Device for separating feed material

Abstract

Device (1) for separating feed material, comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted rotating elements (2) designed as worm gears, wherein a rotating element (2) has a shaft (3), in particular a core tube, and at least one spiral helix (4) extending around the shaft (3), wherein immediately adjacent rotating elements (2) are each coupled to each other via a coupling means (5) for rotational coupling, characterized in that the coupling means (5) has a gear (21) for meshing with each of the immediately adjacent rotating elements (2) and that the coupling means (5) is designed such that the gear (21) is adjustable between the engaged position and an out-of-engage position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for separating feed material, preferably inhomogeneous feed material, with a plurality of rotatably mounted rotating elements. The rotating elements can optionally also be referred to as screw helixes, screw shafts, or spiral shafts. The rotating elements comprise a shaft, in particular a core tube, and at least one helix extending helically around the shaft. Adjacent rotating elements—that is, in particular, any two immediately adjacent rotating elements—are each coupled to one another via a coupling means for rotational coupling. It is particularly preferred that all rotating elements are rotationally coupled to one another via a plurality of coupling means. However, different groups of rotationally coupled rotating elements can also be provided.

[0002] The rotating elements can be coupled together in such a way that they can be driven via a common drive device and / or a common single drive motor.

[0003] The invention relates in particular to the technical field of sorting and / or classifying feed material, especially in the area of ​​recycling and / or waste separation. A clean or sufficiently precise separation of the feed material into different fractions makes it possible to directly utilize these different fractions or to subject them to different post-treatment processes. For example, large and / or elongated pieces can be separated from smaller particles or components of the feed material.

[0004] In the context of the invention, the term "separation" encompasses both classification and sorting. Classification refers to a mechanical separation process for solid mixtures, where different geometric characteristics, such as size, are utilized for the separation process. This can result in, among other things, a division into coarse and fine material. Sorting, in this context, refers to a mechanical separation process in which a solid mixture with different material characteristics is divided into fractions with the same material characteristics. Suitable characteristics for sorting include, for example, the density, color, shape, wettability, or magnetic permeability of the feed material. Accordingly, the term separation in the present invention encompasses the separation of the feed material so that it can be divided into different fractions. This separation is usually carried out by...Separation is used for the processing of recycled material or for the classification of material that is at least essentially solid.

[0005] The rotating elements are arranged to form a screen deck, which is typically used for classifying solid and lumpy materials. The separation device is designed for materials from the recycling sector, as well as for waste materials, commercial waste, and construction debris. These diverse materials share the characteristic of exhibiting unevenly distributed or inhomogeneous structures and geometries, and may even be interlocked.

[0006] Especially in waste and recycling applications, adjusting the screen deck or screen size is advantageous for clean and precise classification of the feed material. This is achieved by changing the axial distance between the outer edge of one spiral shaft and the outer edge of the immediately adjacent spiral shaft. Ultimately, to change the gap width or separation size of the screen deck, the spiral shafts are rotated relative to each other, thus also changing the space between two immediately adjacent spirals, either increasing or decreasing it.

[0007] Adjusting the gap width or separation size of the screen deck, or changing the positions of adjacent spirals by rotating their corresponding spiral shafts, is also referred to as adjusting the rotation angle offset. Changing the position of the spiral shafts relative to each other in the same way affects the classification behavior.

[0008] In commonly used separation devices, the coupling elements are designed as roller chains or coupling roller chains, ultimately enabling the rotational coupling of directly adjacent rotating elements. With the exception of the first and last spiral shafts of a screen deck, each spiral shaft is assigned two coupling elements. Thus, the first spiral shaft is connected to the second spiral shaft via one coupling element. The second spiral shaft is connected to the first and third spiral shafts via a second coupling element.

[0009] The third spiral shaft is accordingly connected to the second and fourth spiral shafts via further coupling elements. Since all spiral shafts are generally of the same design, each spiral shaft has two gear teeth for connection to the coupling elements.

[0010] To adjust the gap width or screen opening, the roller chain is detached between two adjacent rotating elements in the prior art, for example, between the first and second rotating elements of a spiral shaft deck. After setting the desired screen opening or opening width, the roller chain is reattached. Then, the roller chain is detached between the second and third rotating elements, and the desired gap width between these elements is adjusted by rotating the spiral shafts relative to each other or by rotating just one of the spiral shafts. After correct adjustment, the roller chain is reattached.

[0011] Removing and installing a roller chain typically takes place in confined spaces within the screen deck's bearing housing. This process is generally difficult, especially when two roller chains are connected to a single rotating element and when the innermost roller chain needs to be replaced.

[0012] Overall, adjusting the screen gap or opening width of a screen deck as needed is not only labor-intensive but also very time-consuming, resulting in extended downtime of the separation device. This significant effort often leads to the necessary opening width adjustment not being made, thus preventing optimal separation for every application.

[0013] DE 10 2017 011 797 B3 relates to a spiral wave screen deck with a rotary internal decoupling of adjacent rotating elements as required.

[0014] CN 2 01 052 504 Y concerns the coupling of adjacent rotating elements by drive wheels.

[0015] The object of the present invention is to avoid, or at least substantially reduce or mitigate, the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a separating device in which the opening width or separation size can be adjusted in a simple manner.

[0016] The aforementioned problem is solved by a separating device according to claim 1.

[0017] According to the invention, the coupling means has a gear for meshing with a shaft gear on each of the immediately adjacent rotating elements.

[0018] A "mesh" in the aforementioned sense is to be understood in particular as meaning that, in the coupled state, the gear engages with the corresponding shaft gear of the respective immediately adjacent rotating element and is, in particular, toothed. Thus, a rotational movement of the gear can be directly transmitted to the shaft gear or vice versa.

[0019] It should be explicitly pointed out that the term "gear" or "shaft gear" is to be understood broadly and in particular also includes a gear ring or shaft gear ring, even if gear rings and gears are not identical components.

[0020] A gear is a machine element and a wheel, and has teeth that are evenly distributed around its circumference. Two or more gears paired or meshed together can form a gear drive, which can be used to transmit rotations and / or a rotation and a linear motion.

[0021] A gear ring is a toothed ring with internal, external, or lateral teeth, which, unlike a gear, is not mounted directly on a shaft or axle, but rather on the circumference of a cylindrical component or another shaped component. In the context of the present invention, externally toothed gear rings are particularly suitable. Gear rings are used to drive rotary motion.

[0022] As previously stated, the term ‘gear’ used here according to the invention includes both pure gears and pure gear rings.

[0023] The gear of the coupling device, connected to the shaft gears, ultimately forms a gear drive. The design of this drive enables the coupling device to ensure rotational coupling of adjacent rotating elements.

[0024] A gearbox or coupling device according to the invention is particularly advantageous because it allows for easy detachment of the coupling device from the rotating elements. In the prior art, roller chains are always used as coupling devices – as already mentioned – but these are fully enclosed and cannot be easily detached from the rotating elements. The present invention now makes it possible to easily remove the gear of the coupling device between two immediately adjacent rotating elements in order to more easily adjust the screen size.

[0025] In this context, it is understood that "adjacent rotational elements" always refers to the immediately adjacent rotational elements coupled via a coupling means.

[0026] A further significant advantage of the coupling means according to the invention is created by ensuring slip-free operation for driving the adjacent rotating elements.

[0027] Since decoupling is much easier with the device according to the invention than with the prior art, it is possible to adjust the necessary sieve gap for the respective application with significantly less time and thus significantly lower operating costs compared to the prior art, making the use of the separation device according to the invention considerably more economical.

[0028] Furthermore, the use of gears as coupling means offers the significant advantage that there is considerably less susceptibility to wear than when using roller chains as coupling means.

[0029] The rotating elements of the device according to the invention are essentially designed like the rotating elements of the prior art. A bearing journal is provided at at least one end of each individual rotating element. However, in contrast to the prior art, preferably only a single gear is provided on the bearing journal or in the area of ​​the transition from the bearing journal to the shaft for each rotating element. In the prior art, two gears are provided for each rotating element due to the coupling via the roller chain. In the solution according to the invention, however, this is not necessary, since the gear of the coupling means requires only one gear per rotating element. In this respect, the rotating elements according to the invention are simpler and more cost-effective than those of the prior art.

[0030] Although coupling means are provided in the device according to the invention, particularly for n-1 rotating elements, it is preferred in the invention that the gears and the shaft gears are arranged in a common vertical plane. As a result, the device according to the invention can be made somewhat narrower due to the absence of the shaft gear, since the rotating elements according to the invention ultimately have a slightly shorter length than the rotating elements in the prior art.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the axes of rotation of all gears are arranged on a common horizontal plane, in particular above the shaft gears. This ensures that the gears are easily accessible for decoupling and re-coupling.

[0032] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coupling means has an axle on which the gear is rotatably mounted. The axle can be fixedly installed in the device, preferably in a housing of the device. Furthermore, the axle can be designed and configured to support the rotatable gear. In particular, an axle is understood to be an elongated machine element with a preferably circular cross-section. The axle of the coupling means can thus provide the support for the gear.

[0033] While it is preferred that the coupling means has an axle on which the gear is rotatably mounted, it is also possible, in principle, for the coupling means to have a rotatable shaft on which the gear is mounted. Rotatable mounting means that the gear can be mounted directly on the axle or indirectly on the axle. In any case, it is understood that the gear is properly fixed on the axle and cannot be easily adjusted in the axial direction and / or in the longitudinal direction of the axle.

[0034] To ensure simple coupling and decoupling of the coupling means, the coupling means is designed according to the invention such that the gear is adjustable between an engaged position and an unengaged position. The engaged position characterizes the state in which the gear fully meshes with the shaft gears, while the unengaged position characterizes the state in which there is a complete decoupling of the gear and the shaft gears.

[0035] There are several ways to move the gear from the engaged position to the disengaged position. However, in all cases, the coupling element is attached to an end wall of a housing that at least partially accommodates the bearing journals of the rotating elements, primarily by means of a screw connection or a welded connection.

[0036] The end wall can also be designed as the outer surface of the housing and / or arranged inside the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the end wall can be considered part of the housing. In further preferred embodiments, the end wall can be provided separately from the housing.

[0037] The end wall can preferably be designed as a vertical wall. In addition to the end wall, a further end wall, particularly designed as a further vertical wall, can be provided, in which the bearing journals are received and / or mounted.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment according to the invention using a screw connection, it is preferably provided that the screw connection consists of a screw inserted through a through-hole in the end wall, with the screw head located on the inside of the end wall, wherein the screw is screwed into an internal thread of the axle. In this embodiment, in order to move the gear from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the screw head of the screw is loosened from the inside of the end wall and the screw is then unscrewed a short distance outwards. Optionally, a lock nut can be provided on the outside of the end wall.

[0039] If no lock nut is used, the axle in the engaged position may strike the front wall.

[0040] Preferably, the screw is arranged with minimal play in the through-hole of the end wall. This ensures that the bearing of the axle remains secure even when the gear is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

[0041] The inside of the end wall can face the open ends of the bearing journals, while the outside of the end wall can face the rotating elements and the ends of the bearing journals.

[0042] Applying pressure to the screw head from the inside moves the gear from the engaged position to the disengaged position. It is particularly advantageous in this context if the length of the screw and the internal thread is such that the screw remains engaged in the internal thread even when the gear is disengaged. This way, even if the screw has been unscrewed far enough to allow the gear to be pushed into the disengaged position, the screw remains engaged in the internal thread. Therefore, tightening the screw via the screw head then engages the gear again and locks it in place.

[0043] In another alternative embodiment with a screw connection, the axle preferably has a threaded stud at its end, preferably with a lock nut, which is inserted through the through-hole in the end wall and screwed to it with another nut on the inside of the end wall. The coupling and decoupling is then achieved by loosening the additional nut on the inside, allowing the gear to move into the disengaged position by applying pressure to the threaded stud. After adjusting the gap width, the threaded stud is then tightened again and screwed to it with the additional nut on the inside of the end wall. Here, too, the length of the threaded stud should preferably be such that the additional nut engages the threaded stud even when the gear is in the disengaged position.

[0044] The outer diameter of the threaded stud can be smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft, particularly if the shaft has a stop for abutting the end face in the gear's engagement position. In further preferred embodiments, the outer diameter of the threaded stud can also be at least substantially the same as the outer diameter of the shaft.

[0045] The threaded stud is particularly preferably arranged with the smallest possible play in the through-opening of the end wall, in particular so that the displacement path for the gear is predetermined and preferably the bearing for the axle can be ensured even in the out-of-engage position through the end wall.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment, the axle is welded to the outside of the end wall. Of course, other methods of attaching the axle to the outside of the end wall are also possible. In this embodiment, a slidable sleeve is preferably mounted on the axle, with the gear rotatably mounted on the sleeve. This constitutes an indirect mounting of the gear on the axle.

[0047] In the operating state, a locking device is preferably provided to secure the sleeve on the shaft in the engaged position. The locking device, in particular, prevents the sleeve from unintentionally shifting on the shaft. In a very simple, but preferred embodiment, the locking device has a plug, especially a hinged plug with a spring clip, which is designed to engage and pass through corresponding bores in the shaft and the sleeve. In this embodiment, access to the shaft and the gear adjustment mechanism are not located within the aforementioned housing. Access to the locking device is located near the beginning of the rotating elements. Depending on the design of the disconnecting device, this provides easier access to the gear adjustment mechanism.

[0048] A drive motor can be provided to drive the rotating elements. Preferably, this drive motor is coupled to the adjacent rotating element, particularly a shaft gear, via a drive wheel, in particular a gear. The drive wheel can interact with or mesh with a shaft gear, in particular, to transmit torque.

[0049] In an alternative, also preferred embodiment, the drive motor can be connected to at least one bearing journal of at least one rotating element, in particular by engaging the bearing journal.

[0050] It is preferred to connect the drive to one of the gears if the gear is mounted on a shaft.

[0051] Both variants are fundamentally possible. However, it is particularly preferred that the drive motor is connected to a drive wheel via one of the gears.

[0052] By coupling the rotating elements to one another via coupling means, a rotational motion can be transmitted to the coupling means and / or the rotating elements, which are connected accordingly. A drive motor can thus preferably serve to drive all rotating elements.

[0053] The rotating elements are preferably supported on one side. This one-sided support allows a fraction to be separated via the open end faces of the rotating elements that are not supported, thus ensuring, in particular, a separation into three fractions of the feed material via the separation device.

[0054] Alternatively, the rotating elements can be mounted so that they can rotate on both sides in a holder.

[0055] The choice between single-sided and double-sided support depends on the intended use of the separating device. A single-sided support offers the advantage of allowing separation into at least two fractions: one below the screen deck, one in the conveying direction (i.e., perpendicular to the axes of rotation), and one in the direction of the axes of rotation. Double-sided support provides high stability for the screen deck, enables the classification of feed material with a very high dead weight, and is designed to withstand overload and excessive stress, thus reliably preventing machine failure.

[0056] Particularly preferably, the drive motor is designed in such a way that it drives the rotating elements with a synchronous angular velocity, which preferably leads to a uniform separation of the individual components of the feed material during the separation process.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the helixes of immediately adjacent rotating elements interlock. In particular, the radial distance from the outer edge of the helix to the shaft immediately adjacent to the outer edge of the helix is ​​greater than 1 mm. Specifically, this distance is in a range between 2 and 30 mm. Accordingly, the distance between immediately adjacent shafts is determined by the helix web height and the distance from the outer edge of the helix to the shaft, i.e., ultimately the web height plus a few millimeters. Preferably, all rotating elements have at least substantially the same web height.

[0058] Furthermore, the helix pitch of the and especially all rotating elements is preferably at least essentially the same for each 360°, so that a uniform spiral course of the helix around the core tube can be ensured.

[0059] Particularly preferably, at least two immediately adjacent rotating elements, and especially all rotating elements, have the same direction of rotation. Furthermore, by coupling the rotating elements to each other via the coupling means, it can also be ensured that the rotating elements have the same direction of rotation.

[0060] The rotating elements can be arranged to form a flat or curved screen deck. The choice between a flat or curved screen deck depends on the application and the material being processed. A curved screen deck is particularly suitable when the material is intended to remain above the screen deck for an extended period. A combination of a flat and a curved screen deck can also be used to suit the specific application and process conditions.

[0061] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for adjusting the sieve gaps in a device according to one of the aforementioned embodiments for at least one pair of rotating elements, in particular for all rotating elements.

[0062] In the method according to the invention, the sieve gap or the opening width between adjacent rotating elements can be adjusted by changing the distance between adjacent turns of immediately adjacent helixes. Such adjustment can be achieved in particular by a relative rotation of the rotating elements relative to each other. In particular, the sieve gap between a pair of immediately adjacent rotating elements is adjusted.

[0063] The procedure comprises the following steps, which are carried out sequentially or in a temporal sequence: A) remove at least one coupling means, in particular all coupling means, from engagement with the adjacent shaft gears of adjacent rotating elements; B) optional: Locking the coupling device, in particular all coupling devices, in the decoupled position; C) Rotating at least one rotational element relative to the adjacent rotational element to adjust the desired distance between adjacent turns of adjacent helixes; D) to couple at least one coupling means, in particular all coupling means, with the shaft gears of adjacent rotating elements for the purpose of coupling the direction of rotation of the adjacent rotating elements, in particular to bring them back into engagement with the shaft gears; E) optional: Locking and / or fixing the coupling device, in particular all coupling devices, in the coupled position.

[0064] In connection with the method according to the invention, it is understood that reference may be made to the aforementioned descriptions of the separating device, which apply equally to the method according to the invention. Furthermore, the descriptions of the method according to the invention also apply equally to the separating device according to the invention, in particular without the need for further explicit mention.

[0065] The method according to the invention ensures that the sieve gap can be adjusted in a comparatively simple manner by loosening or disengaging the coupling means.

[0066] In particular, the procedure is carried out for all pairs of adjacent rotating elements, so that, in particular, the adjustment of all distances between the rotating elements or the adjustment of the sieve gap between each pair of immediately adjacent rotating elements can be ensured. For this purpose, all coupling means are then actuated in the manner described above.

[0067] In particular, it is provided that when adjusting the rotating elements, there is no rotational coupling to the immediately adjacent rotating elements, so that the rotating element can be moved relative to the coupling means, whereby a rotation or movement of the rotating element does not cause a movement or rotation of the coupling means.

[0068] The method according to the invention is characterized by the application of the device features described above, or is designed to carry out the method with a separating device according to the invention in one of the preferred embodiments described above.

[0069] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the device according to the invention for separating feed material, in particular wherein the device according to the invention is used in a self-cleaning operating mode.

[0070] With regard to advantages and / or preferred embodiments of the use according to the invention, reference may also be made to the aforementioned descriptions of the separating device and / or the method according to the invention, which may apply in the same way to the use according to the invention.

[0071] Further features, advantages, and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing and the drawing itself. All features described and / or illustrated, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the present invention, irrespective of their compilation in the claims and their cross-references.

[0072] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a separating device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic top view of a screen deck according to the invention in a first state, Fig. 3 a schematic top view of the in Fig. 2 sieve decks shown in a second state with adjusted sieve gap, Fig. 4 a schematic top view of coupled rotational elements according to the invention, Fig. 5 a schematic rear view of inventive rotating elements coupled to each other via coupling means according to the invention, Fig. 6 a schematic top view of a rotating element according to the invention with a coupling means according to the invention coupled thereto, Fig. 7A a schematic detail view of a storage of the coupling means according to the invention according to a first alternative, Fig. 7B a schematic cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 7A highlighted details, Fig. 8 a schematic detail view of a storage of the coupling means according to a second alternative, Fig. 9 a schematic cross-sectional view of a bearing of the coupling means according to the invention in Fig. 8 shown second alternative in a detailed view, Fig. 10 a schematic sectional view along section XX from Fig. 9, Fig. 11A a schematic detail view of a storage of the coupling means according to a second alternative, Fig. 11B a schematic cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 11A highlighted details, Fig. 12 a schematic sequence of a method according to the invention and Fig. 13 a schematic top view of a further embodiment of a separating device according to the invention with a decoupled coupling element.

[0073] Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 1 for separating feed material. The feed material is not shown in detail and can consist, in particular, of inhomogeneous feed material and / or recycled material and / or waste or refuse. The separating device 1 can be designed for sorting and / or classifying. The device 1 separates the feed material into at least two fractions, in particular into three fractions. One fraction can be separated below the rotating elements 2 forming a screen deck 14, namely by falling through the screen gap. Another fraction can be separated, in particular, in the conveying direction F of the rotating elements 2, and, if required, a further fraction can also be separated via the open, unsupported ends of the rotating elements 2.

[0074] As the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the device 1 has a plurality of rotating elements 2 designed as helical spirals. The rotating elements 2 are rotatably mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating elements 2 are rotatably mounted on one side, so that an open end of the rotating elements 2 is formed, through which a further separated fraction can be separated. The rotating element 2 according to the invention has a shaft 3, in particular a core tube, and at least one spiral spiral 4 extending around the shaft 3, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 1 is shown.

[0075] Adjacent rotating elements 2 interlock with their helixes 4, or rather, comb through each other. This also creates the sieve gap, which results from the distance 13 between adjacent turns of adjacent helixes 4 of adjacent rotating elements 2. This distance 13, which ultimately determines the sieve gap, is described in detail in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows and references in particular the smallest clear distance between immediately adjacent turns of adjacent helixes 4. The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 each shows a screen deck 14 formed by the rotating elements 2, but with a modified spacing 13. Accordingly, a deck or screen deck 14 with a modified opening width or a modified spacing 13 (screen gap) can be produced. The respective setting or the set clear spacing 13 can be selected with regard to the material to be separated. Consequently, the Fig. 1 to 3 three different clear distances 13, wherein setting into different positions is simplified by the present invention, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0076] A holder can be provided for mounting the rotating elements 2, in which the rotating elements 2 are mounted in a rotatable manner, as shown by the Fig. Figure 1 shows. The bracket can be arranged in a housing 11 or formed by the housing 11.

[0077] The in Fig. The rotating elements 2 shown in Figure 1 form a flat screen deck 14. It is not shown in detail that in further embodiments the rotating elements 2 can also form a curved screen deck 14.

[0078] In Fig. Figure 1 shows that adjacent rotating elements 2 are each coupled to each other via a coupling means 5 for rotational coupling. Rotational coupling is to be understood as meaning that adjacent rotating elements 2 have the same direction of rotation and are rotatably coupled to each other, so that the movement of one rotating element 2 causes the rotation of the adjacent rotating element 2. The rotational coupling is also shown in detail in Fig. Figure 4 shows the coupling means 5. The coupling means 5 serve to transmit the rotational movement from one rotating element 2 to the immediately adjacent rotating element 2, which are coupled to each other via the coupling means 5.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, a coupling means 5 couples two immediately adjacent rotating elements 2. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the coupling means 5 are used for all rotating elements 2. Two coupling means 5 engage each of the central rotating elements 2—that is, those rotating elements that do not form the end rotating elements 2 of the screen deck—since the central rotating elements 2 are each adjacent to a rotating element 2 on both sides. Only one coupling means 5 engages each of the end rotating elements 2, as shown. Fig. 1 shows.

[0080] Fig. Figure 5 shows a rear view of rotating elements 2 coupled to each other via coupling means 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling means 5 has a gear 21 for meshing with a shaft gear 6 on the adjacent rotating elements 2.

[0081] Gears of the coupling means 5 and shaft gears 6 are to be understood broadly within the meaning of the present invention and include both pure gears or shaft gears as well as gear rims or shaft gear rims.

[0082] For meshing with the gear 21 of the coupling means 5, exactly one single shaft gear 6 is provided on each rotating element 5 - unlike in the prior art, where two shaft gears are provided per rotating element 5.

[0083] The Fig. Figure 5 shows that the shaft gear 6 is arranged coaxially to the shaft 3 - that is, the shaft 3 and the shaft gear 6 have the same axis of rotation.

[0084] Furthermore, different rotating elements 2 in other embodiments not shown can have different shaft gears 6. The coupling means 5 can also be designed differently for a device 1 as required, in particular having different gears.

[0085] However, it is particularly preferred that the shaft gears 6 and the gears of the coupling means 5 are designed to be at least substantially identical in construction for a device 1, as is the case in Fig. 5 is shown.

[0086] Fig. Figure 6 shows in detail that the coupling means 5 meshes with a gear 21 with the adjacent shaft gear 6 of the adjacent rotating element 2. "Mexerting" means that the teeth of the shaft gear 6 mesh with, or are interlocked with, the teeth of the gear of the coupling means 5, thus ensuring the transmission of the rotary motion from the rotating element 2 to the coupling means 5 or from the coupling means 5 to the immediately adjacent rotating element 2.

[0087] Fig. Figure 1 shows that each coupling means 5 is in engagement and coupled with at least two shaft gears 6 of immediately adjacent rotating elements 2, a state which can also be referred to as the engagement position. Accordingly, the gear 21, in the engagement position with the respective shaft gears 6 of immediately adjacent rotating elements, can form a gear transmission. A gear transmission enables the low-wear transmission of rotary motion, particularly in slip-free operation.

[0088] Fig. Figure 6 shows that a bearing journal 10 is provided at the end of the rotating element 2, wherein the Fig. 1 represents the bearing journals 10 for all rotating elements 2. Furthermore, the Fig. 1 and Fig. 6 shows that only a single shaft gear 6 is provided on the bearing journal 10 per rotating element 2.

[0089] It is not shown in detail that, as an alternative to the arrangement of the shaft gear 6 on the bearing journal 10 in the area of ​​the transition from the bearing journal 10 to the shaft 3, only one shaft tooth edge 6 is provided per rotating element 2.

[0090] Fig. Figure 5 shows a preferred schematic arrangement of the gears 21 of the coupling means 5 and the shaft gears 6, wherein the gears 21 and the shaft gears 6 are arranged in a common vertical plane, which can also be seen schematically from the Fig. 4. The vertical plane is determined, in particular, in the installed state in relation to the orientation of a screen deck 14, which is preferably horizontal and can be aligned at least substantially parallel to a substrate on which the device 1 can be arranged. The vertical plane is preferably arranged vertically or orthogonally to the screen deck plane and / or to the horizontal plane spanned by the axes of rotation of the rotating elements 2.

[0091] In summary, the Fig. Figures 4 to 6 show that the axes of rotation 8 of all gears 21 are arranged on a common horizontal plane, in particular above the shaft gears 6. This simplifies access to the gears and the decoupling between coupling means 5 and shaft gears 6.

[0092] Fig. Figure 4 shows that the coupling means 5 has an axis 7 on which the gear 21 is rotatably mounted.

[0093] Not shown is that in a further, alternative embodiment, the coupling means 5 has a rotatable shaft on which the gear 21 is mounted. The shaft can then rotate together with the gear 21 to drive the rotating elements 2.

[0094] Both the shaft of the coupling means 5 and the axis 7 can be designed as an elongated machine element or pin and preferably be arranged, at least partially, in a housing 11 for the arrangement of the bearing pins 10, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0095] The coupling means 5 shown in the illustrated and preferred embodiments is designed and arranged such that the gear 21 is adjustable between the engaged position and an out-of-engagement position. The engaged position is ultimately assumed when there is rotational coupling of immediately adjacent rotating elements 2, whereby the coupling means 5 must be manually moved from the engaged position to the out-of-engagement position to decouple the rotational direction of the adjacent rotating elements 2.

[0096] A decoupled coupling means 5 or the out-of-intervention position is in the Fig. 13 schematically represented, where the Fig. Figure 13 merely schematically shows the decoupled coupling element 5 and does not show the bearing of the coupling elements in more detail. Fig. 13 is shown.

[0097] In the disengaged position, in particular the coupling means 5 or the gear 21 of the coupling means 5 is no longer in engagement and no longer coupled to the shaft gears 6 to be arranged on the gear 21 in the engagement position, and thus there is no longer any rotational coupling of adjacent rotational elements 2.

[0098] According to the invention, the coupling means 5 can be transferred from the engaged to the disengaged position in different ways, whereby a comparatively quick and easy change of positions can always be carried out by providing the gears according to the invention, which can be easily decoupled from the shaft gears 6.

[0099] This decoupled state, or out-of-engagement position, can be used to adjust the screen gap, or the distance 13 between immediately adjacent helixes 4. This adjustment is made possible by the fact that, due to the absence of rotational coupling, a rotating element 2 can be adjusted relative to its neighboring rotating element 2 without causing the neighboring rotating element 2 to rotate. Such an adjustment of the screen gap would then have to be performed for all rotating elements 2 of a screen deck 14. The rotating elements 2 are then adjusted stepwise or sequentially relative to each other to achieve the desired screen gap.

[0100] The coupling means 5 can be attached, at least indirectly, to a housing 11, as shown in Fig. Figure 7A shows that the housing 11 can also be provided for receiving the bearing journals 10 and / or for holding the rotating elements 2. The housing can have at least one end wall 15, as shown schematically in the Fig. 1, but also in the Fig. Figure 7A shows that the end wall 15 can be located inside the housing 11 or form the outer surface of the housing 11. The end wall 15 can ultimately serve to support the coupling elements 5. Another end wall can be located inside the housing 11 and also serve to support the rotating elements 2, as shown in Figure 7A. Fig. 7A is shown.

[0101] The housing 11 can have one end wall 15 or several end walls designed as upright walls, as in Fig. 7A shows that the end wall 15 can also be designed as a vertical wall. Furthermore, the end wall 15 can be considered part of the housing 11. The additional end wall, as shown in the Fig. 7A and Fig. Figure 8 shows different embodiments of the device 1, in particular bearing journals 10 can be guided and rotatably mounted therein. The further end wall can in particular be arranged inside the housing 11, so that preferably the bearing journals 10 do not project beyond the housing 11.

[0102] The bearing arrangement of the coupling elements 5 is based on the Fig. 1 to 6 and the Fig. 13 is not detailed. Regarding the different options for mounting the coupling elements 5, reference may be made to the following explanations:

[0103] The following show Fig. Figures 7A to 11B state that the coupling means 5 is attached to the end wall 15, in particular by means of a screw connection or a welded connection. In this context, various methods of attaching the coupling means 5 to the end wall 15 are possible, and three different variants of the connection of the coupling means 5 to the end wall 15 are described below. It is understood, however, that in addition to the variants or alternatives for the arrangement of the coupling means 5 on the end wall 15 described below, further embodiments are also possible and included according to the invention.

[0104] One option or alternative is in Fig. Figure 7A shows a screw connection 16 for attaching the coupling element 5 to the end wall 15. Fig. 7B shows this in Fig. 7A Highlighted detail in a cross-sectional view.

[0105] Another alternative is in the Fig. 8 to 10 shown, with the Fig. 8 the storage of several coupling means 5 on the end wall 15 and the Fig. 9 a mounting of the coupling means 5 on the end wall 15, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 is only shown schematically, but in detail it shows the details. Fig. 10 is the section view XX from Fig. 9.

[0106] The third variant or alternative for the arrangement of the coupling means 5 on the end wall 15 is in the Fig. 11A is shown. Fig. 11B shows this in Fig. 11A Highlighted detail in a cross-sectional view.

[0107] Fig. Figure 7A shows that in the first alternative, the screw connection 16 has a screw 18 with screw head 19 on the inside 20 of the end wall 15, inserted through a through-opening 17 in the end wall 15, the screw 18 being screwed into an internal thread of the axis 7. The internal thread is shown schematically in the Fig. Figure 7B shows that the inner surface 20 can face the outer surface 22 and, in particular, the open end of the bearing journal 10. As previously explained, the end wall 15 can be designed as a solid wall. Not shown is the possibility that, in further embodiments, a lock nut may also be provided on the outer surface 22 of the end wall 15 for the screw connection 16.

[0108] In the engagement position, the axis 7 abuts the front wall 15 and has a corresponding stop.

[0109] To displace the gear 21, the screw head 19 can be actuated, in particular unscrewed, preferably using a suitable tool. This requires access to the inside 20, for which, for example, reaching inside the housing 11 is necessary. After loosening the screw head 19, pressure can be applied to it, which ultimately pushes the shaft 7 away from the end wall 15, thus moving the coupling element 5, or the gear 21, from the engaged to the disengaged position. It is advantageous in this context if pressure can again be applied to the screw head 19 to move the gear 21 into the disengaged position, but the screw head 19 remains in the internal thread of the shaft 7 and is thus securely connected to the shaft 7.

[0110] To prevent the axis 7 from tilting too much when the screw 18 is loosened, the screw 18 is preferably arranged with the smallest possible play in the through-opening 17, so that the end wall 15 can support the axis 7 and the gear 21 even in the out-of-engage position and thus also determines the direction of movement for the gear 21.

[0111] To re-couple the coupling means 5, the screw head 19 can be pulled back towards the end wall 19 and the force transmission can be ensured again by turning the screw 18, whereby the gear 21 can be brought back into engagement with the shaft gear 6.

[0112] Not shown is that the length of screw 18 and the internal thread are designed such that screw 18 engages the internal thread even when gear 21 is out of engagement. This is particularly important for the captive arrangement of axle 7 when coupling means 5 is in the out-of-engage position.

[0113] Another possible arrangement of the coupling means is in Fig. 8 shown. Fig. Figure 8 shows that the axis 7 is attached to the outer surface 22 of the end wall 15, namely welded in the illustrated and preferred embodiment, which is shown in more detail in the Fig. 9 emerges.

[0114] Fig. Figure 9 further shows that a sliding sleeve 25 is mounted on the axis 7, with the gear 21 rotatably mounted on the sleeve 25. Thus, the gear 21 is indirectly mounted on the axis 7 via the sleeve 25. Moving the sleeve 25 can move the coupling element 5, and consequently the gear 21, from the engaged position to the disengaged position, or vice versa. The sleeve 25 can also be referred to as a sliding sleeve. A bearing for the rotatable mounting of the gear 21 can be provided between the sleeve 25 and the gear 21. The sliding capability of the sleeve 25 and the gear is shown in the Fig. 9 schematically visualized by arrows.

[0115] For axial securing of the gear 21 to the sleeve 25, a retaining ring 30, in particular a circumferential one, is provided, as shown in Fig. 9 is shown.

[0116] Actuation of the sleeve 25 to move it or to move the gear 21 can be achieved by engaging the outer surface 22 of the end wall 15 from the outside. An advantage of this is that no access to the inner surface 20 of the end wall 15 is required.

[0117] Furthermore, in Fig. 10, which shows a sectional view along section XX from Fig. Figure 9 shows a locking device 9 for locking the sleeve 25 on the axis 7 in the engaged position. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the locking device 9 has a plug 26, in particular a hinged plug with a spring clip 27, for engaging in and passing through corresponding bores 28, 29 in the axis 7 and the sleeve 25. The sleeve 25 can be released by actuating the plug 26. For this purpose, the spring clip 27 can first be released or opened, and then the plug 26 can be removed from the bores 28, 29. The sleeve 25 can then be moved or displaced in the longitudinal direction of the axis 7, which in turn leads to the displacement of the gear 21.

[0118] In Fig. 11A and Fig. Finally, 11B shows another preferred alternative for connecting the coupling device 5. Thus, the Fig. Figure 11A shows that the screw connection 16 has a threaded stud 23 of the axis 7 inserted through a through-hole 17 in the end wall 15 and a further nut 24 on the inside 20 of the end wall 15. Not shown is that in further embodiments a lock nut is provided on the outside 22 of the end wall 15.

[0119] To displace the gear 21, the additional nut 24 on the inner side 20 of the end wall 15 can be loosened, in particular by turning it, preferably using a suitable tool. For this, it is necessary to gain access to the inner side 20. By applying pressure to the additional nut 24 or the threaded stud 23, the gear 21 can be disengaged from the shaft gears 6 after the frictional connection between the threaded stud 23 and the additional nut 24 has been released or loosened. In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the additional nut 24 remains connected to the threaded stud 23 and, in particular, is arranged on it in a captive manner. However, the loosened frictional connection ensures that disengaging the threaded stud 23 and, consequently, the gear 21 relative to the end wall 15 allows the coupling element 5 to be moved from the engaged to the disengaged position.

[0120] Preferably, the threaded stud 23 is arranged with the smallest possible play in the through-opening 17. This prevents tilting of the axis 7 when the axis 7 is moved, at least to a significant extent, with the end wall 15 then serving as a support and defining the displacement path.

[0121] In Fig. Figure 11B shows that the diameter of the threaded stud 23 is smaller than the diameter of the shaft 7, which allows the shaft 7 to abut the end wall 15 with a stop in the engagement position of the gear 21.

[0122] Not shown is that in further embodiments the diameter of the threaded stud 23 can also correspond to the outer diameter of the axis 7.

[0123] To return the coupling means 5 to the engagement position, the additional nut 24 can be pulled towards the inside 20 and the additional nut 24 can be actuated accordingly.

[0124] It is not shown in detail that the length of the threaded stud 23 is such that the further nut 24 engages the threaded stud 23 even when the gear 21 is out of engagement. This serves to secure the coupling element 5, in particular the gear 21, in the out-of-engage position.

[0125] In a further embodiment, a drive motor 12 can also be provided, which can have a drive wheel 31, which is designed in particular as a gear, for transmitting the rotary motion to at least one shaft gear 6, as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1. Thus, the rotary motion from the drive motor 12 can be transmitted to at least one adjacent rotating element 2. Not shown is that in further embodiments, the drive motor 12 may also be designed to transmit the rotary motion to at least one bearing journal 10 of at least one rotating element 2.

[0126] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, it is provided that immediately adjacent rotational elements 2, in particular all rotational elements 2, have the same direction of rotation.

[0127] Fig. Figure 12 schematically shows a process for adjusting the sieve gaps in a device 1 according to one of the aforementioned embodiments for at least one pair of adjacent rotating elements 2. Fig. Figure 12 shows the process steps A to E, which are carried out sequentially. Steps B and E are optional process steps that may be included, but are not mandatory.

[0128] The sieve gap can be adjusted by changing the distance 13 between adjacent turns of adjacent helixes 4.

[0129] In process step A, it can be provided that at least one coupling means 5, in particular all coupling means 5, can be disengaged from the neighboring shaft gears 6 of neighboring rotating elements 2.

[0130] In the optional process step B, the coupling means 5 can then be locked in the decoupled position, in particular all coupling means 5.

[0131] Subsequently, in process step C, at least one rotational element 2, in particular all rotational elements 2, can be rotated relative to the adjacent rotational element 2 to adjust the desired distance 13 between adjacent turns of adjacent helixes 4.

[0132] In the subsequent process step D, the at least one coupling means 5, in particular all coupling means 5, can be coupled with the shaft gears 6 of adjacent rotating elements 2 for the purpose of coupling the direction of rotation of the adjacent rotating elements 2, in particular brought back into engagement with the shaft gears 6.

[0133] In the optional process step E, locking and / or fixing of the coupling means 5 is provided, particularly in the coupled position.

[0134] The aforementioned procedure is carried out in particular for all pairs of adjacent rotating elements 2. In this way, the screen gap in a screen deck 14 can be adjusted to the desired size, especially depending on the feed material.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for separating feed material, comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted rotating elements (2) designed as screw helixes, wherein a rotating element (2) has a shaft (3), in particular a core tube, and at least one helix (4) extending spirally around the shaft (3), wherein immediately adjacent rotating elements (2) are each coupled to each other via a coupling means (5) for rotational coupling, characterized by , that the coupling means (5) has a gear (21) for meshing with each of the immediately adjacent rotating elements (2) and that the coupling means (5) is designed such that the gear (21) is adjustable between the engaged position and an out-of-engage position. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the gear (21) in the engagement position is in engagement with the respective shaft gear (6) of immediately adjacent rotational elements (2) to form a gear drive and / or is coupled. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a bearing journal (10) is provided at the end of each of the rotating elements (2) and that only one shaft gear (6) is provided on the bearing journal (10) or in the area of ​​the transition from the bearing journal (10) to the shaft (3) per rotating element (2). [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the gears (21) and the shaft gears (6) are arranged in a common vertical plane and / or that the axes of rotation of all gears (21) are arranged on a common horizontal plane, in particular above the shaft gears (6). [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the coupling means (5) has an axis (7) on which the gear (21) is rotatably mounted or that the coupling means (5) has a rotatable shaft on which the gear (21) is mounted. [6] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the coupling means (5) is attached to an end wall (15) of a housing (11) which at least partially accommodates the bearing journals (10) of the rotating elements (2), in particular by means of a screw connection (16) or a welded connection. [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized by, that the screw connection (16) is a screw (18) with screw head (19) on the inside (20) of the end wall (15) inserted through a through opening (17) in the end wall (15), wherein the screw (18) is screwed into an internal thread of the axle (7), in particular wherein the length of the screw (18) and the internal thread is such that the screw (18) engages in the internal thread even in the out-of-engage position of the gear (20). [8] Device Claim 6, characterized by , that the screw connection (16) has a threaded stud (23) of the axle (7) inserted through a through-hole (17) in the end wall (15) and a further nut (24) on the inside (20) of the end wall (15), in particular wherein the length of the threaded stud (23) is such that the further nut (24) also engages the threaded stud (23) in the out-of-engage position of the gear (21). [9] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the axle (7) is attached to the outside (22) of the end wall (15), in particular welded, in particular wherein a movable sleeve (25) is mounted on the axle (7), wherein the gear (21) is rotatably mounted on the sleeve (25). [10] Device according to claim 9, characterized by , that a locking device (9) is provided for locking the sleeve (25) on the axis (7) in the engagement position, in particular wherein the locking device (9) has a plug (26), in particular a hinged plug with spring clip (27), for engaging in and passing through corresponding bores (28, 29) in the axis (7) and the sleeve (25).

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