ES2390150A1 - Eco installation for automatic filling of scrap containers and filling procedure. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Eco-installation for automatic filling of scrap containers and filling procedure. Installation comprising one or more conveyor belts (3), a distribution hopper (1) that can rotate, a support structure (10), one or more storage containers, where, in addition, it has means for detecting the filling of the producer containers by means of a reflector and a series of mirrors conveniently placed on the containers, and means of displacement of the containers, all of them governed by a control unit (12), achieving a filling of the containers with a homogeneous distribution of their contents, a filling of the containers in an automatic way and an automatic and continuous transition between one filled container and the next one to be filled. The entire installation is designed to provide a minimum environmental impact that is linked to low water consumption (when applicable), low noise generation, as well as minimal or no emissions. The energy efficiency of the equipment is also considered very especially, as a way to reduce the global consumption of electrical energy. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention, as the title of the invention establishes, an installation for the automatic filling of containers, as well as the procedure by which said procedure is carried out.

It characterizes the present invention the elements that are part of the installation, its functional characteristics, its ecological design where the consumption of energy, water, emissions of discharges gases and

15 waste and contamination of water, air or land, the arrangement in the installation, which allows to fill containers automatically, homogeneously and continuously, with automatic transitions between a container and the next one to be filled, all this as a result synergistic of the elements and their functional characteristics.

The invention characterizes the fact that the installation has a hopper deposits the scrap homogeneously distributed inside a storage container. Once the storage container is full, it is moved on rails until the container is placed

25 adjacent vacuum in the loading area.

The installation basically consists of conveyor belts, of a movable distribution hopper, of an adjustable discharge channel in its discharge inclination, of movable cargo containers

30 along some rails and a control unit that processes the information it receives from sensors. Depending on the signal received from the sensors, the central control unit activates actuators responsible for operating on the process.

Therefore, the present invention is circumscribed within the scope of the facilities that seek the filling of containers, and particularly of scrap containers, as well as among the means that collaborate in the actions automatically.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Integrated waste management with life cycle analysis is about

1 Or offer the most benign options for waste management. Waste management, then separation at source and collection, followed by reuse and recycling are the preferred path.

In recent years there has been a great boom in the processes of

15 selective waste collection at the origin of its generation. Patent ES 2232214 A1 describes a process for the selective collection of waste to be installed in buildings of various kinds. The system contemplates a phase of selective collection, transport and accumulation. However, it is a system with a fairly rigid implementation without considering automatic processes of

20 filling.

There are also devices such as the one described in patent FR2941390 A 1 which, by rotating movement of a drum, allows the garbage to pass from a disposal position by the user to a distribution position

25 on conveyor belt to finally end up in a dumpster.

The invention achieves a specific position of the garbage when it is first transported and finally dumped into the container, but does not detect if the container is full or how to finally distribute the garbage evenly in the container.

30 container

A possible general garbage collection facility is described in patent FR2687939 A1, where a modular installation is presented that allows to expand the loading and unloading areas of the garbage in a space enabled for it. The modularity focuses mainly on facilitating the location of the plant according to different possible configurations by means of ramps and platforms that are coupled to each other. Garbage bins are placed on the ground, next to the platforms that raise the loading platform and

5 unload a certain height above ground level. To access the platform the trucks go up the corresponding ramps. In this case, no automatic filling system for cargo containers is established. Regarding the collection of scrap at the industrial level, we usually work with the location on the floor of the supplier of the cargo containers. The

1 O containers located in the facilities of scrap suppliers are replaced by other empty ones, moving the full ones to the recycling plant for later weighing.

The current collection system is blocked for two reasons: 15

•

The collection container is full and does not support any more cargo. You have to wait until they bring a new one.

•

The container replacement process is slow. It is done by first, the location of the empty container through its lifting and putting

20 on the ground using a tipper mechanism. And then the container full of scrap is collected by hoisting and location in the truck frame.

In this case the dimensions and characteristics of scrap containers

25 are limited by the tare of transport vehicles and the maximum permissible galibo measures for the transport of goods by road.

In the current situation there is a lack of procedures to expedite

30 the process of collecting industrial scrap for subsequent transport and treatment in waste management plant. The collection processes are not automated, and those that are automatic do not contemplate the necessary degree of flexibility in the configuration options of your installation

to admit metal scrap of different nature, whether in size, shape

or weight

Therefore, the continuous flow between the scrap supplier and the

5

management company of that scrap, incurring an increase in terms of

lack of continuity in the feed of the scrap treatment plant,

stoppages

in he process or processes of the provider from Scrap, due to the

inability to manage the waste generated in the operation of the

plant, as well as, problems of punctual contamination of the

soil due to

1 o

transitory deposit of scrap metal in places not specially enabled for

this, with the aim of gaining space for storage.

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to develop an installation for the filling of containers that overcomes the previous drawbacks, of lack

15 of homogeneous distribution in each container, of the impossibility of a continuous and automatic flow from the plant to the containers, of the lack of an automatic and non-stop transition between a full container and the next one that is empty, developing an installation like the one to The following is described and collected in its essentiality in the first claim.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is an installation for automatic filling of 25 scrap containers, as well as the method of filling the containers.

The installation object of the invention basically comprises: one or several conveyor belts that lead the scrap to

30 a distribution hopper that can automatically rotate a support structure in which the one or more conveyor belts and the distribution hopper are fastened by means of actuating the rotation of the hopper one or more storage containers, which have displacement means means for detecting the filling of the storage containers.

5 A control unit that processes the information of the filling detection means, acting both on the rotation of the hopper and on the movement of the storage containers.

The turning means of the distribution hopper, in a possible way of

1 Or embodiment, they are formed by an actuator, which could be a motor, associated with a pinion, which meshes with a cogwheel, arranged around the distribution hopper, said cogwheel counting with ball transport units that run through guide channels made in support plates, fixed to the support structure. So that

The actuator is driven to produce the gear of the gearwheel arranged around the distribution hopper, and consequently the rotation of the hopper.

The distribution hopper has an associated discharge channel, so that a rotation of the hopper causes the discharge channel to point towards one place or another in the container. On the other hand, the discharge channel incorporates a means of varying the slope, so that in the event that the particles are small and easily downloadable, in order to avoid an impact inside the storage container, the slope of the Discharge channel becomes smaller, reducing the impact of scrap metal. Otherwise, if the

25 particles are heavy and there is no risk of rebound, the inclination of the discharge channel is adjusted to expedite the process of filling the storage container.

Storage containers are the type of containers that

30 have a floor and four lateral faces that close the contour of the container. The lateral faces rest on their ends on a frame of stiffener profiles. The frame of stiffener profiles constitutes the edges of the container. To give greater reinforcement to the structure, reinforcement profiles are welded vertically to the lateral faces and to the stiffening profiles of the frame. The floor is formed by plates supported on a series of stiffener sleepers. These sleepers in turn rely on a series of main longitudinal stringers. The entire structure in turn rests on a frame consisting of two supports of variable profile. The section of these supports provides greater rigidity to the central area of the container since it is the structurally weakest zone and can suffer buckling deformations. This frame has a pair of axles attached with its wheels at the ends. Each axle is attached to an actuator that gives movement to the wheels and therefore moves the container.

Additionally, the means of displacement of the containers, in a possible embodiment, could count on the sides of the containers with an electrification system, to power motors, associated with the wheels of the containers.

On the other hand, the means for verifying the filling of the containers in a possible embodiment could have an optical detector that would detect the light reflected on mirrors conveniently arranged in the containers.

In a possible embodiment, the reflection mirrors of the light emitted by the optical detectors could be three, associated with each of the possible filling areas of the containers and at such a height, which would be the height at which it would be desired. Fill the containers.

The filling procedure could have the following phases or stages: the optical detector when it captures the reflection of the first of the mirrors, the system understands that the container is empty and that it can continue to fill. When the scrap hides the first mirror, the detector does not pick up the reflection signal, and sends a signal to the central control system. This signal is interpreted as that part of the container is full,

the central control system activates the electric motor that at its end

It has a pinion that meshes with the crown gear and rotates it

in solidarity with the distribution hopper.

the distribution hopper becomes in its central and continuous position

5

pouring scrap into that part of the container

the optical detector now located in the hopper itself does not pick up the signal from

Reflection of the central mirror of the storage container.

When the detector does not detect a reflection signal, the central system

activates the electric motor that moves the crown of the distribution hopper.

1 o

the hopper is placed in its final position, dumping scrap in the last

end of storage container.

Finally when the reflection signal of the third mirror of the container

it is not picked up by the optical detector located in the support

The central control unit sends the signal to the electric motors

fifteen

located on the wheels of the container for this advance.

In turn, the drive motors of the container are activated.

adjacent storage.

Once the second container occupies the cargo space, the hopper

distribution returns to its initial position and completes the

twenty

container at its corresponding end until it receives the signal from

Mirror reflection of empty container.

On the other hand while the second empty container is filled, proceed to

emptying of the first container located in the unloaded area. This

25

operation is carried out using mobile octopus cranes from the factory itself or

by octopus cranes incorporated in scrap trucks.

The control system can be mounted in one of the containers or in the

metal support of the distribution hopper.

30

Therefore, thanks to the elements that are part of the installation and

particularly to the fact that the hopper is a scrollable hopper, which feature

with displacement means, that the containers also have

   means of displacement, and that there is a system for verifying the filling of

5

The containers, all this governed by a central control, achieve the stated purposes of: Filling the containers with a homogeneous distribution of their content. Filling containers automatically Automatic and continuous transition between a full container and the next one to fill

1 or 15

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the features of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical realization thereof, it is accompanied as an integral part of said description, a set of drawings in which, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, the following has been represented:

twenty

Figure 1: It shows an elevation view of the installation for automatic filling of containers where the distribution hopper, the discharge channel and the storage containers can be seen. Figure 2: Shows a side elevation view of the installation for automatic container filling where the central control unit and actuators are observed.

25

Figure 3: Shows a plan view of the installation for automatic filling of containers where the optical detectors and reflection units are observed in the storage containers.

30

Figure 4: It shows a sectional view corresponding to the distribution hopper, with the consequent crown gear, the ball transport units, the pinion and the actuator.

   Figure 5: Shows a rear perspective view of the entire installation for automatic container filling.

Figure 6: Shows a front perspective view of the entire installation for automatic container filling.

5 DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, several examples of preferred embodiment of the invention can be observed therein, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

1 O In figure 1 it can be seen in the elevation view how the installation comprises conveyor belts (3) that transport the scrap to a distribution hopper (1), which pours its contents into storage containers (2), and (16) through a download channel.

In Figure 2 it should be noted that how both the conveyor belt (3) 15 and the distribution hopper (1) are fixed and supported by a support structure (1 O) composed of a completely recyclable material.

Both in Figure 1 and in Figure 2, an actuator (9) can be observed, which in a possible embodiment can be a motor, of low energy consumption since its greatest environmental impact occurs in the use phase , Y

20 is responsible for producing the rotation of the hopper in relation to the storage container (2) that is arranged immediately below it.

Figure 3 shows the representation of the control unit (12), which by means of a PLC, or equivalent control means carries out the control of the automatic means (hopper rotation, container filling recognition,

25 container displacement). The location of the control unit (12) is not a limiting aspect of the invention, and may be located where it is best considered.

Also, in figure 3, a series of mirrors (11) are also observed, specifically, three are shown, being able to be a different number, depending on

the dimensions of the container or filling areas that you want to control

inside each container

In figure 4, an actuator (9), which could be a low-speed motor, is shown

energy consumption, which drives a pinion (8) that meshes with a crown

5

serrated (5) arranged jointly around the distribution hopper (1), where the

crown gear with a ball transport unit (6), which moves

by a guide channel (17) made on a support plate (7) attached to the

support structure (1 0).

The actuator drive (9) causes the hopper (1) to rotate in relation to the

1 o

storage container

In figure 5, it is worth noting the means of movement of the containers

(2) and (16), which have an electrification system (17) through which

electric motors are fed with wheels (13), with which they have

the containers (2) and (16).

fifteen

Finally, in Figure 6, in addition to the elements described above,

show the means of detecting the filling of the containers of

storage, which in a possible embodiment have a

optical detector (15) to detect the reflected light of mirrors (11)

twenty

placed in the storage container. The mirror (11) bounces the

incident signal of the optical detector (15), in such a way that it serves to

Check if that part of the container (2) is full or not.

These mirrors (11) can be placed at an adjustable height and screwed to the

25

side wall of storage container (2). When the detector (15)

captures the reflection of the mirrors (11) the system understands that the container (2)

It is empty and can continue to fill. The container, in a possible way of

realization, it has three mirrors (11) screwed to the same height, but at

different distance from its ends such that one finds

30

displaced at one end of the container, the second is in the

   central position and the third is located at the opposite end.

When the scrap hides the first mirror (11) the detector (15) located in the

support (1 O) does not capture the reflection signal, and sends a signal to the system

central control

or PLC (12). That signal be interprets how that that Part of

container (2) is full. The central control system (12) gives the orders for

5

rotate the distribution hopper (1). In this way the distribution hopper

(1) happens to be in

its central position and continues pouring scrap metal in that

part of the container (2) until the optical detector (15) now located in the

own hopper (1)

no get the signal of reflexion of the central mirror (11) of

storage container (2). When the detector (15) does not detect a signal

1 o

of reflection, the central system (12) activates the electric motor (9) that moves the

crown (5) of the distribution hopper (1). In this way the hopper (1) is placed in

its

final position, dumping scrap metal in the last end of the container of

storage (2). Finally when the reflection signal of the third mirror

(11) of the container (2) is not picked up by the optical detector (15) located in the

fifteen

support (1 O) the central control unit (12) sends the signal to the engines

electrical (13) located on the wheels of the container (2) for this advance.

In turn, the drive motors (13) of the adjacent storage container (16) are activated. Once the second container (16) occupies the

20 loading space, the distribution hopper (1) returns to its initial position and fills the container (16) at its corresponding end until the reflection signal of the mirror (11) of the empty container (16) is received.

The entire installation is designed with materials that ensure a high level of

25 recycled (steel, aluminum), involve assembly and disassembly processes that do not pose a risk to the environment and the design is carried out with the criteria that the equipment lasts as long as possible. All these measures incorporate environmental aspects in the design of the installation in order to reduce its possible negative impact on the environment throughout the entire cycle of

30 life

Describing sufficiently the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to extend its explanation so that any person skilled in the art understands its scope
and the sales that derive from it, stating that, within its essentiality, it may be implemented in embodiments that differ in detail from that indicated by way of example, and which will also achieve the protection sought whenever it is not altered, change or modify its fundamental principle.

Claims (6)

1.-Installation for automatic filling of scrap containers that

understands

one or more conveyor belts (3) that lead the scrap up

5

a distribution hopper (1)

a support structure (1 O) in which one or more are fastened

conveyor belts (3) and the distribution hopper (1).

one or more storage containers,

characterized because

1 o

the distribution hopper can rotate, with some means of

rotation drive of the distribution hopper (1).

means for detecting the filling of the containers of

storage.

storage containers have a means of

fifteen

displacement

A control unit that processes information from the media of

filling detection, acting on both the hopper rotation and

on the movement of storage containers.

twenty

2.-Installation for automatic filling of scrap containers, according to the

claim 1 characterized in that the turning means of the hopper of

distribution, are formed by an actuator (9), associated with a pinion (8),

that meshes with a cogwheel (5), arranged around the hopper of

distribution (1).

25

3.-Installation for automatic filling of scrap containers, according to the

claim 1, characterized in that the gear wheel (5) has units

for transporting balls (6) that run through guide channels (17) made

on a support plate (7), fixed to the support structure.

30

4.-Installation for automatic filling of scrap containers, according to the

claim 1, characterized in that the distribution hopper has an associated

download channel (4).

5.-Installation for automatic filling of scrap containers, according to the

claim 4, characterized in that the discharge channel incorporates about

means of variation of the slope.

5

6.-Installation for automatic filling of scrap containers, according to the

claim 1, characterized in that the storage containers

they are of the type of containers that have a floor and four lateral faces that

they close the contour of the container, the lateral faces rest on their

ends on a frame of stiffener profiles, the floor is formed by

1 o

plates supported on a series of stiffener sleepers, which in turn

they rest on a series of main longitudinal stringers. All the

structure in turn rests on a frame consisting of two supports of

variable profile

fifteen

7.-Installation for automatic filling of scrap containers, according to the

claim 1, characterized in that the displacement means of the

containers, have on the sides of the containers with a system

of electrification, to power some motors, associated to the wheels of the

containers

twenty

8.-Installation for automatic filling of scrap containers, according to the

claim 1, characterized in that the means for verifying the filling of

the containers have an optical detector that would detect the reflected light

on mirrors placed in the containers.

25

9.-Container filling procedure in a filling installation

automatic as previously claimed characterized in that

It comprises the following phases or stages:

the optical detector when it captures the reflection of the first of the mirrors, the

30

system understands that the container is empty and that it can continue

filling up.

When the scrap hides the first mirror, the detector does not pick up the signal

of reflection, and sends a signal to the central control system. This signal

   It is interpreted as that part of the container is full,

the central control system activates the electric motor that at its end

It has a pinion that meshes with the crown gear and rotates it

in solidarity with the distribution hopper.

the distribution hopper becomes in its central and continuous position

5

pouring scrap into that part of the container

the optical detector now located in the hopper itself does not pick up the signal from

Reflection of the central mirror of the storage container.

When the detector does not detect a reflection signal, the central system

activates the electric motor that moves the crown of the distribution hopper.

1 o

the hopper is placed in its final position, dumping scrap in the last

end of storage container.

Finally when the reflection signal of the third mirror of the container

it is not picked up by the optical detector located in the support

The central control unit sends the signal to the electric motors

fifteen

located on the wheels of the container for this advance.

In turn, the drive motors of the container are activated.

adjacent storage.

Once the second container occupies the cargo space, the hopper

distribution returns to its initial position and completes the

twenty

container at its corresponding end until it receives the signal from

   Mirror reflection of empty container.