Device for separating feedstock

Abstract

The invention relates to a 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 helix (4) extending spirally around the shaft (3), wherein immediately adjacent rotating elements (2) are each coupled to one another via a coupling means (5) for rotational coupling. According to the invention, the coupling means (5) comprises a gear for meshing with a shaft gear (6) on each of the immediately adjacent rotating elements (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for separating feed material, preferably inhomogeneous feed material, comprising a plurality of rotatably mounted rotating elements. The rotating elements can, if required, also be referred to as screw flights, screw shafts, or spiral shafts. The rotating elements comprise a shaft, in particular a core tube, and at least one helix extending spirally around the shaft. Adjacent rotating elements—that is, in particular, two directly adjacent rotating elements—are each coupled to one another via a coupling means for coupling the direction of rotation. Particularly preferably, 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 rotation elements can be coupled to one another in such a way that they can be driven via a common drive device and / or a common individual drive motor.

[0003] The invention particularly relates to the technical field of sorting and / or classifying feed material, especially in the field of recycling and / or waste separation. A clean and sufficiently precise separation of the feed material into different fractions makes it possible to directly utilize these different fractions of the feed material 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 is understood to be a mechanical separation process for solid mixtures, whereby different geometric characteristics, for example size, are utilized for the separation process. This can result in a division into coarse and fine material, among other things. Sorting in this context is understood to be a mechanical separation process in which a solid mixture with different material characteristics is divided into fractions with the same material characteristics. Suitable factors for sorting include the density, color, shape, wettability, or magnetizability of the feed material. Accordingly, the term separation / separation in the present invention encompasses a division of the feed material so that it can be divided into different fractions. This separation orSeparation is used for the preparation of recycled material or for the classification of at least essentially solid material.

[0005] The rotating elements are arranged to form a screen deck, which is typically used for classifying solid and lumpy feed materials. The separation device is designed for feed materials from the recycling sector, as well as waste materials, commercial waste, and construction rubble. These different feed materials have in common that they have unevenly distributed or inhomogeneous structures and geometries, and the feed materials may be entangled with one another.

[0006] Especially when used in the waste and recycling sectors, adjusting the screen deck or screen size is advantageous for clean and selective classification of the feed material. This adjustment is achieved by changing the clear distance between the outer edge of one spiral shaft and the outer edge of the immediately adjacent spiral shaft, as seen in the axial direction. Ultimately, to change the gap width or separation size of the screen deck, the spiral shafts are rotated relative to each other, so that the clearance between two immediately adjacent spirals also changes, becoming either larger or smaller.

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

[0008] In separation devices known in practice, the coupling means are designed as roller chains or coupled roller chains and ultimately enable 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 means. Thus, the first spiral shaft is connected to the second spiral shaft via one coupling means. The second spiral shaft is connected to the first and third spiral shafts via a second coupling means.

[0009] The third spiral shaft is connected to the second and fourth spiral shafts via a further coupling means. Since all spiral shafts are generally of the same design, each spiral shaft has two shaft gears for connecting to the coupling means.

[0010] To adjust the gap width or screen gap, the current technology involves loosening the roller chain between two adjacent rotating elements, for example, between the first rotating element and the second rotating element of a spiral shaft deck. After setting the desired screen gap or passage width, the roller chain is reattached. The roller chain between the second rotating element and the third rotating element is then loosened, and the desired gap width between the second rotating element and the third rotating element is set by rotating the spiral shafts against each other or just one spiral shaft. Once the adjustment is complete, the roller chain is reattached.

[0011] Removing and reinstalling a roller chain usually takes place in the confined space of the screen deck's bearing housing. Removing and reinstalling the roller chain is generally difficult, especially when two roller chains are connected to a rotating element and the inner roller chain needs to be replaced.

[0012] Overall, adjusting the screen gap or passage 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 high level of effort often leads to the necessary adjustment of the passage width not being made, resulting in an unoptimized separation for every application.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to substantially reduce or mitigate them. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a separating device in which the adjustment of the passage width or separation size is possible in a simple manner.

[0014] The above-mentioned object is at least essentially achieved in a device for separating of the type mentioned at the outset in that the coupling means has a gear for meshing with a respective shaft gear on the immediately adjacent rotation elements.

[0015] "Combing" in the aforementioned sense is to be understood in particular as meaning that, in the coupled state, the gear is in engagement with the corresponding shaft gear of the respective immediately adjacent rotating element, and in particular, is toothed. Thus, a rotational movement of the gear can be directly transmitted to the shaft gear, or vice versa.

[0016] It should be expressly 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.

[0017] A gear is a machine element and a wheel, and has teeth that are evenly distributed around the circumference. Two or more paired or intermeshed gears can form a gear transmission, which can be designed to transmit rotations and / or rotation and linear motion.

[0018] A gear ring is a toothed ring with internal, external, or laterally toothed teeth. Unlike a gearwheel, it is not mounted directly on a shaft or axle, but rather on the circumference of a cylindrical component or a component of another shape. For the purposes of the present invention, externally toothed gear rings are particularly preferred. Gear rings are used to drive rotary motion.

[0019] As previously stated, the term "gear" used herein includes both pure gears and pure gear rims.

[0020] The gear of the coupling element, connected to the shaft gears, ultimately forms a gear transmission. The design of the aforementioned transmission enables the coupling element to ensure a rotational coupling of adjacent rotating elements.

[0021] A gear mechanism according to the invention or the coupling means according to the invention is particularly advantageous because it allows for easy detachment of the coupling means from the rotating elements. In the prior art, as already mentioned, roller chains are always used as coupling means, but these are designed to be circumferentially closed and cannot be easily detached from the rotating elements. The present invention now provides the possibility of easily removing the gear of the coupling means between two directly adjacent rotating elements in order to more easily adjust the screen width.

[0022] In this context, it is understood that "adjacent rotation elements" always refers to the immediately adjacent rotation elements coupled via a coupling means.

[0023] A further significant advantage of the coupling means according to the invention is created by the fact that slip-free operation for driving the adjacent rotating elements can be ensured.

[0024] Since the decoupling is much easier with the device according to the invention than with the prior art, it is possible to achieve the adjustment of the screen gap required for the respective application with a significantly lower expenditure of time and thus with significantly lower operating costs compared to the prior art, so that the use of the separation device according to the invention becomes significantly more economical.

[0025] Furthermore, the use of gears as coupling means offers the significant advantage that they are considerably less susceptible to wear than when roller chains are used as coupling means.

[0026] The rotating elements of the device according to the invention are essentially designed in the same way as the rotating elements in the prior art. A bearing journal is provided at at least one end of each individual rotating element. In contrast to the prior art, however, only a single shaft gear is provided per rotating element, preferably on the bearing journal or in the region of the transition from the bearing journal to the shaft. In the prior art, two shaft gears are provided per rotating element due to the coupling via the roller chain. However, this is not necessary in the solution according to the invention, since the gear of the coupling means only requires one shaft gear per rotating element. In this respect, the rotating elements according to the invention are simpler and more cost-effective than those in the prior art.

[0027] Although the device according to the invention also provides n-1 coupling means for rotating elements, it is preferred in the invention that the gears and the shaft gears are arranged in a common vertical plane. This results in the device according to the invention being able to be designed somewhat narrower due to the now missing shaft gear, since the rotating elements according to the invention are ultimately somewhat shorter than the rotating elements of the prior art.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the rotational axes 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 recoupling.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coupling means comprises an axle on which the gear is rotatably mounted. The axle can, in particular, be permanently installed in the device, preferably permanently installed in a housing of the device. Furthermore, the axle can be provided and designed 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 therefore ensure the support for the gear.

[0030] Although it is preferred that the coupling means comprise an axle on which the gear is rotatably mounted, it is also possible in principle for the coupling means to comprise a rotatable shaft on which the gear is attached. 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 fixed to the axle accordingly and cannot be easily adjusted in the axial direction and / or in the longitudinal direction of the axle.

[0031] To ensure easy coupling and decoupling of the coupling means, the coupling means is preferably designed according to the invention such that the gearwheel is adjustable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position indicates the state in which the gearwheel fully meshes with the shaft gears, while the disengaged position indicates the state in which the gearwheel and the shaft gears are completely decoupled.

[0032] There are basically various ways to move the gear from the engaged position to the disengaged position. In all of these options, however, the coupling means is primarily attached to an end wall of a housing that at least partially accommodates the bearing journals of the rotating elements, particularly by means of a screw connection or a welded joint.

[0033] The end wall can also be formed as the outer side 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.

[0034] The end wall can preferably be designed as a standing wall. In addition to the end wall, a further end wall can be provided, in particular designed as a further standing wall, through which, in particular, the bearing pins are received and / or mounted.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment according to the invention using a screw connection, it is preferably provided that the screw connection is a screw inserted through a through-hole in the end wall, with the screw head on the inside of the end wall, wherein the screw is screwed into an internal thread of the axle. In this embodiment, 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 screwed outward a short distance. Optionally, a lock nut can be provided on the outside of the end wall.

[0036] If no lock nut is used, the axle in particular may strike the end wall in the engaged position.

[0037] Preferably, the screw is positioned in the through hole of the end wall with as little play as possible. This ensures the axle's bearings are secured even when the gear is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

[0038] The inner side of the end wall can face the front, open ends of the bearing journals, whereby the outer side of the end wall can face the rotation elements and face away from the front ends of the bearing journals.

[0039] By applying pressure to the screw head from the inside, the gear is moved 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 are such that the screw still engages the internal thread even when the gear is disengaged. In this way, even when the screw has been unscrewed sufficiently far so that the gear can subsequently be pushed into the disengaged position, the screw remains in the internal thread, allowing subsequent tightening of the screw via the screw head to return the gear to the engaged position and secure it there.

[0040] In a further alternative embodiment with a screw connection, the axle preferably has a threaded pin at the end, preferably with a lock nut, which is inserted through the through-hole in the end wall and screwed to a further nut on the inside of the end wall. Coupling and decoupling then occur in such a way that the further nut on the inside is loosened and the gear wheel moves into the disengaged position by pressure on the threaded pin. After adjusting the gap width, the threaded pin is then tightened again and screwed to the further nut on the inside of the end wall. Here, too, the length of the threaded pin should preferably be such that the further nut grips the threaded pin even when the gear wheel is in the disengaged position.

[0041] The outer diameter of the threaded pin can be smaller than the outer diameter of the axle, in particular wherein the axle has a stop for striking the end wall in the engagement position of the gear. In further preferred embodiments, the outer diameter of the threaded pin can also be at least substantially the same size as the outer diameter of the axle.

[0042] Particularly preferably, the threaded pin is arranged with the smallest possible play in the through-opening of the end wall, in particular so that the displacement path for the gear wheel can be predetermined and preferably the bearing for the axle can be ensured by the end wall even in the disengaged position.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the axle, in particular, is welded to the outside of the end wall. Of course, other ways of attaching the axle to the outside of the end wall are also possible. In this embodiment, a movable sleeve is preferably mounted on the axle, with the gear being rotatably mounted on the sleeve. This represents an indirect mounting of the gear on the axle.

[0044] In use, a locking device is preferably provided to lock the sleeve on the axle in the engaged position. The locking device particularly prevents any unintentional displacement of the sleeve on the axle. In a very simple but preferred embodiment, the locking device has a plug, in particular a linch pin with a spring clip, which is designed to engage and pass through corresponding holes in the axle and the sleeve. In this embodiment, access to the axle and the adjustment facility for the gearwheel are not located within the aforementioned housing. Access to the locking device is located in the area of ​​the start of the rotating elements. Depending on the design of the separating device, this provides easier access to the adjustment facility for the gearwheel.

[0045] A drive motor can be provided to drive the rotating elements. This drive motor is preferably coupled to the adjacent rotating element, in particular a shaft gear, by means of a drive wheel, in particular a gear wheel. The drive wheel can interact or mesh with a shaft gear, in particular, to transmit torque.

[0046] In an alternative, likewise preferred embodiment, the drive motor can be connected to at least one bearing pin of at least one rotary element, in particular engaging the bearing pin.

[0047] It is preferably provided to connect the drive to one of the gears if the gear is mounted on a shaft.

[0048] Both variants are possible in principle. However, it is particularly preferred that the drive motor be connected to one of the gears via a drive wheel.

[0049] By coupling the rotating elements to one another by means of the coupling means, a rotational movement can be transmitted to the coupling means and / or the rotating elements, which are connected to one another accordingly. A drive motor can thus preferably be used to drive all rotating elements.

[0050] Particularly preferably, the rotating elements are mounted on one side. A one-sided mounting allows one fraction to be separated via the open end areas of the rotating elements, which are not mounted on bearings. This ensures, in particular, a separation of the feed material into three fractions via the separating device.

[0051] Alternatively, the rotating elements can be mounted on both sides in a holder so that they can rotate.

[0052] The use of a single-sided or double-sided support depends on the intended use of the separation 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 rotation axes), and one in the direction of the rotation axes. Double-sided support can create high stability for the screen deck, enable the classification of feed material with a very high dead weight, and be reliably designed to withstand overload or excessive stress, thus reliably preventing machine failure.

[0053] Particularly preferably, the drive motor is designed such that it drives the rotating elements at a synchronous angular speed, which can preferably lead to a uniform separation of the individual components of the feed material during the separation process.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment of the inventive concept, the coils of immediately adjacent rotating elements interlock. In particular, it is provided that the radial distance from the coil outer edge to the shaft immediately adjacent to the coil outer edge is greater than 1 mm. In particular, the distance lies in a range between 2 and 30 mm. Accordingly, the distance between immediately adjacent shafts is determined by the web height of the coils and the distance from the coil outer edge 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.

[0055] Furthermore, the spiral pitch of the and in particular of all rotation elements is preferably at least substantially the same per 360°, so that a uniform spiral course of the spiral around the core tube can be ensured.

[0056] Particularly preferably, at least two directly adjacent rotational elements, in particular all rotational elements, have the same direction of rotation. Coupling the rotational elements to one another via the coupling means also ensures that the rotational elements have the same direction of rotation.

[0057] 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 intended use and the feed material. A curved screen deck is particularly suitable when the feed material is to remain above the screen deck for a longer period of time. A combination of a flat and curved screen deck can also be used, depending on the application and the process conditions.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for adjusting the screen gap in a device according to one of the aforementioned embodiments for at least one pair of rotating elements, in particular for all rotating elements.

[0059] In the method according to the invention, the screen gap or the passage width between adjacent rotating elements can be adjusted by changing the distance between adjacent turns of immediately adjacent spirals. Such adjustment can be achieved, in particular, by rotating the rotating elements relative to one another. In particular, the screen gap is adjusted between a pair of immediately adjacent rotating elements.

[0060] The method comprises the following steps, which are carried out in particular one after the other or in a temporally consecutive manner: A) bringing at least one coupling means, in particular all coupling means, out of engagement with the adjacent shaft gears of adjacent rotation elements; B) optionally: locking the coupling means, in particular all coupling means, in the uncoupled position; C) rotating at least one rotation element relative to the adjacent rotation element to adjust the desired distance between adjacent turns of adjacent spirals; D) coupling the at least one coupling means, in particular all coupling means, with the shaft gears of adjacent rotation elements to couple the direction of rotation of the adjacent rotation elements, in particular bringing them back into engagement with the shaft gears; E) optionally: locking and / or fixing the coupling means, in particular all coupling means, in the coupled position.

[0061] In connection with the method according to the invention, it is understood that reference can be made to the aforementioned statements regarding the separating device, which also apply equally to the method according to the invention. Furthermore, the statements regarding the method according to the invention can also apply equally to the separating device according to the invention, in particular without requiring further explicit mention.

[0062] The method according to the invention ensures that the screen gap can be adjusted in a comparatively simple manner, namely by loosening or disengaging the coupling agent.

[0063] In particular, the method is performed for all pairs of adjacent rotating elements, so that, in particular, adjustment of all distances between the rotating elements or adjustment of the screen 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.

[0064] In particular, it is provided that when adjusting the rotation elements, there is no rotational coupling to the immediately adjacent rotation elements, so that the rotation element can be moved relative to the coupling means, wherein a rotation or movement of the rotation element does not cause a movement or rotation of the coupling means.

[0065] The method according to the invention is characterized by the use of the device features described above or is designed to carry out the method with a separating device according to the invention according to one of the preferred embodiments described above.

[0066] 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 mode of operation.

[0067] With regard to advantages and / or preferred embodiments of the use according to the invention, reference may also be made to the above-mentioned statements on the separating device according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention, which may also apply to the use according to the invention in the same way.

[0068] Further features, advantages and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings and the drawings themselves. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, form the subject matter of the present invention, regardless of their summary in the claims and their reference back to them.

[0069] It shows: Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a separating device according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a screen deck according to the invention in a first state, Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the Fig. 2 shown screen deck in a second state with adjusted screen gap, Fig. 4 a schematic plan view of coupled rotation elements according to the invention, Fig. 5 a schematic rear view of coupled rotation elements according to the invention via coupling means according to the invention, Fig. 6 a schematic plan view of a rotation element according to the invention with a coupling means according to the invention coupled thereto, Fig. 7A a schematic detailed view of a bearing 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 detailed view of a storage of the coupling means according to the invention according to a second alternative, Fig. 9 a schematic cross-sectional view of a storage of the coupling means according to the invention according to the 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 detailed view of a bearing of the coupling means according to the invention according to a second alternative, Fig. 11B a schematic cross-sectional view of the Fig. 11A highlighted details, Fig. 12 a schematic sequence of a method according to the invention and Fig. 13 a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of a separating device according to the invention with a decoupled coupling element.

[0070] Fig. 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 garbage. The separation device 1 can be provided for sorting and / or classifying. The device 1 separates the feed material into at least two fractions, in particular into three fractions. Thus, one fraction can be separated below the rotating elements 2 forming a screen deck 14, namely by this fraction falling through the screen gap. A further fraction can be separated in particular in the conveying direction F of the rotating elements 2, wherein, if required, a further fraction can also be separated via the open, unsupported ends of the rotating elements 2.

[0071] As the Fig. 1 shows, the device 1 comprises a plurality of rotating elements 2 designed as screw flights. 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, via which a further separated fraction can be separated. The rotating element 2 according to the invention comprises a shaft 3, in particular a core tube, and at least one helix 4 extending spirally around the shaft 3, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0072] Adjacent rotation elements 2 mesh with their spirals 4. This also creates the screen gap, which is determined by the distance 13 between adjacent turns of adjacent spirals 4 of adjacent rotation elements 2. This distance 13, which ultimately determines the screen gap, is described in detail in the Fig. 2 und 3 shown and referenced in particular the smallest clear distance between immediately adjacent turns of adjacent coils 4. The Fig. 2 und 3 each show 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 passage width or modified spacing 13 (screen gap) can be produced. The respective setting or the set clear spacing 13 can be selected with regard to the respective feed material to be separated. Consequently, the Fig. 1 bis 3 three different clear distances 13, whereby adjustment to different positions is simplified by the present invention, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0073] For mounting the rotation elements 2, a holder can be provided in which the rotation elements 2 are mounted in particular rotatably, as is the case with Fig. 1 The holder can be arranged in a housing 11 or formed by the housing 11.

[0074] The Fig. 1 The rotation elements 2 shown form a flat screen deck 14. It is not shown in more detail that in further embodiments the rotation elements 2 can also form a curved screen deck 14.

[0075] In Fig. 1 It is shown that adjacent rotational elements 2 are each coupled to one another via a coupling means 5 for coupling the direction of rotation. A rotational coupling is to be understood in such a way that adjacent rotational elements 2 have the same direction of rotation and are rotatably coupled to one another, so that the movement of one rotational element 2 causes the rotation of the adjacent rotational element 2. The rotational coupling is also described in detail in Fig. 4 The coupling means 5 serve to transmit the rotational movement from one rotational element 2 to the immediately adjacent rotational element 2, which are coupled to one another via the coupling means 5.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, a coupling means 5 couples two directly adjacent rotation elements 2. The coupling means 5 are used in the illustrated and preferred embodiment for all rotation elements 2. Two coupling means 5 engage each of the central rotation elements 2 - i.e., those rotation elements that do not form the end rotation elements 2 of the screen deck - since the central rotation elements 2 are adjacent to a rotation element 2 on both sides. Only one coupling means 5 engages each of the end rotation elements 2, as Fig. 1 shows.

[0077] Fig. 5 shows a rear view of rotation elements 2 coupled to one another via coupling means 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling means 5 according to the invention has a gear 21 for meshing with a shaft gear 6 on the adjacent rotation elements 2.

[0078] Gears of the coupling means 5 as well as shaft gears 6 are to be understood broadly in the sense of the present invention and include both pure gears or shaft gears as well as gear rims or shaft gear rims.

[0079] For meshing with the gear 21 of the coupling means 5, exactly one single shaft gear 6 is provided on each rotation element 5 - unlike in the prior art, where two shaft gears are provided per rotation element 5.

[0080] The Fig. 5 shows that the shaft gear 6 is arranged coaxially to the shaft 3 - i.e. the shaft 3 and the shaft gear 6 have the same axis of rotation.

[0081] Furthermore, in further embodiments not shown, different rotation elements 2 can have different shaft gears 6. The coupling means 5 can also be designed differently for a device 1 as needed, in particular, they can have different gears.

[0082] However, it is particularly preferred that the shaft gears 6 and the gears of the coupling means 5 are each designed at least substantially identically for a device 1, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown.

[0083] Fig. 6 shows in detail that the coupling means 5 meshes with a gear 21 with the adjacent shaft gear 6 of the adjacent rotary element 2. "Combing" is to be understood as meaning that the teeth of the shaft gear 6 mesh or are toothed with the teeth of the gear of the coupling means 5, thus ensuring a transmission of the rotational movement from the rotary element 2 to the coupling means 5 or from the coupling means 5 to the immediately adjacent rotary element 2.

[0084] Fig. 1 shows that each coupling means 5 is engaged and coupled with at least two shaft gears 6 of immediately adjacent rotating elements 2, whereby this state can also be referred to as the engaged position. Accordingly, the gear 21 in the engaged position can form a gear transmission with the respective shaft gears 6 of immediately adjacent rotating elements. A gear transmission enables the low-wear transmission of rotary movements, particularly in slip-free operation.

[0085] Fig. 6 shows that a bearing pin 10 is provided on the end of the rotation element 2, wherein the Fig. 1 the bearing journals 10 for all rotation elements 2. Furthermore, the Fig. 1 and 6 It can be seen that only a single shaft gear 6 is provided on the bearing journal 10 per rotation element 2.

[0086] It is not shown in more detail that, as an alternative to the arrangement of the shaft gear 6 on the bearing journal 10, only one shaft tooth edge 6 is provided per rotation element 2 in the area of ​​the transition from the bearing journal 10 to the shaft 3.

[0087] Fig. 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 is also schematically shown in the Fig. 4 The vertical plane is obtained, in particular in the installed state, in relation to the orientation of a particularly horizontal screen deck 14, which 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 rotation axes of the rotation elements 2.

[0088] In summary, the Fig. 4 bis 6 It can be seen that the rotational axes 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 the coupling means 5 and the shaft gears 6.

[0089] Fig. 4 shows that the coupling means 5 has an axis 7 on which the gear 21 is rotatably mounted.

[0090] Not shown is that in a further, alternative embodiment, the coupling means 5 comprises 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.

[0091] Both the shaft of the coupling means 5 and the axis 7 can be designed as an elongated machine element or journal and preferably arranged at least partially in a housing 11 for arranging the bearing journals 10, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0092] 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 a disengaged position. The engaged position is ultimately assumed when the rotational direction coupling of immediately adjacent rotating elements 2 is present. To decouple the rotational direction of the adjacent rotating elements 2, the coupling means 5 must be manually moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

[0093] A decoupled coupling means 5 or the disengaged position is in the Fig. 13 shown schematically, where the Fig. 13 only schematically shows the decoupled coupling element 5 and the mounting of the coupling elements is not described in detail in Fig. 13 is shown.

[0094] In the disengaged position, in particular the coupling means 5 or the gear 21 of the coupling means 5 is no longer engaged and no longer coupled to the shaft gears 6 to be arranged on the gear 21 in the engaged position and thus there is no longer any rotational coupling of adjacent rotation elements 2.

[0095] According to the invention, the coupling means 5 can be transferred from the engaged position to the disengaged position in different ways, whereby a comparatively quick and easy change of positions can always be carried out by the provision of the gears according to the invention, which can be easily decoupled from the shaft gears 6.

[0096] This decoupled state or disengaged position can be used to adjust the screen gap or the distance 13 between immediately adjacent spirals 4. Adjustment is made possible by the fact that, due to the no longer existing rotational coupling, a rotating element 2 can be adjusted relative to the adjacent rotating element 2 without having to cause rotation of the adjacent rotating element 2. Such an adjustment of the screen gap would then have to be carried out for all rotating elements 2 for a screen deck 14. The rotating elements 2 are then adjusted stepwise or sequentially relative to one another to set the desired screen gap.

[0097] The coupling means 5 can be at least indirectly attached to a housing 11, as shown in Fig. 7A The housing 11 can also be provided for receiving the bearing pins 10 and / or for holding the rotation elements 2. The housing can have at least one end wall 15, as shown schematically in the Fig. 1 , but also in the Fig. 7A The end wall 15 can be arranged in the housing 11 or form the outside of the housing 11. The end wall 15 can ultimately be provided for supporting the coupling elements 5. A further end wall can be arranged in the housing 11 and also serve to support the rotating elements 2, such as the Fig. 7A shows.

[0098] The housing 11 can have an end wall 15 or several end walls designed as standing walls, as in Fig. 7A The end wall 15 can also be designed as a standing wall. In addition, the end wall 15 can be considered as part of the housing 11. By means of the further end wall, as shown in the Fig. 7A and 8For different embodiments of the device 1, bearing pins 10 can be guided and rotatably mounted therein. The further end wall can be arranged in particular inside the housing 11, so that the bearing pins 10 preferably do not protrude beyond the housing 11.

[0099] The bearing of the coupling elements 5 is based on the Fig. 1 bis 6 and the Fig. 13 not be shown in detail. With regard to different variants for the mounting of the coupling elements 5, reference may be made to the following explanations: The Fig. 7A bis 11B that the coupling means 5 is fastened to the end wall 15, in particular by means of a screw connection or a welded connection. In this context, various options for fastening the coupling means 5 to the end wall 15 are fundamentally possible, with three different variants of connecting the coupling means 5 to the end wall 15 being described below. However, it is understood that in addition to the variants or alternatives for arranging the coupling means 5 on the end wall 15 described below, further embodiments are also fundamentally possible and included in the invention.

[0100] A first variant or alternative is in Fig. 7A shown, in which a screw connection 16 serves to connect the coupling means 5 to the end wall 15. The Fig. 7B shows that in Fig. 7A highlighted detail in a cross-sectional view.

[0101] Another alternative is in the Fig. 8 bis 10 shown, where 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. 8 is only shown schematically, shows in detail. The Fig. 10 is the sectional view XX from Fig. 9 .

[0102] The third variant or alternative to the arrangement of the coupling means 5 on the end wall 15 is shown in the Fig. 11A shown. The Fig. 11B shows that in Fig. 11A highlighted detail in a cross-sectional view.

[0103] Fig. 7A shows that in the first alternative, the screw connection 16 has a screw 18 inserted through a through-hole 17 in the end wall 15 with a screw head 19 on the inner side 20 of the end wall 15, wherein the screw 18 is screwed into an internal thread of the axis 7. The internal thread is shown schematically in the Fig. 7B The inner side 20 can be opposite the outer side 22 and, in particular, can face the open end of the bearing pins 10. The end wall 15 can, as previously explained, be designed as a standing wall. Not shown is that in further embodiments, a lock nut can also be provided on the outer side 22 of the end wall 15 for the screw connection 16.

[0104] In the engaged position, the axis 7 strikes the end wall 15 and has a corresponding stop.

[0105] To move the gear 21, the screw head 19 can be actuated, in particular screwed on, preferably using a suitable tool. To do this, it is necessary to gain access to the inner side 20, which may require, for example, intervention into the interior of the housing 11. After loosening the screw head 19, pressure can be exerted on the screw head 19, which can ultimately push the axle 7 away from the end wall 15 and thus transfer the coupling means 5 or the gear 21 from the engaged to the disengaged position. In this context, it is advantageous if pressure can be exerted again on the screw head 19 to transfer the gear 21 to the disengaged position, but the screw head 19 remains arranged in the internal thread of the axle 7 and is thus securely connected to the axle 7.

[0106] In order to prevent the axle 7 from tilting too much when the screw 18 is loosened, the screw 18 is preferably arranged with as little play as possible in the through opening 17, so that the end wall 15 can support the axle 7 and the gear 21 even in the disengaged position and thus also specifies the direction of displacement for the gear 21.

[0107] To re-couple the coupling means 5, the screw head 19 can be pulled back towards the end wall 19 and the frictional connection can be ensured again by turning the screw 18, whereby the gear 21 can thus be brought back into engagement with the shaft gear 6.

[0108] Not shown is that the length of the screw 18 and the internal thread is designed such that the screw 18 engages the internal thread even when the gear 21 is disengaged. This is particularly important for the captive arrangement of the axle 7 when the coupling means 5 is in the disengaged position.

[0109] Another possibility for arranging the coupling agent is in Fig. 8 shown. Fig. 8 shows that the axle 7 is attached to the outer side 22 of the end wall 15, namely welded in the illustrated and preferred embodiment, which is explained in more detail in the Fig. 9 emerges.

[0110] Fig. 9 further shows that a displaceable sleeve 25 is mounted on the axle 7, wherein the gear 21 is rotatably mounted on the sleeve 25. Accordingly, the gear 21 is mounted indirectly via the sleeve 25 on the axle 7. Displacing the sleeve 25 can transfer the coupling means 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. Between the sleeve 25 and the gear 21, in particular, a bearing for rotatably supporting the gear 21 can be provided. The displacement possibility of the sleeve 25 and the gear is in the Fig. 9 schematically visualized by arrows.

[0111] For axial securing of the gear 21 on the sleeve 25, a particularly circumferential retaining ring 30 is provided, as shown in Fig. 9 is shown.

[0112] Actuation of the sleeve 25 to move it or to move the gear 21 can be achieved by external engagement on the outer side 22 of the end wall 15. This is advantageous because no access to the inner side 20 of the end wall 15 is required.

[0113] In addition, Fig. 10 , which is a sectional view along section XX of Fig. 9 a locking device 9 for locking the sleeve 25 on the axis 7 in the engaged position is shown. In the Fig. 10 In the embodiment shown, the locking device 9 has a plug 26, in particular a linch pin with a spring clip 27, for engaging in and passing through corresponding bores 28, 29 in the axis 7 and the sleeve 25. By actuating the plug 26, the sleeve 25 can be released. To do this, 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.

[0114] In Fig. 11A und Fig. 11B Finally, another preferred alternative for the attachment of the coupling agent 5 is shown. Fig. 11A that the screw connection 16 has a threaded pin 23 of the axis 7 inserted through a through-opening 17 in the end wall 15 and a further nut 24 on the inner side 20 of the end wall 15. Not shown is that in further embodiments a lock nut is provided on the outer side 22 of the end wall 15.

[0115] To move the gear 21, the additional nut 24 on the inner side 20 of the end wall 15 can be loosened, in particular by turning, preferably using a suitable tool. For this purpose, it is necessary to gain access to the inner side 20. By exerting pressure on the additional nut 24 or the threaded pin 23, after releasing or loosening the frictional connection between the threaded pin 23 and the additional nut 24, the gear 21 can be brought out of engagement with the shaft gears 6. In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the additional nut 24 is also connected to the threaded pin 23 and, in particular, is arranged thereon in a captive manner. However, the loosened frictional connection ensures that a displacement of the threaded pin 23 and, consequently, of the gear 21 relative to the end wall 15 can transfer the coupling means 5 from the engaged to the disengaged position.

[0116] Preferably, the threaded pin 23 is arranged in the through-hole 17 with as little play as possible. This allows tilting of the axle 7 during displacement of the axle 7 to be at least substantially prevented, wherein the end wall 15 can then be configured for mounting and for specifying the displacement path.

[0117] In Fig. 11B It is shown that the diameter of the threaded pin 23 is smaller than the diameter of the axis 7, whereby the axis 7 can strike the end wall 15 with a stop in the engagement position of the gear 21.

[0118] It is not shown that in further embodiments the diameter of the threaded pin 23 can also correspond to the outer diameter of the axis 7.

[0119] To transfer the coupling means 5 into the engaged position again, the further nut 24 can be pulled towards the inner side 20 and the further nut 24 can be actuated accordingly.

[0120] Not shown in detail is that the length of the threaded pin 23 is such that the additional nut 24 engages the threaded pin 23 even when the gear 21 is in the disengaged position. This serves to ensure the captive arrangement of the coupling means 5, in particular the gear 21, in the disengaged position.

[0121] 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 wheel, for transmitting the rotary movement to at least one shaft gear 6, as in Fig 1 can be seen. Thus, the rotary movement can be transmitted from the drive motor 12 to at least one adjacent rotary element 2. Not shown is that in further embodiments, the drive motor 12 can also be designed to transmit the rotary movement to at least one bearing pin 10 of at least one rotary element 2.

[0122] In the Fig. 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is provided that immediately adjacent rotation elements 2, in particular all rotation elements 2, have the same direction of rotation.

[0123] Fig. 12 shows schematically a sequence for a method for adjusting the screen gap in a device 1 according to one of the aforementioned embodiments for at least one pair of adjacent rotation elements 2. In Fig. 12 The process steps A to E are shown, which are carried out sequentially. Steps B and E are optional process steps that may be included, but do not have to be.

[0124] The sieve gap can be adjusted by changing the distance 13 between adjacent turns of adjacent spirals 4.

[0125] In method step A, it can be provided that at least one coupling means 5, in particular all coupling means 5, can be brought out of engagement with the adjacent shaft gears 6 of adjacent rotation elements 2.

[0126] In the optional method step B, the coupling means 5 can then be locked in the uncoupled position, in particular all coupling means 5.

[0127] Subsequently, in method step C, a rotation of at least one rotation element 2, in particular of all rotation elements 2, relative to the adjacent rotation element 2 can be carried out in order to adjust the desired distance 13 of adjacent turns of adjacent coils 4.

[0128] In the method step D to be carried out subsequently, the at least one coupling means 5, in particular all coupling means 5, can be coupled to the shaft gears 6 of adjacent rotation elements 2 for coupling the direction of rotation of the adjacent rotation elements 2, in particular can be brought into engagement again with the shaft gears 6.

[0129] In the optional method step E, locking and / or fixing of the coupling means 5 is provided, in particular in the coupled position.

[0130] The aforementioned method is carried out in particular for all pairs of adjacent rotating elements 2. Thus, the screen gap in a screen deck 14 can be adjusted to the desired size, particularly depending on the feed material. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0131] 1 Device 2 Rotation element 3 Shaft 4 Helix 5 Coupling means 6 Shaft gear 7 Axis 8 Rotation axis 9 Locking device 10 Bearing journal 11 Housing 12 Drive motor 13 Distance 14 Screen deck 15 End wall 16 Screw connection 17 Through hole 18 Screw 19 Screw head 20 Inside 21 Gear 22 Outside 23 Threaded pin 24 Additional nut 25 Sleeve 26 Plug 27 Spring clip 28 Bore 29 Bore 30 Retaining ring 31 Drive wheel FConveyor direction

Claims

1. Device (1) for separating feed material, with a plurality of rotatably mounted rotating elements (2) designed as screw flights, wherein a rotating element (2) has a shaft (3), in particular a core tube, and at least one helix (4) running spirally around the shaft (3), wherein immediately adjacent rotating elements (2) are each coupled to one another via a coupling means (5) for coupling the direction of rotation, characterized by that the coupling means (5) has a gear (21) for meshing with a respective shaft gear (6) on the immediately adjacent rotation elements (2).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gear (21) in the engagement position is engaged and / or coupled with the respective shaft gear (6) of immediately adjacent rotation elements (2) to form a gear transmission.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thata bearing journal (10) is provided at each end of the rotating elements (2) and that only one shaft gear (6) is provided on the bearing journal (10) or in the region of the transition from the bearing journal (10) to the shaft (3) per rotating element (2).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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 one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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 fastened.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe coupling means (5) is designed such that the gear (21) is adjustable between the engaged position and a disengaged position.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling means (5) is fastened to an end wall (15) of a housing (11) which at least partially accommodates the bearing pins (10) of the rotary elements (2), in particular by means of a screw connection (16) or a welded connection.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe screw connection (16) comprises a screw (18) inserted through a through-opening (17) in the end wall (15) with a screw head (19) on the inside (20) of 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 when the gear (20) is in the disengaged position.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screw connection (16) has a threaded pin (23) of the axle (7) inserted through a through-opening (17) in the end wall (15) and a further nut (24) on the inner side (20) of the end wall (15), in particular wherein the length of the threaded pin (23) is such that the further nut (24) engages the threaded pin (23) even when the gear (21) is in the disengaged position.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe axle (7) is fastened, in particular welded, to the outer side (22) of the end wall (15), in particular wherein a displaceable sleeve (25) is mounted on the axle (7), wherein the gear wheel (21) is rotatably mounted on the sleeve (25).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a locking device (9) is provided for locking the sleeve (25) on the axis (7) in the engaged position, in particular wherein the locking device (9) has a plug (26), in particular a linchpin plug with a 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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