ES1296427U - Nozzle strip (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

A strip of nozzles (2) for ejecting a gaseous medium towards a stream of objects to classify and direct said objects towards at least two different predetermined destinations comprising: - an interconnecting part (9) having a front side (10) and a rear side (11), and a plurality of openings (12) arranged in a row on the rear side of said interconnecting part, - a plurality of nozzles (5) arranged in a row and extending from the front side of said interconnection part all in the same direction; wherein respective pairs of one of said openings and one of said nozzles are arranged opposite each other along said interconnecting portion; wherein each nozzle of said plurality of nozzles comprises: - a dome-shaped nozzle tip (18) comprising a tip opening (19) for the ejection of pressurized gaseous media and at least one flexible tab (20) that is extends towards said tip opening (19); - inner channel walls defining an inner channel (37), which inner channel extends from said opening (12) in the interconnection part to said outlet part (15) for the expulsion of pressurized gaseous media. wherein said inner channel (37) comprises: - a first cylindrical base part (13) having a radius r bp2 and a height h bp1 , wherein said height is within the range of 0.5-4 mm, - a second cylindrical base part (14) having a radius R bp2 and a height H bp2 , - a cylindrical inlet part (16) having a radius r ip and a height h ip , wherein said second base part it is arranged between said first base part and said inlet part; - a dome-shaped outlet part (17) having a height h op , wherein said cylindrical inlet part (16) is arranged between said second cylindrical base part (14) and said outlet part (17); wherein the ratio between the radius of said second base part and the radius of said first base part is within the range of 1.05 and 1.1 (1.05 <=R bp2/ Rbp1 <= 1.1). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

nozzle strip

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a nozzle strip for ejecting gaseous media into a stream of objects to sort and direct said objects to at least two different predetermined destinations.

Background of the invention

A sorting arrangement can be used in, for example, the mining, recycling, or scrapping industry to sort objects such as, for example, plastics, metals, stones, gems, and diamonds from a material stream. Such a sorting arrangement can also be called a sorting machine. A sorting arrangement can also be used in the food industry to sort different types of food items such as, for example, potatoes or fresh vegetables. The sorting arrangement usually comprises an ejection device with outlets through which a gaseous medium is ejected towards the objects to be sorted, and some type of receiving means for receiving the sorted objects.

To determine which of the objects should be separated from the material flow, sorting arrangements typically work using transmitter and receiver units, such as, for example, optical or inductive transmitter and receiver units. For example, as described in AT 395.545 B, the transmitter units comprise light sources, such as diode light sources, which emit light beams, which are grouped in the receiver unit on a photocell by means of a system Of lenses. The transmitter and receiver units are usually connected to a central computing unit that processes the incoming data and determines the position, size and type of individual objects in the material flow based on the light beams received by the receiver units and emitted by the transmitting units.

Subsequently, the classification of the individual objects is carried out based on the finalized identification/determination of the individual objects in the material flow. This classification operation is carried out by expelling a gaseous medium against the objects individual, depending on the identification/determination of the individual objects made by the IT unit. The sorting arrangement, comprising the outlets and the flow channel leading thereto, can be controlled by valves, such as solenoid valves, operated by the computing unit.

One type of sorting arrangement, for example the sorting arrangement described in AT 395,545 B, uses a nozzle arranged to eject the gaseous medium in a "bottom-up" direction, which means that the nozzles are arranged to expel the gaseous medium in a direction that has a component opposite to the force of gravity. The material flow is conveyed towards the nozzles by, for example, a conveyor belt, where objects in the material flow are then allowed to fall over the edge of the conveyor belt. During the descent of falling objects, a nozzle ejects a gaseous medium towards the objects to be sorted, whereby the object's fall trajectory is changed, for example by forcing the object into a container or onto a belt separate conveyor.

Sorting arrangements having "bottom up" arranged nozzles have several advantages compared to nozzles arranged to eject the gaseous medium in a direction having a component matching the force of gravity. For example, the "bottom up" arrangement generally provides higher classification accuracy and lower consumption of the gaseous medium. However, "bottom up" nozzles have the disadvantage that dust and particles can be more easily transported into the nozzle and therefore cause nozzle clogging and/or component damage, such as valves, arranged inside or before the nozzle.

Sorting arrangements may have nozzles attached to the sorting arrangement outlets by means of a separate clamping plate that is held in place by multiple tiny screws. In a mining environment that is rough and dusty, the use of screws has the disadvantage that the screws become dirty and clogged and are easily lost, for example, when removed during maintenance. In addition, the clamp plate needs a certain amount of space between the nozzles to have the necessary force, so the clamp plate limits the nozzle pitch configuration and therefore the ability to effectively classify small grain sizes.

Brief description of the invention

An object of the present invention is to overcome the above problems and provide a solution that, at least to some extent, improves the prior art and/or provides a less complex structure compared to prior art solutions. This and other objects, which will become clear below, are achieved by means of a nozzle strip for sorting objects defined in the appended claims.

The inventive concept has for its object to provide a nozzle strip that is fixed to outlets on the sorting arrangement by means of a snap connection between the nozzle strip and the outlets, thus facilitating the exchange of the nozzle strip, for example, when worn, during maintenance, etc. and allows for a decrease in nozzle pitch configuration and therefore the ability to effectively classify small grain sizes.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a nozzle strip is provided for ejecting pressurized gaseous media into a stream of objects to sort and direct said objects to at least two different predetermined destinations. The nozzle strip comprises:

- an interconnection part having a front side and a rear side, and a plurality of openings arranged in a row on the rear side of said interconnection part, - a plurality of nozzles arranged in a row and extending from the side front of said interconnection part all in the same direction;

wherein respective pairs of one of said openings and one of said nozzles are arranged opposite each other along said interconnecting portion;

wherein each nozzle of said plurality of nozzles comprises:

- a dome-shaped nozzle tip comprising a tip opening for the ejection of pressurized gaseous media and at least one flexible tab extending towards said tip opening;

- inner channel walls defining an inner channel, inner channel extending from said opening in the interconnecting part to said outlet for the ejection of pressurized gaseous media,

wherein said inner channel comprises:

- a first cylindrical base part having a radius RbPi and a height hbPi, wherein said height is within the range of 0.5 - 4 mm

- a second part with a cylindrical base that has a radius Rb ^P2 and a height HbP ² , - a cylindrical entry part having a radius r¡p and a height h¡p, wherein said second base part is arranged between said first base part and said entry part;

- a dome-shaped outlet part having a height hop, wherein said cylindrical inlet part is arranged between said second cylindrical base part and said outlet part;

wherein the ratio between the radius of said second cylindrical base part and the radius of said first cylindrical base part is within the range of 1.05y1.1 (1.05 < RbP ² /RbPi

^{^} 1 ^, 1 ^).

An advantage of this is that particles and/or dust or the like that have adhered, for example, to the outlet part can be shaken off by deflecting the outlet part. In addition, during the deflection time of the outlet part, the cause of which is, for example, a pulse or a continuous flow of the gaseous medium ejected through the outlet, particles and/or dust or the like are less likely to adhere. to the outlet part since at least some of these parts of the nozzle move with the expulsion of the gaseous medium.

Another advantage is that it is easier to remove and engage the nozzle strip in the nozzle heads or outlets on the sorting arrangement or sorting machine, for example, when the strip wears out, or the outlets need maintenance, etc.

The sorting arrangement typically comprises an ejection device for ejecting pressurized gaseous media into a stream of objects to sort and direct said objects to at least two different predetermined destinations.

The ejection device normally comprises a plurality of outlets arranged for the ejection of pressurized gaseous media, each outlet having an exposed part extending a predetermined distance ^{(H outlet)} from the cover of the ejection device, each exposed part having a cylindrical base part and a cylindrical protuberance. The base part is arranged between the cover and the protrusion. In addition, the nozzles of the nozzle strip are typically configured to mate with the outlets of an ejector.

Pressurized gaseous media may be supplied to the outlets from a gas supply means to provide a gaseous medium, having a first gas operating pressure, to the ejection device. In other words, the gas provided by the gas supply means has an operating pressure that is, for example, different from the ambient pressure in the room or location where the sorting device is located. It is by this operating pressure of the gaseous medium that the objects are classified/deflected and/or by this pressure that the reed(s) at the tip of the nozzle are deflected. The operating pressure is preferably in the range of 1 bar to 10 bar, more preferably in the range of 2 bar to 8 bar.

The interface part has a front side and a rear side, and a plurality of openings arranged in a row on the rear side of the interface part. When the nozzle strip is attached to the outlets, the rear side of the nozzle strip faces the cover. Preferably, the rear side of said sorting arrangement interconnection part is substantially flat, so that the rear side of the interconnection part can be arranged substantially flush with the sorting arrangement cover when the nozzle strip is engaged. to the ejection device during use.

According to one example, the interconnecting part is in the form of a flange which extends away from said inner nozzle channel. The flange and/or wall of the channel surrounding said first base part may be arranged to reinforce and provide a degree of rigidity to the inlet part of the nozzle, this to ensure that the nozzle strip is retained at the outlets in the expulsion of pressurized gaseous media through the nozzles. It should be noted that the rigidity of the interconnection part and/or the wall of the channel is not only determined based on the material chosen for the nozzle, but also on the width or thickness of the interconnection part. Also, a thinner nozzle/interconnect wall may yield more compared to a thicker nozzle/interconnect. Thus, the choice of material and the wall thickness of the nozzle/interconnection part as well as the shape of the outlet part are preferably adapted in such a way that the wall of the nozzle/interconnection part only yields up to a degree to which the strip of nozzles is held over the outlets in the ejection of pressurized gaseous media through the nozzles.

The nozzle strip comprises a plurality of nozzles arranged in a row and extending from the front side of the interface part all in the same direction. Respective pairs of one of the openings and one of the nozzles are arranged opposite each other along the interconnection part. A center-to-center distance between two adjacent openings matches the center-to-center distance between two exits adjacent.

Each of the plurality of nozzles comprises a nozzle tip comprising a tip opening for the expulsion of pressurized gas and at least one flexible tab, which extends towards and defines said tip opening. The tip of the nozzle is dome-shaped, for example.

Each nozzle can be said to have a tip opening which has a first exit area when at rest, for example, when no pressurized gaseous medium is flowing through the nozzle, or in other words, is not provided to the nozzle. nozzle a gaseous medium having a first operating gas pressure. When the nozzle is subjected to a gaseous medium, such as air, having a first operating pressure, the flexible reed deflects and the outlet area increases to a second outlet area where the second outlet area is larger than the first. exit area. Particles and/or dust or the like are less likely to enter beyond the outlet part and further into the nozzle channel, since they are hampered by the fact that the first outlet area of the outlet part output is smaller when the nozzle is at rest or, in other words, it is not subjected to pressurized gaseous media. The first outlet area is preferably smaller than the outlet area of said outlet of the ejecting device. The outlet part may be arranged to minimize or completely close the tip opening of the nozzle, at least when the nozzle is not ejecting a gaseous medium through the outlet part of the nozzle, i.e. when the nozzle is in repose.

An advantage of this is that particles and/or dust or the like that have adhered, for example, to the outlet part can be shaken off by deflecting the outlet part. In addition, during the deflection time of the outlet part, the cause of which is, for example, a pulse or a continuous flow of the gaseous medium ejected through the outlet, particles and/or dust or the like are less likely to adhere. to the outlet part since at least some of these parts of the nozzle move with the expulsion of the gaseous medium.

Each nozzle comprises one or more inner channel walls that define an inner channel. The inner channel extends from the opening in the interface part to the tip opening for the ejection of pressurized gaseous media. The inner channel fluidly connects the inlet portion of the nozzle and the tip opening of each nozzle. Furthermore, the walls of the inner channel define the inner channel which extend from the opening in the interconnecting part to the tip opening in the outlet part.

According to an illustrative embodiment, the wall of the channel comprises a protrusion at the interface between the upper part of said first base part and the lower part of said second base part, which protrusion may be discontinuous or continuous in one direction around said axial direction of the nozzle.

The inner channel comprises a first cylindrical base part, a second cylindrical base part, a cylindrical inlet part and a dome-shaped outlet part.

According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the height of said first base part is within the range of 1-6mm, preferably 1-4mm, more preferably 2-3mm.

The first cylindrical base part has a radius rbPi and a height hbPi, where the height hbPi is approximately 1.1 mm. Consequently, the height hbPi can be greater than 2 mm, eg up to 3 mm or up to 5 mm, and it can also be less than 1 mm, eg down to 0.5 mm or up to 0.25 mm. Furthermore, the first base part has a circumference NbPi, measured in a plane that is orthogonal to a flow direction of the gaseous medium through the nozzle.

The second cylindrical base part has a radius Rb ^P2 and a height HbP ² , where the height Hb ^P2 is approximately 2 mm. Consequently, the height hb ^P2 can be within the range from 1 to 4 mm, it can also be greater than 4 mm, for example, go up to 6 mm or up to 10 mm; and it can also be less than 1mm, for example down to 0.5mm or down to 0.25mm. Furthermore, the second base part has a circumference NbP ² , measured in a plane orthogonal to a flow direction of the gaseous medium through the nozzle.

Each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles comprises a dome-shaped nozzle tip comprising a tip opening for the expulsion of pressurized gas and at least one flexible tab extending towards said tip opening. The tip opening is provided at the tip of the nozzle. The cylindrical inlet part has a radius r¡p and a height h¡p, wherein the height h¡p is about 0.25-6mm, preferably 0.5-3.5mm, more preferably 1.5- 2.5mm. Therefore, the height h¡p can be within a range of 0.5 - 3.5 mm or within a range of 0.5 - 2, it can be greater than 3 mm, for example, go up to 4 mm or down to 6mm, and can also be less than 0.5mm, for example down to 0.25mm. The second cylindrical base part is arranged between the first cylindrical base part and the cylindrical inlet part.

The dome-shaped outlet part has a height hop, wherein the cylindrical inlet part is arranged between the second cylindrical base part and the outlet part. The dome-shaped outlet part allows the outlet part to be automatically closed at least in part when no gaseous medium having a first gas operating pressure is supplied to the nozzle. Furthermore, a dome-shaped outlet part is advantageous in that it is self-supporting when the nozzle is in a closed state.

The inlet portion of the inner channel is configured to receive pressurized gaseous media from a respective one of the outlets, and the at least one tab is configured to deflect in the flow direction of the pressurized gaseous medium to increase the area of the tip opening when the pressurized gaseous medium passes through the tip opening. The circumference of the first base part of the inner channel at rest (that is, when it is not coupled to the outlet of the ejection device) is substantially equal to or less than the outer circumference of the base part of the outlet (NbPi s 1 .01* 0 Pb), to provide a push-in connection when the nozzle is attached to the outlet.

According to an illustrative embodiment, the sum of the respective heights of the first base part, the second base part, the entrance part and the exit part equals, at most, 95% of the distance H from the side tail of said strip portion to the tip of said nozzle along a center line of said nozzle

(hbPi+ HbP2+h¡p+hop — 0.95 H)

According to an illustrative embodiment, the base portion and protrusion of each outlet and the first and second base portions of the inner channel of each nozzle are cylindrical and the ratio of the radius of the second cylindrical base portion to the radius of the first cylindrical base part is within the range of 1.05 and 1.1 (1.05 < Rb ^P2 / RbPi á1.1). Thus, the ratio between the circumference of the outlet bulge and the circumference of the part output base is less than 1.1.

According to an illustrative embodiment, the strip of nozzles covers a first surface portion of the ejector cover when the strip of nozzles is attached to the ejector device, and wherein said first surface of said cover is inclined 30-60 degrees, preferably 30-45, more preferably 45 degrees, relative to a vertical plane intersecting multiple center lines of said plurality of nozzles.

According to an illustrative embodiment, the nozzle strip arrangement is a unitary piece of material, which material is selected from the group comprising rubber, polyurethane, silicone, or other materials of similar elasticity. The use of rubber is advantageous in that it is a relatively inexpensive material and provides the desired material properties discussed above. The use of polyurethane is advantageous as it provides the desired material properties discussed above.

In addition, by providing an outlet part comprising a flexible material, the pressure level of the gaseous medium is allowed to influence the cross-sectional size in the outlet part, (for example, described as the degree of nozzle opening or the size of the cross section of the outlet part), with the expulsion of the gaseous medium through the tip opening. Thus, an increase in the pressure level of the gaseous medium will not only increase the amount of gas expelled from the nozzle due to the direct consequence of having a higher pressure, but also due to the fact that the outlet part will be deflected outwards. to a greater degree due to the higher pressure and thus the size of the cross section in the outlet part will increase, whereby even more gaseous media can be ejected through the outlet part.

When the outlet part is deflected, the outlet part can move outward in both axial and radial directions compared to the inner channel of the nozzle. The outlet part can be moved so that the outlet opening and the wall of the channel have an equal cross-sectional area. The outlet part can also be deflected to such an extent that the cross-sectional area is greater than the cross-sectional area of the inner channel.

According to an illustrative embodiment, the height of the interconnecting part is greater than the distance from said opening to said second cylindrical base part along a center line of said nozzle.

The height of the interconnection part is, for example, at least 10% higher or at least 20% higher or at least 30% higher or at least 40% higher or at least 50% higher than the distance from said opening to said second cylindrical base part along a center line of said nozzle. Additionally or alternatively, the height of the interconnecting part is, for example, at most 50% higher or at most 40% higher or at most 30% greater or at most 25% greater or at most 20% greater than the distance from said opening to said second cylindrical base part along a center line of said nozzle.

According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the inner channel comprises a first base part wholly or partly provided within the interconnection part. Alternatively or additionally, the inner channel comprises a first base part wholly provided within the interconnection part, and a second base part partially or wholly provided within the interconnection part.

According to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the inner channel also comprises a first tapering part having a height htpi. The tapering part is arranged between the first base part and the opening in the base part. The first tapering part tapers gradually from the first base part to said opening in said base part. Furthermore, the inner channel comprises a second tapering part having a height htP ² , which is arranged between the second base part and the inlet part. The tapering part gradually tapers from the second base part to the entrance part.

According to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the ratio between the height of the second cylindrical base part and the first cylindrical base part is within the range of 0.3 to 1.5 or 0.5 to 0. .8 or 0.3 to 0.5.

According to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the outlet part is defined by at least first and second slots that intersect and, optionally, have an intersection point that coincides with a central axis of said channel of said channel. nozzle. Having intersecting slots divides the nozzle outlet into segments, each of which deflects when subjected to a flow of gaseous medium. By choosing the length of the first and second slots, as well as the point of intersection of the slots, the deflection characteristics of the outlet part of the nozzle can be changed. Advantageously, the outlet is provided with two or more slots, up to 8 slots. For example, the outlet is provided with 1-8 slots, preferably 2-6 slots, more preferably 2-4. The slots are advantageously arranged with a uniform angle between the slots, as seen in the axial direction of the nozzle. , such as 90 degrees or a cross shape when the outlet is provided with two slots. If the nozzle outlet is provided with three slots, the angle between two adjacent slots is 60 degrees. For the Generally, a greater number of intersecting slots results in lower opening pressure and a more uniform nozzle opening. However, at the same time, a higher number can result in more wear on the nozzle dome material.

According to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the outlet part has a through hole. The through hole may be arranged with a central point coinciding with a central axis of the nozzle. The through hole may be a circular hole with a diameter in the range of 1.5 mm. However, the diameter may be configured to be larger or smaller than 1.5mm depending on the pressure of the gaseous medium supplied to the nozzle. If a large pressure of the gaseous medium is provided, the diameter of the through hole may be less than 1.5 mm, for example between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. If the pressure of the supplied gaseous medium is small, the diameter of a through hole may be larger than 1.5 mm, for example between 1.5 mm and 3 mm, or even larger. Accordingly, there is a relationship between the pressure of the gaseous medium, the material and the shape of the nozzle, as well as the diameter of the through hole of the outlet part.

In accordance with at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle strip is formed as a single piece, comprising at least two nozzles interconnected by a strip. Having a strip of nozzles comprising nozzles interconnected by a strip allows for economical manufacture of a plurality of nozzles. Preferably, the strip comprises between 2 and 100 nozzles, each nozzle interconnected to adjacent nozzles by said strip. The strip and the nozzles can be made using the same material. In addition, it allows easy assembly and quick replacement of worn nozzles.

On the other hand, the material(s) of the outlet part are preferably chosen such that the surface of the outlet part is aerodynamically beneficial, for example with a low surface roughness (i.e. being smooth) so as not to cause unwanted frictional resistance between the gaseous medium and the surface of the outlet part.

According to at least one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a center-to-center distance between two neighboring nozzles is between 3mm - 8mm, preferably in the range of 4mm to 7mm, more preferably, in the range of 4.5mm to 5.5mm. However, depending on the size of each nozzle, the distance can be greater, such as between 8 mm or 20 mm or even greater. The distance between two adjacent nozzles is set depending on the type and size of the objects to be classified. Naturally, the smaller the center-to-center distance between two adjacent nozzles, the more nozzles that can be attached to an object sorting device.

According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the pressurized gaseous medium can be, for example, compressed air. The gaseous medium can be ejected through the outlet, for example, in the form of a pulse or, for example, in the form of a flow such as a continuous flow.

According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the height of the nozzle strip is in the range of 2 mm to 100 mm, preferably within a range of 3 to 15 mm, or within a range of 4 to 10 mm.

According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the interconnection part can, at least to a certain extent and depending on the circumstances, such as, for example, the pressure level of the gaseous medium, deflect, or at least vibrate, together with the outlet part with expulsion of the gaseous medium through the outlet part. In this way, particles and/or dust or the like adhering to the outlet part, for example, to an outer surface of the outlet part can be shaken off by ejecting the gaseous medium through the outlet part.

Each outlet may be connected to the gas supply means by a separate channel. According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the gas supply means comprises a plurality of conduits, each conduit leading to a separate outlet. The outlet feeds air to the inlet part of the nozzle.

There are application areas, where the accuracy of the classification arrangement is of great importance. One way to increase accuracy is to arrange the nozzles from bottom to top on the concave side of the parabola described by the falling particles. Another way to provide high accuracy is to arrange the nozzle channel and nozzle tip as described in this document. According to one configuration, the outlets are arranged from bottom to top at an angle of 45 degrees, and when the nozzle is in use, the pressure of the gaseous medium is sufficient to redirect falling particles that are struck in a predetermined direction, different from the direction of the particles that are not hit. Furthermore, in this configuration, the diameter of the nozzle outlet is d when the nozzle is in use, and the tip of the ejector outlet is arranged at a distance of 5*d from the falling particles. according to at least An illustrative embodiment, when the nozzle is used in this configuration and there is a stream of falling objects separated by a distance of at least 5*d in the horizontal direction and preferably also in the direction of fall, the gaseous medium ejected through the nozzle only hits one and not neighboring particles in said stream of particles.

According to at least one illustrative embodiment, the distance between the center lines of the channels of two neighboring nozzles in the plurality of nozzles is between 1mm - 100mm.

It is to be understood that the nozzle strip described herein can be used at least as part of a sorting machine or sorting arrangement, to sort objects.

According to at least one illustrative embodiment, a sorting arrangement may comprise an ejection device for ejecting pressurized gaseous media into a stream of objects to sort and direct said objects to at least two different predetermined destinations. The ejection device may comprise a cover on which a plurality of outlets may be arranged. The strip of nozzles may be configured to mate with the plurality of outlets of the ejector. Each of the plurality of outlets has an exposed portion extending a predetermined distance from said cover. Each exposed part has a base part and a bulge, wherein the outer circumference of said base part is smaller than the outer circumference of said bulge, and said base part is arranged between said cover and said bulge. In operation, the nozzle strip is assembled to the plurality of outlets, and to achieve a press fit between each of the plurality of outlets and each of the plurality of nozzles on the nozzle strip, the circumference of the former Cylindrical base portion of the inner channel at rest is substantially equal to or less than the outer circumference of the cylindrical base portion of the outlet, to provide a snap connection when the nozzle is engaged with the outlet.

In general, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted in accordance with their usual meaning in the technical field, unless otherwise explicitly defined herein. All references to "a/a/the [item, device, component, medium, stage, etc.]" are to be construed openly as referring to at least one instance of such element, device, component, medium, etc. stage, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Brief description of the drawings

The present inventive concept will be described in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings showing illustrative embodiments, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a sorting arrangement comprising a strip of nozzles in accordance with at least one illustrative embodiment of the inventive concept;

Figure 2 illustrates a cross section of the sorting arrangement shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the sorting arrangement shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates a cross section of the sorting arrangement shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a nozzle strip in accordance with at least one illustrative embodiment of the inventive concept;

Figure 6 is a top view of the nozzle strip shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 illustrates a cross section of the nozzle strip shown in Figure 5; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a nozzle strip in accordance with at least one illustrative embodiment of the inventive concept;

Figure 9 illustrates a cross section of the nozzle strip shown in Figure 8; Figure 10a illustrates a cross section of the sorting arrangement in accordance with at least one illustrative embodiment of the inventive concept;

Figure 10b illustrates the output shown in Figure 10;

Figure 11a illustrates a cross section of a nozzle strip in accordance with at least one illustrative embodiment of the inventive concept;

Figure 11b is a perspective view of the nozzle strip shown in Figure 11a. Figure 12a illustrates a cross section of a nozzle strip in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the inventive concept,

Figure 12b is a cross section of the nozzle strip shown in Figures 11a and 12a,

Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a sort arrangement, and Figures 14a and 14b illustrate a perspective view of a sort arrangement in accordance with at least one illustrative embodiment of the inventive concept.

Detailed description of the drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a sorting arrangement 1 comprising an ejection device for ejecting pressurized gaseous media into a stream of objects to sort and direct said objects to at least two different predetermined destinations. Furthermore, the ejection device comprises a cover 3 where a plurality of outlets 4 are provided for the ejection of pressurized gaseous media. Furthermore, the ejection device comprises a strip of nozzles 2 configured to engage the ejection device. The nozzle strip 2 is provided with at least one nozzle 5 for ejecting a gaseous medium into a stream of objects to sort and direct the objects. The cover 3 is provided with the strip of nozzles 2 assembled on multiple outlets 4. In addition, the classification arrangement 1 comprises gas supply means (not shown). The plurality of nozzles is arranged "from the bottom up", that is, each nozzle 5 in the plurality of nozzles is arranged to eject the gaseous medium in a direction that has a component opposite to the force of gravity (i.e., each nozzle is arranged to direct the gaseous medium partly upwards compared to a horizontal arrangement of the nozzle strip).

Figure 2 illustrates a cross section of the sorting arrangement 1. The nozzle strip 2 and the plurality of outlets 4 are configured to engage a surface portion 6 of the cover 3, which surface portion 6 may be inclined 30- 60 degrees, preferably 45 degrees, relative to a vertical plane intersecting the center lines of the plurality of outlets 4. Furthermore, the cover 3 comprises a hollow space 7 where through ducts 8 may be provided for connection to the plurality of outlets 4 and the nozzle strip 2 on the inclined surface 6 of the cover 3.

Each nozzle 5 of the plurality of nozzles is arranged to receive the gaseous medium from the gas supply means. The gas supply means may be connected, for example, to a plurality of conduits 8 where each conduit is in fluid communication with a respective nozzle 5.

Furthermore, the classification arrangement may comprise a pressure level adjustment means arranged to control the pressure of the gaseous medium supplied to the plurality of nozzles 5. For example, the pressure level adjustment means may be arranged to increase and/or decrease the pressure level of the supplied gaseous medium.

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the sorting arrangement 1 comprising the nozzle strip 2 having a plurality of nozzles 5, a plurality of outlets 4, the cover 3 where the ducts 8 are provided.

Figure 4 illustrates a cross section of a nozzle strip 2 and a plurality of outlets 4. Furthermore, the nozzle strip 2 comprises multiple nozzles 5 described in connection with Figures 5-9. In an illustrative embodiment, the nozzle strip 2 comprises at least two nozzles 5. However, the nozzle strip 2 may comprise more than two nozzles 5. For example, two to eight nozzles or even more than eight nozzles may be used. . According to an illustrative embodiment, the nozzle strip comprises eight nozzles. The distance, or pitch, between two neighboring nozzles can be between 1 mm and 100 mm, preferably 4.8 mm. The pitch is defined herein as the distance between the center lines of the two neighboring nozzles.

Each nozzle 5 of the plurality of nozzles comprises one or more inner channel walls defining an inner channel 37. The inner channel 37 extends from opening 12 to opening tip 19 for the expulsion of pressurized gas. Each inner channel 37 comprises at least a first base part wall 23, a second base part wall 24, an inlet part wall 25, an outlet part wall 15. The first base part wall 23 it has a height hbPi and is arranged to surround a first base part 13. Furthermore, the wall of the first base part 23 and the first base part 13 have the height hPbi. The wall of the second base part 24 has a height HbP ² and is arranged to surround a second base part 14. Furthermore, the wall of the second base part 24 and the second base part 14 have the height HPb ² . An entrance part 16 has a height h¡p and is arranged to surround the entrance part wall 25. Thus, the entrance part 16 and the entrance part wall 25 have the height h¡p. The outlet part wall 15 having a hop height is arranged to surround the outlet part 17.

Each nozzle 5 comprises an inlet part 16 for receiving a gaseous medium and an outlet part 17 for ejecting the gaseous medium towards an object to be sorted. Each nozzle 5 comprises an outer surface and an inner surface extending along the extension direction of the nozzle 5. The inner surface is defined as one or more inner channel walls surrounding an inner channel 37A, the center line C extends in a longitudinal direction of each nozzle in the center of the inner channel 37.

The nozzle strip 2 shown in Figures 5-9 comprises an interconnecting part 9 having a front side 10 and a rear side 11. When the nozzle strip 2 is attached to the outlets 4, the rear side 11 of the nozzle strip 2 faces the cover 3 on which the outlets 4 are attached. In an illustrative embodiment, the rear side 11 of said interface part 9 of the sorting device 1 is arranged substantially flush with the cover 3 of the sorting device when the nozzle strip 2 is coupled to the outlets 4 during use.

Furthermore, the nozzle strip 2 comprises a plurality of openings 12 arranged in a row on the rear side 11 of the interface part 9. The nozzle strip comprises a plurality of nozzles arranged in a row and extending from the front side 10 of the interconnection part 9, all in the same direction.

It should be noted that the entire strip of nozzles 2 can be flexible. Any one of the strip of nozzles 2 and/or the outlet part 17 and/or the walls of the channel 15, 23, 24, 25 can be made flexible by comprising a flexible material such as, for example, rubber, polyurethane, silicone or others. materials of similar elasticity.

The outlet part 17 may have a dome or hemispherical shape. The outlet part may comprise the outlet part wall 15 which forms the internal channel 37. The outlet part wall 15 surrounds the outlet part 17. The dome-shaped nozzle tip 18 comprises the outlet part wall outlet part 15 and an opening for the ejection of pressurized gaseous media. The domed nozzle tip 18 may comprise at least one flexible tab 20 extending toward a center line of the nozzle 2 and defining the tip opening 19. Thus, the at least one flexible tab 20 may be provided with at least one flexible tongue extending around a circumference of the tip opening 19.

According to another illustrative embodiment shown in Figures 5-7, tip opening 19 comprises at least four flexible tabs 20 that are defined by at least one intersecting first slot 21 and second slot 22, first and second slots 21 , 22 optionally having an intersection point that coincides with a central axis of the nozzle. In other words, the first and second grooves 21, 22 intersect at a central point of the dome-shaped nozzle tip 18. The first and second grooves 21, 22 are arranged in the shape of a cross. Thus, the first and second slots 21, 22 define the flexible tabs 20. However, the nozzle dome 18 may comprise more than two intersecting slots arranged uniformly on the nozzle dome.

For example, two to four intersecting slots and even up to 8 slots or more can be used. Generally, a greater number of intersecting grooves results in a smaller and more uniform opening of the nozzle 5. However, at the same time, a greater number can result in greater wear of the dome material of the nozzle. nozzle.

According to an illustrative embodiment shown in Figures 8-9, the outlet part may comprise only one flexible tab 20. Thus, the flexible tab 20 surrounds the tip opening 19 which is round and arranged at a central point. of said tab 20.

Each nozzle dome is arranged such that the center point of intersection of the nozzle dome is aligned along a center line C for the internal channel 37. When the nozzle strip 2 is attached to the outlets 4, the The center line of the inner channel 37 coincides with and is parallel to the center line for the outlet part 17. The first and second slots 21, 22 can divide the tip 18 of the nozzle 5 into four segments of equal size.

One difference between the use of slots and a circular nozzle hole is that circular nozzle holes do not close completely when no gaseous medium, such as compressed air, is provided at the nozzle inlet. Each circular nozzle hole has a diameter that is in the range of 1.5mm. However, the diameter h may be configured to be larger or smaller than 1.5 mm depending on the pressure of the gaseous medium supplied to the nozzle. If a large pressure of the gaseous medium is provided, the diameter of the through hole may be less than 1.5 mm, for example between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. If the pressure of the supplied gaseous medium is small, the diameter of a through hole may be larger than 1.5 mm, for example between 1.5 mm and 3 mm.

The nozzle strip is shown in Figures 10a,b, Figures 11a,b and Figures 12a,b. According to this example, the height of the interconnecting part (Hip in Figure 5) is greater than the distance from said opening 12 to said second cylindrical base part 14 along a center line of said mouthpiece. In the example illustrated in Figure 12a, Hip is 2mm; and the distance from said opening 12 to said second cylindrical base part 14 along a center line of said nozzle is 1.5mm.

According to this example, the inner channel comprises a first part with a cylindrical base 13 which is provided entirely within the interconnection part 9, and a second base part 13 which is partially provided within the interconnection part 9. The first cylindrical base part 13 has a radius rbpi and a height hbpi of 0, 5 to 3 , or within the range of 0.7 to 2 mm, or within the range of 0.8 to 1.4 mm, or within the range of 0.9 to 1.3 mm. Furthermore, the first base part 13 has a circumference Nbpi, measured in a plane that is orthogonal to a flow direction of the gaseous medium through the nozzle. Furthermore, the internal channel 17 comprises a second cylindrical base part 14 having a radius R ^bP2 and a height HbP ² . Furthermore, the second base part 24 has a circumference Nbp2, measured in a plane that is orthogonal to a flow direction of the gaseous medium through the nozzle. The radius Rbp2 for the second base part 14 is larger than the radius rbpi for the first cylindrical base part 13.

Furthermore, the inner channel 37 comprises a cylindrical inlet part 16 having a radius r¡p and a height h¡p. The second cylindrical base part 14 is arranged between the first cylindrical base part 13 and the cylindrical inlet part 16. The dome-shaped outlet part 17 has a height hop. The dome-shaped outlet part 17 comprises a pointed opening 19 for the ejection of pressurized gaseous media. The outlet wall part 15 comprises at least one flexible tab 20, which extends towards and defines said tip opening 19. The cylindrical inlet part 16 is arranged between the second cylindrical base part 14 and the outlet part 17 provided with of the tip opening 19. The sum of the respective heights of the first cylindrical base part 13, the second cylindrical base part 14, the cylindrical inlet part 16 and the dome-shaped outlet part 17 equal to, as maximum, 95% of the distance H from the rear side 11 of the interconnection part 9 to the tip 18 of the nozzle 5, along a center line of said nozzle as follows:

(hbpi+ Hbp2+h¡p+hop — 0.95 H)

As seen in Figure 12a, 1.2 2 1.35 1.5 = 6.05 < 0.95 H = 0.95*7 = 6.65

Furthermore, the ratio between the radius of the second cylindrical base part 14 and the radius of the first cylindrical base part 13 is within the range of 1.01 and 1.1 (1.05 < Rbp2/ Rbpi < 1.1 )

As seen in Figure 12a (1.05 < Rbp ² / Rbpi = 1.6/1.5 = 1.07 = <1.1)

The wall of the channel of the nozzle illustrated in Figures 11a and 11b comprises a projection in the interface between the upper part of said first base part and the lower part of said second base part, which protrusion is continuous in one direction around said nozzle axial direction.

The interconnecting part 9 is arranged to reinforce and provide a degree of rigidity in the wall of the first base part 23 of the nozzle 5, this to ensure that the nozzle strip 2 only yields to a point where it is retained in the 4 outlets on the ejection of the pressurized gaseous medium through the nozzles. According to an example, the interconnection part 9 has a height Hip that is greater than the height of the first part Hpbi. According to at least one embodiment, the height of the interconnecting part is greater than the distance from the inlet opening 12 to the top of the first base part, or optionally greater than the distance from the cover surface. to the bottom of the protruding part of the outlet in the axial direction, or optionally greater than: the distance from the inlet to the bottom of the second base part 15% of the height of the second base part, or optionally equal to the distance from the entrance to the bottom of the second base part 25% of the height of the second base part as illustrated in Figure 12a.

The classification arrangement 1 comprises a plurality of outlets 4 for the expulsion of pressurized gaseous media, each outlet 4 having an exposed part 26 extending a predetermined distance ^{H out} from the cover 3, each exposed part 26 having a part of base 27 and a protrusion 28, shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, the outer circumference Opb of the base part 27 is smaller than the outer circumference Opr of the protrusion 28 (Opb < Opr). The outer circumference of the base part 27 and the protrusion 28 is measured in a plane which is orthogonal to a flow direction of the gaseous medium through each of the plurality of outlets 4. Furthermore, the base part 27 is arranged between cover 3 and protrusion 28.

In addition, the circumference of the first base part 13 of the inner channel 17 at rest is substantially equal to or less than the outer circumference of the base part 27 of the outlet 4 (Nbpi < 1.01* Opb), this improves the connection under pressure when the nozzle 5 is coupled to the outlet 4. The strip of nozzles 2 is at rest when not in use and is not assembled on the plurality of outlets 4.

Furthermore, each of the plurality of outlets 4 comprises a joint part 32 that is not exposed during use. In use, the joint part 32 is provided with a hole for end 33 within each of the plurality of conduits 8. The exposed part 26 and the joining part 32 extend in opposite directions from each other along a central axis that is common to both the exposed part 26 and the lower part. junction 32. Furthermore, each outlet comprises a protruding flange 34 which is arranged between the exposed part 26 and the junction part 32. The protruding flange 34 comprises an external diameter that is equal to or greater than the external diameter of the conduit 8. From In this way, the protruding flange 34 secures the outlet 4 within the hole 33 of the conduit 8. In addition, the cover 3 may comprise a notch 35 within which the protruding flange 34 can be arranged. The notch 35 ensures that only the exposed part 26 of the outlet 4 extends outside the cover 3. In this way, the rear side 11 of the nozzle strip 2 can be arranged substantially flush with the cover 3 when the nozzle strip is attached to the cover.

The junction part 32 comprises at least one bulge 36, preferably two, protruding from an external surface 31 of the junction part 32. The bulge 36 may extend partly or wholly around the circumference of the junction part 32. The surface The outer surface of the joint part 32 is fully or partially in contact with an internal surface of the conduit 8. In addition, the circumference of the at least one bulge is substantially equal to or greater than the circumference of the internal surface of the conduit 8, to provide a tight fit. between the conduit 8 and the joint part 32 of the outlet 4. The conduit 8 may comprise a flexible material so that the conduit can expand when the joint part 32 of the outlet 4 is accommodated in the conduit 8. Thus Thus, a frictional force is created between the at least one bulge and the duct when the outlet is mounted on the duct. Thus, the press fit created retains the outlet within the conduit when the ejection device ejects pressurized gaseous media into a stream of objects.

Furthermore, the cylindrical inner channel 37 comprises a first tapering part 29 having a height htpi. The first tapering part 29 is arranged between the first cylindrical base part 13 and the opening 12 in the interconnecting part 9. The first cylindrical tapering part 29 gradually tapers from the opening 12 in the interconnecting part to the first base part 13. In addition, the cylindrical inner channel 37 also comprises a second tapering part 30 having a height htP ² . The second tapering part 30 is arranged between the second cylindrical base part 14 and the cylindrical inlet 16 and the second tapering part 30 gradually tapers from the second cylindrical base part 14 to the cylindrical inlet part 16.

The nozzle strip 2 is subjected to pressurized gaseous media, eg air supplied from a gas supply medium. The pressurized gaseous medium can be, for example, compressed air with a pressure of 1-10, more preferably in the range of 2 bar to 8 bar as it enters said inlet part 16. The pressurized gaseous medium is at rest when it is not being No pressurized gaseous medium is supplied from the gas supply medium through the nozzle strip 2.

Figure 13 schematically illustrates a sorting system 200 comprising a sorting arrangement 1 for sorting objects 202 using a pressurized gaseous medium 231. System 200 comprises conveying means 204 in the form of a conveyor belt 204 for conveying a flow of material with objects 202 that are going to qualify. The system 200 further comprises receiving means 206, in the form of two containers 206A, 206B, for receiving the classified objects 202'. System 200 may also comprise a computing unit and receiving and transmitting units (not shown) for determining which objects 202 need to be separated from the flow of material. The computer unit then normally controls, possibly together with the pressure level adjustment means, the flow of the pressurized gaseous medium supplied to the nozzles in the sorting arrangement 1, based on the determination/identification of the objects 202.

In Figure 13, the material stream of objects 202 is conveyed to sorting device 1 by conveyor 204, where the objects 202 in the material stream are then allowed to fall over the edge of conveyor 204. During the descent of the falling objects 202, a certain nozzle 101' in the sorting arrangement 1 ejects the pressurized gaseous media towards the object 202' to be sorted, whereby the trajectory of the object 202' is changed compared to a trajectory of drop of an object that is not handled by the pressurized gaseous media 231. Thus, the classified object 202' can be forced and classified, for example, inside a container 206B.

The sorting system 200 in Figure 13 is designed in such a way that some objects 202 in the material flow, for example objects of a certain size, color and/or material, are not causing the sorting arrangement 1 to eject a medium. pressurized gas. These objects, for example, can naturally fall from the conveyor belt 204 into the container 206A. Objects 202 that do not cause the sorting arrangement 1 ejects a pressurized gaseous medium may also be so large compared to the objects 202' to be sorted that they are affected very little by the ejected pressurized gaseous media.

The objects 202' to be classified can be identified/determined, for example, by the computing unit, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit described above, these units being part of the classification system. Based on this identification/determination of the object 202' to be sorted, the appropriate nozzle 101' in sorting arrangement 1 is activated and thus allowed to expel the pressurized gaseous medium 231 towards the object 202'. In this configuration the outlets are arranged from bottom to top at an angle of 30-45 degrees, preferably 45 degrees, and when the nozzle is in use, the pressure of the gaseous medium is sufficient to redirect the falling particles in a predetermined direction, different from the time they are not hit. Furthermore, in this configuration, the diameter of the nozzle outlet is 2 mm when the nozzle is in use, and the tip of the ejector outlet is arranged at a distance of 10 mm from the falling particles. There is a stream of falling particles, particles that are separated by a distance of at least 10 mm in the horizontal direction and preferably also in the direction of fall, When the gaseous medium ejected through the nozzle only hits one and not neighboring particles in said stream of particles.

As explained above, the ejection device can comprise any number of outlets and the strip of nozzles any number of nozzles. Figure 14a illustrates an ejection device with at least 8 outlets and a nozzle strip according to the invention with at least 8 nozzles. Figure 14b illustrates an ejection device with 48 outlets and a nozzle strip according to the invention comprising 48 nozzles. According to one example, the ejection device is equipped with two or more strips of such nozzles, where each strip of nozzles covers a subpart of the outlets. The ejection device can be equipped, for example, with 8 nozzle strips arranged next to each other, each nozzle strip covering 6 outlets, ie 48 outlets/nozzles in total; or 4 strips each with 18, 12, 10 and 8 nozzles respectively, that is, 48 outlets/nozzles in total. According to another example, the strip of nozzles comprises 8 nozzles and the ejection device has 64 outlets, ie it is provided with 8 strips. According to another example, the strip of nozzles comprises 8 nozzles and the ejection device has 190 outlets, that is, it is provided with 24 strips where two nozzles are not used. According to another example, the strip of nozzles comprises 8 nozzles and the device expulsion has 672 outputs, that is, it is provided with 84 strips.

Claims (5)

1. A strip of nozzles (2) to expel a gaseous medium towards a stream of objects to classify and direct said objects towards at least two different predetermined destinations comprising: - an interconnection part (9) having a front side (10) and a rear side (11), and a plurality of openings (12) arranged in a row on the rear side of said interconnection part, - a plurality of nozzles (5) arranged in a row and extending from the front side of said interconnecting part all in the same direction; wherein respective pairs of one of said openings and one of said nozzles are arranged opposite each other along said interconnecting portion; wherein each nozzle of said plurality of nozzles comprises: - a dome-shaped nozzle tip (18) comprising a tip opening (19) for the ejection of pressurized gaseous media and at least one flexible tab (20) extending towards said tip opening (19); - inner channel walls defining an inner channel (37), which inner channel extends from said opening (12) in the interconnection part to said outlet part (15) for the expulsion of pressurized gaseous media, wherein said inner channel (37) comprises: - a first cylindrical base part (13) having a radius rbp ¹ and a height hbp ¹ , wherein said height is within the range of 0.5 - 4 mm, - a second cylindrical base part (14) having a radius Rbp ² and a height Hbp2, - a cylindrical entry part (16) having a rip radius and a hip height, wherein said second base part is arranged between said first base part and said entry part; - a dome-shaped outlet part (17) having a height hop, wherein said cylindrical inlet part (16) is arranged between said second cylindrical base part (14) and said outlet part (17); wherein the ratio between the radius of said second base part and the radius of said first base part is within the range of 1.05 and 1.1 (1.05 < Rbp ² /Rbp ¹ < 1.1) A nozzle strip according to claim 1, wherein the sum of the respective heights of said first base part, said second base part, said part of inlet and said outlet portion equals at most 95% of the distance H from the rear side of said interconnecting portion to the tip of said nozzle along a center line of said nozzle (hbpi+ Hbp ² +hip +hop s 0.95H). A nozzle strip according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the height of the interconnecting part (Hip) is greater than the distance from said opening (12) of the interconnecting part (9) to said second part. cylindrical base (14) along a central line of said nozzle. A nozzle strip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said outlet part (15) is dome-shaped and comprises at least four flexible tabs (20) extending towards the center of said outlet part. . A nozzle strip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of said first base part is within the range of 1-2mm.