CN111163872A

CN111163872A - Separation apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN111163872A
Application number: CN201880064061.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 费迪南德·多普斯塔德特
Original assignee: Lig Co Ltd
Current assignee: Lig Co Ltd; Lig GmbH
Priority date: 2017-10-02
Filing date: 2018-04-25
Publication date: 2020-05-15
Also published as: WO2019068373A1; DE102017009162B3

Abstract

A device (1) for separating a feed material (2) has a plurality of rotating elements (3) which are designed in particular as worms. According to the invention, at least two directly adjacent rotary elements (3) have different outer diameters (4).

Description

Separation apparatus

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for separating feed material, comprising a plurality of rotating elements, in particular in the form of worms.

The invention relates in particular to the field of sorting and/or classifying feedstock, in particular to the field of waste separation. The clean and/or sufficiently accurate separation of the feed into different fractions makes it possible to recycle the different fractions of the feed directly or to feed them into different post-treatment processes. For example, the large and/or elongated portions may be separated from the smaller particles and/or components of the feedstock.

Background

In the context of the present invention, the term "separation" encompasses sorting and sorting. Classification is understood to be a mechanical separation process of a solid mixture, wherein different geometric features (e.g. dimensions) are used for the separation process. In particular, a division of coarse and fine material can be performed. In this context, sorting refers to a mechanical separation process in which a mixture of solids having different material properties is separated into fractions having the same material properties. The density, color, shape, wettability or magnetizability of the feed material may be suitable for sorting. Thus, the term "separation" in the present invention includes the separation of the feed so as to be separated into different fractions. In most cases, this separation and/or isolation is used for the treatment of recycled material or for the classification of at least substantially solid material.

From EP 1570919B 1 an apparatus for sorting substantially solid material is known, wherein in the known apparatus a so-called helical roller is rotated as a rotating element about its longitudinal axis. The helical rolls are arranged parallel to each other in almost one plane. In addition, the helical rolls are supported on only one side, engage each other and have the same direction of rotation. With known devices, the feed is fed laterally to the longitudinal axis of the helical roll. The apparatus known from EP 1570919B 1 is designed to separate the material to be sorted into two fractions above the helical roll, i.e. into a long fraction and a cubic fraction above the helical roll. A third fraction may be separated below the helical rolls, where the third fraction may include, for example, the feed fines. In connection with sorting and/or separation of waste, in particular clay or clay may be used as fines. The discharge of at least one fraction above the helical roll can be carried out via the open side transverse to the longitudinal axis of the helical roll, since they are held on one side only.

A disadvantage of the separating apparatus known from EP 1570919B 1 is that sufficiently good separation results can only be obtained if the feed is sufficiently pretreated before being fed to the known separating apparatus. If, for example, different fractions of the feed adhere to one another, the separation result deteriorates, since a sufficient division and/or separation of the individual fractions can no longer be ensured. For example, if the feed is highly branched, e.g., with unpulverized branches of other components, it is difficult to separate the individual fractions.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to obviate, and/or at least substantially reduce or mitigate, the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a device for separation, in which the separation result will be improved.

In the case of a device for separation of the above-mentioned type, the above-mentioned object is at least substantially solved by the fact that: at least two directly adjacent rotating elements have different outer diameters.

The outer diameter is defined as the maximum distance through the center of the rotating element, the outside of the rotating element, and/or the outer circumference of the rotating element. When a worm is used, the core tube may be surrounded by a helical portion which is helical. In this context, the outer diameter means twice the outer radius, wherein the outer radius means the distance from the centre of the rotating element to the outer or outer edge of the helix. According to the invention, a plurality of rotating elements is provided in the apparatus for separating, said plurality of rotating elements comprising at least two rotating elements, preferably 2 to 25 rotating elements, more preferably 3 to 15 rotating elements, more preferably 5 to 15 rotating elements. By using different outer diameters of the rotating elements, a significantly improved separation result, i.e. a significantly improved sorting and/or sorting result, can be achieved. The apparatus is designed such that the apparatus can better and more efficiently separate and/or split the feed during the separation process. This improves the so-called "degree of separation", which characterizes the separation efficiency, by at least 20% compared to the prior art. As a result, the separation is significantly improved, resulting in a higher process quality.

The invention allows the feed to be distributed more than in the prior art with rotating elements of always the same size, especially if the outer diameter of the worm increases with the width of the platen formed by the rotating elements. With the apparatus according to the invention, even highly branched feed materials, which cannot be easily separated by sorting and/or sorting apparatus known from the prior art, can be cleanly separated.

In this context, it should be understood that separation of the feed does not necessarily result in pulverization of the feed, and therefore, non-pulverizable material and/or feed may also be well separated. The material to be separated can be so-called strands, felt composites and building rubble with pipes or cables. The above-mentioned feed can only be classified insufficiently with the classifying devices known from the prior art, while the range of application of the separating device is greatly expanded by the device according to the invention.

In particular, the apparatus according to the invention may avoid expensive pre-classification and/or pre-treatment of the feed, since the feed may be completely separated by the separation apparatus.

Furthermore, the invention provides the following possibilities: the feed speed and/or throughput rate can be increased for the same length and/or width of the platens of the apparatus according to the invention compared to the separating apparatus known from the prior art. Alternatively and/or additionally, the width and/or length may be reduced for the same throughput. The device according to the invention therefore has a higher capacity and a higher efficiency.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least two immediately adjacent rotary elements have the same direction of rotation. Preferably, all rotating elements have the same direction of rotation and/or the same rotational orientation. This results in the conveying direction of the device being inclined with respect to the respective axis of rotation and/or transverse to the respective axis of rotation. When all the axes of rotation have the same direction of rotation, a uniform direction of transport results on the platen of the apparatus according to the invention. The conveying direction does not necessarily follow an angle of 90 ° to the axis of rotation and/or be orthogonal to the axis of rotation, but may be inclined with respect to the axis of rotation. In this context, a transverse conveying direction is to be understood as meaning both an orthogonal orientation of the conveying direction and an angled conveying direction and/or an inclined conveying direction.

Furthermore, a preferred design provides that the rotating elements have the same constant outer diameter at least substantially over their entire length, so that the outer diameter does not vary over the length of the individual rotating elements.

In the course of the development of the invention it has been shown to be very advantageous for the outer diameter of the rotating element to increase in the conveying direction. Finally, this means that the outer diameter of the rotating element in the forward feed region in the conveying direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the rotating element in the rear region of the table plate (seen in the conveying direction). With an increasing and/or ascending increase of the outer diameter of the rotating element in the conveying direction, a significantly higher degree of separation is obtained, since the material can be branched and/or pulled off more easily. Preferably, the feed stock is fed onto those rotating elements having a lower and/or smaller outer diameter and is moved in the conveying direction along the other rotating elements having a larger outer diameter. In particular, it is intended that the outer diameter of all rotating elements increases in the conveying direction, and/or remains at least substantially the same level. It is therefore preferred to result in a pair of rotating elements which are not directly adjacent having a reduced diameter in the conveying direction and/or a rotating element which is not arranged behind the preceding rotating element in the conveying direction having a smaller outer diameter than said preceding rotating element. A smaller diameter or diameter reduction in the direction of conveyance will also contribute to chain and/or entanglement of the feed material.

According to a first alternative of the preferred embodiment, the outer diameters of the rotating elements increase continuously in the conveying direction, wherein all rotating elements have different outer diameters. In this context, a continuous increase is understood to mean a continuous increase of the outer diameter of adjacent rotating elements in the conveying direction, so that a significantly improved sorting result can be achieved by increasing the degree of separation. Thus, each pair of directly adjacent rotating elements has two different outer diameters, wherein the outer diameters increase in the conveying direction.

According to a second alternative of the preferred embodiment, the set of rotating elements is provided with at least one rotating element. Thus, the set may have from one rotating element up to 20 rotating elements, preferably from one to ten rotating elements, and further preferably from one to seven rotating elements. Provision is made that the rotating elements in one group have at least substantially the same outer diameter and that the outer diameter of the rotating elements in one group increases in the conveying direction relative to the immediately adjacent group. By forming a group, a plurality of identical rotating elements can be used, so that the availability of spare parts can be optimized by using the same type of rotating elements. In this case, it will be appreciated that at least two sets of rotating elements must be kept in stock. In addition, a group having a plurality of rotating elements may be disposed adjacent to a group having only one rotating element. Finally, it is essential that at least two adjacent rotating elements in adjacent groups have different outer diameters, which increase in the conveying direction according to a second alternative. The formation of the groups and/or the arrangement of the rotating elements can be selected according to the feed to be separated, thus making it possible to make individual adjustments to the separation to be carried out.

In a further preferred embodiment, the rotary element is designed as a worm. Here, the rotary member may have a core tube and a spiral portion connected to the core tube. The helical portion may extend helically around the core tube, in particular with the same pitch. Due to the direction of rotation of the rotating element and the helical course of the helix, the helix may contribute to a better separation and may influence the direction of conveyance of the feed material. The spiral enables a separation into at least two fractions, since at least one fraction may be left on the rotating elements, while a wider fraction may fall through the gap formed between adjacent rotating elements due to the spiral. Therefore, separation into large-sized particles and fine particles can be performed. Finally, the rotating elements having the above-described structure may also be described as screw conveyors, screw rollers, and/or screw shafts.

According to the invention, the rotating element can be designed such that it works both reliably and is not subject to wear. Incidentally, the core tube may have an at least substantially cylindrical structure. Preferably, the core tube has a constant outer diameter over the length of its cylindrical body. The rotating element may be made of high strength steel and/or high strength plastic, wherein the material requirements are to ensure reliable operation of the device and good separation results. The choice of suitable materials always depends on the intended use of the separating apparatus according to the invention, i.e. such that the selected materials can withstand the high stresses of the rotating element during operation of the separating apparatus.

Preferably, the maximum outer diameter of the rotating element corresponds to at least 110% of the minimum outer diameter of the rotating element. Preferably, the maximum outer diameter of the rotating element corresponds to 110% to 400%, further preferably 150% to 200% of the minimum outer diameter of the rotating element. In particular, a continuous increase from the smallest rotational element to the largest rotational element is provided, wherein the diameter can be increased from the smallest rotational element to the largest rotational element by 50% to 100%. The above-mentioned increase of the outer diameter may thus ensure an improved separation effect and/or detachment. Tests have shown that the best effect of splitting the feed can be achieved with an increase of up to 100% in diameter and in terms of investment costs and/or material costs of the rotating elements.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, at least two directly adjacent core tubes have different outer diameters. All advantages, features and special and preferred embodiments of the invention, in particular with regard to the variation of the outer diameter, can also be applied to this preferred embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, the grouping and/or continuous increase of the outer diameter, the characteristics already described in relation to the rotating element, apply accordingly to the core tube, so that the above statements may be considered and referred to.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the rotary elements each have at least substantially the same length. In this context, it is particularly pointed out that the rotating element has a constant outer diameter over its entire length. It is finally to be understood that the rotating element may form a platen, wherein the length of the platen may correspond to the length of the rotating element and the width of the platen may correspond to at least 100% of the length of the rotating element. Preferably, the width of the platen corresponds to 100% to 1000%, more preferably 100% to 700%, more preferably 150% to 400%, in particular at least substantially 300% of the length of the rotating element. The above possible embodiments with respect to the length and width of the platen provide good separation results and ensure that the feed is separated and/or divided into different fractions. The width of the platen is selected such that separation is effected across the width of the platen when the feedstock is conveyed in the conveying direction. It is desirable to keep the width of the platen as small as possible, as this also allows for lower equipment costs through a compact design of the equipment.

In addition, the distance between the rotating elements is preferably adjustable. In particular, the distance between two adjacent spirals is also adjustable, so that the gap and/or the free space between the rotating elements can be varied and/or adapted to the respective feed. Finally, the size of the separated particles can be adjusted in this way as desired. The separated particle size is a particle size that can be regarded as a boundary between large-size particles and fine particles. Thus, by varying the distance between the rotating elements, the device can be adapted to different feeds and applications. Advantageously, the distance between two adjacent rotating elements, i.e. in particular the net distance from the outer edge of the spiral of a rotating element to the immediately adjacent core tube of the immediately adjacent rotating element, is between 1mm and 10mm, preferably between 2mm and 6mm, more preferably between 3mm and 5 mm. The distance can be designed to be variable. In particular, the distance may also be increased.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the inventive concept, the spirals of all rotating elements have at least substantially the same web height. Finally, it should be understood that two directly adjacent core tubes may have different outer diameters, wherein the spirals of the rotational element arranged on the core tubes have at least substantially the same web height.

Preferably, the helical portions of immediately adjacent rotating elements interlock. Thus, the helical portions of adjacent rotating elements overlap. In this case, the web height of the same size helix is particularly advantageous as this optimizes the interlocking of the helices and ensures that the distance between the helix and the respective core tube is the same. By adjusting the distance between the rotating elements, it is also possible to adjust the phase offset of the helical portions of directly adjacent rotating elements. Furthermore, the interlocking of the spirals also ensures a self-cleaning process during operation of the device, since for example adhesion of moist material to the rotating element can be avoided. The rotating element is therefore preferably designed as an interlocking worm. This ensures that the clearance and/or free space between the worms is not blocked and/or wedging can be avoided, thereby ensuring safe operation of the device. Especially when moist and/or clay-containing feeds are used, otherwise the space between them may become blocked. The interlocking of the spirals also allows the size of the separated particles to be kept very small so that, for example, the clay and/or clay material can be separated into separate fractions.

In another preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the pitch of the spirals is the same for every 360 ° of all rotating elements, so that a safe operation can be ensured when the rotating elements rotate with interlocking spirals, wherein interlocking and/or meeting of spirals can be avoided during operation.

In addition, the device preferably has a drive which is designed such that it can drive the rotating element at synchronous angular speeds. In particular with the same web height and the same helical pitch per 360 °, contact and thus damage to adjacent rotating elements can be avoided.

In addition, a further preferred embodiment provides that the axes of rotation of the rotary elements are arranged parallel to one another. The axis of rotation can be arranged here parallel to the standing surface and/or parallel to the ground, so that a horizontal and/or flat covering surface is formed on which the feed can be fed. The axes of rotation of the rotating elements may be arranged in a plane, wherein the plane of the axes of rotation may also determine the plane of coverage and thus the area for separating the feed material.

In addition, the rotating element may be held in the holder on one or both sides. With a single-sided support, the free end of the rotating element can be used to discharge a fraction, wherein the fraction then does not fall into the area of the support and cause possible contamination or even damage. Preferably, the conveying direction can be designed such that the feedstock is conveyed away from the holder of the support and/or away from the support point, such that the feedstock does not fall into the area of the support. If the rotary element is supported on both sides, it can be ensured that the rotary element is not damaged even under very high stresses and loads and that the rotary element can be fixed firmly in its holder.

In addition, the holder with the rotating element may preferably be designed to be tilted in at least one direction. Preferably, the inclination of the holder is adjustable in all directions. The height of the holder is also adjustable. The inclination of the platen may vary between-30 ° and +45 °, preferably between-20 ° and +20 °. The inclination of the holder can be determined by the discharge of the feed and/or depending on the respective application. In combination with the possible height adjustment, a flexible arrangement of the table plate can be ensured.

Furthermore, a feeding device for feeding the feed stock may be provided. Furthermore, the feed device can be arranged and/or designed such that the feed material is fed laterally with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotating element, in particular onto the rotating element arranged next to the feed device. The feed of the feed stock may be designed such that it is also orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotating element. Lateral feeding also includes any feeding direction extending at an angle to the axis of rotation of the rotating element. If the feed material is fed orthogonally to the axis of rotation, a separation can be ensured depending on the direction of rotation and the direction of transport, so that the feed material is transported away in the direction of transport. In particular, the feeding may be implemented such that the conveying direction follows the feeding direction.

Preferably, the feeding device has at least one feeding means. The feeding means may be a vibrating trough, a conveyor belt and/or a chute. Furthermore, the feed speed of the feeding means can also be designed to be adjustable, so that feeds of different feed amounts can be adjusted to the platen of the apparatus. In addition, the height and/or inclination of the feed means can be designed to be adjustable, so that it can be varied within a wide range. In particular, the inclination may vary between-30 ° and +45 °, preferably between-30 ° and +30 °. The height of the feeding means can be varied according to the height of the feed to be fed and/or the holder of the rotating element and can be flexibly adapted to the respective application. The angle of inclination starts from the feeding means (for example a belt) to the helical roll, whereby an angle of inclination of 0 ° means that the feeding means is arranged at the level of the plane of the rotation axis of the rotating element. A negative angle means that the feed means is located below the plane of the axis of rotation of the rotating element. A positive inclination angle thus means that the feed means is located above the plane of the axis of rotation of the rotating element. In this context, it is finally understood that the feed means may be arranged at an angle and that, therefore, the feed stock is conveyed up or down to the platen of the axis of rotation and to the feed point. In particular, a distance may be provided between the feeding means and the platen of the rotating element to enable the feed material to be discharged from the feeding means onto the platen of the rotating element. Preferably, said distance between the discharge point of the feeding means and the table of the rotating element corresponds to at least 50%, preferably 100% to 500%, further preferably at least substantially 200% of the outer diameter of the rotating element.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the apparatus is designed such that a separation into at least three fractions takes place. In case of a separation into at least three fractions, it is understood that other transport directions with respect to other fractions may be provided in addition to the transport direction. The fraction of fine particles and/or the fraction discharged below the helical rolls has a further downward direction of transport. The third fraction may have a further conveying direction extending at an angle to said conveying direction, in particular wherein the further conveying direction of the third fraction extends at least substantially in the direction of the rotational axis and/or the longitudinal axis of the rotating element.

In particular, the division and/or separation of the fines may be carried out such that the fines and/or fine particles fall between the intermediate spaces and/or free spaces between two adjacent rotating elements. Furthermore, the separation into two fractions can be carried out above the rotating element. It can be provided that one fraction is discharged in the conveying direction, i.e. at least substantially at an angle to the axis of rotation of the rotating element, i.e. to the longitudinal axis of the rotating element of the apparatus which is finally arranged in the conveying direction, and that the other fraction is transverse to the conveying direction, i.e. for example in the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotating element. The aforementioned fractions are separated in particular due to the rotation of the helical portion of the rotating element. Those feed components which are conveyed transversely to the conveying direction or along the axis of the rotating element generally have a less elongated shape. Those parts of the feed conveyed along the conveying direction and/or those parts of the feed conveyed transversely to the axial direction of the rotating element have at least substantially an elongated shape and/or a fraction which can be classified as a long part. The fines are separated across the width of the deck in the direction of conveyance. In this context, it should be understood that in each case there may be a conveying device with conveying means which are designed in particular as vibrating chutes, conveyor belts and/or chutes for conveying the individual fractions. The conveying device and/or the conveying means can be arranged below the apparatus and/or below the rotating elements, following the last rotating element in the conveying direction another conveying device and following the free end of the rotating element a further conveying device.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for separating a feed, in particular by using an apparatus of the above-mentioned type, whereby a separation into at least two fractions, preferably into three fractions, is carried out. According to the method, the feed and/or at least one fraction of the feed can be transported longitudinally in the conveying direction and/or above the rotating elements, wherein at least two directly adjacent rotating elements have different outer diameters.

By feeding the feed material through rotating elements having different outer diameters from each other, a better separation and/or a higher degree of separation can be achieved.

For more details of the procedure according to the invention, reference may be made to the statements above regarding other inventive aspects of the device for separation, which apply correspondingly to the procedure according to the invention.

Drawings

Further features, advantages and possible applications of the invention result from the following description of an embodiment example based on the drawings and the drawings themselves. All described and/or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, form the subject matter of the present invention, irrespective of their combination in the claims and their interrelationship.

The figures show:

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an apparatus for splitting feed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a platen according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a platen according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a platen according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of yet another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of yet another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention; and

fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a rotating element according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an apparatus 1 for separating feed 2. The device 1 has a plurality of rotating elements 3. In the design example shown, the rotary element 3 is designed as a screw spindle. Furthermore, fig. 1 shows that the outer diameters 4 of at least two directly adjacent rotary elements 3 are different; and/or two directly adjacent rotating elements 3 have different outer diameters 4. The outer diameter 4 extends through the center of the core tube 8 and also includes the web height 15 of the spiral 9, as shown for example in fig. 3.

In addition, fig. 1 shows the high degree of separation of feed 2 that can be achieved with the apparatus 1. Thus, in the shown execution example, the largely branched feeds 2 can be separated from each other by the device 1. Feed 2 may be separated into multiple fractions.

Furthermore, fig. 1 shows that at least two immediately adjacent rotary elements 3 have the same direction of rotation. As shown in particular in fig. 5, the rotary element 3 rotates about its axis of rotation 5. In the design example shown in fig. 1, all the rotary elements 3 have the same direction of rotation and/or the same rotational orientation. Due to the direction of rotation, a conveying direction X is generated, which extends at an angle to the respective axis of rotation 5 of the rotating element 3. The conveying direction X extends such that it is arranged, for example, transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rotating element 3. The angled and/or transverse arrangement of the conveying direction X does not necessarily mean that the conveying direction X is arranged at an angle of 90 ° with respect to the axis of rotation 5 or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rotating element 3. The transport direction X may extend laterally and/or at an angle relative to the respective axis of rotation 5.

Fig. 3 shows that the outer diameter 4 of the rotating element 3 increases gradually, in the design example shown here, continuously. In the design example shown in fig. 3, the outer diameters 4 increase successively in the conveying direction X, wherein the rotating elements 3 all have different outer diameters 4, so that each pair of immediately adjacent rotating elements has two different outer diameters 4.

In fig. 4 a further alternative is shown, in which the rotating elements 3 are arranged in groups 7. The group 7 may comprise at least one rotating element 3. The group 7 may also comprise a plurality of rotating elements 3. Not shown is that the device 1 comprises at least two groups 7. If a plurality of rotary elements 3 are provided within the group 7, the rotary elements 3 have at least substantially the same outer diameter 4. Furthermore, fig. 4 shows that the outer diameter 4 of the rotating elements 3 of a group 7 increases to the immediately adjacent group 7 in the conveying direction X. Furthermore, fig. 4 shows that when grouping the rotating elements 3 into groups 7, the groups 7 may have a different number of rotating elements 3. In fig. 4, four groups 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D are provided. Group 7C has only one rotating element 3, with groups 7A and 7B having three rotating elements 3 and group 7D having two rotating elements 3.

Fig. 7 shows that the rotary element 3 has a core tube 8. Furthermore, the rotary element 3 has a spiral portion 9, which spiral portion 9 extends helically around the core tube 8 and is firmly connected to the core tube 8. Fig. 2 shows that the core tube 8 is at least substantially cylindrical. The helical portions 9 are web-like and extend at symmetrical intervals around the core tube 8.

In the design example shown, it is not shown that the rotary element 3 can consist of high-strength steel and/or high-strength plastic.

Furthermore, fig. 3 shows that the maximum outer diameter 4 of the rotating element 3 corresponds to at least 110% of the minimum outer diameter 4 of the rotating element 3. In the design example shown in fig. 3, it is provided that the maximum outer diameter 4 corresponds at least substantially to 125% of the minimum outer diameter 4 of the rotary element 3. Furthermore, fig. 4 shows that the maximum outer diameter 4 at least substantially corresponds to 200% of the minimum outer diameter 4. Not shown, in other designs, the maximum outer diameter 4 may correspond to 110% to 400%, preferably 150% to 200%, of the minimum outer diameter 4 of the rotating element 3.

Furthermore, fig. 3 shows that at least two immediately adjacent core tubes 8 have different outer diameters 6. Since the rotating element 3 shown in this design example only differs in the outer diameter 6 of the core tube 8, it is clear that the above description of the outer diameter 4 of the rotating element 3 can also be applied to the outer diameter 6 of the core tube 8. Finally, the outer diameter 4 of the rotating element 3 may be influenced by the outer diameter 6 of the core tube 8 and/or the web height 15 of the spiral 9.

In the design example shown, the rotary elements 3 of the device 1 have at least substantially the same length 12. As shown in particular in fig. 2, the rotating element 3 may form a table plate 10. The length 11 of the platen 10 may correspond to the length 12 of the rotating element 3. The width 13 corresponds to at least 100% of the length 12 of the rotating element 3 and of its own length 11. In the design example shown in fig. 2, the width 13 is at least substantially 150% of the length 12 of the rotating element 3. In other embodiments, the width 13 corresponds to 100% to 1000%, in other embodiments 150% to 400%, of the length 12 of the rotary element 3.

In the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus 1 and/or of the table plate 10, it is not shown that the distance 14 between the rotary elements 3 can be designed to be adjustable. In particular, the distance 14 from the spiral 9 to the spiral 9 of the adjacent core tube 8 of the immediately adjacent rotary element 3 can be adjusted. The distance 14 may indicate the size of the separated particles, so that by varying the distance 14 another fine is discharged below the rotating element 3. The particle size and/or particle diameter of the fines depends on the free space between directly adjacent rotating elements 3 and correspondingly also on the distance 14 between the rotating elements 3.

Fig. 3 and 4 show that the spirals 9 of all the rotational elements 3 have at least substantially the same web height 15. Thus, different outer diameters 4 of the rotating element 3 are made possible by the different outer diameters 6 of the core tube 8. Fig. 1 also shows from a kinematic point of view why the spirals 9 have at least substantially the same web height 15. In the space between two directly adjacent core tubes 8, the spirals 9 of the core tubes 8 are arranged such that a section of a spiral 9 faces a section of a spiral 9 of a directly adjacent rotary element 3.

It is therefore intended that the spirals 9 of directly adjacent rotational elements 3 interlock, wherein a web height 15 of at least substantially the same size is advantageous when the spirals 9 interlock. The interlocking of the spiral 9 results in a self-cleaning effect of the rotating element 3, since e.g. fines can be prevented from clogging the outside of the rotating element 3.

Furthermore, in the design of the rotary elements 3, it is provided that the pitch per 360 ° of the helical portions 9 of all rotary elements 3 is identical. This can be seen in fig. 2 and 7. Thus, the helical portion 9 is symmetrically helically disposed around the core tube 8. In the design example shown, the spiral 9 always has the same web height 15, wherein the core tube 8 also has an at least substantially constant outer diameter 6 along the length 12 of the rotational element 3.

Fig. 1 also shows a drive device 16. The drive means 16 are designed such that the drive means 16 drive the rotating element 3 at a synchronized angular velocity. As mentioned above, in the design example shown, the rotary elements 3 all have the same rotational orientation and/or the same rotational direction and are also rotated at the same angular speed. Not shown, the drive means 16 may have a motor for driving the rotating element 3.

Furthermore, fig. 1, 5 and 6 show in particular that the rotational axes 5 of the rotational elements 3 are arranged parallel to one another and/or that the rotational elements 3 are arranged in one plane. Thus, a straight platen 10 is obtained from the rotary element 3. The feedstock 2 may be delivered across the width 13 of the platen 10.

The shown design example of the device 1 shows a cantilevered arrangement of the rotary element 3, wherein the rotary element 3 is held in the holder 17 on one side. However, in other design examples, it may also be provided that: the rotary element 3 is supported on both sides. If the rotating element 3 is mounted on one side, the fraction of the feed 2 can be discharged in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rotating element 3 and/or through the free end of the rotating element 3 mounted on one side, without the separated feed fraction reaching the area of the support and/or the area of the holder 17. If the rotating element 3 is supported on both sides, this fraction can for example be removed manually, and/or a holder 17 can be provided below the rotating element 3, and/or further fractions can be separated and discharged above the table plate 10 by means of separate separating means.

It is not evident from the design example shown that the holder 17 with the rotary element 3 is designed to be tiltable in at least one direction and/or that the height of the holder 17 is adjustable. In other design examples, not shown, the holder 17 with the rotary element 3 may be designed such that its inclination can be adjusted in all directions. In particular, a tilt angle of-30 ° to +30 ° may be achieved. By tilting the platen 10, the weight of the feed 2 can be dedicated to and/or used to support the separation. The angle of inclination of the platen 10 can be adjusted according to the intended use. By changing the inclination of the platen 10 and/or adjusting the height of the holder 17, the separation accuracy can be changed. The separation accuracy can also be adjusted by changing the distance 14 between the rotating elements 3.

In the design example shown, the device 1 also has a feed device 18. The feeding means 18 are designed to feed the feedstock 2, and the feeding means 18 are assigned to the apparatus 1 such that the feedstock 2 is fed laterally to the rotation axis 5 and/or the longitudinal axis of the rotating element 3. The feeding can be performed at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation 5 and/or the longitudinal axis, if necessary, orthogonally with respect to the axis of rotation 5 and/or the longitudinal axis. The feed 2 is fed onto the platen 10 such that: the feedstock 2 initially moves in a conveying direction X which finally extends transversely to the axis of rotation 5 of the rotating element 3, and the feedstock 2 can be separated into different fractions, at least two fractions, over the width 13 of the platen 10 during transport. The feed device 18 feeds the feed stock 2 onto the platen 10 in such a way that the feed direction is finally parallel to the transport direction X and/or in the same direction as the transport direction X.

The feed device 18 has, in addition, a feed means 19, in the design example shown, the feed means 19 is designed as a conveyor belt, in other designs the feed means 19 can be designed as a vibrating chute and/or a chute, it is not shown that the feed speed of the feed means 19 is adjustable, and/or that the height of the feed means 19 and/or the inclination thereof is adjustable, it is possible to adjust the feed speed of the feed means 19 as a function of the feed stock 2, the inclination of the feed means 19 is shown in fig. 5 and 6, the angle of the feed means 19 is α, the angle α representing the inclination and referring to the plane in which the rotating element 3 is arranged, the angle α can be negative as shown in fig. 5 or positive as shown in fig. 6, the angle α is at least substantially-30 ° for the design shown in fig. 5, and the angle α is at least substantially +20 ° for the design shown in fig. 6, it can be provided that the inclination of the feed means 19 can be adjusted at an angle of-30 ° to +30 ° α.

As can be seen from fig. 1, the apparatus 1 is designed such that the feed 2 is separated into at least three fractions. In the design example shown here, the separation is such that there is a separation into at least two fractions above the platen 10. For example, one fraction may be discharged in the conveying direction X, while another fraction may be discharged at an angle to the rotational axis 5/longitudinal axis of the rotating element 3 and/or the conveying direction X. Finally, one fraction is discharged at the end of the last rotating element 3 of the table 10, while the other fraction is discharged at the free end of the rotating element 3 mounted on one side. The third fraction can be discharged below the table 10 and/or below the rotating elements 3, wherein a fraction, also called fines, can be separated due to the space between two adjacent rotating elements 3. Furthermore, fig. 1 shows the mode of action of the different outer diameters 4 of the rotating elements 3, which makes it possible to achieve a separation of the feed 2. Not shown is that for each fraction there may be one transport device to transport the separated fraction. The conveying device may have conveying means in the form of vibrating troughs, conveyor belts and/or chutes.

Furthermore, fig. 1 shows that the separation into at least two fractions takes place above the platen 10, so that the fed elongate component is discharged in the conveying direction X through the longitudinal axis of the rotating element 3 and at least substantially less elongate components can be discharged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rotating element and/or transversely to the conveying direction X. Fines and/or granules are separated between the individual rotating elements 3.

Furthermore, in a design that is not shown, it can be provided that the core tube 8 and the spiral 9 are designed to rotate independently of one another, wherein the circumferential speeds of the core tube 8 and the spiral 9 can be designed to be identical, so that no comminution of the feed material 2 occurs. Thus, the spiral 9 and the core tube 8 can be designed to rotate independently of each other.

List of reference numerals:

1 a device for separation;

2 feeding;

3 a rotating element;

4, outer diameter;

5 a rotation axis;

6 the outer diameter of the core tube;

7 groups;

8, 8 core pipes;

9 helical part

10 a bedplate;

11 platen length;

12 the length of the rotating element;

13 platen width;

14 distance of the rotating element;

15 web height;

16 a drive device;

17 a holder;

18 a feeding device;

19 feeding means;

the X conveying direction;

group A;

group B;

group C;

group D;

α angle.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for separating feed material (2), the apparatus (1) having a plurality of rotating elements (3), the rotating elements (3) being designed in particular as worms;

the device (1) is characterized in that:

at least two directly adjacent rotating elements (3) have different outer diameters (4).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two directly adjacent rotating elements (3) have the same direction of rotation, in particular all rotating elements (3) have the same direction of rotation, so that a conveying direction (X) of the apparatus (1) is obtained which extends obliquely with respect to the respective axis of rotation (5) and/or transversely to the respective axis of rotation (5).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer diameter (4) of the rotating element (3) increases in the conveying direction (X).

4. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer diameters (4) of the rotating elements (3) increase continuously in the conveying direction (X), wherein all rotating elements (3) have different outer diameters (4), or that a group (7) of rotating elements (3) is provided with at least one rotating element (3), wherein the rotating elements (3) in a group (7) have at least substantially the same outer diameter (4), and wherein the outer diameters (4) of the rotating elements (3) in a group (7) increase in the conveying direction (X) relative to an immediately adjacent group (7).

5. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating element (3) comprises a core tube (8) and a spiral (9), the spiral (9) being connected to the core tube (8) and in particular extending helically around the core tube (8), in particular wherein the core tube (8) is at least substantially cylindrical.

6. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum outer diameter (4) of the rotating element (3) corresponds to at least 110%, preferably 110 to 400%, more preferably 150 to 200% of the minimum outer diameter (4) of the rotating element (3).

7. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two directly adjacent core tubes (8) have different outer diameters (6).

8. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotating elements (3) have at least substantially the same length (12) and/or that the rotating elements (3) form a table (10), the length (11) of the table (10) corresponding to the length (12) of the rotating elements (3) and the width (13) of the table (10) corresponding to at least 100%, preferably 100% to 1000%, more preferably 100% to 700%, more preferably 150% to 400%, in particular at least substantially 300% of the length (12) of the rotating elements (3).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance (14) between the rotating elements (3) can be adjusted and/or in that drive means (16) are provided which drive the rotating elements (3) at synchronized angular speeds.

10. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spirals (9) of all rotating elements (3) have at least substantially the same web height (15) and/or that the spirals (9) of directly adjacent rotating elements (3) engage each other and/or that the pitch of the spirals (9) of all rotating elements (3) is the same for every 360 °.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotation axes (5) of the rotating elements (3) are arranged parallel to each other and/or in one plane and/or that the rotating elements (3) are mounted in a holder (17) on one or both sides.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (17) with the rotating element (3) is designed to be tiltable in at least one direction, preferably in all directions, and/or that the height of the holder (17) is adjustable.

13. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that feeding means (18) are provided for feeding the feedstock (2), and in that the feeding means (18) are arranged so that the feedstock (2) is fed laterally, in particular orthogonally, with respect to the axis of rotation (5) of the rotating element (3).

14. The apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed device (18) has feed means (19), which feed means (19) are designed in particular as vibrating troughs, conveyor belts and/or chutes, in particular wherein the feed speed of the feed means (19) is designed to be adjustable and/or wherein the feed means (19) are designed to be adjustable in terms of their height and/or inclination.

15. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is designed such that a separation into at least three fractions takes place, in particular wherein a separation into at least two fractions takes place above the rotating element (3).