HUE030928T2 - Method and apparatus for making particle boards having a non-uniform density distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is in the technical field of producing particle boards. More specifically, the present invention relates to the production of particle boards having varying density in the longitudinal and/or in the lateral dimension of the board. The present invention further relates to apparatuses for use in the production of such particle boards, and to methods of using same.

Description

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is in the technical field o producing particle boards. More specifically, the presen invention relates to the production of particle boards hav ing varying density in the longitudinal and/or in the latéra dimension of the board. The present invention furthe relates to apparatuses for use in the production of suet particle boards, and to methods of using same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Particle boards are widely used in the furniture and construction industry. Various types of particle boards are known. Among those, as disclosed in US-A 4,200,430, particle boards made from lignocellulosic par tides such as wood chips or strands are probably the most widely used. In the production of such particle boards, lignocellulosic particles are thoroughly mixed o coated with an adhesive binder and then distributed or a horizontal support to form a mat. The mat is com pressed under high pressure and/or temperature to forn a particle board. The particle board is cooled and cut intc the desired shape to form the final product. Standarc particle boards have a substantially constant density along their longitudinal and lateral dimensions.

[0003] From WO 2005/046950 is known the productior of a particle board having a varying local density [kg/m3 along the longitudinal and/or lateral dimension of the board. Such boards having a non-uniform density distri bution are produced by using additional spreader ele ments which scatter an additional amount of particles tc certain areas of the mat. When a mat having a varyinç amount of particles per unit area [kg/m2] is pressed to < particle board of uniform thickness, a particle board o non-uniform density distribution is formed. Such board; are useful for providing increased stability in areas where increased stability is needed (e.g., at the edges of the board). Nevertheless the board is relatively lightweigh and its production requires a relatively small amount raw material. WO 2005/046950 also discloses corresponding methods of producing particle boards having a non-uni form density distribution. In one embodiment, particle boards having density variation in the lateral dimensior are produced by adding stripes of additional material tc the mat and then pressing the mat to uniform thickness The stripes of additional material are added across the entire board in the longitudinal and lateral dimension o the mat. When such stripes are both added in the longi tudinal and in the lateral dimension, the additional mate rial is added twice at the intersections of the longitudina and lateral stripes. This two-fold addition of the materia at the intersections of the stripes leads to an undesirec further increase in density in these areas of the resultinç particle board. Furthermore, two-fold addition of raw ma terial at the intersection of the stripes may lead to unde sired variations in the thickness of the particle board, which may in turn damage the press or sanding machine in a subsequent processing step.

[0004] From EP0162118 is known a process and an arrangement for the production of a mat in a particle board production process, which mat has a predetermined area-specific weight. Through the disclosed method, a predetermined distribution of weight per unit area in the lateral direction of the mat is produced by means of stripper devices, which strip off particles in the mat above a certain, adjustable, height. Thereby, multiple stripes of different height are produced in the mat. When the mat is pressed into a board of uniform thickness, stripes of different density result. The method used in EP0162118 is, however, not suitable for very high production speed. Furthermore, stripes extending in the lateral dimension of the mat (transverse to the direction of production) cannot be produced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Against this background it is one object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for producing a particle board having areas of a first density and areas of a second density, wherein the first density is higher than said second density.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for the production of a particle board having varying density in the longitudinal and/or lateral direction, which method avoids the wasting valuable raw material.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for the production of a particle board having varying density in the longitudinal and/or lateral direction, in which method the amount of material added to the areas of increased density can be finely adjusted.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for the production of a particle board having varying density in the longitudinal and/or lateral direction, which method allows for the production of well defined areas of increased density, said defined areas exhibiting, e.g., sharp boundaries between areas of normal and increased density.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a method of forming a layer of particles of a particle mat; said layer of particles extending in a longitudinal dimension and in a lateral dimension; said method comprising: (i) providing a movable support for supporting said layer of particles or particle mat, and moving said movable support in a direction parallel to said longitudinal dimension; (ii) providing a curtain of downfalling particles, said curtain extending from said particle providing means towards said movable support; and (iii) at least temporarily removing particles from said curtain of downfalling particles at predetermined or otherwise defined positions in the lateral dimension by temporarily positioning retractable particle removing means in said curtain of downfalling particles; thereby forming a layer of particles of a particle mat.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the particle mat is a multi-layered particle mat.

[0011] Preferably, said curtain of downfalling particles is provided continuously.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention said longitudinal dimension and said lateral dimension are in a horizontal plane and are perpendicular to each other.

[0013] In a further embodiment said curtain of downfalling particles extends substantially over the entire lateral width of the particle mat or layer of particles.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment the particle flow per unit lateral width [in kg/s/cm] in said curtain of downfalling particles, preferably before the removal of particles in step (iii), is substantially constant over the entire lateral width of the curtain of downfalling particles.

[0015] Preferably the particle flow [in kg/s] in said curtain of downfalling particles, preferably before the removal of particles in step (iii), is substantially constant over time.

[0016] In preferred embodiments the particles are selected from the group consisting of lignocellulosic particles, wood particles, wood chips, and wood fibers. Other types of particles are also envisaged.

[0017] In preferred embodiments, the particles are admixed with an adhesive substance. Suitable methods of admixing the adhesive substance, or binder, with particles are well known in the art.

[0018] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the particle providing means is in form of a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is preferably of a lateral width which corresponds to the lateral width of said movable support.

[0019] In preferred embodiments, the movable support is a conveyor belt. However, other movable supports are also envisaged. For example the movable support can be in form of a movable rigid plate, or it can be a movable mesh.

[0020] Preferably, step (iii) of removing downfalling particles is effected by positioning particle removing means in said curtain of downfalling particles. This procedure ensures a rather even distribution of particles in the areas of the particle layer where the particles are not removed. This procedure also allows high mass flows, i.e., a high speed of production. It also results in a sharp delimitation of areas of normal thickness and areas of reduced thickness in the particle mat. It hence results in sharp edges between such areas.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment the particle removing means comprises (or is) at least one conveyor belt. The particle removing means, however, can also be in form of at least one screw conveyor, funnel, or at least one air suction line.

[0022] The particle removing means is preferably arranged in parallel orientation to said longitudinal dimension Y.

[0023] It is preferred that the particle removing means is only temporarily introduced into said curtain of downfalling particles. This allows for a pattern of first and second areas of distinct thickness also in the longitudinal dimension of the mat. Hence, it is preferred that said particle removing means is introduced into said curtain of downfalling particles at predetermined points in time, and for predetermined periods of time. The predetermined points in time and time periods define the pattern of first and second areas of distinct thickness in the longitudinal dimension (direction of production).

[0024] In a preferred embodiment the position of the particle removing means is adjustable in the lateral dimension X. This serves to define the pattern of first and second areas ofdistinctthickness in the lateral dimension of the mat.

[0025] Preferably, the width of said particle removing means in the lateral dimension is adjustable. The adjustment of the width is preferably accomplished by pivoting a pair of deflecting means provided at opposite sides of said particle removing means. The pair of deflecting means may be a pair of inclined plates extending along said longitudinal dimension (direction of production, Y) and being pivotable about an axis parallel to said longitudinal dimension Y.

[0026] The invention further relates to a method of producing a particle mat, wherein at least one layer of said particle mat is produced by a method of forming a layer as described above.

[0027] The mat produced by methods of the invention preferably includes multiple layers.

[0028] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the method of forming a mat includes a method of forming a first layer of particles as described above, and forming at least one further layer of particles, above or below said first layer of particles. (In these embodiments, the expression "first layer" shall not be understood as meaning that the first layer is produced earlier than the "further" layers. The expressions "first" and "further" layer are used solely to clarify that these layers are distinct.) The at least one further layer of particles has preferably a substantially constant thickness or substantially constant weight per unit area. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one further layer of particles is vertically below said first layer of particles. In another embodiment the at least one further layer of particles is vertically above said first layer of particles. In most preferred embodiments the further layers are the upper and the lower surface layer of a multi-layered particle board or mat.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the particles of the first layer of particles have a greater average particle size (or average particle weight) as compared to the average particle size (or average particle weight) of the further layer of particles.

[0030] In one embodiment, the particle mat has at least first and second areas, said first area having a first thickness (or weight per unit area, kg/m2), said second area having a second thickness (or weight per unit area, kg/m2), wherein said first thickness (or weight per unit area, kg/m2) is greater than said second thickness (or weight per unit area, kg/m2).

[0031] In preferred embodiments, said first thickness (or weight per unit area, kg/m2) is at least 10%, 20%, 50% or 100% greater than said second thickness (or weight per unit area, kg/m2).

[0032] The invention further relates to a method of producing a particle board, said method comprising: (i) providing a particle mat using a method of producing a particle at described above; and (ii) compressing said particle mat to form the particle board.

[0033] The particle board according to the invention may be a chipboard, fiber board, an oriented strand board (OSB), MDF board or the like.

[0034] Preferably, the particle board has a substantially uniform thickness.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment the particle board has at least one first area of a first density [kg/m3] and at least one second area of a second density [kg/m3], wherein said firstdensity is greater than said second density. Preferably, said first density is 10%, 20%, 50% or 100% greater than said second density. In one embodiment the first density is from 550 to 700 kg/m3 and said second density is from 200 to 500 kg/m3.

[0036] The invention also relates to an arrangement forforming a layer of particles in a particle mat; said layer of particles extending in a longitudinal dimension (Y) and in a lateral dimension (X); said apparatus comprising: a movable support movable in said longitudinal dimension (Y) and adapted to support said layer of particles, or particle mat; particle providing means for providing a curtain of downfalling particles, said curtain of downfalling particles extending from said particle providing means in the direction of said movable support; and (retractable) particle removing means for at least temporarily removing downfalling particles from said curtain of downfalling particles at defined positions in the lateral dimension (X).

[0037] It is understood that the curtain of downfalling particles need not necessarily extend all the way from the particle providing means to a surface of the movable support, e.g., in case the layer of particles is produced on top of a further layer of particles already present on said movable support.

[0038] Preferably the particle providing means is a conveyor belt. However, the particle providing means can also be an inclined plate, or a chute.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the particle providing means has a lateral width substantially equal to the lateral width of said particle mat, or of said movable sup port.

[0040] Preferred particle providing means are adapted to produce a particle flow per unit lateral width [kg/s/cm] which is substantially constant over the entire lateral width of the curtain of particles. Furthermore, preferred particle providing means are adapted to produce a substantially constant particle flow [kg/s] over time.

[0041] Preferably, the particles are selected from the group consisting of lignocellulosic particles, wood particles, wood chips, and wood fibers.

[0042] Other preferred embodiments include means for admixing said particles with an adhesive substance. This can be, e.g., a spray nozzle in combination with a mixer.

[0043] In preferred embodiments the movable support is a conveyor belt. The movable support, however, can also be in form of a rigid plate, or a movable mesh.

[0044] The removing means may be in form of, or comprise, at least one conveyor belt, or at least one screw conveyor, or at least one funnel, or at least one airsuction line.

[0045] Preferably, the particle removing means comprises at least one conveyor belt arranged in parallel orientation to said longitudinal dimension (Y). The particle removing means may be capable of performing a reciprocating movement.

[0046] In preferred arrangements of the invention, particle removing means is adapted to only temporarily remove particles from said curtain of downfalling particles. For example, the particle removing means may be adapted to remove particles from said curtain of downfalling particles (only) at predetermined points in time and for predetermined periods of time.

[0047] The position of said particle removing means in the lateral dimension (X) is preferably adjustable. This allows for modification of the pattern of first and second areas of distinct thickness in the lateral dimension of the mat.

[0048] Also preferred are arrangements in which the width of said particle removing means in the lateral dimension (X) is adjustable. This provides further means to modify the pattern of first and second areas of distinct thickness in the lateral dimension of the mat.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement includes particle removing means comprising a pair of deflecting means, preferably pivotably connected to said particle removing means. The pair of deflecting means may be, e.g., a pairof inclined plates extending alongside the lateral sides of said particle removing means, preferably being mounted for pivotable movement about an axis parallel to the longitudinal dimension.

[0050] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the arrangement further includes particle spreading means for spreading particles in the longitudinal dimension. For example, the spreading means may be in form of a deck of rotating rollers. Preferably, the rollers are adapted to rotate about an axis parallel to said lateral dimension X. The deck of rollers preferably comprises 1 to 20, more preferably 3-12 rollers. The spreading means may alsc include air stream producing means, producing a hori zontal air stream spreading particles in the longitudina dimension.

[0051] The invention also relates to an apparatus fo producing a particle mat, said apparatus comprising a least one arrangement for forming a layer of particles a; described above.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus com prises at least one further particle providing means fo providing a second curtain of downfalling particles, so a; to produce a further layer of particles in said particle mat [0053] The invention further relates to a device fo manufacturing a particle board, said device comprising an arrangement of the above defined kind, and furthe comprises a press for compressing a particle mattoforrr a particle board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0054]

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an arrange ment according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a conventional particle mat (A) anc a particle mat according to the invention (B).

Figure 3 shows different stages in a method of pro ducing a layer of particles according to the invention Figure 4 shows different stages in a method of pro ducing a multi-layered particle mat according to ths invention.

Figure 5 shows various configurations of an arrange ment for forming a layer of particles according to the invention.

Figure 6 shows side and front view of particle remov ing means according to a preferred embodiment o the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] The present invention shall now be describee with reference to the appended drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an ar rangementfor forming a layer of particles 2 on a movable support 3, according to the invention. The apparatus i: capable of producing a single-layered discontinuous lay er 2 by providing particles in form of a curtain of down falling particles 4 and removing particles from said curtair 4, using particle removing means 6.

[0057] The apparatus works as follows: particles 1 are provided by particle providing means 5 to form of a curtair of downfalling particles 4. Particle providing means 5, ir this embodiment, is in form of a conveyor belt providinç a preferably constant stream of particles 1 to a termina edge of the conveyor belt. The particles falling down frorr particle providing means 5 form a curtain of downfallinç particles 4. Movable support 3 is provided in the form o a further conveyor belt. The conveyor belt constituting particle providing means 5 and the conveyor belt constituting movable support 5 are preferably of substantially the same width in the lateral dimension X. The fallen particles form a layer of particles 2 on movable support 3. The layer of particles 2 is transported by movable support 3 along the longitudinal dimension Y, i.e., along the direction of production. As is readily apparent to the person skilled in the art, an approximately constantflow of downfalling particles in curtain 4 produces a layer of particles of approximately constant thickness [mm] (or weight per unit area [kg/m2]). Also shown in Figure 1 are retractable particle removing means 6, for removing particles from the curtain of downfalling particles 4, when particle removing means are in an extended position. In the embodiment shown, particle removing means 6 are in the form of two retractable conveyor belts. In other embodiments, particle removing means 6, however, can also be in the form of a screw conveyor, a funnel, a chute, or a metal plate arranged such that it removes particles from the curtain 4 of downfalling particles. In yet other embodiments, particle removing means 6 can also be in form of suction tube removing particles from curtain 4 through air suction. As indicated by arrows 7, particle removing means 6 are able to reciprocate, i.e., they can assume a retracted position or an extended position. Figure 1 shows removing means 6 in the retracted position. In this position, particle removing means 6 do not intersect or reach into curtain 4 of downfalling particles, hence, particle removing means 6 do not remove any particles from curtain 4 in this position. In the extended position (not shown), particle removing means 6 intersect, or reach into, curtain 4 and remove all or part of the downfalling particles at the lateral positions in which particle removing means 6 intersect, or reach into, curtain 4. By positioning particle removing means 6 at appropriate lateral positions, and by extending or retracting particle removing means 6 at the appropriate times, a desired pattern of particles can be produced on movable support 3. (An exemplary pattern is shown in Figure 2B.) In the embod-imentshown in Figure 1, a discontinuous layer of particles 2 can be produced. The discontinuous layer particle has areas of a first thickness and areas of a reduced thickness. The reduced thickness is preferably zero. The areas of reduced thickness are preferably of rectangular shape. The lateral width (i.e., in the X dimension) of the rectangular areas of reduced thickness is determined by the lateral width of the particle removing means 6. The length (i.e., Y dimension) of the areas of reduced thickness is determined by the time period in which the particle removing means 6 are in the extended state relative to the speed of movable support 3 in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0058] Figure 2Ashows a conventional particle mat 11 having a substantially uniform thickness (or weight per unit area, kg/m2) over its entire area. Figure 2B shows a particle mat 11 producible by methods and apparatuses of the present invention. The mat includes (at least) two layers of particles: a first, discontinuous, layer producible by the arrangement shown in Figure 1, and a second, continuous, layer having substantially constant thickness (or weight per unit area, kg/m2) over its entire area, producible by conventional methods. Upon compression of the mat 11 into a fiber board of approximately constant thickness, a fiber board having areas of a first density and areas of a second, higher, density can be produced.

[0059] Figure 3 shows various states in a process of producing a layer of particles 2, according to the invention. Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C show schematic side-views at different points in time, during the layer-forming process. In particular, Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show different configurations of particle removing means 6, and the resulting pattern of particles in layer 2, in a temporal sequence.

[0060] In Figure 3A, particles 1 are transported on particle providing means 5 towards a terminal edge thereof. Particles 1 fall from the terminal edge of particle providing means 5 to form a curtain 4 of downfalling particles. Particles fall onto movable support 3, which in this case is in the form of a conveyor belt. A layer of particles 2 is formed on movable support 3. Particle removing means 6 are present, but in the retracted position. Flence, they do not remove any particles from curtain 4. A continuous layer of particles of approximately constant thickness is thus produced.

[0061] In Figure 3B, particle removing means 6 are in the extended position. In this position, particle removing means 6 remove substantially all particles from curtain 4 at the lateral positions in which particle removing means 6 intersect with curtain 4. As a result, void areas with no particles are created in layer 2. It will be appreciated that the void areas are only created at lateral positions vertically below the particle removing means 6. At lateral positions not overlapping particle removing means 6, nonvoid areas (of normal thickness) are formed. The void areas formed, in one embodiment, are thus rectangular in shape, e.g., when particles are removed from curtain 4 by retractable conveyor belts. The lateral widths of the void areas of mat 11 are determined by lateral width of particle removing means 6. The longitudinal extent of the void areas is determined by the time span during which particle removing means 6 removes particles from curtain 4, relative to the speed by which movable support 3 moves along the longitudinal dimension Y.

[0062] In Figure 3C particle removing means 6 is again in the retracted position. No particles are removed from curtain 4, thus a layer of particles (a non-void area) is formed on movable support 3.

[0063] As is readily apparent, various rectangular patterns of void areas in a layer 2 or mat 11 can be created by providing particle removing means 6 of appropriate width (and number), and by timing the extension or retraction of the particle removing means 6 into or from curtain 4, such that a desired pattern is obtained.

[0064] Figure 4 depicts an apparatus forforming a mat, in this case a multi-layered mat, according to the invention. In this embodiment a particle mat 11 having two layers is produced. Mat 11 comprises a discontinuous layer of particles 2, produced according to the invention, vertically above a further layer of particles 12, which is produced by conventional methods. Further layer 12 is produced from particles provided by further particle providing means 13. Particle providing means 5 and further particle providing means 13, in the embodiment shown, are both in the form of a conveyor belt.

[0065] Figure 4A depicts a situation in which particle removing means 6 is in a retracted position. In this retracted position particle removing means 6 do not remove particles from curtain 4.

[0066] Figure 4B shows particle removing means 6 in its extended position. In the extended position, particle removing means 6 remove particles from the curtain 4, thus, no particles reach movable support 3 to contribute to Iayer2 of mat 11. Thereby, areas of reduced thickness 15 are produced in mat 11.

[0067] Figure 4C then shows the particle removing means 6 in the retracted position again. Flence, downfalling particles in curtain 4 contribute to layer 2 of mat 11 at this stage.

[0068] Using the apparatus and method depicted in Figure 4, a mat 11 having areas of distinct first and second thickness can be produced.

[0069] Figure 5 shows an arrangement of the invention in which the curtain of downfalling particles is spread in the longitudinal dimension (Y) by spreading means 14. Spreading means 14, in this embodiment, are in form of a deck of rotating rollers. The rollers are mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis, arranged in parallel orientation to the lateral dimension, i.e., perpendicular to the direction of movement of movable support 3. Particles fall from particle providing means 5 onto the deck of rollers, where they are spread (or scattered) in the longitudinal dimension. The curtain of particles 4 thus has a certain longitudinal extension of, e.g. greater than 0.5,1 or 2 meters.

[0070] Particle removing means 6 are shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 5C in three different positions in which particle removing means 6 remove different amounts of particles from curtain 4. This results in a mat of particles having a first (normal) thickness and including stripes of a reduced thickness, wherein the reduced thickness can be adjusted by varying the longitudinal position of the particle removing means 6. For example, the reduced thickness can be 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the first thickness. The reduced thickness can also be zero.

[0071] In Figure 5A particle removing means 6 are in a retracted position. In this position, no particles are removed from curtain 4. Flence, the resulting layer of particles 2 at the lateral positions overlapping with particle removing means 6 is relatively thick. If particle removing means 6 are fixed/kept in the position shown in Figure 5A, a layer of substantially constant thickness along the lateral and longitudinal dimension will be formed.

[0072] In Figure 5B particle removing means 6 is in a partially extended position. In this position, particle removing means 6 remove a part of the particles falling down in curtain 4, at the lateral positions overlapping with particle removing means 6. The resulting layer of particles 2 at the overlapping lateral positions is thus thinner than in the situation shown in Figure 5A. If particle removing means 6 are fixed/kept in the position shown in Figure 5B, a layer of particles having areas of afirst thickness and areas of a second thickness will be formed. If the lateral position and lateral width of the particle removing 6 means does not change, stripes of reduced thickness are produced.

[0073] In Figure 5C is shown the situation in which particle removing means 6 are in a fully extended position. In this position, particle removing means 6 extend all the way through the longitudinal extent of curtain 4. Hence, substantially all particles are removed from curtain 4 at the lateral positions overlapping with particle removing means 6. Hence, the resulting layer of particles formed will have areas of a first thickness and areas of substantially zero thickness, i.e., void areas. Since the position and width of the particle removing 6 means in the lateral dimension does not change, stripes of zero thickness (void stripes) are produced at the lateral positions vertically below particle removing means 6.

[0074] Hence, the arrangement shown in Figures 5A to 5C can be used to produce a layer of particles having longitudinal stripes of distinct thickness. In the arrangement shown, it is possible to scatter particles onto movable support 3 at very high speed, while nevertheless producing stripes of distinct thickness having relatively sharp edges between the stripes. Such sharp delim itation between stripes of different thickness, at high production speed, was heretofore not achievable by other arrangements or methods.

[0075] It must be mentioned that, although reciprocating movement of the particle removing means 6 is not needed (nor desired) when producing layers of particles with continuous longitudinal stripes ofdifferentthickness, reciprocating movement may nevertheless be used to produce, e.g., a layer of particles having a variation in thickness also along the longitudinal dimension. Particle removing means 6 are then introduced into or retracted from curtain 4 as desired. In order to produce relatively sharp transitions from areas of normal thickness to areas of reduced thickness, it is particularly preferred to introduce the particle removing means 6 into the curtain of downfalling particles 4 in the direction of movement of movable support 3. In a very preferred embodiment, particle removing means 6 is introduced into curtain 4 in the direction of movement of movable support 3 and at the same speed as movable support 3. Sharp edges parallel to the lateral dimension can thereby be obtained.

[0076] Figure 6 shows the particle removing means 6 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Particle removing means 6 includes a conveyor belt and, attached thereto, a pair of deflecting means 17. Deflecting means are inform of a pair of plates, pivotably mount ed along opposite sides of particle removing means 6. Deflecting means are pivotable about axis 16, which is arranged parallel to the longitudinal dimension Y. As depicted by arrows 7, particle removing means 6 of this embodiment is able to perform a reciprocating movement along the longitudinal dimension. [0077] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but it should be understood that the scope of the invention is solely lim ited by the terms of the appended claims. REFERENCE NUMERALS [0078] 1 - particles 2 - layer of particles 3 - movable support 4 - curtain of downfalling particles 5 - particle providing means 6 - particle removing means 7 - reciprocating movement 8 - area of a first thickness 9 - area of a second thickness 10 - second curtain of downfalling particles 11 - particle mat 12 - further layer of particles 13 - further particle providing means 14 - particle spreading means 15 - area of reduced thickness 16 - axis 17 - deflecting means Claims 1. A method of forming a layer (2) of particles in a particle mat(11); said layer of particles (2) extending in a longitudinal dimension (Y) and in a lateral dimension (X); said method comprising: (i) providing a movable support (3) forsupporting said layer of particles (2) or particle mat (11), and moving said movable support (3) in a direction parallel to said longitudinal dimension (Y); (ii) providing a curtain of downfalling particles (4), said curtain extending from particle providing means (5) towards said movable support (3); and (iii) removing particles from said curtain of downfalling particles (4) at predetermined positions in the lateral dimension (X) by temporarily positioning retractable particle removing means (6) in said curtain of downfalling particles (4); thereby forming said layer of particles. 2. Method of claim 1, wherein said particles (1 ) are se- lected from the group consisting of lignocellulosic particles, wood particles, wood chips, and wood fibers. 3. Method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said particle removing means is arranged in parallel orientation to said longitudinal dimension Y. 4. Method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said particle removing means (6) comprises at least one conveyor belt. 5. A method of producing a particle mat (11), wherein at least one layer (2) of said particle mat (11) is produced by a method according to any one of the claims 1 to 4. 6. Method of claim 5, wherein said particle mat (11 ) has at least first (8) and second areas (9), said first area (8) having a first thickness, said second area (9) having a second thickness, wherein said first thickness is greater than said second thickness. 7. A method of producing a particle board, said method comprising: (i) producing a particle mat (11) by a method of claim 5 or 6; and (ii) compressing said particle mat (11) to form the particle board. 8. Method of claim 7, wherein said particle board has a substantially uniform thickness. 9. An arrangement for forming a layer of particles (2) in a particle mat (11 ); said layer of particles (2) extending in a longitudinal dimension (Y) and in a lateral dimension (X); said apparatus comprising: a movable support (3) movable in said longitudinal dimension (Y) and adapted to support said layer of particles (2) or particle mat (11); particle providing means (5) for providing a curtain (4) of downfalling particles, said curtain of downfalling particles (4) extending from said particle providing means (5) in the direction of said movable support (3); and retractable particle removing means (6) for temporarily removing downfalling particles from said curtain of downfalling particles (4) at defined positions in the lateral dimension (X). 10. Arrangementof claim 9, wherein said particle removing means (6) comprises at least one conveyor belt arranged in parallel orientation to said longitudinal dimension Y. 11. Arrangement of claim 10, wherein said particle re moving means (6) comprises a pair of deflecting means (17), connected to opposite sides of said particle removing means (6), and arranged for pivotable movement about an axis (16) parallel to said longitudinal dimension (Y). 12. Arrangement of any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising particle spreading means (14), such as a deck of rollers, for spreading particles along the longitudinal dimension (Y). 13. An apparatus for producing a particle mat (11), said apparatus comprising at least one arrangement of any one of claims 9 to 12. 14. Apparatus of claim 13, said apparatus comprising at least one further particle providing means (13) for providing a second curtain of downfalling particles (10) so as to produce a further layer of particles (12) in said particle mat (11). 15. Device for manufacturing a particle board, said device comprising an apparatus of claim 13 or 14, and further comprising a press for compressing said particle mat (11) to form a particle board.

Patentansprüche 1. Verfahren zum Bilden einer Schicht (2) aus Partikeln in einer Partikelmatte (11); wobei sich die Schicht aus Partikeln (2) in eine Längsrichtung (Y) und in eine Querrichtung(X)erstreckt; das Verfahren umfassend: (i) Bereitstellen eines beweglichen Trägers (3) zum Abstützen der Schicht aus Partikeln (2) oder der Partikelmatte (11), und Bewegen des beweglichen Trägers (3) in eine Richtung parallel zu der Längsrichtung (Y); (ii) Bereitstellen eines Vorhangs aus herabfallenden Partikeln(4), wobei sich der Vorhang von einem Partikelbereitstellungsmittel (5) in Richtung des beweglichen Trägers (3) erstreckt; und (iii) Entfernen von Partikeln aus dem Vorhang aus herabfallenden Partikeln(4) an vorbestimmten Positionen in der Querrichtung (X) durch temporäres Positionieren von einem einziehbaren Partikelentfernungsmittel (6) in dem Vorhang aus herabfallenden Partikeln(4); wodurch die Schicht aus Partikeln gebildet wird. 2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Partikel (1) aus der Gruppe ausgewählt sind, bestehend aus Li-gnocellulose-Partikeln, Holzpartikeln, Holzschnitzeln und Holzfasern. 3. Verfahren nach einem dervorhergehenden Ansprü che, wobei das Partikelentfernungsmittel parallel zi der Längsrichtung(Y)angeordnet ist. 4. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wöbe das Partikelentfernungsmittel (6) mindestens eir Förderband umfasst. 5. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Partikelmatte (11) wobei mindestens eine Schicht (2) der Partikelmatte (11) durch ein Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4 hergestellt wird. 6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Partikelmatte (11) über mindestens einen ersten (8) und einer zweiten Bereich (9)verfügt, wobei der erste Bereici (8) eine erste Dicke aufweist, wobei der zweite Be reich (9) eine zweite Dicke aufweist, wobei die erste Dicke größer als die zweite Dicke ist. 7. VerfahrenzurHerstellungeinerSpanplatte, das Ver fahren umfassend: (i) Herstellen einer Partikelmatte (11) durch eir Verfahren nach Anspruch 5 oder 6; und (ii) Verdichten der Partikelmatte (11 ) zur Bildunc der Spanplatte. 8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Spanplatte eine im Wesentlichen gleichmäßige Dicke aufweist 9. Anordnung zur Bildung einer Schicht aus Partikelr (2) in einer Partikelmatte (11); wobei sich die Schich aus Partikeln (2) in eine Längsrichtung (Y) und ir eine Querrichtung(X)erstreckt; die Vorrichtung umfassend: einen beweglichen Träger (3), der in die Längs richtung (Y) beweglich und angepasst ist, urr die Schicht aus Partikeln (2) oder die Partikel matte (11)abzustützen; ein Partikelbereitstellungsmittel (5) zum Bereit stellen eines Vorhangs (4) aus herabfallender Partikeln, wobei sich der Vorhang aus herabfal lenden Partikeln(4) von dem Partikelbereitstel lungsmittel (5) in die Richtung des beweglicher Trägers (3) erstreckt; und ein einziehbares Partikelentfernungsmittel (6 zum temporären Entfernen von herabfallender Partikeln aus dem Vorhang aus herabfallender Partikeln(4) an vorbestimmten Positionen in de Querrichtung (X). 10. Anordnung nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Partikelent fernungsmittel (6) mindestens ein parallel zu de Längsrichtung (Y) angeordnetes Förderband um fasst. 11. Anordnung nach Anspruch 10, wobei das Partikelentfernungsmittel (6) ein Paar von Ablenkmitteln (17) umfasst, die mit gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Partikelentfernungsmittels (6) verbunden sind und für eine Schwenkbewegung um eine Achse (16) parallel zu der Längsrichtung (Y) angeordnet sind. 12. Anordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, fernerumfassend ein Partikelverteilungsmittel (14), wie beispielsweise eine Gruppe von Walzen, zum Verteilen von Partikeln entlang der Längsrichtung (Y). 13. Vorrichtung zur Herstellung einer Partikelmatte (11), wobei die Vorrichtung mindestens eine Anordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 12 umfasst. 14. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 13, wobei die Vorrichtung mindestens ein weiteres Partikelbereitstellungsmittel (13) zum Bereitstellen eines zweiten Vorhangs aus herabfallenden Partikeln (10) umfasst, um eine weitere Schicht aus Partikeln (12) in der Partikelmatte (11) herzustellen. 15. Vorrichtung zur Herstellung einer Spanplatte, wobei das Gerät eine Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 13 oder 14 umfasst, und ferner eine Presse zum Verdichten der Partikelmatte (11) zur Bildung einer Spanplatte umfasst.

Revendications 1. Procédé pour la formation d’une couche de particules (2) dans un tapis de particules (11 ) ; ladite couche de particules (2) s’étendant dans une dimension longitudinale (Y) et dans une dimension latérale (X) ; ledit procédé comprenant : (1) la mise à disposition d’un support mobile (3) destiné à supporter ladite couche de particules (2) ou ledit tapis de particules (11), et le déplacement dudit support mobile (3) dans une direction parallèle à ladite dimension longitudinale (Y): (ii) la mise à disposition d’un rideau de particules tombantes (4), ledit rideau s’étendant à partir de moyens d’apport de particules (5) jusqu’au support mobile (3) ; et (iii) l’évacuation de particules à partir dudit rideau de particules tombantes (4) à des endroits prédéterminés dans la dimension latérale (X), en positionnant temporairement un moyen d’évacuation de particules rétractable (6) dans ledit rideau de particules tombantes (4) ; pour ainsi former ladite couche de particules. 2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdi- tes particules (1) sont sélectionnées parmi le groupe comprenant des particules lignocellulosiques, des particules de bois, des copeaux de bois et des fibres de bois. 3. Procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit moyen d’évacuation de particules est disposé de façon à être orienté parallèlement à ladite dimension longitudinale Y. 4. Procédé selon l’une des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel ledit moyen d’évacuation de particules (6) comprend au moins une courroie de transport. 5. Procédé pour la fabrication d’un tapis de particules (11), dans lequel au moins une couche (2) dudit tapis de particules (11) estfabriquée à l’aide d’un procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4. 6. Procédé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ledit tapis de particules (11) présente au moins des premières (8) et des deuxièmes zones (9), lesdites premières zones (8) présentant une première épaisseur, lesdites deuxièmes zones (9) présentant une deuxième épaisseur, ladite première épaisseur étant supérieure à ladite deuxième épaisseur. 7. Procédé pour la fabrication d’un panneau de particules, ledit procédé comprenant : (i) la fabrication d’un tapis de particules (11) à l’aide d’un procédé selon la revendication 5 ou 6 ; et (ii) la compression dudit tapis de particules (11) pour former le panneau de particules. 8. Procédé selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit panneau de particules présente une épaisseursubs-tantiellement uniforme. 9. Arrangement pour la formation d’une couche de particules (2) dans un tapis de particules (11) ; ladite couche de particules (2) s’étendant dans une dimension longitudinale (Y) et dans une dimension latérale (X) ; ledit dispositif comprenant : un support mobile (3) déplaçable dans ladite dimension longitudinale (Y) et adapté pour supporter ladite couche de particules (2) ou ledit tapis de particules (11); des moyens d’apport de particules (5) destinés à fournir un rideau de particules tombantes (4), ledit rideau de particules tombantes (4) s’étendant à partir desdits moyens d’apport de particules (5) en direction dudit support mobile (3) ; et un moyen d’évacuation de particules rétractable (6) permettant d’évacuer temporairement des particules tombantes à partir dudit rideau de par ticules tombantes (4) à des endroits définis dans la dimension latérale (X). 10. Arrangement selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ledit moyen d’évacuation de particules (6) comprend au moins une courroie de transport disposée de manière à être orientée parallèlement à ladite dimension longitudinale Y. 11. Arrangement selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ledit moyen d’évacuation de particules (6) comprend une paire de moyen de déviation (17) reliés à des côtés opposés dudit moyen d’évacuation de particules (6) et conçus de manière à pouvoir pivoter autour d’un axe (16) parallèle à ladite dimension longitudinale (Y). 12. Arrangement selon l’une quelconque des revendications 9 à 11, comprenant en outre un moyen d’étalement de particules (14), tel qu’un jeu de rouleaux, pour étaler des particules le long de la dimension longitudinale (Y). 13. Appareil pour la fabrication d’un tapis de particules (11), ledit appareil comprenant au moins un arrangement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 12. 14. Appareil selon la revendication 13, ledit appareil comprenant au moins un autre moyen d’apport de particules (13) destiné à fournir un deuxième rideau de particules tombantes (10) de manière à produire une autre couche de particules (12) dans ledit tapis de particules (11). 15. Dispositif pour la fabrication d’un panneau de particules, ledit dispositif comprenant un appareil selon la revendication 13 ou 14, et comprenant en outre une presse destinée à comprimer ledit tapis de particules (11) pour former un panneau de particules.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • US 4200430 A [0002] • WO 2005046950 A [0003] • EP 0162118 A [0004]

Claims (5)

ËyîÉ ΕβΚΕΤΕΟί samosEsCfmjsêGô chipboard kF.sxiîÉsÉrw PATIENT'S INDIVIDUAL POINTS A method for measuring (2) the exchange of granules (2) embedded in granules (11); (2 | hoss &amp; radius extension (Y) and transverse (X) vari; and as method: (I) movable hoRl surface | 3) we can use the spherical layer (2): and supporting the curtain wall {3} to form a curtain 14} of sloping beads parallel to the longitudinal direction (V); that is, where the grain is caught, 5 'a rgatP-b mklu o C tor ods m üii) get lost where ·: the grains from the falling grains <4 | standing föggonybo! along the perpendicular Uralian extension (X) in specific situations. its retractable eyes * kavo 'ö sro xö.'ti, road ne k -' · mg · gmieio ke falbe à © e eh.> c fé in the shade {Aj "and thereby forming the particulate layer 2 The method according to the invention, wherein the granules {1} iignocaliuióz szepaëÃe | fssÄik kiss. the group of wood chips and grass blades. 3. Any of the filament claims of sennel ephls. where ».  «The longitudinal axis of the measuring device is arranged in parallel. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sMmcsself-stripping means {6} comprises at least one carrier belt I. Method serggaemätns {11} sniffing, wherein the at least one eye defect (1 T) is at least one eye defect {2}. -4. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is formed by the method of Ki. The method according to claim 5, wherein the particle size modification {11} is represented by at least one first (3) and the worst one of the replicas, wherein the first domain has a {3} else Âsgsâgs, and the second domain has a second thickness i9i. . and the first thickness of mee m is softer, the second thickness is minOi. . The process of chipboard planking where the process involves forming a particle size <11> in the 5th or 6th Demand with a punch and pressed into a pellet. 0 A Γ. p. 5, p. 5., p. 5, p. 5, p. 1, p. 5, p. 5, p. 5, p. 1), where the pellet is a longitudinally extending tY · and transverse extension (Xi, and where s equipment feeds: grain size (21 desire and lifetime specimens), ntis;.: .. movable carrier plate lèhuüè pellets (^} } and s falling down on a standing pendant * «from the tool (¾) of the tool (¾) to the movable electrode; (3); -m retractable particle distance device (6), with which the öMv W-Älf i§p JMItf * -dès < In the situations taken along X), temporarily cool down the soldering curves (4) of the prototype. The collectors of claim 9, wherein the carbon sink (0) obtains a conveyor belt, aroe. ty with the longitudinal direction (Y) frictionally &lt; tb > 11th Arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the sxem folding device 0 is a brain pair. the; anti-graining device (6) is opposite to the following: ai · bb (Y), îëngéiy (ΐβ) comic strips are equipped with a dishwashing tool (17), as claimed in any one of Claims 0 to 11. in addition, the granules; a: hossrmny (with Y '<distributing grain trap (Μ) is equipped with Pfafa gorgosooal Apparatus for the preparation of seroçsemyx- (11}), wherein the apparatus is at least a brain according to any one of claims 1 to 12 of claim 9. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the device is an i? further particle dispensing means {13} for forming a second curtain of fallen particles (10) if, furthermore, a further batch of fl2j is formed, the reassembly of the horse for chipboard waxing, the apparatus is abandoned in the 13th or 13th c. The apparatus of claim 14 is equipped with a safe and is equipped with a s-stool suitable for compressing the spermatode (11) into a flocculent sheet.