EP3074327B1

EP3074327B1 - Method for feeding in and for handling material, an input point and a wastes conveying system

Info

Publication number: EP3074327B1
Application number: EP14866764.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Göran Sundholm
Original assignee: Maricap Oy
Current assignee: Maricap Oy
Priority date: 2013-11-26
Filing date: 2014-11-24
Publication date: 2021-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-24
Also published as: WO2015079105A1; EP3074327A4; EP3074327A1; DK3074327T3; FI20136176A; FI125219B; ES2866628T3

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an input point as defined in the preamble of claim 1.
The invention also relates to a method as defined in the preamble of claim 15.

Background of the invention

The invention relates generally to material conveying systems, such as to pneumatic partial-vacuum transporting systems, more particularly to the collection and conveying of wastes, such as to the conveying of household wastes. Such systems are presented in publications WO 2009/080880 , WO 2009/080881 , WO 2009/080882 , WO 2009/080883 , WO 2009/080884 , WO 2009/080885 , WO 2009/080886 , WO 2009/080887 and WO 2009/080888 , among others. The invention also relates to waste feeding means, such as to input points or refuse chutes, with which waste is conveyed, typically by gravity, e.g. from higher input apertures in residential buildings to a lower collection space or corresponding container.
Systems wherein wastes are conveyed in piping by means of a pressure difference or suction are known in the art. In these, wastes are conveyed long distances in the piping by sucking. It is typical to these systems that a partial-vacuum apparatus is used to bring about a pressure difference, in which apparatus negative pressure is brought about in the conveying pipe with partial-vacuum generators, such as with a fan, with vacuum pumps or with an ejector apparatus. A conveying pipe typically comprises at least one valve means, by opening and closing which the replacement air coming into the conveying pipe is regulated. Waste input points, e.g. rubbish containers or refuse chutes, are used in the systems at the waste material input end, into which waste input points material, such as waste material, is fed and from which waste input points the material to be conveyed is conveyed into a conveying pipe by opening a discharge valve means, in which case, by means of the sucking effect brought about by means of the partial vacuum acting in the conveying pipe and also by means of the surrounding air pressure acting via the refuse chute, material such as e.g. waste material packed into bags, is conveyed from the refuse chute into the conveying pipe and onwards to a reception point, where the material to be transported is separated from the transporting air and conveyed for further processing or e.g. into a shipping container. The pneumatic waste conveying systems in question can be utilized particularly well in densely populated urban areas. These types of areas have tall buildings, in which the input of wastes into a pneumatic conveying system for wastes is performed via an input point, such as a refuse chute arranged, in the building.
Material can be conducted from an input point along a refuse chute into a container that is lower in the vertical direction, or an intermediate container can be in connection with the input points, into which intermediate container material fed from an input point is initially conducted and from where the waste material is conveyed onwards along the conveying piping to a reception point.
Input points have openable and closable hatches or valves. When suction is acting in an input point, the opening and/or closing of these can be difficult, owing to the pressure difference or transporting air flow, and can therefore require effective drive devices. WO2011/099929A1 discloses an input point according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising an insertion aperture for a pneumatic waste conveying system. A hatch is provided for partially closing the input aperture. WO2011/099929A1 also discloses a method according to the preamble of claim 15.
The aim of the present invention is to achieve a completely new type of solution in connection with the input points of a wastes conveying system, by means of which solution the drawbacks of prior art solutions are avoided. One aim of the invention is to achieve a solution with which the apertures that are in connection with an input point can be opened and closed more efficiently than earlier.

Brief description of the invention

The invention is based on a concept in which a shut-off means that is movable inside the channel part in the direction of the channel part is arranged in the channel part of an input point, which shut-off means is formed into a bushing means.
The input point according to the invention is defined in claim 1.
Preferred embodiments of the input point according to the invention are defined in claims 2 - 13.
The method according to the invention is defined in claim 15.
Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention are defined in claims 16 - 27.
The system according to the invention is defined in claim 14.
The input point according to the invention has a number of important advantages. With the shut-off means arrangement the force effects resisting the opening or closing of a shut-off means can be essentially reduced. By arranging a shut-off means to be a bushing means, which can be moved in the channel space of the channel part of an input point, a solution that is functionally effective, and efficient in terms of manufacturing technology, is accomplished for opening and closing an input aperture and/or a replacement-air aperture of an input point. With the shut-off means according to an embodiment of the invention it is possible to keep the surface area of the shut-off means small, said surface area resisting the opening or closing of the input aperture and/or replacement-air aperture owing to the pressure difference and/or replacement air flow. The first shut-off means or the second shut-off means can be moved with relatively small forces, in which case the drive devices of the shut-off means can be formed to be smaller than earlier in terms of their power. The solution also enables a replacement-air aperture to be made the shape or size desired. By arranging a flexing arrangement in connection with the moving arrangement of the shut-off means, a safety arrangement can be achieved in connection with an input aperture, with which safety arrangement overpowerful closing of the shut-off means is prevented if an object or part has remained between the input aperture and the shut-off means. By arranging a limiter part in connection with an input point, the size of objects being fed into the input point can be effectively limited or the volume of the feed container section of the channel space of the channel part can be otherwise limited. With an input point according to the invention the regulated supply of replacement air via the channel part into the conveying piping can be used effectively.
The input points, which are the input points of waste, such as waste receptacles or refuse chutes, can be used for feeding in material. The method and apparatus according to the invention are particularly well suited in connection with conveying systems of waste material, such as waste material arranged in bags.

Brief description of the figures

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail by the aid of an embodiment with reference to the attached drawings, wherein

Fig. 1a presents a simplified front view of an embodiment of an input point according to the invention, from the direction A of Fig. 1b,
Fig. 1b presents a simplified side view of an embodiment of an input point according to the invention, from the direction B of Fig. 1a,
Fig. 1c presents a simplified rear view of an embodiment of an input point according to the invention, from the direction C of Fig. 1b,
Fig. 1d presents a cross-section along the line Id-Id of Fig. 1c,
Fig. 2a presents a simplified view of an input point of an embodiment of the invention in a first operating phase, sectioned on the vertical plane,
Fig. 2b presents a simplified view of an input point of an embodiment of the invention in a second operating phase, sectioned on the vertical plane,
Fig. 2c presents a simplified view of an input point of an embodiment of the invention in a third operating phase, sectioned on the vertical plane,
Fig. 3 presents an input point of an embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 4 presents an input point of an embodiment of the invention with the side wall and rear wall removed, in a first operating phase and with the channel part partially sectioned,
Fig. 5 presents an input point of an embodiment of the invention with the side wall and rear wall removed, in a second operating phase and with the channel part partially sectioned,
Fig. 6 presents an input point of an embodiment of the invention with the side wall and rear wall removed, in a third operating phase and with the channel part partially sectioned,
Fig. 7a presents a simplified view of an input point of an embodiment of the invention in a first operating phase and sectioned on the vertical plane,
Fig. 7b presents a simplified view of an input point of an embodiment of the invention in a second operating phase and sectioned on the vertical plane,
Fig. 7c presents a simplified view of an input point of an embodiment of the invention in a third operating phase and sectioned on the vertical plane,
Fig. 7d presents a simplified view of an input point of an embodiment of the invention in a fourth operating phase and sectioned on the vertical plane,
Fig. 8a presents a simplified view of an input point of an embodiment of the invention, in a first operating phase and sectioned along the line VIIIa-VIIIa of Fig. 7a,
Fig. 8b presents a simplified view of an input point of an embodiment of the invention, in a second operating phase and sectioned along the line Vlllb-Vlllb of Fig. 7b,
Fig. 8c presents a simplified view of an input point of an embodiment of the invention, in a third operating phase and sectioned along the line VIIIc-VIIIc of Fig. 7c,
Fig. 8d presents a simplified view of an input point of an embodiment of the invention, in a fourth operating phase and sectioned along the line Vllld-Vllld of Fig. 7d.

Detailed description of the invention

Figs. 1a-1c present an input point 1 of a pneumatic pipe transport system for wastes. In Fig. 1a the input point 1 is presented from the front, from the direction of the arrow A of Fig. 1b. In Fig. 1b the input point 1 is presented from the side, from the direction of the arrow B of Fig. 1a, and in Fig. 1c from the rear, from the direction of the arrow C of Fig. 1b. The input point 1 comprises an enclosure 13, which forms the walls 131, 132, 133, 134, 135 of the input point. An input aperture 2 is formed in the enclosure of the input point, in the figure in the front wall 131 of it. A shut-off means 3 is arranged in connection with the input aperture 2, which can be moved between at least two positions, a first position, in which it prevents the feeding in of material to inside the enclosure of the input point via the input aperture 2, and a second position, in which the input aperture 2 is open. In the embodiment of Figs. 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d the front wall 131 of the input point 1 is formed to be curved. The front wall connects the side walls 133, 134. The rear wall 132 of the input point connects the side walls 133, 134 from the opposite side with respect to the front wall 131. The top wall 135 of the input point is formed in the embodiment of the figure to be sloping from the front wall side downwards towards the rear wall. In the embodiment of the figure there is a fixing point 136 in the bottom part of the input point, from which fixing point the input point can be fixed to its mounting surface s (presented in Figs. 2a-2c). Apertures 14, in the figure a grating or grille, are arranged or formed in the enclosure 13 of an input point 1, e.g. for conducting replacement air to inside the enclosure 13 of the input point. Inside an input point is a vertical channel part 10, which can be connected at its bottom part to a material conveying channel 20, such as to an intermediate container or to conveying piping. Fig. 3 presents one embodiment of an input point 1, in which the connection of the input point with a coupling part 15 to the channel 20 is described. Also the grid parts or grating parts that are in connection with the apertures 14, which are arranged in the figure on the side walls 133 and on the rear wall 132, are presented clearly in the figure.
Figs. 2a-2c present a simplified view of an input point 1 according to one embodiment, sectioned on the vertical plane. The input point is arranged with a fixing part 136 onto its mounting surface s. The feed-in container 10, which in the figure is a vertical channel part, of an input point is connected at its bottom part to a material conveying channel 20 with a coupling part 15. An input point thus has a vertical channel part 10, in the wall of which an aperture 201 is formed at the point of the input aperture 2 of the input point. In the embodiment of the figure, the aperture 201 is of mainly rectangular shape with rounded corners. The aperture 201 of the channel part can be an input aperture 2 at least in an embodiment in which the channel part 10 forms the outer wall, or part thereof, of the input point. Since the wall of the channel section 10 in the embodiment of the figure is ring-like, more particularly a circle, in its cross-sectional shape in the sectioning direction of the plane that is orthogonal to its longitudinal axis, the aperture is therefore in a curved wall type of envelope. Depending on the embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be also of some other shape, such as an ellipse, a polygon or some other suitable shape. Formed in the channel part 10 is a second aperture, a replacement air pathway 60, i.e. a replacement air valve, for conducting replacement air from the input point via the channel part 10 into a material conveying channel 20 and onwards into a material conveying pipe.
According to one embodiment replacement air is conducted from the replacement-air aperture 63 of the replacement air pathway 60, when the suction of a partial-vacuum generator, such as fans or a vacuum pump, of the pneumatic material conveying system acts via the conveying pipe in the input point. The channel part 10 is closed at the top part with a wall 112 and is connected at the bottom part to a material conveying channel 20. A first shut-off means 3, and its drive means 4, 5 are arranged in an input point 1, which first shut-off means in a first position (Fig. 2a) is adapted to close the connection via the input aperture 2 to inside the input point, into the feed-in container of it, which is in the space bounded by the channel part 10. The first shut-off means 3 has a second position (Fig. 2c), in which the shut-off means does not prevent the feeding of material via the input aperture 2 into the feed-in container bounded by the channel space of the channel part. In the embodiment of Fig. 2c the second position of the first shut-off means is downwards from the first position. In the embodiment of the figure the first shut-off means 3 in the second position is also arranged to close the replacement-air aperture 63, i.e. the pathway 60 of the replacement air from outside the channel part 10 to inside the channel part 10.
In the embodiment of Figs. 2a-2c a second shut-off means 61 is arranged in the input point, which shut-off means in the first position (Fig. 2a) closes the pathway for replacement air to inside the channel part via the access opening 63 for replacement air. The second shut-off means 61 has a second position, in which the second shut-off means does not prevent the passage of replacement air to inside the channel part 10 via the access opening 63 for replacement air. The second position of the second shut-off means 61 is presented in Fig. 2b, in which the second position is downwards from the first position. A drive device 62, 621 is arranged to drive the second shut-off means 61.
The first shut-off means 3 is arranged according to the embodiment of Figs. 2a-2c and 1d inside the space bounded by the walls of the channel part 10. The outer wall of the first shut-off means is directed towards the inner wall of the channel part 10. In the figure the first shut-off means is a ring-like shut-off means in its cross-sectional shape. According to one embodiment the first shut-off means is a bushing means. According to one embodiment the bushing means is a mainly tubular means. A bevel sloping inwards in the radial direction is formed in the top part 301 of the first shut-off means 3. It is adapted to suit the countersurface of the wall 111 of the input point, which in the embodiment of the figure is formed at the same point in the height direction as the top part of the edge of the input aperture 2 or of the aperture 201 of the channel part.
The drive means 4, 5 of the first shut-off means 3 in the embodiment of the figure comprise an actuator, such as a cylinder-piston combination. A piston 501 is arranged in the cylinder space of the cylinder 4, the piston rod 5 of which piston is fixed at its opposite end with respect to the piston 501 to the shut-off means 3 with a coupling arrangement. In the embodiment of the figure a support part 303 is arranged on the bottom part 302 of the shut-off means, which support part extends to outside the wall of the channel part. The support part 303 is arranged on the piston rod 5 with a fixing part 304. The moving means of the first shut-off means comprise a flexing arrangement 305. The flexing arrangement comprises a flexing means 305 arranged between the support part 303 and the fixing part 304. The flexing means 305 is adapted to displace the shut-off means 3 against the countersurface of the wall 111 when displacing said shut-off means into the first position. At the same time, it functions as a safety means and prevents the shut-off means from pressing against the countersurface if there is an obstacle between the shut-off means 3 and the edge of the input aperture 2 or the countersurface of the wall 11. The flexing means 305 can be e.g. a spring means, such as a helical spring, arranged in connection with the support part and the fixing part. In the embodiment of Figs. 2a-2c the inner surface of the channel part 10 can function as the guide surface of the first shut-off means 3. In the embodiment of the figures the support part 303 is arranged on the bottom part 302 of the first shut-off means 3, e.g. on the end surface of the shut-off means. In the embodiment of the figure, the support part 303 comprises a ring-like section, which is arranged on the bottom end surface of the shut-off means, and the actual support part extending outwards in the radial direction from the ring-like section. The support part extends from the aperture formed in the wall of the channel part, in the figure from the replacement-air aperture 63, to outside the channel section 10. The moving device 4, 5 of the first shut-off means 3 is arranged in the embodiment of the figures in the space between the outer wall of the channel section 10 and the enclosure 13 of the input point. The moving device is supported on the structures of the input point, e.g. on the wall of the channel section 10.
By arranging the first shut-off means 3 to be a ring-like means, such as a bushing means, an advantageous solution is achieved for moving the shut-off means in relation to the forces exerted by the suction and by the transporting air flow that are brought about by a partial-vacuum generator of a material conveying system acting in the channeling of an input point of a pneumatic material conveying system. With the arrangement relatively small surface areas are in practice achieved in the shut-off means, on which surface areas the resultant of the forces of the pressure difference act (because some of the radial forces acting on the rim of a ring-like bushing means compensate others). In this case it is possible to achieve a solution wherein the input aperture can be formed to be that desired in terms of its surface area and the actuator of the shut-off means can nevertheless be formed to be relatively small, owing to the relatively small forces needed according to the embodiment to move a bushing-type shut-off means.
The second shut-off means 61 is arranged according to the embodiment of Figs. 2a-2c and 4 inside the space bounded by the walls of the channel part 10. The outer wall of the second shut-off means 61 is directed towards the inner wall of the channel part 10. In the figure the second shut-off means is a ring-like shut-off means in its cross-sectional shape. According to one embodiment the second shut-off means is a bushing means. The top part 601 of the second shut-off means 61 is adapted to fit the countersurface of the bottom part 302 of the first shut-off means 3. The top part 601 of the second shut-off means is in the first position arranged in the height direction close to the edge of the top part of the second aperture, i.e. of the replacement-air aperture 63.
The drive means 62, 620 of the second shut-off means 61 in the embodiment of the figure comprise an actuator, such as a cylinder-piston combination. A piston 622 is arranged in the cylinder space of the cylinder 62, the piston rod 621 of which piston is fixed at its opposite end with respect to the piston 622 to the second shut-off means 61 with a coupling arrangement. In the embodiment of the figure a support part 603 is arranged on the top part 601 of the shut-off means, which support part extends to outside the wall of the channel part. The support part 603 is arranged on the piston rod 621 with a fixing part 604. The moving means of the second shut-off means comprise a flexing arrangement 605. The flexing arrangement comprises a flexing means 605 arranged between the support part and the fixing part. The flexing means 605 is adapted to displace the shut-off means 61 against the countersurface of the bottom part of the first shut-off means 3 when displacing said shut-off means into the first position. At the same time, it functions as a safety means and prevents the shut-off means from pressing against the countersurface if there is an obstacle between the shut-off means 61 and the edge of the input aperture 63 for replacement air or the countersurface of the first shut-off means. The flexing means 605 can be e.g. a spring means, such as a helical spring, arranged in connection with the support part and the fixing part. In the embodiment of Figs. 2a-2c the inner surface of the channel part 10 can function as the guide surface of the second shut-off means 61. In the embodiment of the figures the support part 603 is arranged on the top part 601 of the second shut-off means 61, e.g. on the end surface of the shut-off means. In the embodiment of the figure, the support part 603 comprises a ring-like section, which is arranged on the top end surface of the shut-off means, and the actual support part extending outwards in the radial direction from the ring-like section. The support part 603 extends from the aperture formed in the wall of the channel part, in the figure from the replacement-air aperture 63, to outside the channel section 10. The moving device 62, 621 of the second shut-off means 61 is arranged in the embodiment of the figures in the space between the outer wall of the channel section 10 and the enclosure 13 of the input point. The moving device is supported on the structures of the input point, e.g. on the wall of the channel section 10.
By arranging the second shut-off means 61 to be a ring-like means, such as a bushing means, an advantageous solution is achieved for moving the shut-off means in relation to the forces exerted by the suction and by the transporting air flow that are brought about by a partial-vacuum generator of a material conveying system acting in the channeling of an input point of a pneumatic material conveying system. With the arrangement relatively small surface areas (e.g. the end surface of a shut-off means) are in practice achieved in the shut-off means, on which surface areas the resultant of the forces of the pressure difference act (because at least some of the radial forces acting on the rim of a ring-like bushing means compensate others). In this case it is possible to achieve a solution wherein the replacement-air aperture can be formed to be that desired in terms of its surface area and the actuator of the shut-off means can nevertheless be formed to be relatively small, owing to the relatively small forces needed according to the embodiment to move a bushing-type shut-off means. According to one embodiment a ring-shaped protrusion, such as an O-ring seal, is arranged on the bottom part 602 of the second shut-off means 61, extending from the side surface of said means, which protrusion has a relatively small surface area on which the force effect resisting the movement direction or movement of the shut-off means is, for its part, exerted.
The situations of Figs. 2a-2c are further presented in the embodiments of Figs. 4, 5 and 6. In Figs. 4, 5 and 6 the side wall and rear wall of the input point 1 have been removed for the sake of clarity. In addition a vertical strip has been removed from the channel section 10 so that the location of the first shut-off means and of the second shut-off means 61 in relation to each other and in relation to the input aperture 2 and replacement-air aperture 63 can be seen. The location of the drive means is also more visible in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. Figs. 2a-2c are presented in a diagrammatic and simplified manner for the sake of clarity, so that both drive means and their operating states can be presented in the same figure.
Fig. 2a and Fig. 4 present a situation in which both shut-off means, the first shut-off means 3 and the second shut-off means 61, are in the first position. In this case both the input aperture 2 and the access opening 63 for replacement air are closed. In this case material cannot be fed into the channel part 10 of the input point from the input aperture 2. In this case the replacement air pathway from the replacement-air aperture 63 into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10 is closed.
Fig. 2b and Fig. 6 present a situation in which the second shut-off means 61 has been displaced inside the channel part 10 with the drive means 62, 621 from the first position (Fig. 2a) into the second position (Fig. 2b). In this case replacement air is able to flow via the replacement-air aperture 63 of the wall of the channel part 10 into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10. In Fig. 2b the replacement air flow is described with arrows passing through the aperture 63. When replacement air is fed in, the first shut-off means 3 is in the first position closing the input aperture 2.
When it is desired to feed more material into the input point 1, the first shut-off means 3 is displaced into the second position (Fig. 2c) with the drive means 4, 5. In this case the first shut-off means 3 displaces away from the point of the input aperture 2 and material can be fed in from the input aperture into the feed-in container of the input point 1, i.e. into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10. In the embodiment of Fig. 2c and Fig. 5 the first shut-off means 3 has displaced into the second position, in which the bottom part 302 of the first shut-off means 3 is against the top part 601 of the second shut-off means 61 in the second position.
In the embodiment of the figures the inner wall of the shut-off means 3, 61 forms the inside surface of the channel space 10' of the feed-in container, or at least a part of the inside surface. In the embodiment of the figures the first shut-off means 3 is a ring-like shut-off means, e.g. a bushing means. In the embodiment of the figures the second shut-off means 61 is a ring-like shut-off means, e.g. a bushing means. The drive means of a shut-off means 3, 61 can, in terms of their operating principle, be e.g. electrically-operated actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators or some other suitable actuators, depending on the application.
Figs. 7a-7d and 8a-8d present yet another embodiment, wherein means are arranged in connection with an input point for limiting the volume of the feed-in container. The means for limiting the volume of the feed-in container comprise a limiter part 700, and also drive means for moving the limiter part between at least two positions. In the embodiment of the figures the limiter part 700 is a wall, but it can also be some other suitable structure. The limiter part 700 has at least two positions, a first position, in which the wall does not limit the volume of the feed-in container, and a second position, in which the wall limits the volume of the feed-in container. In the first position the limiter part 700 does not extend into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10 of the input point. In the second position the limiter part 700 extends into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10 of the input point. In the embodiment of Figs. 7a-7d the limiter part is arranged in a turnable manner on the support part 702 arranged on the bottom part 302 of the first shut-off means 3. A hinge or joint 701 is arranged on the support part 702, around which hinge the limiter part 700 is arranged to be turnable. In the embodiment of the figure, the limiter part is a wall, which is adapted to fit from an aperture, in the figure from the replacement-air aperture 63, formed into the channel part, when the limiter part is displaced between the first position and the second position.
In Figs. 7a and 8a the limiter part is in the first position. In this case it does not essentially limit the volume of the channel part or prevent the displacement of the material in the channel space of the channel part. The first shut-off means 3 of the input point is in the first position and the second shut-off means 61 is in the first position.
In Figs. 7b and 8b the limiter part has been displaced with the drive means into the second position, in which the limiter part extends into the channel space 10' of the channel part. The second shut-off means has displaced into the second position, opening the replacement air pathway via the replacement-air aperture 63. In the embodiment of the figure the limiter part has turned at the hinge point 701 into the second position, which in the embodiment of the figure is in the transverse direction with respect to the conveying direction of the material of the channel part, e.g. in an orthogonal directional with respect to the vertical axis of the channel part. The drive means comprise an actuator, such as a cylinder-piston combination in the embodiment of the figure. In the embodiment of the figure the actuator is arranged on a support part 702, which is arranged on the wall of the first shut-off means, movably along with the first shut-off means. The actuator comprises in the embodiment of the figure a cylinder part 704 and a piston part 706, which piston part is arranged to move in the cylinder space of the cylinder part. Arranged on the piston part 706 is a piston rod 705, which in turn is arranged on the turning mechanism of the limiter part, said mechanism being a rod part 703, which in turn is arranged on the limiter part 700. When the actuator acts on the rod part 703, the rod part 703 and limiter part 700 turn in relation to the hinge point 701. In the embodiments of the figures only one embodiment of the limiter part and its turning means is presented.
According to Figs. 7c and 8c the input aperture 2 of an input point is opened by displacing the first shut-off means 3 into the second position with the drive means (which are presented in Figs, 2a-2c, 4, 5, and 6). At the same time the limiter part 700, which is in the second position, displaces along with the first shut-off means 3. Fig. 7c shows by way of example a material object w fed from the input aperture 2 into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10, i.e. into the feed-in container. The material w can be e.g. waste material or recyclable material packed into bags or material as such put into the input point via the input aperture. The limiter part 700 limits the feed-in container forming, in the embodiment of the figure, a wall closing a part of the cross-section of the channel. By means of the limiter part 700 the size or volume of the feed-in container can be regulated and at the same time, together with the shape and size of the input aperture 2, the size of objects that can be fed into the input point via the input aperture can be regulated. In this case e.g. the feeding of objects that are too long into the feed-in container of an input point, inter alia, can be prevented, such objects being undesirable from the viewpoint of the operation of the material conveying system. In Fig. 7c the limiter part is between the bottom part of the first shut-off means and the top part of the second shut-off means.
In the situation of Figs. 7d and 8d the first shut-off means 3 has displaced into the first position and the limiter part 700 has displaced into the first position, in which case the material w is able to go onwards in the channel space of the channel part 10 towards the conveying channel 20, and onwards towards the actual material conveying pipe. The material is conveyed along the material conveying pipe to the delivery end of the material conveying system, such as into a material container or separating device, where the material is separated from the transporting air. The limiter part 700 has been displaced with the drive devices into the first position, in which it does not essentially extend into the material space of the channel part, and does not limit the volume of the feed-in container. In the embodiments of Figs. 7d, 8d the limiter part has turned at the hinge point and displaced via the aperture formed in the wall of the channel part, in the figure via the replacement-air aperture 63, to outside the channel part.
The apparatus thus comprises means for conducting replacement air into the channel section of the input point. An input aperture 2 is formed in the enclosure 13 of an input point 1, which enclosure forms the outer walls, or at least a part thereof, of the input point, for feeding material into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10 of the input point, as well as apertures 14 for conducting replacement air to inside the enclosure. The replacement air passes to inside the enclosure 13 through the grating-type apertures 14 and onwards via the pathway 60 of the replacement air into the channel space 10' of the channel section 10. Figs. 4, 5, 6 present the apertures 14 formed in the enclosure 13 of an input point for conducting replacement air to inside the enclosure 13. Most of the replacement air is conducted via the channel space 10' of the channel section 10 into the channel space of the second channel section 20 following the channel section 10 of the input point and onwards into a conveying pipe, when the suction of a partial-vacuum generator of the pneumatic conveying system for wastes is able to act from the conveying pipe into the channel space of the channel section of the input point.
The actuator of the first shut-off means and the actuator of the second shut-off means can be e.g. a medium-driven cylinder-piston unit or e.g. an electrically-operated drive device.
The operation of a pneumatic wastes conveying system is not described in more detail here. Various examples of pneumatic wastes transporting systems are presented generally, e.g. in publications WO 2009/080880 , WO 2009/080881 , WO 2009/080882 , WO 2009/080883 , WO 2009/080884 , WO 2009/080885 , WO 2009/080886 , WO 2009/080887 , WO 2009/080888 , and WO/2011/110740 .
Typically the material is waste material, such as waste material arranged in bags. The input point can be adapted to be a part of a pneumatic waste conveying system or it can be a separate part, in which waste material is conducted into the waste room, waste container or corresponding.
It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments presented above, but that it can be varied within the scope of the claims presented below. The characteristic features possibly presented in the description in conjunction with other characteristic features can also, if necessary, be used separately to each other.
According to one embodiment a support part 603 is arranged on the second shut-off means 61, which support part extends from the channel space of the channel part 10 to outside the channel part via an aperture formed in the wall of the channel part 10, and that the second shut-off means 61 is moved with moving means from the support part 603.
According to one embodiment with the first shut-off means 3 in the second position at least most of the second aperture, i.e. the replacement-air aperture 63, formed in the wall of the channel part 10 is closed.
According to one embodiment the first shut-off means 3 and the second shut-off means 61 are moved from the first position into the second position at essentially the same time or that the second shut-off means 61 is first moved from the first position into the second position and after that the first shut-off means 3 is moved from the first position into the second position.
According to one embodiment the first shut-off means 3 and the second shut-off means 61 are moved from the second position into the first position at essentially the same time or that the first shut-off means 3 is first moved from the second position into the first position and after that the second shut-off means 61 is moved from the second position into the first position.
According to one embodiment with the limiter part 700 the size of an object that can be fed into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10 is limited and/or the volume of the feed container portion of the channel part 10 is limited.
According to one embodiment a limiter part 700 is brought into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10, which limiter part is moved between at least two positions, a first position, in which the limiter part does not essentially extend into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10, and a second position, in which the limiter part 700 extends into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10. According to one embodiment the limiter part 700 is moved along with the first shut-off means 3.
According to one embodiment the limiter part 700 is moved between the first position and the second position from an aperture, such as a replacement-air aperture 63, formed in the wall of the channel part 10.
According to one embodiment the moving means of the first shut-off means 3 and/or the second shut-off means 61 comprise a flexing arrangement 305, 605.
The invention also relates to an input point 1 for a pneumatic material conveying system, which input point comprises an input aperture 2 for feeding material to inside the input point from outside the input point, means 3 for opening and closing the input aperture, and means for conducting replacement air in a regulated manner from the input point into the material conveying channel, which can be connected to a conveying pipe, into which conveying pipe the suction side of a partial-vacuum generator can be connected to act. The input point 1 comprises a channel part 10, in the wall of which an aperture is formed for feeding material into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10 via the input aperture 2, that the means for opening and closing the input aperture 2 comprise a first shut-off means 3, which is a bushing means, and which first shut-off means is fitted inside the channel part 10 movably between at least one first position, in which the connection for feeding in material via the input aperture 2 is closed, and at least one second position, in which the connection for feeding in material via the input aperture 2 is open.
According to one embodiment formed in the channel part 10 is a second aperture 63, a replacement-air aperture, from outside the channel part into the channel space 10' of the channel part, and means for opening and closing the replacement-air aperture, which means comprise a second shut-off means 61, which is a bushing means, and which second shut-off means is fitted inside the channel part 10 movably between at least one first position, in which the connection into the channel space 10' of the channel part via the replacement-air aperture 63 is essentially closed, and at least one second position, in which the connection into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10 via the replacement-air aperture 61 is open.
According to one embodiment a support part 303 is arranged on the first shut-off means 3, which support part extends from the channel space of the channel part 10 to outside the channel part via an aperture formed in the wall of the channel part 10, and that the moving means of the first shut-off means 3 are adapted to move the first shut-off means from the support part 303.
According to one embodiment a support part 603 is arranged on the second shut-off means 61, which support part extends from the channel space of the channel part 10 to outside the channel part via an aperture formed in the wall of the channel part 10, and that the moving means of the second shut-off means 61 are adapted to move the second shut-off means from the support part 603.
According to one embodiment the first shut-off means 3 and the second shut-off means 61 are arranged in the channel space 10' of the channel part 10 in such a way that the bottom part 302 of the first shut-off means is towards the top part 601 of the second shut-off means 61 in the channel space of the channel part.
According to one embodiment the first shut-off means 3 in the second position is adapted to close at least most of the second aperture, i.e. the replacement-air aperture 63, formed in the wall of the channel part 10,
According to one embodiment means 700 are arranged in connection with an input point for limiting the volume of the feed-in container at least partly comprised in the channel space 10' of the channel part 10.
According to one embodiment the input point 1 comprises a limiter part 700 and also drive means for moving the limiter part between at least two positions, a first position, in which the limiter part 700 does not essentially extend into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10, and a second position, in which the limiter part 700 extends into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10.
According to one embodiment the limiter part 700 is arranged to be movable along with the first shut-off means 3.
According to one embodiment the limiter part 700 is arranged turnably on the first shut-off means 3.
According to one embodiment the limiter part 700 is adapted to extend into the channel space 10' of the channel part 10 from an aperture formed in the wall of the channel part, such as a replacement-air aperture 63.
According to one embodiment the moving means of the first shut-off means 3 and/or the second shut-off means 61 comprise a flexing arrangement 305, 605.
The invention also provides a waste conveying system, which comprises an input point according to any of claims 1-13.
Typically the material is waste material, such as waste material arranged in bags. The input point can be adapted to be a part of a pneumatic waste conveying system or it can be a separate part, in which waste material is conducted into the waste room, waste container or corresponding.
It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments presented above, but that it can be varied within the scope of the claims presented below. The characteristic features possibly presented in the description in conjunction with other characteristic features can also, if necessary, be used separately to each other.

Claims

Input point (1) for a pneumatic waste material conveying system, which input point comprises an input aperture (2) for feeding material to inside the input point from outside the input point, means (3) for opening and closing the input aperture, and means for conducting replacement air in a regulated manner from the input point to a material conveying channel, which can be connected to a conveying pipe, into which conveying pipe a suction side of a partial-vacuum generator can be connected to act, the input point (1) comprises a vertical channel part (10), which can be connected at its bottom part to the material conveying channel, in the wall of the channel part (10) an aperture (201) is formed for feeding material into a channel space (10') of the channel part (10) via the input aperture (2) or the aperture (201) of the channel part (10) can be the input aperture (2) in an embodiment in which the channel part (10) forms an outer wall, or part thereof, of the input point, and the means for opening and closing the input aperture (2) comprise a first shut-off means (3), characterized in that the first shut-off means (3) is a bushing means fitted inside the channel part (10) movably in the direction of channel part between at least one first position, in which the connection for feeding in material via the input aperture (2) is closed, and at least one second position, in which the connection for feeding in material via the input aperture (2) is open.
Input point according to claim 1, characterized in that formed in the channel part (10) is a second aperture (63), a replacement-air aperture, from outside the channel part into the channel space (10') of the channel part (10), and means for opening and closing the replacement-air aperture, which means comprise a second shut-off means (61), which is a bushing means, and which second shut-off means is fitted inside the channel part (10) movably in the channel space of the channel part between at least one first position, in which the connection into the channel space (10') of the channel part (10) via the replacement-air aperture (61) is essentially closed, and at least one second position, in which the connection into the channel space (10') of the channel part (10) via the replacement-air aperture (61) is open.
Input point according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a support part (303) is arranged on the first shut-off means (3), which support part extends from the channel space (10') of the channel part (10) to outside the channel part via an aperture formed in the wall of the channel part (10), and in that the moving means of the first shut-off means (3) are adapted to move the first shut-off means with the support part (303).
Input point according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a support part (603) is arranged on the second shut-off means (61), which support part extends from the channel space (10') of the channel part (10) to outside the channel part via an aperture formed in the wall of the channel part (10), and in that the moving means of the second shut-off means (61) are adapted to move the second shut-off means with the support part (603).
Input point according to any of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the first shut-off means (3) and the second shut-off means (61) are arranged in the channel space (10') of the channel part (10) in such a way that the bottom part (302) of the first shut-off means is towards the top part (601) of the second shut-off means (61) in the channel space of the channel part.
Input point according to any of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the first shut-off means (3) in the second position is arranged to close the second aperture, i.e. the replacement-air aperture (63), formed in the wall of the channel part (10).
Input point according to any of claims 1 - 6, characterized in that means (700) are arranged in connection with the input point for limiting the volume of the feed-in container in the channel space (10') of the channel part (10).
Input point according to any of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the input point (1) comprises a limiter part (700) and also drive means for moving the limiter part between at least two positions, a first position, in which the limiter part (700) does not essentially extend into the channel space (10') of the channel part (10), and a second position, in which the limiter part (700) extends into the channel space (10') of the channel part (10).
Input point according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the limiter part (700) is arranged to be movable along with the first shut-off means (3).
Input point according to any of claims 7 - 9, characterized in that the limiter part (700) is arranged turnably on the first shut-off means (3).
Input point according to any of claims 7 - 10, characterized in that the limiter part (700) is adapted to extend into the channel space (10') of the channel part (10) via an aperture formed in the wall of the channel part, such as a replacement-air aperture (63).
Input point according to any of claims 3 -11, characterized in that the
moving means of the first shut-off means (3) comprise an actuator, such as a cylinder-piston combination, and comprise a flexing arrangement (305), e.g. a spring means, arranged between the support part (303) and a fixing part (304) of a piston rod (5) of the cylinder-piston combination, wherein the support part (303) is arranged on the piston rod (5) with the fixing part (304).
Input point according to any of claims 4 -12, characterized in that the moving means of the second shut-off means (61) comprise an actuator, such as a cylinder-piston combination, and comprise a flexing arrangement (605), e.g. a spring means, arranged between the support part (603) and a fixing part (604) of a piston rod (621) of the cylinder-piston combination, wherein the support part (603) is arranged on the piston rod (621) with the fixing part (604).
Wastes conveying system, which comprises an input point according to any of claims 1 - 13.
Method for feeding in and for handling material in an input point for a pneumatic waste material conveying system according to claim 1 comprising following steps: feeding waste material or recyclable material into a channel space (10') of the channel part (10) via the input aperture (2), conveying the material from the input point along with the transporting air via the material conveying pipe to the delivery end of the pneumatic waste material conveying system, where the waste material is separated from the transporting air, and wherein in the method the input aperture of the input point is opened and closed with a first shut-off means (3), ch aracterized in that the first shut-off means (3) is arranged to be a bushing means, and is fitted inside the channel part (10), and moved in the direction of the channel part between at least one first position, in which the connection for feeding in material via the input aperture (2) is closed, and at least one second position, in which the connection for feeding in material via the input aperture (2) is open.
Method according to claim 15, characterized in that formed in the channel part (10) is a second aperture (63), a replacement-air aperture, from outside the channel part into the channel space (10') of the channel part, and in that in the method the replacement-air aperture is opened and closed with a second shut-off means (61), which is a bushing means, and which shut-off means is fitted inside the channel part (10) movably and moved in the direction of the channel part between at least a first position, in which the connection into the channel space (10') of the channel part via the replacement-air aperture (63) is essentially closed, and a second position, in which the connection into the channel space (10') of the channel part (10) via the replacement-air aperture (63) is open.
Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that a support part (303) is arranged on the first shut-off means (3), which support part extends from the channel space (10') of the channel part (10) to outside the channel part via an aperture formed in the wall of the channel part (10), and in that the first shut-off means (3) is moved with moving means with the support part (303).
Method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that a support part (603) is arranged on the second shut-off means (61), which support part extends from the channel space (10') of the channel part (10) to outside the channel part via an aperture formed in the wall of the channel part (10), and in that the second shut-off means (61) is moved with moving means with the support part (603).
Method according to any of claims 15 - 18, characterized in that with the first shut-off means (3) is arranged to close in the second position the second aperture, i.e. the replacement-air aperture (63), formed in the wall of the channel part (10).
Method according to any of claims 16 -19, characterized in that the first shut-off means (3) and the second shut-off means (61) are moved from the first position into the second position at essentially the same time or in that the second shut-off means (61) is first moved from the first position into the second position and after that the first shut-off means (3) is moved from the first position into the second position.
Method according to any of claims 16 -20, characterized in that the first shut-off means (3) and the second shut-off means (61) are moved from the second position into the first position at essentially the same time or that the first shut-off means (3) is first moved from the second position into the first position and after that the second shut-off means (61) is moved from the second position into the first position.
Method according to any of claims 15 - 21, characterized in that a limiter part (700) is limiting the volume of the feed container portion of the channel part (10) and/or the size of an object that can be fed into the channel space (10') of the channel part (10).
Method according to any of claims 15 - 22, characterized in that a limiter part (700) is brought into the channel space (10') of the channel part (10), which limiter part is moved between at least two positions, a first position, in which the limiter part does not essentially extend into the channel space (10') of the channel part (10), and a second position, in which the limiter part (700) extends into the channel space (10') of the channel part (10).
Method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the limiter part (700) is moved along with the first shut-off means (3).
Method according to any of claims 22 - 24, characterized in that the limiter part (700) is moved between the first position and the second position via an aperture, such as a replacement-air aperture (63), formed in the wall of the channel part (10).
Method according to any of claims 15 - 25, characterized in that the moving means of the first shut-off means (3) comprise a flexing arrangement (305).
Method according to any of claims 16 - 26, characterized in that the moving means of the second shut-off means (61) comprise a flexing arrangement (605).