Construction and kit

Abstract

Construction for drying material, such as grain, rapeseed or beans, or for drying other light material, such as compost, wood chips, sawdust, pellets, paper mill by-products, hay or semi-dry mud, or root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots or onions, preferably in an agricultural and / or paper mill or sawmill environment, comprising: - at least two, preferably four, locking plates (10) providing fastening means, suitable for being locked by a rotational movement of about 45 to about 90 degrees, - a foldable metal plate (11) suitable for providing two side parts and a lower part which, when folded, appear from the inlet side as a ‘U’ with angles of substantially 90 degrees, thereby creating a channel for conveying the material, suitable for being fixed using the locking plates; two inlet plates (12), preferably already folded at an angle of about 45 degrees, suitable for being fixed to the ‘U’ folded metal plate, thereby creating an inlet for the material; at least four inlet fastening means (13) suitable for being locked to the metal plate by a rotation of about 45 to about 90 degrees to secure the inlet plates; further comprising a cover (16) thereby providing a closed drying and / or conveying structure, forming a square when viewed from the inlet side.and also a foldable end part (14).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a construction and a kit. This construction can also be considered an air duct. background

[0002] A familiar system was assembled and bolted together from three parts: a lower plate and two larger side plates, stabilized with special plates and secured with several 20 x 10 mm screws and nuts. Positioning the central stabilizing plates of the old channel took longer, and they could easily slip out again. The screw holes for the 20 x 10 mm screws were more oval in the old design to facilitate easier fitting during assembly. The larger holes made screwing the system somewhat more difficult, as the installer had to ensure all plates were correctly positioned before tightening the nuts and bolts. The installer also had to perform an additional check to ensure the side plates were evenly aligned on both sides before attaching them.If they were not at the same level, they would stand upright and the ground would be uneven. After assembly, these channels were loaded onto a pallet measuring 2 × 1.2 × 1.8 meters and then transported halfway across Europe to customers. This old type of channel therefore requires significantly more loading space, approximately 75-85% more truck loading volume, than the new design presented in the present application, particularly its first and second aspects of the invention.

[0003] Furthermore, a ventilation duct for a storage floor is known from DE202010008920U1. In addition, a duct made of sheet metal or plastic with cross braces is known from DE202019102263U1. Both ducts are assembled before transport, which necessitates a high transport capacity in terms of space.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a design that requires less space during transport and thus has a lower environmental impact. Furthermore, there is a need for a design that is easy to assemble, for example, one that avoids the use of screws and nuts. Brief description of the invention

[0005] The present invention solves / reduces one or more of the above problems by providing, according to a first aspect of a construction for drying material, such as grain, rapeseed or beans, or for drying other light material, such as compost, wood chips, sawdust, pellets, paper mill by-products, hay or semi-dry mud, or root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots or onions, preferably in an agricultural and / or paper mill or sawmill environment, comprising at least two, preferably four, locking plates (10) providing fastening means, suitable for being locked by a rotational movement of about 45 to about 90 degrees, and a foldable metal plate (11) suitable for providing two side parts and a lower part, which, when folded, are visible from the entry side as a ‘U’ with angles of substantially 90 degrees, thereby creating a channel for conveying the material.The assembly comprises two inlet plates (12), preferably folded at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, suitable for being fixed to the metal plate folded into a "U", thereby creating an inlet for the material; at least four inlet fastening means (13), suitable for being locked to the metal plate by a rotation of approximately 45 to approximately 90 degrees to secure the inlet plates; further comprising a cover (16), thereby providing a closed drying and / or conveying structure, forming a square when viewed from the inlet side; and also a foldable end part (14). Preferably, the cover (16) has several small holes, thereby promoting drying. Most preferably, the holes in the cover (16) are dimensioned such that...that the material to be dried (such as grain) does not pass through the holes.

[0006] According to a second aspect, a kit is also provided, suitable for providing, in the assembled state, a structure according to the first aspect, comprising at least two, preferably four, locking plates providing fastening means, suitable for being locked by a rotation of about 45 to about 90 degrees; a foldable metal plate suitable for providing, in a state folded into a ‘U’ with angles of substantially 90 degrees, two side parts and a lower part, suitable for creating a channel for conveying the material; at least four fastening means suitable for being locked by a rotation of about 45 to about 90 degrees; two, preferably at an angle of about 45 degrees, already folded inlet plates suitable for being fixed to the ‘U’ folded metal plate; and at least four inlet fastening means suitable for…The entry plates are secured to the metal plate by a rotation of approximately 45 to 90 degrees, and a cover plate, as well as a foldable end piece and optionally two side plates, are suitable for creating a deeper construction with higher walls.

[0007] A process for drying material, such as grain, rapeseed or beans, or for drying other light material, such as compost, wood chips, sawdust, pellets, paper mill by-products, hay or semi-dry mud, or root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots or onions, preferably in an agricultural and / or paper mill or sawmill environment, and / or for conveying by-products generated during the drying of the material, wherein the by-products may be mud, lye, slurries and / or sludge, comprises the following steps: a) Providing one or more structures in accordance with the first aspect or one or more structures assembled using the kit in accordance with the second aspect, b) Placing one or more structures into an existing floor, preferably made of concrete, or in such a way that a floor is created when the structures are placed, c) Applying material to be dried onto the structures so that it faces directly towards the cover provided on the structures, d) Supplying dry or humidified air through the structures, the air being potentially heated, and e) by providing a dried material.

[0008] The construction according to the first aspect, or the construction assembled using the kit according to the second aspect, can be used for drying material such as grain, rapeseed, or beans, or for drying other light material such as compost, wood chips, sawdust, pellets, paper mill by-products, hay, or semi-dry mud, or root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or onions, preferably in an agricultural and / or paper mill or sawmill environment, and / or for conveying by-products generated during the drying of the material, the by-products being mud, lye, slurries, and / or sludge.

[0009] The design described in the first aspect has several advantages, and can also be considered an air duct. The lower part is supplied as a flat panel. It is preferably perforated and folded into a U-shape, similar to cardboard. The person assembling it simply folds the two sides upwards to create a U-shape (this is done, for example, in...) Fig. 1 shown).

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, side plates (i.e., side panels) can be attached to the base of the U-shaped channel using a special iron part (i.e., a fastener that can be locked by a rotational movement of approximately 45 to 90 degrees) that replaces the stabilizing iron part of the old model. This new central iron part (i.e., the fastener) has two functions. First, it is a very stable central part that cannot pop out. Second, when in position, it presses the side plates (i.e., the side panels) and the base of the U into a perfectly aligned position and locks them with a simple 45-90 degree movement. This assembly ensures that the plates (panels) slide into the perfect position, and the simple 45-90 degree locking action eliminates the need for any screws and nuts. The channel is correspondingly more stable.Assembling the structure according to the first aspect is faster, and the transport costs are much lower. The holes in the plates are 100% precisely aligned for pressing the special iron part (i.e., fastener) into position. Detailed description of the invention

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the structure also includes two additional side plates (15) suitable for being attached to the foldable metal plate in the folded state to create a deeper channel for conveying material, thus providing a structure with higher walls, suitable for standing stably when embedded in a drying floor. Preferably, the side plates are provided with holes for attachment to the foldable metal plate and also holes for improved support in the floor. The plates may further have a bend that allows the anchoring of the cover (16) – see [reference]. Fig. 1. The part with a bend may also have some larger holes to allow the anchoring of the structure according to the first aspect - see Fig. 1.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, if the end part (14) is present, this part is suitable for being fixed to the metal plate folded into a “U”, thereby creating an end wall for the material, using at least four end part fastening means (17), suitable for being locked to the metal plate by a rotation of about 45 to about 90 degrees to secure the end part.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the parts of the construction according to the first aspect are made of galvanized steel or stainless steel or a combination thereof.

[0014] The grain can be selected from the group that includes wheat, rye, barley or oats, or a combination thereof.

[0015] The supply of dry or humidified air from step d) can be carried out using one or more high-pressure blowers.

[0016] The method may additionally include one or more constructions according to the first aspect or one or more constructions assembled using the kit according to the second aspect, with at least one without the end part (see Fig. 4 - The construction according to the first aspect, but without an end part (14)) is added at the inlet side to a first construction with an end part, thereby creating a longer channel with a higher capacity for drying the material. This channel can further be extended with several units (i.e., constructions according to the first aspect, but without an end part).

[0017] The air duct (i.e., the structure according to the first aspect) is, as explained in the third aspect, designed for placement in a concrete floor for drying various products. First, the duct is assembled and then placed on a subfloor. Next, concrete is poured between the ducts, creating a complete floor with floor ducts (i.e., structures according to the first aspect) spaced at varying intervals, depending on the amount of air required for drying or cooling the materials stored on the floor.

[0018] The channels (i.e., the structures according to the first aspect) can then be used for drying primarily grain, rapeseed, beans, onions, potatoes, wood shavings, hay, and also other industrial products such as compost, sawdust, pellets, and paper mill byproducts. A further advantage of the present invention is the accessibility of the ground (comprising one or more structures according to the first aspect) to heavy-duty vehicles, tractors, and wheel loaders, which can easily drive over the ground without damaging it. Large volumes of various materials can also be dried, stored, and cooled on the ground.

[0019] To achieve drying, air is preferably forced downwards into floor channels (i.e., the structures described in the first aspect) using high-pressure blowers. After passing through the air channel, the air is forced through a heavy-duty plate (cover) placed on top of the channel, preferably slightly below the concrete floor. The plate (cover - 16) preferably has thousands of small holes through which the air flows and into the granular material placed on the floor. The air may be heated, thereby accelerating the drying process. The channels can have varying depths depending on the required air volume.

[0020] Preferred features of each aspect of the invention apply mutatis mutandis to each of the other aspects. The prior art document(s) mentioned herein are included to the extent permitted by law. The invention is described in more detail in the following example together with the accompanying figures, which in no way limit the scope of protection of the invention.

[0021] As mentioned, embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail with the aid of exemplary embodiments together with the attached figures, the sole purpose of which is to illustrate the invention and which are in no way intended to limit its scope. Figures Fig. 1 discloses the construction according to the first and second aspects of the present invention. Fig. 2 discloses the construction according to the first and second aspects of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 discloses the end part (14) according to the first and second aspects of the present invention in Figure 3a. Figure 3b shows a known embodiment. Fig. 4 discloses the construction according to the first and second aspects of the present invention without the end part (14). Notes appearing in Figures 1 and 2: - Locking plates (10) - provide fastening means suitable for being locked by a rotational movement of approximately 45 to approximately 90 degrees - foldable metal plate (11) - suitable for providing two side parts and a lower part which, when folded, can be seen from the entry side as a ‘U’ with angles of substantially 90 degrees - when supplied, this plate preferably has a flat shape and is folded during assembly to create the ‘U’ shape - Entry plates (12) - suitable for being fixed to the metal plate folded into a ‘U’ shape, thereby creating an entry point for the material - Entry fastening means (13) - suitable for locking the entry plates to the metal plate by using a rotation of about 45 to about 90 degrees - Cover (16) - providing a closed drying and / or conveying structure, forming a square when viewed from the inlet side - foldable end part (14) Example

[0022] According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the base and sides of the channel (the foldable metal plate) can be supplied as a flat package containing 50 channels, thus optimizing transport and logistics. The outer edges can be folded together, and the lower part can be quickly assembled, thereby providing the U-shape as described in the aspects. The upper and side plates (side plates, as described above) can then be attached to the lower plates on the right and left (as, for example, in the following). Fig.(as shown in Figure 1). Special locking plates (with fasteners as shown above) are inserted into the holes and can be rotated 45 degrees. When rotated, they pull the plates together and lock the plates in position. The plates are stacked on top of each other, and the special locking plates are inserted into the holes. Stabilizing iron parts (i.e., the locking plates; 10) are inserted into the top / side plates. The plates can then be joined with a simple 45-degree turn.

[0023] A test was also conducted to compare the design (with channel) according to the present invention with previously known technology. The participants were also familiar with the older technology.

[0024] Both channels were subjected to testing. The channels consisted of 6 x 10.5 meters of each brand (each design).

[0025] The results were as follows: 1. 50% faster with the channel provided by the present design (according to the present invention) compared to the already known channel. 2. Far fewer cranks (screws) are required in the channel provided by the present design (according to the present invention). 3. Furthermore, the channel provided by the present construction (according to the present invention) is much more stable. 4. Approximately 70% less transport volume is required for each project when using the channel provided by the present design (according to the present invention).

[0026] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described above; however, a person skilled in the art will recognize further minor modifications that fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope and meaning of the present invention are not intended to be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but are defined only by the following claims and their equivalents. For example, any of the above-mentioned designs and methods can be combined with other known designs and / or methods. Further aspects, advantages, and modifications within the scope of protection of the invention are obvious to those skilled in the art in the field to which the invention relates.

[0027] The invention relates to a construction for drying material, such as grain, rapeseed, or beans, or for drying other light material, such as compost, wood chips, sawdust, pellets, paper mill by-products, hay, or semi-dry mud, or root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, or onions, preferably in an agricultural and / or paper mill or sawmill environment, comprising: at least two, preferably four, locking plates (10) providing fastening means, suitable for being locked by a rotational movement of about 45 to about 90 degrees; a foldable metal plate (11) suitable for providing two side parts and a lower part, which, when folded, are visible from the entry side as a “U” with angles of substantially 90 degrees, thereby creating a channel for conveying the material, suitable for being fixed using the locking plates; two,preferably at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, pre-folded inlet plates (12) suitable for being fixed to the metal plate folded into a “U”, thereby creating an inlet for the material, at least four inlet fastening means (13) suitable for being locked to the metal plate by a rotation of approximately 45 to approximately 90 degrees to secure the inlet plates, further comprising a cover (16) thereby providing a closed drying and / or conveying structure, forming a square when viewed from the inlet side, and also a foldable end part (14). QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 202010008920U1

[0003] DE 202019102263U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] A construction for drying material such as grain, rapeseed or beans, or for drying other light material such as compost, wood chips, sawdust, pellets, paper mill by-products, hay or semi-dry mud, or root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots or onions, preferably in an agricultural and / or paper mill or sawmill environment, comprising: - at least two, preferably four, locking plates (10) providing fastening means, suitable for being locked by a rotational movement of about 45 to about 90 degrees, - a foldable metal plate (11) suitable for providing two side parts and a lower part which, when folded, appear from the inlet side as a ‘U’ with angles of substantially 90 degrees, thereby creating a channel for conveying the material, suitable for being fixed using the locking plates; two inlet plates (12), preferably already folded at an angle of about 45 degrees, suitable for being fixed to the ‘U’ folded metal plate, thereby creating an inlet for the material; at least four inlet fastening means (13) suitable for being locked to the metal plate by a rotation of about 45 to about 90 degrees to secure the inlet plates; further comprising a cover (16) thereby providing a closed drying and / or conveying structure, forming a square when viewed from the inlet side.and also a foldable end part (14). [2] Construction according to claim 1, further comprising two additional side plates (15) suitable for being attached to the foldable metal plate in the folded state to create a deeper channel for conveying material, thereby providing a construction with higher walls, suitable for standing stably when embedded in a drying floor, preferably wherein the side plates are provided with holes for attachment to the foldable metal plate and also holes for improved support in the floor. [3] Construction according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, when the end part (14) is present, this part is suitable for being fixed to the metal plate folded into a ‘U’, thereby creating an end wall for the material, using at least four end part fastening means (17) suitable for being locked to the metal plate by a rotation of about 45 to about 90 degrees. [4] Construction according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the parts of the construction are made of galvanized steel or stainless steel or a combination thereof. [5] Kit suitable for providing, in the assembled state, a construction according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: at least two, preferably four, locking plates providing fastening means, suitable for being locked by a rotation of about 45 to about 90 degrees, a foldable metal plate suitable for providing, in a state folded into a ‘U’ with angles of substantially 90 degrees, two side parts and a lower part, suitable for creating a channel for conveying the material, at least four fastening means suitable for being locked by a rotation of about 45 to about 90 degrees, two inlet plates, preferably folded at an angle of about 45 degrees, suitable for being fixed to the metal plate folded into a "U", at least four inlet fastening means suitable for securing the inlet plates to the metal plate by a rotation of about 45 to about 90 degrees, and a cover plate and also a foldable end part and optionally two side plates suitable for creating a deeper construction with higher walls.

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