GB2560572A

GB2560572A - An apparatus for compacting bulk material

Info

Publication number: GB2560572A
Application number: GB1704230.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ironmonger Paul; John Webster David; Bland Graham
Original assignee: Brg Hire Co Ltd
Current assignee: Brg Hire Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-03-16
Filing date: 2017-03-16
Publication date: 2018-09-19
Also published as: GB201704230D0

Abstract

An apparatus 10 for compacting a bulk material comprises: a housing 12, the housing comprising a receptacle 14 for receiving a bulk material, and a compacting device for compacting a bulk material within the receptacle 14; and a sensor 38 for weighing a bulk material when loaded into the receptacle 14, wherein the sensor 38 is connected to the housing 12. The sensor 38 may comprise a load cell. The apparatus 10 may also feature a mounting arrangement (B, figure 2 & 40, figure 4) that may comprise a bracket. The mounting means may be permanently secured, releasably secured or formed integrally with the housing and may comprise an anti-lift device (52, figure 4). A kit of parts for the apparatus and a method of weighing bulk material using the apparatus are also disclosed.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: An apparatus for compacting bulk material Abstract Title: An apparatus for compacting bulk material (57) An apparatus 10 for compacting a bulk material comprises: a housing 12, the housing comprising a receptacle 14 for receiving a bulk material, and a compacting device for compacting a bulk material within the receptacle 14; and a sensor 38 for weighing a bulk material when loaded into the receptacle 14, wherein the sensor 38 is connected to the housing 12. The sensor 38 may comprise a load cell. The apparatus 10 may also feature a mounting arrangement (B, figure 2 & 40, figure 4) that may comprise a bracket. The mounting means may be permanently secured, releasably secured or formed integrally with the housing and may comprise an anti-lift device (52, figure 4). A kit of parts for the apparatus and a method of weighing bulk material using the apparatus are also disclosed.

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An Apparatus for Compacting Bulk Material

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for compacting bulk material, more specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a baler for compacting bulk material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Compactors, or balers, are often used in situations where waste or recyclable materials, such as plastic bottles, metal cans, cardboard, paper and the like, are produced in large quantities. A baler is an apparatus that compresses and packs materials into compact bales that are easier to handle, store and transport. Many different types of waste materials are able to be recycled, and such materials may be baled and subsequently sold to recycling mills, for example. Due to this, the weight of the waste material to be sold is important.

In order to determine the total weight of material, the average bale dimensions are first approximated, and an estimated bale density is then used to approximate the weight of each bale. This method of estimating the weight of material to be sold is prone to large errors, which can lead to a party not receiving the correct amount of compensation for their materials. An alternative weighing method is to include an intermediate step in the baling process. This involves removing the baled material from the apparatus, and moving the bale onto a separate scale, so that each bale can be weighed individually prior to loading onto a vehicle for transport. This method of weighing the baled material is time consuming, and the scales used may be expensive.

The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least mitigate, one or more problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for compacting a bulk material, the apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a receptacle for receiving a bulk material, and a compacting device for compacting a bulk material within the receptacle; and a sensor for weighing a bulk material when loaded into the receptacle, wherein the sensor is connected to the housing.

Advantageously, providing a sensor that is connected to the housing improves the packing of the machine and sensor, and provides a self-contained unit that avoids the need to transfer the bulk material to a separate location for weighing.

The apparatus may comprises a mounting arrangement. At least a part of the mounting arrangement may extend below a lower extent of the housing for pivotally mounting the housing to a surface on which the apparatus is placed.

Advantageously, connecting the apparatus to a surface, e.g. the floor, improves the safety of the apparatus as it prevents the apparatus from moving along the surface.

At least a part of the sensor may extend below a lower extent of the housing for supporting the apparatus on a surface on which the apparatus is to be placed.

Advantageously, fully supporting the apparatus on the pivoting mounting arrangement and the sensor, ensures the pivoting movement caused by a change in weight of the apparatus is able to be sensed by the sensor.

The mounting arrangement may be provided proximate a first lower edge of the housing. The sensor may be provided proximate a second lower edge of the housing, wherein the second lower edge substantially opposes the first lower edge.

Advantageously, this maximises the separation between the pivot point and the sensor, which works to maximise movement of the sensor for a given load, thus increasing the accuracy of the sensor.

The second lower edge may define an elongate axis, and the sensor may be positioned substantially centrally along said axis.

Advantageously, positioning the sensor centrally along the elongate axis of the lower edge improves the accuracy of the sensor.

The first lower edge may define an elongate axis, and the mounting arrangement may comprise two mounts that are equally spaced from a centre of said elongate axis.

Advantageously, providing two pivot points that are equally spaced from a centre of the first lower edge improves the accuracy of the sensor.

The mounting arrangement may comprise an anti-lift device for preventing the second lower edge from being lifted.

Advantageously, this device prevents the apparatus from being lifted up during loading or unloading, e.g. by a forklift, which increases the safety of the apparatus.

The sensor may be secured to the housing via a bracket. The bracket may be permanently secured to the housing. The bracket may be releasably connected to the housing. The bracket may be integrally formed with the housing.

The mounting arrangement may comprise a bracket. The bracket may be permanently secured to the housing. The bracket may be releasably connected to the housing. The bracket may be integrally formed with the housing.

The sensor may comprise a load cell.

Advantageously, a load cells are able to provide quick and precise measurements and are less expensive than other sensors.

The apparatus for compacting a bulk material may be a baler.

A second aspect of the invention provides for a kit of parts comprising: an apparatus for compacting and wrapping a bulk material, the apparatus comprising a housing, the housing comprising a receptacle for receiving a bulk material, and a compacting device for compacting a bulk material within the receptacle; and a sensor for connecting to the housing.

The kit of parts may include a mounting arrangement for connecting to the housing.

A third aspect of the invention provides for a method of weighing a bulk material, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a receptacle for receiving a bulk material, and a compacting device for compacting a bulk material within the receptacle; and a sensor for weighing a bulk material when loaded into the receptacle, wherein the sensor is connected to the housing; loading a bulk material into the receptacle; compacting the bulk material; and sensing the change in weight of the apparatus caused by loading the bulk material into the receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of an apparatus for compacting bulk material according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the apparatus of Figure 1 from an opposing side;

Figure 3 is a front schematic view of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged isometric view of the encircled region B of Figure 2; and

Figure 5 is an enlarged isometric view of the encircled region A of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figures 1, 2 and 3, an apparatus for compacting and wrapping a bulk material is indicated generally at 10. The apparatus 10 includes a housing, which is indicated generally at 12. The housing 12 is formed from a unit 14 provided within a support frame 16. The support frame 16 is arranged to substantially surround the unit 14. The housing 12 includes a top face 18 and a bottom face 20. The support frame 16 has four support frame members 22 extending between the top and bottom faces 18, 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame members 22 are provided proximate the four substantially vertical corners 24 of the unit 14.

The housing 12 further includes a front face 26, a rear face 28 and two opposing side faces 30, 32. The front face 26 of the housing 12 includes a guard portion 25. The guard portion 25 can be raised and lowered with respect to the housing 12 so as to cover an opening in the front face 26. Moving the guard portion 25 away from the front face opening enables a bulk material to be loaded into the receptacle via said opening. The front face 26 of the housing 12 also includes an unloading door 34. The unloading door 34 is substantially below the guard portion

25. The unloading door 34 is hingedly connected proximate a corner 24 of the unit 14. Following compacting of bulk material, the compacted bale is first wrapped (e.g. in steel wire) so as to hold the compacted material together, and then the unloading door 34 is opened so that the bale of bulk material can be removed from the unit 14.

The apparatus 10 is further provided with a sensor 38 for determining the weight of a bulk material placed into the unit 14. The sensor 38 is illustrated in more detail in Figure 5. The sensor 38 is connected to the housing 12 of the apparatus 10. This arrangement provides for an apparatus 10 for compacting a bulk material that contains an integral a sensing arrangement for determining the weight of a compacted or baled bulk material. Such an arrangement enables the apparatus 10 to determine the weight of a bulk material in situ. As such, this negates the need for a separate weighing process, and for a separate weighing system. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor is provided in the form of a load cell 38.

The sensor 38 is connected to the housing 12 proximate a lower edge of the housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 38 is provided proximate a lower edge of side face 32 of the housing 12. Specifically, the sensor 38 is provided substantially centrally along the longitudinal axis of the side face 32 proximate the lower edge.

The housing 12 of the apparatus 14 is further provided with a mounting arrangement 40. The mounting arrangement is provided in the form of two mounts 40, as illustrated in more detail in Figure 4. The mounting arrangement 40 is provided proximate a lower edge of side face 30 of the housing 12.

The mounting arrangement 40 is provided so as to pivotally connect the housing 12, and thus the apparatus 10, to a surface (not shown) on which the apparatus 10 is to be placed. Mounting or connecting the apparatus 10 to a surface, e.g. the floor, improves the safety of the apparatus 10 as it prevents the apparatus 10 from being moved accidentally, e.g. during a collision.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting arrangement includes two mounts 40. The mounts 40 are arranged to be equally spaced from a centre point of the elongate axis of the lower edge of the side face 30. The mounts 40 are positioned proximate to the bottom face 20 of the housing 12. The mounts 40 are provided on an opposing face of the housing 12 than the sensor 38.

Providing the mounting arrangement 40 and the sensor 38 proximate the lower or bottom face 20 of the housing 12, enables the entire apparatus to be supported on these three points (i.e. the two mounts 40 and the sensor 38). Such an arrangement ensures that all of the weight of the apparatus 10 is supported on these the pivot points, i.e. the apparatus is supported on a tripod. This pivoting arrangement provides a calculable distribution of the weight of the apparatus about the three points. However, it will be appreciated that an alternative number of connection points may be used in alternative arrangements.

The pivoting mounts 40 enable the entire apparatus 10 to pivot about these points under the weight of the apparatus 10 and its contents, which results in a movement of the apparatus 10. Providing the sensor on the opposing side of the housing 12 ensures that this movement is maximised for a given weight, which improves the accuracy of the weight measurements. The above arrangement has been described in terms of the sensor 38 being a load cell. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, different sensors may be used. For example, the sensor could be provided in the form of an optical arrangement to measure any changes in the separation between the sensor and the surface on which the apparatus is placed, or the sensor could be provided in the form of a magneto resistive sensor.

As is illustrated more clearly in Figure 3, the unit 14 is provided with a compacting device 36 that is housed within the unit 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the compacting device 36 is provided in the form of a hydraulic ram. The compacting device 36 enables the apparatus 10 to compact bulk material that is placed within the unit 14. Following compacting, the unloading door 34 can then be opened, so as to remove a compacted bale of material from the unit 14.

Referring now to Figure 4, the mounting arrangement 40 is illustrated in more detail. Each mount 40 includes a bracket 42, where the bracket is connected to side face 30 of the housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 42 is a separate component that is secured to the housing 12, e.g. via welding etc. In alternative arrangements, the brackets 42 may be releasably connected to the housing 12 e.g. via bolts, or may be integrally formed with the housing 12.

Each bracket 42 includes a panel 44 that is substantially coplanar with the bottom face 20 of the housing 12. The panel 44 includes an aperture (not shown) therein for receiving a threaded rod 48. The threaded rod 48 is mounted or embedded, e.g. grouted, in the surface on which the apparatus is to be placed. The threaded rod 48 is arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom face of the housing 12. The size of the aperture in the bracket 42 is arranged to be larger than the diameter of the threaded rod 48, such that the connection is loose and a small amount of movement between the bracket 42 and the threaded rod 48 is possible.

The mounts 40 further include a first nut 50 on the threaded rod 48. The first nut 50 is arranged so as to abut against the underside of the panel 44 of the bracket 42 when the apparatus has been installed and the threaded rod has been embedded in a surface. Although not illustrated, a locking nut may also be provided below the first nut 50 so as to prevent the first nut from being moved by vibrations of the apparatus 10.

This arrangement of the threaded rod 48, the first nut 50 and the panel 44 of the bracket 42 works to raise a first side 30 of the apparatus 10 away from the surface on which the apparatus is installed. Additionally, the first nut 50 acts as a pivot or fulcrum point, about which the housing 12 is able to pivot.

In order to ensure that the measurements of the sensor 38 are accurate, the apparatus 10 must be placed onto a level surface. If the surface is not level, adjustment of the first nut 50 on each rod 48 can be adjusted so as to correct this.

Each mount 40 is also provided with an anti-lift device 52 for preventing the bracket 42, and thus the side face 30 of the housing 12, from being lifted away from the first nut 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the anti-lift device is provided in the form of a second nut 52 that is positioned above the panel 44. The nut 52 is sufficiently spaced apart from the panel 44 to allow the bracket 42 to pivot about the nut 52. Although not illustrated, a locking nut may also be provided above the nut 52 so as to prevent the nut 52 from being moved by vibrations of the apparatus 10.

Referring now to Figure 5, the sensor 38 is illustrated in more detail. The sensor 38 is connected to the housing 12 via a bracket 54. The bracket 54 is connected to side face 32 of the housing 12, proximate to a lower edge thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 54 is a separate component that is secured to the housing 12, e.g. via welding etc. In alternative arrangements, the bracket 54 may be releasably connected to the housing 12, or may be integrally formed with the housing 12.

The bracket 54 includes a panel 56 that is substantially coplanar with the bottom surface 20 of the housing. The load cell 38 is releasably secured to an underside of the panel 56. The load cell 38 includes a protruding formation 58, known as a load button, which extends away from an underside of the load cell 38. When the load cell 38 is mounted to the bracket 54, and in turn the bracket 54 is mounted to the housing 12, the formation 58 is arranged to extend below a lower extent of the bottom surface 20 of the housing 12. This enables the formation 58 of the bracket 54 to act as the third support point for the housing 12 on the surface below. This enables the movement of the housing 12 caused by the weight of the apparatus changing, to be sensed by retraction or extension of the formation 58. This arrangement provides a self-contained and cost effective method of determining the weight of apparatus and its contents.

A loading, compacting and weighing operation of the apparatus 10 will now be described. When the apparatus is empty, i.e. it does not contain any bulk material to be compacted, the extension of the formation 58 will be at a default, or rest, position.

The guard 25 is then opened, and the receptacle or unit 14 is then loaded with a bulk material while the compacting device 36 is in its retracted position. The bulk material may be cardboard, but it will be appreciated that any suitable material may be used such a metals, plastic etc. When bulk material has been loaded into the unit 14, the guard 25 is lowered and the compacting device 36 compresses said material. The guard 25 will then be raised so that additional bulk material can be loaded into the unit 14, and the process is repeated until a sufficiently sized compacted bale of bulk material is formed.

Due to the loading of the apparatus 10 with bulk material, the weight of the apparatus will have increased, and the housing 12 will have been caused to pivot about the mounts 40. This pivotal movement will cause the formation 58 to be retracted.

The sensor 38 is further provided with a control system (not shown), such that the total weight of the apparatus is determined via the load cell. The load cell 38, coupled with the control system, is able to convert this retraction of the formation 58 into a change in weight of the apparatus 10 and its contents.

Due to the compressibility of the bulk material, the compacting device 36 is able to produce a bale that has been compacted substantially equally over the internal surface of the bottom face 20 of the housing 12. This even distribution of the bulk material enables the load cell 38 to accurately determine the change in total weight of the apparatus even though it is only, in effect, supporting a proportion of the overall mass of the apparatus and its contents.

This weight of the bale of compacted material is thus calculated, and this information is recorded, displayed and/or stored. The apparatus may further comprise a labelling device, such that when the weight of the bale has been measured, the calculated weight is then attached to the bale to be read a later stage.

The bales bulk material is then wrapped, to ensure that the material stays compacted, and the compacted bale is then ejected or removed from the apparatus 10.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

In alternative arrangements, the apparatus may not be provided with a support frame, and the mounts and the sensor may be connected directly to opposing faces of the unit.

In alternative arrangements, the mounting arrangement may be provided as a single mount, which would be arranged substantially centrally along the lower edge of the side face of the housing. Alternatively, the mounting arrangement may include three or more mounts.

The sensing arrangement may include more than one sensor, the multiple sensors may be arranged to be an equal distance from a centre of the lower edge of the side face of the housing.

In alternative arrangements, the mounts and the sensor may be provided as a 5 preformed unit. Such a unit may be in the form of a plate, where the mounts and the sensor are connected to opposing edges of the plate as has been described above. The plate can then be connected to an underside of the housing, so as to connect the mounts and the sensor to the housing.

In alternative arrangements, the apparatus may further include a mounting 10 surface that is positioned substantially below the bottom surface of the housing.

In this way, the mounting arrangements and the sensor will already be in contact with said mounting surface upon installation, and then the apparatus including the mounting surface is then placed on a floor to be operated.

Claims

1. An apparatus for compacting a bulk material, the apparatus comprising:

a housing, the housing comprising a receptacle for receiving a bulk material, and a compacting device for compacting a bulk material within the receptacle; and a sensor for weighing a bulk material when loaded into the receptacle, wherein the sensor is connected to the housing.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting arrangement, wherein at least a part of the mounting arrangement extends below a lower extent of the housing for pivotally mounting the housing to a surface on which the apparatus is placed.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least a part of the sensor extends below a lower extent of the housing for supporting the apparatus on which the apparatus is to be placed.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the mounting arrangement is provided proximate a first lower edge of the housing, and the sensor is provided proximate a second lower edge of the housing, further wherein the second lower edge substantially opposes the first lower edge.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second lower edge defines an elongate axis, and the sensor is positioned substantially centrally along said axis.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the first lower edge defines an elongate axis, and wherein the mounting arrangement comprises two mounts that are equally spaced from a centre of said elongate axis.

7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises an anti-lift device for preventing the second lower edge from being lifted.

8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is secured to the housing via a bracket.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a bracket.

10. An apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the bracket of the sensor, and/or the bracket of the mounting arrangement is permanently secured to the housing.

11. An apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the bracket of the sensor, and/or the bracket of the mounting arrangement is releasably connected to the housing.

12. An apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the bracket of the sensor, and/or the bracket of the mounting arrangement is integrally formed with the housing.

13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a load cell.

14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is a baler.

15. A kit of parts comprising:

an apparatus for compacting and wrapping a bulk material, the apparatus comprising a housing, the housing comprising a receptacle for receiving a bulk material, and a compacting device for compacting a bulk material within the receptacle; and a sensor for connecting to the housing.

16. A kit of parts according to claim 14, further comprising a mounting arrangement for connecting to the housing.

17. A method of weighing a bulk material, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a receptacle for receiving a bulk material, and a compacting device for compacting a bulk material within the receptacle; and a sensor for weighing a bulk material when loaded into the receptacle, wherein the sensor is connected to the housing;

loading a bulk material into the receptacle; compacting the bulk material; and sensing the change in weight of the apparatus caused by loading the bulk material into the receptacle.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1704230.0 Examiner: Mr Will Jeffries