Device for optical imaging of a filter separator and filter device equipped with such a device

Abstract

The invention describes a device (100) for optical imaging of a filter spacer (S), comprising a support frame (105) on which the following components are mounted: at least one mirror (135) having a reflective surface (140); at least one camera (145) having an optical axis (A) adapted to intersect the reflective surface (140) at an angle of incidence other than right angles, producing a reflective optical axis (B) that is inclined and does not coincide with the optical axis (A) itself; and at least one illumination device (150) adapted to illuminate at least one point on the reflective optical axis (B) spaced from the reflective surface (140).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for optically collecting images of a filter spacer and a filtering device, in particular but not limited to a filter press provided with the optical collecting device. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, a filter press is a filtering device that is generally used to filter liquid materials containing suspended solids (called solid-liquid suspension), usually sludge that may originate from civil and industrial wastewater treatment processes or many other production processes (such as but not limited to chemical / pharmaceutical or mining).

[0003] For this purpose, the filter press usually includes an array of casing plates arranged one after the other along a predetermined horizontal direction.

[0004] Between each pair of enclosure plates there are two mutually facing filter spacers, usually two parts of filter cloth, each filter spacer being adapted to cover one of the main faces of the adjacent enclosure plate.

[0005] Each pair of enclosure panels is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

[0006] In the closed configuration, the containment panels are clamped in a packing manner against filter spacers interposed between the containment panels, thereby defining a filter chamber.

[0007] In the open configuration, the containment plates are spaced apart to separate the corresponding filter septa and laterally open the filter chamber.

[0008] By means of a suitable inlet hydraulic circuit, the sludge to be filtered is fed into the filter chamber when all containment plates are in the closed configuration.

[0009] In this way, the solid components of the sludge remain confined in the filter chamber, where they form a dense residue, while the liquid components pass through the filter spacers into the hydraulic outlet circuit, through which they can be discharged or collected.

[0010] At the end of the filtration cycle, the pairs of containment plates are placed in an open configuration either simultaneously or one at a time so that the solid deposits can fall outside the filtration chamber.

[0011] Since some solid material may contaminate the filter spacers delimiting the filter chamber, said filter spacers may periodically be subjected to a washing step using high-pressure water jets.

[0012] This washing phase can be carried out in an automated manner with the aid of a robot which generally comprises a trolley suitable for moving along the direction of arrangement of the retaining plates, and a rod which moves laterally on the trolley and is designed to insert itself and slide between each pair of retaining plates in the open configuration and, therefore, between the corresponding filter spacers.

[0013] A distribution nozzle is mounted on the rod and connected to a suitable water supply circuit, capable of delivering a high-pressure water jet to the two filter spacers, cleaning the two filter spacers of solid residues.

[0014] In addition to these regular cleaning operations, the filter spacers are subject to gradual wear and must therefore be replaced at regular intervals.

[0015] Currently, this replacement can be performed according to two different methods.

[0016] The first method follows the logic of the so-called "preventive maintenance" and consists in the preventive replacement of all filter spacers after a certain number of filtration cycles.

[0017] However, for this approach to be effective, the number of filtration cycles leading to filter spacer replacement must be low enough that no filter spacer breaks before replacement, which obviously means that some filter spacers may be replaced prematurely, significantly wasting resources and increasing costs.

[0018] Furthermore, the determination of the number of filtration cycles can only be made based on average wear patterns in the filter membranes and cannot take into account unexpected events that may lead to undesired damage.

[0019] In fact, filter spacers may be damaged not only by wear but also by other factors, such as the presence of large particles (several mm) which severely impact the filter spacers due to the high flow rate / velocity of the sludge feed, resulting in premature rupture of the filter spacers.

[0020] To overcome these drawbacks, the second approach proposed is to follow the logic of the so-called “just-in-time maintenance or event-based maintenance”.

[0021] A second method involves replacing one or more filter spacers only when a filter press failure is detected.

[0022] In particular, turbidity meters are often used to measure the turbidity of the filtered liquid leaving the filter press through the hydraulic outlet circuit.

[0023] If the measured turbidity is above a predetermined threshold value, this means that a portion of the solid phase contained in the sludge has passed through a break formed in at least one filter spacer.

[0024] When this occurs, an operator will manually inspect all filter spacers installed on the filter press to determine which filter spacer or spacers are actually damaged, and the damaged filter spacer or spacers will be replaced accordingly.

[0025] However, it is obvious that the second method may lead to long production downtimes and a lot of work for the operators who have to check the filter spacers.

[0026] Besides being laborious, such an activity may also be difficult to perform because in certain types of filter presses the space available between the two casing plates in the open configuration may be quite narrow, making it difficult and sometimes even impossible to accurately inspect the filter spacers.

[0027] In order to overcome or at least alleviate this drawback, a solution has been proposed to equip the washing robot rod with a plurality of cameras which, thanks to the movement of the rod, are able to effectively scan the filter spacers.

[0028] In this way, it is advantageously possible to check the state of use of the filter spacers in a simpler and faster manner relative to known technology and in a generally more efficient manner, without the operator having to personally enter between the retaining plates of the filter press, since the movement of the rod allows the camera to capture an image of each area of ​​the filter spacers.

[0029] Due to the simplicity and speed of this scan, the filter spacers can also be checked more frequently, for example during or after each washing operation, and not only when a malfunction is detected.

[0030] However, the available space between the two enclosure panels in the open configuration is usually very limited, which poses significant limitations and technical difficulties for the use of such cameras.

[0031] In fact, when these cameras are inserted between two enclosures, they are very close to the filter spacers and, although they may be equipped with a wide-angle system, each of them can only frame a rather limited area.

[0032] If we add to this the fact that the filter spacers are usually quite large, it is easy to understand that in order to reconstruct a complete image of each filter spacer, a very large number of cameras would need to be equipped for the washing robot pole.

[0033] This number is doubled by the need to provide a first set of cameras facing in one direction to scan one filter spacer and a second set of cameras facing in the opposite direction to scan the other filter spacer.

[0034] Such a large number of cameras inevitably complicates the structural layout of the system and leads to a significant increase in cost.

[0035] However, this disadvantage does not depend on the installation of the camera on the washing robot pole, but would also occur if the camera were installed on a dedicated robot.

[0036] Furthermore, this disadvantage affects not only filter presses but more generally any filtering equipment in which the filter spacers are only accessible through narrow spaces. Summary of the invention

[0037] In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide a device for optically acquiring images of filter spacers, for example but not limited to filter presses, which device can be placed in a limited space without causing the above-mentioned inconveniences or at least significantly reducing them.

[0038] Another object of the invention is to achieve the above-mentioned objects in the context of a simple, rational and relatively inexpensive solution.

[0039] These objects are achieved by the features of the invention mentioned in the independent claims.The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention which, however, are not strictly required for the implementation of the invention.

[0040] In particular, an embodiment of the present invention provides a device for optically collecting an image of a filter spacer, comprising a support frame on which the following components are mounted:

[0041] - at least one mirror having a reflective surface,

[0042] - at least one camera having an optical axis adapted to intersect the optical axis of the reflective surface at an angle of incidence other than right angles, producing an inclined reflected optical axis that does not coincide with the optical axis itself, and

[0043] - at least one lighting device adapted to illuminate at least one point on the reflected light axis spaced apart from the reflective surface.

[0044] Thanks to this solution, the acquisition of the image does not take place directly, as in the known art, but rather through the reflective surface of a mirror, which can therefore be very close to the filter to be scanned, but far enough away from the camera to allow the camera to frame an increased range or area while remaining confined to a narrow space, and where, for example, the optical axis of the camera is no longer orthogonal to the filter, but is oriented substantially parallel to the filter.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the reflective surface of the mirror may be selected from the group consisting of: a flat reflective surface, a concave reflective surface, and a convex reflective surface.

[0046] These types of reflective surfaces are particularly suitable for effective framing of filter spacers.

[0047] Another aspect of the invention is that the reflective surface may extend, for example with a constant lateral profile, mainly along a predetermined longitudinal direction of the mirror orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera.

[0048] In this way, a single camera is able to frame a relatively large filter spacer strip, at least in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mirror, thereby allowing a smaller number of cameras to be used than in the known art with the same overall size of the filter spacers.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present invention, the camera may be selected from the group consisting of: a matrix camera and a linear camera.

[0050] These types of cameras have the advantage of being relatively inexpensive while still allowing images of the filter spacer or portions thereof to be obtained at high resolution.

[0051] Another aspect of the invention is that the lighting device is capable of emitting light having a wavelength between 10 nm (ultraviolet light) and 1 mm (infrared light).

[0052] Depending on the properties of the filter and the camera, light with these wavelengths allows to acquire images in which the most important details of the filter (eg possible wear, tears, etc.) are highlighted.

[0053] To further enhance image clarity, the lighting device can emit continuous light or strobe light.

[0054] According to another aspect of the invention, the lighting device may include one or more illuminators located between the mirror and the camera and / or one or more illuminators located on the opposite side of the mirror relative to the camera.

[0055] This arrangement of illuminators is particularly recommended to effectively illuminate the area of ​​the filter spacer that is to be imaged by the camera.

[0056] Each of the above illuminators may provide focused light or extend primarily in a predetermined longitudinal direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera, for example parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mirror.

[0057] In this way, the illuminator can effectively illuminate the entire area of ​​the filter spacer imaged by the optical acquisition device.

[0058] Another aspect of the present invention provides a lighting device which may further include one or more lenses for diffusing and / or focusing the light generated thereby.

[0059] This solution also has the advantage of improving the illumination of the filter spacer to enhance image quality.

[0060] According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the mirror can be pivoted on the support frame by rotating about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera.

[0061] With this solution, the reflected light axis generated by the reflective surface of the mirror can be oriented in different ways, thereby allowing the camera to capture images of different areas of the filter spacer or different filter spacers.

[0062] For example, in the case of a filter press or other filtering equipment having opposing filter spaces, by appropriately orienting the mirrors, a single camera can effectively capture images of both filter spaces.

[0063] Other embodiments of the invention provide for orienting the camera on the support frame by rotation about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera.

[0064] This solution also allows the reflected light axis to be oriented as desired.

[0065] For example, one possible embodiment involves a mirror and a camera that can be oriented.

[0066] Another embodiment provides that the following components can be mounted on the support frame:

[0067] - a second mirror with a reflection adapted to be intersected by the optical axis of the camera at an angle of incidence different from a right angle after the camera has been rotated about its axis of rotation, producing a second reflected optical axis pointing to the opposite side of the reflected optical axis, and

[0068] - a second illumination unit arranged to illuminate at least one point on the second reflected optical axis which is spaced apart from the reflective surface of the second mirror.

[0069] In this way, by selectively directing the camera towards one or the other mirror, in the case of a filter press or other filtering equipment with opposing filter spaces, both filter spacers can be advantageously scanned with a single camera.

[0070] Another embodiment provides that the following components can be mounted on the support frame:

[0071] - a second mirror having a reflective surface,

[0072] - a second camera having an optical axis adapted to intersect the reflective surface of the second mirror at an angle of incidence different from a right angle, resulting in a second reflected optical axis pointing to the opposite side of the reflected optical axis,

[0073] - a second lighting device for illuminating at least one point on the second reflected optical axis spaced apart from the reflective surface of the second mirror.

[0074] This solution has the advantage that it allows simultaneous scanning of two filter spaces, each with a corresponding camera, for example in the case of filter presses or other filter equipment with opposing filter spaces.

[0075] Another aspect of the invention is that the frame may be provided with panels to define a closed housing containing the at least one mirror, the at least one camera and the at least one lighting device,

[0076] The housing includes at least one slit positioned to allow a reflected optical axis of the camera and light generated by the lighting device to pass through.

[0077] The housing has the advantage of protecting and ensuring the cleanliness of the active components of the optical acquisition device, in particular the camera, mirrors and lighting.

[0078] In order to further enhance this effect, one aspect of the invention provides that the slit can be closed by at least one protective glass plate, which protective glass plate can be arranged substantially orthogonal to the reflected optical axis.

[0079] The slit may also be closed by one or more additional protective glass plates, each of which is substantially orthogonal to the emission axis of the light generated by the lighting device.

[0080] This solution has the advantage of preventing possible light reflection problems which could deteriorate the illumination of the filter spacer.

[0081] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a filtering device, which includes at least one filtering spacer and at least one optical collecting device of the above type, wherein the optical collecting device is arranged so that the reflected light axis intersects the filtering spacer.

[0082] Thanks to the properties of the optical acquisition means, the filtering device has the advantage of allowing an effective and relatively inexpensive monitoring of the filter spacers, even if the filter spacers are located in a confined space.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the device may comprise moving means capable of moving said optical scanning device along at least one translation direction parallel to the filter spacer.

[0084] In this way, different regions of the filter spacer can advantageously be scanned progressively and then the complete image can be finally reconstructed.

[0085] However, in particular in the case of particularly large filter spacers, it is conceivable that the device comprises a plurality of optical scanning devices which are placed side by side perpendicularly in the direction of the optical axes of the respective cameras.

[0086] The advantage of this modular solution is that it allows a complete scan by reducing the movement of the scanning device.

[0087] According to a specific embodiment, the filtering device may include:

[0088] - a plurality of filter chambers aligned along a predetermined longitudinal direction, each filter chamber being delimited by two mutually facing filter spacers interposed between a pair of containment plates,

[0089] a moving device adapted to move each pair of containment plates along said longitudinal direction between a closed configuration in which the containment plates are clamped in a pack on the respective filter spacers to close the filter chamber and an open configuration in which the containment plates are spaced apart to separate the respective filter spacers to open the filter chamber laterally,

[0090] an inlet hydraulic circuit adapted to supply the liquid to be filtered into each filter chamber when all pairs of containment plates are in the closed configuration, and

[0091] - an outlet hydraulic circuit adapted to discharge the filtered liquid out of each filter chamber through the corresponding filter spacer when all pairs of containment plates are in the closed configuration,

[0092] Wherein, the at least one optical scanning device is adapted to be interposed between each pair of enclosure panels in the open configuration.

[0093] This embodiment in fact represents an application of the scanning device according to the invention in the specific but not limited case of a filter press, in which the use of the scanning device is particularly advantageous.

[0094] In this case, the device (filter press) may specifically comprise:

[0095] - a trolley adapted to be moved relative to the enclosure along said longitudinal direction, and

[0096] a rod mounted on the trolley and movable relative to the trolley in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction so as to slide between the filter spacers inserted between each pair of containment panels in the open configuration,

[0097] Wherein said at least one optical scanning device is mounted on said rod.

[0098] This aspect of the invention provides a particularly efficient solution for moving an optical scanning device between filter spacers of a filter press. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0099] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on reading the following description given by way of non-limiting example with the help of the accompanying drawings.

[0100] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an optical collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Figure 2 Observed from different angles Figure 1A perspective view of the device.

[0102] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the building where the filler panels have been removed to highlight the interior components.

[0103] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A side view of the device inserted between two filter spacers is schematically shown.

[0104] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Corresponds to Figure 3 and Figure 4 However, it concerns an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Corresponds to Figure 3 and Figure 4 However, it concerns a device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Corresponds to Figure 3 and Figure 4 However, it concerns a device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Fig.11 and Fig.12 Corresponds to Figure 3 and Figure 4 However, it concerns a device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Fig.13 Schematically shows Figure 4 Detail of the device in perspective view.

[0109] Fig.14 Schematically shows a modified Figure 4 Detail of the device in perspective view.

[0110] Fig.15 is a perspective view of an optical collection device system according to an embodiment of the present invention, without showing a filler panel.

[0111] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 variants.

[0112] Fig.17 is an axonometric view of a filter press according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 Schematic cross section of a portion of a casing pack of a filter press, which is carried out in a vertical section plane and contains the longitudinal axis D.

[0114] Fig.19 Belongs to Fig.17 Exploded axonometric view of the filter press casing and associated filter spacers.

[0115] Fig. 20 Shown at a pair of consecutive enclosure panels and in an open configuration Fig.17 Axonometric view of the cleaning robot for the filter press.

[0116] Fig.21 is observed from different angles and equipped with the optical collection device according to the present invention Fig. 20 An axonometric view of a washing robot in which one of the enclosure panels has been hidden to better illustrate certain details of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0117] The above figures show a device 100 for optical imaging of a filter spacer S.

[0118] The device 100 includes a frame 105 in which various functional components are mounted.

[0119] The frame 105 may have a generally box-like configuration, ie a right parallelepiped configuration, which may have two main dimensions, ie a width L and a height H, and a smaller dimension relative to the first two, which defines a thickness S of the frame 105 .

[0120] As shown in the figure, for example Figure 3 In the embodiment, the frame 105 may include a plurality of rods extending along the frame edges and rigidly attached to each other, such as by welding, bolting or other means, to define an internal frame.

[0121] Filler panel 110 (in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The filler panel 110 (as seen in FIG. 1 ) can be attached to the inner frame, and the filler panel 110 is designed to close / define the side walls of the frame 105, so that the frame 105 has the structure of a closed shell (i.e., a casing) with a hollow interior.

[0122] Specifically, the shell may include two main side walls (i.e., larger side walls 115) opposite to each other along the thickness S direction and four secondary side walls (i.e., smaller side walls), wherein the two first side walls 120 are opposite to each other along the width direction L, and the two second side walls 125 are opposite to each other along the height direction H.

[0123] At least one of the panels 110 , but more preferably both (eg the panels defining the main side walls 115 ), may be individually provided with a slit 130 capable of optically connecting the internal volume with the outside.

[0124] Each slit 130 may have a generally rectangular shape, extending mainly in a direction parallel to the width L of the frame 105 , for example, extending almost the entire distance separating the first sidewall 120 , while extending less in the direction of the height H.

[0125] The slits 130 can be located near one of the two second side walls 125 (e.g., the upper side wall in the figures) and can be opposite to each other, for example, substantially mirror-symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane parallel to and equidistant from the main side wall 115 (e.g., see Figure 4 ).

[0126] In use, the frame 105 is intended to be arranged beside at least one filter spacer S to be scanned, such that at least one of the slits 130 faces the filter spacer S. In the embodiment of FIG.

[0127] More preferably, the frame 105 can be inserted between two filter spacers S to be scanned, for example equidistant from them, so that each slit 130 faces the corresponding filter spacer S.

[0128] In particular, in the exemplary case shown in the figures, in which the filter webs S are planar and parallel to one another, the frame 105 can be oriented so that its major side walls 115 (carrying the slits 130 ) are parallel to the filter webs S.

[0129] On the frame 105 , for example within a housing defined therein, the following components are mounted: at least one mirror 135 having a reflective surface 140 , at least one camera 145 having a predetermined optical axis A, and at least one lighting device 150 .

[0130] The optical axis A of the camera 145 naturally refers to the optical axis of the objective lens of the camera 145 .

[0131] The camera 145 is typically arranged so that its optical axis A can intersect the reflective surface 140 of the mirror 135 at an incident angle other than right angles to produce a reflected optical axis B by reflection, which is inclined and does not coincide with the original optical axis A, for example, is substantially orthogonal to the original optical axis A.

[0132] In this way, while optical axis A remains confined within frame 105 , reflected optical axis B can pass through one of slits 130 , allowing camera 145 to capture an image of filter spacer S located outside the housing of frame 105 via reflective surface 140 of mirror 135 .

[0133] Turning to the lighting device 150 , it is intended to generate light capable of illuminating, for example through the same slit 130 , at least one point of the reflection optical axis B, which is located at a distance from the reflecting surface 140 of the mirror 135 and preferably outside the frame 105 .

[0134] In this manner, the lighting device 150 can illuminate at least the area of ​​the filter spacer S that is framed by the camera 145 via the reflective surface 140 of the mirror 135 .

[0135] In more detail, Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the camera 145 may be mounted in a fixed position on the frame 105 such that its optical axis A is always oriented in a constant manner, for example parallel to the height H of the frame 105 itself.

[0136] For example, the camera 145 may be fixed to one of the second side walls 125 of the frame 105 , preferably the second side wall farthest from the slot 130 .

[0137] The camera 145 may also be positioned substantially equidistant from the first two side walls 120 and / or the main side wall 115 .

[0138] A mirror 135 may be positioned at substantially the same height as the two slots 130 , and the mirror 135 may be rotatably associated with the frame 105 such that the mirror 135 may be oriented relative to the axis X of rotation.

[0139] The rotation axis X of the mirror 135 may be orthogonal (incident or non-incident) to the optical axis A of the camera 145 , and is preferably oriented parallel to the width L of the frame 105 .

[0140] Thus, by appropriate rotation of the mirror 135 about the rotation axis X, the reflected light axis B generated by the reflective surface 140 can be oriented in different ways.

[0141] For example, the reflected optical axis B can be directed in opposite directions by selectively passing it through one or the other of the two slits 130 to enable capturing images of the filter spacers S located on either side of the frame housing 105 .

[0142] The rotation of the mirror 135 may be driven by, for example, a linear actuator or a rotary actuator (not shown), which may be electric, piezoelectric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or any other type, and which may be mounted on the frame 105 .

[0143] To complete this embodiment, the apparatus 100 also preferably includes two lighting devices 150 , one of which can illuminate a point on the reflection optical axis B when the reflection optical axis B passes through a slit 130 , and the other lighting device 150 can illuminate a point on the reflection optical axis B when the reflection optical axis B passes through another slit 130 .

[0144] To improve triangulation between camera 145 and mirror 135, Figure 6The second embodiment shown (which is completely similar to the previous embodiment in other respects) envisages that the camera 145 can also be oriented on the support frame 105 by rotating about a rotation axis Y orthogonal to the optical axis A of the camera 145 itself, for example, the rotation axis Y is parallel to the rotation axis X of the mirror 135.

[0145] In this way, depending on whether the image is taken on one side or the other of the support frame 105 , the camera 145 can advantageously also be oriented accordingly.

[0146] Alternatively, Figure 8 The third embodiment shown in , which is otherwise similar to the second embodiment, relates to the possibility of replacing the oscillating mirror 135 by two mirrors, namely by a first and a second mirror 135 , which are each equipped with a corresponding reflecting surface 140 .

[0147] These first and second mirrors 135 may be fixedly mounted on the support frame 105 and may be arranged such that their respective reflective surfaces 140 are substantially symmetrical relative to a symmetry plane containing the rotation axis Y of the camera 145 and, for example, parallel to the main side wall 115 of the support frame 105 .

[0148] Therefore, by rotating the camera 145 around the rotation axis Y, the optical axis A can be selectively directed toward the reflective surface 140 of the first mirror 135 or toward the reflective surface 140 of the second mirror 135 (in both cases at an incident angle other than a right angle) to obtain, respectively: a first reflected optical axis B, which points in one direction within one slit 130; and a second reflected optical axis (not tracked but mirrored to the previous reflected optical axis), which points in the opposite direction within the other slit 130.

[0149] The three embodiments shown so far have the advantage that they allow filtering spacers S arranged on opposite sides of the support frame 105 to be scanned via a single camera 145 .

[0150] However, with these solutions, only one septum S can be scanned at a time.

[0151] To allow simultaneous scanning of two filter spacers S, Fig.10 and Fig.12 Other embodiments shown in FIG. 1 involve replacing the first and second cameras 145 with Figure 8 In the swing-type camera 145 , the first and second cameras 145 have a first optical axis A and a second optical axis A′, respectively.

[0152] These first and second cameras 145 may be fixedly mounted on the support frame 105 and may be arranged such that their respective optical axes A and A′ are substantially mirror images relative to the same plane of symmetry of the reflective surfaces 140 of the two mirrors 135 .

[0153] In particular, the optical axis A of the first camera 145 can point to the reflective surface 140 of the first mirror 135 at an incident angle other than a right angle, so that the first reflected optical axis B points in one direction, and the optical axis A' of the second camera 145 can point to the reflective surface 140 of the second mirror 135 at an incident angle other than a right angle, so that the second reflected optical axis B' points in a direction opposite to the previous direction.

[0154] The first and second cameras 145 may be as Fig.10 In the embodiment, the width L of the frame 105 is along the direction of the width L of the frame 105 or as Fig.12 The embodiments are placed side by side along the direction of thickness S and can be placed substantially adjacent to each other within a short distance.

[0155] In any embodiment, such as any of the embodiments described above, components of the apparatus 100 may have the following characteristics.

[0156] For each mirror 135, its reflective surface 140 may be a flat surface or a convex surface or a concave surface.

[0157] In each case, the reflective surface 140 may extend, for example, predominantly along a predetermined longitudinal direction of the mirror 135 with a constant transverse profile.

[0158] In other words, the reflective surface 140 may have one dimension that is larger than another dimension, and the larger dimension may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0159] The longitudinal direction is preferably orthogonal to (but not necessarily incident to) the optical axis A and / or the optical axis A′ of the camera 145 .

[0160] For example, the longitudinal direction of the mirror 135 can be parallel to the width L of the frame 105 or parallel to the width L of the frame 105. Figure 4 or Figure 6 The mirror's rotation axis X is parallel to and / or Figure 6 or Figure 8 The camera 145 is parallel to the rotation axis Y.

[0161] Each mirror 135 may be of a conventional type or a mirror having a first surface reflective.

[0162] The size of each mirror 135 may vary from a minimum of 5 x 10 mm to a maximum of 50 x 1000 mm, while the thickness may range from 0.1 mm to 10 mm.

[0163] In embodiments of fixed mirrors 135 , each mirror may be tilted relative to optical axis A and / or optical axis A′ of camera 145 at an angle comprised between 5° and 175°.

[0164] In particular, the tilt must ensure that the reflected light strikes the objective lens of the camera 145 correctly.

[0165] Turning to the cameras 145 , each of them may be, for example, a matrix camera or a linear camera.

[0166] In an embodiment with an oscillating camera 145 , the camera 145 can be moved by, for example, a linear actuator or a rotary actuator (not shown) which can be electric, piezoelectric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or any other type and can be mounted on the frame 105 .

[0167] The support for camera 145 may allow for 1-axis, 2-axis, or 3-axis position adjustment.

[0168] As for the lighting devices 150 , each of them is capable of emitting light having a wavelength comprised between 10 nm (ultraviolet light) and 1 mm (infrared light).

[0169] The light emitted by each lighting device 150 may also be continuous or strobe.

[0170] As shown in all of the aforementioned embodiments, each lighting device 150 may include one or more illuminators 155 positioned between the mirror 135 and the camera 145 and one or more illuminators 160 positioned on the opposite side of the mirror 135 relative to the camera 145 .

[0171] However, it is not excluded that in other embodiments, each lighting device 150 may include only one or more illuminators 155 or only one or more illuminators 160 .

[0172] In each case, the number of luminaires 155 and / or luminaires 160 per lighting device is preferably comprised between a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 6.

[0173] Illuminator 155 and / or illuminator 160 may operate independently or in coordination with one another.

[0174] Each of the illuminators 155 or 160 described above may be of a focusing type or an expanding type (eg, linear).

[0175] In the second case, each illuminator 155 or illuminator 160 may extend mainly in a predetermined longitudinal direction.

[0176] The longitudinal direction may be orthogonal (but not necessarily incident) to the optical axis A and / or the optical axis A′ of the camera 145 .

[0177] For example, the longitudinal direction may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mirror 135, or parallel to the width L of the frame 105, or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mirror 135. Figure 4 or Figure 6 The mirror's rotation axis X is parallel to and / or Figure 6 or Figure 8 The camera 145 is parallel to the rotation axis Y.

[0178] In particular, each illuminator 155 and / or illuminator 160 preferably extends the full length of the mirror 135 .

[0179] The light generated by illuminator 155 and / or illuminator 160 can be projected directly onto filter spacer S, for example through one of the slits 130, or the light can be diffused with the aid of a (e.g. opaque) lens, or the light can be focused at an aperture angle comprised between 5° and 130° and can be selected / adjusted from time to time depending on the properties of filter spacer S.

[0180] In the latter case, each lighting device 150 may therefore comprise, in addition to the illuminator 155 and / or the illuminator 160, one or more lenses (not shown) suitable for diffusing and / or focusing the light generated by the illuminator.

[0181] The incident angle of the light generated by each illuminator 155 or illuminator 160 relative to the filter spacer S can be between 5° and 175°, and can be selected according to the specific situation based on the properties of the filter spacer S.

[0182] To protect the camera 145, the mirror 135 and the illuminator 155 and / or the illuminator 160, in addition to the filler panels 110 defining the housing of the frame 105, gaskets are preferably provided to make the entire structure waterproof.

[0183] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown in the details of , it is also preferred to close each slit 130 with one or more protective glass plates 165, which are, for example, capable of preventing the ingress of solid materials and / or liquids, but at the same time are sufficiently transparent to allow light from the illuminator 155 and / or illuminator 160 to be emitted and to allow the camera 145 to frame the filter spacer S located on the outside.

[0184] The protective glass plate 165 may be ordinary glass, laminated glass, tempered glass or optical glass. The surface of the protective glass plate 165 may be subjected to anti-reflection and / or hydrophobic treatment.

[0185] In some embodiments (e.g., Fig.14In the illustrated embodiment), each slit 130 can be completely closed by a single protective glass plate 165, which can be arranged parallel / coplanar with the corresponding major side wall 115.

[0186] In other embodiments (e.g., Fig.13 As shown), each slit 130 can be closed by a plurality of protective glass plates 165, wherein at least one central glass plate is located within the frame 105, oriented to be parallel to the corresponding main side wall 115, or substantially orthogonal to the reflected optical axis B or the reflected optical axis B' of the camera 145; and one or more additional side protective glass plates 165, each of which is inclined relative to the central glass plate, for example, oriented substantially orthogonal to the emission direction of light generated by the corresponding lighting device 150.

[0187] For example, in the case where each lighting device includes both illuminator 155 and illuminator 160, it is preferred to have two of the additional side protective glass plates 165, one of which is substantially orthogonal to the emission direction of light generated by illuminator 155 and the other of which is substantially orthogonal to the emission direction of light generated by illuminator 160.

[0188] This prevents problems with light reflections on the protective glass plate 165 , which would otherwise deteriorate the illumination of the filter spacer S and the quality of the image captured by the camera 145 .

[0189] All side protective glass sheets 165 may be generally rectangular in shape with major dimensions parallel to the major dimensions of the slot 130 and may be placed adjacent to each other to be connected at two long sides, or spaced apart and individually supported by a suitable support structure (not shown).

[0190] To keep the protective glass sheet 165 clean, an automatic cleaning system (not shown) may be provided, which may be accomplished by a rotating brush, a glass cleaner, and / or a sprayer that sprays water directly onto the glass.

[0191] Additionally, a drying system (also not shown) may be provided to dry the glass sheet after cleaning, which may include a system using compressed air or a blower.

[0192] Of course, the image of the filter spacer S that can be captured using the apparatus 100 outlined above (in all embodiments) is typically limited to a portion of one or more filter spacers S, the size of which depends on the viewing angle of the camera 145 and the size of the reflective surface 140 of the mirror 135.

[0193] Thus, it is contemplated that the frame 105 of the device 100 may be coupled to a suitable mobile device (not shown). Figures 1 to 14, but examples of which will be provided below), is capable of being moved relative to one or more filter spacers S at least along a predetermined direction Q, for example substantially parallel to the optical axis A or optical axis A' of the camera 145 and / or for example parallel to the one or more filter spacers S, so that by sequentially acquiring multiple images during said movement, the device 100 can scan at least one (preferably complete) strip of one or more filter spacers S along said direction Q.

[0194] In this regard, the camera 145 of the device 100 may be connected to an electronic control unit (not shown) that is adapted to "merge" the captured images and form a single image.

[0195] The processing speed (and therefore the scanning speed of the filter spacer S) may be comprised between 0.5 mm / s and 10000 mm / s.

[0196] The moving means may include a belt, chain, gear, rack, articulated quadrilateral mechanism, Cartesian robot or an anthropomorphic robot.

[0197] In order to scan large filter spacers S also in the transverse direction, the device 100 described above (in any embodiment) can be used as part of a modular system 200 .

[0198] In other words, Fig.15 As shown, the modular system 200 may include a plurality of devices 100, preferably identical to one another, all of which may be oriented in the same manner and may be arranged in a row along the direction of the width L of the corresponding frame 105, the devices 100 in turn being arranged parallel to the filter spacer S and orthogonal to the translation direction Q.

[0199] The frames 105 of these optical devices 100 may then be brought into contact with each other and, if necessary, secured by any mechanical connection, such as by bolting or bracketing.

[0200] In this way, each device 100 retains its functional independence, but as a whole allows very large filter septa S to be scanned.

[0201] For example, in Fig.15 A modular system 200 consisting of three devices 100 is shown in FIG. 1 , but it is not excluded that in other embodiments, the number of devices 100 may be greater or less, depending on the size of the filter spacer S to be scanned.

[0202] Another possibility for scanning large filter spacers S is to use a single frame 105, such as Fig.16 As shown, the single frame 105 alone carries multiple functional groups consisting of at least one or more cameras 145 and one or more mirrors 135 (eg, according to any of the embodiments outlined above).

[0203] In this case, each functional group may also include one or more corresponding lighting devices 150, or lighting devices 155 and / or lighting devices 160 may be provided across the entire width of the frame 105 to serve all functional groups.

[0204] This configuration allows for a lighter system than modular system 200 .

[0205] Again, despite Fig.16 The presence of three functional groups on the same frame 105 is depicted, but embodiments can be envisaged in which a single frame supports and carries a greater or lesser number of functional groups, depending on the size of the filter spacers S to be scanned.

[0206] A third possibility (not shown) could be that the moving means enable the device 100 to be moved not only in the direction Q but also in a transverse direction, for example in a direction orthogonal to the direction Q and parallel to the filter spacer or spacers S.

[0207] In this manner, the device 100 may be used to scan the full extension of one or more septa S, regardless of size.

[0208] refer to Figures 17 to 21 A filtering device according to any embodiment is now described by way of non-limiting example, which filtering device, in addition to comprising at least one filtering spacer S, may also be equipped with the optical collection device 100 (or the related system 200) outlined above.

[0209] In particular, the filtration device is a filter press 300, which is generally designed to filter a liquid substance having suspended solids dispersed therein (referred to as a solid-liquid suspension).

[0210] For example, filter press 300 may be used to filter sludge from civil and industrial wastewater treatment processes or from other technical processes, typically but not limited to chemical / pharmaceutical or mining.

[0211] The filter press 300 includes a plurality of enclosure plates 305 arranged with respect to one another along a predetermined longitudinal direction D (preferably a horizontal direction).

[0212] Each of these enclosure panels 305 is generally formed as a thin body having two major faces of relatively large dimensions that are opposite to each other and substantially parallel, and a thickness that is (much) smaller than the dimensions of the major faces.

[0213] The enclosure panels 305 are oriented orthogonally with respect to a longitudinal direction D, which is therefore substantially parallel to the thickness of the enclosure panels 305 , and are arranged continuously along said longitudinal direction D such that they are adjacent to each other.

[0214] In particular, each enclosure panel 305 may have a generally rectangular or square shape, including a lower side, an upper side, and two lateral sides defining the perimeter of a major face.

[0215] Regardless of their specific shape, the enclosure panels 305 of the filter press 300 may be identical to one another and may be arranged as mirror images of each other.

[0216] The enclosure plate 305 is slidably associated with the support structure 500 , and the enclosure plate 305 can slide in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction D relative to the support structure 500 .

[0217] In the embodiment shown herein, the support structure 500 includes a longitudinal member 510 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction D, which is located above the enclosure panel 305.

[0218] Hooks (not shown) may be fixed to the upper side of each enclosure panel 305 , these hooks being slidably suspended on an equal number of guide rods (also not shown) fixed to the support structure 500 and extending parallel to the longitudinal members 510 .

[0219] On the support structure 500 , the enclosure plate 305 is preferably interposed in the direction of the longitudinal direction D between the fixed head 525 and the movable head 530 .

[0220] Thus, each enclosure plate 305 comprises a front main face 320 facing the fixed head 525 and a rear main face 325 facing the movable head 530 .

[0221] Both the front face 320 and the rear face 325 may include a recess 330 and a side frame 335 circumferentially defining the recess 330 .

[0222] The movable head 530 can move toward and away from the fixed head 525, sliding in the longitudinal direction D.

[0223] Such movement of the movable head 530 may be achieved by a suitable movement system, which may include, for example, one or more hydraulic jacks 535 .

[0224] The movable head 530 moves towards the fixed head 525 , and is able to pack all the casing plates 305 of the filter press 300 closed to each other and against the fixed head 525 itself.

[0225] Conversely, by moving away from the fixed head 525, the movable head 530 can leave enough space for each consecutive pair of containment panels 305 to move from a closed configuration (in which they are clamped as a package) to an open configuration, in which the pair of containment panels 305 are spaced apart from each other.

[0226] For example, movement from a closed configuration to an open configuration can be achieved with the aid of a separation device (not shown) that slides in the longitudinal direction A and is capable of engaging one enclosure panel 305 at a time, starting with the enclosure panel closest to the movable head 530, and moving it away from the next enclosure panel 305 by a predetermined amount.

[0227] Regardless of these considerations, two filter spacers are associated with each containment panel 305 , with a first filter spacer 340 adapted to line the front face 320 of the containment panel 305 and a second filter spacer 345 adapted to line the rear face 325 of the containment panel 305 .

[0228] In particular, each of these filter spacers 340 and 345 may be suitable for being adhered to the peripheral frame 335 of the corresponding main face and completely covering its recess 330 , for example by taking its shape and adhering to its bottom.

[0229] In the example shown, each of the filter spacers 340 and 345 consists of a portion of a filter cloth.

[0230] However, it is not excluded that in other embodiments, each of the filter spacers 340 and 345 may be composed of a grid, a mesh, or a perforated sheet made of a metal material, for example.

[0231] The first filter spacer 340 and the second filter spacer 345 may be secured to the respective containment panels 305 in a number of different ways without departing from the scope of the present discussion.

[0232] For example, filter spacers 340 and 345 may be partially wrapped around and attached to the sidewalls of enclosure 305 .

[0233] In the illustrated embodiment, separate and distinct first and second filter spaces 340 , 345 are associated with each containment panel 305 .

[0234] However, it is not excluded that in other embodiments, the first filter spacer 340 and the second filter spacer 345 may be combined together to form a single body.

[0235] In any case, the end result of this construction is that two mutually facing filter spacers 340 and filter spacers 345 always remain inserted between each pair of consecutive retaining plates 305, the first of which is associated with the retaining plate 305 closest to the movable head 530 and the second is associated with the retaining plate 305 closest to the fixed head 525.

[0236] When the enclosure panels 305 are in the closed configuration, the first filter spacer 340 and the second filter spacer 345 interposed therebetween are generally in contact with each other at the perimeter frame 335 , while they may be at least slightly spaced apart at the recess 330 .

[0237] Therefore, if Fig.18 As shown in the simplified diagram of FIG. 3 , a narrow, substantially closed filter chamber 355 remains defined between these first filter spacers 340 and second filter spacers 345 , which is suitable for receiving a liquid to be filtered.

[0238] The liquid to be filtered can be fed into the filtration chamber 355 through one or more inlet ducts, each made of a series of through holes obtained directly in the casing 305 .

[0239] For example, in the embodiment shown here, the filter press 300 comprises a single inlet duct which is realized by a series of through holes 360 individually made in the corresponding casing plate 305 .

[0240] In practice, each casing plate 305 comprises a through hole 360 ​​having an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis D and substantially coaxial with the corresponding through holes 360 of all other casing plates 305 of the filter press 300 .

[0241] The through hole 360 ​​may be formed at the center of the enclosure plate 305 , for example, at the bottom surface of the recess 330 .

[0242] In a position coaxial with the through hole 360 ​​, the first filter spacer 340 and the second filter spacer 345 associated with the same enclosure plate 305 also have a corresponding through hole 365 .

[0243] Each enclosure 305 is also provided with two distribution rings arranged coaxially with the through hole 360, wherein a first distribution ring 370 is fixed to the front face 320 of the enclosure 305, for example to the bottom surface of the recess 330 thereof, and a second distribution ring 375 is fixed to the back face 325 of the same enclosure 305, for example to the bottom surface of the recess 330 thereof.

[0244] In this case, the through holes 365 of the first filter spacer 340 and the second filter spacer 345 preferably have a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the distribution ring 370 and the distribution ring 375, so that the first distribution ring 370 is also suitable for clamping the first filter spacer 340 against the front side 320 of the protective plate 305, and the second distribution ring 375 is also suitable for clamping the second filter spacer 345 against the back side 325 of the protective plate 305.

[0245] When all pairs of containment panels 305 are in a closed configuration, i.e., when all containment panels 305 are packed together, the first distribution ring 370 of each containment panel 305 may face contact with the second distribution ring 375 of an adjacent containment panel 305 to form a pipe segment passing through the filter chamber 355.

[0246] However, in the mutual contact zone, these first 370 and second 375 distribution rings can be shaped in such a way as to define a lateral opening which puts the pipe section in hydraulic communication with the filter chamber 355 .

[0247] By means of a through hole 360 ​​obtained in the casing 305, this pipe section is then in hydraulic communication with similar pipe sections defined between all other pairs of casing plates 305, so as to form as a whole the aforementioned inlet duct.

[0248] The inlet conduit is then connected to an inlet hydraulic circuit to supply the inlet conduit with the fluid to be filtered.

[0249] In the embodiment shown herein, the inlet hydraulic circuit may include a single supply conduit 550 that engages with the through hole 360 ​​of the first enclosure 305 near the fixed head 525 and a pump (not shown) that pumps the liquid to be filtered into the supply conduit 550.

[0250] The liquid to be filtered that reaches the filter chamber 355 tends to pass through the first filter spacer 340 and the second filter spacer 345 that define each filter chamber, while the solid portion remains inside to form a relatively dense sediment.

[0251] After passing through the filtering spacers 340 and 345, the filtered liquid flows into one or more collecting ducts, each of which can be made of a series of through holes 400 obtained directly in the containment plate 305, similar to the inlet ducts previously described.

[0252] In practice, each enclosure plate 305 comprises one or more through holes 400 , each through hole 400 having an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction D and coaxial with the corresponding through hole 400 of all other enclosure plates 305 .

[0253] Each of these through holes 400 may be made at the perimeter frame 335 of the corresponding enclosure panel 305 , outside the recess 330 .

[0254] In the illustrated embodiment, each enclosure panel 305 includes four through-holes 400 positioned, for example, at the edge of the enclosure panel 305 itself.

[0255] In a position coaxial with each through hole 400 , the first filter spacer 340 and the second filter spacer 345 associated with the enclosure 305 also have a corresponding through hole 405 .

[0256] When all pairs of containment panels 305 are in a closed configuration, i.e., when all containment panels 305 are packed together, each through hole 400 of a containment panel 305 is hydraulically connected to a series of corresponding through holes 400 of all other containment panels 305, thereby forming one of the aforementioned collection pipes as a whole.

[0257] Each through hole 400 is also connected, for example, through a suitable channel system obtained in the body of the protective plate 305, to a narrow cavity defined between the front side 320 of the protective plate 305 and the first filter spacer 340, for example, between the first filter spacer 340 and the bottom surface of the recess 330 made in the front side 320; and / or, to a narrow cavity defined between the back side 325 of the protective plate 305 and the second filter spacer 345, for example, between the second filter spacer 345 and the bottom surface of the recess 330 made in the back side 325.

[0258] In this way, the filtered liquid passing through the filter spacers 340 and 345 first flows into the cavity, then reaches the through hole 400 through the internal passage, and then reaches the collection pipe.

[0259] These collection conduits, in turn, are preferably connected at the fixed head 525 to a hydraulic outlet circuit suitable for discharging the filtered fluid, delivering the filtered fluid to, for example, a storage tank, a treatment system, or other use.

[0260] The hydraulic outlet circuit may include, for example, a plurality of delivery conduits 560 that individually engage corresponding through-holes 400 of the first enclosure plate 305 proximate the fixed head 425 and may then converge into a single discharge pipe.

[0261] It is specified here that the supply of the fluid to be filtered inside the filter chamber 355 and the subsequent extraction of the filtered liquid do not occur continuously, but are interrupted after a certain period of time (when the filter chamber 355 is substantially filled with solid residues forming the above-mentioned dense deposit).

[0262] At this point, each consecutive pair of containment panels 305 is brought into an open configuration as described above.

[0263] In this manner, the first filter spacer 340 and the second filter spacer 345 interposed between the pair of enclosure plates 305 are separated in the longitudinal direction D, opening the filter chamber 355 laterally, thereby allowing dense sediment to fall downward to the outside of the filter press 300 .

[0264] This dense sediment can then be collected in a special compartment, for example, disposed beneath the containment plate 305, for disposal or further processing.

[0265] However, in long-term use, some solid materials separated from the filtered liquid may still adhere to filter spacers 340 and 345, contaminating filter spacers 340 and 345 and reducing their efficiency.

[0266] To this end, the filter press 300 generally comprises a cleaning robot, indicated as a whole at 600, which is responsible for cleaning the filter spacers 340 and 345 located between each pair of consecutive containment plates 305, for example after each filtration cycle or after a certain number of filtration cycles.

[0267] The washing robot 600 may include a cart 605 that may be movable along a longitudinal direction D relative to the enclosure 305 .

[0268] Specifically, the cart 605 can be slidably coupled to the support structure 500 and can be configured to be able to move at the enclosure 305 (while remaining stationary) without interfering with the enclosure 305.

[0269] In the illustrated embodiment, the cart 605 of the washing robot 600 may have a gantry-type structure that lies in a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction D and defines a channel that faces and is aligned with a series of enclosures 305 .

[0270] Specifically, the cart 605 may include: two vertical columns 610 which are positioned on opposite sides relative to the enclosure 305; and an upper crossbar 615 which is located above the enclosure 305 by connecting the two vertical columns 610.

[0271] The cart 605 may be slidably coupled to the support structure 500 via an upper cross member 615 that is supported by and slides along a longitudinal member 510 that extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction A and is located above the enclosure 305 .

[0272] The sliding of the trolley 605 can be entrusted to an electromechanical system comprising a linear rack 570 fixed to the longitudinal member 510 and at least one pinion (not visible in the figure) mounted on the upper crossbar 615, which is driven by an electric motor and rotates in engagement with the linear rack 570.

[0273] However, the sliding of the trolley 605 on the supporting structure 500 may be entrusted to any other known drive means, such as electromechanical or electrohydraulic means.

[0274] The washing robot 600 may also include a rod 645 mounted on the cart 605 and capable of moving relative to the cart 605 in a direction transverse (e.g., orthogonal) to the longitudinal direction D so as to be able to move in the space included between any pair of consecutive enclosure panels 305 when any pair of consecutive enclosure panels 305 are in an open configuration.

[0275] In particular, the rod 645 may be straight, preferably horizontal and oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal direction D, and may be provided with a translational movement in the vertical direction between an upper end position and a lower end position relative to the trolley 605 on which it is mounted.

[0276] In the upper end position, the rod 645 can be placed at a higher level than the enclosure 305, while in the lower end position, the rod 645 can be placed at substantially the same level as or below the lower side of the enclosure 305.

[0277] A plurality of nozzles 650 may be associated with the rod 645, each nozzle being capable of delivering a jet of a cleaning liquid (typically water) toward a first filter spacer 340 and / or a second filter spacer 345, the first filter spacer 340 and / or the second filter spacer 345 respectively covering the front face 320 of one of a pair of containment plates 305 and the back face 325 of the other of the pair of containment plates 305.

[0278] For example, the rod 645 can be provided with: a first nozzle array 650, which is arranged in rows, for example, along the longitudinal extension of the rod 645, and the first nozzle array 650 is facing the fixed head 525; and / or a second nozzle array 650, which is arranged in rows, for example, along the longitudinal extension of the rod 645, and the second nozzle array 650 is facing the movable head 530.

[0279] In order to distribute the jet of cleaning fluid, the nozzle 650 can be connected to a suitable hydraulic cleaning fluid supply system, which can generally include a pump, preferably a high-pressure pump, which is suitable for obtaining cleaning fluid from a tank or a supply network and delivering the cleaning fluid under pressure to the nozzle 650, and the cleaning fluid flows out of the nozzle 650.

[0280] In particular, the hydraulic supply system may include at least one manifold 655 attached to the rod 645 and / or forming an integral part of the rod 645 .

[0281] The manifold 655 is shaped like a hollow body, such as a tube, which preferably has a straight extension and is oriented parallel to the rod 645 .

[0282] The nozzles 650 may be directly inserted into corresponding through holes in the side walls of the aforementioned manifold 655, or directly defined by the latter.

[0283] In the illustrated embodiment, the stem 645 includes and is generally defined by a single manifold 655 with which both the nozzles 650 facing the fixed head 525 and the nozzles 650 facing the movable head 530 are associated.

[0284] Movement of the rod 645 on the cart 605 may be operated by any drive system, such as an electromechanical or electrohydraulic drive system.

[0285] The operation of the washing robot 600 causes the cart 605 to slide on the support structure 500 along the longitudinal direction D and stop in sequence at all consecutive pairs of enclosure panels 305 that are in the open configuration.

[0286] During the sliding of the cart 605 , the rod 645 remains in the upper end position so as not to interfere with the enclosure 305 .

[0287] When the cart 605 is stopped, the rod 645 is then vertically aligned with the space included between a pair of consecutive enclosure panels 305 that are in an open configuration.

[0288] Thus, the rod 645 can be operated to move in a vertical direction relative to the cart 605 (which remains stationary) from an upper end position to a lower end position and back again.

[0289] During one or both of these strokes, the cleaning fluid supply hydraulic system can be operated so that the nozzle 650 mounted on the rod 645 delivers a jet of cleaning fluid (preferably under high pressure) to the filter spacers 340 and filter spacers 345 lining the guard plate 305, cleaning the filter spacers 340 and filter spacers 345 and removing any solid deposits that may still be attached.

[0290] However, after repeated filtering cycles, the filter spacers 340 and 345 associated with the containment plate 305 will in any case be subject to gradual wear and / or may be damaged by an accidental event, thus requiring replacement.

[0291] In order to monitor the integrity and wear of the filter spacers 340 and 345 , the filter press 300 is equipped with its own screening system.

[0292] According to the embodiments of the present discussion, the screening system may include at least one of the optical acquisition devices 100 described above, or more preferably includes a system 200 extending to the full width of the retaining panels 305, which can be moved between each pair of consecutive retaining panels 305 when the retaining panels 305 are in an open configuration and in the manner described above to scan the filter spacers 340 and / or the filter spacers 345.

[0293] For example, Fig.21As shown, the device 100 can be mounted (e.g., hooked) on a rod 645 of a washing robot 600 so that the device is oriented parallel to the containment plate 305 and the width L of the device is parallel to the rod 645 itself.

[0294] Alternatively, if the filter spacers 340 and filter spacers 345 are very large, the screening system may include a plurality of the devices 100 as described above, forming a modular system 200 (possibly having a single frame 105) which may similarly be mounted (e.g., hooked) to a pole 645 of a washing robot 600.

[0295] Thus, by moving the rod 645 between a pair of consecutive enclosure panels 305 that are in an open configuration, the device 100 is able to capture one or more images of the first filter spacer 340 and / or the second filter spacer 345 .

[0296] Although the case where the device 100 is mounted on the pole 645 of the washing robot 600 has been assumed, it is not excluded that the device 100 may be mounted on another robot dedicated thereto in other embodiments.

[0297] This robot may be similar in structure to the washing robot 600 but independent in function from the washing robot 600 .

[0298] As envisioned, the devices 100 may be connected to a central processing unit that may be configured to process and combine the images taken by each device 100 to obtain a complete image of each filter spacer 340 and filter spacer 345, in practice obtaining a true scan thereof.

[0299] The connection of the electronic unit can be made via any connection system (wired or wireless).

[0300] The image of each filter spacer 340 and filter spacer 345 can be used to verify, using a computer processing unit, whether the filter spacer is damaged, for example whether it has damage at an early stage (wear or micro-damage) and / or at an advanced stage (macro-damage), and / or to perform a predictive assessment of its remaining duration.

[0301] For example, the electronic processing unit may be configured to determine the wear state of the filter spacers based on the images of each filter spacer 340 and filter spacer 345 and / or predict how many filtration cycles the filter spacers can still perform before they become damaged or ineffective.

[0302] In fact, the electronic processing unit will be able to detect any defects in the filter spacers 340 and 345 in advance, even before the defects can develop into permanent damage to the subsequent containment panel 305.

[0303] The determination of the remaining duration can be performed by an electronic processing unit by executing a suitable evaluation logic, for example based on a suitably trained artificial intelligence algorithm, which receives as input an image of filter spacer 340 or filter spacer 345 and automatically provides its remaining duration as output.

[0304] The evaluation logic may also take into account other aspects, such as the abrasiveness of the liquid to be filtered and / or the filtration pressure.

[0305] The remaining duration can then be communicated to the operator, for example via an interface system, so that they can plan the replacement of the various filter spacers 340 and 345 .

[0306] For example, the evaluation logic used by the electronic processing unit may be based on a model (eg, a mathematical model, a statistical model, or an empirical model) describing the wear pattern of filter spacers 340 and 345 relative to time of use or number of filtration cycles performed.

[0307] The model can be modified / updated by the electronic processing unit with the aid of a self-learning process which, by analysing and / or processing (historical) images of each filter spacer 340 and 345 taken by the screening system at successive times, makes it possible to understand the evolution over time of the wear of the filter spacers 340 and 345, i.e. after an increasing number of filtering cycles have been performed.

[0308] In other words, after acquiring a plurality of images of said filter spacers 340 and 345 in successive times, the electronic processing unit will advantageously be able to use all of these images, for example by means of the aforementioned artificial intelligence-based self-learning process, to modify the model on which the remaining duration evaluation logic is based.

[0309] In this way, the model will be continuously updated and can be more faithful to the actual behavior of the filter press 300.

[0310] Obviously, a person skilled in the art may make several technically applicable modifications to all the above without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A device (100) for collecting an optical image of a filter spacer (S), comprising a support frame (105) on which the following components are mounted: - at least one mirror (135) having a reflecting surface (140), - at least one camera (145) having an optical axis (A) adapted to intersect the reflective surface (140) at an angle of incidence other than a right angle, producing an inclined reflected optical axis (B) that does not coincide with the optical axis (A) itself, and - at least one lighting device (150) adapted to illuminate at least one point on said reflection optical axis (B) spaced apart from said reflection surface (140).

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, in, The reflective surface (140) is selected from the group consisting of: a flat reflective surface, a concave reflective surface, and a convex reflective surface.

3. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The reflective surface (140) extends primarily along a predetermined longitudinal direction orthogonal to the optical axis (A) of the camera (145).

4. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The camera (145) is selected from the group consisting of: a matrix camera and a linear camera.

5. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The lighting device (150) is adapted to emit light having a wavelength comprised between 10 nm and 1 mm.

6. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The lighting device (150) is suitable for emitting continuous light or stroboscopic light.

7. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The lighting device (150) includes one or more illuminators (155) located between the mirror (135) and the camera (145) and / or one or more illuminators (160) located on the opposite side of the mirror (135) relative to the camera (145).

8. The device (100) according to claim 7, in, Each illuminator (155, 160) is capable of providing focused light or extending primarily in a predetermined longitudinal direction orthogonal to the optical axis (A) of the camera (145).

9. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The lighting device (150) comprises one or more lenses adapted to diffuse and / or focus the light generated thereby.

10. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The mirror (135) can be oriented on the support frame (105) by rotating about a rotation axis (Y) orthogonal to the optical axis (A) of the camera (145).

11. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The camera (145) can be oriented on the support frame (105) by rotating about an axis of rotation (X) orthogonal to its optical axis (A).

12. The device (100) according to claim 11, in, a second mirror (135) having a reflective surface (140) mounted on the support frame, the reflective surface (140) being adapted to be intersected by the optical axis (A) of the camera (145) at an incident angle different from a right angle after the camera (145) rotates about its rotation axis (X), to generate a second reflected optical axis (B') pointing to the opposite side relative to the reflected optical axis (B), The second illumination unit (150) is arranged to illuminate at least one point on the second reflection optical axis (B') spaced apart from the reflection surface (140) of the second mirror (135).

13. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The following components are installed on the support frame (105): - a second mirror (135) having a reflective surface (140), a second camera (145) having an optical axis (A'), said optical axis (A') being adapted to intersect said reflecting surface (140) of said second mirror (135) at an angle of incidence different from a right angle, generating a second reflected optical axis (B') pointing to the opposite side of said reflected optical axis (B), - a second lighting device (150) adapted to illuminate at least one point on said second reflection optical axis (B') spaced apart from said reflecting surface (140) of said second mirror (135).

14. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The frame (105) is provided with a panel (110) adapted to define a closed housing containing the at least one mirror (135), the at least one camera (145) and the at least one lighting device (150), The housing includes at least one slit (130) positioned to be passed by the reflected optical axis (B) of the camera (145) and the light generated by the lighting device (150).

15. The device (100) according to claim 14, in, The slit (130) is closed by at least one protective glass plate (165).

16. The device (100) according to claim 15, in, The protective glass plate (165) is substantially orthogonal to the reflected optical axis (B).

17. The device (100) according to claim 15, in, The slit (130) is closed by one or more other protective glass plates (165), each other protective glass plate (165) being substantially orthogonal to the emission axis of the light generated by the lighting device (150).

18. A filtering device (300) comprising at least one filter spacer (340, 345) and at least one device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100) is arranged so that the reflected light axis (B) intersects the filter spacer (340, 345).

19. The device (300) according to claim 18, comprising a moving member (600) adapted to move the device (100) along a translation direction parallel to the filter septa (340, 345).

20. The device (300) according to any one of claims 18 to 19, comprising a plurality of devices (100) arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (A) of the corresponding camera (145).

21. The device (300) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, comprising: - a plurality of filter chambers (355) aligned along a predetermined longitudinal direction (D), each filter chamber being defined by two facing filter septa (340, 345) interposed between a pair of enclosing plates (305), - a moving device adapted to move each pair of enclosing plates (305) along the longitudinal direction (D) between a closed configuration and an open configuration, in the closed configuration, the enclosing plates (305) being clamped in a package on the corresponding filter septa (340, 345) to close the filter chamber (355), and in the open configuration, the enclosing plates (305) being spaced apart to separate the corresponding filter septa (340, 345) and laterally open the filter chamber (355), - an inlet hydraulic circuit adapted to supply the liquid to be filtered into each filter chamber (355) when all pairs of enclosing plates (305) are in the closed configuration, and - an outlet hydraulic circuit adapted to discharge the filtered liquid through the corresponding filter septa (340, 345) out of each filter chamber (355) when all pairs of enclosing plates (305) are in the closed configuration, wherein the at least one device (100) is adapted to be inserted between each pair of enclosing plates (305) in the open configuration.

22. The device (300) according to claim 21, comprising: - a trolley (605) adapted to move along the longitudinal direction (D) relative to the enclosing plates (305), and - a rod (645) mounted on the trolley (605) and capable of moving relative to the trolley (605) in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction (D) so as to slide between the filter septa (340, 345) inserted between each pair of enclosing plates (305) in the open configuration, wherein the at least one device (100) is mounted on the rod (645).

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