Device for sorting

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for sorting particulate materials of different grain size that can be part of a construction machine or digger's scoop. The device for sorting has a plurality of helical rollers, each exhibiting at least one helix, wherein each helical roller rotates about a rotary axis of its own, at least two adjacent helical rollers exhibit the same direction of rotation, and the rotary axes of at least three helical rollers are not arranged in a common plane. At least some of the helical rollers are held and rotatably mounted exclusively at one end.

Claims

1. A device for sorting, comprising: a plurality of helical rollers, each roller exhibiting at least one helix, wherein each helical roller is rotatable about a rotary axis of its own, at least two adjacent helical rollers are rotatable in a same direction of rotation, and the rotary axes of at least three helical rollers are not arranged in a common plane, and the plurality of helical rollers together form a sorting surface that is curved at least in a partial region thereof so that a force generated by weight of a sorting material to be sorted with the device for sorting is exerted onto the sorting material in said curved partial region; wherein all of the helical rollers are held and rotatably mounted exclusively at one end; and wherein the sorting surface formed by the plurality of helical rollers is pivotable about a pivot axis that is arranged in a plane which is perpendicular to the rotary axes.

2. The device for sorting according to claim 1, wherein the rotary axes of the helical rollers are orientated parallel to each other.

3. The device for sorting according to claim 1, wherein the sorting surface formed by the helical rollers forms a depression or part of a depression.

4. The device for sorting according to claim 1, wherein at least two helical rollers exhibit different directions of rotation.

5. The device for sorting according to claim 1, wherein: a. two or more of the helical rollers in a first partial region of the sorting surface exhibit the same first direction of rotation, and two or more of the helical rollers in a second partial region of the sorting surface which is different from the first partial region exhibit a direction of rotation which is opposite to the first direction of rotation; and b. mutually adjacent helical rollers in the first partial region of the sorting surface exhibit the same first direction of rotation, and mutually adjacent helical rollers in the second partial region of the sorting surface which is different from the first partial region exhibit a direction of rotation which is opposite to the first direction of rotation.

6. The device for sorting according to claim 5, wherein a center of the sorting surface or a lowest point on a depression of the sorting surface formed by the helical rollers is arranged between the first partial region and the second partial region.

7. The device for sorting according to claim 1, wherein: a. the helices of the helical rollers in a first partial region of the sorting surface exhibit a different coiling direction to the helices of the helical rollers in a second partial region of the sorting surface which is different from the first partial region, or b. the helices of mutually adjacent helical rollers in a first partial region of the sorting surface of the device exhibit a different coiling direction to the helices of mutually adjacent helical rollers in a second partial region of the sorting surface which is different from the first partial region.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the helices of mutually adjacent helical rollers interlock at least in a partial region, or the helices of mutually adjacent helical rollers of the partial regions of the sorting surface each interlock in the same direction of rotation, or the helices of all mutually adjacent helical rollers interlock.

9. The device according to claim 1 wherein: a. a direction for introducing material to be sorted is defined which is orientated parallel to the rotary axis of at least one helical roller, or b. a direction for introducing material to be sorted is defined which is orientated perpendicular to the rotary axis of at least one helical roller.

10. The device according to claim 1 wherein: a. when in operation, the device simultaneously produces at least two fractions from material sorted by the device which are spatially separate from each other, or b. when in operation, the device simultaneously produces at least two fractions from material sorted by the device which are spatially separate from each other and simultaneously expels them.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the helical rollers that are held and rotatably mounted at one end comprise a core tube on which an outer tube casing is rotatably mounted which bears the helix.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the core tube extends over only some of the length of the tube casing.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein at least one mount between the core tube and the tube casing is arranged in a region of a drive for the helical roller.

14. A construction machine, comprising a device for sorting according to claim 1.

15. A digger's scoop, comprising: a device for sorting that has a plurality of helical rollers, each roller exhibiting at least one helix, wherein each helical roller is rotatable about a rotary axis of its own, at least two adjacent helical rollers are rotatable in a same direction of rotation, and the rotary axes of at least three helical rollers are not arranged in a common plane, and wherein all of the helical rollers are held and rotatably mounted exclusively at one end, with the opposite ends of the helical rollers not held or mounted; said device defining a filling opening for receiving material to be sorted; and said device further defining a lateral opening which is different from the filling opening and is located in a side wall of the scoop adjacent to and in front of said opposite ends of the helical rollers not held or mounted for expelling material sorted by the device that has an oversize grain size from the opposite ends of the helical rollers, wherein material sorted by the device of a finer grain size is expelled between the rollers.

16. The digger's scoop according to claim 15, further comprising a drive device for rotating the helical rollers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) There is shown:

(2) FIG. 1 an example embodiment of a device for sorting in accordance with the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 a detailed view of the device for sorting in accordance with the invention;

(4) FIG. 3 a cross-sectional representation of a detail of the device for sorting in accordance with the invention;

(5) FIG. 4 another example embodiment of a device for sorting in accordance with the invention;

(6) FIG. 5 a detailed view of said other example embodiment;

(7) FIG. 6 another detailed view of the example embodiment in accordance with the invention;

(8) FIG. 7 a plan view onto a detail of said other example embodiment;

(9) FIG. 8 a cross-sectional representation of a detail of said other example embodiment;

(10) FIG. 9 an example embodiment of a digger's scoop comprising a device for sorting in accordance with the invention, in a perspective view;

(11) FIG. 10 the example embodiment of a digger's scoop, in a cross-sectional representation;

(12) FIG. 11 another example embodiment of a digger's scoop comprising a device for sorting;

(13) FIG. 12 one possible embodiment of a helical roller comprising an interior core tube and an outer tube casing which bears the spiral and/or helix;

(14) FIG. 13 a representation of the cross-section of the helical roller in accordance with FIG. 12, in the region of the free end of the helical roller; and

(15) FIG. 14 the detail “Z” in accordance with FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(16) FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a device 1 for sorting in accordance with the invention, comprising a plurality of rotary elements 2 which are designed as helical rollers 3 comprising interlocking helices 4 or also as spiral rollers. Each of the rotary elements 2 rotates about a rotary axis of its own which respectively corresponds to the longitudinal centre (center) axis of each rotary element. The rotary axes are orientated parallel to each other, wherein the sorting surface formed by the rotary elements 2 is however designed so as to be level in a first partial region 4 and is curved in a second partial region 5. Sorting material is fed towards the region of the sorting surface opposite the curved second partial region 5, as indicated by the arrow 6.

(17) The helical rollers 3 rotate clockwise, such that the introduced sorting material is transported towards the curved end of the sorting surface by the rotation of the helical rollers 3, wherein the undersize grain falls down between the helical rollers 3 and through a funnel 7 onto an undersize grain discharge belt 8 and is transported away, as indicated by the directional arrow 9. The oversize grain leaves the sorting surface via the free ends of the rotating helical rollers 3, as indicated in the figure by the directional arrow 10, wherein the oversize grain falls past a deflector 11 into a collecting container which is not shown in the figure.

(18) FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The detailed view clearly shows how the helical rollers 3 comprise interlocking helices 4, wherein all the helical rollers rotate in the same clockwise direction.

(19) The helical rollers 3 are mounted on a drive/gear part 12 at one end.

(20) FIG. 3 shows a detail of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in a cross-sectional representation. This representation also shows how the helices 4 of the helical rollers 3 interlock. It can also clearly be seen how the first partial region 13 comprises a level sorting surface, while the second partial region 14 comprises a curved sorting surface.

(21) As already mentioned, the sorting material is introduced onto the first helical roller of the level first partial region 4, as indicated by the directional arrow 6. The device is in particular suitable for separating clumped materials, such as for example rocks which are stuck together by mud, from each other and then making them available to the sorting process. This is ideally achieved by the sorting material being first transported along the first, level part of the sorting surface by the rotating helical rollers 3, wherein some of the undersize grain already falls down between the helical rollers 3. The rocks which are clumped together are transferred by the rotating rollers into the second partial region 14 which is curved upwards, causing the sorting material to roll back and tumble, thus breaking open the clumps and enabling the individual constituent parts to then be sorted.

(22) A wall, or a rigid tube which does not rotate and is not provided with a helix, could be adjoined to the uppermost helical roller 3, in particular for shielding for safety reasons and/or to prevent sorting material from falling out. Alternatively, it would also be possible to provide a helical roller which exhibits an opposite direction of rotation and prevents material from spilling beyond the last helical roller 3.

(23) FIG. 4 shows another example embodiment of a device for sorting in accordance with the invention. In this example embodiment, the rotary elements are formed by helical rollers 3 and arranged such that the sorting surface 17 formed by them is curved in the shape of a depression, with a cross-section in the shape of a parabola. In this device, the helical rollers 3 which are arranged in a first partial region 13 exhibit a different direction of rotation to the rotary elements 2 which are arranged in a second partial region 14 which is different from the first partial region 13.

(24) Specifically, the direction of rotation of the helical rollers 3 is chosen such that they always exert a force on the sorting material which is orientated towards the bottom of the depression. The sorting material is introduced via an introducing funnel 15 and a transporting belt 16 onto the sorting surface 17 foamed by the rotary elements 2, as indicated by the directional arrow 6. The oversize grain leaves the sorting surface 17 past the free ends of the helical rollers 3 and falls onto an oversize grain outlet belt 18, as indicated by the directional arrow 10. The undersize grain falls down between the helical rollers 3 and ultimately leaves the sorting surface 17 via an undersize grain outlet belt 19, as indicated by the directional arrow 9. The device for sorting is fitted with a tracked undercarriage 20 which facilitates its use in mobile applications.

(25) The sorting surface 17 formed by the rotary elements 2 can be pivoted about a pivot axis 21, thus enabling it to be made more difficult for material to be expelled via the free ends, by adding a weight component, or easier. It is thus possible, by positioning the sorting surface 17 more steeply, to increase the dwelling time of the sorting material on the sorting surface 17 and therefore improve the sorting result with respect to accuracy. Lastly, setting the inclination of the sorting surface 17 influences the ratio of the amount of expelled undersize grain to expelled oversize grain.

(26) FIG. 5 shows the part of the device for sorting which includes the sorting surface 17. It can clearly be seen how the helices 4 of the helical rollers 3 of the first region 13 interlock. These helical rollers 3 rotate in the same direction of rotation.

(27) The helical rollers 3 of the second region 14 likewise comprise interlocking helices 4 and rotate in a direction of rotation which is opposite to that of the helical rollers 3 of the first region 13. These helical rollers 3 also exhibit a different coiling direction, with respect to their helices 4, to the helical rollers 3 from the first region 13.

(28) The helices 4 of the two mutually adjacent helical rollers 3 which exhibit opposite directions of rotation and opposite coiling directions of their helices 4 interlock in the example embodiment shown. The rotational speeds of all the helical rollers 3 therefore have to be identical so as not to cause jamming. Alternatively, it would also be possible for the two mutually adjacent helical rollers 3 which exhibit opposite directions of rotation to not interlock. In this case, different rotational speeds between the helical rollers 3 of the different regions 13, 14 are also possible.

(29) A first drive 22, which is embodied as a gear motor, is provided for the helical rollers of the first region 13. A second drive 23, which is likewise designed as a gear motor, is provided for the helical rollers of the second partial region 14. A receptacle 24 for pivotally mounting about the pivot axis 21 can also clearly be seen in the figure.

(30) In order to prevent the sorting material from inadvertently falling over the raised sides of the sorting surface 17, rigid steel tubes 25 which do not rotate are arranged parallel to the helical rollers 3 and adjoining the peripheral sorting rollers 3.

(31) FIG. 6 shows a different, perspective view of the detail of the device for sorting which has already been shown in FIG. 5. The material is introduced in the direction indicated by the arrow bearing the reference sign 6. The undersize grain leaves the sorting surface 17 in the direction indicated by the arrow bearing the reference sign 9. The oversize grain leaves the sorting surface 17 in the direction indicated by the directional arrow 10.

(32) FIG. 7 shows the sorting surface 17 in a plan view. The two regions which respectively comprise helical rollers 3 exhibiting different rotary directions and different coiling directions of their helices 4 can in particular be seen.

(33) FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional representation of the detail which has already been shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. It clearly shows how the helices 4 of the helical rollers 3 interlock. The receptacles 24 for pivotally mounting, and also the drives 22, 23, are also indicated.

(34) FIG. 9 shows a digger's scoop 26 comprising a device 1 for sorting in accordance with the invention. The digger's scoop comprises helical rollers 3 which are mounted at one end and each provided with a helix 4. The sorting material is introduced into the digger's scoop via the filling opening 28 which is provided with teeth 27.

(35) The digger's scoop comprises a lateral opening 29 for expelling the oversize grain, which is different from the filling opening. The oversize grain leaves the device for sorting via this lateral expelling opening 29, as indicated by the directional arrow 10. The undersize grain leaves the device for sorting downwards through the intermediate spaces of the helical rollers 3. The digger's scoop comprises a support bracket 30, adjacent to the helical rollers 3, for stabilising (stabilizing) the digger's scoop.

(36) FIG. 10 shows the digger's scoop in a cross-sectional representation which shows how the helices 4 of the helical rollers 3 interlock. This figure also shows the location of the support bracket 30.

(37) The oversize grain leaves the digger's scoop 26 through the expelling opening 29 which is provided for this purpose, i.e. in relation to the figure shown, towards the observer. Material to be sorted is fed in the direction of the arrow which is provided with the reference sign 6.

(38) FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a digger's scoop 26 comprising a device 1 for sorting in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, the oversize grain is likewise expelled through a separate expelling opening 29 along the path indicated by the directional arrow bearing the reference sign 10. The undersize grain leaves the digger's scoop through the intermediate spaces between the helical rollers 3 along the path indicated by the directional arrow bearing the reference sign 9.

(39) FIGS. 12 to 14 show an embodiment of a helical roller 3 which can in particular be used for larger designs, wherein the helical roller 3 comprises a core tube 31 which is stationary in the example embodiment chosen here and which protrudes into the tube casing 32 up to at least half the length of the tube casing 32. The outer tube casing 32 bears the spirals 33.

(40) In the example embodiment in accordance with FIG. 12, the core tube 31 protrudes almost as far as the free end of the tube casing 32, wherein the tube casing 32 and the core tube 31 are in contact with each other via two bearings 34, 35. This internal design massively reduces oscillations and imbalances within the helical rollers 3. The tube casing 32 is effectively mounted on a projecting core tube 31 at both ends.

(41) The detailed image in accordance with FIG. 14 in particular shows how the tube casing 32 is mounted on the core tube 31, wherein the free end of the tube casing 32 is received, via a journal 36, in the bearing 35 which is situated at the end of the core tube 31. On the opposite end, the tube casing 32 comprises a rotational part 37 which is mounted in a second bearing 34. The drive-end bearing 34 is enclosed by a sprocket 38 which is designed as a rotational part and via which the tube casing 32 is driven. The reference sign 39 denotes the terminal box in which the stationary core tube 31 is received.

(42) It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(43) 1 device 2 rotary element 3 helical roller 4 partial region/helix 5 second partial region 6 arrow 7 funnel 8 undersize grain discharge belt 9 directional arrow 10 directional arrow 11 deflector 12 drive/gear part 13 partial region 14 second region 15 introducing funnel 16 transporting belt 17 sorting surface 18 outlet belt 19 undersize grain outlet belt 20 tracked undercarriage 21 pivot axis 22 drive 23 drive 24 receptacle 25 steel tube 26 digger's scoop 27 tooth 28 filling opening 29 expelling opening 30 support bracket 31 core tube 32 tube casing 33 spiral, helix 34 bearing 35 bearing 36 journal 37 rotational part 38 sprocket 39 terminal box