Method and device for handling material in pneumatic material transport system

Abstract

FIELD: transportation of material.SUBSTANCE: method of transporting the material which contains the following stages. The material is fed into the separating device through a material transport pipe from the inlet opening together with a flow of transport air provided by a partial vacuum generator connected by a pipe to the container space of the separating device, into an outlet pipe for transport air. The material is removed from the container space of the device through the outlet opening into the sealing chamber. The material is moved and compacted by the moving element of the compacting device through the outlet opening of the compacting chamber into the container space of a separate container. The container is detachably connected to the sealing device. The efficiency of moving material from the container space of the separator device to the sealing chamber and further to the container space of the container is increased by connecting the suction side of the generator through a suction pipe and a suction opening and by supplying replacement air to the container space of the separator device and / or to the sealing chamber of the sealing device.EFFECT: efficiency of material transfer from the separator device to the container is increased.19 cl, 16 dwg

Description

[0001] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The invention generally relates to pneumatic material transport systems, such as partial vacuum transport systems, and in particular to the collection and transfer of materials, such as the transport of industrial materials, household waste or recyclable materials.

[0003] STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Systems are known in which waste is transported through pipelines using pressure differences or suction. In such systems, waste can be transported through pipelines over long distances. A characteristic feature of these systems is that a partial vacuum device or blower can be used to create a pressure difference. In a partial vacuum device, the negative pressure in the transport pipe is created by partial vacuum generators, such as partial vacuum pumps. The transport pipe may have at least one valve element, the opening and closing of which can control the amount of replacement air entering the pipe.In such systems, entry points such as waste chutes may serve as the final entry point for the material. The transported material may be transferred to a conveying pipe, for example, by opening a discharge valve. Waste transfer may be achieved primarily by the pressure difference caused by air flow. The air flow may be achieved by drawing air through the pipe. Waste, such as bagged waste, may be transported from the entry point to a conveying pipe and then to a separator, where the waste is separated from the conveying air.A compaction device, such as a moving element, may be connected to the separator device. The moving element is connected to a drive, such as a cylinder and piston combination, which can move the waste from a compaction chamber connected to the separator device to a waste container, such as a shipping container. In the known solution, waste is moved by gravity from the separator device to the moving chamber, from which the waste is transferred to the waste container and compacted there by the moving element of the compaction device. In known solutions, throughput is limited, among other things, by the size of the waste batch transferred at a time from the separator device to the compaction chamber.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to create a completely new solution for a method and apparatus for handling and transporting material, particularly between a separator, compactor, and waste container, which overcomes the shortcomings of known technical solutions. One of the objectives of the invention is to create a method and apparatus whose operation is reliable, efficient, and whose relative power at the point of use is high.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention is based on the idea that the efficiency of moving material from a separating device through a sealing chamber into a material container is increased by using suction provided by a partial vacuum generator from the container space of the material container and by supplying replacement air from the container space of the separating device and / or the sealing chamber to provide a pressure difference, in addition to moving the moving element of the sealing device for moving the material.The aim of the invention, according to one embodiment, is a method for transporting and handling material, in which the material is fed into a separating device through a pipe for transporting the material from an inlet together with a flow of transporting air provided by a partial vacuum generator connected by a pipe to the container space of the separating device, into an outlet pipe for transporting air, wherein the material is removed from the container space of the separating device through an outlet into a sealing chamber, and wherein the material is moved and compacted by a moving element of the sealing device through the outlet of the sealing chamber into the container space of a separate container for the material, wherein the container for the material is detachably connected to the sealing device.The method according to the invention is characterized by what is mentioned in independent claim 1 of the invention. Embodiments of the method according to the invention are characterized by what is mentioned in the dependent claims. In the method, the efficiency of material movement from the container space of the separator device to the sealing chamber and further to the container space of the material container is increased by connecting the suction side of the partial vacuum generator to operate in the container space of the material container via a suction pipe and a suction opening and by supplying replacement air to the container space of the separator device and / or to the sealing chamber of the sealing device.

[0008] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, material transfer efficiency can be increased by introducing replacement air into the container space of the separator. At the same time, the connection through the separator's conveying air outlet to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator can be closed.

[0009] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, the material handling efficiency can be increased:

[0010] - before moving the moving element of the compaction device for moving and compacting the material from the compaction chamber into the container space of the material container from the first position to the second position, and / or

[0011] - during the movement of the moving element from the first position to the second position.

[0012] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, replacement air may be supplied to the container space of the separating device through a material transport pipe.

[0013] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, replacement air may be supplied to the container space of the separator device through an inlet. In this case, the connection through the outlet pipe for the conveying air of the separator device to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator may already be closed or may be closed.

[0014] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, in this method, the material can be moved vertically from the container space of the separator device to the sealing chamber. According to one embodiment, in this case, the material can be moved transversely relative to the vertical direction, preferably horizontally, into the sealing chamber and from the sealing chamber into the container space of the material container.

[0015] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, the method may employ a material container configured to be detachably connected to a sealing device, wherein the suction pipe is configured to be removably connected to a suction opening at the top of this material container. According to one embodiment, the material container may be a waste container, which may be designed as a waste container transportable by means of vehicles.

[0016] According to the second aspect, the invention relates to a device for transporting and handling material. The device is characterized by what is set forth in claim 8. Embodiments of the device are characterized by what is set forth in the dependent claims.

[0017] The device may comprise a separator device that may have a material space, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe for conveying air and an outlet opening for the material, wherein a pipe for conveying the material may be connected to the inlet pipe for feeding the material in the flow of conveying air into the container space of the separator device, wherein the outlet pipe for conveying air may be flow-connected to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator of the pneumatic material conveying system, and wherein the outlet opening for the material of the separator device may be located in flow communication with the sealing chamber of the sealing device, wherein the sealing chamber may have an inlet opening and an outlet opening and may accommodate a movable moving element,wherein the moving element of the compacting device may be configured to move and compact the material through the outlet opening of the compacting chamber into the container space of a separate container for the material, removably connected to the compacting device. According to one embodiment, the device may comprise means for increasing the efficiency of moving the material from the container space of the separating device into the compacting chamber and further into the container space of the container for the material, wherein said means may comprise connecting means for connecting the suction side of the partial vacuum generator for operation in the container space of the container for the material with the help of a suction pipe through the suction opening and means for supplying replacement air for supplying replacement air into the container space of the separating device and / or into the sealing chamber of the compacting device.

[0018] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, the means for supplying replacement air may comprise, from the material space of the separator device, most preferably from its upper part, a flow connection with means for opening and closing / adjusting the replacement air for opening and closing the flow connection, and / or a device in which the replacement air can be supplied to the container space of the separator device through an inlet pipe and / or through an outlet pipe for transport air.

[0019] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, the means for supplying replacement air may comprise an opening for replacement air located in flow communication with the sealing device, with its sealing chamber.

[0020] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, the device may comprise a first closing / regulating means configured to open a connection for supplying replacement air to the container space of the separator device, and a second closing / regulating means configured to close the connection from the container space of the separator device through an outlet for transporting air with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator.

[0021] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, the device may have a first operating state in which the connection from the container space of the separator device through the outlet pipe for transporting air to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator is open, and the connection from the inlet pipe of the separator device to the pipe for transporting the material is open, and the connection from the suction opening of the material container through the suction pipe to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator is open, so that the material is able to move from the transport pipe into the container space of the separator device and then through the outlet opening into the sealing chamber.

[0022] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, the device may have a second operating state, in which the connection of the container space of the separator device through the outlet pipe for transporting air to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator is closed, and the line for supplying replacement air to the upper part of the separator is open, and the connection through the suction opening of the container with the material and through the suction pipe on the suction side of the partial vacuum generator is open, so that the material can more effectively move from the container space of the separator device to the sealing chamber and / or from the sealing chamber to the container space of the container for the material.

[0023] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, the device may have a third operating state, in which the sealing element is configured to move by a drive mechanism from the first position to the second position for moving and compacting the material (w) from the sealing chamber to the container space for the material, wherein in this operating state the connection through the suction opening of the container for the material and through the suction pipe on the suction side of the partial vacuum generator is open, and the connection of the sealing chamber (11) with the opening of the sealing device for the replacement air is open, and the connection from the outlet pipe for the transporting air of the separator device on the suction side of the partial vacuum generator is open.

[0024] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, the device may have a fourth operating state, in which the moving element of the sealing device is configured to move from the second position to the first position, to the reserve position.

[0025] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, the sealing device may comprise a closing part by means of which the connection between the container space of the separating device and the sealing chamber can be opened and closed, preferably synchronously with the movements of the moving element.

[0026] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment mentioned above or below, the material container may comprise, between the container space and the suction opening, a dividing wall such as a grate or mesh.

[0027] The inventive solution offers a number of significant advantages. The inventive solution overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. By increasing the efficiency of material movement through the pressure difference created by the suction and expelling air, a compaction device with significantly greater productivity can be achieved. This is of great importance, for example, in waste compactors used in pneumatic waste conveying systems. The inventive method is easily adapted to pneumatic waste conveying systems. The method and apparatus can be adapted to improve the efficiency of new and existing applications.The inventive solution is ideal for increasing the productivity of a compaction device, as it allows more material to be fed into the working range of the moving element than with prior art solutions. In one embodiment, the inventive solution allows the compaction device to achieve twice the productivity of a prior art design.

[0028] Variable embodiments of the invention are also disclosed in the description and drawings of this application. The inventive concept in the application may also be defined differently than in the subsequent claims. The inventive concept may also consist of several separate inventions, especially if the invention is considered in light of explicit or implicit subproblems or in terms of the advantages or combination of advantages achieved. In this case, some features of the subsequent claims may prove redundant in light of the various inventive ideas. The features of various embodiments of the invention may be used in combination with other embodiments within the framework of the basic idea of ​​the invention.

[0029] LIST OF DRAWINGS

[0030] The invention is now described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a portion of the apparatus constructed in accordance with one embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram in a side view in partial section, with the material container removed.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a container with material of a device made in accordance with one embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram, cut in a longitudinal vertical plane.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows the device, made in accordance with one embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram, when viewed from the end, in the direction of arrow A shown in Fig. 4.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a device constructed in accordance with one embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram in a first operating state.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a device constructed in accordance with one embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram in a first operating state.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows the device, made in accordance with one embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram in a second operating state, in which the moving element of the sealing device is in the first position.

[0037] Fig. 7 shows the device made in accordance with one embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram in a third operating state, in which the moving element of the sealing device is in an intermediate position.

[0038] Fig. 8 shows the device, made in accordance with one embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram in a third operating state, in which the moving element of the sealing device is in the second position.

[0039] Fig. 9 shows a portion of the device constructed in accordance with the second embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram in a side view with a partial section and a removed material container.

[0040] Fig. 10 shows a container with material of the device made in accordance with the second embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram, cut in a longitudinal vertical plane.

[0041] Fig. 11 shows the device constructed in accordance with the second embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram, when viewed from the end, in the direction of arrow A shown in Fig. 12.

[0042] Fig. 12 shows the device made in accordance with the second embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram in the first operating state.

[0043] Fig. 13 shows the device made in accordance with the second embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram in the first operating state.

[0044] Fig. 14 shows the device made in accordance with the second embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram in the second operating state, in which the moving element of the sealing device is in the first position.

[0045] Fig. 15 shows the device made in accordance with the second embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram in a third operating state, in which the moving element of the sealing device is in an intermediate position, and

[0046] Fig. 16 shows the device made in accordance with the second embodiment, in the form of a simplified diagram in a third operating state, in which the moving element of the sealing device is in the second position.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] In some cases, the features presented in this application may be used on their own, independent of other features. Conversely, the features presented in this application may be combined, if necessary, to form various combinations.

[0049] The features presented in the following paragraphs in combination with other features can also be used individually if necessary.

[0050] Fig. 1-16 illustrates some embodiments.

[0051] An embodiment of a pneumatic material transport system may be, according to one embodiment, a system for collecting and transporting waste or recyclable material. In the pneumatic material transport system, the material may be transported from the entry point of the material transport pipe 100 by means of a pressure difference in the transport air flow to the outlet end of the material transport system. At the outlet end, the transported material may be separated from the transport air flow in a separator device 1. The separator device may be, for example, a separator container. The pressure difference and the transport air flow required for transporting the material w may be provided, for example, by a partial vacuum generator 8, the suction side of which may be connected to perform work in the material transport pipe 100.At the same time, replacement air can be supplied to the material transport pipe.

[0052] One embodiment of the solution according to the invention is shown in Fig. 1, in which, in combination with a separating device 1 of a pneumatic material transport system, for example a waste transport system, there is a compacting device 10 having a moving element 14 configured to move in a compacting chamber 11, and its working device 15. The separating device 1 can comprise a container part 2, to which an inlet pipe 3 can be connected. The inlet pipe 3 can be connected to a pipe 100 for transporting material of the material transport system. The pipe 100 can be connected to material feed points (not shown).A material W, such as municipal solid waste or a material suitable for recycling, is loaded, for example, at the entry point into a pipe 100, through which it is transported by means of suction / pressure difference and / or transport air flowing in the pipe to the container part 2 of the separating device 1 from the inlet pipe 3. In the container part 2 of the separating device 1, the material is separated from the transport air, for example, by gravity and / or centrifugal force, so that the transported material W moves to the lower part 5 of the separating device 1. An outlet pipe 6 can be arranged in the upper part of the separating device 1, wherein the outlet pipe can be connected via a pipeline 7 to the suction side of a partial vacuum generator 8, such as a suction pump or an air blower. The transport air can exit from the container part 2 of the separating device into the outlet pipe 6.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the container part 2 of the separating device 1 may comprise a part conically tapering toward the lower part 5. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a cylindrical part may be located in the lower part 5 of the container part 2 of the separating device after the conical part, wherein the cylindrical part has an opening 9 for discharging the material in its lower part. The material can be removed from the container part 2 of the separating device 1 through the outlet opening 9 formed in its lower part 5. The separating device 1 may also have a different shape and operate according to a different operating principle. According to one embodiment, the separating device 1 is located in the vertical direction above the sealing chamber 11 of the sealing device 10, due to which the separated material w can easily move through the outlet opening 6 of the separating device into the chamber 11.

[0054] The lower part of the separator device 1 can be located on the wall 13 of the sealing chamber 11 of the sealing device 10, for example, on the upper part of the wall. The outlet 6 of the separator device 1 can be connected to the inlet 12 of the sealing chamber 11 of the device 10. The inlet 12 of the sealing chamber 11 can be located in line with the outlet 9 of the separator device 1. The outlet 6 of the separator device can be, according to one embodiment, located at the lower part of the separator device. The inlet 12 of the sealing chamber 11 of the sealing device 10 can be located at the upper part of the wall 13 of the sealing chamber. According to one embodiment, the wall 13 of the sealing chamber can have an upper part, a first side part, a second side part at a distance from the first side part and a lower part at a distance from the upper part of the wall.The lower part of the wall can connect the first side part and the second side part of the wall from their lower part. The upper part of the wall can connect the first side part of the wall and the second side part of the wall from their upper part. A moving element 14 can be movably arranged in the compaction chamber 11. The moving element 14 can comprise a front surface that can operate as a sealing surface for moving and compacting the material w, when the material w is moved by the moving element from the compaction chamber 11 into the container space 27 of the container 26 for the material. The drive 15 can be configured to move the moving element 14. According to one embodiment, the drive 15 can be, for example, a combination of a cylinder and a piston with a middle drive, such as a drive with a hydraulic drive or a pneumatic drive.According to one embodiment, the drive 15 may be mechanical or electromechanical. The sealing chamber 11 may comprise an outlet 16. The outlet 16 may be located at a first end of the sealing chamber 11. The outlet 16 may be located at a distance from the inlet 12 of the sealing chamber. According to one embodiment, the outlet 16 may be located at a distance from the inlet 12 in the transmission direction of the moving element 14. According to one embodiment, the direction of removal of the material of the separating device 1 may be transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sealing chamber 11. According to one embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the sealing chamber 11 may be parallel to the main direction of movement of the moving element 14.According to one embodiment, the direction of removal of material w by the separating device 1 through the outlet opening 9 may, according to one embodiment, be parallel to the vertical axis of the separating device. According to one embodiment, the material is fed into the separating device 1 from the upper part and is removed into the sealing chamber 11 from the lower part of the separating device 1. According to one embodiment, the separating device 1 may be a cyclone separator, i.e. a vortex separator, into which the material is fed along with the conveying air through the inlet pipe 3. According to one embodiment, the conveying air may exit from the separating device 1 into the outlet pipe 6. According to a second embodiment, the separating device 1 may comprise a line for feeding replacement air through the separating device into the sealing chamber 11.According to one embodiment, the connection for the replacement air may extend from the outlet pipe 6 of the separating device. According to one embodiment, an inlet opening 24 for the replacement air is provided, through which there is a connection with the separating device 1 with its container space 2. According to one embodiment, from the inlet opening 24 for the replacement air, a line for the replacement air extends, equipped with a closing and regulating device, for example, a valve 23, into the container space 2 of the separating device 1. According to a second embodiment, the replacement air can be supplied to the container space 2 of the separating device through the pipe 100 for transporting the material and the inlet pipe 3.

[0055] The moving element 14 of the sealing device may be arranged to move in its main direction of movement between at least a first position and a second position. In the first position, i.e., in the initial position, the moving element 14 may be located in the sealing chamber 11 at the opposite end relative to its outlet opening 16 and on the opposite side of the inlet opening 12. In the second position, the moving element 14 may be arranged so that it extends to the outlet opening 16 of the sealing chamber or to a place near it.

[0056] In connection with the separating device 1, a sealing chamber 11 having an inlet 12 can be located between the outlet 6 for the material of the container part 2 of the separating device 1 and the inlet 25 of the separate container 26. The inlet 12 can be located in line with the outlet 6 of the container part 2 of the separating device 1. The sealing chamber 11 has an outlet 16 configured to be located in alignment with the inlet 25 of the separate container 26 for the material. The sealing chamber 11 can be configured to be connected to the lower part 5 of the container part 2 of the separating device by means of a coupling.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the moving element 14 may be arranged to move between at least two positions in the compaction chamber 11. The moving element 14 may be configured to move waste w, which is transferred from the inlet 9 into the compaction chamber 11, towards its outlet 16 and further to a separate container 26 from the inlet 25 or at least to the inlet 25. The moving element may be configured to, in connection with the movement, also simultaneously compact the transferred material, i.e. compact the material in the separate container 26. According to one embodiment, the container 26 may be a mobile container, for example, one that can be transported on a vehicle, such as a vehicle.According to one embodiment, the material container comprises a bottom 28 and an upper wall 29 located at a distance from the bottom. From the first lateral edge of the bottom, continuing in the direction of the upper wall, there is a first side wall 32, and at a distance from the first side wall, from the second edge of the bottom, there is a second side wall 32'. The lower part connects the first side wall and the second side wall in their lower parts. The side walls 32, 32' connect the bottom 28 with the upper wall 29. The material container 26 may comprise a first end wall 30. The first end wall may connect the bottom 28 and the upper wall 29, as well as the first side wall 32 and the second side wall 32'. According to one embodiment, the material container comprises a second end wall 31. The second end wall may be located at a distance from the first end wall 30.The second end wall 31 can connect the lower part 28, the upper wall 29, the first side wall 32 and the second side wall 32'. According to one embodiment, the first end wall 30 can comprise an inlet 25 located on the end wall. A frame 35 can be located at the edge of the inlet 25. According to one embodiment, the frame 35 of the inlet 25 of the container 26 can be configured to connect with a counterpart surrounding the outlet 16 of the wall 13 of the sealing chamber 11 of the device 10. In this way, the material can move from the sealing chamber 11 into the container space 27 of the container 26, when the latter is connected to the sealing chamber of the sealing device, so that the material can move from the sealing chamber through the outlet 16 from the inlet 25 of the container with the material into the container space 27.

[0058] A suction opening 33 may be located in the upper part of the container 26, to which a pipe 20 leading to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator may be connected. According to one embodiment, the suction opening 33 is located in the upper part of the first end wall 30. According to one embodiment, there may be several suction openings 33. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, there are two suction openings 33. According to one embodiment, two branches are formed from the pipe 20 leading to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8, each of which is configured to connect to one of the suction openings 33 of the container 26. An air-permeable dividing wall 34, for example a mesh or a grate, may be located in the upper part of the container 26.The dividing wall 34 may allow air to pass through, but separates the material, for example at least large particles carried along with the air, so that the material w remains in the space 27 of the container 26.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the suction organized through the suction opening 33 of the container 26 can be used in combination with the compaction device 10 to increase the efficiency of moving the material w from the separator device 1 to the compaction chamber 11. The pressure difference and / or the transport air flow, provided, for example, by the suction side of the partial vacuum generator, acting in the container space through the suction opening 33 and, thus, in the compaction chamber 11 through the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the compaction chamber 11, in addition to or instead of gravity can be used to transfer the material into the compaction chamber and from the compaction chamber further to the outlet opening of the compaction chamber, to the inlet opening 25 of the material container and the container space 27 of the material container.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the suction and its effect can be regulated by closing / regulating means, such as valves, the opening and closing of which can be controlled, for example, by actuators connected to the valves. Furthermore, an alternate air inlet path to the separator device 1, for example, to its container space 2, can be opened / closed.

[0061] In the embodiments shown in Fig. 1-8, there may be a separate inlet for the replacement air, wherein the connection with the inlet 24 for the replacement air can be opened / closed by means of a valve element 23. According to one embodiment, the inlet 24 or, for example, an inlet duct, can be located in the wall of the separator device. According to one embodiment, the inlet for the replacement air can be connected to the upper part of the container space of the separator device. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1-8, the inlet for the replacement air can be configured to be connected to the pipe 7. The valve element 22 can be located on the pipe 7, wherein the connection with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 can be opened / closed by means of this valve element.According to one embodiment, the valve element 22 can be arranged on the pipe 7 along the section between the connection of the inlet opening 24 for the replacement air and the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8. Accordingly, the connection with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 can be closed, and the valve 23 for the replacement air is opened to supply the replacement air into the container space 2 of the separator device. On the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8, there can be a connection with a suction pipe 20. The suction pipe 20 can be connected to the suction opening 33 of the container 26. According to one embodiment, the connection from the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 to the suction opening 33 of the container 26 can be opened / closed by means of the valve element 21 arranged on the suction pipe 20.According to one embodiment, the location of the suction in the container space 27 of the container 26 can be varied using valve elements 21, and thus the direction of movement of the material w in the container space can be controlled by suction. According to one embodiment, there may be several containers 26, wherein the valve element 21 can be used to open / close the connection between the space 27 of each container 26 and the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8.

[0062] Next, the operation of some embodiments is explained with reference to the drawings. The drawings schematically show the state of the closing / regulating elements. The state can be expressed by the color of the closing / regulating elements. For example, a black symbol of the closing / regulating element may indicate a state in which the connection through the closing / regulating element is closed in the pipe or channel on which the closing / regulating element is located. A white symbol, i.e., a symbol without a black fill, may indicate a state of the closing / regulating element in which the connection through the regulating element in the pipe on which the closing / regulating element is located is open. In the drawings, the directions of flow of material and / or air are also indicated by arrows. Material w is depicted in the drawings in a simplified form as balls. According to one embodiment, material w can be waste or a material suitable for recycling.According to one embodiment, material w may be a bagged material, such as solid waste or recyclable material. Depending on the application, the material may be sorted material or a mixed material containing various types of materials, such as mixed waste.

[0063] In Fig. 4, the material container 26 is detachably connected to the sealing device. Thus, the material W can be transferred through the outlet 16 of the sealing chamber 11 from the sealing chamber through the inlet 25 of the container 26 into the container space 27. The material W is transported in the transport pipe 100 in the flow of transport air into the container space of the separating device 1 by means of a pressure difference. Thus, the suction side of the partial vacuum generator can be connected to perform work in the container space 2 of the separating device 1 through the pipe 7 and the outlet pipe 6 and further into the pipe 100 for transporting the material through the inlet pipe 3. Replacement air can be supplied to the pipe 100 from the opposite side of the material being transported.In this way, the material w moves in a known manner in the pipe 100 of the partial vacuum system into the separating device 1 in the flow of transport air due to the pressure difference. In the container space 2 of the separating device 1, the heavier material W can move to the lower part of the container space, and the transport air can exit through the outlet pipe 6 from the upper part of the separating device 1. The transport air can be conducted further through the pipe 7 leading to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 and further to the pressure side of the partial vacuum generator, and through a possible transport air filtering means (not shown) to the outlet pipe 200, for example, to the outside. The material w can move from the separating device through the outlet opening 9 into the sealing chamber 11 through the inlet opening 12.Material w may accumulate as more and more material passes through the conveying pipe 10 into the separating device, into a material accumulation. The material accumulation may extend from the sealing chamber 11 to the container space 2 of the separating device, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0064] In the operating state shown in Fig. 6, the connection with the pipe 100 from the container space 2 of the separating device 1, for example, with the inlet pipe 6, can be closed by the closing / regulating element 4, for example, a valve. The connection of the container space 2 of the separating device 1 with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator can be closed. The connection of the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 with the suction port 33 of the container 26 can be formed by the suction pipe 20. The inlet port 24 for the replacement air can be opened to supply the replacement air into the container space of the separating device.According to one embodiment, the replacement air has thus access to the separating device 1, to its container space, on the opposite side of the material with a possible accumulation of material relative to the suction of the partial vacuum generator 8 acting in the container space 27 of the container 26, so that the material w can move, due to the pressure difference, from the sealing chamber 11 further into the space of the container 26. This can significantly increase the efficiency of moving the material from the container space 2 of the separating device 1 through the sealing chamber 11 into the space 27 of the container 26 compared to the situation when the material is transferred only under the action of gravity from the separating device 1 through the outlet opening 9 into the sealing chamber 11.

[0065] In the operating state in Fig. 7, the moving element 14 of the compacting device is shown in an intermediate position, i.e., in the process of moving by means of the drive 15 in the compacting chamber 11 from the first position to the second position. In Fig. 4-6, the moving element 14 is in the first position. In Fig. 8, the moving element 14 is in the second position. In the operating state shown in Fig. 7, the moving element 14 transfers and compacts the material w, having moved into the compacting chamber, to the outlet opening 16 of the compacting chamber and further into the container space 27 of the container 26. Since suction acts in the container space 27, a larger amount of material w can be caused to move into the compacting chamber 11 in the operating range of movement of the moving element 14 than as a result of moving the material only under the action of gravity.Due to the suction acting from the container space 27 and the replacing air under the ambient pressure acting from the opposite side of the material, the material can move due to the pressure difference, as shown, for example, in Fig. 6. In this way, the performance of the compaction device can be significantly increased due to the suction acting through the container space 27 of the material container. The frequency of the compaction stroke of the moving element 14 of the compaction device 10 does not need to be increased when the pressure difference created by the combination of the suction and replacing air can be used to move the material w from the separating device 1 into the chamber 11. As a result of the material being moved only by the force of gravity, the frequency of the stroke of the compaction device must be increased in order to provide the compaction device with the appropriate performance.According to one embodiment, this occurs, for example, because more material can be fed into the working area of ​​the conveying element 14 by means of the suction acting from the container space 27 than without suction only by gravity.

[0066] In the operating state shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the opening 18 for replacement air in the housing of the sealing device can be opened into the sealing chamber 11. According to one embodiment, the opening 18 is located on the wall of the sealing chamber 11 at its first end 17. A closing / regulating means, such as a valve 19, can be located near the opening 18 for replacement air. The moving element 14 can comprise support walls configured to rest on the walls of the sealing chamber. According to one embodiment, the moving element can comprise a support wall located transversely and extending from the sealing surface. According to one embodiment, the support wall can extend from the sealing surface of the moving element 14 to the first end 17 of the sealing chamber of the sealing device.According to one embodiment, the compacting device 10 may comprise a closing portion 14', by means of which the connection between the container space 2 of the separating device and the sealing chamber 11 may be configured to open and close. According to one embodiment, the connection may open and close synchronously with the movements of the moving element 14. According to one embodiment, the closing portion 14' may be a supporting wall of the moving element 14, which may be configured to close the connection of the separating device to the sealing chamber when the moving element is moved from the first position to the second position. In this way, more material w may be introduced into the separating device simultaneously with the moving element of the compacting device performing the compaction step, i.e. moving from the first position to the second position.After completing the compaction step, the moving element of the compaction device can be returned from the position shown in Fig. 8 by means of the drive 15 back to the first position illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0067] The second embodiment is shown in Fig. 9-16. It differs from the embodiment shown in Fig. 1-8 in that the supply of replacement air into the container space of the separating device can be arranged through the pipe 100 for transporting the material.

[0068] Thus, a separate opening for replacement air is not required in the separating device. The device made in accordance with the second embodiment also ensures continuous transport of material w from the transport pipe 100 to the separating device without the need to close the connection of the separating device 1 with the pipe 100. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 9-16, the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 can be connected to operate in the outlet pipe 6 for the transport air of the separating device through the pipe 7. The connection between the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 and the outlet pipe of the transport air in the pipe 7 can be opened and closed using a closing / regulating means, such as a valve 22.The suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 can be connected for operation in the pipe 100 via the outlet pipe 6 for transporting air, the container space 2 and the inlet pipe 3 for the material of the separating device 1 for transporting the material w through the pipe 100 into the container space 2 of the separating device. The suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 can be connected to the suction pipe 20, which can be detachably connected to the suction opening of the container 26. According to one embodiment, the connection on the suction side of the partial vacuum generator on the suction pipe can be opened / closed using a closing / regulating means, such as the valve 21 shown in Fig. 1-8.According to one embodiment, the connection from the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 through the suction pipe 20 with the suction opening 33 and with the space of the material container 26 may be open, as for example in the embodiments shown in Figs. 9-16. The suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 may be simultaneously connected both to the container space of the separating device and to the container space 27 of the material container 26, or only to one of them, either to the container space 2 of the separating device 1, or to the container space 27 of the container 26.

[0069] The container 26 may be detachably connected to the sealing device to align the outlet 16 of the sealing chamber 11 of the sealing device 10 with the inlet 25 of the container 26, as a result of which the material w may move from the sealing chamber 11 to the container space 27 of the container 26.

[0070] In Fig. 12, the container 26 is detachably connected to the sealing device. Thus, the material W can be transferred through the outlet 16 of the sealing chamber 11 from the sealing chamber through the inlet 25 of the container 26 into the container space 27. The material W is transported through the transport pipe 100 in the flow of transport air by means of the pressure difference in the container space of the separating device 1. Thus, the suction side of the partial vacuum generator can be connected to perform work in the container space 2 of the separating device 1 through the pipe 7 and the outlet pipe 6 and further into the pipe 100 through the inlet pipe 3. Replacement air can be supplied to the pipe 100 from the opposite side of the material being transported.In this way, the material w moves in a manner known per se in the pipe 100 of the partial vacuum system into the separating device 1 in the flow of transport air due to the pressure difference. In the container space 2 of the separating device 1, the heavier material w can move to the lower part of the container space, and the transport air can exit through the outlet pipe 6 from the upper part of the separating device 1. The transport air can be conducted further through the pipe 7 leading to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 and further to the pressure side of the partial vacuum generator, and through a possible means for filtering the transport air (not shown) to the outlet pipe 200, for example, to the outside. The material w can move from the separating device through the outlet opening 9 into the sealing chamber 11 through the inlet opening 12.The material w can accumulate as more and more material passes through the transport pipe 10 into the separating device, into a material accumulation. The material accumulation can extend from the sealing chamber 11 to the container space 2 of the separating device, as shown in Fig. 13. In the operating states shown in Figs. 12-14, the connection with the pipe 100 from the container space 2 of the separating device 1, for example from the inlet pipe 3, can be open. The connection of the container space 2 of the separating device 1 with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator via the outlet pipe for the conveying air can be open when the material is transported predominantly from the transport pipe into the separating device. The connection can be formed from the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 with the suction opening 33 of the container 26 by means of the suction pipe 20.Replacement air can be supplied through a pipe 100 for supplying replacement air into the container space of the separating device. According to one embodiment, the replacement air thus has access to the separating device 1, into its container space, on the opposite side of the material with a possible accumulation of material relative to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8, acting in the container space 27 of the container 26, so that the material w can move, due to the pressure difference, from the sealing chamber 11 further into the container space of the container 26.This can significantly increase the efficiency of moving material from container space 2 of separator device 1 through sealing chamber 11 into container space 27 of container 26 compared to the situation where material is transferred only under the action of gravity from separator device 1 through outlet opening 9 into sealing chamber 11.

[0071] In order to improve the efficiency of moving the material from the sealing chamber 11 to the container space 27 of the material container, the connection through the discharge pipe 6 for the conveying air of the separating device to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 can be closed, for example, by means of a closing / regulating means such as a valve 22. This is shown in Fig. 14. Thus, since the connection through the suction port 33 of the material container 26 and the suction pipe 20 to the suction side of the partial vacuum generator 8 is maintained, the suction effect is effectively exerted on the material w supplied through the sealing chamber 11.At the same time, the replacement air can flow through the pipe 100 for transporting the material to the inlet pipe 6 and further into the container space 2 of the separating device 1 and through the outlet opening 9 of the separating device and the inlet opening 12 of the sealing device to the opposite side of the material w located in the sealing chamber 11, relative to the suction side acting in the container space 27. Due to the created pressure difference, the material w can effectively move from the sealing chamber 11 into the container space 27 through the outlet opening 16 and the inlet opening 25.

[0072] In the operating state shown in Fig. 15, the moving element 14 of the compacting device is shown in an intermediate position, i.e., in the process of moving by means of the drive 15 in the compacting chamber 11 from the first position to the second position. In Fig. 12-14, the moving element 14 of the compacting device is in the first position. In Fig. 16, the moving element 14 of the compacting device is in the second position. In the operating state shown in Fig. 15, the moving element 14 of the compacting device transfers and compacts the material w, having moved into the compacting chamber, to the outlet 26 of the compacting chamber and then into the container space 27 of the container 27 for the material.Since suction is applied in the container space 11, more material w can be moved into the compaction chamber within the operating range of movement of the compaction device's moving element 16 than would be possible if the material were moved solely by gravity. Due to the suction acting from the container space 27 and the replacing air under ambient pressure acting on the opposite side of the material, the material can be moved due to the pressure difference, as shown, for example, in Fig. 14. Thus, the performance of the compaction device can be significantly increased by the suction acting through the container space 27 of the material container.The stroke rate of the moving element 14 of the compacting device 10 does not need to be increased when the pressure difference created by the combination of the suction and displacement air can be used to move the material w from the separating device 1 into the compacting chamber 11. As a result of the material being moved solely by gravity, the stroke rate of the compacting device must be increased to ensure the appropriate performance of the compacting device. According to one embodiment, this occurs, for example, because more material can be fed into the working area of ​​the moving element 14 of the compacting device by means of suction acting from the container space 27 than without suction by means of gravity alone.

[0073] In the operating state shown in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, the opening 18 for replacement air in the housing of the sealing device can be open into the sealing chamber 11. According to one embodiment, the opening 18 is located in the wall of the sealing chamber 11 of the sealing device, at its first end 17. A closing / regulating means, such as a valve, can be located near the opening 18. The moving element 14 can comprise support walls configured to rest on the walls of the sealing chamber. According to one embodiment, the moving element can comprise a support wall located transversely and extending from the sealing surface. According to one embodiment, the support wall can extend from the sealing surface of the moving element 14 to the first end 17 of the sealing chamber of the sealing device.According to one embodiment, the closing portion 14' of the moving element may be a supporting wall that may be configured to close the connection of the separating device to the compacting chamber when the moving element 14 moves from the first position to the second position. In this way, more material w may be introduced into the separating device simultaneously with the moving element of the compacting device performing the compacting step, i.e. moving from the first position to the second position. After performing the compacting step, the moving element of the compacting device may be returned from the position shown in Fig. 16 by means of the drive 15 back to the first position illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0074] In this application, a pipe may generally refer to a line for transporting a material, liquid, or gas. The pipe may be rigid, flexible, a hose, etc. The pipe may be formed from multiple sections. A closing / regulating means, such as a valve element, may comprise multiple components. The valve element may comprise means for controlling the valve element. The means for controlling the valve element may be controlled by a control means. The control means may control the valve elements to open and / or close when predetermined conditions are met, automatically or manually. According to one embodiment, the valve elements may be controlled individually or in groups. According to one embodiment, the valve elements may be controlled, for example, based on the amount of material, pressure, or time, or a pulse supplied by the user. The displacement air orifice may also be a displacement air duct.A closing / regulating means, such as a valve element, may be arranged in connection with the replacement air opening or the replacement air passage for opening and / or closing the replacement air opening or the replacement air passage.

Claims

1. A method for transporting and handling material, in which material (w) is fed into a separating device (1) through a material transport pipe (100) from an inlet (3) together with a flow of transport air provided by a partial vacuum generator (8) connected via a pipe (7) to a container space of the separating device, into an outlet pipe (6) for transport air, wherein the material (w) is removed from the container space (2) of the separating device (1) through an outlet (9) into a sealing chamber (11), wherein the material is moved and compacted by a moving element (14) of the sealing device (10) through an outlet (16) of the sealing chamber (11) into a container space (27) of a separate container (26) for the material, wherein said container (26) for the material is detachably connected to the sealing device, characterized in thatthat in the method, the efficiency of moving the material from the container space (2) of the separating device (1) to the sealing chamber (11) and further to the container space (27) of the container (26) for the material is increased by connecting the suction side of the partial vacuum generator (8) for operation in the container space (27) of the container (26) for the material through the suction pipe (20) and the suction opening (33) and by supplying replacement air into the container space (2) of the separating device (1) and / or into the sealing chamber (11) of the sealing device (10)., 2. The method according to claim 1, in which the efficiency of moving the material (w) is increased by feeding replacement air into the container space (2) of the separating device (1) and simultaneously closing the connection through the outlet opening (6) for transporting air of the separating device with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in which the efficiency of moving the material is increased before moving the moving element (14) of the compacting device (10) for moving and compacting the material from the compacting chamber (11) into the container space of the container (26) for the material from the first position to the second position and / or during the movement of the moving element (14) from the first position to the second position.

4. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1-3, in which the replacement air is supplied to the container space (2) of the separating device (1) through a pipe (100) for transporting the material.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the replacement air is supplied to the container space of the separator device (1) through the inlet opening (24) when the connection through the outlet pipe (6) for the transport air of the separator device (1) with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator (8) is closed.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the material is moved in a vertical direction from the container space (2) of the separator device (1) into the sealing chamber (11) and in a transverse direction relative to the vertical direction, preferably in a horizontal direction, in the sealing chamber (11) and from the sealing chamber (11) into the container space (27) of the container (26) for the material.

7. The method according to any one of paragraphs 1-6, in which the container (26) for the material is a container for the material, designed with the possibility of a detachable connection with the sealing device (10), and the suction pipe (20) is designed with the possibility of a removable connection with the suction opening (33) in the upper part of the said container for the material.

8. A device for transporting and handling material, comprising a separating device (1) having a space (2) for material, an inlet pipe (3), an outlet pipe (6) for transporting air and an outlet opening (9) for material, wherein there is a pipe (100) for transporting material, configured to be connected to said inlet pipe (3) for feeding material (w) in a flow of transporting air into a container space of the separating device, wherein the outlet pipe (6) for transporting air is configured to be connected in flow communication with the suction side of a partial vacuum generator (8) of a pneumatic material transport system, and the outlet opening (9) for material of the separating device (1) is located in flow communication with a sealing chamber (11) of the sealing device (10), wherein the sealing chamber has an inlet opening (12) and an outlet opening (16),wherein the sealing chamber (11) comprises a movably arranged moving element (14), and the moving element (14) of the sealing device is configured to move and compact the material through the outlet opening (16) of the sealing chamber (11) into the container space (27) of a separate container (26) for the material, detachably connected to the sealing device, characterized in that the device comprises means for increasing the efficiency of moving the material from the container space (2) of the separator device (1) into the sealing chamber (11) and then into the container space (27) of the container (26) for the material, wherein said means comprise connecting means for connecting the suction side of the partial vacuum generator (8) to perform work in the container space (27) of the container (26) for the material using a suction pipe (20) through a suction opening (33),and means for supplying replacement air for supplying replacement air into the container space (2) of the separator device (1) and / or into the sealing chamber (11) of the sealing device (10)., 9. The device according to claim 8, in which the means for supplying the replacement air comprise a flow connection from the space (2) for the material of the separating device (1), most preferably from its upper part, with an opening (24) for the replacement air and a closing / regulating means for opening and closing the flow connection, and / or a device in which the replacement air is supplied to the container space of the separating device (1) through an inlet pipe (3) and / or through an outlet pipe (6) for transport air.

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, in which the means for supplying replacement air comprise an opening (18) for replacement air, which is in flow communication with the sealing device (10) and its sealing chamber (11).

11. A device according to any one of claims 8-10, comprising a first closing / regulating means configured to open a connection for feeding replacement air into the container space (2) of the separating device (1), and a second closing / regulating means configured to close the connection of the container space (2) of the separating device (1) through the outlet opening (6) for transport air with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator (8).

12. The device according to any one of claims 8-11, having a first operating state in which the connection of the container space (2) of the separating device (1) via the outlet pipe (6) for transporting air with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator (8) is open, and the connection from the inlet pipe (3) of the separating device (1) to the pipe (100) for transporting the material is open, as well as the connection from the suction opening (33) of the container (26) for the material via the suction pipe (20) with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator is open, so that the material (w) can move from the transport pipe (100) into the container space (2) of the separating device and further through the outlet opening (9) into the sealing chamber (11).

13. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, having a second operating state in which the connection of the container space (2) of the separator device (1) via the outlet pipe (6) for the transport air with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator (8) is closed, wherein the line for supplying replacement air to the upper part of the separator (1) is open, and the connection via the suction opening (33) of the container (26) for the material and via the suction pipe (20) with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator (8) is open, so that the material (w) can more effectively move from the container space (2) of the separator device into the sealing chamber (11) and / or from the sealing chamber (11) into the container space of the container for the material.

14. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, having a third operating state, in which the sealing element (14) is moved by the drive mechanism (15) from the first position to the second position, for moving and compacting the material (w) from the sealing chamber (11) into the container space (27) of the material container, wherein in said operating state the connection through the suction opening (33) of the material container (26) and through the suction pipe with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator (8) is open, the connection from the sealing chamber (11) to the opening (18) for replacement air of the sealing device is open, and the connection from the outlet pipe (6) for transporting air of the separator device with the suction side of the partial vacuum generator (8) is also open.

15. The device according to any one of paragraphs 8-14, having a fourth operating state, in which the moving element (14) of the sealing device is designed with the possibility of moving from the second position to the first position, to the reserve position.

16. A device according to any one of paragraphs 8-15, in which the sealing device (10) comprises a closing part (14') by means of which it is possible to open and close the connection between the container space (2) of the separator device and the sealing chamber (11), preferably synchronously with the movements of the moving element (14).

17. The device according to any one of claims 8 to 16, in which the container (26) for the material comprises a dividing wall (34), such as a grate or mesh, between the container space (27) and the suction opening (33).

Images