WO2008101825A1

WO2008101825A1 - Vibrating staking machine particularly for hides or the like

Info

Publication number: WO2008101825A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/051580
Authority: WO
Inventors: Silvio Repetto
Original assignee: New 3P S.R.L.
Priority date: 2007-02-19
Filing date: 2008-02-08
Publication date: 2008-08-28
Also published as: ITMO20070052A1

Abstract

A vibrating staking machine ( 1), particularly for hides and the like, comprising a frame (2) for supporting means (6) for conveying the hide between at least one inlet (4) for the hide to be processed and at least one outlet (5) for the processed hide, at least one pair of beating plates (7a, 7b) which are associated with the frame (2) and face each other, the plates being provided with tools (8) for staking the hide. The machine further comprises means ( 1 1) for the synchronized movement of the plates (7a, 7b) for the simultaneous mutual approach and spacing of the plates, the hide, in advancement along a direction defined from the inlet (4) to the outlet (5), being interposed directly between the beating plates (7a, 7b).

Description

VIBRATING STAKING MACHINE PARTICULARLY FOR HIDES OR THE LIKE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a vibrating staking machine particularly for hides or the like, and in particular to a continuous vibrating staking machine which is statically and dynamically balanced.

Background Art

Staking machines, also known as stakers, i.e., machines designed to stretch and soften mechanically the fibrous tissue of hides, for example tanned hides, have been known for a long time. Conventional staking machines are basically of three different types: a first known type of machine is the so-called horizontal-arm staking machine, a second one is known as vertical staking machine, and the most recent hide staking machines are known as vibrating staking machines. In particular, this last known type of staking machine provides for continuous processing of the hide, which is arranged on a continuous conveyor, for example of the belt type, and is compressed between two pistons which act vertically: one of the pistons can be fixed while the other one has a reciprocating motion. In a first known type of vibrating staking machine (IT 01236376), the pistons are associated with plates which are provided with protruding elements of various shapes, which act by compressing rapidly the entire surface of the hide. This compression helps to stretch the fibers of the hide and thus allows them to slide freely with respect to each other, giving the hide the chosen stretching and softness.

The mutual approach and spacing motion of the plates is provided by fixing on one side a first series of plates with vertically adjustable supports associated with a supporting frame. The moving plates are activated by linkages connected to one or more crankshafts, which in the rotary motion imparted by a motor transfer the reciprocating vertical motion to the pistons and therefore to the plates associated therewith.

The stroke of the pistons must be such as to ensure interference between the protruding elements associated with the plates and thus produce on the hide in transit between the plates traction and flexing stresses of the fibrous tissue.

Adjustment of the height of the fixed plates allows to adjust the value of the interference between the protruding elements of the plates.

In any case, these known types of staking machine are not free from drawbacks, which include the fact that they are subjected to intense dynamic imbalances caused by the moving masses for the actuation of the pistons and therefore of the plates.

In particular, the dynamic imbalances lead to another drawback, which can be attributed to the intense vibrations to which said machine is subjected and which therefore are discharged to the ground. The vibrations, in addition to being an element of structural stress, are a source of intense noise of the machine, which therefore has a considerable environmental impact.

Further, the staking machine, in view of the substantial nature of the moving masses and of the stresses developed in the operating steps of the machine, requires a supporting structure, which by being suitably sized is considerably bulky and heavy.

Further, the system that adjusts the value of the interference of the protruding elements is difficult and onerous to provide, since manual and individual activation by operators is required, the operators having to work in environmental conditions which are sometimes hostile.

A second known type (EP 958 384 B 1) of vibrating staking machine, aimed at overcoming the drawbacks cited above, is provided with two mutually opposite plates which move simultaneously. A fixed central body is interposed between the two plates, which are provided with the staking tools, i.e., the already described protruding elements, and the central body is also provided with staking tools on the faces that lie opposite the plate. The hide being processed is conveyed by a belt conveyor into the gap between the plates and the central body, and the motion of the plates imparts the chosen processing thereto in multiple passes. This second known type of staking machine also is not free from drawbacks, such drawbacks including the fact that these machines maintain a high noise level caused by the collisions between the moving plates and the central body, which is fixed to the frame, and by the vibrations discharged onto the supporting structure and to the ground. Another drawback of this known type of staking machine resides in that the path that the conveyor belts impart to the hide is particularly winding and difficult to provide in practice, especially if the hide has considerable dimensions.

Another drawback of staking machines of this type is that they have frequent breakages of the supporting structure of the machine, which is stressed by the many collisions between the moving plates and the fixed central body.

Another drawback of this known type of staking machine is that the minimum stroke of the moving elements, and in particular of each individual plate, is at least equal to the interference chosen between the staking tools, with a consequent increase in the inertias involved. Disclosure of the Invention

The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the above mentioned drawbacks of the background art, by providing a vibrating staking machine particularly for hides or the like which allows to contain the stroke of the moving elements, thus limiting drastically the inertias of the moving parts, accordingly allowing a considerable energy saving and reducing significantly the stresses to the supporting structure and increasing the overall efficiency of the machine. Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a staking machine which allows to reduce noise and vibrations, further allowing low environmental impact.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine with high mechanical resistance to wear and breakage, reducing the impact on the supporting structure of the machine of the impacts between the moving elements and the fixed elements.

Further, another object of the invention is to allow the removal of the production and manufacturing dust, which is a waste product of the staking process, directly on site, i.e., proximate to the region where said dust forms, so as to give assurance to the operator that he can work in a safe and environmentally friendly workspace.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine which is simple, relatively easy to provide in practice, safe in use, effective in operation, and has a relatively low cost. This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by the present vibrating staking machine, particularly for hides and the like, which comprises a frame for supporting means for conveying the hide between at least one inlet for the hide to be processed and at least one outlet for the processed hide, at least one pair of beating plates which are associated with said frame and face each other, said plates being provided with tools for staking the hide, characterized in that it comprises means for the synchronized movement of said plates for the simultaneous mutual approach and spacing of said plates, said hide, in advancement along a direction defined from said inlet to said outlet, being interposed directly between said beating plates. Brief description of the Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a vibrating staking machine, particularly for hides or the like, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side view of the vibrating staking machine according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a partially sectional side view of the machine of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a front view of the vibrating staking machine according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a view of a detail of the movement means of the machine according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a side view of a detail of the adjustment means of the machine according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a front view of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a front view of the staking machine according to the invention, with dust suction means;

Figure 8 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the staking machine according to the invention, with a safety device. Ways of carrying out the Invention

With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a vibrating staking machine particularly for hides or the like.

The machine 1 comprises a frame 2, which is provided with conventional ground supports 3, for supporting means for conveying the hide between at least one inlet 4 and at least one outlet 5 for the processed hide. The conveyance means comprise for example a conveyor 6 such as a belt conveyor.

The machine 1 comprises at least one pair of beating plates 7, which are associated with the frame 2 and face each other, the plates 7 being provided with tools 8 for staking the hide. Advantageously, the staking tools

8 comprise protruding elements or are of the type of flat pads made of different types of materials, for example rigid material such as for example steel or another technically equivalent material and/or elastic material such as for example rubber or the like, and advantageously have various shapes and dimensions and are suitable for stretching the hide.

In particular, the machine 1 comprises at least one upper beating plate 7a and at least one lower beating plate 7b, the tools 8 being associated with the upper and lower plates, respectively 7a and 7b, and being arranged so as to face each other.

Advantageously, the plates 7a and 7b are respectively associated rigidly with two uprights 9a and 9b for supporting them, and the uprights are associated with the frame 2 by means of first respectively upper and lower linkages 10a and 10b. The machine 1 comprises means 1 1 for the synchronized movement of the upper plate 7a and of the lower plate 7b for the simultaneous mutual approach and spacing of the plates; in particular, the hide advancing along a direction defined from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5 on the conveyor 6, is interposed directly between the upper plate 7a and the lower plate 7b for staking the hide.

The movement means 1 1 comprise at least one set of levers 12 for synchronized and symmetrical approach and spacing of the upper plate 7a and of the lower plate 7b with respect to a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of advancement of the plates. Advantageously, the machine 1 comprises at least one pair of sets of levers 12, each of which is associated respectively with at least one external flap 13 of each upper plate 7a and lower plate 7b: the sets of levers 12 being arranged so as to be mutually symmetrical with respect to the plates 7a and 7b and proximate to the outlet 5. Each set of levers 12 comprises, in particular, a lever mechanism of the first type, comprising at least one actuation lever 14, which is rigidly connected to at least one rocker 15, which is pivoted to the frame 2. The first and second ends 15a and 15b of each rocker 15, arranged opposite with respect to the oscillation fulcrum 16 of the rocker, are connected respectively to the upper and lower plates 7a and 7b for the symmetrical and synchronized movement of the plates. Second linkages 17a and 17b which are arranged substantially vertically are interposed, respectively in an upper region and in a lower region, between the ends 15a and 15b of each rocker 15 and the uprights 9a and 9b, which are associated with the plates 7, for example. In particular, each actuation lever 14 is arranged substantially vertically and respectively proximate to the inlet 4 and the outlet 5. However, geometrically different but technically equivalent configurations of the movement means 11 are not excluded.

In particular, the machine 1 comprises motor means 18 for the movement means 11, which provide for example a first motor 19, the output shaft 20 of which is associated with an eccentric element 21 for controlling the motion of the sets of levers 12a and 12b, and in particular of the actuation levers 14. The eccentric element 21 is associated with the actuation levers 14 and is such as to convert the rotary motion of the output shaft 20 into a reciprocating motion of the actuation levers and therefore of the plates 7a and 7b, by means of the interposition of the rocker 15.

The free end of each actuation lever 14, in particular, is pivoted respectively to a pair of rods 22, which are arranged substantially horizontally, the eccentric element 21 being interposed between said pair of rods. In particular, the eccentric element 21 comprises at least two eccentric regions which are mutually diametrically opposite, for the symmetrical and synchronized actuation of the actuation levers 14 and therefore of the plates 7a and 7b.

However, different embodiments of the motor means 18 are not excluded in which, merely by way of non-limiting example, the first motor 19 is replaced by fluid-operated actuators, such as for example hydraulic or pneumatic pistons, or another technically equivalent device.

The machine 1 comprises means 23 for adjusting the height of at least one between the upper plate 7a and the lower plate 7b. In particular, the adjustment means 23 comprise means for lifting at least one of the first and second ends 15a and 15b of each rocker 15, the first end 15a and/or the second end 15b being provided with guides 24 for sliding with respect to the oscillation fulcrum 16 of each rocker 15. Each rocker 15 in fact has a central body 25 which has a substantially square cross-section, is at least partially hollow internally, and in the side walls of which there are seats 26 for the guides 24.

In the preferred but not exclusive embodiment according to the invention, the adjustment means 23 provide for means for lifting the first end 15a, the central body 25 comprising a seat 26 for the translational motion of the first end 15a from a first configuration, in which the upper plate 7a is completely lowered, to a second configuration, in which the upper plate 7a is completely raised. The lifting means, in particular, comprise a second independent motor 27 for each first end 15a of the rockers 15, the output shaft 28 of which has at least one first threaded portion 29 which is associated with at least one second threaded portion 30 formed on the first end 15a, for adjusting the height of said first end with respect to the oscillation fulcrum 16 of each rocker 15 upon rotational actuation of the output shaft 28.

The machine 1 further comprises mechanical means 31 for adjusting the curvature of the upper plate 7a and/or the lower plate 7b. In particular, the machine 1 is provided with mechanical means 31 for adjusting the curvature of both plates 7. The mechanical means 31 advantageously comprise a clamp, the jaws 32a and 32b of which, respectively the upper one and the lower one, are rigidly associated, along the longitudinal axis of the plates 7, with the uprights 9. Mutually facing threaded elements 33 are rigidly connected to the jaws 32a and 32b and are provided with mutually opposite threads. The threaded elements 33 are associated with a worm screw 34, which in turn is connected to actuation means, for example of the type of a handwheel 35. The rotation of the handwheel 35 in one direction or the other produces the approach or spacing of the jaws 32a and 32b, with a consequent variation of the curvature of the plates 7 rigidly associated with the uprights 9.

The machine 1 comprises means for aspirating the dust produced by the processing of the hide, which are associated directly with the upper plate 7a and/or the lower plate 7b. Particularly advantageously, the suction means comprise a plurality of flexible tubular elements 36: in particular, the tubular elements 36 have a distal end 37 which is associated with the plates 7 provided with suitable cavities, not shown in the figure, for local suction of the dust produced by the staking of the hide and the proximal end 38 which is connected to a central suction unit, which is not shown in the figures since it is of a known type.

In particular, the machine 1 comprises a plurality of pairs of plates 7a and 7b, which are arranged in series with respect to the advancement direction of the hide from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5. Each one of the pair of plates 7a and 7b comprises at least one pair of rockers 15, which are actuated by the actuation lever 14 for the simultaneous and synchronized actuation of the plates. In particular, the ends 15a and 15b of the rocker are associated with the central body 25, said central body being arranged along the direction between the inlet 4 and the outlet 5, with a length which is at least equal to the distance between said inlet and said outlet. In particular, the central bodies 25 are mutually symmetrical with respect to the plates 7a and 7b and are pivoted to the frame 2 so that they can oscillate about their longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axes being mutually parallel and being arranged on a plane which is substantially parallel to the plane of arrangement of the hide.

In an alternative embodiment, the machine 1 can have a safety device, as shown by way of non-limiting example in Figure 8, for locking the movement means 1 1 and therefore the movement of the plates 7 (reference numeral 7 is used to indicate each plate 7a, 7b). Advantageously, the safety device comprises at least one shock- absorbing element 39, which is interposed between each actuation lever 14 and the eccentric element 21.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, in particular, each rod 22 is constituted by two rod halves 22a and 22b for the interposition of the safety device.

The shock-absorbing element 39, for example of the mechanical or fluid-operated type or other technically equivalent type, is interposed between each rod half 22a and 22b and is suitable to act in order to lock the actuation levers 14 at values of a resistance to the motion of the plates 7 which exceed a predefined value of rigidity of said shock-absorbing element. In the particular embodiment, the shock-absorbing element 39 comprises a spring 40 with predefined rigidity, which is interposed between each rod half 22a and 22b.

The operation of the present invention is as follows. The conveyor 6 produces the advancement of the hide from the inlet 4 to the outlet 5. Once the hide has been interposed between the plates 7, the first motor 19 is activated to turn the output shaft 20 and therefore the eccentric element 21.

The two mutually opposite eccentric portions of the eccentric element 21 cause the oscillation of the actuation levers 14, by way of the interposition of the rods 22, and therefore of the rockers 15 rigidly connected thereto.

The symmetrical oscillation of the rockers 15 in turn produces the symmetrical approach and spacing of the plates 7a and 7b, with consequent interference of the tools 8 for staking the hide interposed between them.

If one wishes to adjust the interference of the tools 8 and therefore adjust the depth of the penetration of the tools 8 in the hide and the consequent degree of stretching of the hide, depending on the type of process to be applied to the hide, it is sufficient to act on the adjustment means 23. In particular, the rotation imparted to the output shaft 28 of each second motor 27 produces the independent and controlled adjustment of the height of each first end 15a and therefore of the upper plate 7a in order to obtain various operating configurations of the plates in terms of interference between the tools 8. The fact is stressed that although the height of the upper plate 7a and therefore the interference of the tools 8 changes, the stroke of the plates 7a and 7b remains in any case unchanged.

If one acts to adjust the curvature of the plates 7, in particular to differentiate the intensity of the processing of the hide along directions which are parallel to the advancement direction thereof, it is necessary to act on the handwheel 35 for the approach and/or spacing of the jaws 32 and give the plates 7 the so-called cambrage (camber).

Further, if excessively tough hide or hide in an excessive amount is inserted between the plates 7a and 7b, the safety device intervenes and, by maintaining the rotation of the eccentric element 21 , locks the actuation levers 14 and therefore the plates themselves. In particular, the thrust applied by the eccentric element 21 to each rod half 22a causes the compression of each spring 40, with consequent reduction of the stroke of each rod half 22b and therefore of the actuation lever 14. In practice it has been found that the described invention achieves the proposed aim and objects, and in particular the fact is stressed that the staking machine as conceived, by halving the stroke of the moving elements, allows the drastic reduction of the inertias of the moving parts, consequently allowing a considerable energy saving and to reduce the stresses to the supporting structure, since without altering the parameter related to the beat frequency of the plates, their stroke is half that of known machines, so that the speed of the heads is also halved and therefore the stresses and the inertial forces, which are proportional to the square of the speed, are reduced drastically. Moreover, the vibrating staking machine according to the invention allows to reduce the noise level and vibrations, further allowing a low environmental impact.

Moreover, the invention as conceived, thanks to the reduction of the stroke of the moving elements, allows to have the same beating frequency as the machines currently in use, but with masses which move with a halved linear speed and therefore allow to increase the overall efficiency of the machine itself, further reducing the wear of the moving elements.

The use of the suction means further allows to remove processing dust, a waste product of the staking process itself, directly on the spot, i.e., proximate to the region where it forms, so as to ensure that the operator can work in a safe and environmentally friendly workspace.

Further, the lever system of the machine according to the invention, by providing reduced angular movements, allows to insulate the structure from the masses that are in rapid reciprocating motion, consequently reducing noise emissions and reducing the noise pollution caused by the machine itself.

Another advantage allowed by the machine according to the invention can be attributed to the fact that the stroke of each plate is equal to half the depth of the penetration of the protruding elements into the hide, with a consequent reduction of the inertias involved.

Further, the staking machine according to the invention allows to adjust the height of the plates in a manner which is simple and easy for the operator, advantageously contributing to the processing of uneven hides.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

All the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements without thereby abandoning the scope of the protection of the appended claims.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. MO2007A000052 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A vibrating staking machine, particularly for hides and the like, comprising a frame for supporting means for conveying the hide between at least one inlet for the hide to be processed and at least one outlet for the processed hide, at least one pair of beating plates which are associated with said frame and face each other, said plates being provided with tools for staking the hide, characterized in that it comprises means for the synchronized movement of said plates for the simultaneous mutual approach and spacing of said plates, said hide, in advancement along a direction defined from said inlet to said outlet, being interposed directly between said beating plates.

2. The machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that said pair of plates comprises at least one upper plate and at least one lower plate, said staking tools being associated with each of said plates and being arranged so as to face each other.

3. The machine according to claim 2, characterized in that said movement means comprise at least one set of levers for an approaching and spacing actuation which is symmetrical with respect to a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the advancement direction of said plates.

4. The machine according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of said sets of levers, each of which is associated with at least one outer flap of each of said plates and is arranged symmetrically with respect to said plates.

5. The machine according to claim 3 and 4, characterized in that each one of said sets of levers comprises at least one lever system of the first type, which comprises at least one actuation lever which is rigidly connected to at least one rocker which is pivoted to said frame, the first and second ends of said rocker, which are mutually opposite with respect to the oscillation fulcrum, being connected respectively to said upper plate and said lower plate for their symmetrical movement.

6. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises motor means for the actuation of said movement means.

7. The machine according to claim 6, characterized in that said motor means comprise at least one first motor, the output shaft of which is associated with at least one eccentric element for controlling the motion of said sets of levers and is interposed between them, said eccentric element being associated with said pair of sets of levers to convert the rotary motion of said output shaft into a reciprocating motion of said plates.

8. The machine according to claim 7, characterized in that said eccentric element comprises at least two diametrically opposite eccentric portions, for the symmetrical and synchronized actuation of said movement means.

9. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the height of at least one of said upper and lower plates.

10. The machine according to claim 9, characterized in that said adjustment means comprise means for lifting at least one of said first and second ends of said rocker, said first and/or second ends being provided with guides for sliding with respect to the fulcrum of the oscillation of said rocker.

1 1. The machine according to claim 10, characterized in that said lifting means comprise at least one second independent motor, the output shaft of which has at least one first threaded portion which is associated with at least one second threaded portion which is formed on said first and/or second ends to adjust the height of said first and/or second ends with respect to the oscillation fulcrum of said rocker.

12. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises mechanical means for adjusting the curvature of at least one of said upper and lower plates.

13. The machine according to claim 12, characterized in that said mechanical means comprise at least one clamp, which is rigidly associated along the longitudinal axis of said plate.

14. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for aspirating the dust produced by the processing of said hide which are associated directly with at least one of said upper and lower plates.

15. The machine according to claim 14, characterized in that said suction means comprise a plurality of flexible tubular elements which are connected to a central structure for aspirating dust.

16. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one safety device for locking said movement means.

17. The machine according to claim 16 and according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said safety device comprises at least one shock-absorbing element which is interposed between each actuation lever and said eccentric element.

18. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of said pairs of plates which are arranged in series with respect to the advancement direction of said hide from said inlet to said outlet, each one of said pairs of plates comprising said means for synchronized movement for the simultaneous mutual approach and spacing of said plates.

19. The machine according to claim 18 and according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement means comprise at least one pair of said rockers which are associated with each one of said plates and are actuated by a pair of actuation levers, each rocker being connected to at least one central body for the simultaneous and synchronized oscillation of said rockers in accordance with the oscillation of said pair of actuation levers.