Straw block processing device

Abstract

Title: Straw Block Processing Device The invention relates to a device (100) for processing insulating straw blocks, comprising: - a frame (101) defining a passage (P) into which the straw blocks are intended to be inserted in a specific direction, the frame (101) having at least one processing face (210) of one face of the straw block contributing to defining the passage (P), the processing face (210) forming a bearing surface for the straw block; - leveling means comprising at least one leveling blade (301) in a plane extending through a window in the processing face (210). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for processing straw blocks technical field

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of solutions for the treatment of straw blocks.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a device for carrying out a treatment on blocks of straw. State of the art

[0003] In the field of thermal insulation with straw, the straw is conditioned by being compressed and tied, in a form adapted to the realization of thermal insulation with straw, that is to say in the form of small rectangular parallelepiped-shaped straw blocks.

[0004] This packaging is carried out using a baler.

[0005] Building professionals use these straw blocks in workshops or on construction sites. These professionals are currently mainly carpenters, but straw blocks can also be used in masonry, plastering, or rendering.

[0006] For these purposes, the straw blocks must be prepared to make them compatible with these different uses.

[0007] For example, in the context of direct plastering of straw, it is preferable that the straw blocks have a relatively rough surface condition in order to allow good adhesion of the plasters.

[0008] To create insulation within timber-framed panels, the studs, rails, and crossbeams are first assembled to form a frame. Then, a bracing panel, typically made of wood, is attached to one side of the frame. The panel is then turned over, and straw blocks are forced into the spaces defined by the frame and the bracing. A final bracing panel is then attached to the other side of the frame to close the spaces and keep the straw contained within the panel.

[0009] Before closing the timber-framed panel, it is necessary to work on the straw blocks inserted into the housings. Indeed, these straw blocks have a surface finish that is not perfectly flat, and some straw strands protrude from the plane delimited by the perimeter of the frame, onto which the last panel must be assembled.

[0010] The apparent surface of the straw blocks is then trimmed to flatten it, thus avoiding the impossibility of placing the last plate, or the deformation of this last plate following its assembly.

[0011] This operation is carried out directly at the panel assembly site, i.e. in carpentry workshops, or in insulated panel production factories.

[0012] This operation is carried out for example using a brush cutter, in particular of the type employing a blade or a wire set in rotation to carry out the cutting.

[0013] The user, who may be the craftsman working in the carpentry workshop or the aforementioned factory, must then equip themselves with personal protective equipment and a harness to support the brush cutter. This user then walks on the flattened panel, with the side showing the exposed straw blocks facing upwards, using the brush cutter to cut the straw strands that protrude above the plane delimited by the perimeter of the frame onto which the last panel is to be assembled.

[0014] This method of achieving insulation within timber frame panels involves an additional operation of rectification of the straw blocks inserted into the frame of the timber frame panel, carried out by the professionals assembling the timber frame panels, resulting in a loss of productivity, and produces waste and particulate pollution of the air at the location of production of the timber frame panel.

[0015] These disadvantages may tend to hinder the adoption of straw as an insulation solution for wood frame panels. Technical problem

[0016] The invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.

[0017] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a solution to avoid or limit the need for an additional rectification operation of straw blocks inserted into the frame of timber frame panels by professionals assembling these panels.

[0018] The invention also aims to provide such a solution to avoid or limit pollution by straw from the production sites of timber frame panels. Summary of the invention

[0019] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention, which relates to a device for processing insulation straw blocks, characterized in that it comprises: - a frame delimiting a passage in which the straw blocks are intended to be inserted according to a direction of treatment, the frame presenting at least one treatment side of one face of the straw block participating in delimiting the passage, the treatment side forming a support surface for the straw block; - means of leveling comprising at least one leveling blade in a plane in which the bearing surface extends, through a light provided in the treatment area.

[0020] Thanks to the device according to the invention, it is possible to produce insulation straw blocks having at least one face rectified by the leveling means.

[0021] These insulating straw blocks can then be used to insulate a timber-framed panel, avoiding the need for rectification at the panel assembly site. Indeed, when installing the straw blocks in the timber-framed panel, professionals must position them so that one or more of the rectified faces are aligned with the plane defined by the perimeter of the frame onto which the last panel is assembled.

[0022] In this way, the rectification operation is carried out at the straw block production site and not at the timber frame panel assembly site. Pollution at the timber frame panel assembly site is avoided. Furthermore, the work performed by professionals assembling the timber frame panels is simplified, which facilitates the adoption of straw as an insulation material.

[0023] Preferably, the leveling means include a counter-blade complementary to the leveling blade in the plane in which the bearing surface extends.

[0024] It has been observed that the shearing action of the trimmer blade(s) against the counter-blade optimizes the cutting of the straw strands.

[0025] Advantageously, the trimming blade is mounted to rotate about an axis that is fixed relative to the frame.

[0026] Such a design contributes to the proper cutting of the straw, while allowing the speed to be easily adjusted

[0027] According to a preferred feature, the trimming means comprise a cylinder having the or at least one of the trimming blades, the cylinder being mounted to rotate freely relative to the frame.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the leveling blade(s) are helical blades.

[0029] Tests have determined that helical type blades contribute to obtaining a good cutting of the straw.

[0030] With helical blades, performance is particularly optimal in combination with a counter-blade.

[0031] Preferably, the grinding means comprise a grinding unit that can be separated from the frame, the grinding unit having the cylinder or one of the cylinders and the counter-blade complementary to the grinding blade or blades of the cylinder.

[0032] It is possible to quickly replace a grinding unit for maintenance or following the discovery of a failure.

[0033] According to a preferred variant, the device includes means for defelting in the plane in which the support surface extends, through a light provided in the treatment pan, upstream of the leveling means according to the direction of treatment.

[0034] It has been observed that the action of dethatching means upstream of the leveling blade makes it possible to advantageously improve the action of the leveling blade, and thus the surface condition of the rectified face of the straw block.

[0035] According to an advantageous feature, the device comprises two parallel processing panels.

[0036] In this way, two opposite faces of the straw block are rectified, which makes it possible to ensure the thickness of the straw block and the perfect ability of the straw block to be inserted into a wood frame panel.

[0037] Preferably, the device includes means for sucking up straw strands cut by the trimming blade(s).

[0038] This helps to limit the fouling of the device by the cut straw strands, and to limit the pollution of the environment in which the device is used.

[0039] The invention also relates to an installation comprising: - a baler with an outlet for the discharge of tied blocks of straw; - a device according to any one of the preceding claims, positioned at the discharge outlet of the baler.

[0040] This configuration allows for the direct production of rectified straw blocks from a mass of loose straw.

[0041] An advantageous complementarity occurs between the baler and the treatment device, making it possible to rectify the fact that the progression of a block of straw in the treatment device requires pushing the block into the passage to counteract the action of the trimmer blade which may tend to push the block of straw back, and that the baler produces blocks of straw by pushing them out of the baler.

[0042] Consequently, the combination of the baler and the processing device produces a synergy through the production of a flow of straw blocks by the baler which continuously feeds the processing device, the straw blocks being pushed through the passage of the processing device by the flow of straw blocks. Brief description of the drawings

[0043] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of various preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the accompanying drawings, among which: - [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a schematic perspective representation of a device for processing insulation straw blocks according to the invention; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial schematic representation, front view of the treatment device; - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a partial schematic representation, according to a longitudinal section of the processing device according to the invention; - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation illustrating the operation of technical means of the treatment device allowing to rectify one face of a block of insulating straw. Detailed description

[0044] With reference to [Fig.1], a device 100 for processing insulation straw blocks is shown.

[0045] This treatment device 100 is designed to rectify at least one face of an insulation straw block.

[0046] An insulation straw block, not shown in the figures, has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, that is to say a right-angled cuboid shape.

[0047] The treatment device 100 includes a frame 101.

[0048] This frame 101 includes, among other things, a frame 102 intended to support various components of the device 100, and a base in this case formed by feet 103, and more specifically by four feet 103.

[0049] The frame 101 delimits a passage P into which the straw blocks are intended to be inserted.

[0050] This passage P has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0051] The passage P is delimited more specifically by four sides 200 presented by the building 101.

[0052] The frame 101 comprises, for example, plates, each forming partially or entirely these sections. One or more sections may also be formed by a plurality of aligned tubes, or by a combination of plates and tubes.

[0053] The passage P delimited by the 200 panels adopts a rectangular parallelepiped shape, i.e. a right-angled block, adapted to the shape of the insulation straw blocks.

[0054] As can be seen in figures 1 and 2, the frame 101 has the sides 200, of which: - an upper side 201; - a lower panel 202; - two side panels 203.

[0055] As detailed below, at least one face 200 presented by the frame 101 is a treatment face 210 of one face of the straw block.

[0056] This or these treatment panels 210 form a support surface for the insulation straw block.

[0057] An insulation straw block is intended to be inserted into the passage P, according to a treatment direction (illustrated by arrow F), to be treated there by the device 100, and more specifically so that the face or each face of the straw block in contact with a treatment panel 210 is rectified, as detailed below.

[0058] According to the present embodiment, the device 100 has two treatment sides 210, formed by the upper side 201 and by the lower side 202.

[0059] These two treatment sections 210 are parallel to each other.

[0060] According to other envisaged embodiments, the device 100 may have only one treatment panel 210, or three treatment panels 210, or even four treatment panels 210.

[0061] The insulation straw blocks must be inserted into the passage P through one open end of the passage P, and exit from the passage P through the other open end of the passage P.

[0062] According to one conceivable embodiment, the device 100 may also include means for guiding the straw blocks to facilitate their insertion into the passage P.

[0063] For example, these guiding means may take the form of rigid guides oriented so as to define a funnel extending and narrowing towards the open end of the passage P through which the straw blocks are introduced. The rigid guides may, in particular, be rails or plates.

[0064] With reference to [Fig. 1], the device 100 is designed to allow modification of the distance separating two panels 200.

[0065] More specifically, the device 100 allows the distance separating the upper panel 201 from the lower panel 202 to be modified. This is made possible by the frame 101 whose armature 102 is adjustable.

[0066] For this purpose, the frame 102 includes a main part carrying at least the lower panel 202, a bracket 110 carrying the upper panel 201, and means for adjusting the height of the bracket relative to the main part.

[0067] More specifically, the main part of the frame has at least one upright 120, and the bracket 110 has a sleeve 111 for the or each upright 120, in which the upright 120 of the main part can slide.

[0068] The amount 120 is in particular mounted in support on an intermediate support 121 presented by the frame 101.

[0069] The adjustment means have a lever 130 associated, for example, with an eccentric or a screw allowing the sleeve 111 to be fixed relative to the upright 120. Advantageously, the adjustment means may include a crank associated with a gear system to allow the height of the rider relative to the main part to be changed quickly and easily.

[0070] The rider 110 also includes an upper cross member 112, a lower cross member 113, and two longitudinal members 114 connecting the upper cross member 112 to the lower cross member 113. The upper panel 201 is attached to the lower cross member 113, and the sleeve 111 is attached to the lower cross member 113.

[0071] The upper panel 201 extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the upright 120 and the sleeve 111, in this way the sliding of the upright in the sleeve allows the distance separating the upper panel 201 from the lower panel 202 to be modified while keeping them opposite each other.

[0072] In order to rectify one face of a block of straw in contact with the treatment panel, the device 100 includes leveling means.

[0073] These leveling means include at least one leveling blade 301 in a plane in which the bearing surface extends, through a light provided in the treatment pan 210.

[0074] The light, referred to as rear light 211, has in particular a rectangular shape extending lengthwise over the entire width of the treatment panel 210.

[0075] According to the present embodiment, the device 100 comprising two treatment panels 210, then each treatment panel 210 has leveling means, and thus at least one leveling blade 301.

[0076] The following description of leveling means is made for one treatment panel 210, this description also applies to the other leveling means of the other or other treatment panels 210.

[0077] According to the present embodiment, and in particular with reference to figures 3 and 4, the trimming blade 301, or trimming blades 301 are mounted to rotate about an axis 303 mounted fixed relative to the frame 101.

[0078] According to the present embodiment, the leveling means comprise a plurality of leveling blades 301. With reference to [Fig.4], the leveling means comprise eight leveling blades 301.

[0079] More specifically, the grinding means comprise a cylinder 304 having the grinding blades 301, and this cylinder 304 (shown schematically in the figures) is mounted to rotate flexibly relative to the frame 101. The end 306 of the The 301 shaving blades describe the circumference of the cylinder 304 as illustrated in [Fig. 4].

[0080] In addition, the 301 trimmer blades are helical blades.

[0081] The multiple helical 301 trimming blades assembled together define a cylinder of revolution.

[0082] The cylinder 304 includes, for example, two end discs carrying the helical blades. The cylinder 304 may also include at least one intermediate disc coupled along the helical blades between the two end discs in order to stiffen the trimming blades 301.

[0083] According to one possible embodiment, the 301 trimmer blades could be straight blades.

[0084] As can be seen in [Fig.4], and according to the present embodiment, the leveling means also include a counter-blade 302 to the leveling blades 301 in the plane in which the bearing surface extends.

[0085] This counter-blade 302 is a straight blade.

[0086] The counter-blade 302 produces a shearing effect on straw strands in cooperation with the complementary trimming blade(s) 301.

[0087] As mentioned previously, the trimming blades 301 are mounted to rotate about an axis 303 fixed relative to the frame 101. This axis 303 corresponds to the axis of rotation around which the cylinder 304 rotates. When a counter-blade 302 is present, the counter-blade 302 is preferably oriented so that its cutting edge points in a direction opposite to the direction of processing, while the cylinder 304 rotates in a direction 307 in which the trimming blades 301 move in the same direction as the direction of processing near the bearing surface, to cut the straw against the counter-blade 302.

[0088] More generally, the leveling means include a rectification unit 305 that can be separated from the frame 101.

[0089] This grinding unit 305 has the cylinder 304 and the counter-blade 302 complementary to the grinding blades 301 of the cylinder 304.

[0090] The device 100 includes first means for fixing 601 of the grinding unit 305 on the frame 101. These first means for fixing 601 take, for example, the form of eccentric cam levers as illustrated in the figures.

[0091] The device 100 further includes first drive means 501 for setting the grinding means in motion. These first drive means 501 take the form of an electric motor and a drive mechanism for rotating the cylinder 304 of the grinding means.

[0092] According to the present embodiment, and as illustrated by figures 1 to 3, the device 100 also includes means for defelting.

[0093] The defelting is carried out in the plane in which the bearing surface extends, through a light provided in the treatment pan 210, and upstream of the leveling means, i.e. upstream of the rectification unit 305, according to the direction of treatment.

[0094] The light, referred to as the front light 212, notably has a rectangular shape extending lengthwise over the entire width of the treatment panel 210.

[0095] In other words, each treatment panel 210 has two transverse openings along the direction of treatment. Through the first opening, called the front opening 212, depending on the direction of treatment, dethatching means dethatch the surface of a straw block in contact with the support surface formed by the treatment panel 210. Through the second opening, called the rear opening 211, depending on the direction of treatment, the trimming blade(s) 301 trim the straw strands tending to extend beyond the flat surface formed by the face of the straw block.

[0096] The straw-felting means include claws designed to claw the surface of the straw block.

[0097] These claws correspond, for example, to rigid fingers. The claws can be made of metal.

[0098] These claws can be associated with one or more springs and mounted so as to be able to bend during defelting, and to tend to return to a resting position thanks to the springs.

[0099] The tines can also correspond to blades extending orthogonally to the direction of treatment of the straw blocks, and parallel to the bearing surface. These tines are then similar to those found on lawn scarification systems.

[0100] The defelting means also include a cylinder 401 carrying the claws, and mounted movable to rotate about an axis fixed relative to the frame 101. This axis extends orthogonally to the direction of processing of the straw blocks, and parallel to the bearing surface.

[0101] The technical effect of these dethatching means is comparable to that produced by lawn moss removers.

[0102] As with the leveling means, the dethatching means include a dethatching unit 402 that can be separated from the frame.

[0103] This defelting unit has the cylinder 401 equipped with the claws.

[0104] The device 100 includes second means for fixing 602 of the defelting unit 402 on the frame 101. These second means for fixing 602 take, for example, the form of eccentric cam levers as illustrated in the figures.

[0105] The device 100 also includes second motor means 502 for driving the defelting means into motion.

[0106] These second motor means 502 take the form of an electric motor and a drive mechanism enabling the cylinder 401 of the defelting means to be driven in rotation.

[0107] The drive means of the leveling means and the defelting means are advantageously separated from the grinding unit 305 and the defelting unit 402 by being directly coupled to the frame 101.

[0108] Thus, the removal of one of these units does not imply the removal of the associated motor means.

[0109] Although not shown, device 100 includes means for sucking up straw strands cut by the trimmer blades 301.

[0110] These suction means take the form of a fan associated with a duct having a suction mouth positioned near the leveling blades 301. The suction mouth can advantageously take the form of a housing surrounding at least partially the components coupled on the outside of a treatment panel 210.

[0111] As mentioned previously, the invention also relates to an installation.

[0112] This installation aims to produce rectified straw blocks from loose straw.

[0113] The installation includes for this purpose a baler and the device as previously described.

[0114] The baler is a well-known device designed to group strands of straw into a compact block and hold it together using strings, for example.

[0115] The baler makes it possible to produce tied blocks of straw, having a rectangular shape.

[0116] The baler has an outlet for discharging these tied straw blocks. The straw blocks exit the baler, pushed along by those produced subsequently, and are discharged through the outlet.

[0117] This evacuation outlet takes the form of a channel in which the straw blocks follow one another.

[0118] The treatment device is itself directly positioned at the discharge outlet of the baler, being attached to it directly or indirectly so that the straw blocks are pushed through the passage P.

[0119] Thus, it is not necessary to incorporate technical means specifically designed to advance the straw blocks through the treatment device 100.

[0120] The use of the installation and the treatment device 100 is described below.

[0121] The installation must be supplied with loose straw.

[0122] This loose straw is swallowed by the baler to be compressed and tied.

[0123] The baler is designed to condition loose straw into blocks of parallelepiped straws.

[0124] Upon exiting the baler, the straw blocks have strings running along one front face (the first face to exit the baler), the top and bottom faces, and one rear face (the last face to exit the baler) of the straw blocks. Each string thus extends in a plane perpendicular to the surface on which the straw blocks slide as they exit the baler, oriented along the longitudinal direction of the straw block.

[0125] The treatment device 100 is positioned directly at the evacuation outlet, in this way the produced straw blocks are pushed into the passage P of the treatment device 100.

[0126] The leveling means and the dethatching means are respectively set in motion by their motor means.

[0127] According to the present embodiment, the upper face and the lower face of each block of straw passing through the passage P are successively defelted by the defelting means, then rectified by the leveling means.

[0128] It should be noted that the strings of the straw blocks are not affected by the dethatching and leveling methods. Indeed, these strings are located below the apparent surface of the faces of the straw blocks, and are therefore not reached by these various technical means.

[0129] The installation and device described above make it possible to obtain rectified straw insulation blocks. These blocks have surface finishes on their rectified faces allowing for easier integration into timber-framed panels.

Claims

Demands

1. Installation comprising a baler having an outlet for evacuating tied straw blocks, characterized in that it comprises a device (100) for processing insulation straw blocks, the device (100) being positioned at the outlet of the baler, the processing device (100) comprising: - a frame (101) delimiting a passage (P) into which the straw blocks are intended to be inserted according to a processing direction, the frame (101) having at least one processing face (210) of a face of the straw block participating in delimiting the passage (P), the processing face (210) forming a support surface for the straw block; - leveling means comprising at least one leveling blade (301) in a plane in which the support surface extends, through a window provided in the processing face (210).

2. Installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the leveling means comprise a counter-blade (302) complementary to the leveling blade (301) in the plane in which the bearing surface extends.

3. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trimmer blade (301) is mounted movable to rotate about an axis (303) mounted fixed relative to the frame (101).

4. Installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the leveling means comprise a cylinder (304) having one or at least one of the leveling blades (301), the cylinder (304) being mounted movable in rotation relative to the frame (101).

5. Installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the trimming blade(s) (301) are helical blades.

6. Installation according to claim 2 and any one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the grinding means comprise a grinding unit (305) detachable from the frame (101), the grinding unit (305) having one or more of the cylinders (304) and the counter-blade (302) complementary to the grinding blade(s) (301) of the cylinder (304).

7. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises means for removing felt in the plane in which the bearing surface extends, at 13 through a light provided in the treatment pan (210), upstream of the leveling means according to the direction of treatment.

8. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises two processing panels (210) parallel to each other.

9. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device includes means for sucking up straw strands cut by the trimmer blade(s) (301).

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