-paid activity, possibly since the Romans, who processed skins with natural products, machines, or drums powered by water or animal movement, using natural techniques and products such as tree bark for tanning or dyeing, as well as lamb brains for conditioning the leather, including tanning techniques using the sun and smoke, among others. In early French literature, the word 'tan' denoted the pounded bark of the oak tree, which contains the astringent or tanning ingredient involved in leather manufacturing.

[0008] The expression tanning principle or "tanning principle" was first used by Proust around 1796. Currently, the tanning principle or agent contained in the bark, wood, fruits, leaves and rootstocks of a number of plants is known as tannin. According to Julia de Fontenelle (1790-1842), the first to use the word tannin was the French chemist Theophile Jules Pelouze, around 1834. The purest form of tannin, gallotannic acid obtained from the agalls, was described by Pelouze as "a colorless, odorless, very astringent and soluble substance in water, which has the property of combining with the gelatin of the substance of the hides and turning into leather." As time went by, with the development of a culture of chemical research, the processes made a leap from natural to the use of synthetic chemical products.(CHROME TANNING has been used for over a century, since Knapp in 1858 discovered the use of chromium as a tanning material or, rather, patented it, because in 1853, the Frenchman Cavalin discovered the usefulness of chromium salts, which allow to achieve firmly tanned leathers with characteristics never obtained until then, such as resistance to boiling, tearing, good elasticity and permeability to water vapor. This has generated an important evolution with reduction of times, raw materials, inputs, work, techniques and processes.

[0009] Many current methods of transforming hide into leather for human use or the clothing, design and decoration industries are still predominantly based on such traditional processes and there has been little progress in recent years. For example, the machine itself (the tanning, dyeing and unhairing drum) has not evolved in over 100 years since its modernisation in mechanical motion.

[0010] In the processing methods for similar or similar hides, a large amount of water is consumed relative to the hide's weight; consequently, this can produce excessive amounts of polluting and environmentally harmful effluents if they are discharged into industrial sewers that then flow to rivers or oceans without any treatment in industrial water processing, treatment, cleaning, chemical extraction, etc. plants.

[0011] Let's list some of the discoveries made in industrial and chemical development. Currently, many of the methods for transforming animal hide into leather are based on traditional processes (we're talking about the rotary machine or BOMBO).

[0012] - EP0439108, presented in 1991, directed to a process that uses carbon dioxide for the descaling of skins, is a recent chemical disclosure and advance in this field.

[0013] - W02007126962 discloses a method and formulation for cleaning a soft substrate, with a polymer particle formulation.

[0014] - US-2012 / 0284931 -A. which discloses a specific device that complements the cleaning of polymeric particles when they come into contact with dirty substrates.

[0015] - WO2011 / 098815 provides a laundry cleaning apparatus, applied to the laundry field.

[0016] - ES 2664180-T3 describes an apparatus for treating at least one animal skin substrate with a solid particulate material.

[0017] - The solid basis for our research to be disclosed is the espartóte patent with registration number P 9302258 for leather soles and car mats, which was called SWITCH and with trademark number M 1786615 in 1996. It was developed in fully bi-contoured rolled leather and with ecological procedures.

[0018] Finally, other prior art inventions registered with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office have been analyzed, revealing that the solution presented in this document is very different from the inventions registered to date.

[0019] In the process of analyzing the background in this field, the inventors have thoroughly investigated the history of hide processing techniques, recapitulating ancestral processes that applied natural techniques, using base products and natural extracts, and concluding that the industry, as such, has been operating for hundreds of years with the same prototype of ancient machinery.

[0020] Furthermore, it has been found that traditional methods waste water, as the hides often have to be removed for various tasks and processes. The wastewater is then disposed of in municipal industrial sewers, water treatment plants, and other facilities. The total water footprint for each hide processed is approximately 1,500 liters of water.

[0021] In the preliminary study process, the inventors have carried out a series of socialization activities with technicians, within artisan workshops and companies to debate and socialize the processes and techniques currently used and previously used in their work with different materials. Likewise, hundreds of tests have been carried out based on visualization, conceptualization, justification, and writing of countless processes and formulations, with subsequent garment manufacturing in each raw material procurement "as a result of laboratory tests." It has been concluded that a single factor can substantially change the result obtained in each investigation.

[0022] In the aforementioned preliminary study phase, the inventors analyzed the process of washing leather in an irrigation canal. By immersing the leather in the torrential flow, the submerged leather moves from top to bottom, from one side to the other, providing the first clues about the direct effects of water movement, without the need for or requiring traditional mechanical action.

[0023] Attention was also drawn to the process applied mostly in Morocco, in which the hide is submerged in pits, and people remove the skin daily and add product. That is, the action of adding product is combined with the movement of the liquid when the hide is momentarily removed. Once again, we find another case in which machinery is out of the equation in the transformation of the animal substrate, commonly known as skin. Consequently, when analyzing these two alternatives, the inventors conceived a slide-type machine (2009), whose closed lower end is connected by tubes and pumps to the upper end, which has an opening for the entry of hides, as well as an inlet for the liquid pumped from the bottom. In this machine, the processing of hides into leather was carried out by controlling parameters such as:the thickness of the skin, the pH, characteristics of the products introduced, temperature, type of final product. Movement and recycling of the liquid (known as syrup, condiment, broth, cream, distilled, must, particulate matter, liquor) through a pump.

[0024] Subsequent tests were conducted in which the hides were conditioned with "tiente," greases, and guarantors. These products were spread over the surface of the dry hide, which was then twisted in opposite directions by two people, one at each end (head and tail). This technique added value to the hide, as the product was absorbed quickly and provided improved texture and softness.

[0025] Taking into account the above, the inventors consider that their proposal represents an interesting novelty according to the current State of the Art.

[0026] SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present invention, as set out in the introduction, relates to a device consisting of an electromechanical machine that intervenes in one of the stages of the process of transforming any animal skin into leather.

[0028] As a preamble, for a better understanding of the invention now presented, a summary of the current classic process is included.

[0029] Brief description of how an animal skin is processed or treated into leather.

[0030] 1. Chrome Tanning and Retanning Process

[0031] This process begins by removing the hair and eliminating natural fats through a "fleshing machine" manually or by introducing it into the "drum* 1 rotating and perform a chemical hair removal process. The skin is then separated into two "sides" called grain and flesh using a "blade."

[0032] The chemicals incorporated in the previous steps are removed with various types of washes, then special bactericides are added to completely cleanse the hide of any grease not removed in the previous process. Immediately afterward, salt and organic acids are added, and to fix them, the hide is placed in a rotating drum. After a certain time, it is neutralized and washed. According to the client's request, the dyeing phase begins with vegetable dyes inside a rotating drum. The moisture is then removed, stretching the hide completely and evenly.

[0033] 2. Dyeing and finishing process

[0034] This process begins with the drying and conditioning of the hide; then, it is softened by mechanically fulling the hide; then, the hide is "ground," the dust generated in this process is removed, and it is "tempered." This process is repeated twice.

[0035] The hide is then hung to dry, and the edges are trimmed. Finally, it is given the final pigmentation and texture.

[0036] There are also myths about processes, formulas, times, product use, and machinery that complement the "bombo" as a direct transformer between the hides, water, products, formulas, and their processes. In the transformation of animal hides into leather, the "bombo," whether made of wood or metal, is directly responsible for 90 percent of the process.

[0037] Complementary machines cannot transform or modify a material—let's call it leather—that doesn't exist, and leather exists precisely because of this rotating mechanical action of the drum in a combination of pH. The introduction of water and specific products in each process, respecting times, temperatures, and factors specific to each factory, such as its own formulations and techniques.

[0038] In view of the various existing backgrounds and traditional methods of transforming skin into leather, the inventors have conceived the machine described in this document which comprises the following main elements in the version which later in this document we will call "simple machine" for the treatment of a single skin.

[0039] - A group of cylindrical vats, made of different materials and sizes.

[0040] - A tank in the shape of a right prism with a rectangular base.

[0041] - A set of jaws to hold each skin at its ends.

[0042] - A group of rotating elements, with their respective drive motor, which rotates alternately in one direction and in the opposite direction,

[0043] - A device that controls the motor.

[0044] - A hydraulic circuit, with a pumping group.

[0045] - One or more filters.

[0046] - A liquid heater.

[0047] - A temperature controller. A pH controller. - A programmable smart control center.

[0048] In the version that we will later call "multiple machine" for the treatment of several hides at the same time, several elements are repeated, the main tank can be compartmentalized and the installation of several motors or a single motor that drives the whole by means of systems of pulleys, chains or gears is planned.

[0049] The group of cylindrical vats, of equal or different sizes, manufactured from the most suitable materials, serve to store the liquid, known by professionals as "syrup," temporarily during the process, temporarily when needed, and permanently when not discarded.

[0050] The main tank, which in a first embodiment has the shape of a rectangular-based pond and in a second embodiment has the shape of a vat, is the most important element of the invention since it is where the skins are processed, twisting and stretching, remaining submerged in the syrup, enriched with different products at a controlled temperature and conditions, especially in k> referring to pH.

[0051] The set of jaws, one at each end of the tank or at the top and bottom in the case of a vat, serves to firmly grip the skin to be treated, which will be subjected to repeated rotations in both directions. As we will see, it is also planned to install several sets of jaws to increase the machine's efficiency.

[0052] The rotating device with motor consists of an electric motor, installed outside the tank and, where appropriate (multiple machine), is complemented by a system of pulleys, gears or chains that drive k>$ respective rotating axes that penetrate into the interior of the tank. These axes are horizontal in the first mode and vertical in the second embodiment.

[0053] The motor controller detects the skin's twisting and stretching conditions, ordering the change in rotation direction and the duration of the rotation periods in each direction.

[0054] The hydraulic circuit, with a pumping group, consists of a set of pipes that connect the main tank with the group of cylindrical tanks, also communicating these cylindrical tanks with the main tank in a return circuit. The circulation of the syrup is achieved by means of an electric motor pump.

[0055] The filtering device consists of one or more filters of the same or different types that are interconnected in the hydraulic circuit.

[0056] Additionally, the general device includes a syrup heater with a temperature reader, a pH controller and, above all, a programmable intelligent control center that governs and controls the correct operation of the different components of the machine, executing the orders of each program.

[0057] The invention, as conceived, has the following advantages

[0058] - This is a unique, new, and never-before-seen machine, using a container with closed-circuit pumps where all liquid products are collected and reused without wasting any waste.

[0059] - It is an ecological, biodegradable process that is in harmony with the environment.

[0060] - Eliminates pollution from sewers, rivers, groundwater, seas and nature in general.

[0061] - Uses a closed system for continuous collection and recycling of syrup or aqueous processing medium

[0062] - Optimization of the water footprint by reducing, recycling and reusing 100% of wastewater and other products within industrial processes

[0063] - Mechanizes, automates and robotizes the entire process of handling skins, activation and deactivation of electric motors, sensors and others

[0064] - The machine simplifies several processes into one, called 'sandwich', which will help us reduce labor, products and water resources. This sandwich process is proposed as an alternative to process skins but not as a requirement for the machine to work.

[0065] - Excess products and other additives not absorbed by the skin, within its transformation process, will be reused accordingly, later, within a new process and on the same timeline.

[0066] - The final appearance of the product is improved and tanning times are considerably reduced.

[0067] - The various types of machines allow not only the processing of various sizes of hides but, above all, the treatment of multiple hides at the same time, since each set of jaws is capable of gripping a high number of hides with the consequent saving of time and energy, optimizing general expenses.

[0068] Of all these advantages, the most notable is the use of the syrup or various syrups used, avoiding their discharge into public sewers and the resulting water pollution problems. In other words, this machine has been designed with ecological objectives and maximum respect for the environment.

[0069] Likewise, another very important advantage of those mentioned above is that both the machine we will call "simple" and the one we will call "multiple" it is possible to process different sizes of hides and numerous hides at the same time, through the use of several sets of jaws, in addition to special intermediate jaws k> which significantly optimizes the use of said machines, the process time, energy consumption and, in short, efficiency and reduction of general expenses. All this is possible thanks to inserting more than one hide per set of jaws, and being able to increase the number of jaws per machine, being able to process up to 300 hides in a single session.

[0070] Another decisive and very important aspect considered by the inventors of this machine is that they are considering, for the near future, the multiple advantages that arise not only from the robotization and automation of processes, as previously mentioned, but also from the intervention of "AI" (Artificial Intelligence) in the selection and classification of hides and in the various phases of their general treatment, avoiding possible operator errors and facilitating certain repetitive tasks.

[0071] In the following sections of figures and description of preferred embodiments by its inventors, the "sufficient training for the complete understanding of this invention is detailed, without prejudice to the fact that in the final development, small modifications may be incorporated that respect the basic idea of ​​the machine presented in this document.

[0072] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Seven figures are included, which are considered sufficient for the correct interpretation of the invention.

[0074] Figure 1

[0075] The side view of the machine of the invention is schematically represented. The following elements are indicated:

[0076] 1.- Main tank

[0077] 2.- Syrup

[0078] 3,* Skin

[0079] 4.- Impotent suction motor pump

[0080] 5 - Pipe

[0081] 5-1.- Directional valve

[0082] 5.2. Opening / closing valve

[0083] 5.3.* By pass

[0084] 54 Return pipe 6 - Filter

[0085] 7 - Heater

[0086] 8.- Storage tank

[0087] 9.- Reducer motor

[0088] 10 - Swivel Pilier

[0089] 11.- Sliding bearing

[0090] 12 - Virtual axis

[0091] 13.- Gag

[0092] 14 - Resorie

[0093] 15.- Mobile stop

[0094] 15 1 - Fixed stop

[0095] 16.- Inverter device

[0096] 17 - Support base

[0097] Figure 2

[0098] It shows a side, sectional view of the tank of a multiple machine, from the engine side, with the tank divided into four compartments.

[0099] 1.1 - Partition wall

[0100] Figure 3

[0101] It shows a top view of the multiple machine in the previous figure, with the tank divided into four independent compartments, for specific treatment of each of the corresponding skins.

[0102] Figure 4

[0103] It shows the view (mm) of figure n*5 of a multiple machine with a tank without dividing walls and a single motor that drives the other three groups by means of a connection chain.

[0104] 18 - Sprocket

[0105] 19 - Chain

[0106] Figure 5

[0107] It shows the top view of the multiple machine of a tank, without dividing walls, which allows the simultaneous treatment of four skins, of the same size, with a single drive motor Figure 6

[0108] It shows the side view of a simple machine in which two skins of different sizes are being treated using a set of intermediate jaws.

[0109] 3.1.- Size A skin

[0110] 3.2.- Size B skin

[0111] 13.1.- Set of intermediate jaws

[0112] Figure ?

[0113] This graph shows a schematic comparison of clean water consumption in traditional processes with respect to water consumption in the machine of the invention.

[0114] 20. Basic processes

[0115] 21 - traditional plus washing

[0116] 22 - machine of the invention

[0117] 23 - Soaking and hairing block

[0118] 24.- * of disengagement and purge

[0119] 25 - * of plkel and tanning

[0120] 26.- * dyeing and greasing

[0121] DETAILED EXPLANATION OF MODES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0122] Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather (Figs. 1 to 7) consisting of a machine that intervenes, in one or several stages, in the process of transformation of any animal skin into leather.

[0123] Since the machine can be designed to treat a single hide or as a multiple machine for the simultaneous treatment of a large number of hides, we will first describe the simplest machine, which will allow us to understand the basic operation of its component elements. Later, we will describe the more complex multiple machines for the simultaneous treatment of numerous hides. These machines, in fact, consist of the installation of groups of interconnected, repeating elements.

[0124] The case in which any of these machines is used to process several skins of the same or different size will also be indicated, using intermediate jaws that connect each foot to the adjacent one, also assuming that each set of jaws can hold many hides. Finally, a second embodiment is mentioned in which the main tank is in the form of a vertical cylindrical tank with a circular base, instead of a pond. This allows a large number of hides to be processed simultaneously.

[0125] It should be emphasized that, in all cases, the machine of the invention represents an important advantage, compared to other machines existing on the market, in relation to water savings, as has been mentioned in other previous paragraphs of this document, which also point out the respect for the environment with minimum discharges of waste water.

[0126] In this sense, the graph represented in (Fig.7) shows us, in a schematic way, this advantage where the soaking and liming blocks (23), descaling and purging (24), pickling and tanning (25) and dyeing and greasing (26) are included, indicating the water consumption in the basic processes (20), in the traditional processes plus washing (21) and in the processes corresponding to the machine of the invention (22). It can be observed that the water saving is notorious.

[0127] 1.- Simple machine a) skin impregnation

[0128] In an embodiment preferred by its inventors, it comprises a main tank (1), with a square or rectangular base, which will be filled with the liquid with additives, which we will call syrup (2), where the skin (3) to be treated will be submerged for the time convenient for each skin. The chosen skin will be held at both ends by two identical clamps (13).

[0129] In order to carry out the successive cycles of skin impregnation (3) with one or more types of syrups (2), the main tank (1) is filled with the appropriate syrup (2) available in one of the storage tanks (8). The syrup (2) is then circulated in a closed circuit, exiting the main tank (1) through the outlet pipe (5), driven by a powerful suction motor pump (4), which drives the syrup (2) towards the filter (6) first and then towards the heater (7). The installation is prepared to opt for the weight through the filter (6) and / or the heater (7) or to avoid said step by circulating the syrup (2) through the corresponding by pass (5.3), since there are directional valves (5.1). The liquid continues its course to be then introduced into the chosen storage tank (8), whose inlet is controlled by means of previous directional valves (5 1) and opening / closing valves (5.2) that allow or prevent the passage of syrup (2) The arc can continue using the same syrup (2) or use a different one, contained in another storage tank (8), for good impregnation and treatment of the skin (3) The syrup (2) that is discharged, is directed towards the return pipe (5.4) for the flow of the liquid into the main tank (1), thus closing the candle that can be repeated as many times as the professional in charge of the machine considers necessary.

[0130] It should be noted that the filtering device can be a slow sand filter, a decanter, a sedimentation tank, a disinfectant, using ozone or UV-C ultraviolet rays, which are highly germicidal, or zeolite filters, activated carbon, anthracite, silica, silver stones, copper ionizers, or the most appropriate, in each case, chosen by the industrialist to obtain the best results in the leather treatment process.

[0131] Regarding the heater (7), it works with electric resistors, gas, solar radiation or any other energy.

[0132] Once the impregnation of the skin (3) is completed, the main tank (1) is emptied, pushing the syrup (2) towards the corresponding storage tank (8), and this is when the twisting or wringing cycles begin.

[0133] In (Fig.1) it can be observed that, in addition to the motor pump (4), a reduction motor (9) is installed next to the main tank (1), which delivers its power to the rotating palter (10), at the end of which there is one of the jaws (13). Coinciding with the virtual axis (12) of the rotating shield (10), the sliding shield (11) is installed, provided with an identical jaw (13) facing the previous one. The sliding shield (11) cannot rotate, because it has a key (not shown), which prevents it. However, it allows sliding in the direction of the virtual axis (12) guided by the fixed stop (15 1), integral with the main tank (1). A short distance from the fixed stop (15.1) a mobile stop (15) is mounted, integral with the sliding shield (11) and between the two stops (15) and (15.1) the helical spring (14) is placed in such a way that a movement of the mobile bearing (11) towards the interior of the main tank (1) causes a compression of the spring (14) which, in turn, acts on the inverting device (16).

[0134] These are the most important components of the simple machine of the invention, which logically rest on very firm support bases (17) (main tank, motor pump and reduction motor) or are hung from the walls or ceiling of the premises (pipes, filters, heater and storage tanks). b) Skin twisting

[0135] As indicated above, the skin is positioned in the machine and held at both ends by the jaws (13), whose contact area with the skin (3) is made of nylon or similar to avoid damage. The reduction motor (9) is then started, which rotates the rotating shaft (10), its jaws (13) and consequently the skin (3).

[0136] The opposite jaw (13) remains fixed so that the skin (3) begins to twist on itself. It is as if it were held by two people, one at each end of the skin, in order to wring it out. Each person applies a direction of rotation opposite to that of the other. When carrying out this twisting operation, the skin (3) suffers a shortening of its length which forces the jaw (13), of the sliding shaft (11), to move towards the interior of the main tank (1) and consequently the mobile stop (15) presses the spring (14) which suffers a decrease in its elongation acting on the inverting device (16).

[0137] The reversing device (16) has a moving part with two electromechanical limit switches. When said moving part reaches one of the limit switches, the direction of rotation of the reduction motor (9) is reversed, so that with this assembly, a continuous alternating cycle is controlled in which the reduction motor (9) periodically changes direction of rotation, twisting the corresponding skin (3), until the operator considers the wringing finished and stops the machine.

[0138] Optionally, the inverter device can operate with strain gauges applied to the spring (14) or with optical detectors or with any other robotic technique known in the current state of the art.

[0139] 2.- Multiple machine

[0140] Having described the main elements that make up a simple machine, we move on to explain the idea conceived by the inventors regarding multiple machines that allow for a decisive improvement in the efficiency and performance of leather treatment processes.

[0141] (Figs. 2 and 3) show the case of a multiple machine in which the main tank (1) is divided into four compartments due to the installation of separating partitions (1.1).

[0142] With this arrangement, four skins (3) of the same size can be treated independently, with different syrups (2) that are circulated through different pipes and stored in different tanks.

[0143] Each of the piafes (3), held by the corresponding jaws (13) ;Once impregnated with the chosen syrup(s) (2), it is subjected to draining by twisting using the specific motor (9) installed in that part of the main tank (1). The operation is identical to that described in the section on the simple machine, as the same elements control the rotation of the motor in one direction and in the opposite direction.

[0144] In the same way as the case of four compartments in the main tank (1) has been represented, a multiple machine can be built with more compartments and engines.

[0145] (Figs. 4 and 5) show the case of a multiple machine in which the main tank (1) lacks separating walls (1.1). However, the number of skins (3) treated is identical to that of (Figs. 2 and 3) but the syrup (2) is common to all. The difference is that a single motor (9) is installed which is responsible for twisting all the skins thanks to the existence of several toothed wheels (18) and a chain (19) which drives all the toothed wheels (18) mounted on three rotating walkways (10),

[0146] Other alternative solutions are conceived to transmit power from the engine to

[0147] 5 base of using interconnecting pulleys or gears,

[0148] Taking into account that it is advisable to optimize the use of machines, of all types, the inventors also solve the case of treating skins of different themes in the same twisting and wringing line. That is, instead of placing a single skin per line, several smaller skins are placed in the same line. This is what is schematically represented in (Fig. 8), in side view where, as an example, two skins of different themes have been placed: a first skin of theme A (3 1) and a second skin of size B (3.2) joined together by a set of intermediate clamps (13.1), with the corresponding ends being trapped by simple clamps (13). The operation of the machine, with two or more skins in the same line, is identical to that already described,

[0149] In view of the above, it is possible to increase the capacity of each machine by placing several skins in each set of jaws and especially by increasing the total number of sets of jaws. As has already been indicated previously in this document, with the invention described, it is possible to process up to 300 skins at a time with the consequent increase in general efficiency.

[0150] Each machine, regardless of its type, has all its parameters governed by a central computer programmable according to the types of leather to be treated, taking into account its texture, color, type of tanning agents, greasing, fixatives and any other characteristic that may determine its final quality.

[0151] The machine is designed so that its hydraulic circuit, with all its components of a powerful suction pump, pipes, valves, filters, heaters and tanks, purifies and oxygenates the syrup in each of the tanks.

[0152] Both the simple and multiple machines just described have the twisting and wringing axes oriented in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0153] Finally, it should be noted that the inventors have conceived a second preferred embodiment in which the total number of skins to be treated in each machine is taken into account and although what has been described up to now mentions solutions with several sets and types of jaws that allow a significant increase in the number of skins processed at the same time, as an alternative method, machines are also considered that have one or more main tanks that, instead of being of the tank type, are of the vertical cylindrical tank type with a circular base.

[0154] In this case, the machine works in the same way with all the elements mentioned in the first embodiment, with the difference that the twisting and draining axis of each tank is vertical and, consequently, the jaws of the various types are also oriented vertically. This second embodiment further increases the number of hides that can be processed simultaneously, with the consequent advantages that this entails.

[0155] Taking into account that the placement or release of the skins in the corresponding jaws, whether it is a simple machine or a multiple machine, in the aforementioned embodiments, involves direct contact with a syrup with aggressive characteristics and in difficult conditions, the inventors foresee the installation of a robotic hand that facilitates these operations and improves the efficiency of the machine.

[0156] Historical background and advantages of the Invention machine

[0157] This mechanized operation was formerly performed manually, with the hides being immersed in channels of dew or in forced, turbulent flows of liquid, followed by twisting. It is therefore easy to imagine the advantage provided by the invented machine, since the absorption of products and other processes are carried out in a short period of time, providing a good result in terms of texture and softness.

[0158] The electromechanical machine can be used in all river processes (unhairing, uncapping, purging, pickling, tanning, neutralizing, dyeing, greasing, fixing, hardening and softening).

[0159] Once this operation has been carried out, the "finishing" process continues according to the techniques and stages chosen by the industrialist, which we will not go into as this is not the object of this Invention.

[0160] It is not considered necessary to expand the content of this description so that an expert in the field can understand the scope and advantages derived from the invention, as well as develop and put into practice the object thereof. However, it should be understood that the invention has been described according to a preferred embodiment thereof, so it may be susceptible to modifications without this having an impact or implying any alteration of the basis of said invention. That is to say, the terms in which this preferred description of the invention has been set forth should always be taken with a broad and not restrictive character.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather consisting of a machine designed to intervene in one or several stages of the transformation process. 5 any animal skin in leather, characterized by comprising a main tank (1), where the skins (3) are immersed in a liquid, with one or more additives, called syrup (2), a suction motor pump (4), which circulates the syrup (2) through an outlet pipe (5), until reaching a directional valve (5.1) that directs the syrup (2) towards one or more filters (6) that are preferably of the slow sand type, decanter, settler, or disinfectant using ozone or UV-C ultraviolet radiation, zeolite, activated carbon, anthracite, silica, silver stones, or copper ionizer and nothing a heater (7) or towards a bypass (5 3) to reach a group of storage tanks (8), equipped with opening / closing valves (5.2) after passing through directional valves (5.1), the syrup (2) is then stored for subsequent discharge, through the pipe of5 return (5.4), in the main tank (1), which is equipped with a reduction motor (9).which delivers its power through a rotating shaft (10), at the end of which a jaw (13) is mounted, facing another identical jaw (13), mounted on a sliding shaft (11) with a fixed stop (15.1), integral with the main tank (1) and a mobile stop (15), integral with said sliding shaft (11), between whose stops a helical spring (14) is installed, which with the change in its elongation, exercises control over an inverter device (16) to condition the direction of rotation of the reduction motor (9), the machine having a programmable central computer that exercises control based on the characteristics required for each skin relating to color, type of tanning agents, lubrication, fixatives and others. 2.- Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather, according to the preceding claim, characterized by using sets of jaws (13) and one or more intermediate jaws (13 1). 3.- Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather, according to the first and second claims, characterized in that all the jaws are equipped with nylon protectors. 4.- Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather, according to the first claim, characterized in that the Inverter device (16) controls the rotation of the reduction motor (9) by means of electromechanical limit switches. 5.- Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather, according to the first claim, characterized in that the inverter device (16) controls the rotation of the reduction motor (9) by means of strain gauges. 6.- Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather, according to the first claim, characterized in that the inverter device (16) controls the rotation of the reduction motor (9) by means of optical detectors Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather, according to the 5 first claim, characterized by having a syrup pH meter (2). 8.- Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather, according to the first claim, characterized by having the main tank compartmentalized by separating partitions (1.1). 9.- Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather, according to the tenth claim, characterized by having several reduction motors (9), one for each compartment. 10.- Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather, according to the first claim, characterized by having a single main tank (1) and a single reduction motor (9) that drives several skin treatment groups by means of 5 toothed wheels (18) and chains (19), pulleys or gears. 11.- Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather, according to the first claim, characterized by having a robotic hand that handles the automatic installation and removal of the skins in the different clamps. 12 - Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather, according to the 20 first claim, characterized by having the main tank in the form of a square or rectangular base pond 13 - Electromechanical machine for the transformation of animal skin into leather, according to the first claim, characterized by having the main tank in the form of a vertical cylindrical tank with a circular base

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