A soiled clothes and bedding separator

Abstract

This invention aims to provide a highly safe and buffered soiled clothing separator. The invention includes a frame, an outer cylinder, and an inner roller. It also includes a buffer module and end caps. The outer cylinder is mounted on the frame and has an upwardly inclined structure from head to tail. The inner roller is rolled within the outer cylinder via a drive assembly. The inner roller has an outlet at its head and an inlet connected to an external conveying pipe at its tail. The end cap opens and closes at the outlet via a push assembly. The buffer module is located inside the end cap; as the end cap gradually opens outwards, the buffer module gradually opens inwards. This invention applies to the technical field of pneumatic conveying systems for soiled clothing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of pneumatic conveying systems for soiled clothing, and particularly to a soiled clothing separator. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the soiled laundry separators used in vacuum soiled laundry transport systems on the market mainly operate through pneumatic conveying, separating gas from solids. While this replaces manual handling to some extent, reducing labor intensity and meeting automation requirements, it also presents several drawbacks. Firstly, there are significant safety risks. When soiled laundry is unloaded from the equipment, a large portion of the work is still done manually. Due to design requirements, the unloading end cap is quite heavy, and there are many pneumatically or electrically driven mechanical components, posing a risk of injury to workers. Secondly, when the equipment is fully loaded with soiled laundry, the output is substantial, and without a safety unloading device or buffer, the risk of injury is high. The impact device poses a significant safety hazard to unloading workers during discharge. Due to the equipment's operating characteristics, it is installed at an angle, with the outer cylinder and inner roller working together, making it difficult to obtain accurate data using conventional material level sensing methods. Furthermore, due to the working characteristics of the vacuum transport system, the equipment must ensure excellent sealing performance. To ensure higher system performance, efficiency, and energy saving, the original design mostly used flange connections to assemble the outer cylinder. While this facilitates transportation and installation, the installation requirements are very stringent, increasing installation costs, and the risk of air leakage remains, making it difficult to guarantee good sealing performance. Chinese patent CN112660666A discloses a separator for a pneumatic conveying system for soiled linen. The upper and lower clamps connect the first and second transmission pipes, enabling bidirectional transmission and discharge of soiled linen, solving the problem of low efficiency in manual handling. However, it lacks a safety unloading device or buffer device, posing a significant safety hazard to unloading workers during discharge. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a soiled linen separator with high safety performance and a buffer discharge mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a soiled clothing separator with high safety performance and buffer feeding.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: This invention includes a frame, an outer cylinder, and an inner roller. It also includes a buffer module and an end cap. The outer cylinder is mounted on the frame and has an upwardly inclined structure from the head to the tail. The inner roller is rolled and fitted inside the outer cylinder via a drive assembly. The head and tail of the inner roller are respectively provided with a discharge port and a feed port connected to an external conveying pipe. The end cap is opened and closed at the discharge port via a push assembly. The buffer module is located inside the end cap. When the end cap gradually opens outward, the buffer module gradually opens inward.

[0005] As can be seen from the above scheme, the pushing component includes a first driving cylinder, and the soiled linen separator is a cylindrical structure with openings at both ends. Inside the cylinder, there is an inner roller for separating soiled linen from gas, and a driving component for the inner roller. The opening at the head is covered by the end cap. The inlet is connected to an external conveying pipe, and the outlet is connected to an external cage car. The external conveying pipe transports soiled linen to the inner roller through airflow. The driving component serves as the power source for the rotation of the inner roller. The buffer module is a movable structure and is located inside the end cap. When the end cap gradually opens outward, the buffer module gradually opens inward, which can effectively block the overflowing soiled linen, reduce the thrust and impact force generated during discharge, realize the buffer function, and regulate the discharge speed and discharge volume, preventing a large amount of linen from overflowing out of control during discharge, and ensuring the safety of unloading personnel.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the soiled laundry separator further includes a first hinge seat and a cantilever. The first hinge seat is hinged to the upper end of the head of the outer cylinder. The movable end of the first hinge seat is connected to the output shaft of the push assembly. One end of the cantilever is connected to the other movable end of the first hinge seat, and the other end of the cantilever is connected to the outer side of the end cap.

[0007] As can be seen from the above scheme, when the pushing component is driven forward, the first hinge seat rotates, thereby causing the cantilever to open outward, the end cover moves away from the discharge port, and the soiled clothes are obstructed by the inner roller and fall into the outer cage.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the buffer module includes a second drive cylinder, a second hinge seat, a support frame, a transmission frame, and a stop. The second drive cylinder is fixed to the end cover. The top end of the stop is hinged to the end cover. The movable end of the second hinge seat is drivenly connected to the output shaft of the second drive cylinder. The other movable end of the second hinge seat is connected to one end of the support frame. The other end of the support frame is connected to the end cover. The upper end of the transmission frame is through-connected to the second hinge seat. The lower end of the transmission frame is hinged to the bottom end of the stop. When the stop is opened to its maximum angle by the transmission frame, the support frame supports the second hinge seat.

[0009] As can be seen from the above scheme, when the second drive cylinder drives forward, the second hinge seat also rotates forward. Since one end of the second hinge seat is connected to one end of the support frame, and the other end of the support frame is fixedly connected to the end cover, the upper end of the transmission frame is connected through the second hinge seat, the lower end of the transmission frame is hinged to the bottom end of the baffle, and the top end of the baffle is hinged to the end cover, under the drive of the transmission frame, the bottom end of the baffle gradually moves along the inside of the inner roller. The baffle and the end cover form a certain angle, and the baffle can swing back and forth independently, which can prevent a large amount of soiled clothes from flowing out and stop the soiled clothes from rolling out. When the baffle is opened to the maximum angle, the support frame supports the second hinge seat, thereby restricting the baffle from continuing to rotate.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the soiled laundry separator further includes an anti-falling component, which is disposed at the front end of the first hinge seat. The anti-falling component includes a chuck, a stop block, and a third drive cylinder. The chuck is connected within the cantilever, and the third drive cylinder is disposed at the upper end of the outer cylinder head. The stop block is hinged to the upper end of the outer cylinder head and is drively connected to the output shaft of the third drive cylinder. When the pushing component fails, the third drive cylinder drives the stop block to rotate upward, thereby limiting the rotation stroke of the chuck.

[0011] As can be seen from the above scheme, the pushing component, as the power source of the end cover, can drive the end cover to open and close. If the pushing component fails during operation, the end cover and the cantilever lose traction and rotate and close due to their own weight. Since the operator regularly pulls out the soiled clothes from the discharge port, this obviously poses a safety hazard. The anti-fall component can eliminate the above-mentioned hazard. The third drive cylinder is electrically connected to the pushing component, and the chuck rotates with the cantilever. When the pushing component fails, the third drive cylinder drives the stop block to rotate upward, supporting the chuck and thus limiting the rotation stroke of the chuck. The cantilever stops moving downward, providing safety for the operator. In the event of a power outage, cut-off of compressed air, or failure of a key drive component, the end cover is prevented from falling and closing due to its own weight, avoiding accidental pinching injuries and other safety accidents.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the soiled laundry separator further includes a hopper located below the outlet, the edge of which at least covers the bottom of the outlet, and the bottom of the end cap remains inside the hopper when the end cap is opened outward to its maximum angle.

[0013] As can be seen from the above scheme, the bottom of the hopper is connected to the external cage trolley, and the edge of the hopper at least covers the bottom of the discharge port. The hopper serves to guide and buffer the large amount of soiled clothing unloaded. When the end cap is opened to its maximum angle, the bottom of the end cap remains inside the hopper, preventing soiled clothing from overflowing during unloading. The discharge port size of the hopper is designed for standard cage trolleys, and the weight of the soiled clothing ensures that all of it enters the cage trolley below. This not only ensures the safety of workers but also improves work efficiency and convenience.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the drive assembly includes a servo motor, a transmission chain, and several rollers. The servo motor is located at the bottom end of the outer cylinder, and the several rollers are rotatably located at the bottom end of the outer cylinder. The servo motor is connected to the several rollers via the transmission chain, and the several rollers roll in cooperation with the inner drum.

[0015] As can be seen from the above scheme, the servo motor drives the transmission chain to rotate, which in turn drives the rollers to rotate. Since the rollers and the inner roller roll together, the inner roller rolls. The outer cylinder has an upward inclined structure from the head to the tail, and the dirty clothes flow into the hopper according to the inner roller.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the soiled laundry separator further includes a material level sensor, which is located at the top of the tail of the outer cylinder and senses the material level height of the inner roller.

[0017] As can be seen from the above scheme, the material level sensor detects the accumulation level of soiled linens in the inner drum, directly obtains the amount of soiled linens in the drum through this data, and promptly issues relatively accurate material level information, thereby controlling the feeding of soiled linens.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the soiled laundry separator further includes an operating platform, a safety partition, and a sight glass. The operating platform is located outside the discharge port, the safety partition is located between the discharge port and the operating platform, and the sight glass is located at the top of the tail of the outer cylinder.

[0019] As can be seen from the above scheme, the operating platform allows operators to work at the height of the discharge port, directly observe the condition of the discharge port, and use the operating buttons to operate the end cover and the baffle in real time. The safety partition is located between the operating platform and the discharge port, allowing operators to observe the discharge port through the partition. When the operator needs to directly physically intervene in the discharge operation, the safety partition can open to the side, containing a limit switch that stops the machine's operation, effectively separating the operator from the machine, providing a safe working environment, and improving work efficiency. The operator can visually inspect the condition inside the cylinder through the sight glass.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the soiled laundry separator further includes an operation panel and an electrical control box, wherein the operation panel is electrically connected to the electrical control box, and the electrical control box controls the operation of the soiled laundry separator.

[0021] As can be seen from the above scheme, the operation panel is the operator's interface, and the electrical control box controls the working parameters of the soiled linen separator and controls the feed rate of soiled linen.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the soiled laundry separator further includes several guide wheels, which are respectively disposed at the top and bottom of the outer cylinder. When the inner drum rotates, the guide wheels engage with the inner drum for guidance.

[0023] As can be seen from the above scheme, several guide wheels are respectively arranged at the top and bottom of the outer cylinder, which play a guiding and positioning role for the rolling of the inner roller. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the outer cylinder and the inner roller;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the buffer module;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the anti-fall component;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the driving component;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of section A;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the end cap when it is opened. Detailed Implementation

[0031] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the present invention includes a frame 1, an outer cylinder 2, and an inner roller 3. It also includes a buffer module 4 and an end cap 5. The outer cylinder 2 is mounted on the frame 1 and has an upwardly inclined structure from the head to the tail. The inner roller 3 is rolled and fitted inside the outer cylinder 2 by a drive assembly 6. The head and tail of the inner roller 3 are respectively provided with a discharge port and a feed port 7 connected to an external conveying pipe. The end cap 5 is opened and closed at the discharge port by a push assembly 8. The buffer module 4 is located inside the end cap 5. When the end cap 5 gradually opens outward, the buffer module 4 gradually opens inward.

[0032] In this embodiment, the soiled clothing separator further includes a first hinge seat 9 and a cantilever 10. The first hinge seat 9 is hinged to the upper end of the head of the outer cylinder 2. The movable end of the first hinge seat 9 is connected to the output shaft of the push assembly 8. One end of the cantilever 10 is connected to the other movable end of the first hinge seat 9, and the other end of the cantilever 10 is connected to the outside of the end cover 5.

[0033] In this embodiment, the buffer module 4 includes a second drive cylinder 41, a second hinge seat 42, a support frame 43, a transmission frame 44, and a stop frame 45. The second drive cylinder 41 is fixed on the end cover 5. The top end of the stop frame 45 is hinged to the end cover 5. The movable end of the second hinge seat 42 is drivenly connected to the output shaft of the second drive cylinder 41. The other movable end of the second hinge seat 42 is connected to one end of the support frame 43. The other end of the support frame 43 is connected to the end cover 5. The upper end of the transmission frame 44 is through-connected to the second hinge seat 42. The lower end of the transmission frame 44 is hinged to the bottom end of the stop frame 45. When the stop frame 45 is opened to its maximum angle by the transmission of the transmission frame 44, the support frame 43 supports the second hinge seat 42.

[0034] In this embodiment, the soiled laundry separator further includes an anti-fall component 11, which is disposed at the front end of the first hinge seat 9. The anti-fall component 11 includes a retaining wheel 12, a stop block 13, and a third drive cylinder 14. The retaining wheel 12 is connected inside the cantilever 10, and the third drive cylinder 14 is disposed at the upper end of the head of the outer cylinder 2. The stop block 13 is hinged to the upper end of the head of the outer cylinder 2 and is connected to the output shaft of the third drive cylinder 14. When the pushing component 8 fails, the third drive cylinder 14 drives the stop block 13 to rotate upward, thereby limiting the rotation stroke of the retaining wheel 12.

[0035] In this embodiment, the soiled clothing separator further includes a hopper 15, which is located below the discharge port. The edge of the hopper 15 covers at least the bottom of the discharge port. When the end cover 5 is opened outward to the maximum angle, the bottom end of the end cover 5 is still located inside the hopper 15.

[0036] In this embodiment, the drive assembly 6 includes a servo motor 61, a transmission chain 62, and a plurality of rollers 63. The servo motor 61 is disposed at the bottom end of the outer cylinder 2, and the plurality of rollers 63 are rotatably disposed at the bottom end of the outer cylinder 2. The servo motor 61 is connected to the plurality of rollers 63 through the transmission chain 62, and the plurality of rollers 63 are in rolling cooperation with the inner roller 3.

[0037] In this embodiment, the soiled clothing separator also includes a material level sensor 16, which is located at the top of the tail of the outer cylinder 2 and senses the material level height of the inner roller 3.

[0038] In this embodiment, the soiled clothing separator further includes an operating platform 17, a safety partition 18, and a sight glass 19. The operating platform 17 is located outside the discharge port, the safety partition 18 is located between the discharge port and the operating platform 17, and the sight glass 19 is located at the top of the tail of the outer cylinder 2.

[0039] In this embodiment, the soiled laundry separator further includes an operation panel 20 and an electrical control box 21. The operation panel 20 is electrically connected to the electrical control box 21, and the electrical control box 21 controls the operation of the soiled laundry separator.

[0040] In this embodiment, the soiled clothing separator also includes a plurality of guide wheels 23, which are respectively disposed at the top and bottom of the outer cylinder 2. When the inner roller 3 rolls, the guide wheels 23 guide and cooperate with the inner roller 3.

[0041] In this embodiment, sealing strips are provided at both ends of the inner roller 3 to ensure good sealing performance of the inner roller 3. Due to the working characteristics of the vacuum transport system, all related equipment must ensure good sealing performance to ensure higher system performance, efficiency, and energy saving. Compared with assembling the outer cylinder using flange connections, flange connections are more convenient for transportation and installation, but the installation requirements are very stringent, which increases installation costs, and there are still many factors that can lead to air leakage, making it difficult to guarantee good sealing performance.

[0042] In this embodiment, a tension spring 24 is connected between the cantilever 10 and the end cap 5. The tension spring 24 can prevent the end cap 5 from shifting due to its own weight.

[0043] In this embodiment, an air outlet 25 is provided at the top of the tail of the outer cylinder 2, and the air outlet 25 is used to discharge the gas inside the inner roller 3.

[0044] Working principle of the invention:

[0045] The feed inlet is connected to an external conveying pipe, and the discharge outlet is connected to an external cage car via the hopper. The external conveying pipe transports soiled clothes and bedding to the inner roller via airflow. The drive assembly drives the inner roller to rotate, and the push assembly drives it forward. The first hinge seat rotates, thereby causing the cantilever to open outward. The end cover moves away from the discharge outlet, and the soiled clothes and bedding fall from the inner roller into the external cage car. When the external cage car is about to be full, the second drive cylinder drives it forward. Under the drive of the transmission frame, the bottom end of the baffle gradually moves along the inside of the inner roller. The baffle and the end cover form a certain angle. The baffle prevents a large amount of soiled clothes and bedding from flowing out and stops the rolling out of soiled clothes and bedding, thereby achieving a buffering function and regulating the discharge speed and discharge volume.

Claims

1. A soiled laundry separator, comprising a frame (1), an outer cylinder (2), and an inner drum (3), characterized in that: It also includes a buffer module (4) and an end cap (5). The outer cylinder (2) is mounted on the frame (1). The outer cylinder (2) has an upward inclined structure from the head to the tail. The inner roller (3) is rolled and fitted inside the cylinder of the outer cylinder (2) by a drive assembly (6). The head and tail of the inner roller (3) are respectively provided with a discharge port and a feed port (7) connected to an external conveying pipe. The end cap (5) is opened and closed at the discharge port by a push assembly (8). The buffer module (4) is located inside the end cap (5). When the end cap (5) is gradually opened outward, the buffer module (4) is gradually opened inward. The soiled clothing separator also includes a first hinge seat (9) and a cantilever (10). The first hinge seat (9) is hinged to the upper end of the head of the outer cylinder (2). The movable end of the first hinge seat (9) is connected to the output shaft of the push assembly (8). One end of the cantilever (10) is connected to the other movable end of the first hinge seat (9), and the other end of the cantilever (10) is connected to the outside of the end cover (5). The buffer module (4) includes a second drive cylinder (41), a second hinge seat (42), a support frame (43), a transmission frame (44), and a stop frame (45). The second drive cylinder (41) is fixed on the end cover (5). The top end of the stop frame (45) is hinged to the end cover (5). The movable end of the second hinge seat (42) is connected to the output shaft of the second drive cylinder (41). The other movable end of the second hinge seat (42) is connected to one end of the support frame (43). The other end of the support frame (43) is connected to the end cover (5). The upper end of the transmission frame (44) is connected through the second hinge seat (42). The lower end of the transmission frame (44) is hinged to the bottom end of the stop frame (45). When the stop frame (45) is opened to the maximum angle by the transmission frame (44), the support frame (43) supports the second hinge seat (42). The soiled clothing separator also includes an anti-fall component (11), which is located at the front end of the first hinge seat (9). The anti-fall component (11) includes a chuck (12), a stop block (13), and a third drive cylinder (14). The chuck (12) is connected inside the cantilever (10). The third drive cylinder (14) is located at the upper end of the head of the outer cylinder (2). The stop block (13) is hinged to the upper end of the head of the outer cylinder (2) and is connected to the output shaft of the third drive cylinder (14). When the push component (8) fails, the third drive cylinder (14) drives the stop block (13) to rotate upward, thereby limiting the rotation stroke of the chuck (12).

2. The soiled clothing separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The soiled clothing separator also includes a feeding hopper (15), which is located below the discharge port. The edge of the feeding hopper (15) covers at least the bottom part of the discharge port. When the end cap (5) is opened outward to the maximum angle, the bottom end of the end cap (5) is still located inside the feeding hopper (15).

3. The soiled clothing separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive assembly (6) includes a servo motor (61), a transmission chain (62), and several rollers (63). The servo motor (61) is located at the bottom end of the outer cylinder (2), and the several rollers (63) are rotatably located at the bottom end of the outer cylinder (2). The servo motor (61) is connected to the several rollers (63) through the transmission chain (62), and the several rollers (63) are in rolling cooperation with the inner roller (3).

4. The soiled clothing separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The soiled clothing separator also includes a material level sensor (16), which is located at the top of the tail of the outer cylinder (2) and senses the material level height of the inner roller (3).

5. A soiled clothing separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The soiled clothing separator also includes an operating platform (17), a safety partition (18), and a sight glass (19). The operating platform (17) is located outside the discharge port, the safety partition (18) is located between the discharge port and the operating platform (17), and the sight glass (19) is located at the top of the tail of the outer cylinder (2).

6. A soiled clothing separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The soiled clothing separator also includes an operation panel (20) and an electrical control box (21). The operation panel (20) is electrically connected to the electrical control box (21), and the electrical control box (21) controls the operation of the soiled clothing separator.

7. A soiled clothing separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The soiled clothing separator also includes several guide wheels (23), which are respectively disposed at the top and bottom of the outer cylinder (2). When the inner roller (3) rolls, the guide wheels (23) guide and cooperate with the inner roller (3).

Images