GB2611327A

GB2611327A - Blending chute for material processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2611327A
Application number: GB2114008.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Burns Damian; Martin Alastair
Original assignee: Terex GB Ltd
Current assignee: Terex GB Ltd
Priority date: 2021-09-30
Filing date: 2021-09-30
Publication date: 2023-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2041-09-30
Also published as: GB202114008D0; GB2611327B

Abstract

A material processing apparatus has a chute 10 for blending material from first 72 and second outlets 74 of a material processing unit such as a screen box. The second outlet directs material onto a target part 62 such as a conveyor. The chute is arranged to guide material from the first outlet to the target part. The chute has a transfer surface for guiding material to said target part, the transfer surface facing and being spaced apart from the first outlet, and at least part of the transfer surface is inclined. At least one of the side walls of the chute may define a side opening adjacent a discharge end of the chute (34 and 34’, fig. 8). The chute reduces the risk that the target part will be damaged by material from the first outlet, with a relatively low risk that the chute will become jammed with material from the first outlet.

Description

Blending Chute for Material Processing Apparatus

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to chutes for transferring material in material processing apparatus.

Background to the Invention

Some material processing units have more than one material outlet and material may be collected from each outlet separately, e.g. by a respective conveyor. Sometimes it is desirable to collect material from two or more outlets together, i.e. blend the material from the respective outlets. For example, a material screening unit may be configured to produce three grades of material (oversize, mid-size and fine) with an upper outlet for the oversize material, a middle outlet for the mid-size material and a lower outlet for the fine material. In some modes of operation it may be desirable to modify the configuration such that only two grades of material are produced. This may be achieved by repositioning the oversize material tail conveyor such that it receives material from both the upper and middle outlets. However, this reconfiguration leaves a large discharge height from the upper outlet to the tail conveyor, which can result in spillage and/or damage to the conveyor as well as making recirculation of material difficult. These problems could be mitigated by connecting a chute directly to the upper outlet, the chute serving as an extension of the upper outlet and being arranged to direct the oversize material to the repositioned tail conveyor. However, this arrangement may result in the oversize material becoming jammed in the chute.

It would be desirable to mitigate the problems outlined above.

Summary of the Invention

From a flrst aspect the invention provides a material processing apparatus comprising: at least one material processing unit having a first outlet and a second outlet; a target part arranged to receive material from said second outlet; and a chute arranged to guide material from said first outlet to said target part, wherein said chute has a transfer surface for guiding material to said target part, said transfer surface facing and being spaced apart from said first outlet, and wherein at least part of said transfer surface is inclined.

In preferred embodiments. the chute is arranged to blend material from the first and second outlets of a material processing unit such as a screen box. The second outlet directs material onto a target part such as a conveyor. The chute is arranged to guide material from the first outlet to the target part. Advantageously, the chute reduces the risk that the target part will be damaged by material from the first outlet, with a relatively low risk that the chute will become jammed with material from the first outlet.

Preferably, said first outlet is arranged to discharge said material in a first direction, at least part of said transfer surface being located forwardly of said first outlet in said first direction and lower than said first outlet. Typically, said first outlet is located above, preferably directly above, said second outlet.

Preferably, at least part of said transfer surface is located in a material discharge path associated 5 with said first outlet.

Preferably, said transfer surface, in particular the at least part of said transfer surface that is inclined, is arranged to guide material to said target part in a direction towards said at least one material processing unit.

Preferably, said transfer surface is provided on a movable part of said chute, said movable part being movable to move said transfer surface towards or away from said first outlet, and/or to adjust an angle of inclination of the at least part of the transfer surface.

Preferably, said chute has a body, said movable part being movable with respect to said body. Preferably, said movable part is pivotable, preferably about a pivot axis located at a discharge end of said transfer surface.

Preferably, said chute includes a respective side wall extending along a respective side of the 20 transfer surface. Preferably, at least one of said side walls is shaped to define a side opening adjacent a discharge end of said transfer surface.

Typically, said target part is a conveyor, preferably a feed end of a conveyor. Said conveyor may be arranged to convey material in a lateral direction that is perpendicular or oblique to a longitudinal axis of said apparatus and/or to a direction in which material is discharged from said first outlet. Said side opening may positioned over said conveyor, preferably between the feed end and discharge end of the conveyor. Said side opening is preferably located at one side of said chute, and wherein the other side of the chute extends beyond the discharge end of the transfer surface to provide a barrier against spillage of material from said conveyor.

Preferably, each of said side walls is shaped to define a side opening adjacent a discharge end of said transfer surface, and wherein at least one cover is provided to selectably close either one of said openings.

In some embodiments, said material processing unit comprises a material screening unit, said screening unit being configured to discharge a respective different grade of material from said first and second outlets.

In preferred embodiments: said chute is removable. The apparatus may be configured to receive a 40 removable conveyor, the removable conveyor being configured to receive, when installed, material from said first outlet.

Said movable part is typically movable with respect to the side walls, and is releasably fixable to the side walls by releasable fixing means at any one of a plurality of use positions. Said movable part may comprise a removable and/or adjustable side bracket at each side of the transfer surface for releasably fixing the movable part to the side walls, and wherein at least one of said brackets is laterally adjustable with respect to the movable part.

Optionally, said movable part is movable linearly, e.g. by means of a slide mechanism.

From a second aspect the invention provides a chute for a material processing apparatus, the chute having a transfer surface provided on a movable part of said chute, said movable part being movable to move said transfer surface forwards and backwards, and/or to adjust an angle of inclination of the at least part of the transfer surface.

From a third aspect the invention provides a chute for a material processing apparatus, the chute having a transfer surface and including a respective side wall extending along a respective side of the transfer surface, wherein at least one of said side walls is shaped to define a side opening adjacent a discharge end of said transfer surface.

Further advantageous aspects and features of the invention will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of a specific embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a material processing apparatus configured in a first mode of operation in which material from each outlet is collected separately; Figure 2 is a side view of the material processing apparatus of Figure 1 configured in a second mode of operation in which material from two outlets are collected together by a repositioned tail conveyor; Figure 3 is a side view of the material processing apparatus of Figure 1 configured in a third mode of 35 operation in which material from two outlets are collected together using a chute embodying one aspect of the invention; Figure 4 is a side view of an end of the material processing apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a plan view of the end of the material processing apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the end of the material processing apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 7 is an alternative perspective view of the end of the material processing apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the chute shown in Figure 3; Figure 9 is a top view of the chute of Figure 8; Figure 10 is an end view of the chute of Figure 8; Figure 11 is a side view of the chute of Figure 8; Figure 12A is a is a side view of an end of the material processing apparatus of Figure 3 showing the 15 chute in a first state of use; Figure 12B is a is a side view of an end of the material processing apparatus of Figure 3 showing the chute in a second state of use; and Figure 12C is a is a side view of an end of the material processing apparatus of Figure 3 showing the chute in a third state of use.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring now to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, there is shown, generally indicated as 50, a material processing apparatus. Only those parts of the apparatus that are helpful for understanding the present invention are described. Depending on the embodiment, the apparatus 50 may be configured to perform any one or more of a plurality of processes, such as feeding, screening, separating, crushing, breaking, scalping, recycling, shredding, conveying, demolition and/or washing, on one or more types of aggregate or other material, for example rocks, stones, gravel, building material, sand and/or soil, or any other material, especially but not exclusively, material that is quarried, mined, excavated or requires breaking or recycling. To this end, the apparatus 50 includes one or more material processing unit 52 configured to perform one or more of the foregoing processes, and/or any other relevant process. In the illustrated embodiment, the material processing unit 52 is a material screening unit (e.g. of a type commonly referred to as a screen box), although it will be understood that the invention is not limited to screening apparatus and may be employed with other types of material processing unit.

The main body of the apparatus 50 comprises a chassis 53 that carries the (or each) material processing unit 52. The chassis 53 may also carry one or more other components that facilitate use 40 of the processing unit 52, usually including a feed unit 54 for delivering material to the material processing unit 52. The illustrated feed unit 54 comprises a hopper and a feed conveyor. but in alternative embodiments may take any conventional form. The chassis 53 has a longitudinal axis extending from end 57 to end 59, which may also be said to correspond to the front-to-rear direction of the chassis 53, and of the apparatus 50. The material processing unit 52 is arranged to process material in a first direction (left to right as viewed in Figures 1 to 3) that is parallel, or substantially parallel, with the longitudinal axis of the chassis 53.

The powered components of the apparatus 50, including the material processing unit 52, are power by any suitable power system, typically comprising a hydraulic system comprising motor(s), actuator(s) and/or other components as required. It will be understood that alternative power systems, e.g. electrical or pneumatic systems, may be used (instead of or as well as the hydraulic system), and so the motor(s) and other components may be powered by alternative means. The apparatus 50 typically includes a power plant 55 comprising means for generating the requisite power (e.g. including electrical, hydraulic, motive and/or pneumatic power as applicable) for the apparatus 50. The power plant 55 may take any convenient conventional form, e.g. comprising any one or more of an internal combustion engine, compressor and/or batteries. Optionally, the power plant may power the material processing unit 52 and/or one or more other components of the apparatus 50 directly.

In typical embodiments, the apparatus 50 is mobile and comprises one or more wheels and/or tracks Si mounted on the chassis 53. However, in other embodiments (not illustrated), the apparatus 50 may be semi-mobile, for example comprising fixed or adjustable legs (and usually no wheels or tracks). The apparatus 50 may be self-propelled and to this end the power plant 55 may comprise an internal combustion engine and associated drive system (not shown). In such cases, the internal combustion engine conveniently generates power for the hydraulic system(s), e.g. by operating the hydraulic pump(s) (not shown), and may also power an electric generator (not shown) for the electrical system.

The material processing unit 52 has a plurality of outlets from which material is output from the processing unit 52. The number of outlets may depend on the type of and/or configuration of the material processing unit 52. In typical embodiments, at least two of the outlets are vertically spaced apart, i.e. one located above the other, and are typically aligned in the vertical direction, at a discharge end 70, or other discharge location, of the material processing unit 52. Typically, the material processing unit 52 is configured such that a different type or grade of material is discharged via each outlet. The material being processed typically comprises solid material in discrete or particulate form, although may comprise a mixture of solid and liquid material. In typical embodiments, the material being processed comprises solid material that is graded according to size and a respective outlet is provided for each size grade. Alternatively, or in addition, the material processing unit 52 may be configured to separate or grade material according to type (e.g. to separate metallic from non-metallic material, and/or separate solid material from liquid material).

For example, in embodiments where the material processing unit 52 is a screening unit, the screening unit is typically configured to produce at least two different grades of material: wherein the respective grade relates to the size of the particulate or discrete material being processed, and a respective outlet is provided for each grade of material. The screening unit 52 has at least one screen deck (only an upper screen deck 51A is visible (see Figure 6)) configured such that material that is smaller than a respective threshold size (or grade) passes through the screen deck, while material that is larger than the threshold size passes along the screen deck and is discharged via a discharge end of the deck. In preferred embodiments, the screening unit 52 has a second, or lower, screen deck (not visible) located below the upper screen deck 51A such that material that passes through the upper screen deck 51A is collected and screened by the lower screen deck. The lower screen deck is usually configured to have a smaller threshold size that the upper screen deck 51A. The screening unit 52 therefore has a first, or upper, outlet 72 (corresponding to the discharge end of the upper screen deck 51A) and a second outlet 74 (corresponding to the discharge end of the second screen deck). The second outlet 74 is below the first outlet 72, the outlets 72, 74 typically being aligned or substantially aligned with each other in the vertical direction. Material that passes through the second screen deck may be collected via a third: or bottom: outlet (not visible) that is typically below the second screen deck, e.g. at the underside of the screening unit 52. In the illustrated example, the screening unit 52 outputs material of a relatively large grade (commonly referred to as oversize material) from the first outlet 72: material of a smaller grade (commonly referred to as mid-size material) from the second outlet 74, and material of a still smaller grade (commonly referred to as fine size material) from the third outlet.

In use, mixed grade material is fed onto the upper deck 51A at the feed end 76 of the screening unit 52 (by the feed unit 54 in the illustrated example). The oversize material travels along the upper deck 51A and is discharged via the first outlet 72. The midsize and fine material passes through the upper screen deck 51A onto the lower screen deck, whereupon the mid-size material travels along the lower deck and is discharged via the second outlet 74, and the fine material passes through the lower screen deck and is discharged via the third outlet. Typically, the first and second outlets 72, 74 are located at the discharge end 70 of the screening unit 52.

In preferred embodiments, the screening unit 52 is a vibratory screening unit and includes a vibrating mechanism 78 for causing the screening unit 52 to vibrate with respect to the chassis 53. To this end the screening unit 52 may be mounted on the chassis 53 by springs 69. The vibrating mechanism may be of any conventional type and may for example be configured to impart circular, elliptical and/or linear vibratory movement to the screening unit 52. Advantageously. the vibratory movement of the screening unit 52 not only helps material pass through the screen deck(s), but may also be such that it causes material to travel along the screen deck(s) in a direction from the feed end 76 to the discharge end 70. Typically, the screening unit 52 is tilted such that the discharge end 70 is lower than the feed end 76, which causes material to travel along the screen deck(s) in a direction from the feed end 76 to the discharge end 70 under the influence of gravity. The tilt angle of the screening unit 52 is optionally adjustable. and any suitable tilt adjust mechanism may be provided for this purpose. For example, in Figures 1 to 3 an extendible support assembly 71 is provided for raising and lowering the feed end 76 with respect to the discharge end 70.

Figure 1 shows the material processing apparatus 50 configured in a first mode of operation in which the respective material from each outlet of the material processing unit 52 is collected separately by respective collection means (e.g. by a respective conveyor). In the example of Figure 1, a tail conveyor 60 is mounted on the chassis 53 and positioned such that material discharged from the first, or upper. outlet 72 is collected by its feed end 61. A side conveyor 62 is mounted on the chassis 53 and positioned such that material discharged from the second, or lower. outlet 74 is collected by its feed end 63, which is located below the feed end 61 of the tail conveyor 60. Typically, the tail conveyor 60 projects from the end of the apparatus 50 in a direction that is aligned or substantially aligned with the longitudinal direction of the apparatus 50. The side conveyor 62 typically projects from the apparatus 50 in a direction that is perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 50. A third conveyor 64 may be mounted on the chassis 53 below the material processing unit 52 and positioned to collect material discharged from the third outlet. The third conveyor 64 may extend along the chassis 53. In the illustrated example, the third conveyor 64 is configured to convey the material to a fourth conveyor 65, e.g. a side conveyor, by which the material may be discharged from the apparatus 50. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment in which the material processing apparatus 52 is a screening unit, the oversize material is collected from the screening unit 52 and discharged from the apparatus 50 by the tail conveyor 60, the mid-size material is collected from the screening unit 52 and discharged from the apparatus 50 by the side conveyor 62, and the fine material is collected from the screening unit 52 and discharged from the apparatus 50 by the third and fourth conveyors 64, 65. This arrangement may be referred to as a 3-way split of the processed material.

It may be desirable to combine or blend the material from two or more of the outlets, preferably such that the combined or blended materials are discharged from the apparatus 50 together. Advantageously, to improve versatility, it is preferred that the apparatus 50 is adaptable for operation in either the first mode, or at least one other mode of operation in which the material from two or more outlets of the material processing unit 52 is combined, i.e. collected together rather than separately. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus 50 is configured, in at least one mode of operation, such that the respective material provided by the first and second outlets 72, 74 is combined, and is preferably discharged from the apparatus 50 by the same conveyor.

Figure 2 shows the material processing apparatus 50 configured in an optional, alternative mode of operation in which the respective material provided by the first and second outlets 72, 74 is combined, and is discharged from the apparatus 50 by the tail conveyor 60. To achieve this, the tail conveyor 60 is positioned such that material discharged from the second, or lower. outlet 74 is collected by its feed end 61, i.e. the tail conveyor 60 is reconfigured with respect to the configuration of Figure 1 such that its feed end 61 is at a lower level such that it can receive material from both outlets 72. 74 (since the upper outlet 72 is above and aligned with the lower outlet 74). However, this configuration leaves a relatively large discharge height from the upper outlet 72 to the feed end 61 of the tail conveyor 60, which can result in spillage and/or damage to the conveyor 60.

Figure 3 shows the material processing apparatus 50 configured in a mode of operation in which the respective material provided by the first and second outlets 72, 74 is combined, and is discharged from the apparatus 50 by the side conveyor 62. To achieve this, a chute 10 embodying one aspect of the invention is provided for combining, or blending, the respective material provided by the first and second outlets 72, 74. The tail conveyor 60 is removed. A preferred embodiment of the chute 10 is shown in Figures 8 to 11. The preferred chute 10 has a body 12 comprising a transfer surface 14 for transferring material under the influence of gravity. In preferred embodiments, the transfer surface 14 is solid and typically smooth. The transfer surface 14 is typically provided on a base structure 16, for example comprising one or more plates and/or frame(s). The base structure 16 may be formed from any suitable material(s), e.g. metal or plastics, and is preferably rigid or semi-rigid. Typically, the transfer surface 14 is provided by a lining 18 on the base structure 16. The lining 18 may take any conventional form, for example one or more lining panels. The lining 18 may be formed from any suitable material, e.g. metal, plastics or rubber, and may be selected depending on the material being processed. Preferably, the lining 18 is removable and may, for example, be replaced with another lining depending on the application and/or when worn. Advantageously, the lining 18 protects the base structure 16 and may absorb some of the energy of material that is incident on it during use, especially when formed from a compliant material.

In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the base structure may comprise a plurality of parallel and/or crossing bars or tines, or a mesh. As such, the transfer surface may not be solid.

In preferred embodiments, a respective side wall 20, 22 is provided at each side of the chute body 12, the base structure 16 extending between the side walls 20, 22. The side walls 20,22 are typically parallel with each other, and are preferably perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the transfer surface 14. The side walls 20, 22 extend along a respective side of the transfer surface 14. The side walls 20, 22 are preferably solid and may be provided by one or more plate. Alternatively, the side walls 20, 22 may comprise a plurality of parallel and/or crossing bars or tines, or a mesh.

The side walls 20, 22 may be formed from any suitable material(s), e.g. metal or plastics, and are preferably rigid or semi-rigid.

The chute 10 has an outlet 24 at a discharge, or bottom, end 26 of the transfer surface 14. Material may be fed to the chute 10 at any location between the discharge end 26 and a top end 28 of the transfer surface 14. In preferred embodiments, the transfer surface 14 and side walls 20, 22 define an inlet or mouth for receiving material. Optionally, one or more support 32, e.g. a cross-bar(s), is connected between the side walls 20, 22. preferably at. or adjacent, the outlet 24 and spaced-apart from the transfer surface 14 so as not to impede the passage of material along the transfer surface 14.

In preferred embodiments, at a first side of the chute 10 an outlet or opening 34 is defined adjacent the outlet 24. This may be achieved in any convenient manner, for example by shaping the respective side wall 20 to define the opening 34, or by selecting the length of the side wall 20 to leave the opening 34. The other side of the chute 10 optionally does not have a corresponding opening, but preferably does have a corresponding opening that is closable. In the illustrated embodiment, the other side of the chute 10 has a corresponding opening 34' that is closed by a plate 36 or other cover. Preferably the plate, or cover. 36 is movable or removable to expose the opening 34'. The plate/cover 36 may be secured to the chute 10, conveniently to the respective side wall 20, 22, by any convenient means, e.g. screws, bolts a hinge or a slide. The cover 36, or another similar cover, may be used to selectably close or expose the opening 34 on the first side of the chute 10 the same or similar manner. Typically, the chute 10 is configured such that, during use, the opening 34, 34' at one side is exposed while the other opening 34', 34 is closed. This allows the chute 10 to be configured to selectably discharge material through one or other of the openings 34. 34'. and therefore from either side of the material processing apparatus 50.

In preferred embodiments a skirt 40 is provided at the outlet 24, preferably extending across the width of the chute 10. The skirt 40 may be located adjacent the discharge end 26 of the transfer surface 14, extending across the discharge end 26. The skirt 40 preferably extends downwardly with respect to the transfer surface 14, typically being obliquely disposed to the transfer surface 14 at the discharge end 26. The skirt 40 may be formed from any suitable material, e.g. metal, rubber or plastics.

In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer surface 14 comprises a top segment 14A and a bottom segment 14B. each of which may be flat, or substantially flat. The segments 14A. 14B are disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to each other such that the transfer surface 14 is concave. It will be understood that the transfer surface 14 may alternatively be formed from more than two segments arranged in a concave manner. In alternative embodiments, the transfer surface 14 may be flat or curved (preferably in a concave manner). In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer surface 14 is concave in the top-to-bottom direction. Alternatively, or in addition. the transfer surface 14 may be concave in the side-to-side direction.

In preferred embodiments, the base structure 16 and transfer surface 14 are movable to adjust the spacing between the transfer surface 14 and the outlet 72 and/or to adjust an angle of inclination of the transfer surface with respect to a reference plane that, in use, may be a vertical plane. To this end, the base structure 16 may be pivotable with respect to the chute body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the base structure 16 is pivotably coupled to the side walls 20, 22 at a respective pivot point P that is conveniently located at the discharge end 26. Alternatively, the base structure 16 may be pivotably coupled to any other suitable support structure (e.g. a cross bar, frame or mounting) that may be part of the chute body 12. Preferably, the chute 10 includes releasable securing means for releasably securing the base structure 16 in any one of a plurality of positions in which the transfer surface 14 adopts a respective different angle of inclination. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each side wall 20, 22 includes a respective set of one or more apertures 42, each set corresponding to a respective position of the base structure 16. The apertures 42 of one side wall 20, 22 are aligned with the corresponding apertures 42 of the other side wall 22, 20. The base structure 16 includes one or more aperture 44 at each side (e.g. in a respective bracket or flange at each side of the transfer surface 14) that are aligned with a respective set of apertures 42 in the side walls 20, 22 depending on the angular position of the base structure 16. When the apertures 42, 44 are aligned, a releasable fixing (e.g. a screw, bolt or pin) may be used to releasably secure the base structure 16 to the side walls 20. 22 at the respective angular position. In preferred embodiments, the base structure 16 is provided with a removable and/or adjustable side bracket 43, for example an angle bracket: along each side of the transfer surface 14 for releasably fixing the base structure 16 to the side walls 20, 22. The apertures 44 may be provided in the respective bracket 43, in particular in a part of the bracket that extends substantially perpendicularly from the transfer surface 14 and substantially parallely with the side walls 20, 22. The apertures 44 may be elongate to allow for misalignments that can arise should the shape of the side walls 20, 22 or other part of the chute become distorted during use. The other part of each bracket 43 may include one or more apertures 45 for receiving one or more bolts 45 or other releasable fixings for fixing the bracket 43 to the base structure 16. The apertures 45 may be elongate to allow for misalignments that can arise should the shape of the side walls 20, 22 or other part of the chute become distorted during use. In particular it is preferred that the brackets 43 can move laterally with respect to the base structure (towards and/or away from the walls 20, 22) to accommodate distortions in the side walls 20, 22 that may otherwise prevent the base structure from moving as is described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring in particular to Figures 3 to 7, the chute 10 is mounted on the chassis 53 such that the transfer surface 14 faces and is aligned with the upper outlet 72. The configuration is such that the outlet 24 of the chute 10 is positioned to discharge material to the feed end 63 of the side conveyor 62, which in this embodiment services as a target part. Preferably, the outlet 24 is located over and adjacent the feed end 63. In preferred embodiments, the arrangement is such that the discharge end 26 of the transfer surface 141s adjacent the feed end 63 so that material can be transferred from the chute 10 directly to the feed end 63. Preferably, the discharge end 26 of the transfer surface 14 is at the same, or substantially the same, level as the top of the feed end 63 to minimize the distance that the material falls from the chute 10 to the feed end 63. Advantageously, the arrangement is such that the skirt 40 is located in the feed end 63. In particular, the feed end 63 typically includes a hopper structure 46 comprising one or more wall or flare extending around the feed end 63. Advantageously, the skirt 40 overlaps with the inside wall of the hopper structure 46 (see in particular Figure 7). In typical embodiments, the skirt 40 extends downwardly from the discharge end 26 of the transfer surface 14, and may for example be substantially vertically disposed.

In preferred embodiments, the opening 34 is located over the feed end 63, and between the feed end 63 and discharge end of the conveyor 62. As such, the opening 34 provides an outlet through 40 which material can be conveyed from the feed end 63 to the discharge end of the conveyor 62. Advantageously, the bottom of the other side of the chute 10, i.e. the side with no opening or a closed opening, the same, or substantially the same, level as the top of the feed end 63 to provide a barrier against material spillage.

In preferred embodiments. the transfer surface 14 is spaced apart from the upper outlet 72.

Moreover, the transfer surface 14, in particular its top end 28, is not connected to the upper outlet 72. As such, does not serve as a direct extension of the upper outlet 72. Preferably, at least part of the transfer surface 14 is inclined with respect to a vertical plane, or a plane that is perpendicular to the ground on which the apparatus 50 is supported. In particular, it is preferred that at least a bottom part of the transfer surface 14 is inclined with respect to a vertical plane. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom part 15 that includes the discharge end 26 is inclined with respect to a vertical plane. In preferred embodiments, the angle of inclination between the vertical plane and the transfer surface 14, or relevant part thereof, is acute, typically being between 5° and 75°. In preferred embodiments, the angle of inclination is adjustable, as is described in more detail hereinafter with reference to Figures 12A to 12C.

Preferably, the chute 10 is aligned with the upper outlet 72 such that the outlet 72 is aligned between the side walls 20. 22. The chute 10 may be positioned such that the side walls 20. 22 are level with, or overlap with, the upper outlet 72 in the longitudinal direction.

The chute 10 may be mounted on the chassis 53 in any convenient manner. For example, each side wall 20, 22 may be provided with one or more mounting fixture 13, e.g. bracket(s), by which the side walls 20, 22, and therefore the chute 10, may be fixed to any convenient part of the chassis 53. Preferably the chute 10 is removably mounted on the chassis 53 to allow the apparatus 50 to adopt different operating mode(s) that do not require the chute 10. For example, with the chute 10 removed, a conveyor may be installed to collect material from the upper outlet 72 only (as for example illustrated in Figure 1), in which case the respective material from the outlets 72, 74 is collected separately rather than being combined.

In use, material (not shown) is discharged from the material processing apparatus 52 via the upper outlet 72, which typically comprises a chute 82, in the first direction as indicated by arrow F in Figure 6. The discharged material is deposited onto the chute 10. Since the transfer surface 14 is spaced apart from the outlet 72, the discharged material falls from the outlet 72 (more particularly from the chute 82 in the illustrated embodiment) onto the transfer surface 14 whereupon the material is guided to the feed end 63 of conveyor 62 by the chute 10. In particular, the discharged material is guided by the transfer surface 14 to the feed end 63 via the discharge end 26 of the transfer surface 14. Because the transfer surface 14 faces the outlet 72, travel of the material in the first direction F is arrested by the transfer surface 14. Moreover: in preferred embodiments, the inclination of the transfer surface 14 guides the material to the feed end 63 in a reverse direction, i.e. a direction towards the material processing unit 52. Further, the inclination of the transfer surface 14 prevents the material received by the surface 14 from falling directly downwards onto the feed end 63 which reduces the force with which the material hits the feed end 63.

The chute 10 is positioned so that at least the bottom part of the transfer surface 14 is lower than the outlet 72. The top 28 of the transfer surface 14 is preferably higher than the outlet 72, although it may alternatively be level or substantially level with the outlet 72, or lower than the outlet 72. In preferred embodiments, the transfer surface 14, or at least part of it, is not located directly beneath the upper outlet 72. This is because material that is discharged from the outlet 72 tends not to fall directly downwards when discharged; instead it tends to be projected outwards (in the direction F as shown in Figure 6) depending on the speed of operation of the material processing unit 52 and/or the angle of inclination of the processing unit 52 and/or the type of material being processed. In preferred embodiments, the chute 10 is positioned such that the transfer surface 14, or at least part of it, is spaced apart forwardly of the outlet 72 in the longitudinal direction (i.e. the direction F). However, if the spacing in the direction F is to large, then material from the outlet 72 may fall directly onto the feed end 63 without hitting the transfer surface 14, or may overshoot the feed end 63, either of which is undesirable. Therefore the spacing between the outlet 72 and the transfer surface 141s such that material (or most of it at least) discharged from the outlet 72 hits the transfer surface 14 in order that it is guided by the transfer surface 14 to the feed end 63. The preferred arrangement is such that the transfer surface 14, or at least part of it, is located in the path of material that falls from the outlet 72.

In preferred embodiments, the chute 10 is configurable to adjust the spacing between the transfer surface 14 and the outlet 72. This is illustrated in Figures 12A to 12C from which it can be seen that the base structure 16 is movable to move the transfer surface 14 towards or away from the outlet 72. The spacing may be selected depending on the speed of operation of the material processing unit 52 and/or the angle of inclination of the processing unit 52 and/or the type of material being processed.

As described above and illustrated in Figures 12A to 12C this may be achieved by pivoting movement of the base structure 16. Advantageously, pivoting movement of the base structure 16 also changes the angle of inclination of the transfer surface 14. In Figures 12A to 12C, the base structure 16 is shown in three different positions corresponding to three different angles of inclination of the transfer surface, at which at least the upper part of the surface 14 may be inclined at for example 20° from vertical (Fig. 12A). 100 from vertical (Fig. 12B) and 0° from vertical (Fig, 12C). Different embodiments may support more or fewer different angular positions, and/or different angles from those disclosed herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pivoting movement of the base structure 16 allows not only the angle of inclination of the surface 14 to be adjusted but also the distance between the transfer surface 14 and the outlets. In alternative embodiments, the chute 10 may include any other mechanism(s) and/or coupling(s) for allowing the angle of inclination of the surface 14 to be adjusted and/or the distance between the transfer surface 14 and the outlets to be adjusted (e.g. a sliding mechanism to support linear movement). Separate mechanism(s)/coupling(s) for each type of movement may be provided, or the same mechanism(s)/coupling(s) may support both types of movement, as is convenient.

In use, the angle of inclination of the surface 14 and/or the distance between the transfer surface 14 and the outlet(s) may be adjusted to suit any one or more of the speed of operation of the material processing unit 52 and/or the angle of inclination of the processing unit 52 and/or the type of material being processed. For example, for relatively sticky material, which tends to be processed by the processing unit 52 at relatively low speeds, it is preferred that the angle of inclination to vertical is relatively small, which reduces the tendency for the material to stick to the chute, and for the transfer surface to be relatively close to the outlet since the material is discharged at relatively low speeds. On the other hand, non-sticky material tends to be processed faster and it is preferable to maximize the receiving volume of the chute 10 by moving the transfer surface 14 away from the outlet (which involves increasing the angle of inclination in the preferred embodiment). Similarly, in cases where the material may comprise relatively large objects (e.g. lengths of timber), it is preferable to maximize the receiving volume of the chute 10 by moving the transfer surface 14 away from the outlet in order to reduce the chance that the objects will become jammed.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that, when the chute 10 is present, material discharged from the upper outlet 72 is guided by the chute 10 to the feed end 63 of conveyor 62. Material discharged from the lower outlet 74 is also discharged to the feed end 63 of conveyor 62 and so the respective materials from each outlet 72, 74 are combined or blended at the feed end 63, and may be discharged together from the apparatus 50 by the conveyor 62.

In typical embodiments, the feed end 63 of the conveyor 62 is located at or below the level of the lower outlet 74. The lower outlet 74 may be positioned to feed material directly into the feed end 63 or indirectly, e.g. via a chute (not shown).

In alternative embodiments, the outlets 72, 74 may be configured to provide material to a target part of the apparatus 50 other than a side conveyor. for example any discharge conveyor (e.g. a tail conveyor that extends in the longitudinal direction away from the material processing unit 52) or a conveyor that transfers material from one part of the apparatus 50 to another part of the apparatus 50 (e.g. a conveyor that extends along the chassis (e.g. under the material processing unit 52)), or any other conveyor. Alternatively still, the target part of the apparatus 50 may not be a conveyor and may instead be any other part of the apparatus 50, including any ancillary part that co-operates with the apparatus during use, that is configured to receive material from the relevant material processing unit, e.g. another material processing unit, or a chute or a receptacle. In preferred embodiments, the outlets 72. 74 are part of the same material processing unit but in alternative embodiments, they may be part of different material processing units.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A material processing apparatus comprising: at least one material processing unit having a first outlet and a second outlet; a target part arranged to receive material from said second outlet; and a chute arranged to guide material from said first outlet to said target part, wherein said chute has a transfer surface for guiding material to said target part, said transfer surface facing and being spaced apart from said first outlet, and wherein at least part of said transfer surface is inclined.
2. The material processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first outlet is arranged to discharge said material in a first direction, at least part of said transfer surface being located forwardly of said first outlet in said first direction and lower than said first outlet.
3. The material processing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least part of said transfer surface is located in a material discharge path associated with said first outlet.
4. The material processing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said transfer surface, in particular the at least part of said transfer surface that is inclined, is arranged to guide 20 material to said target part in a direction towards said at least one material processing unit.
5. The material processing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said transfer surface is provided on a movable part of said chute, said movable part being movable to move said transfer surface towards or away from said first outlet: and/or to adjust an angle of inclination of the 25 at least part of the transfer surface.
6. The material processing apparatus of claims, wherein said chute has a body, said movable part being movable with respect to said body.
7. The material processing apparatus of claim 5 or 6, wherein said movable part is pivotable, preferably about a pivot axis located at a discharge end of said transfer surface.
8. The material processing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said chute includes a respective side wall extending along a respective side of the transfer surface.
9. The material processing apparatus of claim 8. wherein at least one of said side walls is shaped to define a side opening adjacent a discharge end of said transfer surface.
10. The material processing apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said first outlet is located 40 above, preferably directly above, said second outlet.
11. The material processing apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said target part is a conveyor. preferably a feed end of a conveyor.
12. The material processing apparatus of claim 11, wherein said conveyor is arranged to convey 5 material in a lateral direcflon that is perpendicular or oblique to a longitudinal axis of said apparatus and/or to a direction in which material is discharged from said first outlet.
13. The material processing apparatus of claim 11 or 12 when dependent on claim 9, wherein said side opening is positioned over said conveyor, preferably between the feed end and discharge end 10 of the conveyor.
14. The material processing apparatus of claim 13, wherein said side opening is located at one side of said chute, and wherein the other side of the chute extends beyond the discharge end of the transfer surface to provide a barrier against spillage of material from said conveyor.
15. The material processing apparatus of any one of claims 9 to 13: wherein each of said side walls is shaped to define a side opening adjacent a discharge end of said transfer surface, and wherein at least one cover is provided to selectably close either one of said openings.
16. The material processing apparatus of any preceding claim: wherein said material processing unit comprises a material screening unit: said screening unit being configured to discharge a respective different grade of material from said first and second outlets.
17. The material processing apparatus of any preceding claim. wherein said chute is removable.
18. The material processing apparatus of claim 17, wherein said apparatus is configured to receive a removable conveyor, the removable conveyor being configured to receive, when installed, material from said first outlet.
19. The material processing apparatus of claim 8 when dependent on claim 5, wherein said movable part is movable with respect to the side walls, and is releasably fixable to the side walls by releasable fixing means at any one of a plurality of use positions.
20. The material processing apparatus of claim 19, wherein said movable part comprises a 35 removable and/or adjustable side bracket at each side of the transfer surface for releasably fixing the movable part to the side walls: and wherein at least one of said brackets is laterally adjustable with respect to the movable part.
21. The material processing apparatus of claim 5 or 6, wherein said movable part is movable linearly.
22. A chute for a material processing apparatus, the chute having a transfer surface provided on a movable part of said chute, said movable part being movable to move said transfer surface forwards and backwards, and/or to adjust an angle of inclination of the at least part of the transfer surface.
23. A chute for a material processing apparatus, the chute having a transfer surface and including a respective side wall extending along a respective side of the transfer surface, wherein at least one of said side walls is shaped to define a side opening adjacent a discharge end of said transfer surface.