Transportable scrap metal pre-shredding system

Abstract

A transportable scrap metal pre-shredding system comprising a pre-shredding machine (1) with a frame (2) in which upper and lower shafts (5, 7), both with toothed discs, are at least partially housed. The system comprises a drive unit (9), connectable to the pre-shredding machine (1), including at least one hydraulic unit and one motor. In the working position, the pre-shredding machine (1) and the drive unit (9) are connected, while in the transport position, they are disconnected. The system also comprises control means for adjusting the distance between the shafts (5, 7), modifying the direction of rotation of the upper shaft (5), and modifying the rotational speed of at least one of the shafts (5, 7), based on the size of the scrap and the energy consumption required to process it at any given moment. Both the drive unit (9) and the pre-shredding machine (1) are suitable for road transport.

Description

[0001] TRANSPORTABLE METAL SCRAP PRE-FRAGMENTATION SYSTEM

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a transportable system for pre-fragmenting metal scrap.

[0005] The system comprises a pre-fragmenting machine responsible for fragmenting the material before it is sent to a fragmenter.

[0006] The system of the present invention combines, on the one hand, a power that allows pre-fragmenting scrap metal (much higher than the power needed to pre-fragment other materials such as wood, stones, tires, etc.) and, on the other hand, a configuration, dimensions and weight that allow its transport.

[0007] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Pre-shredders are machines that perform an initial processing of the material, meaning they are pre-shredded before being sent to a shredder. These machines are widely used in sectors such as vehicle processing or waste management involving potentially flammable materials. By pre-shredding the waste to be treated (for example, a vehicle) at a slower speed than that used in shredding, smaller, pre-treated pieces of material are obtained. This slower pre-shredding process prevents sparks that could cause explosions. The resulting scrap metal is then sent to a shredder, or wherever appropriate, for final processing.

[0009] Likewise, the pre-fragmentation of the waste allows it to be compacted and thus reduce the volume it occupies.

[0010] In the scrap metal sector, many small and medium-sized scrap dealers lack processing systems that would allow them to compact and process the stored scrap metal to increase its density before transporting it to processing centers. This results in a low value per unit of volume for the scrap they sell and store, and necessitates the use of large storage areas.

[0011] In some cases, these small / medium-sized scrap metal dealers have small presses, shears or compactors, which allow them to increase the density of the scrap metal before transporting it, but these are manual loading / unloading systems with reduced productive capacity.

[0012] These small and medium-sized scrap metal dealers, despite needing to pre-process scrap metal to increase density and optimize their profits, cannot afford to invest in expensive pre-fragmentation facilities. Furthermore, these facilities are usually fixed, requiring sufficient space for their placement and installation, a requirement that small and medium-sized businesses typically lack.

[0013] Mobile pre-fragmenting machines are known from the prior art, but they are configured for processing tires, wood, or light metals. These machines, described for example in documents ES2249523T3 and ES2092599T3, use blades that cut the product for which they are designed.

[0014] The technical problem that arises when attempting to use any of the currently available portable shredding machines to pre-shred scrap metal is that the blades struggle to cut effectively, becoming damaged and requiring torque (and corresponding power levels) higher than the machine can deliver. This causes numerous problems and can even damage the machine. Therefore, these machines are unsuitable for processing scrap metal due to the numerous problems and wear they exhibit, as they are designed to process softer materials.

[0015] Scrap pre-fragmentation systems require greater rigidity, more powerful actuators, and rigid structures, resulting in systems of high dimensions and weight, generally anchored to the ground.

[0016] In some cases, systems with pre-shredding machines mounted on tracks are used for movement within the scrap metal storage area. However, the size of these systems means that relocating them to other sites requires dismantling, special transport, and assembly by experts. These factors make it difficult to transport these systems to small / medium-sized scrap metal dealers for temporary scrap metal processing.

[0017] As previously described, fixed pre-shredding systems can be installed, with higher installed power, shafts, and a more rigid structure. However, the required investment and the dimensions of fixed scrap metal pre-shredders make them expensive equipment that must be transported in pieces and assembled at a final location with a fixed installation. This makes relocation very complicated in terms of time, cost, etc., and the amortization of the equipment may not be feasible for small and medium-sized enterprises.

[0018] It is therefore necessary to develop a metal scrap pre-fragmentation system that is easily relocatable and that allows the described needs for power and robustness to be met.

[0019] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In order to achieve the objectives and avoid the drawbacks mentioned in the previous section, the invention proposes a transportable metal scrap pre-fragmentation system that guarantees the necessary operating capacity for metal scrap pre-fragmentation.

[0021] This system comprises at least one pre-fragmenting machine with a frame having an inlet located in an upper section and an outlet located in a lower section. The machine also comprises an upper shaft with upper toothed discs and a lower shaft with lower toothed discs, each shaft being housed, at least partially, inside the frame between the inlet and outlet.

[0022] The upper shaft controls the feeding of scrap metal into the pre-shredder. The lower shaft controls the pre-shredding process. Both shafts are arranged in parallel, and the system includes control means configured to regulate the distance between these shafts, control the difference in their rotational speeds, and control their directions of rotation.

[0023] By adjusting the distance between the shafts, scrap metal of a predetermined size (coarser or finer) can be processed without the need for a pusher ramp (a component generally found in all prior art pre-shredders). Therefore, by eliminating this component, the system's weight is reduced. Modifying the distance between the shafts also regulates the power required for the pre-shredding operations. This is especially important in the present invention because, when both shafts are at their closest point to each other, the scrap metal has to pass between the toothed discs of both shafts through a very small space. This results in greater tearing and breakage, requiring more torque, consuming more energy, and generating greater stress. By increasing the distance between the toothed discs of both shafts, the scrap metal can pass through less processed, requiring less energy for processing.

[0024] Thus, the control means manage the electronic part of the pre-fragmenting machine, monitoring (using sensors or state-of-the-art control elements) the torque supplied to the shafts, the distance between shafts and the parameters of the scrap processing in order to, based on these parameters, determine whether the material is being processed correctly or whether, on the contrary, action must be taken on some element to solve possible problems (unwanted increase in the necessary torque, jams...).

[0025] Furthermore, to move the upper and lower axes closer together / away, the pre-fragmenter may include linear actuators (which may be, for example, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, electric cylinders, or any other similar system that allows one of the axes to be moved relative to the other).

[0026] In one embodiment, the control means can command to move only the upper axis, this movement being either a linear movement or a pivoting movement of the upper axis with respect to the lower axis.

[0027] In another possible embodiment, the distance between the axes is controlled in a stepped manner (i.e., not continuously). For this embodiment, the pre-fragmenter may comprise, for example, a combination of pins and actuators whereby the upper shaft is fixed to the frame, while the lower shaft is the one that moves.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the control means adjust the distance between the two axes based on the energy consumption of the at least one motor that powers the axes to rotate them. A greater distance between the axes results in lower energy consumption, and a smaller distance between the axes results in higher energy consumption.

[0029] The ability to adjust and control the distance between the axles allows the machine to pre-fragment high-density, high-hardness scrap metal (such as off-road vehicles) by increasing the distance between the axles. This reduces the amount of scrap processed, but provides an initial step that can be completed with a second pass through the same machine with the axles spaced closer together, or even to the minimum distance between them, to achieve a more fragmented product.

[0030] In this way, the machine can adapt its structural rigidity to process smaller waste, such as medium-sized vehicles, and also to process larger waste, such as larger vehicles like SUVs. In this second case, as described, the scrap metal can be passed through the machine twice: once with the axes spaced further apart, to perform the first step of pre-fragmentation, and again with the axes closer together (at a shorter distance), to obtain a finer product.

[0031] The advantage of this invention relating to the control means for regulating the distance between axes and for regulating the speeds and directions of rotation of the axes, allows the pre-fragmenting machine to have a smaller structural dimension and lower weight and, at the same time, be able to process large volumes of metal scrap.

[0032] In this regard, as previously described, the control system monitors the torque consumed by the motor(s) and, based on this, adjusts the rotational speeds of the shafts and the direction of rotation of at least the upper shaft. Generally, both shafts rotate in opposite directions, but if, for example, a blockage is detected inside the frame or excessive energy consumption by the motors, the control system reverses the direction of rotation of the upper shaft for a few moments, then reduces the feed speed, temporarily decreasing the processed flow rate if necessary. This prevents blockages and reduces the energy consumption of the prefragmenter, thus optimizing the dimensions of the prefragmenter's power supply (which helps to reduce the system's weight and make it more easily transportable).

[0033] Preferably, at least one of the shafts, and preferably at least the upper shaft, is a lightweight shaft. This technical feature also contributes to reducing the system's weight, since prior art pre-crushers, due to the high load they must withstand, generally comprise solid shafts with large diameters, resulting in a significant mass that is very representative of the overall weight of the assembly.

[0034] In one embodiment, the lightweight axle comprises a tubular body on which the upper toothed discs are mounted. This tubular body has thick walls to concentrate inertia at the axle's periphery. In one embodiment, these walls are between 30 mm and 100 mm thick. Furthermore, in a possible embodiment, it comprises opposing end caps that close the ends of the tubular body, and end sections by which it is attached to the frame. In one possible embodiment, the end caps are welded to the tubular body, and the end sections are joined to the end caps by bolted connections.

[0035] In one embodiment, the upper shaft also includes reinforcing elements, such as longitudinal blocks, attached to an outer surface of the tubular body. These reinforcing elements protect the outer surface of the tubular body from wear (without these reinforcing elements, the shaft's outer surface could come into direct contact with scrap metal during processing) and also ensure that the distance between the toothed discs is maintained.

[0036] Preferably, at least the upper toothed discs comprise teeth with a symmetrical structure, which prevents any loss of functionality on the upper shaft; that is, the toothed discs work equally well in both directions of shaft rotation. Thus, depending on the direction of rotation, the upper shaft can feed scrap metal to the lower shaft, stop the feed, or remove the scrap metal and direct it to the inlet if the control system detects jams or overloading.

[0037] Through these technical characteristics, the dimensions and weight of the pre-fragmentation system are greatly reduced, while maintaining the necessary conditions to process even large volumes of scrap metal.

[0038] On the other hand, thanks to the monitoring of power consumption via the control systems, the frame has been optimized (since power requirements are now lower, and if excessively high consumption is detected, the shafts can be separated from each other and, if necessary, pre-fragmentation can be performed in several steps). External ribs and reinforcements have been eliminated, and higher-quality steel alloys than those typically used in this type of machine have been employed in its manufacture, which further contributes to reducing the system's weight and thus improving its transportability.

[0039] In addition to the pre-fragmenting machine, the system of the invention may include a support configured to hold and secure said pre-fragmenting machine so that it remains stable during use. In its transport position, this support has dimensions limited to the maximum permissible for road transport according to regulations.

[0040] The support structure preferably comprises a base and legs (which may be retractable, foldable, and / or detachable). The legs are configured to support the system on the designated terrain where it will be located. It also preferably includes connecting elements configured to attach the base (to which the pre-fragmenting machine is attached) to a truck bed.

[0041] Preferably, the legs are movable between an active position, in which they are configured to rest on a floor, and an inactive position, in which they are retracted or disassembled. In one embodiment, the legs have a mechanism for changing their position from active to inactive (and vice versa), which can be hydraulic, manual, or even electric. Furthermore, the legs include locking elements, such as hydraulically or manually operated bolts or screws, such that once the legs are in any of the possible positions, that position is secured.

[0042] Being foldable, retractable and / or detachable, the legs of the support, when in the inactive position, are arranged in the space of the gondola of a truck in which the system is transported, so that they do not protrude from the dimensions of said truck and therefore no special road transport systems are necessary.

[0043] The legs may also include reinforcements that can be part of the legs themselves or attached to them by means of, for example, screws or bolts during the change of position between the inactive and active positions. If the reinforcements are removable, i.e., not part of the legs themselves, they are configured so that only one mounting position is possible to prevent errors during assembly.

[0044] The system may additionally include a perimeter ramp, configured to support bulky waste, such as a vehicle, during the pre-shredding process. This perimeter ramp is attached to the upper inlet of the pre-shredder, preferably along its entire perimeter, for example, by means of a securing system comprising anchoring zones and positioning bolts, complemented by bolted connections.

[0045] Furthermore, the transportable metal scrap pre-shredding system may include a conveyor belt with one end aligned with the discharge opening of the pre-shredding machine. This conveyor belt transports the pre-shredding scrap from the pre-shredding machine to a container, storage silo, or similar receptacle. The system may also include an adjustable support structure designed to be attached to the conveyor belt. This structure comprises at least one support leg, which is preferably removable or retractable, and is connected, via connectors, to the end of the conveyor belt opposite the end aligned with the discharge opening of the pre-shredding machine. This structure also allows for leveling the conveyor belt and adjusting its slope.Both the perimeter ramp and the conveyor belt can be lifted, already in the final position in which the system will work, by means of grapples or similar elements (of the type available in scrap metal facilities).

[0046] The system may also include reference and centering equipment for the interconnection, positioning, and anchoring of the ramp structure and / or conveyor belt. This reference and centering equipment can be easily assembled and disassembled by an operator in a short amount of time.

[0047] The transportable scrap metal pre-shredding system comprises at least one drive unit with a motor (e.g., combustion or electric) and a hydraulic unit. The drive unit may be housed within a container mounted on a truck bed, where the system support is installed (on which the pre-shredding machine is mounted in the previously described embodiment). The container is of the type that can be transported by road without the need for special vehicles.

[0048] The drive unit is connected to the axes and the control means, and is configured to:

[0049] - start / stop the rotation of the shafts;

[0050] - supply the necessary torque to the shafts;

[0051] - increase / decrease the rotational speed of the axes;

[0052] - displace, at least, the upper axis with respect to the lower axis;

[0053] - change the direction of rotation of the upper axis.

[0054] Thus, the drive equipment sends signals to the control means with the power consumed at each moment and, based on these values ​​and other parameters such as load volume, distance between axles or rotation speeds, the drive equipment receives a response signal from the control means with the corresponding commands to move one axle relative to another, start / stop the rotation of the axles, increase / reduce the torque, increase / reduce the rotation speed and / or change the direction of rotation of the upper axle.

[0055] The drive unit may also include at least one long hose and quick connections to the pre-fragmenting machine and an additional motor connectable to the conveyor belt.

[0056] In one embodiment, the drive unit may comprise drive unit support legs, for example retractable, similar to those described for the support, so that it can be easily unloaded from the truck and the truck bed does not have to remain in the scrapyard for the operation of the system.

[0057] In another possible embodiment, if a 40-foot truck is to be used for transporting the system, or if the system's pre-fragmenting machine does not require a large length, the drive unit is transported with the pre-fragmenting machine, the support, and the conveyor belt (if included) on a single truck trailer. Another option is to assemble the system on two trucks; for example, mounting the pre-fragmenting machine with its support and any auxiliary components on one truck, and mounting the drive unit on the other.

[0058] Thanks to the modifications described, especially those relating to the axles and the frame, each truck transporting the proposed system, whether the pre-fragmentation system assembly with auxiliary systems and the drive equipment, or if the transport of the system is divided between two trucks, complies with weights and dimensions suitable for road transport for Europe according to the dimensions established in Directive 96 / 53 / EC, without the need to resort to special transport.

[0059] Furthermore, the system is designed so that minor modifications can be made if it is necessary to adapt the measures to the regulations of other countries or states (depending on the dimensions established in the applicable directives).

[0060] Thus, as previously described, the invention achieves its objective of providing a transportable metal scrap pre-fragmentation system whose configuration and design allow for transport without compromising operational capacity. The proposed invention is an easily relocatable system capable of pre-fragmenting metal scrap the size of a car and scrap blocks of the same size. Furthermore, the system can be designed and manufactured for pre-fragmenting smaller scrap blocks or items. In addition, the system allows for reliable metal scrap pre-fragmentation with minimal production downtime (thanks to process monitoring by control systems and the actuation of the axes, particularly the upper axis, in response to said monitoring).

[0061] Therefore, the pre-fragmentation system of the invention is configured to pre-fragment large-volume scrap metal, such as cars or other bulky items, despite having smaller dimensions than prior art pre-fragmentation machines. Furthermore, the pre-fragmentation system is designed to be assembled quickly and without specialized personnel at the desired location.

[0062] Next, to facilitate a better understanding of this descriptive report and forming an integral part thereof, a series of figures are included in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the object of the invention has been represented.

[0063] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0064] Figures 1A: Shows a perspective view of the system's prefragmenting machine.

[0065] Figure 1B: Shows a perspective view of the pre-fragmenting machine, as in Figure 1A, in which a part of the frame has been removed to show how the upper and lower shafts are arranged inside the frame.

[0066] Figure 2: Shows a cross-sectional view, in which you can see how the scrap metal passes between the toothed discs of the upper and lower shafts.

[0067] Figure 3: Shows a sectional view, like that in Figure 2, in which the control means have separated the axes from each other, displacing the upper axis.

[0068] Figure 4: Shows a cross-sectional view of a lightweight upper shaft with a hollow tubular structure.

[0069] Figure 5: Shows a comparative view of a frame of a prior art prefragmenting machine and a frame of the prefragmenting machine of the system of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 6A: Shows a perspective view of a pre-fragmenting machine attached to a support.

[0071] Figure 6B: Shows a perspective view of the pre-fragmenting machine of Figure 6A, attached to the support, and arranged in a truck gondola.

[0072] Figure 7: Shows a perspective view of the pre-fragmenting machine with a ramp and a conveyor belt attached, respectively, to the inlet and outlet openings.

[0073] Figures 8A and 8B: Show perspective views where an embodiment is observed in which the system is transported completely in a single truck and another embodiment in which the system is transported divided into two trucks (in one of them the drive equipment is transported and in the other the pre-fragmenting machine with the auxiliary elements is transported).

[0074] Figure 9: Represents a perspective view, showing the transportable metal scrap prefragmentation system already installed in working position, and arranged upstream of a shredder to which the prefragmented scrap metal that comes out of the outlet of the prefragmentation machine is transported, through the conveyor belt.

[0075] The following is a list of the various elements represented in the figures that comprise the invention:

[0076] 1: pre-fragmenting machine; 2: frame; 2': prior art frame; 3: inlet opening; 4: outlet opening; 5: upper shaft; 6: upper toothed disc; 7: lower shaft; 8: lower toothed disc; 9: drive unit; 10: scrap; 11: tubular body; 12: cover; 13: end section; 14: reinforcing element; 15: support; 16: base; 17: legs; 18: gondola; 19: perimeter ramp; 20: conveyor belt; 21: adjustable support structure; 22: drive unit support; 23: drive unit base; 24: drive unit legs. DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0077] Considering the numbering adopted in the figures, the transportable metal scrap prefragmentation system comprises at least one prefragmenting machine (1) that has a frame (2) with an inlet (3) located in an upper section, through which the metal scrap to be prefragmented is introduced, and an outlet (4), located in a lower section, through which the metal scrap comes out after having been prefragmented.

[0078] Figures 1A-B show the pre-fragmenting machine (1) comprising an upper shaft (5) on which upper toothed discs (6) are mounted and a lower shaft (7) on which lower toothed discs (8) are mounted. These shafts (5, 7) are arranged in parallel, with the possibility of adjusting the distance between them (5, 7).

[0079] The transportable metal scrap pre-shredding system of the present invention also comprises a drive unit (9) configured to supply the power for processing the scrap. The drive unit (9) comprises at least one hydraulic unit and at least one motor, which drives said hydraulic unit and may be combustion or electric. The drive unit (9) has a weight and dimensions that allow its installation inside a container of the type that complies with road transport regulations. This drive unit has long hoses and quick-connect fittings to the pre-shredding machine (1).

[0080] The transportable pre-fragmentation system comprises control means configured to monitor the process and act on the elements of the system, optimizing the processing of the scrap, for example, by regulating the distance between the two axes (5, 7) based on the size of the scrap and the energy consumption required to process said scrap.

[0081] In one embodiment, the upper shaft (5) is continuously moved by a linear actuator. In another embodiment, the upper shaft (5) is rigidly attached to the frame (2), for example, by bolts, and the lower shaft (7) is moved by a linear actuator. Thus, in one embodiment, the upper shaft (5) is moved relative to the lower shaft (7) by a hydraulic actuator connected to the drive unit (9). In another embodiment, the upper shaft (5) is linked to the frame (2), and the lower shaft (7) is moved relative to the upper shaft (5) by the scrap metal being processed.

[0082] In both cases, the corresponding linear actuator can be a hydraulic, pneumatic, electric actuator, or any other system that allows one mechanism to move relative to the other.

[0083] In the system of the invention, the displacement of one axis with respect to the other is controlled based on the consumption of the drive equipment (9) and / or based on the size of the scrap metal to be pre-fragmented. The processing of the scrap metal is optimized by adapting the power of the drive equipment (9) to the process, allowing the use of a drive equipment (9) of smaller dimensions (therefore, transportable) without losing performance.

[0084] Thus, at least one of the axes (5, 7) is articulated to the frame (2), in such a way that the relative position of one axis with respect to the other can be adjusted, always maintaining parallelism between the two axes (5, 7). The relative displacement can be linear or pivotal.

[0085] The ability to control the distance between the upper shaft (5) and the lower shaft (7) is important because, when both shafts are very close together, the scrap metal (10) must pass between the upper (6) and lower (8) toothed discs, as shown in Figure 2, through a very small space, resulting in greater tearing. Pre-fragmenting the scrap metal in this way requires more effort and therefore consumes more energy.

[0086] When energy consumption is detected to be above a desired maximum threshold value, the axes (5, 7) are separated from each other, and if energy consumption is detected to be below a desired minimum threshold value, the axes (5, 7) are brought closer together.

[0087] One way to decrease the energy required is to increase the distance between the upper and lower toothed discs (6, 8), increasing the distance between both axes (5, 7) so that the scrap passes through less processed, as can be seen in figure 3.

[0088] As previously described, the variation of the distance between axles (5, 7) by the control means is a function of the energy required to process the scrap and the volume (size) of said scrap.

[0089] The ability to regulate the distance between the axes (5, 7) by controlling the power consumption of the drive equipment (9) and the size of the scrap metal allows the system to pre-fragment large-volume, hard metal scrap (e.g., off-road vehicles) by adjusting the distance between the axes (5, 7) as needed. Separating the axes reduces the amount of scrap processed, but it performs an initial pre-fragmentation that could be further processed by the same system with the axes (5, 7) closer together, resulting in a more fragmented product. In this way, the system can adapt the structural rigidity of the pre-fragmentation machine to process medium-sized or large-sized metal scrap.

[0090] The advantage proposed by the invention of combining the control means with the axle distance regulation (5, 7) allows the drive equipment (9) of the system to be smaller and lighter than those known in the state of the art, while ensuring proper processing of large scrap.

[0091] Simultaneously, the control system monitors the energy consumed by the drive unit (9) and acts on the axes (5, 7), either by changing their direction of rotation, varying the distance between them, or applying more or less torque, if any abnormal situation is detected during the processing of the scrap metal. This optimizes the dimensions of the drive unit (9), allowing it to be reduced in size so that it can be transported without compromising effectiveness / performance in the process.

[0092] Preferably, the upper toothed discs (6) are of symmetrical structure so as to guarantee correct operation in either direction of rotation of the upper shaft (5). Given the high load they must withstand, prior art pre-fragmenting machines comprise solid shafts with large diameters, resulting in a significant mass that is very representative of the overall weight of the pre-fragmenting machine assembly.

[0093] However, the pre-fragmenting machine of the system of the present invention comprises a lightweight upper shaft (5) with a hollow structure, as shown in Figure 4. Preferably, this lightweight upper shaft (5) comprises a tubular body (11) on which upper toothed discs (6) are mounted. In one possible embodiment, it also comprises opposing end caps (12) that close the ends of the tubular body (11), and end sections (13) attached to the end caps (12) by means of which it is coupled to the frame (2). In one possible embodiment, the end caps (12) are welded to the tubular body (11), while the end sections (13) are preferably attached to the end caps (12) by bolted connections. Furthermore, the end caps (12) may have keyways to accommodate bearings for transmitting rotary motion to the upper shaft (5).

[0094] The thickness of the side wall of the tubular body (11) of the upper shaft (5) is preferably between 30 mm and 100 mm. That is, the tubular body (11) comprises a thick side wall in order to concentrate the inertia at the periphery of the upper shaft (5).

[0095] In order to reduce wear and increase the rigidity of the lightweight upper shaft (5) shown in Figure 4, reinforcing elements (14), preferably longitudinal bars, can be placed on the tubular body (11). These elements protect the outer surface of the upper shaft (5) from wear. The reinforcing elements (14) also allow for spacing between the upper toothed discs (6) mounted on the tubular body (11).

[0096] The aforementioned technical characteristics allow for a reduction in the dimensions and weight of the pre-fragmenting machine (1) while maintaining the rigidity and power necessary to process scrap metal, even when such scrap metal is of large volume. This is achieved by limiting the power required by the pre-fragmenting machine.

[0097] (1), thanks to the monitoring of the process by the control means, the frame

[0098] (2) The machine has been optimized by eliminating external ribs and reinforcements and using higher-quality steel alloys (S355JR) than those typically used in this type of machine (normally S275JR), resulting in a weight reduction that contributes to the transportability of the assembly. In this regard, Figure 5 shows a comparison between a prior art frame (2') with a plurality of reinforcing ribs, and the frame (2) of the system of the present invention, which is much lighter and without reinforcing ribs.

[0099] To install and position the pre-fragmenting machine (1) at a specific location, the system may include a support (15), which can be independent or rigidly attached to the pre-fragmenting machine (1). The key feature is that the support (15), when included in the system, can be moved from an active position to an inactive position where it does not exceed the permissible dimensions of a truck for road transport without requiring special vehicles. Figure 6 shows a pre-fragmenting machine (1) mounted on a support (15).

[0100] The support (15) comprises a base (16), configured to receive and secure the pre-fragmenting machine (1), and includes legs (17). These legs (17) can be retractable, foldable, or detachable and are configured to raise the base (16), and therefore the pre-fragmenting machine (1) mounted on it, and level it on the ground where it is located to perform the pre-fragmenting process. In an embodiment where the system is transported on a truck trailer (18), the legs (17) (for example, by means of their hydraulic system) allow the pre-fragmenting machine (1) to be lifted from the trailer (18), freeing the trailer either so that the truck can be moved to another location or to prevent damage to the trailer (18) from supporting the movements of the pre-fragmenting machine (1) when it is operating.

[0101] Furthermore, the legs (17) provide stability (rigidity) to the pre-fragmenting machine (1) during pre-fragmentation operations, as shown in Figure 6A. Thus, the rigidity of the system of the invention does not depend on the truck's gondola (18). The legs (17) can be moved between an active position, in which they are extended and resting on the ground, and an inactive position, in which they are retracted, folded, or detached from the base for transporting the system. This can be seen, for example, in Figure 6B.

[0102] The figures show the legs (17) made of coaxial square tubes, but they could be circular or structural profiles. In one embodiment, the legs (17) can be rigidly locked by, for example, hydraulically or manually operated bolts, or by screws (not shown).

[0103] To ensure proper transport of the system, the invention includes an embodiment in which the legs (17) can be raised above the height of the truck's gondola (18) and moved or pivoted inwards into said gondola (18), thus preventing them from protruding from the truck. The actuation for these movements could be hydraulic, manual, or even electric.

[0104] Additionally, the support (15) may include additional reinforcements to provide greater rigidity to the system during pre-fragmentation operations. These additional reinforcements may be part of the legs (17) themselves and attached to the base (16) by means of screws or bolts during the assembly phase, or they may be independent, easily assembled elements that are anchored to both the legs (17) and the base (16) afterward.

[0105] Furthermore, in order to shred scrap metal the size of a vehicle, the system preferably comprises a perimeter ramp (19) configured to be installed around the perimeter of the inlet (3) of the pre-shredder (1). This perimeter ramp (19) is configured to receive and support the vehicle to be fed into the pre-shredder (1) during the pre-shredding process. To secure the ramp structure (19) to the inlet (3), the system may include anchoring zones on the ramp (19) itself and be attached to the frame (2) of the pre-shredder (1) using positioning bolts and screws.

[0106] The system may also include a conveyor belt (20), with one end facing the outlet (4) and the other end opposite it. The conveyor belt (20) allows the scrap metal to be moved from the outlet of the pre-fragmenting machine (1) to a fragmentation station, a container, or a storage silo. Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the system comprises the perimeter ramp (19) and the conveyor belt (20).

[0107] Figure 7 shows an example where the conveyor belt (20) has a connection to the support (15) and an adjustable, removable, or retractable support structure (21). The connection to the support (15) is located at one end of the conveyor belt (20) and allows coupling between the conveyor belt (20) and the support (15) in just a few minutes. At the other end (distal end) of the conveyor belt (20) is the adjustable support structure (21), which is configured to rest on the floor and adjust its height, and therefore the height of the corresponding end of the conveyor belt (20).

[0108] The drive unit (9) may comprise drive unit legs, which may be, for example, retractable, similar to those described for the support (15), so that it can be easily unloaded from the truck in which it is transported.

[0109] Alternatively, for 40-foot trucks, or if the pre-fragmenting machine (1) does not require a large length, the drive unit (9), the pre-fragmenting machine (1) (and the ramp (19) and conveyor belt (20), if the system includes them) can be mounted on a single transport trailer (18), as shown in Figure 8A. In another embodiment, the system is mounted on two trucks, as shown in Figure 8B. A first truck transports the pre-fragmenting machine (1) with auxiliary equipment, and a second truck transports the drive unit (9), preferably arranged inside a container as previously described.

[0110] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the transportable system for pre-fragmenting metallic material mounted and supported on the ground, arranged upstream of a fragmentation system to which the already pre-fragmented scrap is sent, by means of the conveyor belt (20), from the outlet (4) of the pre-fragmenting machine (1).

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A transportable metal scrap pre-fragmentation system comprising: -a pre-fragmentation machine (1) with a frame (2), having an inlet (3) located in an upper section and an outlet (4) located in a lower section, and having, at least partially housed inside the frame (2), an upper shaft (5) with upper toothed discs (6) and a lower shaft (7) with lower toothed discs (8), both with the possibility of rotation; and - a drive unit (9), connectable to the pre-fragmenting machine (1), comprising at least a hydraulic unit and a motor; and the system is characterized in that: - In a working position of the system, the pre-fragmenting machine (1) and the drive equipment (9) are connected, and in a transport position of the system, the pre-fragmenting machine (1) and the drive equipment (9) are disconnected; - at least one of the upper and lower axes (5, 7) has the possibility of displacement such that the separation between the axes can be varied; - comprises at least some control means configured to, based on the size of the scrap to be processed and the energy consumption of the drive equipment (9) required to process the scrap at any given time, regulate the distance between the upper and lower axes (5, 7), modify the direction of rotation of the upper axis (5) and modify the rotation speed of at least one of the upper or lower axes (5, 7); - the drive unit (9) is housed in a container with dimensions suitable for road transport; - The pre-fragmenting machine (1) has dimensions and weight suitable for road transport. 2.- System according to claim 1 wherein the upper shaft (5) comprises a tubular body (11) with walls of thickness between 30 mm and 100 mm. 3.- System according to claim 2 wherein the upper shaft (5) further comprises caps (12) covering open ends of the tubular body (11) and end sections (13) projecting from said caps (12) and configured to be attached to the frame (2) with the possibility of rotation. 4.- System according to any one of the preceding claims comprising some reinforcing elements (14) arranged on the outer surface of the upper shaft (5). 5.- System according to any one of the preceding claims in which the upper shaft (5) is displaced with respect to the lower shaft (7) driven by a hydraulic actuator connected to the drive equipment (9). 6.- System according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the upper shaft (5) is linked to the frame (2) and the lower shaft (7) is displaced relative to the upper shaft (5) pushed by the scrap to be processed. 7.- System according to any one of the preceding claims in which the upper toothed discs (6) have a symmetrical structure such that they act on the scrap metal in either of the two possible directions of rotation of the upper shaft (5). 8.- System according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a support (15) with a base (16) and legs (17) wherein said legs (17) are retractable, foldable or detachable and wherein the base (16) is configured to support and fix the pre-fragmenting machine (1), and wherein the legs (17) have the possibility of movement between an active position, in which they rest on a surface, and an inactive position, in which the legs are retracted or detached, coinciding with the transport position of the system. 9.- System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the prefragmenting machine (1) is configured to be housed in a gondola (18) of a truck when the system is in the transport position. 10.- System according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the container housing the drive equipment (9) is configured to be housed in a gondola (18) of a truck when the system is in transport position. 11.- System according to claim 8 wherein the support (15) is configured to be housed in the gondola (18) of a truck when the legs (17) of the support are in the inactive position and the system is in transport position. 12.- System according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a perimeter ramp (19), configured to be detachably attached to the frame (2) of the pre-fragmenting machine (1) at an outer edge of the inlet mouth (3) and wherein said ramp (19) is configured to receive and support the scrap metal to be introduced into the pre-fragmenting machine (1). 13.- System according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a conveyor belt (20), configured to be arranged, in the working position of the system, with a proximal end facing the outlet (4) of the pre-fragmenting machine (1), and to move the scrap metal from the outlet (4) of the pre-fragmenting machine (1). 14.- System according to claim 13 comprising an adjustable support structure (21), attachable to a distal end of the conveyor belt (20), which is configured to rest on the ground and adapt its height, and therefore the height of the distal end of the conveyor belt (20).

15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (9) comprises a drive unit support (22) with a drive unit base (23) and drive unit legs (24), wherein said drive unit legs (24) are retractable, foldable, or detachable, and wherein the drive unit base (23) is configured to support and secure the drive unit (9), and wherein the drive unit legs (24) are movable between an active position, in which they rest on a surface, and an inactive position, in which the legs are retracted or detached, coinciding with the transport position of the system. 16.- System according to claim 15 wherein the drive unit support (22) is configured to be housed in the gondola (18) of a truck when the drive unit legs (24) are in the inactive position and the system is in transport position.

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