Distribution machine, distribution and separation facility, and distribution method

Abstract

To smoothly perform distribution and prevent a raw material from being caught.SOLUTION: A distribution machine comprises a path formation member, a first conveyor, and a second conveyor. The path formation member forms a drop path of a raw material. The first conveyor has a conveyance surface which is driven to convey the raw material, and is disposed so that the conveyance surface partly blocks the drop path. The second conveyor is disposed at a position below the first conveyor, in order to convey a raw material having dropped by not being placed on the conveyance surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the distribution of raw materials, such as waste plastics. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a distribution chute that distributes waste. Waste falls continuously from a conveyor into the distribution chute. The lower part of the distribution chute is divided into two, forming a two-way outlet. A distribution plate is placed at the branching point. By changing the orientation of the distribution plate, the distribution destination of the waste can be switched. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 58-173632 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Waste plastics often contain long, flexible pieces. When trying to distribute waste plastics using the distribution chute of Patent Document 1, the waste plastics sometimes get caught on the apex (in other words, the protrusion) of the branching part and pile up, causing clogging.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to smoothly distribute ingredients regardless of their shapes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and the effects thereof will be described.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a distributor having the following configuration. That is, the distributor includes a path forming member, a first conveyor, and a second conveyor. The path forming member forms a fall path for the raw materials. The first conveyor has a transport surface that is driven to carry out the raw materials, and is disposed so that the transport surface partially blocks the fall path. The second conveyor is disposed at a lower position than the first conveyor, and carries out raw materials that have fallen without being placed on the transport surface.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the following method for distributing raw materials. That is, the raw materials are dropped along a drop path. The raw materials are dropped onto a conveying surface of a first conveyor arranged so as to partially block an intermediate portion of the drop path, and the raw materials placed on the conveying surface are carried out by driving the conveying surface. The raw materials that are not placed on the conveying surface of the first conveyor and that have fallen are carried out by driving a second conveyor arranged at a lower position than the first conveyor.

[0009] This allows the raw materials to be distributed to the two conveyors based on whether or not they land on the transport surface of the first conveyor. Since there is no part that protrudes toward the upstream side (i.e., upward) of the falling path, it is possible to prevent the raw materials from getting caught on the path, realizing smooth distribution. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, ingredients can be prevented from getting stuck and distributed smoothly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a waste plastic crushing and sorting facility equipped with a distributor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of automatic control of the distribution ratio of a distributor. [Diagram 5]4 is a flowchart illustrating automatic control of a distribution ratio. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Next, the disclosed embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a waste plastic crushing and sorting facility 1 equipped with a distributor 13 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the distributor 13.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a part of a waste plastic crushing and sorting facility (distribution and sorting facility) 1. The waste plastic crushing and sorting facility 1 crushes the waste plastic brought to the crushing and sorting plant, sorts and removes foreign matter, and then compresses and packs it. The reduced-volume plastic resources are shipped from the plant, for example, in bales wrapped in plastic wrap, and are used as a heat source for boilers, etc.

[0014] The waste plastic crushing and sorting equipment 1 includes a coarse crusher 11, a sorting machine 12, a distributor 13, sorters 14a and 14b, a fine crusher 15, and a compression and packing machine 16. Of these devices, the configurations of the coarse crusher 11, the sorting machine 12, the first sorters 14a and 14b, the fine crusher 15, and the compression and packing machine 16 are publicly known, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0015] Waste plastic brought into the plant is crushed to an appropriate particle size by a coarse crusher 11. The waste plastic chunks crushed by the coarse crusher 11 are sent to a sorting machine 12 by a conveyer (not shown), where foreign objects such as iron are removed.

[0016] The waste plastic from which metals have been removed to a certain extent in the sorter 12 is sent to the distributor 13 by the distribution carry-in conveyor 51 and branched into two routes. One of the branched routes for the waste plastic corresponds to the first distribution carry-out conveyor 61, and the other corresponds to the second distribution carry-out conveyor 62. The first distribution carry-out conveyor 61 is connected to the first sorter (first device) 14a, and the second distribution carry-out conveyor 62 is connected to the second sorter (second device) 14b.

[0017] The first sorter 14a and the second sorter 14b can separate appropriate foreign matter, such as vinyl chloride and metals, from waste plastics. Since the first sorter 14a and the second sorter 14b have substantially the same configuration, the configuration of the first sorter 14a will be described below as a representative.

[0018] The first sorter 14a includes a sorting conveyor 71, a camera 72, and a compressed air nozzle 73. The camera 72 can photograph the waste plastic being transported by the sorting conveyor 71. The camera 72 is electrically connected to a computer (not shown). The computer can determine whether or not the object being transported on the sorting conveyor 71 is a foreign object such as polyvinyl chloride by performing image recognition on the image data acquired from the camera 72.

[0019] Plastics made of polyvinyl chloride have special characteristics in terms of appearance compared to non-polyvinyl chloride plastics. Similarly, metals also have special characteristics in terms of appearance. The computer of the first sorter 14a uses this property to identify foreign objects contained in waste plastics by image recognition. However, the method of identifying foreign objects in the first sorter 14a is arbitrary, and for example, it may be identified using an infrared camera such as a near-infrared camera.

[0020] The compressed air nozzle 73 is electrically connected to a computer. The computer can control the injection / stop of compressed air. Any object determined to be a foreign object by the computer during transport by the sorting conveyor 71 is blown away by selectively injecting air from the compressed air nozzle 73. The foreign object blown away by the compressed air is transported to another location and stored.

[0021] Among the foreign objects, for example, chlorine-containing plastics release chlorine when burned, and turn into clinker together with alkali metals and ash, which leads to corrosion of boiler equipment, etc. In the waste plastic crushing and sorting equipment 1, plastic lumps made of polyvinyl chloride are removed as foreign objects in the first sorter 14a and the second sorter 14b, making it possible to provide a high-quality combustion agent to the shipping destination.

[0022] In this embodiment, two sorters 14a, 14b are arranged in parallel in one waste plastic crushing and sorting facility 1, and waste plastic is sent to the two sorters 14a, 14b while being distributed by a distributor 13, and sorting processing is performed simultaneously in parallel. Even if the processing capacity of the sorter 14a is lower than that of the upstream rough crusher 11, for example, by using the two sorters 14a, 14b, it is possible to avoid bottlenecks and efficiently utilize the processing capacity of the entire facility.

[0023] The plastic chunks from which the vinyl chloride has been removed in the two sorters 14a, 14b join together on the downstream transport conveyor 81 and are then sent to the fine crusher 15 for further fine crushing. The plastic chunks are then sent to the compression packing machine 16 for packing and shipping as high-density sorted bales.

[0024] Next, the detailed configuration of the distributor 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the distributor 13 includes a hollow guide (path forming member) 21, a distribution carry-in conveyor 51, a first distribution carry-out conveyor (first conveyor) 61, a second distribution carry-out conveyor (second conveyor) 62, and an adjustment plate (adjustment member) 22.

[0026] The hollow guide 21 is a generally vertically elongated hollow member. Inside the hollow guide 21, a drop path 21a for waste plastics is formed from top to bottom.

[0027] An entrance opening 31 is formed at the upper end of the hollow guide 21. The downstream end of the aforementioned distribution entrance conveyor 51 is connected to the entrance opening 31. The distribution entrance conveyor 51 can continuously carry waste plastic chunks (raw material) into the hollow guide 21.

[0028] A first discharge opening 36 is formed in the vertical midway portion of the hollow guide 21. The first discharge opening 36 is connected to the upstream end of a first distribution / discharge conveyor 61. The first distribution / discharge conveyor 61 can continuously discharge the plastic blocks from the hollow guide 21.

[0029] A second discharge opening 37 is formed at the lower end of the hollow guide 21. The upstream end of a second distribution / discharge conveyor 62 is connected to the second discharge opening 37. The second distribution / discharge conveyor 62 can continuously discharge the plastic blocks from the hollow guide 21.

[0030] A part of the upper end of the first distribution conveyor 61 is inserted into the internal space of the hollow guide 21 through the first discharge opening 36. The first distribution conveyor 61 is disposed in the middle of the drop path 21a formed in the hollow guide 21. In this embodiment, the first distribution conveyor 61 is a belt conveyor having an endless belt. The conveying surface 61S, which is the upper surface of the endless belt, is disposed so as to block only a part of the cross-sectional area of ​​the drop path 21a formed inside the hollow guide 21. In other words, the conveying surface 61S is disposed so as to block only a part of the area through which the drop trajectory of the waste plastic chunk can pass. The waste plastic chunk can pass through the gap 21g, which is the part not blocked by the first distribution conveyor 61.

[0031] Therefore, part of the waste plastic lumps fed from the distribution carry-in conveyor 51 to the carry-in opening 31 is placed on the conveying surface 61S of the first distribution carry-out conveyor 61 and discharged from the first discharge opening 36. The remaining waste plastic lumps fall from the gap 21g and are discharged from the second discharge opening 37 on the conveying surface of the second distribution carry-out conveyor 62. In other words, part of the waste plastic lumps falling from the distribution carry-in conveyor 51 transfers to the first distribution carry-out conveyor 61, and the remainder transfers to the second distribution carry-out conveyor 62. In this way, the waste plastic lumps are distributed to the two conveyors 61, 62.

[0032] The adjustment plate 22 is attached immediately above the first discharge opening 36. A rotation shaft 22a is fixed to the upper end of the adjustment plate 22, and this rotation shaft 22a is supported by the hollow guide 21 so as to be rotatable.

[0033] A motor (changing mechanism) 22b is connected to the rotating shaft 22a. By driving this motor 22b, the posture of the adjusting plate 22 can be changed between a retracted posture where the adjusting plate 22 does not enter the internal space of the hollow guide 21 and a guiding posture where the adjusting plate 22 advances into the internal space of the hollow guide 21 and guides the falling position of the waste plastic mass to be close to the gap 21g. Instead of the motor 22b, a handle or the like for manually changing the posture of the adjusting plate 22 may be provided as the changing mechanism.

[0034] In this embodiment, the posture of the adjustment plate 22 can be changed steplessly. The closer the posture of the adjustment plate 22 is to horizontal, the less likely it is that the waste plastic chunks falling from above will land on the conveying surface 61S. Therefore, by changing the inclination angle of the adjustment plate 22 in the guiding posture, it is possible to adjust which of the first distribution conveyor 61 and the second distribution conveyor 62 will be dominant as the distribution destination of the waste plastic chunks.

[0035] In the following description, the ratio at which the waste plastic mass is distributed between the first distribution / export conveyor 61 and the second distribution / export conveyor 62 may be simply referred to as the distribution ratio. It is also possible to change the configuration so that the posture of the adjustment plate 22 is changed stepwise. In this case, the distribution ratio is selected from a plurality of predetermined ratios.

[0036] The waste plastic lumps supplied to the distributor 13 are crushed by the coarse crusher 11 and contain long, soft pieces. If distribution were to be achieved using an inverted V-shaped distributor that divides the path of the waste plastic lumps, the long waste plastic lumps would get caught on the distributor, causing clogging of the path, etc.

[0037] In this embodiment, without using a distribution member that protrudes toward the upstream side of the route, the waste plastic chunks are distributed to the two conveyors 61, 62 based on whether or not they land on the conveying surface 61S of the first distribution / conveyor 61. This prevents the waste plastic chunks from getting caught, reducing the maintenance work.

[0038] Only the widthwise central portion of the upstream end of the first distribution / conveyor 61 is inserted inside the hollow guide 21. In other words, both widthwise ends of the endless belt 61b constituting the first distribution / conveyor 61 are located outside the hollow guide 21. Similarly, both axial ends of the roller 61r around which the endless belt 61b is wound are located outside the hollow guide 21. This makes it possible to prevent the waste plastic chunks falling inside the hollow guide 21 from being pinched between the endless belt 61b and the roller 61r.

[0039] 2, the adjustment plate 22 can be omitted. In this case, the distribution ratio of the waste plastic chunks is substantially constant, but a simple configuration can be realized.

[0040] As described above, the distributor 13 of this embodiment includes the hollow guide 21, the first distribution / conveyor 61, and the second distribution / conveyor 62. The hollow guide 21 forms the fall path 21a for the waste plastic lumps. The first distribution / conveyor 61 has a transport surface 61S that is driven to transport the waste plastic lumps, and is disposed so that the transport surface 61S partially blocks the fall path 21a. The second distribution / conveyor 62 is disposed at a lower position than the first distribution / conveyor 61. The second distribution / conveyor 62 transports the waste plastic lumps that have fallen without being placed on the transport surface 61S.

[0041] This allows the waste plastic chunks to be distributed to the two conveyors 61, 62 based on whether or not they land on the transport surface 61S of the first distribution / conveyor 61. Since there is no part that protrudes toward the upstream side (i.e., upward) of the drop path 21a, it is possible to prevent the waste plastic chunks from getting caught on the path, realizing smooth distribution.

[0042] The distributor 13 of this embodiment is equipped with a motor 22b that can change the position in a plan view at the time when the waste plastic lump falls to the height of the conveying surface 61S.

[0043] This makes it possible to change the distribution ratio of the waste plastic blocks between the first distribution / carry-out conveyor 61 and the second distribution / carry-out conveyor 62.

[0044] The distributor 13 of this embodiment includes a plate-shaped adjustment plate 22 that is disposed at a position higher than the conveying surface 61S. The motor 22b can change the angle of the adjustment plate 22.

[0045] This makes it possible to change the distribution ratio of the waste plastic chunks with a simple configuration.

[0046] The waste plastic crushing and sorting equipment 1 of this embodiment includes a distributor 13, a first sorting machine 14a, and a second sorting machine 14b. The first sorting machine 14a sorts the waste plastic chunks transported by the first distribution and carrying-out conveyor 61. The second sorting machine 14b sorts the waste plastic chunks transported by the second distribution and carrying-out conveyor 62.

[0047] As a result, the processing load is shared by the two sorters 14a, 14b, and the processing capacity of the entire waste plastic crushing and sorting equipment 1 can be increased.

[0048] Although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows. A single modification may be made, or multiple modifications may be made in any combination.

[0049] In the case where the adjustment plate 22 is omitted, an extension mechanism capable of extending and retracting the first distribution / ejection conveyor 61 in the conveying direction may be provided. By changing the upstream end position of the first distribution / ejection conveyor 61 in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 2, the proportion of the conveying surface 61S blocking the drop path 21a of the hollow guide 21 can be changed, and the distribution ratio can be changed. Slack in the endless belt 61b caused by extending and retracting the first distribution / ejection conveyor 61 can be prevented by a known configuration such as a tension roller. Instead of extending and retracting the first distribution / ejection conveyor 61, the upstream end position of the first distribution / ejection conveyor 61 can also be changed by moving the entire first distribution / ejection conveyor 61 in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 2 in a horizontal plane.

[0050] Instead of changing the posture of the adjustment plate 22, for example, the position of the downstream end of the distribution carry-in conveyor 51 may be changed in the direction of the arrow A in Fig. 2. With this configuration, the position of the waste plastic block in a plan view at the time when it falls to the height of the conveying surface 61S can be changed.

[0051] 3, the distributor 13 may be provided with a moving mechanism for moving the entire first distribution / conveyor 61 in the direction of the arrow B (i.e., the width direction of the endless belt 61b) in a horizontal plane. In this configuration, the moving mechanism functions as a changing mechanism for changing the proportion of the drop path 21a of the hollow guide 21 that is blocked by the transport surface 61S.

[0052] The change in the distribution ratio by the adjustment plate 22 may be combined with the change in the distribution ratio by the expansion and contraction in the transport direction of the first distribution / export conveyor 61, movement in a horizontal plane, etc. For example, a control may be considered in which the distribution ratio is normally adjusted by the adjustment plate 22, and when the target distribution ratio is outside the range adjustable by the adjustment plate 22, the distribution ratio is adjusted by the expansion and contraction in the transport direction of the first distribution / export conveyor 61, movement in a horizontal plane, etc.

[0053] A monitoring computer may be provided to monitor the processing loads of the two sorters 14a, 14b. For example, if there is a bias in the loads of the two sorters 14a, 14b, the monitoring computer changes the distribution ratio (for example, the inclination angle of the adjustment plate 22) to correct the bias. The processing loads of the respective sorters 14a, 14b can be obtained, for example, by a known conveyor scale installed on the sorting conveyor 71.

[0054] This configuration will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In each of the two sorters 14a and 14b, a conveyor scale 74 is provided on the sorting conveyor 71.

[0055] The monitoring computer 90 includes a processing load acquisition unit 91 , a load ratio calculation unit 92 , and a distribution control unit 93 .

[0056] The monitoring computer (control device) 90 is configured as a known computer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. A distribution control program is stored in an appropriate storage unit (e.g., ROM) equipped in the monitoring computer 90. The cooperation of these hardware and software allows the monitoring computer 90 to function as a processing load acquisition unit 91, a load ratio calculation unit 92, a distribution control unit 93, etc.

[0057] The amount of waste plastic sent from the distributor 13 to the two sorters 14a and 14b varies depending on the situation. The monitoring computer 90 is electrically connected to each of the two conveyor scales 74. Furthermore, the monitoring computer 90 is electrically connected to the motor 22b shown in FIG.

[0058] The processing load acquisition unit 91 repeatedly acquires the weighing results of each conveyor scale 74, for example, at intervals of several seconds. The weighing results can be considered to substantially represent the current processing load of each sorter 14a, 14b. The method of acquiring the processing load is not limited, and for example, the processing load can be obtained based on the area ratio of the transported objects in an image of the transport surface of the sorting conveyor 71 captured by the camera 72.

[0059] The load ratio calculation unit 92 calculates the load ratios of the sorters 14a and 14b based on the magnitude of the processing loads of the two sorters 14a and 14b acquired by the processing load acquisition unit 91. The load ratio can be obtained, for example, by dividing each weighing result by the sum of the two weighing results.

[0060] The distribution control unit 93 compares the current load ratio calculated by the load ratio calculation unit 92 with a predetermined load ratio. Hereinafter, the predetermined load ratio may be referred to as a target load ratio. The target load ratio is set in advance in the monitoring computer 90. The target load ratio may be, for example, 50%:50%, but it may also be set unequal taking into account the difference in capacity between the sorters 14a, 14b.

[0061] If the current load ratio of the first sorter 14a is smaller than the target range that is centered on a predetermined load ratio and that allows for an appropriate margin of error, the distribution control unit 93 controls the motor 22b to reduce the inclination angle of the adjustment plate 22. As a result, the amount of plastic blocks sent from the first distribution / carrying-out conveyor 61 to the first sorter 14a is increased, and the load ratio of the first sorter 14a is relatively increased to approach the target load ratio.

[0062] If the current load ratio of the first sorter 14a is larger than the target range, the distribution control unit 93 controls the motor 22b to increase the inclination angle of the adjustment plate 22. As a result, the amount of plastic blocks sent from the first distribution / carrying-out conveyor 61 to the first sorter 14a is reduced, and the load ratio of the first sorter 14a is relatively reduced to approach the target load ratio.

[0063] If the current load percentage is within the target range, the tilt angle of the adjusting plate 22 is maintained.

[0064] The above-described process is shown in the flow chart of Fig. 5. By repeating the process of steps S101 to S106 in Fig. 5, the distribution ratio of the distributor 13 can be automatically changed so that the load ratio of the sorters 14a, 14b approaches the target ratio in response to fluctuations in the processing load of the sorters 14a, 14b. This automatic control of the distribution ratio is not limited to changing the angle of the adjustment plate 22, but can also be achieved by extending or contracting the first distribution carry-out conveyor 61, moving the distribution carry-in conveyor 51, etc.

[0065] 2, the angle between the first distribution / ejection conveyor 61 and the second distribution / ejection conveyor 62 is substantially 90° in plan view. However, the orientation of the two conveyors 61, 62 is arbitrary. For example, the two conveyors 61, 62 can be arranged so that the angle between them is, for example, 180°, or so that the two conveyors 61, 62 face the same direction. This enables compact and efficient distribution according to the layout.

[0066] The second distribution carry-in conveyor 62 is not limited to a belt conveyor, and may be configured as a screw conveyor, for example.

[0067] Any method may be used to introduce the waste plastic chunks into the hollow guide 21. For example, instead of the distribution conveyor 51, a hopper with an open top may be provided at the upper end of the hollow guide 21.

[0068] The distributor 13 may be equipped with three or more discharge conveyors and configured to distribute the raw materials to three or more sorters. For example, by providing a plurality of first distribution discharge conveyors 61 arranged vertically and staggering the conveying surfaces of each conveyor, distribution to three or more conveyors can be realized.

[0069] The distributor 13 can also be used to distribute raw materials other than waste plastic chunks. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Waste plastic crushing and sorting equipment (distribution and sorting equipment) 13 Distributor 14a First sorting machine 14b Second sorting machine 21 Hollow guide (path forming member) 21a Fall Path 22 Adjustment plate (adjustment member) 22b Motor (change mechanism) 61 First distribution conveyor (First conveyor) 61S Transport surface 62 Second distribution conveyor (Second conveyor)

Claims

1. A path forming member that forms a falling path for the raw material; a first conveyor having a conveying surface that is driven to convey the raw material, the conveying surface being disposed so as to partially block the drop path; a second conveyor that is disposed at a lower position than the first conveyor and conveys away raw materials that have fallen onto the conveying surface; A distributor comprising:

2. 2. The dispenser of claim 1, A dispenser capable of varying a proportion of the drop path that is blocked by the conveying surface.

3. 3. The dispenser according to claim 2, A distributor comprising an extension / contraction mechanism for extending and contracting the first conveyor in a direction parallel to a conveying direction.

4. 3. The dispenser according to claim 2, A distributor comprising a movement mechanism for moving the first conveyor in a horizontal plane.

5. 2. The dispenser of claim 1, A distributor equipped with a mechanism for changing the position of the raw material in a plan view at the time when the raw material falls to the height of the conveying surface.

6. 6. The dispenser according to claim 5, A plate-shaped adjustment member is provided at a position higher than the conveying surface, The change mechanism is capable of changing the angle of the adjustment member.

7. 2. The dispenser of claim 1, A control device is provided, The control device includes: Acquire a processing load of a first device connected downstream of the first conveyor and a processing load of a second device connected downstream of the second conveyor; Calculating a ratio of a processing load between the first device and the second device; A distributor that adjusts at least one of the rate at which the conveying surface blocks the falling path and the position in a planar view at the time the raw material falls to the height of the conveying surface, so as to approach the processing load rate to a predetermined load rate.

8. 2. The dispenser of claim 1, The raw material is waste plastic, the distributor.

9. A dispenser according to claim 1; a first sorting machine that sorts the raw material transported by the first conveyor; a second sorting machine that sorts the raw material transported by the second conveyor; A distribution and sorting facility equipped with:

10. 1. A method for distributing a raw material, comprising: The raw material is dropped along the drop path, The raw material is dropped onto a conveying surface of a first conveyor that is disposed so as to partially block an intermediate portion of the drop path, and the raw material placed on the conveying surface is carried out by driving the conveying surface; A distribution method in which raw materials that do not land on the conveying surface of the first conveyor and fall off are carried away by driving a second conveyor that is positioned lower than the first conveyor.

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