Extruder for the production of agricultural fibrous material with improved uniformity of the sheet

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine (8) for compacting agricultural fibrous matter into a board, comprising a hopper (14) for receiving agricultural fibrous matter; an extruder (20) comprising an extrusion channel (20.4) downstream of the hopper (14) and a press head (20.2) configured for moving in a reciprocating manner along the extrusion channel (20.4); wherein the extrusion channel (20.4) further comprises a movable wall (20.5) configured for moving between a feeding position, in which the extrusion channel (20.4) is open to the hopper (14), and an extrusion position, in which the extrusion channel (20.4) is closed to the hopper (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of manufacturing building boards by extrusion, and more particularly to the field of extrusion of agricultural fibrous materials for manufacturing fiberboard. Background Technology

[0002] Publicly available prior art patent document US2,592,470 discloses a machine for manufacturing fiberboard, comprising a hopper for receiving fibers, a pre-comparing device having fingers carried by an arm moved by a rotary drive, and an extruder having an extrusion channel supplied by the hopper and a pressure head that moves reciprocally within the extrusion channel. The extrusion channel includes a cutting blade located at the edge directly downstream of the opening of the extrusion channel through which fibers are supplied from the hopper. When entering the extrusion channel, the compaction level of the fibers is limited and may exhibit inhomogeneity. The high level of compression achieved by the reciprocating pressure head compensates for the low level of pre-compaction before extrusion but cannot properly correct for inhomogeneities in the lateral direction.

[0003] Publicly available prior art patent document US 5,730,830 discloses a machine for manufacturing fiberboard, comprising a hopper for receiving fibers, a pre-compaction device having a set of four helical screw conveyors, and an extruder having an extrusion channel supplied by the hopper and a pressure head that moves reciprocally within the extrusion channel. The extrusion channel includes a movable portion forming a shear release mechanism configured such that, in the presence of hard debris (e.g., stone) between the pressure head and the shear edge, the shear edge will move backward and swing away from the obstacle according to a trajectory defined by two linkages. Similar to the aforementioned reference, the compaction level of the fibers is limited upon entering the extrusion channel and may exhibit inhomogeneity. The high level of compression achieved by the reciprocating pressure head compensates for the low level of pre-compaction prior to extrusion but does not properly correct for inhomogeneity in the lateral direction.

[0004] Publicly available prior art patent document US2020 / 0290233 A1 discloses a machine for manufacturing fiberboard, comprising a hopper for receiving fibers, a pre-compacting device having three vertically oriented sprocket chains, a packaging device having two parallel circular plates, the sprocket chains carrying fingers that sequentially move into, along, and out of a slit formed in the upper part of the hopper sidewall, the packaging device carrying a transverse bar carrying fingers that sequentially move into, along, and out of the slit formed in the lower part of the hopper sidewall, and an extruder having an extrusion channel fed by the hopper and a pressure head that moves reciprocally within the extrusion channel. The two-step compaction achieved by the pre-compacting device and the packaging device is of interest. Similar to the aforementioned reference, the compaction level of the fibers may exhibit non-uniformity upon entering the extrusion channel.

[0005] Publicly available prior art patent document US 5,945,132 discloses a machine similar to the aforementioned reference for manufacturing fiberboard, comprising a hopper for receiving fibers, a pre-compaction device with a sprocket carrying fingers, a packaging device with two parallel circular plates carrying transverse bars, and an extruder having an extrusion channel supplied by the hopper and a pressure head moving reciprocally within the extrusion channel. Similar to the aforementioned reference, the compaction level of the fibers may exhibit unevenness upon entering the extrusion channel. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The present invention addresses a technical problem that overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. More specifically, the technical problem of the present invention is to provide a machine for compacting agricultural fibrous materials into boards, which provides higher uniformity of fibrous material in the boards, particularly in the transverse direction of the boards.

[0008] Technical solutions

[0009] The present invention relates to a machine for compacting agricultural fibrous material into sheets, the machine comprising a hopper for receiving the agricultural fibrous material; an extruder including an extrusion channel downstream of the hopper and a pressure head configured to move reciprocally along the extrusion channel; wherein the extrusion channel further includes a movable wall configured to move between a feed position and an extrusion position, the feed position opening access to the extrusion channel to the hopper, and the extrusion position closing access to the extrusion channel to the hopper.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable wall includes an upstream edge provided with a cutting blade configured to engage with a corresponding front edge of the pressure head at the extrusion position of the movable wall.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, a cutting blade is provided at the corresponding front edge of the pressure head, the cutting blade being configured to cooperate with the cutting blade of the movable wall to cut agricultural fibrous material near the upstream edge of the movable wall.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the front edge of the pressure head has an arrow-shaped longitudinal profile, and the upstream edge of the movable wall has a straight longitudinal profile.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable wall is pivotally mounted on the extruder at its downstream end.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable wall at the feeding position is connected to the wall of the hopper.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the machine further includes a pre-compaction device comprising multiple rows of fingers configured to sequentially move into, along, and out of a vertical slit formed in at least one wall of the hopper, each row of fingers being independent in terms of speed.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the precompaction device includes a support rotating disk for each row of fingers and for carrying the fingers in the corresponding row of fingers.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, for each row of fingers, the precompaction device further includes a circular track eccentric to the at least one support rotating disk, each finger being rotatably mounted on a corresponding support disk, and a crank engaging in the corresponding circular track, such that the fingers remain parallel to one direction when the support rotating disk rotates.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the precompaction device includes at least three rows of fingers, preferably at least four rows of fingers.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the machine further includes a packaging device comprising at least one row of rotating corrugated discs inserted through a vertical slit formed in the wall of the hopper.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one row of rotating corrugated discs is included on each of the two opposite main sides of the hopper.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, each of at least one row of rotating corrugated disks includes at least 10 of the said rotating corrugated disks.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, each of at least one row of rotating corrugated disks includes a shaft that rotatably supports the rotating corrugated disks of the row.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the hopper has a rectangular cross-sectional profile, the width of which gradually decreases along the packaging device toward the extruder.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the hopper has a curved longitudinal profile between the packaging device and the extruder.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the pre-compression is performed upstream of the packaging device.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, [1] a machine for compacting agricultural fibrous material into a board is provided, the machine comprising a hopper for receiving the agricultural fibrous material; a pre-compaction device comprising multiple rows of fingers configured to sequentially move into, along and out of a vertical slit formed in at least one wall of the hopper; an extruder with an extrusion channel downstream of the hopper and a pressure head configured to move reciprocally along the extrusion channel; wherein each row of fingers of the pre-compaction device is independent in terms of speed.

[0027] [2] According to the machine described in [1], the pre-compacting device includes a support rotating disk for each row of fingers and for carrying the fingers of the corresponding row of fingers.

[0028] [3] According to the machine described in [1] or [2], the precompaction device further includes, for each row of fingers, a circular track eccentric to the support rotating disk, each finger being rotatably mounted on the corresponding support disk, and a crank engaging in the corresponding track such that the fingers remain parallel to one direction as the support rotating disk rotates.

[0029] [4] The machine according to any one of [1]-[3], wherein the precompaction device comprises at least three rows of fingers, preferably at least four rows of fingers.

[0030] [5] The machine according to any one of [1]-[4], wherein the machine further comprises a packaging device comprising at least one row of rotating corrugated discs inserted through a vertical slit formed in the wall of the hopper.

[0031] [6] According to the machine of [5], wherein the at least one row of rotating corrugated discs is included on each of the two opposite main sides of the hopper at least one of the rows of rotating corrugated discs.

[0032] [7] The machine according to any one of [5]-[6], wherein each of the at least one row of rotating corrugated disks comprises at least 10 of the rotating corrugated disks.

[0033] [8] The machine according to any one of [5]-[7], wherein each of the at least one row of rotating corrugated disks includes a shaft that rotatably supports the row of rotating corrugated disks.

[0034] [9] The machine according to any one of [5]-[8], wherein the hopper has a rectangular cross-sectional profile, the width of which gradually decreases along the packaging device toward the extruder.

[0035]

[10] The machine according to any one of [5]-[9], wherein a curved longitudinal profile is present between the packaging device and the extruder.

[0036]

[11] The machine according to any one of [5]-

[10] , wherein the pre-compression is upstream of the packaging device.

[0037]

[12] The machine according to any one of [1]-

[11] , wherein the extrusion channel further includes a movable wall configured to move between a feed position and an extrusion position, the feed position opening the extrusion channel to the hopper and the extrusion position closing the extrusion channel to the hopper.

[0038]

[13] According to the machine of

[12] , the movable wall includes an upstream edge provided with a cutting blade configured to engage with a corresponding front edge of the press head at the extrusion position of the movable wall.

[0039]

[14] The machine according to any one of

[12] -

[13] , wherein a cutting blade is provided at the corresponding front edge of the pressure head, the cutting blade being configured to cooperate with the cutting blade of the movable wall to cut agricultural fibrous material near the upstream edge of the movable wall.

[0040]

[15] The machine according to any one of

[12] -

[14] , wherein the front edge of the pressure head has an arrow-shaped longitudinal profile and the upstream edge of the movable wall has a straight longitudinal profile.

[0041]

[16] The machine according to any one of

[12] -

[15] , wherein the movable wall is pivotally mounted on the extruder at the downstream end of the movable wall.

[0042]

[17] The machine according to any one of

[12] -

[16] , wherein the movable wall at the feeding position is connected to the wall of the hopper.

[0043] According to another aspect of the invention,

[18] a machine for compacting agricultural fibrous material into a sheet is provided, the machine comprising a hopper for receiving the agricultural fibrous material; an extruder comprising an extrusion channel downstream of the hopper and a pressure head configured to move reciprocally along the extrusion channel; wherein the machine further comprises a packaging device comprising at least one row of rotating corrugated discs inserted through a vertical slit formed in the wall of the hopper.

[0044]

[19] The machine according to

[18] , wherein the at least one row of rotating corrugated discs comprises at least one of the rows of rotating corrugated discs on each of the two opposite main sides of the hopper.

[0045]

[20] The machine according to any one of

[18] -

[19] , wherein each of the at least one row of rotating corrugated disks comprises at least 10 of the rotating corrugated disks.

[0046]

[21] The machine according to any one of

[18] -

[20] , wherein each of the at least one row of rotating corrugated disks includes a shaft that rotatably supports the row of rotating corrugated disks.

[0047]

[22] The machine according to any one of

[18] -

[21] , wherein the hopper has a rectangular cross-sectional profile, the width of which gradually decreases along the packaging device toward the extruder.

[0048]

[23] The machine according to any one of

[18] -

[22] , wherein the hopper has a curved longitudinal profile between the packaging device and the extruder.

[0049]

[24] The machine according to any one of

[18] -

[23] , wherein the machine further comprises: a pre-compacting device comprising multiple rows of fingers configured to sequentially move into, along and out of a vertical slit, the vertical slit being formed in at least one wall of the hopper, each row of fingers being independent in terms of speed.

[0050]

[25] The machine according to

[24] , wherein the precompaction device includes a support rotating disk for each row of fingers and for carrying the corresponding row of fingers.

[0051]

[26] The machine according to any one of

[24] -

[25] , wherein, for each row of fingers, the precompaction device further includes a circular track eccentric to the support rotating disk, each finger being rotatably mounted on the corresponding support disk, and a crank engaging in the corresponding track such that the fingers remain parallel to one direction as the support rotating disk rotates.

[0052]

[27] The machine according to any one of

[24] -

[26] , wherein the precompaction device comprises at least three rows of fingers, preferably at least four rows of fingers.

[0053]

[28] The machine according to any one of

[18] -

[27] , wherein the extrusion channel further includes a movable wall configured to move between a feed position and an extrusion position, the feed position opening the extrusion channel to the hopper and the extrusion position closing the extrusion channel to the hopper.

[0054]

[29] According to the machine of

[28] , the movable wall includes an upstream edge provided with a cutting blade, the cutting blade being configured to engage with a corresponding front edge of the pressure head at the extrusion position of the movable wall.

[0055]

[30] The machine according to any one of

[28] -

[29] , wherein a cutting blade is provided at the corresponding front edge of the pressure head, the cutting blade being configured to cooperate with the cutting blade of the movable wall to cut agricultural fibrous material near the upstream edge of the movable wall.

[0056]

[31] The machine according to any one of

[28] -

[30] , wherein the front edge of the pressure head has an arrow-shaped longitudinal profile and the upstream edge of the movable wall has a straight longitudinal profile.

[0057]

[32] The machine according to any one of

[28] -

[31] , wherein the movable wall is pivotally mounted on the extruder at the downstream end of the movable wall.

[0058]

[33] The machine according to any one of

[28] -

[32] , wherein the movable wall at the feeding position is connected to the wall of the hopper.

[0059] Advantages of the present invention

[0060] This invention is of particular interest because it encompasses all the various measures involved in increasing fiber uniformity. The inventors have observed that earlier compression of agricultural fibrous materials by a pressure head within an extrusion channel with the movable wall in the extrusion position is beneficial to the level and uniformity of fiber compression. In particular, the cutting blades on the movable wall and the pressure head allow for the appropriate shearing of residual fibers adjacent to the cutting blades, thereby avoiding interference with the compression process that would otherwise be caused by these residual fibers.

[0061] The inventors also observed that non-uniformity can be handled very well upstream before the fibers are compressed, primarily because lateral movement of compressed fibers is naturally difficult. The pre-compaction device with independently arranged rows of fingers allows for compensation of lateral non-uniform feeding of agricultural fibrous materials.

[0062] The inventors also observed that a packaging device with rows of corrugated discs inserted into slits in the hopper wall downstream of the precompaction unit is useful because it allows the movement of precompacted agricultural fibrous material, which is difficult to move toward the extruder due to precompaction. The use of a series of corrugated discs arranged in rows and projecting inward into the hopper is effective for moving and packaging agricultural fibrous material. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a manufacturing production line for manufacturing fiberboard according to the present invention, the production line including a machine for compacting agricultural fibrous material into fiberboard by extrusion.

[0064] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a pre-compaction apparatus for a machine according to the invention for compacting agricultural fibrous material into fiberboard by extrusion.

[0065] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the precompaction device.

[0066] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of the precompaction device.

[0067] Figure 5 This is a side view of a machine according to the invention for compacting agricultural fibrous material by extruding it into a fiberboard, showing... Figures 2 to 4 Pre-compacting device and packaging device.

[0068] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the packaging device.

[0069] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an extruder according to the invention, used for compacting agricultural fibrous materials into fiberboard by extrusion.

[0070] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of the extruder head.

[0071] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of the movable wall of the extruder.

[0072] Figure 10This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a machine according to the invention for compacting agricultural fibrous material into fiberboard by extrusion, in the feeding position.

[0073] Figure 11 Corresponding to the position of compression Figure 10 . Detailed Implementation

[0074] Figure 1 A perspective view shows a manufacturing production line for producing fiberboard made from agricultural fibrous materials.

[0075] Agricultural fibrous material can be straw, hay, or any other known fiber derived from fibrous plants such as grains, or any combination thereof. Fiberboard comprises a core made of compressed agricultural fibrous material and two membranes on two opposing main surfaces of the fiberboard. The membranes can be paper or any other suitable material, such as a plastic-based film.

[0076] Manufacturing production line 2 basically includes a deballing device 4 that receives bales of agricultural fiber material on a conveyor belt, and a conveying device 6 that transports the loose agricultural fiber material from the deballing device 4 to a machine 8 for compacting the agricultural fiber material into boards. It can be seen that the fiberboard manufacturing machine 8 is equipped with two reels 10 for an upper and lower film, which will be applied to the compacted fiber core of the board.

[0077] Some components of the deballing device 4, the conveying device 6, and the machine 8 for compacting agricultural fibrous materials into boards are known to those skilled in the art and do not require further detailed description.

[0078] This invention relates to some components of a fiberboard manufacturing machine 8, which will be described in detail in conjunction with the remaining drawings.

[0079] Figure 2This is a perspective view of the upper part of a fiberboard manufacturing machine 8, which includes a frame 12, a hopper 14 attached to the frame 12, and a pre-compacting device 16. The pre-compacting device 16 is also attached to the frame 12 and cooperates with the hopper 14 to pre-compact agricultural fiber material entering the hopper 14 from the top of the hopper 14. Clearly, the pre-compacting device 16 includes several sub-units 16.1 arranged side-by-side along a transverse axis and operating independently. Each sub-unit 16.1 includes a generally planar frame 16.1.1 and two support rotating disks 16.1.2 arranged on each main side of the frame 16.1.1. Each sub-unit 16.1 also includes a geared motor 16.1.3 that drives the two support rotating disks 16.1.2 via a sprocket chain. Each of the two support rotating disks 16.1.2 carries a finger 16.1.4, which is pivotally mounted around the periphery of the support rotating disk. A crank mechanism is provided for each finger 16.1.4 so that the fingers maintain the same absolute orientation when supporting the rotation of the rotating disk 16.1.2. This orientation is typically horizontal. The following will be combined with... Figure 3 and Figure 4 Describe the crank mechanism in detail.

[0080] Still referencing Figure 2 The hopper 14 is shown in a generally rectangular cross-section; however, it should be understood that other shapes are conceivable. It also has an opening 14.1 at the upper end for receiving loose and uncompacted agricultural fibrous material from the de-balling device 4 via the conveying device 6, such as... Figure 1 As shown, hopper 14 shows two main opposing and, for example, parallel walls provided with vertical slits 14.2, the position and size of which are adapted to receive the fingers 16.1.4 of the precompaction device 16. More specifically, the slits of each wall are arranged in pairs for each sub-unit 16.1, wherein the corresponding pairs of slits on the two opposing walls are aligned in a transverse direction corresponding to the direction of the fingers 16.1.4, so as to allow each finger 16.1.4 to sequentially penetrate the corresponding slit in the adjacent wall, slide along the slit, penetrate the corresponding slit in the opposing wall, slide along the slit, move out of the slit, and move out of the slit in the adjacent wall. This movement of each finger 16.1.4 moves downward and precompacts the agricultural fibrous material falling from the top through its opening 14.1 into hopper 14.

[0081] Each subunit 16.1 of the precompaction device 16 can have its speed controlled independently, for example by controlling each gear motor 16.1.3, in order to compensate for any unevenness of the agricultural fibrous material downstream of the hopper.

[0082] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A cross-sectional view of a subunit 16.1 of the precompaction device 16, taken along a longitudinal plane passing between one of the frame 16.1.1 and the support rotary disk 16.1.2 and oriented toward the frame 16.1.1. We can see four fingers 16.1.4 carried by the support rotary disk, which is rearward relative to the cutting plane and therefore invisible. These four fingers 16.1.4 are evenly distributed, for example, around the perimeter, i.e., successively at 90° to each other. We can see that each of these four fingers 16.1.4 is pivotally mounted on the invisible support rotary disk and includes a crank 16.1.5, rigidly fixed to the fingers and having a roller or guide engaged in a circular track 16.1.6 eccentrically positioned relative to the support rotary disk. The circular track 16.1.6 is fixed to the frame 16.1.1. As the support disc carrying the fingers 16.1.4 rotates, the eccentric circular track 16.1.6 keeps each finger 16.1.4 in the same orientation, for example, a roughly horizontal orientation.

[0083] Still referencing Figure 4 We can observe that, through the circular opening in frame 16.1.1, within the circular track 16.1.6, the left support rotating disk 16.1.2 also carries four fingers 16.1.4. These four fingers 16.1.4 are only partially visible and are evenly distributed along the periphery of the support rotating disk 16.1.2, i.e., sequentially at 90° to each other. We can also observe that the four fingers 16.1.4 carried by the left support rotating disk 16.1.2 are angularly offset relative to the four fingers 16.1.4 carried by the invisible right support rotating disk, for example, offset by 45°. This angular offset is interesting because it allows the cranks of the fingers in each of the left and right support rotating disks 16.1.2 to engage with the same circular track 16.1.6 without interfering with each other. This arrangement is also advantageous for the pre-compaction of agricultural fibrous material, as the fingers 16.1.4 in contact with the agricultural fibrous material in the hopper are more evenly distributed in the vertical direction. This improves displacement control of agricultural fibrous materials and thus improves compaction uniformity.

[0084] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Subunit 16.1, i.e. Figure 2 The right-side side view of the pre-compaction device 16 shows the right support disc 16.1.2, which is driven by a gear motor 16.1.3 via a sprocket chain 16.1.7. The sprocket chain 16.1.7 engages with sprocket teeth located around the periphery of the right support disc 16.1.2. The right support disc 16.1.2 is connected via a flange attached to the disc (centered on its axis of rotation), a corresponding spacer (not visible), and a mating flange attached to the left support rotating disc (in...). Figure 3The left support plate (visible in the middle) is mechanically connected to the right support plate (invisible). Therefore, both the left support plate 16.1.2 and the right support plate 16.1.2 are driven uniformly by the gear motor 16.1.3.

[0085] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 We can observe the longitudinal profile of the hopper 14. This profile includes adjacent walls 14.3 and opposing walls 14.4, both provided with vertical slits for the finger-like members 16.1.4. The adjacent walls 14.3 are curved to mate with the circular periphery supporting the rotating disk 16.1.2, while the opposing walls 14.4 remain generally straight. The curved profile of the adjacent walls 14.3 results in a reduction in the cross-section of the hopper 14, while the agricultural fibrous material moves downwards through the pre-compaction device 16, thus pre-compacting the agricultural fibrous material. The aforementioned reduction in cross-section is at least 30%.

[0086] about Figure 3 and Figure 4 Based on the above description, it should be understood that the number of fingers in each sub-unit of the precompaction device and the number of fingers in each supporting rotating disk can differ, i.e., be higher or lower. Furthermore, the number of sub-units can also differ, being higher or lower.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a side view of the fiberboard manufacturing machine 8, showing the frame 12, hopper 14, pre-compacting device 16 as described above, and packaging device 18. The latter is located below and downstream of the pre-compacting device 16 and packages the pre-compacted agricultural fiber material toward an extruder, which will be connected below... Figure 7-9 describe.

[0088] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The longitudinal sectional view of the lower part of the fiberboard manufacturing machine 8 shows in detail the corresponding lower parts of the packaging device 18 and the hopper 14.

[0089] The packaging device 18 includes multiple rows of corrugated disks 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.5, for example, five rows of corrugated disks. However, it should be understood that this number can vary, for example, higher or lower. At least one row of corrugated disks is disposed on each main side of the hopper 14, i.e., on adjacent walls 14.3 and opposite walls 14.4. Each of these adjacent walls 14.3 and opposite walls 14.4 includes a vertical slit into which the corrugated disk is inserted and protrudes into the interior of the hopper 14. Each row of corrugated disks includes a shaft to which the corrugated disk is rotatably engaged. Each shaft is driven by a geared motor to rotate the corresponding corrugated disk uniformly. Each row of corrugated disks includes at least 10 of the aforementioned corrugated disks.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, the channel for agricultural fibrous material in hopper 14 forms a bend and exhibits a gradually decreasing width along the bend. This means that after the agricultural fibrous material is fed into hopper 14 through its opening and pre-compacted by the fingers of the pre-compacting device, it is gradually moved and packaged towards the outlet 14.5 of hopper 14 by the rotating corrugated disc of packaging device 18, which opens outward to the extruder, which will be described below.

[0091] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the extruder 20 of the fiberboard manufacturing machine 8, which is located at the lower part of the fiberboard manufacturing machine 8.

[0092] The extruder 20 includes a frame 20.1, a pressure head 20.2, and a drive unit 20.3. The frame 20.1 is configured, for example, to rest on a floor, and the drive unit 20.3 is configured to move the pressure head 20.2 horizontally in a reciprocating manner. The drive unit 20.3 is known to those skilled in the art and does not require further detailed description. The pressure head 20.2 is generally flat and even planar, and is guided by the frame 20.1 in a translational direction. The translational direction is, for example, horizontal and corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the extruder 20. An extrusion channel 20.4 is formed on the frame 20.1, and the pressure head 20.2 can move into the extrusion channel 20.4 to extrude agricultural fibrous material and form a fiberboard. The extrusion channel 20.4 is generally horizontal and extends laterally, corresponding to the cross-section of the fiberboard to be manufactured. The main opposing sides and the horizontal sides are straight and parallel, while the transverse sides may be inclined, as will be readily understood below.

[0093] The extrusion channel 20.4 includes a movable wall 20.5 configured to pivot between a feed position and an extrusion position, the feed position opening the extrusion channel to the hopper, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the extrusion position closes the extrusion channel leading to the hopper. The following will combine... Figures 8 to 11 Please describe this feature in detail.

[0094] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the pressure head 20.2. As can be seen, the pressure head 20.2 is generally flat and planar, and its thickness substantially corresponds to the thickness of the fiberboard to be manufactured. The pressure head 20.2 includes a front portion 20.2.1 and a rear portion 20.2.2, the front portion 20.2.1 being configured to engage with the extrusion channel 20.4 (…). Figure 7 In this part, the rear part 20.2.2 is larger and is mechanically attached to the drive unit 20.3 via two rods. Figure 7 As can be seen, the front portion 20.2.1 shows an inclined sidewall configured to interact with the extrusion channel 20.4. Figure 7The corresponding inclined sidewalls fit together. Two opposing sidewalls can be inclined in an inverted manner to produce fiberboard with corresponding inverted sidewalls, which facilitate the joining of adjacent fiberboards during their assembly. It should be noted that the sidewalls do not need to be straight; that is, they can have specially designed profiles for mutual fitting and / or joining to provide stronger and / or deeper mutual joining when assembled with each other.

[0095] Still referencing Figure 8 The pressure head 20.2 may include one or more pointed cylinders 20.2.3 on the front surface of the front portion 20.2.1 for forming one or more channels in the fiberboard, for example, for allowing cables to pass through. Furthermore, a cutting blade 20.2.4 may be provided at its upper edge for engaging with a corresponding cutting blade on the movable wall 20.5. Figure 7 ).

[0096] Figure 9 It is the extrusion channel 20.4 ( Figure 7 A perspective view of the movable wall 20.5. The movable wall 20.5 includes a pivot axis 20.5.1 at its rear or downstream edge, which is formed, for example, by two laterally projecting trunnions; however, it should be understood that alternative configurations of the pivot axis may be considered. The movable wall 20.5 also includes a lateral actuating rod at its front or upstream portion, configured to engage with an actuation mechanism at its two opposite ends for pivoting the movable wall 20.5 between a feed position and an extrusion position. The movable wall 20.5 also includes a cutting blade 20.5.3 at its front or upstream edge, which is configured to cooperate with a corresponding cutting blade 20.2.4 of the pressure head 20.2. Figure 8 ).

[0097] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a machine according to the invention for compacting agricultural fibrous material by extruding it into a fiberboard, wherein the movable wall is in the feed position. Figure 10 ) and extrusion location.

[0098] refer to Figure 10Agricultural fiber material is fed into the hopper 14 through the opening 14.1 and continuously pre-compacted by the fingers 16.1.4 of the pre-compacting device 16, packaged by the rotating corrugated disc of the packaging device 20, and then fed into the extruder 20, specifically the extrusion channel 20.4, while its movable wall 20.5 is in the feeding position. In this position, the movable wall 20.5 pivots to open the extrusion channel 20.4 to the outlet 14.5 of the hopper. In this position, the movable wall 20.5 is aligned with the adjacent wall 14.3 of the hopper 14 to properly guide the agricultural fiber material into the extrusion channel 20.4. In this mode of operation of the fiberboard manufacturing machine 8, the pressure head 20.2 is in the retracted position, i.e., retracted from the extrusion channel 20.4.

[0099] refer to Figure 11 Only the extrusion channel 20.4 is fully supplied with agricultural fibrous material, and the movable wall 20.5 moves (e.g., pivots) to the extrusion position, i.e., the position where the connection or channel between the extrusion channel 20.4 and the outlet 14.5 of the hopper 14 is closed. In this position, the movable wall 20.5 is aligned with the adjacent fixed wall of the extrusion channel 20.4. The pressure head 20.2 then moves toward the extrusion channel 20.4, causing the agricultural fibrous material to shift and be extruded into the extrusion channel 20.4. Furthermore, the cutting blade 20.2.4 of the pressure head 20.2 approaches the cutting blade 20.5.3 of the movable wall 20.5 to shear and cut the agricultural fibrous material remaining between the cutting blade 20.5.3 of the movable wall 20.5 and the adjacent wall of the extrusion channel 20.4. Moreover, compared to a conventional extruder, the presence of the movable wall 20.5 (e.g., in the extrusion position) allows the pressure head 20.2 to extrude the agricultural fibrous material at an earlier stage of the pressure head stroke. Therefore, agricultural fibrous materials are not only better pre-compacted and packaged in the hopper, but also better compacted in the extruder.

[0100] The fiberboard manufactured by the aforementioned machine can have a strength of 70 mm and preferably has two double cable channels. The density of the board can be approximately 340 kg / m³. 3 .

Claims

1. A machine (8) for compacting agricultural fibrous materials into boards, comprising: Hopper (14) for receiving the agricultural fiber material; Extruder (20), comprising: The extrusion channel (20.4) is downstream of the hopper (14); and The pressure head (20.2) is configured to move in a reciprocating manner along the extrusion channel (20.4); Its features The extrusion channel (20.4) further includes a movable wall (20.5) configured to move between a feed position and an extrusion position, in which the movable wall (20.5) is aligned with an adjacent wall of the hopper (14), the feed position opening the extrusion channel (20.4) to the hopper (14), and the extrusion position closing the passage between the extrusion channel (20.4) and the hopper (14), the movable wall (20.5) including a downstream edge having a pivot axis (20.5.1) and an upstream edge provided with a cutting blade (20.5.3), the cutting blade being configured to engage with a corresponding front edge of the pressure head (20.2) in the extrusion position of the movable wall (20.5), the upstream edge being the free end of the movable wall (20.5).

2. The machine (8) according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding front edge of the pressure head (20.2) is provided with another cutting blade (20.2.4) configured to cooperate with the cutting blade (20.5.3) of the movable wall (20.5) to cut agricultural fibrous material near the upstream edge of the movable wall (20.5).

3. The machine (8) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the front edge of the pressure head (20.2) has an arrow-shaped longitudinal profile and the upstream edge of the movable wall (20.5) has a straight longitudinal profile.

4. The machine (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The movable wall (20.5) is pivotally mounted on the extruder (20) at its downstream end.

5. The machine (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The movable wall (20.5) at the feeding position is connected to the adjacent wall (14.3) of the hopper (14).

6. The machine (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: The pre-compaction device (16) includes multiple rows of fingers (16.1.4) configured to sequentially move into, along and out of a vertical slit (14.2), which is formed in at least one wall (14.3, 14.4) of the hopper (14), and each row of fingers (16.1.4) is independent in terms of speed.

7. The machine (8) according to claim 6, wherein, The precompaction device (16) includes at least one support rotating disk (16.1.2) for each row of fingers (16.1.4) and carrying the fingers in the corresponding row of fingers.

8. The machine (8) according to claim 7, wherein, For each row of fingers, the precompaction device (16) further includes a circular track (16.1.6) eccentric to the at least one support rotating disk (16.1.2), each finger (16.1.4) being rotatably mounted on the corresponding support rotating disk (16.1.2), and a crank (16.1.5) engaging in the corresponding circular track (16.1.6) such that the fingers (16.1.4) remain parallel to one direction as the support rotating disk (16.1.2) rotates.

9. The machine (8) according to claim 6, wherein, The precompaction device (16) includes at least three rows of fingers (16.1.4) of the multiple rows of fingers.

10. The machine (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: The packaging device (18) includes at least one row of rotating corrugated discs (18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.5), which are inserted through vertical slits formed in the walls (14.3, 14.4) of the hopper (14).

11. The machine (8) according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one row of rotating corrugated discs (18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.5) includes at least one of the rotating corrugated discs on each of the two opposite main sides of the hopper (14).

12. The machine (8) according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the at least one row of rotating corrugated disks (18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.5) comprises at least 10 of the rotating corrugated disks.

13. The machine (8) according to claim 10, wherein, Each of the at least one row of rotating corrugated disks (18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.5) includes a shaft that rotatably supports the rotating corrugated disks of the row.

14. The machine (8) according to claim 10, wherein, The hopper (14) has a rectangular cross-sectional profile, the width of which gradually decreases along the packaging device toward the extruder.

15. The machine (8) according to claim 10, wherein, The hopper (14) has a curved longitudinal profile between the packaging device (18) and the extruder (20).

16. The machine (8) according to claim 10, further comprising a pre-compaction device (16) comprising multiple rows of fingers (16.1.4) configured to sequentially move into, along, and out of a vertical slit (14.2), the vertical slit being formed in at least one wall (14.3, 14.4) of the hopper (14), each row of fingers being independent in terms of speed, wherein, The pre-compacting device (16) is located upstream of the packaging device (18).

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