DE102012104006B3 - Vertical cutter for use in commercial machine for recycling of motor vehicle-catalysts and for recovery of noble metal coated ceramic substrates, has vertical blade that is provided in ninety degree position during operation - Google Patents

Abstract

The vertical cutter has a vertical blade (5) that is provided in 90 degree position during the operation. The vertical blade has a V-shape with a tip downwards, and is locked in a crushing block. The vertical blade penetrates a cutting plate into a gap, and executes a cutting process. The crushing block and the cutting blade have teeth provided opposite to each other. The teeth of the cutting plate and the teeth of the crushing block are provided opposite to each other with certain size.

Description

The invention relates to a vertical shear for the recycling of motor vehicle catalysts according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

The catalytic properties of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh), when incorporated into catalysts, have a key role in automotive emission control. Since the mid-1990s, the demand for these metals (PGM) has increased significantly. Along with this increase, the reprocessing of used motor vehicle catalysts is ecologically and economically sensible.

In order to obtain a 1 kg PGM, approximately 160 t of PGM ore must be mined from a depth of up to 2,000 m. In comparison, "only" about 2 tons of converter is needed as used product or about 500 kg of coated ceramic substrates in order to obtain the abovementioned amount of PGM from recycling.

The number of catalysts that will be recycled will increase as the last generation of vehicles without catalytic converter is phased out. In the Federal Republic of Germany alone, 50.18 million vehicles are registered in 2010 according to the Federal Statistical Office. Of the approximately 3 million decommissioned vehicles in 2008, 420,000 vehicles were finally used in Germany and were thus available for catalyst treatment.

The state of the art is as follows.

At the present time, used catalysts in so-called "cat-stripping" are predominantly processed with so-called commercially available alligator scissors. On the one hand, there are high losses due to dust containing PGM, on the other hand alligator scissors for cat recovery pose a potential risk in terms of occupational health and safety.

Due to the system, the converters are heavily deformed during processing by means of alligator shears, before the actual cutting process takes place. In addition, the converters in the alligator shears are not "stable in position" and may be forced out of the cutting area before or during the cutting process. This is the case in particular with catalysts of a round design.

The patent is known DE 10 2010 000 408 "Method of working a body". The invention relates to a method for processing a metallic envelope having or at least partially hollow body using a pair of scissors having a first cutting edge having lower jaw with an associated support surface, which spans a plane in or near the lower jaw with their Cutting edge extends, a tiltable to the lower edge upper jaw with a second cutting edge and a pivotable to the support surface hold-down.

Furthermore, the published patent application DE 100 40 715 "Device for disassembling of motor vehicle catalysts" known. The invention relates to a device for disassembling motor vehicle catalysts, in particular for separating the housing from the ceramic shaped body contained therein and the remaining, partially metallic, components, which consists of an abutment and an ejection device, wherein the ejection device is composed of a plunger and a sword, while cooperating as abutment two jaws, and a method for opening the catalyst housing using the described novel tool.

Another publication DE 10 2006 002 182 "Method and apparatus for removing a body from a housing" is given. This invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing at least one exhaust treatment body from a housing having a jacket enclosing the at least one exhaust treatment body in the circumferential direction. In order to avoid impurities and damage to the exhaust gas treatment body when removing the exhaust treatment body from the housing, the jacket is cut from one axial shell end to the other axial shell end and mechanically cut, wherein after cutting the shell of the at least one exhaust treatment body can be removed from the cut jacket.

The object of the invention is to realize a vertical scissors for the recycling of motor vehicle catalysts, wherein a simple construction is executed and divided by a shearing process of the catalyst and it must be prevented that large deformations occur during the shearing process of the catalyst.

This object is achieved by a vertical shear with the features according to claim 1.

• – dass ein Vertikalmesser bei der Bedienung in 90°-Stellung dazu vorhanden ist und dass das Vertikalmesser eine V-Form mit einer Spitze nach unten aufweist und in einem Quetschblock arretiert ist, wobei das Vertikalmesser in einen Spalt einer Schneideplatte eindringt und den Schneidprozess ausführt, wobei der Quetschblock und die Schneideplatte gegenüberliegende Verzahnungen aufweisen,
• – dass die Verzahnung der Schneideplatte sowie die Verzahnung des Quetschblocks jeweils mittig gegenüberliegend mit einer Größe von einem Drittel der Gesamtlänge der Schneideplatte sowie des Quetschblockes vorhanden sind,
• – dass das Vertikalmesser über Befestigungen mittig über dem Quetschblock arretiert ist und damit eine feste, lösbare Verbindung vorhanden ist,
• – dass das Vertikalmesser eine Schneide von der Spitze des Vertikalmessers hin nach vorn des Vertikalmessers aufweist und die Schneide zwecks der Härte einer Spezialbehandlung zu unterziehen ist,
• – dass die Schneideplatte aus einem Gegenmesser gerade und einem Gegenmesser gezahnt mit einem mittig angeordneten Spalt besteht und über Befestigungen fest, lösbar arretiert ist,
• – dass in dem Schneidbereich ein Katalysator eingelegt ist,
• – dass der Katalysator durch das Senken des Vertikalmessers mit der Spitze und der Verzahnung der Schneideplatte zu arretieren ist und ein weiterer Schneidprozess ausführbar ist.

A vertical shear for the recycling of automotive catalytic converters is developed

• In that a vertical blade is provided in the 90 ° position for operation, and that the vertical blade has a V-shape with a tip down and locked in a squeeze block, the vertical blade penetrates into a gap of a cutting plate and performs the cutting process, wherein the squeezing block and the cutting plate have opposite teeth,
• - That the toothing of the cutting plate and the toothing of the squeeze block are each centrally opposite one another with a size of one third of the total length of the cutting plate and the squeeze block,
• - That the vertical knife is locked via fasteners in the middle above the Quetschblock and thus a solid, detachable connection is present,
• - That the vertical blade has a cutting edge from the tip of the vertical blade towards the front of the vertical blade and the blade is subjected to a special treatment for the purpose of hardness,
• - That the cutting plate consists of a counter knife straight and a counter knife toothed with a centrally disposed gap and is fixedly, releasably locked by fasteners,
• That a catalyst is inserted in the cutting area,
• - That the catalyst is to be locked by lowering the vertical blade with the tip and the toothing of the cutting plate and another cutting process is executable.

On the basis of claim 1 and its dependent claims follows a description of the machine.

A catalyst to be treated for the recycling process is placed in the cutting area and brought into the desired cutting position. By switching on the starter combination, the hydraulic unit is put into operation. By a control valve, the vertical blade is moved by hydraulic power transmission via a hydraulic cylinder in the desired direction.

The operating lever downwards - vertical blade moves downwards - or the operating lever upwards - vertical blade moves upwards - is set in its position so. When you let go of the lever, the control valve automatically goes to 0 position and the vertical blade remains in the respective position. If the vertical blade is now moved in the direction of the catalyst, it is first fixed in position by the penetrating tip of the vertical blade into the catalyst. Jumping out of the catalyst from the cutting area between the cutting plate and the pinch block is therefore not possible. This is especially important for catalysts with a round design.

By further pressing the operating lever down the catalyst is completely cut through. The separating cut is made by the vertical blade and a knife arranged on the cutting counter straight and a counter knife serrated. The separating knife gap is a defined but different dimension on both sides. After separation of the catalyst, this is present in two parts and already broken ceramic substrate - monolith - can escape from the cut housings. This ceramic break is placed in the housing openings of the machine base frame left and right of the cutting plate. The machine housing is connected to a suitable aspiration device, by means of which the material catch in the machine housing is subjected to negative pressure to recover PGM-containing dusts.

The cut housing halves can be deformed by the cutting process. The degree of deformation depends on the constructive nature of the catalyst and can therefore vary widely. This deformation may hinder the complete emptying of the catalyst.

For this reason, the vertical knife are designed as a V-shape and the counter knife as a toothed block. Between these blocks, the deformed housing parts of the catalyst can be "squeezed" again. For this purpose, the vertical blade is moved by means of operating lever in the uppermost position, the housing part is positioned vertically between the blocks and squeezed by metered operation of the control valve.

• – sehr kompakte Maschine mit geringen Aufstellmaßen
• – luftdichter Auffangbehälter für Keramikbruch, dadurch minimierte Verluste
• – sichere Fixierung des Katalysators im Schneidbereich
• – geringe Deformierungen des Katalysators beim Schneidvorgang
• – gezahnte Quetschvorrichtung verhindert ein Wegdrehen des Katalysators während des Quetschvorganges zur Öffnung Katalysators nach dem Schneiden
• – hohes Sicherheitsniveau durch Handbedienung (nicht wie an Alligatorscheren üblich: Fußbedienung). Die Anforderungen an die motorischen Fähigkeiten des Bedieners sind wesentlich geringer.
• – Messerposition zum Bediener in 90°-Stellung. Ein Durchgreifen bzw. Hineingreifen in den Schneidbereich ist somit überflüssig.
• – Die Lagestabilität und Positioniergenauigkeit des Vertikalmessers wird durch eine Doppelführung der Messeraufnahme gewährleistet.
• – geringe Energieaufnahme (5,5 kW) im Vergleich zu einer Alligatorschere (11 kW)
• – geringere Schneidkraft (12 t) notwendig als bei einer Alligatorschere (min. 75 t)
• – Bedienersicherheit

The advantages or differences from the prior art and to previously known commercial machines can be represented as follows:

• - very compact machine with small installation dimensions
• - Airtight collecting container for ceramic breakage, thus minimized losses
• - Secure fixation of the catalyst in the cutting area
• - Small deformations of the catalyst during the cutting process
• - toothed squeezing device prevents the catalyst from rotating during the squeezing operation to open the catalyst after cutting
• - high level of safety through manual control (not as usual on alligator shears: foot control). The requirements on the motor skills of the operator are much lower.
• - Knife position to the operator in 90 ° position. A penetration or reaching into the cutting area is therefore superfluous.
• - The positional stability and positioning accuracy of the vertical blade is ensured by a double guide of the blade holder.
• - low energy consumption (5.5 kW) compared to an alligator shear (11 kW)
• - lower cutting force (12 t) necessary than with alligator scissors (min.
• - Operator safety

The technical data for the machine description can be listed as follows: Dimensions L × W × H [mm] 1,010 × 830 × 1,800 Total weight [kg] 650 Cutting force [t] 12 Drive [kW] 5.5 Number of vertical knives [pcs.] 1 Number of counter knives [pcs.] 2 service manual operation

A subsequent embodiment will be described with reference to

1 machine design

2 Cutting area closed

3 Cutting area opened
described.

The 1 shows a general machine structure for the vertical scissors according to the invention for recycling of motor vehicle catalysts, in particular of used motor vehicle catalysts, for the purpose of recovering noble metal-coated ceramic substrates.

The 2 and 3 in particular, make the cutting area 4 in which the 2 the cutting area 4 in the closed state and the 3 the cutting area 4 in the opened state shows.

For the description of the embodiment, all figures are to be taken as a basis.

The machine description of the vertical scissors for recycling of motor vehicle catalysts is according to 1 described.

Here is a machine base with material collection container 1 executed. On this machine base with material collecting container 1 is a scissors support frame 2 attached. On this scissor support frame 2 is the vertical scissor assembly given. This vertical scissors assembly is composed of the scissor support frame 2 , the disguise control valve 3 , the cutting area 4 , the vertical knife 5 , a panel hydraulic cylinder 9 , a starter combination with EMERGENCY STOP 8th and an operating lever for hydraulic cylinders 7 ,

In the lower part of the machine undercarriage with material container 1 is a maintenance opening 6 given. In the inner part of the machine base with material collecting container 1 is also one Hydraulic unit for actuating the vertical blade 5 available. The structures are to be considered as prior art and known per se.

Essential to the invention is the cutting area 4 , which in the 2 and 3 is shown graphically and functionally. In the 2 and 3 is the cutting area 4 represented, which in particular from a cutting plate 20 and a squeeze block 23 with fixed, releasably locked vertical knife 5 composed. The cutting plate 20 as in the 2 and 3 can be seen, is constructed of a counter knife straight 21 and a counter-knife toothed 22 , wherein between the two counter knives a gap 27 is available.

The counter knife toothed 22 has a toothing on its surface 25 , which toothed a third of the total length of the counter knife 22 centered. This gearing 25 serves in particular to lock the inserted catalyst to prevent the slipping of this catalyst during a cutting operation.

Furthermore, the gearing serves 25 the counter knife toothed 22 in addition, when deformed in the cutting process of the catalyst, the deformation is restored by gently moving between the cutting plate 20 and the squeeze block 23 to treat retroactively. The gap 27 in the cutting plate 20 serves to that the vertical knife according to the invention 5 , which is made in V-shape, in this gap 27 in the cutting plate 20 introduced during the shearing process.

The vertical knife 5 , which is given in a V-shape and with the tip down, has a cutting edge 24 , which is forward to the operator available. In this case, the vertical knife according to the invention 5 in his arrangement about fortifications 28 and 28 ' and a squeeze block stored in front of it 23 with a gearing squeeze block 26 fixed, releasably locked.

The cutting plate 20 is about the fortifications 29 and 29 ' straight with the counter knife 21 and counter-teeth serrated 22 over the gap 27 fixed, releasably locked.

In this cutting area 4 the catalyst is inserted and via the vertical blade 25 cut apart. The catalyst to be opened is in the cutting area 4 on the cutting plate 20 in particular the gearing 25 the counter knife toothed 22 placed in the middle. By switching on the starter combination with EMERGENCY STOP 8th The included hydraulic power unit is located in the machine base with material recovery container 1 put into operation.

By operating the operating lever for hydraulic cylinders 7 becomes the vertical knife 5 moved by the hydraulic power transmission in the desired direction. This is the operating lever for hydraulic cylinders 7 moved down, and thus moves the vertical knife 5 also down.

Is the operating lever for hydraulic cylinders 7 moved up, the vertical blade moves 5 also upwards. Leaving the operating lever for hydraulic cylinder 7 go, the control valve automatically goes to 0 position and the vertical knife 5 remains in the respective position.

Will the vertical knife 5 Now moved in the direction of the catalyst, this is first through the penetrating tip of the vertical blade 5 fixed in position in the catalyst. It is about the penetrating tip of the vertical blade 5 into the catalyst and through overlay on the toothing 25 the counter knife toothed 22 given a firm locking of the catalyst for further treatment.

It is thus a jumping out of the catalyst from the cutting area 4 prevented. This is particularly important for catalysts with a round design and increases the safety at work, which is an essential feature of the invention.

By further pressing the operating lever for hydraulic cylinders 7 down the catalyst is completely cut through. The separation cut is made by the vertical knife 5 as well as one on the cutting plate 20 arranged counter knife straight 21 and a counter-knife toothed 22 executed. The knife gap of the vertical knife 5 is on both sides of a defined, but different measure. After separation of the catalyst, this is present in two parts and already broken ceramic substrate, in particular monolith, can emerge from the cut-open housings. This ceramic fracture is in the housing openings of the machine base with material collection container 1 left and right of the cutting plate 20 given up. The machine base with material collecting container 1 is connected to a suitable aspiration device, through which the material catch in the machine base with material collection container 1 negative pressure is applied to recover dusts containing PGM.

The cut housing halves can be deformed by the cutting process. The degree of deformation depends on the constructive nature of the catalyst and can therefore vary widely.

The invention essential advantages, in particular the technical design of the cutting area 4 , Are given to the effect that is prevented by the toothed squeezing that a rotation of the catalyst takes place during the cutting process. Furthermore, a high level of security is given by the manual control. The requirements on the motor skills of the operator are much lower. Another point to note is that the operator is in 90 ° position to the position of the vertical blade 5 becomes active. A penetration or reaching into the cutting area 4 is therefore superfluous. This invention-essential advantage over the prior art shows a clear improvement in the safety standard of this inventive device. The positional stability and positioning accuracy of the vertical blade 5 is ensured by a double guide the knife holder.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Machine undercarriage with material container

2

Scissor support frame

3

Panel control valve

4

cutting area

5

vertical knife

6

maintenance opening

7

Control lever for hydraulic cylinder

8th

Starter combination with EMERGENCY STOP

9

Covering hydraulic cylinder

20

cutting board

21

Counter knife straight

22

Counter knife serrated

23

crush block

24

cutting edge

25

gearing

26

Gearing squeeze block

27

gap

28

attachment

28 '

attachment

29

attachment

29 '

attachment

Claims (7)

Vertical scissors for recycling of motor vehicle catalysts, wherein the catalyst is cut open and scissors are present, which perform the cutting process via a hydraulic system, characterized in that a vertical blade ( 5 ) is present when operating in 90 ° position and that the vertical blade ( 5 ) has a V-shape with a tip down and in a squish block ( 23 ) is locked, wherein the vertical knife ( 5 ) into a gap ( 27 ) a cutting plate ( 20 ) penetrates and performs the cutting process, the squeeze block ( 23 ) and the cutting plate ( 20 ) opposite toothings ( 25 and 26 ) exhibit. Vertical shear according to claim 1, characterized in that the toothing ( 25 ) of the cutting plate ( 20 ) as well as the gearing ( 26 ) of the squeezing block ( 23 ) each in the middle opposite with a size of one third of the total length of the cutting plate ( 20 ) as well as the squish block ( 23 ) available. Vertical shear according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical blade ( 5 ) about fortifications ( 28 and 28 ' ) in the middle above the squeeze block ( 23 ) is locked and thus a fixed, releasable connection is present. Vertical shear according to claim 3, characterized in that the vertical blade ( 5 ) a cutting edge ( 24 ) from the top of the vertical blade ( 5 ) towards the front of the vertical blade ( 5 ) and the cutting edge ( 24 ) is subjected to a special treatment for the purpose of hardness. Vertical shear according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting plate ( 20 ) from a counter knife straight ( 21 ) and a counter knife ( 22 ) with a centrally arranged gap ( 27 ) and fixings ( 29 And 29 ' ) fixed, releasably locked. Vertical shear according to claim 1, characterized in that in the cutting area ( 4 ) a catalyst is inserted. Vertical shear according to claim 6, characterized in that the catalyst by the lowering of the vertical blade ( 5 ) with the tip and the toothing ( 25 ) of the cutting plate ( 20 ) is to lock and another cutting process is executable.

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