WO2004002860A2

WO2004002860A2 - Device for the compression of materials

Info

Publication number: WO2004002860A2
Application number: PCT/EP2003/005871
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luciano Salda
Original assignee: C.M.S. Spa
Priority date: 2002-06-28
Filing date: 2003-06-04
Publication date: 2004-01-08
Also published as: DE20210004U1; AU2003238466A1; WO2004002860A3; AU2003238466A8

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for the compression of materials. Said device comprises a housing (2, 102), a compression chamber (4), in which a compressor (5) is arranged and an outlet (13, 113, 243) for dispensing compressed material, whereby a flap (14, 114, 214) is mounted at the outlet such as to rotate about a flap axis (16, 116, 216). The device (1) is characterized in that said flap (14, 114, 214) is pre-tensioned in the closed direction by means of at least one tensioning element (17, 217).

Description

DEVICE FOR COMPRESSING MATERIAL

The present invention relates to a device for compacting material, which is designed according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such compression devices are well known in practice. They usually have a compressor provided with a drive. This can be formed either as a continuous compressor, for example as a screw conveyor, or as an interval compressor, for example as a piston compressor. In most cases, such compacting devices are used to compact all types of waste, from garden waste to household waste to hospital waste. The more the waste is compacted, the lower the costs for the further transport of the waste and its final disposal. Knowledge of the degree of compaction achieved is therefore crucial. Often this value can only be determined empirically. The material to be compressed is collected in a collecting space at the end of the compressor until it is expected to have reached the desired degree of compression. A closure of the outlet, for example a flap, is then unlocked and opened in order to be able to dispense the compressed material.

This technique is very unsatisfactory because the degree of compression achieved can vary greatly depending on the type of waste.

The present invention has for its object to provide a device of the type mentioned above, which allows a control of the degree of compression achieved during compression in a structurally simple manner.

This object is achieved by a device for compacting material with the features of claim 1.

Preloading the flap has several advantages. On the one hand, the pretension ensures that the flap automatically goes into its closed position, so that it can form an odor trap with respect to the compression space, for example when the compression device is switched off. It is even more important, however, that the flap is opened passively due to the dynamic pressure of the compressed material. follows. Therefore, there is no need to provide complicated mechanisms for actively opening the flap (for example after a certain compression time) at the outlet of the compression device.

The pretension generated by the pretensioning element (s) can be set so that the flap only opens above a certain pressure difference. This pressure difference is achieved in that the material that is conveyed by the compressor towards the outlet has reached a certain degree of compression. Above this degree of compression, the flap is therefore forced from the closed position into the open position by the compressed material. The degree of compression can be set to a desired value by prestressing the tensioning element or elements.

The prestressing elements are preferably elastically deformable. So you can participate in a variety of opening / closing cycles of the flap.

In particular when the outlet lies essentially laterally on the compression device, the flap axis is preferably arranged horizontally above the outlet. The flap then opens in such a way that, due to gravity, the compressed material can drop down even with small opening angles of the flap.

The flap axis itself can be firmly connected to the housing so that it does not participate in the pivoting movement of the flap. Compared to a solution in which the flap axis can be pivoted, the number of moving parts is reduced. This is advantageous because moving parts are generally susceptible to dirt and material fatigue.

It is particularly expedient if the flap axis is at least partially designed as a square. If it is received in these sections by correspondingly square openings on the housing, the flap axis is fixedly connected to the housing in a structurally very simple manner.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an end section of the flap is designed as a deflection section for deflecting the material leaving the outlet. The Flap can therefore perform two different functions: on the one hand it serves to open or close the outlet, on the other hand it serves to redirect the compressed material behind the outlet in a desired direction, for example into a collection container.

In order to bring about this deflection, the flap can in particular be concave on the side facing the outlet. This shape deflects the material leaving the outlet in a direction away from the flap, which reduces the risk of contamination for the outside of the flap.

The flap can e.g. be shaped so that it has a horizontal kink in its lower section, the kink being in the closed position of the flap slightly below the lower outlet edge. This form of the flap is structurally very simple, since the outlet and the section of the flap that is in contact with it can be flat. Compared to other possible shapes, this also facilitates the sealing between the outlet and the flap.

An even number of prestressing elements is advantageously provided. Each section of the flap, by means of which the flap pivots about the flap axis, can then be connected to one of the prestressing elements from both sides. Compared to a one-sided preload, this not only distributes the force more symmetrically, but in particular a higher preload can be achieved.

In a preferred variant of the invention, the prestressing elements are designed as helical springs, the helical springs having a fastening section, a contact section and an intermediate clamping section. Such coil springs can be used to generate high preloads which are required to counteract the compression pressure at least up to a threshold value. The three sections of the coil springs serve different purposes, as explained below.

The flap axis advantageously extends through the helical clamping section. In this way, the coil spring is directly on the valve axis attached. They are deformed by rotating the screw turns around the valve axis. The back pressure of the spring generated by this is significantly greater than when the spring is compressed or stretched in the direction of the screw axis.

The contact portion of the coil spring serves to make contact between the spring and the flap. This ensures that opening the flap causes the coil spring to deform. The contact section can, for example, be designed essentially in a straight line in order to be able to rest well against the flap.

The contact section preferably engages with the outside of the flap. It can thus counteract the internal pressure generated by the compressed material from the outside. Since the outside of the flap usually does not come into contact with the compressed material or waste, the contact section of the coil spring on the outside of the flap is largely secured against contamination.

The contact point between the contact section and the flap is preferably in a region of the flap lying opposite the flap axis. In this way, the coil spring can act on the flap with a particularly large lever arm, so that the bias of the coil springs is transferred to the flap very efficiently.

Usually the preload of the coil springs should be high enough that the contact section of the coil springs is always in contact with the flap. In order to ensure this concern in any case, the coil springs can also be attached to the flap at their contact section.

It is particularly expedient if the fastening section of at least one helical spring can be fixed in relation to the housing. Thus, the counterforce generated during the deformation of the coil spring is applied by the housing of the compression device itself. The housing is usually stable enough to be able to absorb such forces.

In a favorable embodiment, the fastening section of at least one helical spring is in at least two different positions with respect to the housing fixable. In particular, it could also be fixable in many different positions, for example also continuously. This makes the compression device according to the invention very variable in use, since different prestresses of the prestressing elements are generated depending on the fastening position. This in turn results in different threshold values of the internal pressure at which the flap opens against the force of the prestressing elements. If the coil springs show material fatigue after prolonged use, they can be easily re-tensioned with this design. The preload of the coil springs could also be changed in order to adapt them to the type of waste and to set a desired degree of compaction.

The fastening section of the coil spring can e.g. be received in a hole in a ring that is rotatable and fixable with respect to the valve axis. By turning the ring, the hole and with it the fastening section of the coil spring are brought into different positions. They can be fixed on these by fixing the ring on the flap axis with respect to this or with respect to the housing. In this way, a certain bias of the coil spring is set.

The ring can preferably be fixed at various angles of rotation with respect to the flap axis, in particular continuously, in order also to be able to continuously adjust the pretension of the helical spring.

In a variant of the invention, at least one hinge is fastened to the flap, by means of which the flap can be pivoted about the flap axis.

An adjusting screw can be mounted on the hinge, by means of which the minimum or maximum distance between a point of the hinge and a fixed point on the housing can be set. In this way, a mechanism can be implemented that allows the flap to be opened independently of the internal pressure on the flap. In this way, the flap can be opened, for example, when the compression device is at a standstill, in order to be able to carry out maintenance or repair work inside the device. Whether the minimum or maximum distance to a fixed point on the housing can be set using the adjusting screw depends on the position of the hinge Adjustment screw is stored. If this bearing point is on the side of the flap from the hinge, the increase in the minimum distance between the point on the hinge and a fixed point on the housing leads to the flap being pushed away from the housing and thus opening the outlet. If, on the other hand, the bearing point of the adjusting screw is from the hinge on the side opposite the flap, the reduction in the maximum distance between the bearing point on the hinge and a fixed point on the housing means that the hinge on the side opposite the flap is pulled towards the housing. This movement also causes the flap to move away from the outlet, opening the outlet.

The adjusting screw is preferably provided with an external thread which engages with an internal thread fastened to the housing in a pivot bearing. Depending on the degree of opening of the flap, the position of the hinge changes and with it the position of the adjusting screw. By fixing the internal thread in a pivot bearing, it can always adapt to the alignment of the adjusting screw so that the two threads cannot jam.

The pivot axis of this pivot bearing is advantageously parallel to the flap axis, since the flap axis determines the movement of the hinge and thus the position of the adjusting screw.

The pivot bearing for the internal thread can be arranged in an extension projecting from the housing. This is advantageous in that the adjusting screw can extend through the internal thread to different extents. If the adjusting screw extends far beyond the internal thread, there could be a risk of a collision with the housing. However, this risk is reduced by removing the pivot bearing from the housing.

It is a further advantage if the adjusting screw is slidably received in a pivot bearing on the hinge. The rotation of the bearing serves to adapt it to the variable angles between the bearing and the fixed point on the housing provided for the adjusting screw, which result when the flap is opened. However, the distance between the bearing and the fixed point on the housing can also change if the hinge about the valve axis when the valve is opened pivoted. The sliding of the adjusting screw in the pivot bearing takes this change in the distance into account.

The pivot axis of the pivot bearing on the hinge is preferably parallel to the flap axis. In this way, the pivot bearing can adapt particularly well to the position of the adjusting screw.

The hinge is advantageously constructed so that it has an approximately L-shaped cross section with two legs, the pivot bearing being arranged on one leg and the flap axis extending through the other leg. This creates a lever arm between the pivot bearing of the adjusting screw and the flap axis, which favors the opening of the flap by means of the adjusting screw.

In a possible variant of the invention, a calming space for the compressed material is provided between the compression space of the compression device and the outlet. This is e.g. then advantageous if a screw conveyor is provided as a compressor. Along the calming space, the compressed material can gradually change from screw movement to linear movement before hitting the flap.

In order to support a linear movement of the compressed material, linear guide elements can be provided in the calming space, which oppose the least resistance to the compressed material with such a linear movement.

For example, the guide elements can be designed as projecting rails on the inner wall of the calming space, as a result of which they can be connected very firmly to the housing of the compression device.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the cross section of the calming space widens in the conveying direction. An expansion of the cross section means a reduction in pressure. At the end of the calming section, ie at the outlet of the compression device, there is therefore a lower internal pressure than at the beginning of the calming section. For the internal pressure to be exceeded, at which the flap opens, only the pressure prevailing directly on the inside of the flap is decisive. If the cross section of the calming space is expanded, it is sufficient to set the threshold value to a comparatively low value by means of the prestressing elements, in order to simultaneously ensure that the compressed material at the beginning of the calming space had a significantly higher internal pressure. In this way, a high degree of compaction can be ensured with a comparatively low preload.

Furthermore, the bottom of the calming space can be inclined downwards with respect to the conveying direction. This gives the compressed material a downward movement component that can support the material, e.g. after crossing the outlet. to fall down into a sump.

Advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated below with the aid of a drawing. Show in detail

1 shows a vertical section through a first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for compacting material,

2 is a rear view of the first embodiment of an outlet flap according to the invention,

3 shows a horizontal section through the outlet and the flap of a second exemplary embodiment of a compression device according to the invention in different positions A, B, C of the flap,

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section through a third embodiment of a compression device according to the invention at its outlet, and

Fig. 5 is a rear view of the outlet flap of the third embodiment.

1 shows an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for compacting material. In the top of its housing 2, the device 1 has an input opening 3 through which material to be compressed, for example waste, can be filled. A compression chamber 4 is located inside the housing 2. A compressor 5 extends through the compression chamber 4. In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is designed as a screw compressor which is operated by means of a drive 6 arranged outside the compression chamber 4. On the side of the drive 6, the screw compressor 5 is supported on the housing 2 by bearings 7. The end 8 of the screw compressor 5 opposite the drive 6 is arranged so as to fly freely.

The screw compressor 5 represents a continuous conveyor for the material to be compressed. It defines a conveying direction F which is directed from the side of the drive 6 to the free end 8 of the compressor. The compression device 1 is set up in such a way that its compression space 4 rises in the conveying direction F. In the present exemplary embodiment, the slope with respect to the horizontal is approximately 20 °. This slope is caused by the fact that the feet 9, on which the compression device stands, are arranged at different levels.

In order to achieve a high compression effect, the distances between the windings 10 of the screw compressor 5 along its drive shaft 11 are reduced. In addition, the diameter of the compression space 4 in the conveying direction F behind the input opening 3 is reduced, which further increases the compression effect. Along this section, the degree of compaction and thus the internal pressure of the compressed material increase sharply. In order to be able to withstand this pressure, the housing 2 of the compression device 1 has a greater wall thickness in the area in which the diameter of the compression space is reduced. The diameter of the drive shaft

11 of the screw compressor 5 becomes smaller at least in sections in the conveying direction F. This reduces the torque acting on the bearings 7 due to the dead weight of the screw compressor 5. There is at most a narrow gap between the circumference of the windings 10 of the screw compressor 5 and the inner wall of the housing 2. Otherwise, the windings 10 rest on the inside of the housing 2.

In the conveying direction F, a settling room closes behind the compression chamber 4

12, which extends from the end 8 of the screw compressor 5 to an outlet 13 and, in the exemplary embodiment shown, a constant, circular has a cross-section. While in the compression chamber 4 the screw compressor 5 ensures that the material to be compressed is transported in the conveying direction F, the compressed material in the settling chamber 12 only moves due to the pressure of the material transported by the compressor 5. Since there is no longer an active conveyor behind the end 8 of the compressor 5, the movement of the compressed material in the calming space 12 calms down. The calming space 12 also serves as a collecting space for the compressed material before it leaves the compacting device 1 through the outlet 13.

The outlet 13 is an opening with the same diameter as the calming chamber 12. In the present exemplary embodiment, the slope of the compression chamber 4 means that the outlet 13 is higher than the inlet opening 3. A flap 14 closes the outlet 13. It is on a hinge 15 attached by means of which it is pivotable about an axis 16. The flap axis 16 is arranged horizontally and attached to the top of the housing 2, i.e. Above the outlet 13. As will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures, prestressing elements 17 are provided around the flap axis 16, by means of which the flap 14 is prestressed in the closing direction. The biasing elements 17 are formed in the exemplary embodiment shown as coil springs. In the view shown in FIG. 1, they pretension the flap 14 clockwise on the flap axis 16.

A collection container 19 for the compressed material is arranged below the outlet 13. If the compressed material is discharged through the outlet 13, it falls into the collecting container 19 due to gravity. The compacted material can be collected in the collecting container 19 and possibly removed, e.g. when the reservoir 19 is filled. For easier transport 19 rollers 20 can be provided on the collection container. However, disposable containers can also be used.

2 shows a rear view of the flap 14 of the first exemplary embodiment at the outlet 13 of the compression device 1. The housing of the calming chamber 12 is attached to the housing 2 of the compression device 1 by means of a flange 21. The calming space 12 and the outlet 13 have a circular cross section. The area of the flap 14 is slightly larger than that of the outlet 13, so that the flap 14 completely covers the outlet 13. The flap 14 has a largely circular shape, but is extended downwards by an end section 22.

The flap axis 16 extends horizontally above the outlet 13, about which the flap 14 can be pivoted. For this purpose, a hinge 15 is provided on the flap. The flap axis 16 is rigidly attached to the housing 2 of the compression device 1 so that it does not participate in the pivoting movement of the flap 14. For this purpose, the axis 16 can be designed, for example, as a square.

The prestressing elements 17 for generating a prestress on the flap 14, which are designed here as elastic helical springs, are clearly recognizable. These have a helical clamping section 24, a fastening section 25 and a contact section 26. The windings of the helical tensioning section 24 lie closely against one another and so that the flap axis 16 extends through them. They generate the preload on the flap 14. The tensioning section 24 forms the middle section of the coil spring 17.

The end of the helical spring 17 facing the hinge 15 runs straight and forms the contact section 26, by means of which the pretension generated by the tensioning section 24 is transmitted to the flap 14. For this purpose, the contact section 26 is shaped such that it engages the flap 14 on the outside thereof, i.e. the side facing away from the outlet 13. This contact can exist along a certain length of the contact section 26, or only at the extreme end of the contact section 26. The contact section 26 is so long that its end abuts the lower half of the flap 14, i.e. on the half farther from the valve axis 16. This achieves a more favorable torque, so that the pretension of the coil spring 17 is efficiently transmitted to the flap 14.

The bias of the coil springs 17 can be adjusted continuously. For this purpose, setting elements 27 are provided. These adjusting elements 27 are designed here as adjusting rings which can be rotated about the flap axis 16. They have a lateral opening 28 in which the fastening section 25 of the helical spring 17 is received. Depending on the position of this opening 28 in relation to the flap axis 16, the deformation of the tensioning section 24 and, above it, the preload generated can be be put. In order to be able to fasten the adjusting ring to the flap axis 16 in any desired rotational position, a fixing screw 29 is provided on each adjusting ring 27. If this is tightened, it fixes the adjusting ring 27 with respect to the valve axis 16. Since the flap axis 16 is rigidly attached to the housing 2, the adjusting ring 27 is also fixed relative to the housing 2 when the fixing screw 29 is tightened. A screw-on cap 30 on the end of the valve axis 16 prevents the adjusting ring 27 from slipping off the valve axis 16. The number of turns of the tensioning section 24 is five here, but it can be chosen arbitrarily.

3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a flap 114 at the outlet 113 in a vertical section. The flap 114 is shown once in its closed position A and once in the open positions B, C. In the closed position A, it lies directly against the outlet 113. The outlet 113 is flat, but cut at an angle α not equal to 90 ° to the conveying direction F. Therefore, the flap 114.A is in its closed position at the same angle α (α not equal to 90 °) to the conveying direction F.

The flap 114 has a horizontal bend 132 directly below the outlet 113. The likewise planar extension 122 extends below the bend 132. The bend 132 is shaped in such a way that the flap 114 with its extension 122 is concave on its inside facing the outlet 113.

The upper end of the flap 114 is attached to the hinge 115, which is approximately L-shaped in the exemplary embodiment shown. In one arm of the hinge 115 there is an opening 133 through which the flap axis 116 extends. The flap axis 116 is designed here as a square, the diameter of the opening 133 being larger than the diagonal through the cross section of the flap axis 116, so that the hinge 115 can pivot freely about the flap axis.

A pivot bearing 134 is attached to the outer arm of hinge 115 and can be rotated about an axis lying parallel to flap axis 116. A section of an adjusting screw 135 is slidably received in an opening in the rotary bearing 134. A portion of the set screw 135 having an external thread engages an internal thread in a second pivot bearing 136. This second pivot bearing 136 is also pivotable about an axis parallel to the flap axis 116. It's up in one projection 137 protruding from the housing 102. The head 138 of the adjusting screw 135 serves to screw the adjusting screw 135 into the second rotary bearing 136 or to screw it out of it. For ease of use, the head 138 can be shaped on the outside as a square or hexagon, so that it can be operated by means of a wrench. The diameter of the head 138 is larger than the inner diameter of the opening of the first pivot bearing 134 on the hinge 115, so that the head 138 cannot slide through the pivot bearing 134.

The distance between the point of the screw thread, which is in engagement with the second pivot bearing 136, and the head 138 of the screw thus defines the maximum distance that the two pivot bearings 134 and 136 can have from one another. The hinge 115 cannot pivot any further in the closing direction than up to a position in which the pivot bearing 134 attached to it collides with the head 138 of the adjusting screw 135. The position of the adjusting screw 135 thus decides how far the flap 114 can be closed.

The closed position of the flap 114, in which it rests on the outlet 113, is denoted by A in FIG. 3. B designates an open position of the flap 114, in which it is pivoted counterclockwise by an angle of approximately 90 ° with respect to the closed position, the flap 114 being opened by the internal pressure of the compressed material conveyed to the outlet 113. The bent lower end section 122 of the flap 114 serves as a deflection section for deflecting the material leaving the outlet 113, since it is angled downwards. As a result, he deflects the compressed material pushed against him downward, so that it falls into the collecting container 19.

The hinge 115 always moves together with the flap 114. When the flap 114 is opened, the hinge is therefore also pivoted 90 ° counterclockwise around the flap axis 116. In the pivoted position B, the hinge is labeled 115.B, the flap itself is labeled 114.B. The pivot bearing 134 has slid along the adjusting screw 135 during this movement. The pivot point for the adjusting screw 135 lies in the second pivot bearing 136. Around this pivot point, the head 138 of the adjusting screw 135 has been pivoted into the position 138.B shown in broken lines, in which it is no longer in contact with the pivot bearing 134. In a third position C, the flap 114 is also pivoted through an angle of 90 ° in the opening direction. However, it has not been brought into this position C by the internal pressure of the compressed material, but by tightening the adjusting screw 135 relative to the internal thread of the pivot bearing 136. This shortens the maximum distance between the pivot bearings 134 and 136. However, the pivot bearing can reduce the reduced distance 134 only take into account by pivoting the hinge 115 about the flap axis 116 into the position C and thereby bringing the flap 114 into the open position 114.C.

The mechanism described above is one way of opening the flap 114 without an internal pressure due to compressed material. This is desirable in order to be able to open the flap 114 even when the compression device 1 is switched off, for example for carrying out cleaning or maintenance work. The flap 114 is closed in the opposite direction by unscrewing the adjusting screw 135 from the internal thread of the second pivot bearing 136. Due to the pretension generated by the pretensioning elements 17 (not shown here), which is transmitted to the hinge 115 via the flap 114 the pivot bearing 134 on the hinge 115 is pressed against the head 138 by an adjusting screw 115. The farther the head 138 of the adjusting screw 135 is from the pivot bearing 136, the further the hinge 115 and with it the flap 114 can pivot clockwise until they finally rest in position A on the outlet 113 and close it. Such a mechanism can be provided with any shape of the outlet and the flap.

In Fig. 3, the calming room is designated 112.

FIG. 4 shows a detail from a third exemplary embodiment of a compression device 1 according to the invention. This differs from the first exemplary embodiment in particular in the shape of its contact space 240. This has a cross section that initially decreases in the conveying direction F along section 241, so that in FIG In this section, the degree of compaction of the compacted material increases because the material is subjected to a higher resistance. In the inner wall of the calming space 240 there is also a step 242 on which there is a step the cross-section of the calming room expanded again. If this level is exceeded, the degree of compaction in the compacted material drops. The outlet 243 is flat and orthogonal to the conveying direction F. On the inner wall of the calming space 240, lateral guide elements 244 are attached between the step 242 and the outlet 243, which are shaped here as linear rails. They support the compressed material in performing a linear movement in the conveying direction F, so that the compressed material strikes the flap 214 arranged in the closed position perpendicularly.

The flap 214 is not concave in this embodiment, but completely flat. In this form, too, it represents a deflector for the compressed material in its open position, since it lies at least partially in the conveying direction F up to an opening angle of approximately 90 ° and thus deflects the compressed waste downwards.

Also shown is a prestressing element 217, the screw-shaped clamping section 224 arranged around the flap axis 216, the fastening section 225 and the rectilinear contact section 226 being shown. Furthermore, a side view of the annular adjusting element 227 is shown, in which the fastening section 225 is received.

5 shows a rear view of the outside of the flap 214 of the third exemplary embodiment. The flap 214 is approximately rectangular in this exemplary embodiment and completely covers the circular outlet 213. At its upper edge, it is firmly connected to two hinges 215, by means of which it can be pivoted about axis 216. In this embodiment, a total of four biasing elements are provided, which are designed as coil springs 217. Compared to the first embodiment with only two prestressing elements, an approximately twice as large prestress can thus be generated. This is transferred to the flap 214 by means of the contact sections 226. The fastening sections 225 of the coil springs 217 are received in openings 228 in adjusting rings 227, which can be fixed at any angle of rotation with respect to the valve axis 216. The fastening sections 225 of the middle two coil springs 217 are received in a common adjusting ring 227. This makes it easier to set a certain preload, since only three instead of four setting rings have to be set. Nuts 245 are screwed onto the ends of the flap axis 216 in order to prevent the adjusting rings 227 from slipping off To prevent flap axis 216. In the interior of the calming space 212, the elongated guide elements 244 can be seen on the side walls.

In normal operation of a device according to the invention for compacting material, this material, usually waste, is first filled into device 1 through input opening 3. Below the input opening 3, the material is captured by a compressor 5, which is designed here as a screw compressor. The compressor 5 is driven by a drive 6 so that the material to be compressed is transported between the windings 10 in a conveying direction F. Since the distance between the windings 10 decreases and the diameter of the compression space 4 becomes smaller in the conveying direction F, the waste is reduced and compressed.

After the end 8 of the screw compressor 5, the compressed waste enters a calming space 12 in which it is no longer exposed to the screw-shaped drive by the screw compressor 5. Therefore, the drop in the calming space 12 can change into a linear movement.

The outlet 13, 213, 243 of the calming space 12 is closed by means of the flap 14, 114, 214. Due to the pretensioning of the flap 14, 114, 214 generated by the pretensioning elements 17, the flap offers resistance to the pressure of the compressed material pressed against it. However, the compressor 5 continuously conveys further material into the settling chamber 12, so that the internal pressure of the material increases there. Above a certain threshold, the internal pressure is so great that the compressed waste presses on the flap 14, 114, 214 from the inside against the force of the prestressing elements 17. When the flap 14, 114, 214 is partially open, the waste slides along the inside of the flap 14, 114, 214 so that it represents a deflector for the compressed waste. In particular when the inside of the flap 14, 114, 214 is concave, the waste leaving the outlet 13, 213, 243 is deflected into a downward movement. Finally, it falls below the outlet 13, 213, 243 into a collecting container 19. If the internal pressure of the compressed material in the settling chamber 12 drops below the threshold value again, for example because little new material is being transported into it, the flap 14, 114, 214 closes the outlet 13, 213, 243 again, wherein it is moved by the biasing elements 17 in the closing direction. This results in a passive opening mechanism which ensures that the compressed material only leaves the compression device 1 when a certain internal pressure and an associated degree of compression have been reached.

The threshold for the internal pressure above which the flap 14, 114, 214 opens can be set variably. For this purpose, fixing screws 29 on the adjusting elements 27 are loosened, so that the adjusting elements 27 can be freely rotated on the flap axis 16. Rotation of the adjusting rings 27 shifts their lateral opening 28. Depending on the direction of rotation, the elastic prestressing elements 17 are stretched to a greater or lesser extent, as a result of which their prestress is set. As soon as a desired value of the pretension is reached, the setting rings 27 are fixed on the fixed flap axis 16 by means of the fixing screws 29.

In order to be able to open the flap 14, 114, 214 independently of the operation of the compression device 1, a further mechanism is provided, which has been described with reference to FIG. 3. By tightening the adjusting screw 135, it makes it possible to open the flap 114, 114, 214 even when the internal pressure in the calming space 112 is too low or the compression device 1 is even switched off.

The variants of the device for compacting material according to the invention described above represent only certain exemplary embodiments, which, however, can be modified in many ways. For example, an annular seal made of an elastic material can be provided on the circumference of the outlet 13 so that the interior of the compression device 1 can be closed off in an odor-tight manner. In the vicinity of the outlet 13, a gas valve could be provided which releases gas from the calming space 12 at a certain excess pressure. This would ensure that the flap 14, 114, 214 is actually pushed open by the compressed material and not by the back pressure of gas which presses the compressed material against the flap 14, 114, 214.

The compression space 4 would in no case have to be at an angle to the horizontal, as shown in FIG. 1, but could also lie directly in the horizontal. Instead of a continuous compressor, such as the screw compressor 5 in the embodiment shown game, an intermittent or interval compressor could also be provided, for example a piston compressor. Depending on the size and weight of the flap 14, 114, 214 and the desired degree of compression, more or fewer hinges 15 and pretensioning elements 17 can be provided. The flap axis 16 does not necessarily have to be arranged above the outlet 13, but it could also be arranged laterally, for example, so that the flap 14, 114, 214 pivots about a vertical flap axis 16. The flap axis 16 could even be movable relative to the housing 2, but then the adjusting elements 27 for the prestressing elements 17 would have to be fixed relative to the housing 2. A material flap axis 16 could also be dispensed with entirely, and there could only be an imaginary pivot axis, which is defined by the hinges 15.

A drive could be provided to move the adjusting screw 135. This would allow the flap 14, 114, 214 to be moved into its open position without the adjusting screw 35 having to be tightened with a force-consuming tool.

As a further advantageous embodiment, the bottom of the calming space 12 could be inclined downward with respect to the conveying direction F. With the same effect as in step 242, this would increase the cross section of the calming space 12 in the conveying direction F, so that the compression pressure drops. A lower internal pressure would therefore exist at the outlet 13 than at the beginning of the calming space 12. Because the pretensioning of the flap withstands a relatively low counterpressure, it nevertheless ensures that the compressed material inside the compression device 1 was exposed to a significantly higher compression pressure.

Claims

EXPECTATIONS

1. Device (1) for compressing material, with a housing (2, 102), a compression chamber (4) in which a compressor (5) is arranged, and with an outlet (13, 113, 243) for dispensing compressed material, a flap (14, 114, 214) pivotably mounted about a flap axis (16, 116, 216) being provided at the outlet (13, 113, 243), characterized in that the flap (14, 114, 214) is biased in the closing direction by at least one biasing element (17, 217).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flap (14, 114, 214) opens against the bias generated by the biasing element (s) (17, 217) only above a certain pressure difference.

3. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the biasing elements (17, 217) are elastically deformable.

4. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap axis (16, 116, 216) is arranged horizontally above the outlet (13, 113, 243).

5. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap axis (16, 116, 216) is fixedly connected to the housing (2, 102).

6. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap axis (16, 116, 216) is formed at least in sections as a square.

7. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an end section (22, 122) of the flap (14, 114, 214) is designed as a deflection section for deflecting the material leaving the outlet (13, 113, 243).

8. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap (114) is concave on the side facing the outlet (13, 113, 243).

9. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap (114) has a horizontal bend (132) in its lower portion, the bend (132) in the closed position of the flap (114) slightly below the lower edge the outlet (13, 113, 243).

10. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an even number of biasing elements (17, 217) is provided.

11. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the biasing elements (17, 217) are designed as coil springs, the coil springs having a fastening section (25, 225), a contact section (26, 226) and an intermediate clamping section ( 24, 224).

12. The device according to at least claim 11, characterized in that the flap axis (16, 116, 216) extends through the helical clamping section (24, 224).

13. The device according to at least one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the contact section (26, 226) is substantially rectilinear.

14. The device according to at least one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the contact section (26, 226) with the outside of the flap (14, 114, 214) is engaged.

15. The device according to at least claim 14, characterized in that the contact point between the contact portion (26, 226) and the flap (14, 114, 214) lies in a region of the flap opposite the flap axis (16, 116, 216).

16. The device according to at least one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that at least one coil spring (17, 217) is attached to its contact portion (26, 226) on the flap (14, 114, 214).

17. The device according to at least one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the fastening section (25, 225) of at least one helical spring (17, 217) can be fixed relative to the housing (2, 102).

18. The device according to at least claim 17, characterized in that the fastening section (25, 225) of at least one helical spring (17, 217) can be fixed in at least two different positions relative to the housing (2, 102).

19. The device according to at least one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that the fastening section (25, 225) is received in a hole in a ring (27, 227) which is rotatable relative to the valve axis (16, 116, 216) is fixable.

20. The device according to at least claim 19, characterized in that the ring (27, 227) can be fixed at different angles of rotation with respect to the flap axis (16, 116, 216).

21. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one hinge (15, 215) is fastened to the flap (14, 114, 214), by means of which the flap (14, 114, 214) about the flap axis ( 16, 116, 216) is pivotable.

22. The device according to at least claim 21, characterized in that an adjusting screw (135) is mounted on the hinge (15, 215), by means of which the minimum or maximum distance between a point of the hinge (15, 215) and a fixed point on the housing ( 2, 102) is adjustable.

23. The device according to at least one of claims 21 or 22, characterized in that an external thread of the adjusting screw (135) is in engagement with an internal thread which is fastened to the housing (2, 102) in a rotary bearing (136).

24. The device according to at least claim 23, characterized in that the pivot axis of the rotary bearing (136) is parallel to the flap axis (16, 116, 216).

25. The device according to at least one of claims 23 or 24, characterized in that the rotary bearing (136) is arranged in a projection (137) projecting from the housing (2, 102).

26. The device according to at least one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that the adjusting screw (135) is slidably received in a pivot bearing (134) on the hinge (115).

27. The device according to at least claim 26, characterized in that the pivot axis of the pivot bearing (134) on the hinge (115) is parallel to the flap axis (116).

28. The device according to at least claims 23 and 26, characterized in that the hinge (15) has an approximately L-shaped cross section with two legs, wherein the pivot bearing (134) is arranged on one leg and the flap axis (116) through extends the other leg.

29. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the compression space (4) and the outlet (13, 113, 243) a calming space (12, 112, 212) is provided for the compressed material.

30. The device according to at least claim 29, characterized in that linear guide elements (244) are provided in the calming space (12, 112, 212).

31. The device according to at least claim 30, characterized in that the guide elements (224) are designed as projecting rails on the inner wall of the calming space (12, 112, 212).

32. Device according to at least one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that the cross section of the calming space (12, 112, 212) widens in the conveying direction (F).

33. Device according to at least claim 32, characterized in that the bottom of the calming space (12, 112, 212) is inclined downwards with respect to the conveying direction (F).