Recovery device and method of operating a recovery device

Abstract

According to the invention, a recycling device for removing filler material from a strip-like band material (B), in particular from artificial turf, having an upper side comprising protruding elements and a lower side without protruding elements, is proposed, the recycling device having an unwinding device (100) which is arranged at an entry side (E) and is configured for unwinding a roll (R) of the band material (B), a conveying system (S) for conveying the band material (B) along a conveying path (P) from the entry side (E) to an exit side (A), the conveying system comprising at least one conveying device (10), and an evacuation device (30) for the band material (B), the evacuation device (30) being arranged facing the lower side, and the conveying path (P) in the evacuation device (30) being redirected such that the filler material can fall out of the band material (B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a recycling apparatus and a method for operating the recycling apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] For example, such recycling devices are known in EP2792227 B1. The moving device in the recycling device is used to remove filler material from the strip material, particularly from the artificial turf. Corresponding devices are therefore known in the prior art and are particularly used for preventative maintenance, installation, or removal of artificial turf fields. The artificial turf surface is also removed and rolled up here for recycling or reuse. Filler material (such as, for example, sand, synthetic granules, rubber granules, and / or cork granules) is spread on the artificial turf surface for subsequent use. The artificial turf is thus loaded. The filler material is removed from the strip material so that it can now be recycled; the filler material may be stored in so-called large bags for future use.

[0003] The recycling device of EP2792227 B1 is designed as a self-propelled device with a walking mechanism that can be automatically controlled by sensors. To pick up the strip material, the recycling device moves beneath the strip material (which is optionally cut into a mesh) and picks it up from the ground. Therefore, recycling can be carried out either in situ or at the location where the strip material was installed. While this possibility does have advantages, this type of recycling can be expensive. This is particularly disadvantageous from the perspective of renovating sports fields and / or replacing filler materials. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the present invention is based on the aim of realizing a recycling device that overcomes the problems of the prior art, and in particular, to propose a recycling device that enables the unloaded and filled tape material with one or more filler materials to be recycled in a simple and economical manner.

[0005] Therefore, according to the present invention, a recycling device for removing filler material from strip material, particularly from artificial turf, the strip material having an upper side including protruding elements and a lower side without protruding elements, the recycling device having an unwinding device disposed at an inlet side and configured to unwind the strip material; a conveying system for conveying the strip material from the inlet side to the outlet side along a conveying path, the conveying system including at least one conveying device; and a draining device for the strip material, the draining device being disposed facing the lower side, and the conveying path being redirected in the draining device so that the filler material can fall from the strip material.

[0006] With the proposed recycling device, recycling or preparation can be carried out in a significantly faster and more cost-effective manner. Because conventional recycling devices must move beneath the strip material to pick it up, their processing speed also limits the material's travel speed. Therefore, a certain amount of time is required before the conventional recycling device can travel across the affected surface to pick up the entire strip material. During this time, the affected surface is blocked and cannot be used in any other way. The recycling process itself also requires a specific amount of time.

[0007] The recycling device according to the invention has an unwinding device on its inlet side. To pick up the strip material, the strip material, already wound into a roll, can now be placed in the unwinding device, which extends along the conveyor path through the recycling device. Therefore, the recycling device no longer has to travel through the affected surface in a time-consuming manner. For example, the recycling device can be positioned or even placed close to the affected surface, or positioned or placed far away from it. To enable the affected surface to be reused as quickly as possible, the material to be recycled can simply be unloaded, or cut into strip material and then wound up. This material may then have been transported away and supplied to the recycling device according to the invention.

[0008] The unwinding device may have at least one driver, preferably a driver that can be controlled in either open or closed loop. This driver is used to generate the unwinding speed for unwinding the tape material from the roll. The tape material is carried on a movable unwinding element (e.g., a roll, roller, or belt), which moves accordingly and causes the unwound roll to rotate. During unwinding, such a driver ensures that the tape material is not displaced or retracted during the unwinding process due to unwinding too quickly compared to the conveying speed by means of a conveying device.

[0009] A venting device should be understood as a component of one or more devices acting on the belt material, such as, for example, rollers, striking shafts, crimping rollers, or other elements suitable for engagement in or on the belt material. In this context, a venting device is capable of processing the belt material in a manner that removes filler material from the belt material. Brushes or gears, or needle rollers or toothed rollers (which impact or engage in the belt material to move the filler material so that it falls off, is struck, combed out, or brushed out of the belt material, or is removed from the belt material in any other way) can also be considered, for example, a venting device. However, a tamper or brush (e.g., one or more rotating brushes) may also be provided as a venting device.

[0010] It is conceivable that the evacuation device includes at least one striking shaft for striking the strip material. Correspondingly folded strip material (such as artificial turf) is already partially evacuated by bending, as filler material may fall downwards from the strip material. However, evacuation efficiency can be significantly improved when additional mechanical treatment is performed on the strip material (such as by providing additional mechanical treatment via the striking shaft). The latter can, upon request, have a multi-edge profile in cross-section to periodically expand the downward-oriented surface of the strip material and set it into a state of vibration. This allows for a particularly robust removal process effect.

[0011] The venting device can also be a deflector or used as a deflector, around which the strip material deflects and thus bends open on the upper side to move the protruding elements away from each other and to vent the improved packing material. The wrap angle between the strip material and the deflector can be, for example, 150° to 190°.

[0012] In the context of this invention, a conveying device should be understood as a device or component assembly that ensures the continuous transport of belt material. This can be, for example, an assembly of multiple rollers or rolls through which the belt material is guided. A conveying device should also be understood as a conveyor track, conveyor belt, or belt, conveyor chain, or drag chain, or link conveyor, consisting of one or more links and having a longitudinal range. Conveying devices herein typically include at least one drive that ensures the linear indexing of the components of the conveying device. A continuous belt, etc., can be provided using or by suitable deflection devices, on which the belt material is guided or pulled, dragged, or transported.

[0013] The material can be strips of artificial turf, where the protruding element is a fiber protruding from or emerging from the artificial turf backing fabric. The recycling unit can be constructed on a prefabricated frame to ensure a safe foothold. The prefabricated frame can be placed directly on the floor, such as soil or the floor of a building.

[0014] According to one improvement, the recycling device can be configured without a walking mechanism. Because the recycling device does not need to move under the conveyor belt, it can be configured to be stationary, or, for an upright structure, without a dedicated walking mechanism. This is particularly advantageous in terms of device stability, as the latter can have a wider and heavier structure.

[0015] According to one improvement, the recycling unit can be mounted on a conveyor base, particularly a container base. In this case, the conveyor base is an integral part of the recycling unit. The recycling unit can be built directly onto the conveyor base, or it can be mounted on the conveyor base via a prefabricated frame.

[0016] The recycling unit used for conveying the latter may include a conveyor base. The latter can be configured as an enclosed rectangular container base, such as the floor of an ISO container. The standardized container corners of the latter simplify stacking and loading. Furthermore, in this configuration, the recycling unit can be easily clamped by a crane or engaged and loaded from below by a forklift. It is also conceivable that the conveyor shell (e.g., the side walls and top of an ISO container) can be placed on the conveyor base. Fixed placement of the recycling unit within the ISO container is also conceivable, where the conveyor path can extend longitudinally within the ISO container, allowing rolls of tape material to be supplied to the recycling unit through an open door. Empty tape material can be retrieved again through a door at the opposite end. Storage within the shell is intended to protect against weather conditions, theft, and vandalism.

[0017] According to one improvement, the recycling device may include a scrubbing device arranged downwards downstream of the evacuation device in the conveying path. Since the loaded belt material is rolled up, the filler material spread on the upper side can adhere to the lower side of the next roll carried on the filler material. The scrubbing device thus cleans the lower side or the artificial turf backing. This also removes filler material from the belt material that has not yet been removed by the evacuation device. This results in the belt material being evacuated, and in each case, high-purity filler material can be fractionated. The scrubbing device may include one or more brush rollers that are rotatable about a rotational axis and driven by a driver. At least one driver may preferably be open-loop or closed-loop controlled. The brush rollers here have bristles that slide along the belt material by means of rotational movement, thus cleaning, for example, the filler material carried on the belt material. The rotational axis here is preferably oriented parallel to the plane of the belt material, typically horizontal. The rotational direction of the brush rollers may extend along the direction of the conveying path or in the opposite direction. The rotational direction may optionally be reversible.

[0018] According to one improvement, the recycling device may include a winding unit at the outlet side for winding tape material to form a roll. The winding unit is used to wind or coil the tape material to form a roll. The tape material is carried here on a movable winding element (e.g., a roll, roller, or belt), which moves accordingly and causes the formed roll to rotate. The winding device may have at least one drive, preferably a drive that can be controlled in an open or closed loop. This drive is used to generate the winding speed for the winding action and to facilitate compact winding during the winding process. The winding device may have a delivery function, by which the winding device delivers the entire roll from the winding position where the roll is formed to a delivery position where the roll can be transported. For example, it is conceivable that the winding element can be adjusted from the winding position to the delivery position. For example, the belt of the winding device may be hydraulically lowered so that the roll can be transferred from the winding position to the delivery position, for example, on a pallet, or can be automatically rolled from the winding position to the delivery position.

[0019] According to one improvement, the recycling device may include a cleaning device for removing particulate matter, the cleaning device being positioned upstream on the outlet side of the conveying path, wherein the cleaning device is configured to apply at least water jets and / or water mist, blowing airflow, suction airflow, and / or ultrasonic impact. To achieve a high level of purity in the conveying material, for example for subsequent reinstallation, and to prevent filler material from spilling into the environment, the cleaning device is preferably positioned in the end region of the conveying path, preferably downstream of the venting device in the conveying path. The cleaning device is particularly designed to remove microplastics and small particles, rather than those primarily removed by the venting device. The cleaning device may preferably apply water jets or multiple water jets to the upper and / or lower sides in such a manner that water can flow through the space between the protruding elements perpendicular to, at an angle to, or parallel to the affected surface. Alternatively or additionally, water mist may be applied to the upper and / or lower sides, the water mist binding the smallest particles and removing them from the conveying material. As a result, microplastic particles in the air surrounding the conveying material may also be bound. Alternatively, an airflow could draw in microplastic particles or blow them into a collection container, for example, in a targeted direction. It is also conceivable to subject the material to ultrasonic impacts to loosen and release the microplastic particles.

[0020] According to one improvement, the recovery device may include a suction device positioned upstream of the venting device in the conveying path, downstream of the venting device in the conveying path, and / or replacing the venting device. During its service life, a significant amount of dirt and dust typically accumulates in the belt material. Due to the impact of the venting unit on the belt material, dirt and dust can be released from the belt material into the ambient air, resulting in dust aerosols. These dust aerosols can be removed by means of a suction device, which is preferably positioned physically close to the venting unit in a manner that allows the suction device to perform its suction function. The suctioned dust and dirt are thus reliably discharged and can subsequently be cleaned and / or recovered. The suction device may be configured, for example, as a vacuum cleaner, to suction dust formed from the upper and / or lower sides of the belt material. The suction device is preferably configured in a manner that ideally does not suction the filler material but only the dust aerosols and / or relative to the venting device positioned in this manner. For example, the suction airflow may extend in the opposite direction to the conveying path, and / or the suction device may be positioned above the exhaust device in an upright structure. This facilitates the recovery of the suctioned dust and dirt. The suction device may also have at least one, preferably interchangeable, filter element. The suction device is used to separate particles from the picked-up mixture and supply said particles to the filter element. The suction device may also include a suction fan with a driver, preferably a driver that can be controlled in open or closed loop.

[0021] According to one improvement, the recovery device may include a conveying device in the vertical region below the venting device, the conveying device preferably extending transversely to the conveying path. The packing material removed by the venting device falls downwards due to gravity. The removed packing material can be reliably transported away from there by means of the conveying device, which may be configured transversely to the conveying path of the device and / or configured as a conveyor belt. As a result, the recovery device can operate continuously, and a reservoir for the removed packing material is not necessarily required. The conveying device here preferably includes a conveyor belt, allowing for flexible pickup of the packing material removed from the packing material. The conveying device may have at least one drive, preferably a drive that can be controlled in an open-loop or closed-loop manner. A guiding element constituting a conduit may be disposed between the venting device and the conveyor belt. The guiding element may be, for example, a baffle, which preferably guides the removed packing material to the conveying device in a funnel-like manner. The conveying device (which may be a conveyor belt) may have a flat or recessed support surface in cross-section, wherein in the latter case the conveyor belt itself may be configured as part of a funnel-shaped guiding element. This conveying device can lead to another conveying device, which is configured by an arrangement of conveying devices and multiple or all of the conveying devices are indirectly or directly connected to the other conveying device.

[0022] According to one improvement, the recycling device may include a conveying device in a vertical region below the intermediate area configured with adjacent conveying devices, the conveying device preferably extending laterally to the conveying path. Although the conveying devices are primarily used to transport the belt material through the recycling device, filler material may have already loosened or been released from the belt material in the area of ​​the conveying devices and fallen downwards due to gravity. The corresponding filler material can be reliably removed there by means of the conveying device, which may be configured laterally to the conveying path of the device and / or be configured as a conveyor belt. As a result, any contamination of the recycling device and the environment is reliably avoided. These conveying devices may be indirectly or directly connected to the arranged conveying devices. These conveying devices may protrude beyond the width of the conveying devices to pick up fallen filler material laterally in terms of the conveying path. The conveying devices here preferably include conveyor belts, allowing for flexible pickup of filler material removed from the belt material. Each conveying device may have at least one drive, preferably a drive that can be controlled in an open-loop or closed-loop manner. Guiding elements constituting a conduit may be disposed between the intermediate area of ​​the two conveying devices and the conveyor belt. The guiding elements may be, for example, baffles, which preferably guide the corresponding filler material to the conveying device in a funnel manner. The conveying device (which may be a conveyor belt) may have a flat support surface or a recessed support surface in its cross-section, wherein in the latter case the conveyor belt itself may be configured as part of a funnel-shaped guide element.

[0023] According to one improvement, the recycling device may include at least one conveying device for transporting filler material removed from the belt material. The conveying device may be a conveyor belt. The conveying device may be an array conveyor, preferably arranged parallel to the conveying path and transverse to the conveyor, or extending below the conveyor. The array conveyor may lead to a collection container or fractionation unit. The conveying device here may preferably include a conveyor belt that can pivot 180 degrees, allowing for flexible pickup of filler material removed from the belt material. Each conveyor may have at least one drive, preferably a drive that can be controlled in open or closed loop.

[0024] According to one improvement, the recovery unit can be designed such that a conveyor transports the packing material to a fractionation unit for fractionating the packing material removed from the belt material. This conveyor can be an array conveyor. The fractionation unit is used to separate the feedable packing material in the belt material into its different components. The packing material can consist of different components. The packing material typically consists of two different types of particles (e.g., sand and microparticles), each with a different particle size. These components can be advantageously classified from the perspective of the integrated recovery process and any potential subsequent use. For example, fractionation can be carried out by means of screening and / or pressure. The fractionation unit can be integrated into the frame of the recovery unit or mounted on the conveyor base. However, the fractionation unit can also be installed separately.

[0025] According to the present invention, the recycling device may include one or more of the following sensors:

[0026] - A quantity sensor, preferably disposed at the inlet side, for detecting the quantity of filler material in the strip material;

[0027] - A filler material type sensor, which is preferably disposed at the inlet side for detecting the type of filler material in the strip material;

[0028] - A length sensor, preferably disposed at the inlet side, for detecting the length of the strip material;

[0029] - A material type sensor, preferably disposed at the inlet side, for detecting the type of material and / or protruding elements;

[0030] - A density sensor, preferably disposed on the inlet side, for detecting the density of the protruding element;

[0031] - A pressure sensor, preferably disposed on the venting device, for detecting the tension of the belt material;

[0032] - A temperature sensor, preferably disposed at the inlet side, for detecting the temperature of the strip material;

[0033] - A flow sensor, which is used to detect the amount of filler material removed from the tape material;

[0034] - At least one mass sensor in the fractionation apparatus, said at least one mass sensor being used to determine the mass, such as purity, of the packing material being fractionated.

[0035] A single sensor can also exist in multiple forms.

[0036] The recycling device, used for open-loop and / or closed-loop control, can therefore have a variety of sensors. Furthermore, the recycling device can have a controller, with each sensor connected to the controller to transmit data. Additionally, the controller can be connected to transmit data to the actuator. These connections can be wireless and / or wired. Based on the sensor data, the controller can control the actuator individually or in groups in open-loop or closed-loop control, thereby adhering to previously determined process parameters. This open-loop or closed-loop control can be performed automatically or manually. Manual control intervention in automatic control is also conceivable. The controller is configured for visual output, such as output on a screen, and preferably has input units for current and historical sensor data, actuator parameters, and process parameters.

[0037] For example, parameters such as "conveyor speed and / or conveyor direction of the conveyor", "rotation speed of the deflector roller and / or the striking roller supported by the deflector roller", "unwinding speed", "winding speed", "rotation speed of the brushing device", "water jet pressure of the cleaning device", "water volume of the cleaning device", "air pressure of the cleaning device", "frequency and / or amplitude and / or interval management of the ultrasonic cleaning of the cleaning device", "suction force of the suction device", "conveyor speed and / or conveyor direction of one or more conveying devices", "fractionation rate of the fractionation device", and "rotation speed and / or torque of the pressing roller" can be set by means of sensor data, for example, by correspondingly controlling the driver.

[0038] The interdependencies of individual parameters required for reliable and / or efficient operation must be considered. For example, changing the conveyor speed necessitates adjusting at least the unwinding and / or winding speeds to prevent any slippage or tearing of the strip material. The same applies to at least one crimping roller. The following parameter readjustments are illustrative and not exhaustive. In practice, parameters can be readjusted based on target values, such as strip material throughput, efficiency, and purity.

[0039] For example, the conveying speed can be set or readjusted using data from at least one quantity sensor (by significantly reducing the conveying speed of the belt material compared to a predetermined standard conveying speed, so that the filler material has enough time to leave the belt material; or by slightly increasing the conveying speed of the belt material compared to a predetermined standard conveying speed in order to increase the throughput).

[0040] For example, the rotational speed of the deflection roller and / or the slap roller supported by the deflection roller can be set or readjusted using data from at least one quantity sensor (by slightly reducing the rotational speed compared to a predetermined standard speed to act gently on the belt material; or by significantly increasing the rotational speed compared to a predetermined standard speed to introduce sufficient vibration into the belt material).

[0041] Similarly, parameters can be adjusted according to the type of filler material using data from at least one filler material type sensor, since different filler materials can be removed with different efficiencies. For example, in the case of rubber particles with high levels of friction and thus firmly adhered to the belt material, the conveying speed can be reduced and / or the rotational speed of the deflection roller and / or the striking roller supported by the deflection roller can be increased.

[0042] Similarly, parameters can be adjusted according to the length of the strip material using data from at least one length sensor. This, for example, confirms whether the entire strip material can be wound at its ends to form a roll and accommodated thereon. It also allows for estimation of the amount of filler material within the strip material to promptly confirm the available capacity of the filler material container or the available capacity of the fractionation unit that can supply the removed filler material.

[0043] Similarly, parameters can be adjusted according to the type of belt material and / or protruding elements using data from at least one belt material type sensor. For example, if the belt material is known to be used for the long-term retention of filler material, the conveying speed can therefore be reduced. A longer residence time in the recycling unit allows more time to empty the belt material.

[0044] Similarly, parameters can be adjusted according to the density of the protruding elements using data from at least one density sensor. The denser the protruding elements are set, the more reliably they retain the filler material. This can be addressed, for example, by reducing the conveying speed. In a similar manner, for example, if the density does not allow for reliable retention of the filler material, the conveying speed can be increased to increase the throughput. This also applies to, for example, the rotational speed of deflection rollers and / or the tapping rollers supported by deflection rollers, in order to discharge the filler material in the best possible manner.

[0045] Similarly, parameters can be adjusted according to the tension of the belt material using data from at least one pressure sensor. Using data from at least one pressure sensor, it is also conceivable to adjust the tension of the belt material to a predetermined standard tension or within a predetermined standard tension range by controlling the corresponding actuators (e.g., the actuators of the conveyor and the pressure rollers) in an open-loop or closed-loop manner. Excessive tension results in low efficiency of the venting device because its mechanical action is lost in the insufficiently tensioned belt material. Excessive tension results in high stress on the material, particularly in the venting device or the belt material itself.

[0046] Similarly, parameters can be adjusted according to the temperature of the belt material using data from at least one temperature sensor. Cold belt material is generally harder than warm belt material, making it more difficult to remove filler material. Therefore, the conveying speed can be reduced to increase the residence time, but the rotational speed of the deflection rollers and / or the striking rollers supported by the deflection rollers can be increased to heat the belt material between them through the resulting friction / impact. This facilitates the bending and unwinding of the belt material, preferably by the deflection rollers and the ends of the winding belt material.

[0047] Similarly, parameters can be adjusted based on the amount of packing material removed from the conveyor belt using data from at least one flow sensor. For example, if the amount of packing material removed and supplied to the fractionation unit exceeds the capacity and / or efficiency threshold of the fractionation unit, the conveying speed can be reduced to, for example, limit the supply of packing material. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to reduce the conveying speed of the conveying devices, such as reducing the conveying speed of the arranging conveyor and / or other conveying devices to the arranging conveyor.

[0048] Similarly, parameters can be adjusted according to the quality (e.g., purity) of the packing material being fractionated, using data from at least one mass sensor. For example, the operation of the fractionation unit can thus be maximized or designed to be efficient.

[0049] It is also conceivable that the controller can automatically adjust a single parameter based on sensor data. Alternatively, the controller can automatically adjust multiple parameters, or a group of parameters specific to the application or to a target value, based on sensor data. Target values ​​could be, for example, the throughput of material, efficiency, or purity. Control of the actuator and detection of sensor-supported parameters are not limited to this recycling unit application, but are conceivable in other contexts, such as mobile recycling units.

[0050] According to one improvement, the recycling device may include a controller, to which available sensors may preferably be connected. The controller is designed to combine a particularly high degree of automation with high processing quality of the material, which can be achieved when the recycling device is equipped with a sensor-based automated controller.

[0051] According to one improvement, the recycling device can be equipped with a conveyor driver for the conveying device, an emptying device driver for the emptying device, a conveying device driver for the transport device, and a striking unit driver for the striking unit, and a controller can be operatively connected to at least one of the aforementioned drivers. The controller can therefore execute and control the operation of at least one driver in either an open-loop or closed-loop manner. Thus, each element can be adjusted according to sensor data, and the recycling device as a whole can be considered a unified entity.

[0052] According to the present invention, a method for operating a recycling device, particularly a recycling device according to this disclosure, the method comprising at least the following steps:

[0053] - Unwinding the tape material from the roll, particularly from the artificial turf, wherein the tape material has an upper side including protruding elements and a lower side without protruding elements;

[0054] - Conveying belt material from the inlet side to the outlet side along the conveying path using a conveying system; and

[0055] - The filler material is emptied from the belt material by means of an evacuation device, which is configured to face downwards and is located in an area where the conveying path is redirected so that the filler material can be emptied from the belt material.

[0056] The method according to the invention is used to recover unloaded and filled strip material containing one or more filler materials in a simple and cost-effective manner, and is also used to operate the recovery device according to the invention. The advantages arising from the method have already been mentioned above in the context of the recovery device, and are referenced herein to avoid repetition.

[0057] According to one improvement, the method may include scrubbing the underside of the material with the aid of a scrubbing tool. The advantages of this method have already been mentioned above in the context of the scrubbing apparatus in the recycling device, and these advantages are referenced herein.

[0058] According to one improvement, the method may include suctioning aerosols, particularly dust aerosols, generated by the venting device using a suction device. The advantages of this method have already been mentioned above in the context of the suction device in the recovery device, and these advantages are referenced herein.

[0059] According to one improvement, the method may include:

[0060] - If the temperature of the conveyor belt detected by a temperature sensor is lower than a predetermined limit, the conveyor speed of the conveyor belt is reduced compared to a predetermined standard conveyor speed; or

[0061] If the temperature of the conveyor belt detected by the temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined limit, the conveyor speed of the conveyor belt is increased compared to a predetermined standard conveyor speed. The advantages of this method have already been mentioned above in the context of temperature-controlled conveyor speed, and these advantages are referenced hereafter.

[0062] According to one improvement, the method may include:

[0063] - If the temperature of the material detected by the temperature sensor is lower than a predetermined limit, the rotational speed of the striking unit and / or the striking shaft of the venting device supported by the striking unit is reduced compared to a predetermined standard rotational speed; or

[0064] If the temperature of the material detected by the temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined limit, the rotational speed of the striking unit and / or the striking shaft of the venting device supported by the striking unit is increased compared to a predetermined standard rotational speed. The advantages of this method have already been mentioned above in the context of temperature-controlled rotational speed, and these advantages are referenced herein.

[0065] According to one improvement, the method may include one or more of the following steps:

[0066] - The quantity of filler material in the strip material is detected by means of a quantity sensor preferably disposed on the inlet side;

[0067] - The type of filler material in the strip material is detected by means of a filler material type sensor preferably set on the inlet side;

[0068] - The length of the strip material is detected by means of a length sensor preferably disposed on the inlet side;

[0069] - The type of packing material and / or protruding elements is detected by means of a packing material type sensor preferably disposed on the inlet side;

[0070] - The density of the protruding element is detected by means of a density sensor preferably disposed on the inlet side;

[0071] - The tension of the belt material is detected by means of a pressure sensor preferably disposed on the venting device;

[0072] - The temperature of the strip material is detected by means of a temperature sensor preferably located on the inlet side;

[0073] - The amount of filler material removed from the tape material is detected by means of a flow sensor.

[0074] The advantages and relevance of the method have been mentioned above in the context of the sensor-acquired data, and are hereby referenced.

[0075] According to an improvement, the method can specify controlling at least one driver from a group of drivers, including a conveyor driver, an emptying device driver, a transmission device driver, a striking unit driver, and a striking shaft driver, based on at least one parameter detected by the aforementioned sensor. The advantages and relevance of the method have already been mentioned in the context of sensor-based control drivers, and are referenced herein. Attached Figure Description

[0076] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention are derived from the wording of the claims and the following description of exemplary embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0077] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a front view of the device according to the present invention is provided;

[0078] Figure 2a A perspective view of the device according to the invention is shown;

[0079] Figure 2b It shows crossing according to Figure 2a A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device; and

[0080] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the winding device. Detailed Implementation

[0081] Identical or equivalent elements are indicated by the same reference numerals in each case and are therefore not described again unless it is appropriate. To avoid repetition, features that have already been described are not described again and may be applied to all elements having the same or corresponding reference numerals, unless explicitly excluded. The disclosure contained throughout the specification can be applied in a similar manner to the same parts having the same reference numerals or the same component reference numerals. Moreover, the location indications chosen in the description (such as, for example, top, bottom, side, etc.) are related to the figures directly described and shown, and in the event of a change in location, they will be transferred to the new location in a similar manner. Furthermore, a single feature or combination of features in the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may in itself represent an independent inventive solution or a solution according to the invention.

[0082] Figure 1 A schematic basic structure of a recovery device for separating filler material from strip material B is shown. In this example, the strip material is intended to serve as artificial turf previously installed in a planar manner. Strip material B has an upper side O including protruding elements and a lower side U without protruding elements. In the case shown, the protruding elements are fibers of the artificial turf.

[0083] The recycling device has an inlet side E, at which an unwinding device 100 is provided for receiving and unwinding rolls R loaded with filler material B. This strip of material B is supplied via a conveying device 10 of the conveying system S along a conveying path P, via a striking unit 41 which also functions as a deflector, and finally in a wavy manner through an emptying device 30, where the filler material incorporated into the artificial turf is removed and falls onto one of the conveying devices 40. The conveying device 40, configured as a conveyor belt, supplies a conveying device 44, which extends perpendicularly to the conveying device 40 and is configured to arrange the conveying devices and subsequently supply a fractionating device 114. The fractionating device 114 fractionates the supplied filler material into its components and sorts the filler material in collection containers 116, 118. The recycling device has an outlet side A at the end of the conveying path P. A winding unit 110 for receiving and unwinding rolls R of material B that have been emptied of filler material is provided at the outlet side A.

[0084] The recycling device includes a controller 108, which includes a processor. The controller 108 is connected for transmitting data to sensors described below and is operatively connected to a driver of the recycling device described below. The sensors are shown below:

[0085] - Quantity sensor 120, which is used at the inlet side E to detect the quantity of filler material in the tape material B;

[0086] - Packing material type sensor 122, which is used at the inlet side E to detect the type of packing material in the tape material B;

[0087] - Length sensor 124, which is used at the inlet side E to detect the length of the strip material B;

[0088] - A material type sensor 126 is used at the inlet side E to detect the type of material B and / or the type of protruding element;

[0089] - Density sensor 128, which is used at the inlet side E to detect the density of the protruding element;

[0090] - A temperature sensor 130 with a data cable 131, the temperature sensor being used at the inlet side E to detect the temperature of the strip material B;

[0091] - A pressure sensor 132 with a data line 133 is used on the venting device 30 to detect the tension of the strip material B;

[0092] - Data line 135 has a flow sensor 134, which is used to detect the amount of filler material removed from tape material B;

[0093] - A mass sensor 136 with a data line 137 is included in the fractionation apparatus 114. The mass sensor is used to determine the mass, such as the purity, of the packing material being fractionated.

[0094] Sensors 120, 122, 124, 126, and 128 are combined to form a sensor unit 138 having a single data line 139 as shown. Regarding the driver operatively connected to the controller 108, there is:

[0095] - Each conveyor unit has a separate conveyor drive;

[0096] - A venting device driver for venting device 31;

[0097] - Each of the transmission devices 40 and 44 has a transmission device driver; and

[0098] - A striking unit driver for striking unit 41.

[0099] Based on sensor data, controller 108 can control one, multiple, or all drivers in an open-loop or closed-loop manner.

[0100] Figure 2a and 2b A view is shown of a potential embodiment of a recycling device according to the invention, but without the fractionation device 114 and the conveying device 44 supplying the latter. In addition to the controller 108, the recycling device includes a hydraulic unit 140, which is operatively connected to the controller 108 and serves as a hydraulic component of the recycling device. The base unit 142 of the recycling device is also depicted. It can be seen that the recycling device lacks a traveling mechanism, but is designed to have an assembled frame 144 constructed on and fastened to the conveying base 146. Only a portion of the conveying base 146 is shown schematically. The recycling device is therefore depicted as an upright structure.

[0101] The unwinding device 100 includes two conveyor belts 148, which are inclined relative to each other and provide a V-shaped receiving space for roll R. The conveyor belt 148 on the right side of the image plane can be tilted relative to the other conveyor belt 148 by means of a hydraulic cylinder 150, so that a flatter or deeper receiving space can be formed. Moving the conveyor belt 148 causes the tape material B to unwind from roll R. The left conveyor belt of the two conveyor belts 148 is angled and ramped on roll 152 to guide the tape material B upward to the conveyor device 10, which is configured as a conveyor belt and then adjacent to the other conveyor device 10, which is also configured as a conveyor belt.

[0102] Following the next conveyor 10 in the conveying path direction, the conveyor belt is guided over the venting device 30, which performs multiple tasks. Initially, there is an approximately 180° wrap angle between the conveyor belt B and the striking shafts 90 of the venting device 30. As a result, the striking unit 41 is used to deflect the conveyor belt B and bends open the upper side of the conveyor belt B using only a single component. The venting device 34 for the conveyor belt B is positioned downwards towards the U, specifically in an area where the conveying path P is reoriented so that filler material can fall out of the conveyor belt B. The venting device 30 includes a striking unit 41 having three striking shafts 90, which are radially movable relative to the axis of rotation of the striking unit 41. The striking shafts 90 can be guided in slots at the ends of the striking unit 41. Due to the centrifugal force of the striking unit 41 during rotation, the striking shafts 90 are thrown radially outwards, thus applying an impact striking motion to the conveyor belt B. The striking shafts 90 are configured as square tubes and mounted to be individually rotatable, but they can also be prevented from rotating. There is no dedicated driver for the 90-axis tapping mechanism.

[0103] The striking unit 41 can be part of the conveying system S and serves as a deflection device. The striking unit 41 includes a deflecting roller 184 with a support frame rotatably driven by a striking unit driver, and on this support frame are mounted a plurality of (three in this example) striking rollers 90, which are also rotatably driven. The striking rollers 90 here have a generally square cross-section, which imparts a particularly strong striking effect. Therefore, the belt material B is not only conveyed and deflected by the deflecting roller 184, but is also emptied particularly effectively. The filler material that falls at the emptying device 30 falls downwards through pipe 186 onto the conveying device 40 and can thus be transported laterally.

[0104] A suction device 106 for extracting dust aerosols is positioned in the area of ​​the striking unit 41 or above the striking unit. The dust aerosols can be formed due to the mechanical impact of the striking unit 41 on the belt material B. Therefore, the belt material B is guided over the striking unit 41 and subsequently through two pressing rollers 154, 156, each with an individual drive. The pressing roller 154 is part of the conveying system S and is used to convey the belt material B.

[0105] A gap is provided between the crimping roller 154 and the conveyor 10 for guiding the belt material B, particularly for conveying the belt material B in a friction-fit manner. Friction-fit conveying should be understood here as conveying in the form that the conveyor 10 and the crimping roller 154 are supported on both sides of the belt material B and the linear forward movement of the belt material B is achieved solely through friction between the belt material B and the conveyor 10 and the crimping roller 154. The belt material B is here supported on the conveyor system S or its components, such as the conveyor 10 and the crimping roller 154, or is supported thereon. In addition to guiding the belt material B, it is also ensured that the latter moves within the device such that the belt material B is continuously conveyed through the device and almost completely emptied, or excess filler material or loose material present therein (such as, for example, sand) and / or all other materials provided and suitable for filling artificial turf fields are emptied.

[0106] A brushing device 104, including a brush roller 156 driven by a driver, is positioned further downstream in the conveying path. The bristles of the brush roller 156 clean the lower side U, where a pressing roller 158 on the opposite side of the strip material B forms a reverse bearing and holds the strip material in the brushing area.

[0107] At the outlet side, the recycling device has a winding device 110. The winding device 110 includes two conveyor belts 160, which are inclined relative to each other and configured with a V-shaped receiving space-winding position for the roll R. The conveyor belt 160 on the left side of the image plane can be inclined relative to the other conveyor belt 160 by means of a hydraulic cylinder 162, so that a flatter or deeper receiving space can be formed. As a result, the adjustable conveyor belt 160 can also be partially adjusted to be lower than the other conveyor belt 160, so that an inclination is formed and the roll R can roll out of the receiving space. Moving the conveyor belt 160 causes the belt material B to be wound up to form the roll R. The right conveyor belt of the two conveyor belts 160 is angled on the roller 164 and guides the belt material B away from the washing device 104.

[0108] The recycling device includes five conveying devices 40, one of which is located in a vertical region below the venting device 30 and extends laterally to the conveying path P. A funnel-shaped guide element 166 leads to the conveying device 40. Furthermore, intermediate spaces are visible between two conveyor belts 148, between one conveyor belt 148 and an adjacent conveyor belt (which is a conveying device 10), and between two conveyor belts of the conveying device 10. A conveying device 40 is located in a vertical region below each of these intermediate spaces. Additionally, a conveying device 40 is located below the scrubbing device 104. All these conveying devices 40 extend laterally to the conveying path P, with guide elements 168, 170, 172, and 174 leading to their respective conveying devices 40.

[0109] Figure 3 Shown in detailed view Figure 2b The unwinding device 100 includes an unwinding platform 176 having a right-hand conveyor belt of two conveyor belts 148. The left-hand conveyor belt of the two conveyor belts 148 can be considered as an element of the unwinding device 100 and the conveying system S. The conveyor belts 148 are guided over a driveable shaft 182. One end of a hydraulic cylinder 150 for the unwinding platform 176 is hinged to a mounting frame 144, and the other end is hinged to the unwinding platform 176. Alternatively, the unwinding device 100 may also have a separate frame connected to the mounting frame 144. The unwinding platform 176 is hinged to a support 180 so that it can rotate about a rotation axis 178.

[0110] This invention is not limited to any of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in various ways. All features and advantages derived from the claims, specification, and drawings (including structural details, spatial arrangements, and method steps) can be associated with this invention individually and in the most different combinations.

[0111] All combinations of at least two features disclosed in the specification, claims and / or drawings are within the scope of this invention.

[0112] To avoid duplication, features disclosed regarding the apparatus should also be understood as already disclosed and eligible for protection under the method. Similarly, features disclosed regarding the method should be understood as already disclosed and eligible for protection under the apparatus.

[0113] List of reference numerals

[0114] 10: Conveying device

[0115] 30: Venting device

[0116] 40: Conveying device

[0117] 41: Tapping Unit

[0118] 44: Conveying device

[0119] 90: Striking the shaft

[0120] 100: Unwinding device

[0121] 102: Conveyor base

[0122] 104: Scrubbing device

[0123] 106: Suction device

[0124] 108: Controller

[0125] 110: Winding unit

[0126] 114: Fractionating apparatus

[0127] 116: Collecting Containers

[0128] 118: Collecting Containers

[0129] 120: Quantity sensor

[0130] 122: Sensor with filler material type

[0131] 124: Length sensor

[0132] 126: Sensor with material type

[0133] 128: Density sensor

[0134] 130: Temperature sensor

[0135] 131: Data cable

[0136] 132: Pressure sensor

[0137] 133: Data cable

[0138] 134: Flow sensor

[0139] 135: Data cable

[0140] 136: Mass sensor

[0141] 137: Data cable

[0142] 138: Sensor Unit

[0143] 139: Data cable

[0144] 140: Hydraulic Unit

[0145] 142: Base unit

[0146] 144: Prefabricated frame

[0147] 146: Conveyor base

[0148] 148: Conveyor Belt

[0149] 150: Hydraulic cylinder

[0150] Volume 152

[0151] 154: Crimping Roller

[0152] 156: Brush Roller

[0153] 158: Crimping Roller

[0154] 160: Conveyor belt

[0155] 162: Hydraulic cylinder

[0156] Volume 164

[0157] 166: Guiding element

[0158] 168: Guiding element

[0159] 170: Guiding element

[0160] 172: Guiding element

[0161] 174: Guiding element

[0162] 176: Unwinding Platform

[0163] 178: Axis of Rotation

[0164] 180: Bracket

[0165] 182: Axis

[0166] 184: Deflection roller

[0167] 186: Pipeline

[0168] A: Export side

[0169] B: Bring materials

[0170] E: Entrance side

[0171] P: Teleportation path

[0172] O: Top side

[0173] R: Roller

[0174] S: Conveying system

[0175] U: bottom side

Claims

1. A recycling apparatus for removing filler material from a strip of material (B) having an upper side including protruding elements and a lower side without protruding elements, the recycling apparatus being configured without a traveling mechanism and mounted on a conveying base (102), the recycling apparatus comprising: an unwinding device (100) disposed at an inlet side (E) and configured for unwinding a roll (R) of the strip material (B); a conveying system (S) for conveying the strip material (B) from the inlet side (E) to the outlet side (A) along a conveying path (P), the conveying system including at least one conveying device (10); and a draining device (30) for the strip material (B), the draining device (30) being disposed facing the lower side, and the conveying path (P) in the draining device (30) being redirected such that the filler material can fall from the strip material (B); wherein, A winding unit (110) for winding the strip material (B) to form a roll (R) is provided at the outlet side (A); wherein a conveying device (40) extending laterally to the conveying path (P) is provided in a vertical region below the venting device (30); wherein a conveying device (40) extending laterally to the conveying path (P) is provided in a vertical region below an intermediate region configured by two adjacent conveying devices (10); wherein the conveying device (44) conveys the filler material to a fractionating device (114) for fractionating the filler material to be removed from the strip material (B).

2. The recycling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recycling device is mounted on the base of the container.

3. The recycling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scrubbing device (104) is configured to face the lower side downstream of the venting device (30) in the conveying path.

4. The recycling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cleaning device for removing particles is positioned upstream of the outlet side (A) in the conveying path, wherein the cleaning device is configured to apply at least water jets, water mists, blowing airflows, suction airflows, and ultrasonic impacts.

5. The recycling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction device (106) is configured to be upstream of the emptying device (30) in the conveying path, downstream of the emptying device (30) in the conveying path, and in place of the emptying device (30).

6. The recycling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recycling device includes one or more sensors: a quantity sensor (120) located at the inlet side (E) for detecting the quantity of filler material in the strip material (B); a filler material type sensor (122) located at the inlet side (E) for detecting the type of filler material in the strip material (B); a length sensor (124) located at the inlet side (E) for detecting the length of the strip material (B); and a strip material type sensor (126) located at the inlet side (E) for detecting the type of the strip material (B) and / or the protruding element. The device includes: a density sensor (128) disposed at the inlet side (E) for detecting the density of the protruding element; a pressure sensor (132) disposed on the venting device (30) for detecting the tension of the strip material (B); a temperature sensor (130) disposed at the inlet side (E) for detecting the temperature of the strip material (B); a flow sensor (134) for detecting the amount of packing material removed from the strip material (B); and at least one mass sensor (136) in the fractionation device (114) for determining the mass of the fractionated packing material.

7. The recycling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The recycling device includes a controller (108) and one or more sensors connected to the controller.

8. The recycling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The conveying device (10) is provided with a conveying device driver, the emptying device (30) is provided with an emptying device driver, the conveying device (40) is provided with a conveying device driver, and the emptying device (30) includes a striking unit (41) provided with a striking unit driver, and the controller (108) is operatively connected to at least one of the aforementioned drivers.

9. A method for operating a recycling device according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising at least the following steps: - Unwinding the tape material (B) from the roll (R), wherein the tape material (B) has an upper side including a protruding element and a lower side without a protruding element; - conveying the tape material (B) from the inlet side (E) to the outlet side (A) along the conveying path (P) by means of a conveying system (S); and - evacuating the filler material from the tape material by means of an evacuation device (30), the evacuation device being configured to face the lower side and being located in the area where the conveying path (P) is redirected so that the filler material can be evacuated from the tape material (B).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The aerosol generated by the venting device (30) is aspirated by means of the suction device (106).

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