ES2390150B1 - ECO-INSTALLATION FOR AUTOMATIC FILLING OF CHATARRA CONTAINERS AND FILLING PROCEDURE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Eco-installation for automatic filling of scrap containers and filling procedure. # Installation comprising one or several conveyor belts (3), a rotating hopper (1) that can rotate, a support structure (10), one or more containers of storage, where, in addition, it has a means of detecting the filling of the container by means of a reflector and a series of mirrors conveniently placed on the containers, and means for moving the containers, all of them governed by a control unit (12) , achieving a filling of the containers with a homogeneous distribution of their contents, an filling of the containers in an automatic way and an automatic and continuous transition between a full 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 (where appropriate), 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 overall consumption of electrical energy.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention, just as the title of the invention

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

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

The invention characterizes the fact that the installation has a hopper

deposit the scrap homogeneously distributed inside a storage container. Once the storage container is

full, it is moved on rails until the adjacent empty container is placed in the loading area.

The installation basically consists of conveyor belts, of a hopper

of displaceable distribution, of an adjustable discharge channel in its

tilt of unloading, of a few containers of load movable to the

along some rails and a control unit that processes the information that

Receive from sensors. Depending on the signal received from the sensors, the central control unit activates actuators responsible for operating on the process.

facilities that seek to fill containers, and particularly of

scrap containers, as well as among the media that collaborate in the

performances automatically.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Integrated waste management with life cycle analysis tries to 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

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 types. The system includes a phase of

selective collection, transport and accumulation. However, it is a system with a fairly rigid implementation without considering automatic processes of

fill.

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

a disposal position by the user to a distribution position on conveyor belt to finally end up in a garbage container.

The invention achieves a specific position of the garbage when transported

first and finally it dumps into the container, but it doesn't detect if the container

is it full or how to finally distribute the garbage evenly in the

container.

A possible general waste collection facility is described in the

patent FR2687939 A 1, where a modular installation is presented that allows to expand the loading and unloading areas of garbage in a space

plant location according to different possible configurations by

ramps and pallets that fit together. Trash bins are placed on the ground, next to the platforms that raise the loading platform and

unload a certain height above ground level. To access the platform the trucks go up the corresponding ramps. In this case I don't know

Establishes no automatic filling system for cargo containers.

Regarding the collection of scrap at the industrial level, we usually work with the

location on the floor of the supplier of cargo containers. The

Containers located in the facilities of the scrap suppliers are replaced by other empty ones, moving the full ones to the recycling plant for

its subsequent weighing.

The current collection system is blocked for two reasons:

• 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 grounding by means of 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

They are limited by the overhead of transport vehicles and the

maximum permissible measures of galibo for the transport of goods by road.

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

the process of collecting industrial scrap for later 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 or weight.

Due to all this, the continuous fiujo between the scrap supplier and the

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

lack of continuity in the feeding of the scrap treatment plant, stoppages in the process or processes of the scrap supplier, due to the

inability to manage the waste generated in the operation of the

plant, as well as problems of punctual soil contamination due to

temporary deposit of scrap metal in places not specially enabled for this purpose, with the aim of gaining storage space.

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

of homogeneous distribution in each container, of the impossibility of a continuous and automatic fiujo from the plant to the containers, of the lack of an automatic and non-stop transition between a full container and the next one

It is empty, developing an installation like the one described below and collects in its essentiality in the first claim.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

The installation object of the invention basically comprises:

one or more conveyor belts leading the scrap to a distribution hopper that can automatically rotate a support structure in which the one or more belts are fastened

conveyors and distribution hopper means for actuating the rotation of the hopper

one or more storage containers, which have a means of movement

means for detecting the filling of the containers of

storage. A control unit that processes information from the media of

filling detection, 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

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 some units of

transport of balls that run through some guide channels made in some

support plates, fixed to the support structure. So that the actuator is driven produces the gear of the cogwheel arranged in

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 means of variation of the slope, so that in the case that the particles are

Small and easily downloadable, in order to avoid an impact inside the storage container, the slope of the discharge channel

It gets smaller, reducing the impact of scrap metal. Otherwise, if the particles are heavy and there is no risk of rebound, the inclination of the

discharge channel to speed up the container filling process

storage.

The storage containers are of the type of containers that 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

container container To reinforce the structure, reinforcement profiles are welded vertically to the side faces and profiles

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 weakest zone structurally and can suffer buckling deformations. This frame has a pair of axes together 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, they could count on the sides of the

containers with an electrification system, to power some 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

it would detect the light reflected on mirrors conveniently arranged in the containers.

In a possible embodiment, the reflection mirrors of the emitted light

for the optical detectors there could be three, associated to each of the possible areas of filling of the containers and at such a height, which would be the

height at which one would like to 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 signal

of reflection, and sends a signal to the central control system. This signal is interpreted as that part of the container is full, 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 position and continues pouring scrap into that part of the container

The optical detector now located in the hopper itself does not capture the reflection signal from 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. The hopper is placed in its final position, dumping scrap at the last end of the storage container.

Finally when the reflection signal of the third mirror of the container is not picked up by the optical detector located in the support

The central control unit sends the signal to the electric motors 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 distribution hopper returns to its initial position and fills the container at its corresponding end until it receives the reflection signal from the empty container mirror.

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

emptying of the first container located in the unloaded area. This operation is carried out by mobile octopus cranes of the factory itself or by octopus cranes incorporated in scrap trucks.

The control system can be mounted on one of the containers or on the metal support of the distribution hopper.

Therefore, thanks to the elements that make up part of the installation and particularly to the fact that the hopper is a moveable hopper, that have means of displacement, that the containers also have means of displacement, and that there is a system of verification of filling

targeted 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

to fill

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to

Helping a better understanding of the features of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, is accompanied

as an integral part of this description, a set of drawings where

Illustrative and non-limiting, the following has been represented:

Figure 1: Shows an elevation view of the installation for automatic container filling 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.

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

Figure 4: Shows a sectional view corresponding to the distribution hopper, with the consequent crown gear, the transport units

of balls, 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.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In view of the aforementioned figures, and according to the numbering adopted, several examples of preferred embodiment can be observed in them

of the invention, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

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 much the conveyor belt (3)

And the distribution hopper (1) is fixed and supported by a support structure (10) 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 , and is responsible for producing the rotation of the hopper in relation to the container (2) of

storage that is arranged immediately under 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 (rotation of the hopper, recognition of filling of the container, movement of the container ). The location of the control unit (12), not

It is a limiting aspect of the invention, being able to be located where it is best

consider.

Also, in figure 3, a series of mirrors (11) are also observed, in

concrete, three are shown, being able to be a different number, depending on 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

Toothed (5) arranged jointly around the distribution hopper (1), where the crown gear with a ball transport unit (6), which moves along a guide channel (17) made on a support plate (7) attached to the support structure (10).

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

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).

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) 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 atomized to the side wall of the 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

embodiment, it has three mirrors (11) screwed at the same height, but at a different distance from its ends in such a way that one is

displaced at one end of the container, the second is in the central position and the third is located at the opposite end.

support (10) does not capture the reflection signal, and sends a signal to the system

central control or PLC (12) _ That signal is interpreted as that part of the container (2) is full _The central control system (12) gives the orders to rotate the distribution hopper (1) _ In this way the hopper of distribution

(1) happens to be in its central position and continues pouring scrap in that

part of the container (2) until the optical detector (15) now located in the hopper itself (1) does not capture the reflection signal from the central mirror (11) of the storage container (2) _ When the detector (15) does not detects reflection signal, 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 at the last end of the storage container (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 support (10) the central control unit (12) sends the signal to the electric motors (13) located in the wheels of the container ( 2) for this advance_

In turn, the drive motors (13) of the storage container are activated

adjacent storage (16) Once the second container (16) occupies the cargo space, the distribution hopper (1) returns to its initial position and fills the container (16) at its corresponding end until it receives the signal from reflection of the mirror (11) of the empty container (16) _

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

recycled (steel, aluminum), involve assembly and disassembly processes that

they do not pose a risk to the environment and the design is carried out with the criteria that the

equipment last as long as possible_All these measures incorporate environmental aspects in the design of the installation in order to reduce their

eventual negative impact on the environment throughout the entire cycle of

lifetime _

Describing sufficiently the nature of the present invention, as well as how to put it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make more extensive

its explanation so that any subject matter expert understands its scope

essentiality, may be implemented in embodiments that

differ in detail from that indicated by way of example, and which will reach

likewise, the protection that is collected whenever it is not altered, changes or modifies its fundamental principle.

Claims (8)

 1.-Installation for automatic filling of scrap containers that it comprises one or more conveyor belts (3) that lead the scrap to a distribution hopper (1) a support structure (10) in which the one or more conveyor belts (3) and the distribution hopper (1) are fastened . one or more storage containers, characterized in that The distribution hopper can rotate, with means for actuating the rotation of the distribution hopper (1). means for detecting the filling of the containers of storage. storage containers have a means of 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. 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), which meshes with a cogwheel (5), arranged around the distribution hopper (1). 3. Installation for automatic filling of scrap containers, according to claim 1, characterized in that the gear wheel (5) has ball transport units (6) that run through guide channels (17) made in a support plate (7), fixed to the support structure. 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). claim 4, characterized in that the discharge channel incorporates about means of variation of the slope. 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 sheets supported on a series of stiffener sleepers, which in turn rest on a series of main longitudinal stringers. All the structure in turn rests on a frame consisting of two supports of variable profile 7.-Installation for automatic filling of scrap containers, according to the claim 1, characterized in that the means of displacement of the containers, have on the sides of the containers with an electrification system, to feed motors, associated with the wheels of the containers. 8.-Installation for automatic filling of scrap containers, according to 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. 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 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 refiexión, and sends a signal to the central control system. This signal It is interpreted as that part of the container is full, 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 position and continues 5 pouring scrap in that part of the container The optical detector now located in the hopper itself does not capture the reflection signal from 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. 10 the hopper is placed in its final position, dumping scrap metal at the last end of the storage container. Finally when the reflection signal of the third mirror of the container is not picked up by the optical detector located in the support The central control unit sends the signal to the electric motors 15 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 distribution hopper returns to its initial position and fills the container at its corresponding end until the reflection signal of the empty container mirror is received.