Machine for separating sheet-like material from a loose material

Abstract

Machine (1 ) for separating sheet-like material from loose material, the machine comprising: - a front feeding opening (3), a first discharge opening (4), and a second rear discharge opening (5); - a movement system (6) structured to circulate a movement element (7) along its closed-loop development line (8) comprising an ascending front section (10) and a descending rear section (11 ); and - entanglement elements (9) fixed to the movement element (7) and protruding externally, wherein the movement system (6) comprises a sliding guide (12) arranged internally to the movement element (7) and structured for sliding contact of the movement element (7) along a sliding portion (13) of the closed-loop development line (8).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Machine for separating sheet-like material from a loose material

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a machine for separating sheet like material from a loose material, e.g. in the field of treatment of urban solid waste or similar.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Patent document EP2982447A1 describes a machine for separating sheet like material from a loose material, such as urban solid waste or the like. The machine separates sheet-like (or 2D) material from rolling or semi-rolling (or 3D) material coming from a continuous and / or discontinuous flow of loose material.

[0007] Summary of the invention

[0008] "Loose material" refers to a flowing mass (e.g., objects not reciprocally bound, except for occasional and random interlocks or adhesions) of solid and heterogeneous objects (e.g., objects of various shapes, sizes, and materials).

[0009] “Substantially horizontal / vertical' in relation to a machine element means that said element forms an angle of 0°+ / -15° with the horizontal / vertical direction, preferably 0°+ / - 10°.

[0010] The terms "horizontal," "vertical," "upper," "lower," "top," "ascending," "descending," and similar terms refer to the geographical vertical direction under normal installation conditions of the machine (where typically the machine has its sides arranged vertically, as shown in the attached figures).

[0011] The terms "ascending," "descending," "upstream," "downstream," and similar terms refer to the direction of circulation of the movement element.

[0012] The terms "internal," "external," and similar terms are understood in relation to the closed- loop development line.

[0013] The terms "front" and "rear" refer to the side (or portion) of the machine respectively proximal to and distal from the feeding opening.

[0014] The term "longitudinal" refers to the front-rear horizontal direction, and the term "transverse" refers to the horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The term "lateral" refers to the two vertical sides of the machine arranged on opposite transverse parts.

[0015] The terms "circle" and "circular" refer to a closed-loop line, not necessarily in the shape of a circle.

[0016] Any reference to the line of development of the movement element is meant to refer to a lateral view of that element, i.e. perpendicular to the transverse direction.

[0017] In the field of machines for separating sheet-like material from loose material, the Applicant has faced the problem of increasing productivity and limiting operational costs, e.g., due to cleaning operations (e.g., for the removal of trapped material) and / or maintenance operations and / or machine downtime and / or energy consumption, while ensuring the desired quality of material separation.

[0018] According to the Applicant, the aforementioned problem is solved by a machine according the attached claims and / or having one or more of the following features.

[0019] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a machine for separating sheet-like material from a loose material.

[0020] The machine comprises a structure comprising a front feeding opening (for feeding loose material), a first discharge opening, and a second rear discharge opening (for discharging sheet-like material).

[0021] The machine comprises a movement element having a closed-loop development line and a movement system structured to circulate said movement element along said closed- loop development line, said development line comprising an ascending front section and a descending rear section.

[0022] The machine comprises entaglement elements (rigidly) attached to said movement element and protruding externally with respect to said closed-loop development line.

[0023] Preferably, said movement system comprises a sliding (fixed) guide arranged internally with respect to said movement element and structured for said movement member contactingly sliding in correspondence to a sliding portion of said closed-loop development line.

[0024] The Applicant has discovered that the sliding-in-contact guide allows, along the sliding portion, an intimate contact between the movement element and the guide, preventing sheet-like material caught in, and dragged by, the entaglement elements from slipping underneath (i.e., internally to) the movement element, with the consequent risk of jamming (and the disadvantageous consequences in terms of decreased separation efficiency, increased motor effort, up to the possible machine jamming).

[0025] The aforementioned solution avoids, for instance, along the sliding portion wherein the sliding guide is developed, the use of transmission shafts with related transmission wheels to support and guide the movement element. This prevents the formation of free sections of the movement element between two consecutive wheels, where the sheetlike material could find space to slip internally to the movement element and jam in the downstream wheel.

[0026] The present invention in this way reduces the need for cleaning and / or restoration operations of the machine, as well as jams and related machine stoppages, while also avoiding potential degradation of separation capacity.

[0027] The present invention may present one or more of the following preferred characteristics: Preferably, said movement system comprises a motor.

[0028] Preferably, said movement system comprises one or more (more preferably one and only one) transmission shafts (each having a transverse rotation axis) mechanically engaged by said movement element along said development line, more preferably only at a bottom portion of said development line. Preferably, one (more preferably one and only one) of said one or more transmission shafts is mechanically coupled to said motor to receive a rotary motion (e.g., around said rotation axis) and transmit it to said movement element to circulate said movement element. The sliding guide allows the use of one or more transmission shafts (preferably only one) only at the bottom portion of the movement element's development line, in this way avoiding their presence in the upper portion, i.e. , in the dragging zone of the 2D material. In this way, especially in the case of a single transmission shaft, potential jamming points and / or the probability of jamming of the treated material are reduced.

[0029] Preferably, said movement element comprises (or is entirely made of) one or more chains and / or one or more belts.

[0030] Preferably, said movement element comprises a plurality (e.g., greater than or equal to four and / or less than or equal to twenty) of movement sub-elements, each having said closed-loop development line, parallel and aligned with each other (e.g., at a constant mutual transverse distance) with respect to a transverse direction. Preferably, each movement sub-element is a chain or a belt. In this way the desired separation efficiency is achieved.

[0031] Preferably, each of said one or more transmission shafts comprises one or more wheels (e.g., toothed) mechanically coupled to said movement element (e.g., each wheel of each transmission shaft is mechanically coupled to a respective movement sub-element).

[0032] Preferably, the machine comprises an air blower arranged internally relative to said movement element to blow air outwards, more preferably in a rear-upper position of said development line (e.g., in an upper portion of said descending rear section). This promotes the detachment of trapped 2D material and its fall towards the second discharge opening. Preferably, said air blower comprises a plurality (e.g., greater than or equal to two and / or less than or equal to five) of blower sub-elements mutually parallel and aligned with each other in a transverse direction. This facilitates their insertion into the internal cavity.

[0033] Preferably, said sliding portion develops, more preferably continuously, at least at an upper portion, preferably at a (whole) summit portion (e.g., as defined below), of the development line of the movement element. In this way the sliding along a critical gripping section of the 2D material is achieved.

[0034] Preferably, said sliding portion also develops at a substantial part of said ascending front section. In this way the sliding along substantially the entire gripping section of the 2D material is achieved.

[0035] Preferably, said sliding guide is made of polyamide (PA), more preferably aliphatic polyamide, even more preferably PA6 or PA66, e.g., nylon, ertalon, etc. In one embodiment, it is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), e.g., Teflon.

[0036] Preferably, a summit portion of said closed-loop development line is rounded with concavity facing internally. Preferably, said summit portion develops continuously at least from a front-upper end to a rear-upper end of said development line. Preferably, said summit portion develops continuously from an upper portion of said ascending front section to an upper portion of said descending rear section. Preferably, said summit portion has a minimum radius of curvature greater than or equal to 10 cm, more preferably greater than or equal to 20 cm. Preferably, said summit portion is an arc of a circle (preferably forming at least a semi-circle), more preferably having a radius greater than or equal to 10 cm, more preferably greater than or equal to 20 cm.

[0037] The rounded summit portion smooths the necessary changes in direction, in this way favoring the spreading of the dragged 2D material and facilitating its dragging, limiting its jamming in the movement system. In fact, the rounded shape prevents small radius curves, where the 2D material would tend, due to the tension it would be subject to, to push towards the movement element, resulting in increased dragging friction of the 2D material and the risk of jamming with the movement element. The Applicant has noted that the aforementioned shape characteristic(s) of the development line yield(s) the aforementioned technical effects regardless of the presence of the sliding guide. The Applicant has also noted that the sliding guide allows for wide versatility in designing and implementing the shape of the development line, thus operating synergistically with the shape characteristics of the latter.

[0038] Preferably, said closed-loop development line tapers moving from the summit portion towards a bottom portion. Preferably, said closed-loop development line has an inverted drop shape (e.g., with a symmetry axis vertical or rearwardly inclined). Preferably, said bottom portion is at said transmission shaft. Preferably, said bottom portion is rounded in shape, more preferably with a respective radius of curvature less than said minimum radius of curvature of the summit portion. Preferably, said bottom portion is arc-shaped, more preferably concentric to said transmission shaft. This facilitates the free fall of the sheet-like material towards the second discharge opening.

[0039] Preferably, said movement system comprises a support body positioned internally to said movement element to support said movement element. Preferably, said support body is rigidly fixed to, and supported by, said structure. Preferably, said sliding guide is fixed to, and supported by, said support body, and interposed between said support body and said movement element. This structurally simplifies the machine.

[0040] Preferably, said support body delimits a (single) internal cavity.

[0041] Preferably, said motor is housed in said internal cavity (preferably fixed to, and supported by, said support body). This reduces the encumbrance of the machine. Furthermore, since the motor does not protrude externally, it is possible to place two or more machines side by side in the transverse direction.

[0042] Preferably, said blower is housed in said internal cavity (preferably fixed to, and supported by, said support body). This reduces the encumbrance of the machine and facilitates the placement of two or more machines side by side in the transverse direction.

[0043] Preferably, said internal cavity has walls (belonging to said support body) substantially closed, except for at least one side face which is substantially open, preferably both side faces which are substantially open. The expressions "substantially closed" and "substantially open" are meant to refer to the ability to convey or not convey an airflow. For example, "substantially closed" does not exclude the possibility that the wall may have necessary through openings for the attachment of various elements and / or for the operation of various components, such as the tensioner and / or the air blower. For example, "substantially open" does not exclude the presence of a grid at the face. In this way, the air blower creates an airflow that enters the internal cavity at the side face(s) and exits through suitable openings in the support body, impacting the movement element. This forced airflow contributes advantageously to the cooling of the motor, if housed in the cavity.

[0044] Preferably, the machine comprises a grid at the side face(s) of the cavity. This allows for the aspiration of air from the external environment without introducing any volatile objects (e.g., non-dust-sized 2D material).

[0045] The Applicant notes that the aforementioned feature(s) regarding the internal cavity yield(s) the aforementioned technical effects regardless of the presence of the sliding guide.

[0046] Preferably, said support body is made of one or more appropriately shaped plate-like bodies. In this way, it allows for the simple and economical fabrication of the support body with the desired mechanical and fluid dynamic properties.

[0047] In one embodiment, each of said entanglement elements is a rod, preferably straight. In alternative embodiments, each of said entanglement elements comprises two (e.g., arranged in a V or II shape), three, or more, externally protruding tines.

[0048] Brief description of the figures

[0049] Figure 1 shows schematically and in perspective view a machine according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 shows schematically a side perspective view of the machine of Figure 1 , with some parts removed;

[0051] Figure 3 shows a lateral view of the machine of Figure 1 , with some parts removed;

[0052] Figure 4 shows a side perspective view of the movement system of the machine of Figure 1 , with some parts removed;

[0053] Figure 5 shows a perspective view, partial and partially exploded, of the movement system of Figure 4;

[0054] Figure 6 shows a further perspective view, partial and partially exploded, of the movement system of Figure 4;

[0055] Figure 6a shows an exploded detail of Figure 6;

[0056] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a cross-section of a lower portion of the movement system of Figure 4.

[0057] Detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention

[0058] The features and advantages of the present invention will be further elucidated by the following detailed description of some embodiments, presented for illustrative purposes and not limiting to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0059] In the figures with the number 1 , a machine for separating sheet-like material (or 2D) from loose material is indicated.

[0060] The machine comprises a structure 2, for example, made up of plate-like bodies and / or appropriate reinforcement bars (transverse in the example).

[0061] The machine comprises a front feeding opening 3 for the feeding of loose material. In the example shown, the machine includes a chute to guide the material to fall towards the feeding opening. In an alternative form, not shown, feeding can occur through so-called "scraping" by a material transport element positioned under the machine, as shown in Figure 2 of the mentioned document EP2982447A1 .

[0062] The machine can be installed in various configurations, as shown, for example, in the mentioned document EP2982447A1. Furthermore, the document EP2982447A1 shows and / or describes some constructional and / or operational details that may also apply to the present machine, to the extent that they are compatible here.

[0063] The machine comprises a first discharge opening 4 (which can be positioned either at the front, as shown in the figure, or at the rear) for discharging the material after the separation of the 2D material, and a second discharge opening 5 (rear) for discharging the 2D material.

[0064] The machine includes a movement element 7 having, in a side view, a closed-loop development line 8. In the side view of Figure 3, the development line 8 is indicated by a dashed line, for greater clarity, drawn slightly outside the actual development line of the movement element 7 (such development line being actually overlaid on the element 7). The machine includes entaglement elements 9 (solidly) fixed to the movement element 7 and protruding externally to the development line 8. In the example, each entaglement element 9 is a single straight rod, rigid and rigidly fixed to the element 7 (for example, by means of bolts passing through the movement element, as shown in Figures 6a and 7). In alternative forms, not shown, each entaglement element can bend, for example, as it is flexible and / or has one or more degrees of rotational freedom relative to the element 7.

[0065] The machine includes a movement system 6 structured to circulate (in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 3) the movement element 7 along the development line 8, which comprises an ascending front section 10 (at the feeding opening 3) and a descending rear section 11 (above the second discharge opening 5).

[0066] Preferably, the movement system 6 includes a fixed sliding guide 12 (e.g., made of ertalon), internally arranged within the movement element 7 and configured for contactingly sliding of the movement element 7 along a sliding portion 13 of the closed- loop development line 8 (in other words, the sliding guide 12 develops in correspondence with the sliding portion 13).

[0067] Exemplarily, the sliding portion 13 shown in Figure 3 extends substantially (with short interruptions of continuity) from the point indicated by the letter A to the point indicated by the letter B. More specifically, the sliding guide 12 is exemplarily constructed (see Fig. 6) from a first piece (e.g., entirely made of ertalon), almost entirely curvilinear (with the same shape as the corresponding development line 8) starting from a point (indicated by the letter C in the figure) approximately halfway along the ascending front section 10 and ending at a point on the descending rear section (indicated by the letter B) approximately longitudinally opposite point C, and from a second continuous, straight piece, which extends substantially along a lower portion of the ascending straight front section 10 (from point A to point D). In this way, the sliding portion 13 develops continuously in correspondence with an entire summit portion 19 (described below) and also in correspondence with substantially the entire straight ascending front section (except for a discontinuity to allow for the accommodation of the tensioner 35), i.e. , for substantially the entire section where the 2D material is dragged by the movement element 7.

[0068] Preferably, the movement system includes a motor 15.

[0069] Preferably, the movement system comprises one and only one transmission shaft 16 mechanically coupled to the motor 15 (e.g., through a belt or chain and pulley system, including belt tensioners 18) to receive rotary motion around a transverse axis.

[0070] Preferably, the movement element 7 comprises a plurality (in the example shown, thirteen) of movement sub-elements, each having the aforementioned closed-loop development line 8, parallel and aligned with each other in the transverse direction, with a constant transverse spacing. Preferably, each movement sub-element is a chain (as shown in the example) or a belt. In an alternative form not shown, the movement element is a single belt, like a single conveyor belt.

[0071] Preferably, the machine includes a tensioner 35 (in the example consisting of a tensioning unit for each movement sub-element) to maintain the movement element 7 at the desired tension. It is noted that the tensioner can contribute to realizing the aforementioned sliding guide.

[0072] Preferably, the transmission shaft 16 comprises a plurality of wheels 17 (in the example, toothed) mechanically coupled (e.g., at a bottom portion 22 of the development line 8) to the plurality of movement sub-elements for their circular movement.

[0073] Preferably, the machine includes an air blower 20 (in the example, consisting of three blower sub-elements aligned along the transverse direction) disposed internally relative to the movement element 7 to blow air outward, in a rear-upper position of the development line 8.

[0074] Preferably, the closed-loop development line 8 has an inverted drop shape (Fig.3). In the example shown, the symmetry line 21 of the drop is inclined posteriorly (it has a front- bottom / rear-upper direction). Alternatively, this symmetry line can be vertical or inclined frontward ly.

[0075] In this way, a summit portion 19 of the closed-loop development line (which in the example extends continuously from a front-upper end, indicated by the letter E, to a rearupper end, indicated by the letter B, of the development line, namely the portion of the development line 8 above the dashed line 36) is rounded with concavity facing inward. For example, the summit portion is a circular arc extending slightly more than a semicircle, with a radius of approximately 35 cm (this radius varying based on the overall dimensions of the machine).

[0076] Moreover, the closed-loop development line 8 tapers moving from the summit portion 19 towards a bottom portion 22. Preferably, the bottom portion 22 is also rounded with internal concavity, for example, it is a circular arc, concentric to the axis of rotation of the transmission shaft 16.

[0077] In alternative embodiments, not shown, the development line of the movement element 7 can be square, rectangular, or triangular (with rounded comers), preferably with the upper side rounded with concavity facing inward, or even in the form of an elongated straight loop (e.g., with equal and rounded upper and lower portions with internal concavity), inclined, or vertical.

[0078] Preferably, the movement system 6 comprises a support body 30 (exploded in Figure 5), fixed to the structure 2 and arranged internally to the movement element, wherein the sliding guide 12 is fixed to, and supported by, the support body 30 (see Fig. 7), and interposed between the support body 30 and the movement element 7.

[0079] Preferably, the support body 30 defines an internal cavity 31 , within which the motor 15 and the blower 20 are housed (both fixed to, and supported by, the support body 30).

[0080] Preferably, the support body 30 is made of suitably shaped plate-like bodies. Preferably, the internal cavity 31 has walls (defined by the plate-like bodies of the support body 30) that are substantially closed, except for both lateral faces, which are substantially open, with a ventilation grid 40 at the side faces (Figures 1 and 3). As visible in Figure 5, the support body features pass-through openings necessary for the attachment of various elements and / or for the functioning of various components, such as the tensioner and / or the air blower.

[0081] In operation, the loose material is fed into the feeding opening 3, where it encounters the entanglement elements that, moving upwards, entangle the 2D material and drag it up to the top of the descending rear section, where it falls into the discharge opening 5, possibly assisted by the airflow. Material that is not entangled falls into the discharge opening 4.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Machine (1 ) for separating sheet-like material from a loose material, the machine comprising:- a structure (2) comprising a front feeding opening (3), a first discharge opening (4) and a second rear discharge opening (5);- a movement element (7) having a closed-loop development line (8);- a movement system (6) structured to circulate said movement element (7) along said closed-loop development line (8), said development line comprising an ascending front section (10) and a descending rear section (11 ); and- entanglement elements (9) attached to said movement element (7) and protruding externally with respect to said closed-loop development line (8), wherein said movement system (6) comprises a sliding guide (12) arranged internally with respect to said movement element (7) and structured for said movement element (7) contactingly sliding in correspondence to a sliding portion (13) of said closed-loop development line (8).

2. Machine (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said movement system comprises a motor (15) and one or more transmission shafts (16) mechanically engaged by said movement element only at a bottom portion of said development line, wherein one of said one or more transmission shafts (16) is mechanically coupled to said motor (15) for receiving a rotary motion and for transmitting it to said movement element (7) for put said movement element into circulation.

3. Machine (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said movement element (7) comprises a plurality of movement sub-elements, each having said closed-loop development line (8), mutually parallel and aligned with respect to a transverse direction, wherein each movement sub-element is a chain or a belt, wherein said movement system (6) comprises one and only one transmission shaft (16) mechanically engaged by said movement element (7), and wherein said transmission shaft (16) comprises one or more wheels (17), each wheel being mechanically coupled to a respective movement subelement.

4. Machine (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an air blower (20) arranged internally in relation to said movement element (7) to blow air outwards, at a rear-upper position of said development line (8).

5. Machine (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sliding portion (13) develops at least at an upper portion and also at a substantial part of said ascending frontsection (10), said sliding guide being made of aliphatic polyamide (PA) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

6. Machine (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a summit portion (19) of said closed-loop development line (8) is rounded with an internally facing concavity, wherein said summit portion (19) develops continuously at least from one front-upper end (E) to a rear-upper end (B) of said development line, wherein said summit portion (19) has a minimum radius of curvature greater than or equal to 10 cm and wherein said summit portion (19) is an arc of a circle forming at least one semi-circle.

7. Machine (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said closed-loop development line (8) has an inverted drop shape, wherein said closed-loop development line (8) tapers moving from a summit portion (19) towards a bottom portion (22) and wherein said bottom portion (22) is rounded in shape and has a respective radius of curvature less than a minimum radius of curvature of the summit portion (19).

8. Machine (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said movement system (6) comprises a support body (30) rigidly fixed to, and supported by, said structure (2) and arranged internally with respect to said movement element (7) to support said movement element (7), said sliding guide (12) being fixed to, and supported by, said support body, and interposed between said support body (30) and said movement element (7), wherein said support body (30) delimits one and only one internal cavity (31 ) and wherein said support body (30) is made up of one or more suitably shaped plate-like bodies.

9. Machine (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein said motor (15) is housed in said internal cavity (31 ), said motor (15) being fixed to, and supported by, said supporting body (30).

10. Machine (1 ) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said blower (20) is housed in said internal cavity (31 ), said blower being fixed to, and supported by, said supporting body (30), wherein said internal cavity (31 ) has substantially closed walls, with the exception of two side faces which are substantially open, and wherein the machine (1 ) comprises a grid (40) at each side face of the internal cavity (31 ).

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