EP1789596B1

EP1789596B1 - Drum structure for treatment of leathers and like products

Info

Publication number: EP1789596B1
Application number: EP05768058A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ruggero Galiotto
Original assignee: Erretre SpA
Current assignee: Erretre SpA
Priority date: 2004-07-27
Filing date: 2005-07-27
Publication date: 2008-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-27
Also published as: HK1108925A1; EP1789596A1; BRPI0513107B1; CN1989258B; ATE390492T1; WO2006013442A1; BRPI0513107A; ES2304704T3; DE602005005693T2; CN1989258A; ITVI20040189A1; DE602005005693D1

Abstract

A drum structure (1) for treatment of flexible sheet-like products, such as leathers, hides, fabrics and yarns, comprising a container (2) essentially formed by a side wall (4) with predetermined outer diameter (D) and with a longitudinal axis (O), and by a pair of substantially flat and mutually faced end walls (5, 6), a support frame (3) which can be secured to the ground on which said container (2) is rotatably mounted in order to rotate about its longitudinal axis (O). The container (2) mounted on the frame (3) has a predetermined maximum height (H1) from the ground in normal operating condition. Support means (8) which are adjustable in height to move said container (2) from a raised position correspondent to the normal operating position to a lowered position substantially into contact with the ground (S) are provided, in such a way as to reduce the vertical bulk and to facilitate the transport of the drum structure (1) without special authorizations or convoys.

Description

Technical field

The present invention is generally directed to the technical field of machines for chemical and/or surface treatment of laminar flexible products, such as leathers, hides, fabrics and yarns, and more specifically relates to a drum structure particularly suitable for the transportation from the place of manufacturing to the place of installation and use.

Background art

It is known that the above mentioned drums are essentially constituted by a container with at least one part for inlet of the products to be treated and with at least one part for outlet of the treated products, as well as a series of ducts for admission of the substances useful for the treatment.
The container is rotatably mounted on a support frame formed by robust metallic profiles, in such a manner as to be rotatably driven by suitable motor means about its axis. Necessarily, the rotation axis must have a predetermined height from the ground, in order to allow the free rotation without interaction with the ground and the frame.
The drums are usually very bulky, in order to allow the treatment of large industrial quantities. A standard drum, suitable for the treatment of product quantities ranging between 800 and 1500 kg, has a diameter of about 3 meters and is raised from the ground of 20 - 80 cm, so that its total height with respect to the ground is comprised between 3,20 m and 3,80 m.
Such maximum height provides, in addition to remarkable big installation problems in companies having little buildings, also great limitations during transportation. In fact, when the driven must be transferred from the building place to the installation and utilization place, the machine has to be lifted and loaded on a suitable transportation means, for example the flatcar of a lorry or of an articulated truck, which has a per se a height of 90-100 cm from the ground.
Thus, the so loaded transportation means can easily reach a height equal to or higher then 4 m, which is the maximum allowable height for transportation without special authorizations.
As a consequence, the truck driver has to require and obtain from the public traffic authority a special permission in every country or region in which he transits, and has to overcome a number of bureaucratic problems, additional costs and losses of time. Moreover, in case of total height more than 4.5 m, some national laws require special convoys, with dramatic increases of transportation costs and bureaucratic formalities.
Finally, the excessive height of the drum could imply handling problems even after transportation, when positioning the machine in the installation place, because of limitation in the height of the inlet part of the shops.
In order to overcome these drawbacks, it has been conceived to partially disassemble the drum before transportation, i. e. providing the cylindrical container separate from the support frame, and re-assembling them on the installation place after transportation.
In such a manners, the drum can be transported without any special authorization or convoy. However, even this known solution does not solve the problem of reducing the transportation costs because the container and the frame cannot be transported on one single truck and have to be transported using two trucks or one special transport mean, with consequent higher costs than the traditional solution.
No provisions have been heretofore provided for arranging the drum in order to have a variable configuration, in such a manner as to simplifying the transportation of the completely assembled machine.
A drum structure for treatment of flexible sheet-like products according to the preamble of claim 1 is known for example from EP 1 004 678 A .

Summary of the invention

The general object of the present invention is to overcome the abovementioned drawbacks, by providing a drum structure for treatment of flexible sheet-like products, such as leathers, hides, fabrics and yarns, which exhibits high flexibility and cost-effectiveness in use.
A main object is that of providing a drum structure that allows the temporary reduction of the bulk of the machine during transportation until the installation place.
A particular object is that of providing a drum structure that achieves the above advantages while keeping its effectiveness and functionality.
A further object is that of providing a drum structure as above described that involves extremely low additional costs, in such a manner to be advantageous from a mere economical point of view.
These objects, together with other that will be more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a drum structure for treatment of flexible sheet-like products, such as leathers, hides, fabrics and yarns, in accordance with claim 1, comprising a container having a side wall with predetermined outer diameter and with a longitudinal axis, one pair of substantially planar and mutually faced end walls, a support frame securable to the ground on which said container is rotatably mounted for rotation thereof about its longitudinal axis, said container mounted on said frame having a predetermined maximum height from the ground in normal operating condition, characterized in that it comprises support means which are adjustable in height to move said container from a raised position corresponding to the normal operating position to a lowered position substantially ground contacting in such a way as to reduce the vertical bulk and to simplify transportation of the drum structure.
Thanks to this particular embodiment, the drum structure can be easily compacted in order to fit the maximum allowable dimensions for transportation without any special permissions or convoys, while being practical and efficient.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive embodiment of a drum structure according to the invention, illustrated by way of a non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective top and front view of a drum according to the invention in an arrangement of normal operating condition;
FIG. 2 shows a perspective top and back view of a drum according to the invention;
FIG. 3 shows a side view of the drum of preceding figures;
FIG. 4 shows a front view of the drum of preceding figures;
FIG. 5 shows a view of a detail of FIG. 3 in an enlarged scale;
FIG. 6 shows a view of the detail of FIG. 5 as taken along the sectional plane VI - VI;
FIG. 7 shows a perspective top view of the drum according to the invention in a compact arrangement of handling and transportation;
FIG. 8 shows a side view of the drum of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 shows a view of a detail of FIG. 8 in an enlarged scale;
FIG. 10 and 11 respectively show a side and a front view of the drum according to the invention in a first operating step in a reduced scale;
FIG. 12 and 13 respectively show a side and a front view of the drum according to the invention in a second operating step in a reduced scale;
FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of the operating method according to the invention.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

With particular reference to the above figures, a drum for treating flexible sheet-like products, such as leathers, hides, fabrics and yarns is illustrated, overall denoted with reference number 1, which essentially comprises a container 2 for the products to be treated and a support frame 3 which can be secured to the ground S.
In particular, container 2 is generally formed by a side wall 4 with a longitudinal axis O and a predetermined outer diameter D. The side wall 4 is further covered at the longitudinal ends thereof by a pair of substantially planar and mutually faced walls 5, 6.
Although in the embodiment shown in figures the side wall 4 is substantially cylindrical-shaped with circular section, it is immediately understood that this shape may be notably different, for example prismatic, without departing from the scope of the invention.
More in detail, the container 2 is rotatably mounted on the support frame 3 in such a manner to rotate about its longitudinal axis O. Motor means, overall denoted with 7, are envisaged for causing rotation of container 2 about its axis O.
In a per se known manner, openings for filling and removing the products may be provided on side wall 4, the openings being closed by respective covers with secure locks, not shown in figures.
Moreover, ducts and orifices are provided on the end walls 5, 6 for feeding the fluids and chemical products suitable for the treatment are providing, for example water, chemical products, dyes, gas and air, not shown in figures as well.
In normal operating condition, drum 1 is fully assembled and ready-to-use and has a predetermined maximum height H1 from the ground S, equal to the outer diameter D of the container 2 plus an optimal height R of about 70-80 cm.
According to the invention, support means of the container 2 are provided, overall denoted with the reference number 8, which are adjustable in height to move the container from a raised position corresponding to the normal operating position, denoted with P1, to a lowered position, denoted with P2 and having the aim of reducing the vertical bulk and simplifying the transportation of the whole drum structure, without any special permissions or convoys.
When container 2 is in its lowered position P2 it results substantial in contact engagement with the ground or slightly raised by few centimetres from the same, in order to avoid damages. In this embodiment, the maximum height H2 from the ground of the drum 1, shown in FIG. 7 and 8, is substantially near the outer diameter D of the container 2, optionally increased of few centimetres in order to avoid damages and interferences.
Accordingly, the adjustable support means 8 comprise a pair of end supports 9, 10 for supporting respective hubs 11, 12 joined to the end walls 5, 6 of the container 2.
Each support 9, 10 is securable to the frame 3 at a first level K1 correspondent to the raised position P1 of the container 2.
Preferably, the end supports 9, 10 comprise respective housings 13, 14 for hubs supporting bearings 15, 16, for example of spherical or cylindrical type, as shown in FIG. 5.
To this end, the support frame 3, and particularly its side wall 17, 18, comprise a pair of substantially rectangular-shaped slots 19, 20 to house the supports 9, 10.
Each opening 19, 20 is provided with anchoring means to removably secure the respective and supports 9, 10 respectively at the raised level K1 and lowered level K2.
Preferably, a first anchoring mean may be constituted by a substantially horizontal bracket 21, which can be fitted and locked in a respective slot 19 defined by two vertical rods 19', 19".
Bracket 21 may be secured at a predetermined height by means of suitable locking means constituted by, for example, a pair of plates 21', 21" anchored by means of screws or bolts fitted in a series of holes of the vertical rods 19', 19". Suitably, the height of the bracket 21 may be adjusted in such a manner as to adapt it to the conditions of the installation site, arranging the screws and the bolts in different holes of the vertical rods 19', 19" of the slot 19.
A second anchoring mean may be constituted by a second bracket 22, secured in the respective slot 19 and locked thereto to removably lock the support 9 at lowered level K2.
It is understood that the anchoring and locking means of the container in the position P1 and P2 may be also different from those disclosed and may be adjustable, for example of the nut and screw or ratchet type, optionally actuated by mechanical and automatic means, without departing from the scope of the invention.
In use, drum 1 is assembled in the shop in the operating condition shown in figures from 1 to 4, with supports 9, 10 in their normal position.
Thus, in order to prepare the drum for the transport, the step a) of slinging the container 2 in order to support it in its raised position P1 corresponding to the normal operating condition is carried out.
Then step b) of adjusting the support means 8 from their raised level K1 to their lowered level K2 is effected, in such a manner to move the container 2 in position of substantial contact with the ground S, in order to compact the drum by reducing its vertical bulk and facilitating the transportation. Finally step c) of locking the adjustable support means 8 at their lowered level so that to perform a safety transportation is performed.
Once completed the transportation and the positioning of the drum in the installation zone of a tannery or textile company, it is possible to restore the machine from the transportation condition to the normal operating condition by means of the following steps.
At first, step d) of slinging the container 2 in order to support it in the lowered position P2, correspondent to the transportation condition, is accomplished. Then, step e) of unlocking the adjustable support means 8 and adjusting them at their raised level K1 is performed. Finally, step f) of locking the adjustable support means 8 at said raised level K1 and restoring the drum structure to the normal operating condition is provided.
Optionally, the definitive height of the drum structure may be adjusted in order to adapt it to the maximum height of the place of installation.
From the foregoing description, it is apparent that the drum according to the invention fulfils the intended objects, and in particular it is underlined its great flexibility, thanks to that its vertical bulk may be temporarily reduced during the transport, as well as during its movement up to the installation place.
Moreover, it is pointed out its great functional capability and effectiveness while encompassing the abovementioned structural improvements. Last but not least, it must be noticed that the drum structure is very easy-to-manufacture and low-cost, in order to be advantageously from an economical point of view.
The drum structure according to the invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and changes all falling within the inventive scope expressed in the accompanying claims. All details may be replaced by other technically equivalent and the materials may be different according to requirements, without departing from the object of the invention.
While the drum has been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the reference numbers used in the description and in the claims are used to improve the intelligence of the invention and do not limit in any way the scope of the protection claimed.

Claims

Drum structure for treatment of flexible sheet-like products, such as leathers, hides, fabrics and yarns, comprising a container (2) having a side wall (4) with predetermined outer diameter (D) and with a longitudinal axis (O), one pair of substantially planar and mutually faced end walls (5, 6), a support frame (3) securable to the ground on which said container (2) is rotatably mounted for rotation thereof about its longitudinal axis (O), said container (2) mounted on said frame (3) having a predetermined maximum height (H1) from the ground in normal operating condition, characterized in that it comprises support means (8) which are adjustable in height to move said container (2) from a raised position (P1) correspondent to the normal operating position to a lowered position (P2) substantially ground contacting (S) in such a way as to reduce the vertical bulk and to simplify transportation of the drum structure (1).
Drum structure in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the maximum height from the ground (H2) of the container (2) in said lowered position (P2) is close to the outer diameter (D) of the container (2).
Drum structure in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that said adjustable support means (8) comprise one pair of end supports (9, 10) for supporting respective hubs (11, 12) joined to the end walls (5, 6) of said container (2).
Drum structure in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that each of said supports (9, 10) is securable to said frame (3) at least at a first level (K1) corresponding to said raised position (P1) of the container (2).
Drum structure in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that said end supports (9, 10) comprise housing (13, 14) for bearings (15, 16) suitable for supporting said hubs (11, 12).
Drum structure in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that said support frame (3) comprises one pair of substantially rectangular-shaped slots (19, 20) to house said supports (9, 10).
Drum structure in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that each of said slots (19, 20) is provided with anchoring means (21, 22) to removably lock the respective support (9, 10) respectively at said raised level (K1) and a lowered level (K2).
Drum structure in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that said anchoring means comprise a first bracket (21) for removably fitting into a respective slot (19) and securable thereto by releasable locking means in order to removably secure a support (9, 10) at said raised level (K1).
Drum structure in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that said anchoring means further comprise a second bracket (22) fitted in the respective slot (19, 20) and fixed thereto to removably lock a support (9, 10) at said lowered level (K2).
Drum structure in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that said anchoring means (21, 22) are adjustable in height to adapt the drum to the transportation and installation conditions.
Operating method of a drum structure for treatment of flexible sheet-like products, such as leathers, hides, fabrics and yarns in accordance with one or more of preceding claims, comprising the following compacting steps:
a) slinging the container (2) to keep it in its raised position (P1) correspondent to the normal operating condition;

b) adjusting the adjustable support means (8) from their upper level (K1) to their bottom level (K2) in such a manner as to move the container (2) in a substantial ground contact engaging position (S) to thereby compact it by reducing the vertical bulk of the drum and facilitating its transportation;

c) locking said adjustable support means (8) at their lowered level (K2) to perform transportation in safe conditions.
Operating method in accordance with claim 11, comprising the steps of restoring the drum structure from the transportation condition, after completion of positioning thereof in the installation seat, to the normal operating condition:
d) slinging the container (2) in order to keep up it in its lowered position (P2) correspondent to the transportation condition;

e) unlocking said adjustable support means (8) and adjusting them at their raised level (K1);

f) locking said adjustable support means (8) at said raised level (K1), optionally adapted to the conditions of the installation seat, and restoring the drum structure to its normal operating condition.