System or machine for sorting objects with an aeraulic control device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1) for sorting objects (2) comprising, advantageously mounted in a casing (1'), a sorter (3) with a planar geometry and an aeraulic management system (4) controlling the circulation of air in the system (1), the system (1) being characterised in that it comprises an outlet box (10) from which the excess air is substantially discharged, by means of a suction operation, to the outside of the system without disturbing the flow of the unsorted or sorted objects (2), in that it comprises two mutually independent air circulation devices (13, 14), for example with turbines, one (13) of which ensures the injection of external air for generating a laminar air flow (LAF) and the other (14) of which ensures the excess air at the outlet box (10) is discharged, by means of a suction operation, to the outside of the system (1), and in that the air suction and discharge device (14) is adjusted or controlled according to at least the surface and the quantity of the sorted objects (2), and the possibility of air passing through the discharge outlets (12).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Installation or machine for sorting objects with an airflow control device

[0001] (The invention relates to the field of machines or installations for sorting objects or products, in particular objects or products of which at least a part is recyclable, the sorting typically being carried out according to the material. In this context, the invention relates to an installation or machine for sorting objects with an airflow control device.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to sorting installations or machines with planar geometry, preferably of the optical type, equipped with compressed air ejection systems (bar with pneumatic nozzles supplied by solenoid valves) installed at the end of a fast-moving conveyor (speed of 2 to 7 m / s), and controlled in relation to the classification results. A possible type of architecture of such a machine or installation is for example described in the applicant's patent document EP1243350A1.

[0003] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a known installation (1) for sorting objects (2) comprising, advantageously mounted in an envelope (T), a sorter (3) with planar geometry (sorting objects passing in a substantially single-layer manner on a plane) and an air management system (4) controlling the circulation of air in the installation (1).

[0004] The sorter (3), preferably of the optical type, comprises at least: - a conveyor (5) with a moving belt (5') on which the objects (2) to be sorted are arranged in a single layer, - a detection device (6) configured to inspect the objects (2) circulating on the conveyor (5) and classify them after analysis into at least two categories, -an air jet ejection device (7), located at the outlet end (5”) of the conveyor (5) and configured to selectively eject upwards the objects (2) detected as belonging to at least one of the classification categories and falling from said outlet end (5”), -at least one separating wall (8) arranged at a distance from the outlet end (5”) of the conveyor (5) and configured to separate at least one flow of freely falling objects (2) and one flow of ejected objects (2).

[0005] The aforementioned air management or control system (4) comprises at least: - a containment structure (9) extending above the conveyor (5) over a longitudinal part of the latter and forming with it a guide tunnel (9') into which a laminar air flow (FAL) is injected, circulating substantially at the same speed as the objects (2) to be sorted, - an outlet box (10), forming part of or mounted in the envelope (T) where appropriate, cooperating with the separation wall(s) (8) to constitute a compartment (11) for receiving the non-ejected objects (2) and at least one compartment (11') for receiving the ejected objects (2), these compartments (11, 11') having outlets (12) for evacuating the categorized objects (2) which have fallen there.

[0006] This installation also includes a unit (21) for commanding and monitoring the various aforementioned functional components, in accordance with dedicated programming and prior calibration.

[0007] Such a sorting installation is marketed by the applicant under the designation “Mistral + Connect Full Package” and the containment structure (9), associated with the air injection means and providing the tunnel seat of the laminar flow accompanying the flow of passing objects, is known under the designation “Turbosorter” by the applicant. It comprises an optical sorter particularly well suited to the sorting of light products (plastic films, paper / cardboard), for fractions of 40 to 400 mm.

[0008] The aforementioned laminar air flow, which is substantially isokinetic with the sorting belt, prevents light objects placed on this belt from slipping between their detection (generally at the tunnel exit) and their ejection at the end of the belt.

[0009] This additional laminar air flow (ALF) is, however, also the source of several disadvantages.

[0010] Thus, as the air flow leaves the tunnel, it undergoes decompression which can create turbulence in the detection zone. However, if the flow becomes turbulent in this zone, it cannot become laminar again (and therefore controlled and predictable) in the ejection zone.

[0011] In addition, the air flow from the tunnel may have difficulty evacuating from the outlet box or the machine casing, depending on the configuration of the low-lying outlets and the environments into which they open (not shown in Figure 1), which constitute the only paths for releasing excess air in the installation in Figure 1. If these outlets or the downstream passages are too narrow or too cluttered, or even become blocked, an overpressure air cushion is created in the outlet box, and light objects tend to fly above this cushion. Their fall trajectory is then unpredictable, even if they have been ejected, which greatly affects the quality of sorting. However, the design of the exit zones for sorted objects (downstream of the outlets) is generally not controlled by the installation manufacturer and there is therefore a risk that the aforementioned air cushion will form.

[0012] This risk is all the more significant when the speed of the sorting belt, and therefore that of the laminar air flow, is high. It is further aggravated when the ejection concerns a high percentage of the objects to be sorted, because the corresponding outlet, which also constitutes the main evacuation outlet for excess air (due to its position at the bottom of the outlet box), is then heavily clogged with these objects. It should be noted, however, that the flow of compressed air from the blowing solenoid valves is generally always negligible compared to the FAL accompanying the objects, even with a high proportion of ejected objects. It therefore contributes very little to the formation of a harmful air cushion in the box.

[0013] Furthermore, the presence of edges or sharp angles existing at different points on the trajectory of the air flow leaving the tunnel, particularly around the separation wall, is also a source of turbulence, associated with pressure losses.

[0014] Sorting installations are already known, corresponding substantially to the aforementioned type, in which an air control system with a closed air circuit is present, the air being recirculated between the ejection box and the sorting belt. by a turbine. However, these known systems have a complex structure, are very energy-intensive (significant pressure drop) and not very adaptable, since air suction and air injection are linked together.

[0015] The main aim of the present invention is to overcome, at least in part, the main drawbacks of known installations, in particular of the known installation mentioned in relation to Figure 1 and mentioned above, in particular by improving the air management in such an installation, and more particularly in the outlet box.

[0016] This aim is achieved for an installation described above by the fact that this installation is characterized in that the outlet box is subjected to an air suction to evacuate to the outside the excess air in the installation, substantially without disturbing the flows of the objects to be sorted or sorted, in that it comprises two mutually independent air circulation devices, for example turbines, one of which ensures the injection of outside air for the generation of the laminar air flow and the other of which ensures the suction and evacuation to the outside of the installation of the excess air at the outlet box, and in that the air suction and evacuation device is adjusted or controlled as a function at least of the surface area and the quantity of the sorted objects, as well as the possibilities of air passage at the evacuation outlets.

[0017] Thus, the invention proposes to achieve a positive and controlled suction of excess air, independently of the injected air and taking into account the current situation in terms of spontaneous air evacuation (in particular through the outlets) and the type and quantity of objects to be sorted. Thanks to the invention, it is thus possible in particular to increase sorting performance (by improving air circulation at the outlet box), while limiting energy consumption (by adapting the suction to actual needs).

[0018] Indeed, the inventors have noted that light and flat objects such as sheets of paper or plastic films have large surfaces that are almost perpendicular to the ejection axis. They therefore significantly disrupt the free circulation of air in the compartment(s) of the ejected objects, where they cause overpressures and pressure drops. This harmful effect is substantially proportional to the quantity of objects occupying this space at any given time. compartment. On the contrary, the surface of the non-ejected objects (i.e. not subjected to the air jets) is naturally aligned with the direction of their fall parabola under the effect of gravity, which extends beyond the end of the conveyor the flat trajectory that they had on the conveyor belt forming a sorting belt. This flow of non-blown objects is therefore little disturbed, and shows a high probability of remaining laminar and not creating overpressure. The overpressure on the side of the compartment(s) for the ejected objects then tends to push the ejected objects towards the compartment for the non-ejected objects, which degrades the quality of the sorting. To compensate for this effect, the invention proposes means for directing the laminar air flow preferentially towards the side of the ejected objects.

[0019] Furthermore, it has also been observed that if the outlets are not sufficiently sized and / or too cluttered to allow good air evacuation, for example due to too high a density of sorted objects (in one or other compartment), additional overpressures and turbulence appear, and make the trajectory of all the objects even more random.

[0020] In all cases, the evacuation to the outside of the excess air in the box, proposed by the invention, reduces these drawbacks, and more particularly on the side of the ejected objects.

[0021] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0022] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of the existing sorting installation, known to the applicant and mentioned above;

[0023] Fig. 2] is a schematic representation of an improved sorting installation according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0024] [Fig. 3] ;

[0025] [Fig. 4] ;

[0026] [Fig. 5] ;

[0027] [Fig. 6] and

[0028] [Fig. 7] are partial schematic representations of improved sorting installations in accordance with other embodiments of the invention (in Figures 2 to 7 the dotted arrows indicate the circulation of the majority component of the laminar air flow from the tunnel above the conveyor - the air exhaust flows through the outlets are not specifically shown).

[0029] Figure 2 and partially figures 3 to 7, illustrate an installation (1) for sorting objects (2) comprising, advantageously mounted in an envelope (T), a sorter (3) with planar geometry and an air management system (4) controlling the circulation of air in the installation (1).

[0030] The sorter (3) includes at least: - a conveyor (5) with a moving belt (5') on which the objects (2) to be sorted are arranged in a single layer, - a detection device (6) configured to inspect the objects (2) circulating on the conveyor (5) and classify them after analysis into at least two categories, -an air jet ejection device (7), located at the outlet end (5”) of the conveyor (5) and configured to selectively eject upwards the objects (2) detected as belonging to at least one of the classification categories and falling from said outlet end (5”), and -at least one separating wall (8) arranged at a distance from the outlet end (5”) of the conveyor (5) and configured to separate at least one flow (FOCL) of freely falling objects (2), on the one hand, and a flow (FOE) of ejected objects (2), on the other hand.

[0031] The air management system (4) includes at least: - a containment structure (9) extending above the conveyor (5) over a longitudinal part of the latter and forming with it a guide tunnel (9') into which a laminar air flow (FAL) is injected, circulating substantially at the same speed as the objects (2) to be sorted, and - an outlet box (10), forming part of or mounted in the envelope (T) where appropriate, cooperating with the separation wall(s) (8) to constitute a compartment (11) for receiving the non-ejected objects (2) and at least one compartment (11') for receiving the ejected objects (2), these compartments (11, 11') having respective outlets (12) for evacuating categorized objects (2) which have fallen there.

[0032] According to the invention, the outlet box (10) is subjected to air suction to evacuate excess air to the outside in the installation (1), substantially without disturbing the flows of the objects (2) to be sorted or sorted. In addition, said installation (1) comprises two mutually independent air circulation devices (13, 14), for example turbines, one of which (13) ensures the injection of outside air for the generation of the laminar air flow (FAL) and the other of which (14) ensures the suction and evacuation to the outside of the installation (1) of the excess air at the outlet box (10). The aforementioned air suction and evacuation device (14) is adjusted or controlled as a function at least of the quantity of air injected by the device (13), as well as the possibilities of air passage at the evacuation outlets (12).

[0033] Thanks to these provisions, the invention achieves the main aim set and in particular makes it possible to reduce, or even eliminate, the possible negative impacts that may result from overpressures and / or turbulences, for example on sorting performance (better reliability and repeatability of results), while limiting energy expenditure in relation to air circulation, with air suction that is completely independent (structurally, fluidically and functionally) from air injection. Furthermore, by making air suction and discharge adjustable according to varying needs and circumstances, it is in particular possible to guarantee an optimal aeraulic environment for sorting for variable running speeds, for example 3 m / s, 4.5 m / s or even 6 m / s.In terms of sizing and performance (flow rate) of the suction device with evacuation (14), it can advantageously be provided that these parameters are substantially equivalent to those of the device (13) for injecting external air for generating the laminar air flow (LAF). The sizes of the chutes / ducts and the powers of the turbines (or similar active suction members) of these two devices can thus be similar.

[0034] Although the suction device (14) is essentially described and shown herein in relation to an active air circulation means (turbine or the like), it may alternatively be envisaged that the air suction towards the outside is done passively, for example by venting to the open air by means of a evacuation structure generating a natural suction phenomenon, or by simple pressure difference.

[0035] In accordance with an advantageous characteristic of the invention, also beneficial for the aeraulics at the level of the ejection zone and physical sorting of the objects, and as shown in figures 2 to 5, the installation (1), and more specifically its system (4) for aeraulic management and control, comprises, at the level of the outlet box (10), an upper deflector wall (15) extending at least above the openings of the compartments (11, 1 T) and a curtain of strips (16) attached in the upper part to said upper deflector wall (15) and extending along a rear wall (10') of the outlet box (10) or of the compartment (11') receiving the ejected objects (2), opposite the corresponding separation wall (8).

[0036] Furthermore, the outlet box (10) comprises one or more air outlet openings (14') fluidically connected to the air suction and evacuation device (14) and located behind the upper deflector wall (15) and / or behind the strip curtain (16). The wall (15) may be perforated or openworked at its proximal end of the rear wall (10') of the box (10) and adjoining the curtain (16). At least one opening (14') is present in the rear wall (10') - figures 4 and 5 - or in the upper wall - figure 2 - of said outlet box (10). Alternatively, at least one opening (14') may be provided both in the rear wall and in the upper wall (figure 3), possibly being selectively closable.

[0037] According to a constructive characteristic improving the guidance of the air flow leaving the tunnel (9') and limiting its turbulent dispersion between the outlet of the latter and the rear wall of the box (10), the deflecting wall (15), of concave curved shape, extends up to above the outlet end (5”) of the conveyor (5) and in the extension of the containment structure (9), being separated from the latter by an inspection window (17) for the detection device (6). This characteristic is easily identifiable in the attached drawings by comparing figures 3 and 4 with figure 2. The aforementioned effect can be further increased by extending upwards the or each separating wall (8) in such a way that its upper edge is located above the conveying plane of the conveyor (5) (plane on which the passing objects rest). The improvement of the aeraulics in the box (10) can be further improved when at least one deflecting or diverting wing (22) as described below is present.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 to 5 (in particular by comparison with Figure 2), the curtain of strips (16), forming a flap, is arranged at a distance from the rear wall of the outlet box (10) or the compartment (11') receiving the ejected objects (2), at least in the upper part, so as to be located above and partially in the compartment (11') receiving the ejected objects (2), and thus to interfere with the trajectory of the majority of the ejected objects (2). By advancing the strips (16) and bringing them closer to the separation wall (8), they are moved into the trajectory of a greater number of ejected objects (2) - and not only those projected up to the rear wall of the box. Thus, the vast majority of them come into contact with these strips and see their horizontal speed cancelled and their trajectory interrupted. Due to their flexibility, the straps (16) stop horizontal movement by absorbing their kinetic energy.Due to this soft absorption, the objects (2), after coming into contact with these strips (16), slide downwards along them and do not tend to return backwards. Thus, ejection into the correct outlet (12) is better ensured.

[0039] Furthermore, by moving them away from the bottom of the box (10), the strips are less likely to be sucked near the opening (14') in the rear wall of the box (10), when the suction is carried out at least partially at this level.

[0040] According to two possible constructive variants, the strips (16) can either be freely hanging (figures 2, 3 and 5), or be secured at their lower ends to the rear wall (10') of the outlet box (10) or the compartment (11') receiving the ejected objects (2) (figure 4).

[0041] In the first case (Figures 2, 3, 5 and 7), the strips (16), together forming a flap, are long enough to constitute a barrier between the suction opening (14') and the rear or upper wall of the box to prevent ejected light objects from being sucked in at this level. Furthermore, their distance from said rear wall (10') may be such that the suction generated tends to cause the majority of the air present in the box (10) to bypass the strips (16) from below (see dotted arrow in Figure 3). This creates a draft in the compartment (11'), especially when the strips are tightened together and are located at an adequate distance from the rear wall, driving the ejected objects (2) towards the corresponding outlet. In practice, and preferably, these strips (16) are located sufficiently far from this wall so that the speed of the air rising towards the suction opening is low (the majority of the air heading towards the opening 14' passing through the perforated flap formed by the strips 16) and does not allow the entrainment of light objects, but also sufficiently close to it so as not to reduce too much the free section of the compartment for ejected objects.

[0042] When the suction is carried out only through the upper wall of the box (figure 2), it is not necessary to take into account the fact that the air flow bypasses the strips.

[0043] In the second case (figures 4 and 6), the strips (16), which are secured at their lower ends to the rear wall of the outlet box (10) or the compartment (11') receiving the ejected objects (2), are spaced apart from each other and constitute a curtain perforated by slot-shaped passages, and this perforated curtain is arranged in the outlet box (10) so as to be crossed by the internal air sucked in by the device (14) ensuring the suction and evacuation of said excess air.

[0044] The strip curtain (16), which forms an openwork flap to allow air to pass through and is fixed at the bottom, thus forms a puffy curtain overhanging the compartment (11'). The objects (2) come into contact with it (and therefore cannot cling to it due to the puffy shape), lose their kinetic energy and fall by gravity into the appropriate outlet (figure 4).

[0045] It is noted that in all the embodiments and variants described and shown, the air is sucked above the compartment (11') receiving the ejected objects (2), and preferably outside the trajectories of the latter.

[0046] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, and as shown in Figures 2 to 5, the sorter (3) of the installation is a sorter (3) of the binary type and the outlet box (10) of the installation (1) comprises a single separating wall (8) dividing between them a first compartment (11) for receiving the non-ejected objects (2) and a second compartment (11') for receiving the ejected objects (2).

[0047] Preferably, the separating wall (8) comprises at and along its upper edge (8'), advantageously provided with a motorized roller (8”) forming a separator and preferably located above the plane of the conveyor (5), a wing (18) inclined towards the first compartment (11) and arranged to deflect over said upper edge (8') a part of the laminar air flow (FAL) leaving the guide tunnel (9').

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, particularly in comparison with Figure 2, the air flow leaving the tunnel (9') is first deflected upwards by the wing (18) and, after passing the upper edge (8'), flows into the compartment (11') at relative depression along the wall (8). This air path ensures better targeted ejection of light objects and thus their delivery to the appropriate compartment (11'). In fact, they are less likely to flutter and fall randomly on one side or the other of the dividing wall (8).

[0049] In order to further improve the aeraulics, and to reduce possible overpressures and / or turbulences at the outlet box (10), while limiting energy expenditure, in particular by making it possible to reduce the activity of the air circulation device (14) which ensures suction and evacuation to the outside, the installation (1) can comprise, as shown in figures 6 and 7, at least one deflecting wing (22) arranged and configured to direct the laminar air flow (FAL) leaving the guide tunnel (9') at least partially, preferably at least half, towards the outlet (12) associated with the compartment (11) for receiving the non-ejected objects (2) (FOCL flow).

[0050] This wing (22) thus makes it possible, in the presence of an injected laminar air flow, to limit the possible negative impacts which could result from overpressures and / or turbulences, for example on sorting performance (better reliability and repeatability of results), while limiting energy expenditure.

[0051] The outlet box (10) is further provided, at least in the lower and / or rear part, and in particular at the outlets (12) and / or the rear wall (1') of said box (10) located opposite the outlet (5”) of the conveyor (5), with one or more opening(s) (14') for evacuating air at atmospheric pressure, sufficient to limit or substantially avoid overpressure in said box (10) and the formation of an air cushion in the outlets (12). For satisfactory operation of the installation over time, the configuration, sizing and arrangement of these openings, in particular the one(s) (13) at the first outlet (12) and possibly the one(s) (14') in the rear part of the box, must be designed so that these openings are not or are only slightly obstructed during operation by the sorted objects exiting through said outlets. Where appropriate, clearance means, advantageously automatic, may be provided for this purpose (scraper, blower, etc.).

[0052] Indeed, by diverting the majority of the air flow (FAL) leaving the guide tunnel (9') towards the first outlet (12) in the direction of the flow, which of course has one or more openings (13) towards the outside of sufficient and clear section, the wing (22) makes it possible both i) to suppress the propagation of this flow further into the outlet box (10) where it is likely to create turbulence (for example by rebounding on walls), ii) to avoid the formation of excess pressure in the box, and to eliminate the cushion effects which may result therefrom, and iii) to limit or avoid blockages at the level of the separation wall(s) (8), by limiting the quantity of objects landing on its upper edge (8'), while not disturbing the positive action of said flow (FAL) at the level of the conveyor.In particular, it is possible to guarantee an optimized airflow environment for sorting for variable scroll speeds, for example 3 m / s, 4.5 m / s or 6 m / s.

[0053] The deflecting wing (22), which is only shown schematically in the figures, is defined more precisely below as a favorable, non-limiting construction.

[0054] According to a very constructively favorable embodiment, it can be provided that the deflecting wing (22) is located after the exit of the tunnel (9') for guiding the laminar air flow (FAL), preferably in the extension and at a distance from the upper wall of the confinement structure (9) in the direction of the laminar air flow (FAL), and extends transversely to this direction, so as to be impacted by a higher fraction of said flow (FAL), after its ejection from said tunnel (9'). Thus, it influences the direction of propagation of said laminar flow in the box by bending it downwards, but without forming an obstacle likely to block its propagation.

[0055] Advantageously, the deflecting wing (22) is arranged between the outlet end (5”) of the conveyor (5) and a front edge of the upper deflecting wall (15), at a distance from the outlet of the guide tunnel (9'). Thus, the inspection window of the detection device (6) is not affected by the presence of this wing.

[0056] Preferably, the deflecting wing (22) is mounted substantially at the inlet of the outlet box (10) and has a configuration, dimensioning and arrangement (in particular position and inclination) such that the upper fraction of the laminar air flow (FAL) which impacts it represents approximately between 15% and 35%, preferably between 20% and 30%, by volume of said air flow (FAL), and that the part of said air flow (FAL) deflected towards the outlet (12) associated with the compartment (11) for receiving the non-ejected objects (2) (FOCL flow), or first outlet, flows substantially along the separating wall (8). This downward flow direction of this deflected fraction, obtained after passage of the wing (18), can in particular be achieved by a suitable inclination of the deflecting wing (22).

[0057] Thus, by positioning the deflecting wing (22) in such a way that it only interferes with a limited upper zone of the extension of the passage of the tunnel (9'), it only acts on a higher fraction of the air flow (FAL) leaving the guide tunnel (9'), sufficient to effectively deflect it at least in part, preferably at least half, into the first compartment / outlet, but without however constituting a disturbing obstacle for said flow, or even a cause of creation of turbulence (disturbance of the laminar flow).

[0058] Preferably, the deflecting wing (22) is configured and positioned in such a way that substantially a majority portion of the laminar air flow (FAL) exiting the tunnel (9') is positively directed towards the first outlet (12), associated with the negative outlet (without ejection) and adjacent to the outlet of the conveyor (5). As a result, the air cushion effects will be eliminated at the other outlet(s) and the flow(s) of ejected objects (FOE) is / are no longer disturbed, and follows a purely ballistic trajectory.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6 and according to a favorable construction characteristic, making it possible to avoid a possible malfunction due to a blockage of a high object (2) at the level of the deflecting wing (22), the latter can be mounted with the ability to retract upwards, preferably by positive lifting, under the action of an object (2) passing and coming into contact with it when it passes under said wing (22).

[0060] In accordance with a preferred variant, illustrated schematically in Figure 6, the deflecting wing (22) is pivotally mounted around an axis (AP) arranged in a plane parallel to the conveying plane and arranged perpendicular to the direction of movement of the objects (2), said axis (AP) being located at a distance from the plane of the conveyor (5) at least equal to the height of the tunnel (9') and advantageously extending along one of the longitudinal edges of the deflecting wing (22).

[0061] This wing (22) can thus pivot between a low position in which it fulfills its function of diverting at least part of the laminar flow towards the first outlet, and a more or less raised position depending on the size of the tall object (2) which lifts it by passing under it. The authorized lifting is at least sufficient so that the wing (14) can be arranged entirely in the plane parallel to the plane of the conveyor and including the axis (AP). Stops are advantageously provided to define the extreme pivoting positions, respectively low (current functional position in the absence of an interfering object) and high (only one high stop 22' is shown in Figure 6). The return to the low position of the wing (22) can result from the action of gravity alone, or possibly be the result of the combined action of gravity and a return means, for example elastic.

[0062] In accordance with a possible characteristic of the invention, the wing (22) can, depending on the sorting applications targeted, be adjusted on site in vertical position and angularly in order to precisely regulate and direct the laminar flow in the box (10) and thus control its effects and adapt it to the different configurations and variants of the installation (type of object to be sorted, binary sorting, ternary sorting). Said wing (22) is preferably rectangular in shape (elongated belt), flat and extends transversely over the entire width of the conveyor belt (5').

[0063] The configuration and arrangement of this wing (22) - length, width, profile / shape, inclination around the axis (AP), height positioning - are advantageously adapted to the type and size of the installation (1), to the application on site and to the desired aeraulic effects, possibly being partly at less adjustable. They can also be determined in such a way as to create a depression effect in the outlet or each of the outlets for the ejected objects.

[0064] The combination of the aforementioned wall (15) and wing (22) makes it possible to reduce the turbulent dispersion of the air flow leaving the tunnel at the window (17) and in the outlet box (10) and to guide the majority component of this flow towards the outlet closest to the outlet of the conveyor and the minority component towards the outlet or outlets further away. It can of course be envisaged to be able to move this wall (15) and / or this wing (22), in rotation and / or in translation, to modify their position and / or inclination, and thus to be able to controllably modify the circulations of the air flows in the box, and for example to adapt the aeraulic configurations prevailing in the latter to the types of products to be sorted, to the remaining turbulence and / or to the circumstances of evacuation of the air to the outside.

[0065] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, and in particular in the presence of at least one deflector wing (22), it may advantageously be provided that the outlet box (10) comprises only one or more air outlet openings (14') located behind the curtain of strips (16) and present in the rear wall (10') of said box (10). This results in a simpler and more favorable construction in terms of aeraulics and sorting performance.

[0066] In accordance with another advantageous characteristic of the invention, emerging from Figure 5, compatible with the aforementioned characteristics and variants and beneficial in relation to maintenance at the outlet box (10), the upper deflector wall (15) constitutes the upper closing wall or roof of the outlet box (10) and is mounted to move, in translation or pivoting, between a lowered working position and a raised maintenance position (see the arrow illustrating the pivoting movement of this wall at its front end).

[0067] In addition, the volume of the outlet box (10) has, in the raised position of the deflecting wall (15), sufficient clear space to allow access by an operator, preferably in a standing position, into the compartment (11') of receiving the ejected objects (2), for example through a door (19) mounted in a side wall of said box (10).

[0068] Furthermore, and as also shown in Figure 5, at least one of the compartments (11, 11'), among the compartment (11) for receiving the non-ejected objects (2) and the compartment (11') for receiving the ejected objects (2), is preferably equipped with a respective platform (20, 20') for an operator, this or these platform(s) (20, 20') being mounted movably between a retracted position of non-use and a deployed position of use, the movement from one position to the other being carried out by sliding or tilting.

[0069] As illustrated in Figure 5, a first platform (20) can be mounted with the ability to move in translation between a storage position under the conveyor (5) and a deployed position in the compartment (11) for receiving non-ejected objects. A second platform (20') can be mounted with the ability to pivot on the rear wall (10') of the outlet box (10), and thus be moved between a raised storage position (against said wall) and a lowered position in which it extends into the compartment (11') for receiving ejected objects (see the arrows in Figure 5).

[0070] To carry out the change of configuration of the installation (between work and maintenance) in a safe manner, it can comprise a controlled actuator, for example a hydraulic or electric cylinder, ensuring the controlled movement of the upper deflector wall (15) between its lowered working position and its raised maintenance position, this actuator (not shown) also ensuring a simultaneous and synchronous movement at least of the platform (20') associated with the compartment (11') for receiving the ejected objects (2), between its retracted position and its deployed position (see the arrows indicating the translation and rotation movements in figure 5).

[0071] In the present invention, the invention is shown in the attached figures and essentially described in relation to a binary sorting installation, i.e. with an outlet for ejected objects (subjected to the action of an air jet) and an outlet for non-ejected objects (not subjected to the action of an air jet and which fall freely when leaving the conveyor). However, a person skilled in the art can easily, with his general knowledge, transpose the improvements of the invention to a ternary sorting installation, i.e. with two ejected outlets by adapting the air jet ejection device (7) (implementation of two different types of jets) and the outlet box (10) (presence of two separating walls and three receiving compartments, namely an additional receiving compartment for ejected objects, located between the two receiving compartments described and shown).

[0072] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Installation (1) for sorting objects (2) comprising, advantageously mounted in an envelope (T), a sorter (3) with planar geometry and an air management system (4) controlling the circulation of air in the installation (1), the sorter (3) comprising at least: - a conveyor (5) with a moving belt (5') on which the objects (2) to be sorted are arranged in a single layer, - a detection device (6) configured to inspect the objects (2) circulating on the conveyor (5) and classify them after analysis into at least two categories, -an air jet ejection device (7), located at the outlet end (5”) of the conveyor (5) and configured to selectively eject upwards the objects (2) detected as belonging to at least one of the classification categories and falling from said outlet end (5”), -at least one separating wall (8) arranged at a distance from the outlet end (5”) of the conveyor (5) and configured to separate at least one flow (FOCL) of freely falling objects (2) and one flow (FOE) of ejected objects (2), and the air management system (4) comprising at least: - a containment structure (9) extending above the conveyor (5) over a longitudinal part of the latter and forming with it a guide tunnel (9') into which a laminar air flow (FAL) is injected, circulating substantially at the same speed as the objects (2) to be sorted, - an outlet box (10), forming part of or mounted in the envelope (T) where appropriate, cooperating with the separation wall(s) (8) to constitute a compartment (11) for receiving the non-ejected objects (2) and at least one compartment (11') for receiving the ejected objects (2), these compartments (11, 11') having respective outlets (12) for evacuating the categorized objects (2) which have fallen therein, installation (1) characterized in that the outlet box (10) is subjected to an air suction to evacuate to the outside the excess air in the installation (1), substantially without disturbing the flows of the objects (2) to be sorted or sorted, in that it comprises two air circulation devices (13, 14) mutually independent, for example with turbines, one of which (13) ensures the injection of outside air for the generation of the laminar air flow (FAL) and the other of which (14) ensures the suction and evacuation to the outside of the installation (1) of the excess air at the outlet box (10), and in that the air suction and evacuation device (14) is adjusted or controlled as a function at least of the surface area and quantity of the sorted objects (2), as well as the possibilities of air passage at the evacuation outlets (12).

2. Installation (1) for sorting objects according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, at the outlet box (10), an upper deflector wall (15) extending at least above the openings of the compartments (11, 1 T) and a curtain of strips (16) attached in the upper part to said upper deflector wall (15) and extending along a rear wall of the outlet box (10) or of the compartment (11') receiving the ejected objects (2), opposite the corresponding separation wall (8), the outlet box (10) comprising one or more air outlet openings (14') fluidically connected to the air suction and evacuation device (14) and located behind the upper deflector wall (15) and / or behind the curtain of strips (16). [Claim s] Installation (1) for sorting objects according to claim 2, characterized in that the deflecting wall (15), of concave curved shape, extends above the outlet end (5”) of the conveyor (5) and in the extension of the containment structure (9), being separated from the latter by an inspection window (17) for the detection device (6).

4. Installation (1) for sorting objects according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the curtain of strips (16) is arranged at a distance from the rear wall of the outlet box (10) or the compartment (11') receiving the ejected objects (2), at least in the upper part, so as to be located above and partially in the compartment (11') for receiving the corresponding ejected objects (2), and thus to interfere with the trajectory of the majority of the ejected objects (2), the strips (16) being either freely hanging or secured at their lower ends to the rear wall of the outlet box (10) or the compartment (11') receiving the ejected objects (2). [Claim s] Installation (1) for sorting objects according to claim 4, characterized in that the strips (16), secured at their lower ends to the rear wall of the outlet box (10) or the compartment (11') receiving the ejected objects (2), are spaced apart from each other and constitute a curtain perforated by slot-shaped passages, and in that this perforated curtain is arranged in the outlet box (10) so as to be crossed by the excess air sucked in by the device (14) ensuring the suction and evacuation of said excess air.

6. Installation (1) for sorting objects according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a sorter (3) of binary type and a single separating wall (8) dividing between them a first compartment (11) for receiving the non-ejected objects (2) and a second compartment (11 ') for receiving the ejected objects (2), this separating wall (8) comprising at and along its upper edge (8'), advantageously provided with a motorized roller (8”) forming a separator and preferably located above the plane of the conveyor (5), a wing (18) inclined towards the first compartment (11) and arranged to deflect over said upper edge (8') a part of the laminar air flow (FAL) leaving the guide tunnel (9').

7. Installation (1) for sorting objects according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the upper deflector wall (15) constitutes the upper closing wall or roof of the outlet box (10) and is mounted to move, in translation or pivoting, between a lowered working position and a raised maintenance position, the volume of the outlet box (10) having, in the raised position of the deflector wall (15), sufficient clear space to allow access by an operator, preferably in a standing position, into the compartment (11 ') for receiving the ejected objects (2), for example through a door (19) mounted in a side wall of said box (10).

8. Installation (1) for sorting objects according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the compartments (11, 11'), among the compartment (11) for receiving non-ejected objects (2) and the compartment (11') for receiving ejected objects (2), is equipped with a respective platform (20, 20') for an operator, this or these platform(s) (20, 20') being mounted movably between a retracted position of non-use and a deployed position of use, the movement from one position to the other being carried out by sliding or tilting.

9. Installation (1) for sorting objects according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that it comprises a controlled actuator, for example a hydraulic or electric cylinder, ensuring the controlled movement of the upper deflector wall (15) between its lowered working position and its raised maintenance position, this actuator also ensuring a simultaneous and synchronous movement at least of the platform (20') associated with the compartment (11') for receiving the ejected objects (2), between its retracted position and its deployed position.

10. Installation (1) for sorting objects according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises at least one deflecting wing (22) arranged and configured to direct the laminar air flow (FAL) leaving the guide tunnel (9') at least partially, preferably at least half, towards the outlet (12) associated with the compartment (11) for receiving the non-ejected objects (2). [Claim 1 1] Installation (1) for sorting objects according to claim 10, characterized in that the deflecting wing (22) is located after the exit from the tunnel (9') for guiding the laminar air flow (FAL), preferably in the extension and at a distance from the upper wall of the confinement structure (9) in the direction of the laminar air flow (FAL), and extends transversely to this direction, so as to be impacted by a higher fraction of said flow (FAL), after its ejection from said tunnel (9').

12. Installation (1) for sorting objects according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the deflecting wing (22) is mounted substantially at the level of the inlet of the outlet box (10) and has a configuration, dimensioning and arrangement such that the upper fraction of the laminar air flow (FAL) which impacts it represents approximately between 15% to 35%, preferably between 20% and 30%, by volume of said air flow (FAL) ejected from the tunnel (9'), and that the part of said air flow (FAL) deflected towards the outlet (12) associated with the compartment (11) for receiving the non-ejected objects (2), or first outlet, flows substantially along the separating wall (8).

13. Installation (1) for sorting objects according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the deflecting wing (22) is mounted with the ability to retract upwards, preferably by positive lifting, under the action of an object (2) passing and coming into contact with it when it passes under said wing (22).

14. Installation (1) for sorting objects according to claim 4, characterized in that the deflecting wing (22) is pivotally mounted around an axis (AP) arranged in a plane parallel to the plane of the conveyor (5) and arranged perpendicular to the direction of movement of the objects (2), said axis (AP) being located at a distance from the plane of the conveyor (5) at least equal to the height of the tunnel (9') and advantageously extending along one of the longitudinal edges of the deflecting wing (22).

15. Installation (1) for sorting objects according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the outlet box (10) comprises only one or more air outlet openings (14') located behind the curtain of strips (16) and present in the rear wall (10') of said box (10).

Images