A vertical cup elevator for transporting bulk products, a bulk transport system equipped with the elevator, and a method for transporting bulk products using the elevator.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vertical cup elevator for transporting bulk products, a bulk product transport system equipped with such an elevator, and a method for further transporting bulk products. The vertical cup elevator comprises a frame and an endless drive including a plurality of cup carrier frames having cups for receiving bulk products, the endless drive configured to move the cup carrier frames having cups substantially vertically, a supply section configured to supply bulk products to the cups, and a discharge section configured to discharge bulk products from the cups, wherein the frame is provided with discharge guides and / or supply guides, and the cups are provided with guide followers configured to tilt the cups relative to the cup carrier frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevator for transporting bulk products. Such bulk products can relate to grains, flour, other powdered materials, potatoes, apples, and other bulk products. The elevator is used to transport bulk products across a height difference.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional conveyors for transporting bulk products across a height difference typically include a belt conveyor that transports the product horizontally and vertically over a given conveying angle. This requires a fair amount of space. Alternatively, a conventional vertical conveyor applying centrifugal discharge is used. Such discharge can result in product damage, product loss, and / or the generation of "dust".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an elevator for transporting bulk products, in which the above-mentioned problems are avoided or at least reduced.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The above object is achieved by a vertical cup-elevator for transporting a product according to the present invention, the vertical cup-elevator including the following: - Frame; - An endless drive comprising a plurality of cup carrier frames having cups for receiving bulk products, the endless drive configured to move the cup carrier frames having cups substantially vertically; - A supply section configured to dispense bulk products into cups; and - It features a discharge section configured to discharge bulk products from the cup, The frame is equipped with discharge guides and / or supply guides, and the cup is equipped with guide followers configured to tilt the cup relative to the cup carrier frame.

[0006] A vertical cup elevator transports bulk products substantially vertically over a predetermined height between a supply section and a discharge section. The frame of the vertical cup elevator extends substantially vertically over at least the maximum height difference for transporting bulk products. Cups are mounted on a cup carrier frame or provided in or on a cup carrier frame. The carrier frame is movable relative to the frame using a drive. Preferably, the drive is an endless drive. The cups are configured to transport bulk products such as grains, flour, other powdered materials, potatoes, apples, and other suitable bulk products between a supply section configured to supply bulk products to the cups and a discharge section configured to discharge bulk products from the cups.

[0007] Preferably, one cup is provided for each individual cup carrier frame. The cup carrier frame holds the cup at a certain distance from the drive system so that the cup can move with the cup carrier frame relative to the frame and can tilt relative to the cup carrier frame.

[0008] In the current preferred embodiment, the cup is provided with an inclined axis extending substantially horizontally, more preferably in a plane parallel to the drive system. This drive system moves the cup in a substantially vertical plane, also called the drive plane. Alternatively, the cup is inclined about an inclined axis extending substantially horizontally and substantially laterally with respect to the drive system and the drive plane. Such a configuration of a vertical cup elevator is also called an elevator with a side discharge. In both configurations, the carrier frame is preferably provided with an inclined axis, more preferably with an inclined shaft.

[0009] According to the present invention, the vertical cup elevator includes a discharge guide and / or a supply guide, and the cup includes a guide follower configured to follow the discharge guide and / or supply guide, which are configured to tilt the cup relative to the cup carrier frame.

[0010] By providing cups for transporting bulk products, products can be transported in a substantially vertical direction, either upward or downward. Cups can be designed to take specific product characteristics into consideration. By providing tiltable cups, bulk products can be moved gently from the supply section to the discharge section, thereby reducing or even avoiding the risk of product damage. When transporting powders or powdery bulk products, gentle tilting of the cup prevents or at least reduces the generation of so-called "dust," thereby contributing to a reduction in the risk of dust explosions.

[0011] The location and, preferably, the shape of the supply guide and / or discharge guide coincide with the location of the supply section and / or discharge section, respectively. Additionally, the type of bulk product may influence the location and shape of the discharge guide and / or supply guide.

[0012] A vertical cup elevator is equipped with an endless drive, which is configured to move a cup carrier frame that holds the cups. Such drives come in various types and configurations. However, in the current preferred embodiment, the drive may include an operating system similar to that of the so-called MK5 conveyor lift, which has been developed and provided by the applicant. In a cup elevator, the cup carrier frame is maintained in a substantially horizontal position while moving by the endless drive. Such a configuration is described in Patent Document 1 by the applicant. Maintaining a substantially horizontal position allows for the effective transport of cups within the vertical cup elevator.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the discharge guide includes an inclined portion having an inclined shape and a return portion.

[0014] In the inclined section of the discharge guide, the cup guide follower inclins the cup around the inclination axis, thereby contributing to the possibility of discharging bulk product from the cup. The return section of the discharge guide defines the return of the cup to the transfer position. Preferably, this return section provides an effective and smooth return of the cup from the inclined position to the transfer position.

[0015] Preferably, the cup and / or cup carrier frame includes a spring or spring element that forces the cup back into the transport position. Such a spring element works in cooperation with the discharge guide, particularly its return section, to precisely position the cup for the transport of bulk products. The characteristics of the inclined and return sections, as well as the spring element of any choice, will depend on the actual configuration and dimensions of the vertical cup elevator, as well as product characteristics such as weight.

[0016] The inclined shape of the discharge guide is preferably substantially exponential. The application of a substantially exponential shape provides a smooth curvature, enabling effective and efficient discharge of bulk products from the cup while simultaneously minimizing the risk of product damage.

[0017] In a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the discharge guide is movable along the frame of the vertical cup elevator.

[0018] By providing a movable discharge guide, the position of this discharge guide relative to the frame can be adjusted. Thereby, the flexibility of the vertical cup elevator is improved, and it becomes possible to adjust the cup elevator to conform to the (changing) discharge section. Preferably, both the discharge guide and the supply guide are movable along the frame. Thereby, the overall flexibility of the cup elevator according to the present invention is further improved.

[0019] In a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide follower includes one or more guide wheels.

[0020] By providing one or more guide wheels on the guide follower, it becomes possible to effectively follow the track defined by the discharge guide and / or the supply guide, and to forcibly tilt the cup at an appropriate position. Experiments have shown reliable tilting movement at the correct position for effective supply and / or discharge of bulk products to and / or from the cup.

[0021] Preferably, the cup comprises a supply and / or discharge follower configured to contact the supply section and / or the discharge section. This supply and / or discharge follower allows for temporary contact between the cup and the supply and / or discharge section. This temporary contact can be used to improve the positioning of the cup relative to the discharge and / or supply section.

[0022] Optionally, the vertical cup elevator preferably comprises one or more load cells attached to the carrier frame to enable detection of the weight of the bulk product within the cup. This contributes to the overall control of the bulk product transfer operation.

[0023] Furthermore, the vertical cup elevator optionally includes a vibrating device. Preferably, the vibrating device is attached to the cup carrier frame and configured to vibrate the cup and the bulk product therein. Such a vibrating device reduces the risk of blockage of the product in the cup during the transfer of the cup.

[0024] If necessary, an electrical contact can be provided between the frame of the cup elevator and the cup carrier. This enables the supply of energy to devices such as sensors and / or load cells and / or vibrating devices.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment of the vertical cup elevator according to the invention, the elevator further comprises a second frame and a frame connector extending between the plurality of frames of the elevator, and the cup is provided with an inclined axis extending substantially horizontally, preferably extending substantially parallel to the frame connector.

[0026] Such a vertical cup elevator with at least two frames extending substantially vertically is also called a twin configuration comparable to the so-called twin sorter described in Patent Document 2 by the applicant. Such a twin configuration enables the transfer of larger and / or heavier bulk products upward or downward. For example, such a twin configuration comprises one cup extending between two frames within a cup carrier frame capable of transferring bulk products of up to 200 kg within a single cup.

[0027] The present invention further relates to a bulk transport system comprising a vertical cup elevator according to an embodiment of the present invention, a supply section and a discharge section.

[0028] Such a bulk transport system provides the same or similar effects and advantages as described for the vertical cup elevator.

[0029] Optionally, the supply section may be provided with a movable supply section configured to move (partially) at an angle with the moving cup while actually supplying the bulk product into the cup. This improves the gradual movement of the bulk product from the supply section to the cup, thereby further reducing the risk of product damage and / or "dust" formation.

[0030] The present invention further provides a method for vertically transporting bulk products, comprising the following steps: - An embodiment of the present invention provides a vertical cup elevator; - Step of supplying bulk product into cups; - Steps of moving the bulk product substantially vertically; and - Step of discharging the bulk product from the cup.

[0031] Such methods offer the same or similar effects and advantages as those described with respect to vertical cup elevators and / or bulk transport systems.

[0032] The various embodiments and features described and illustrated herein can be applied individually as far as possible. These individual embodiments, and specific embodiments of the features described in the attached dependent claims, can be the subject of a divisional patent application. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This figure shows a vertical cup elevator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Figure 1 shows the side view and front view of the elevator. [Figure 2B] Figure 1 shows the side view and front view of the elevator. [Figure 3A] Figures 1 and 2 show the cups within the cup carrier frame according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 3B] Figures 1 and 2 show the cups within the cup carrier frame according to the embodiment shown. [Figure 4A] This shows the process of tilting the cup relative to the discharge guide. [Figure 4B] This shows the process of tilting the cup relative to the discharge guide. [Figure 4C] This shows the process of tilting the cup relative to the discharge guide. [Figure 4D] This shows the process of tilting the cup relative to the discharge guide. [Figure 4E] This shows the process of tilting the cup relative to the discharge guide. [Figure 5A] This figure shows the supply of bulk product to a cup in the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] This figure shows the supply of bulk product to a cup in the first embodiment. [Figure 5C] This figure shows the supply of bulk product to a cup in the first embodiment. [Figure 5D] This figure shows the supply of bulk product to a cup in the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] This figure shows the supply of bulk product to a cup in the second embodiment. [Figure 6B] This figure shows the supply of bulk product to a cup in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing a twin configuration of one embodiment of the vertical cup elevator according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention will be made apparent by reference to the accompanying drawings based on a preferred embodiment thereof.

[0035] The vertical cup elevator 2 (Figure 1) includes a frame 4 having a drive track 6. A number of carriers 8 move along the track 6 in direction A, passing through the supply section 10 and the output, or discharge, section 12.

[0036] Frame 4 includes a supply guide 14 and a discharge guide 16 (Figures 2A and 2B). Guides 14 and 16 define the tilting motion of the cups 18 relative to the cup carrier frame 20. The cup carrier frame 20 moves along the track 6. In the illustrated embodiment, two wheels 21 are provided to allow the movement of the cups 18 within the carrier frame 20 along the drive track 6. The operation of the wheels 21 can be similar to the configuration described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1 by the applicant. This configuration allows the cup carrier frame 20 to maintain a substantially horizontal position during the entire movement along the track 6. According to the present invention, it will be understood that alternative configurations are also possible.

[0037] The supply section 10 supplies bulk products in direction B from the conveyor 10a to the supply 10b and then to the gutter 10c. The bulk products are then transferred from the supply section 10 to the cup 18. The tilting motion of the cup 18 is achieved by the guide follower 22 when it comes into contact with the supply guide 14. In the (exponential) tilting section 14, the cup 18 tilts toward the supply section 10. After moving vertically to supply the bulk products, the cup 18 returns to the transfer position by the guide follower 22 following the return section 14b of the supply guide 14.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge section 12 receives the bulk product at the receiver 12a, and the bulk product is then moved in direction C along the conveyor 12b. The tilting motion of the cup 18 is defined by the discharge guide 16. A guide follower 22 follows the tilted portion 16a of the discharge guide 16, which preferably has an exponential shape. It will be understood that other shapes can also be assumed according to the present invention. The return of the cup 18 to the transfer position is achieved by the guide follower 22 following the return portion 16b of the discharge guide 16.

[0039] The bulk transport system 62 (Figure 2A) includes a vertical cup elevator 2, a discharge section 12, and a supply section 10. According to the present invention, it will be understood that other configurations are also possible. For example, in other configurations, bulk products can be moved downwards.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 8 is provided with a cup 18 (Figures 3A and 3B) mounted on a cup carrier frame 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide follower 22 includes a guide wheel positioned away from the cup 18 together with a pen 24. In the illustrated embodiment, a supply and / or discharge follower 26 is provided that can contact parts or elements of the supply section 10 and / or discharge section 12. If necessary, a spring 28 is provided to provide a force to maintain the cup 18 in a transport position so that bulk products are held in the cup 18. The rotation axis 30 corresponds to the tilt axis of the cup 18 relative to the cup carrier frame 20. In this illustrated embodiment, a sensor element 32, such as a load cell, is mounted on the carrier frame 20 to measure the weight of the bulk products in the cup 18. Also, if necessary, a vibrating device 33 is mounted on the cup carrier frame 20 so that the contents of the cup 18 can be vibrated, for example, to prevent clogging. The rim 34 of the cup 18 is provided with a strip or guide 36.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge cup 18 (Figures 4A-4E) moves upward, and the guide follower 22 follows the inclined portion 16a of the discharge guide 16. The cup 18 tilts relative to the cup carrier frame 20 about the inclination axis 30. The position of the discharge guide 16 coincides with the position of the discharge section 12. Preferably, the tilting motion is initiated just before the product is actually discharged from the cup 18, and the cup 18 begins to tilt toward the discharge section 12. After the bulk product has been transferred from the carrier 8 to the discharge section 12, the return portion 16b allows the cup 18 to return to its transfer position and is maintained in that position with the optional assistance of the spring 28. Optionally, the discharge section 12 includes an additional discharge section guide 40 to improve the positioning of the cup 18 relative to the discharge section 12.

[0042] In a first embodiment of the supply section 10, the supply of bulk product to the cup 18 (Figures 5A-5D) begins when the cup 18 is close to the supply section 10. The inclined portion 14a of the supply guide 14, together with the guide follower 22, starts the movement of the cup 18 around the inclined axis 30. After the cup 18 has been advanced and filled with bulk product by the supply section 10, the cup 18 returns to the transport position together with the guide follower 22 following the return portion 14b of the supply guide 14. The supply guide 14 may optionally use a spring 28 to return the cup 18 to its transport position.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment of the supply section 10 (Figures 6A and 6B), the supply section 10 has a movable part 42 that moves toward the cup 18 when the cup 18 is near the supply section 10 (Figures 6A and 6B). In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 38 is provided at a height corresponding to the supply section 10. The supply section 10 has a supply part or movable part 42 that can contact the cup 18. The bulk product is supplied by the supply part 46. The support 48 is connected to a gas spring 52 and a supply spring element 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the cup 18 contacts the supply part 42 and uses a supply and / or discharge guide follower 26 that contacts the supply contact 50 of the supply section 10 to initiate the movement of the supply part 42. This improves the transfer of the bulk product into the cup 18. The gas spring 52 dampens the return motion of the supply part 42 after the cup 18 has been filled.

[0044] The bulk product is supplied by the supply section 10. The supply section 10 transfers the bulk product into the cup 18 of the carrier 8, preferably by moving the cup 18 vertically, upward, or downward. Optionally, the supply section 10 may include one or more movable parts to improve the gradual movement of the bulk product into the cup 18. The tilting motion of the cup 18 is achieved by the supply guide 14. Discharge of the bulk product from the cup 18 is performed in the discharge section 12, which includes the tilting motion of the cup 18 achieved using the discharge guide 16. The bulk product is transferred from the cup 18 to the discharge section 12 and further transported.

[0045] In an alternative configuration, particularly for large bulk products or higher capacities, the twin configuration 102 (Figure 7) is provided with two vertical cup elevators 2', 2''. Between frames 4' and 4'' are numerous frame connectors 104 to which a cup carrier frame 20' having a carrier 8' is attached. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 8' extends in the width direction W of the twin configuration 102 over most of its length. The operation of the twin configuration 102 is similar to that described for the single-frame cup elevator 2. Note that in the illustrated embodiment for the twin configuration 102, the tilting motion of the carrier 8' is around a tilting axis that crosses the drive surface 106. It will be understood that components illustrated in relation to the vertical cup elevator 2 (Figures 1 to 6B), such as the supply guide 14, discharge guide 16, supply section 10, and discharge section 12, are also applicable to the twin configuration 102 (Figure 7).

[0046] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, and many modifications are possible within that scope. For example, the vertical cup elevator 2 may optionally be provided with a lateral inclination direction relative to the elevator 2, thereby providing a side discharge section to the cup elevator. In such an embodiment, the inclination axis 30 extends laterally with respect to the frame 4 of the cup elevator 2.

Claims

1. A vertical cup elevator for transporting bulk products, - Frame; - An endless drive comprising a plurality of cup carrier frames having cups for receiving the bulk product, wherein the endless drive is configured to move the cup carrier frames having the cups substantially vertically; - A supply section configured to supply the bulk product to the cup; and - Discharge section configured to discharge the bulk product from the cup, It is equipped with, A vertical cup elevator, wherein the frame comprises a discharge guide and / or a supply guide, and the cup comprises a guide follower configured to tilt the cup relative to the cup carrier frame.

2. The vertical cup elevator according to claim 1, wherein the cup has an inclined axis that extends substantially horizontally.

3. The vertical cup elevator according to claim 2, wherein the cup carrier frame is provided with the inclined axis.

4. The vertical cup elevator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the inclined axis extends in a plane parallel to the drive system.

5. The vertical cup elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cup carrier frame is maintained in a substantially horizontal position while moving by the endless drive.

6. The vertical cup elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the discharge guide comprises an inclined portion having an inclined shape and a return portion.

7. The vertical cup elevator according to claim 6, wherein the inclined shape substantially includes an exponential shape.

8. The vertical cup elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the discharge guide is movable along the frame of the vertical cup elevator.

9. The vertical cup elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the guide follower comprises one or more guide wheels.

10. The vertical cup elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cup comprises a spring element configured to maintain the cup in a transport position.

11. The vertical cup elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cup comprises a supply and / or discharge follower configured to contact the supply section and / or discharge section.

12. A vertical cup elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a load cell.

13. A vertical cup elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a vibration device.

14. - Second frame; and - Frame connectors extending between multiple frames, Furthermore, The vertical cup elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cup has an inclined axis that extends substantially horizontally and substantially parallel to the frame connector.

15. A bulk transport system comprising a vertical cup elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a supply section, and a discharge section.

16. The bulk transport system according to claim 15, wherein the supply section further comprises a movable supply section.

17. A method for vertically transporting bulk products, - Steps to provide a vertical cup elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 14; - A step of supplying the bulk product to the cup; - A step of moving the bulk product substantially vertically; and - Step of discharging the bulk product from the cup, A method that includes this.

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