EP3647041B1 - Device for compacting waste - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for compacting waste making it possible to form easily transportable bales thereof.

One field of application envisaged is in particular, but not exclusively, that of compacting plastic waste, in particular incorporating plastic films that are difficult to compress.

Known waste compacting devices comprise a substantially cylindrical reception space open on the top allowing the waste to be loaded precisely. Also, these compacting devices comprise a column which is adapted to be carried vertically in the center of the receiving space and a compacting roller extending substantially horizontally, which compacting roller is connected to the column via a return block. Thus, as the waste is loaded from above into the reception space, the roller being both driven in rotation around the axis of the vertical column and also in rotation on itself, it compacts the waste as it is loaded in successive layers, under the effect of the roller's own weight.

Such waste compacting devices thus make it easy to obtain cylindrical bales of cardboard-based waste. On the other hand, with regard to plastic materials, they are more difficult to compact and when they are in the form of a film, they tend to wrap around the column and to accumulate on the return block between the roller and the column. Such an accumulation of plastic waste causes jams requiring human intervention.

Also, it was imagined, on the one hand to install inside the compacting roller, on the side of its end connected to the return block, a toothed crown provided with teeth oriented towards the center, and on the other hand to provide a passage slot for the ring gear in a portion of the transmission block. In this way, we just shear the plastic waste which comes to agglomerate between the roller and the return block. You can refer to the document FR 2 823 695 , which describes in accordance with the preamble of claim 1, such an arrangement.

Despite the implementation of such cutting means, the film-forming plastic waste converges and agglomerates between the vertical column and the compacting roller on the return block as the roller and the block rotate.

Also, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to solve is to provide a more efficient compacting device which makes it possible to avoid jams during the compacting of plastic waste.

With the aim of solving this problem, there is proposed a waste compacting device adapted to be mounted mobile in a reception space, said compacting device comprising: a column adapted to be carried substantially vertically in the center of said reception space; a return block rotatably mounted on said column, said return block being mounted in the extension of said column; a compacting roller having one end rotatably mounted on said return block, said compacting roller extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said column; drive members to be able to simultaneously drive said return block in rotation with respect to said column and said compacting roller in rotation with respect to said return block; and, cutting means installed between said column and said compacting roller for cutting said waste surrounding said column. Said cutting means comprise a shearing member mounted on said column and a shearing counter-member mounted on said return block adapted to cross said shearing member on each turn of said return block.

Thus, a characteristic of the invention lies in the implementation of shearing members on the column, which itself remains fixed, and shearing counter-members on the return block which is driven in rotation on itself. same. At each turn of the return block, the shearing member and the counter-shearing member cooperate with each other so that the plastic materials which agglomerate on the return block and in particular on the counter-member shearing are then sheared before they can agglomerate. As a result, this plastic waste is immediately drawn under the roller which then comes to compact them by forming the ball. The column disclosed according to the aforementioned prior art is well equipped with knives, but these do not come across any counter-shearing member which would be installed on the return block.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said shearing counter-member is mounted in line with said compacting roller. In other words, the counter-shearing member is mounted on the deflection block, in the same angular position as the compacting roller or even opposite it. In this way, since it is between the compacting roller and the column, and more precisely on the return block, that the plastic waste naturally comes to agglomerate, the cutting means fully play their role and are then more effective at this level.

According to the invention, said shearing counter-member has a groove, while said shearing member comprises a finger capable of extending inside said groove. Thus, as will be explained in more detail later in the description, the counter-shearing member comprises a shoe installed in a fixed position on the return block and the groove is provided in said shoe. Preferably, said groove extends in an arc. The center of the arc is then a point located substantially on the axis of rotation of the deflection block. In this way, the finger of the shearing member, which is in a fixed position with respect to the axis of rotation of the return block, extends into the arcuate groove, without coming into contact with the sides of the groove, during the movement of the shearing counter-member. In other words, if the reference frames are permuted, the finger describes an arc of a circle with respect to the shoe in the arcuate groove. Thus, from the moment the finger enters the end of the groove, it then causes the shearing of the plastic waste which has accumulated precisely on the hoof.

Moreover, and according to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said shearing counter-member has a substantially triangular prismatic free end, while said shearing member has a notch to receive said free end. Thus, conversely, the shearing member has a notch in which the triangular prismatic free end of the shearing counter-member engages. each turn of the return block. In this way, the plastic waste which also aggregates on the end of the counter-shearing member is also sheared to fight against their aggregation on the counter-shearing member.

Also, and according to a preferred embodiment, said substantially triangular prismatic free end extends overhanging said compacting roller. In this way, we limit the aggregation of plastic waste between the roller and the return block as will be explained in more detail in the following description.

Preferably, said substantially triangular prismatic free end and said groove have a common first flank. Thus, the prismatic free end and the groove are contiguous so as to make the shearing of the plastic waste coming together on the shearing counter-member more efficient. Also, said finger and said indentation have a common second flank. In this way, the finger and the notch cooperate respectively with the groove and the prismatic free end. Furthermore, said shearing member advantageously has a sharp free edge extending along said column. Thus, the sharp free edge extends substantially vertically above the finger and it allows a first cut of the longitudinal plastic waste carried around the column by the return block. Preferably, said sharp free edge has a plurality of teeth. Thanks to the teeth, which are anchored in the plastic waste in the form of films in particular, these do not slip along the sharp edge, and they are then more easily cut.

• la Figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective de dessus d'un dispositif de compactage conforme à l'invention ;
• la Figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un élément du dispositif de compactage illustré sur la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 3 est une vue schématique de détail en perspective d'un élément représenté sur la Figure 2 ; et,
• la Figure 4 est une vue schématique en perspective de détail d'éléments représentés sur la Figure 2 et incluant celui illustré sur la Figure 3.

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of indication but not limitation, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view from above of a compacting device according to the invention;
• the Figure 2 is a schematic view in axial section of an element of the compacting device illustrated in the Figure 1 ;
• the Figure 3 is a schematic detail view in perspective of an element represented on the Figure 2 ; and,
• the Figure 4 is a schematic detail perspective view of the elements represented on the Figure 2 and including the one illustrated on the Figure 3 .

The Figure 1 shows a compacting device 10 according to the invention. It comprises a first part forming a bracket 12 and a second receiving part 14 intended to be engaged under the first part forming a bracket 12. Thus, the latter comprises a U-section 16 held in a vertical position on a floor wall 15, thanks to a base 18 having two beams 20, 22 separated from each other. The two beams 20, 22 delimit on the floor wall 15 a receiving surface 25. Also, the compacting device 10 comprises an upper part 27 which extends overhanging the receiving surface 25. Thus, the upper part 27 and the reception surface 25 vertically delimit a reception space 29. In addition, the upper part 27 comprises a cylindrical jacket with a circular base 31 and delimiting an upper opening 32 and an opposite lower opening 34.

The U-section 16 is adapted to form a slide. Also, the compacting device 10 comprises an arm 24 having a first end 26 slidably mounted in the upper part of the U-section 16 and a second opposite end 28. The first end 26 of the arm is equipped with motor means, not shown, allowing cooperate with a rack housed inside the U-section 16 to be able to drive the arm 24 in translation in a vertical direction.

The arm 24 extends overhanging the upper part 27 of the compacting device 10 and at its second end 28 is installed a column 30. The column 30 is held vertically substantially coaxially inside the cylindrical jacket 31.

The column 30 has an upper column end 36 accommodating here a hydraulic motor 38, and a lower end 40 accommodating a return block 42. And the return block 42 laterally receives a compacting roller 44. The compacting roller 44 comprises protruding from its cylindrical surface protrusions 47 in diamond or arrow points, making it possible to come into engagement in plastic waste to be able to transport it better. In addition, the return block 42 and the column 30 receive cutting means 46 which will be described in detail with reference to the Figure 2 .

The Figure 2 illustrates in axial section the column 30, the return block 42 which extends it and the roller 44 connected to the return block 42, via one of its ends 43. It will be observed that the compacting roller 44 has a connecting end 43 and opposite a free end 47. In addition, the compacting roller 44 has in line with its connecting end 43 a free edge 49. Also, are shown in this Figure and functionally, the arm 24 mounted movable in vertical translation in the U-section 16.

Thus, the return block 42 is mounted for rotation on itself at the lower end 40 of the column 30, and around a vertical axis Z coaxial precisely with the column 30. Also, to do this, the block of return 42 is equipped with an upper bearing 41 inside which the lower end 40 of the column 30 is mounted free in rotation but in addition, which allows the return block 42 to be suspended from the column 30 by means not represented here.

The column 30 is hollow and it has in its center a transmission shaft 45 extending from the hydraulic motor 38 into the transmission block 42. At its free end, the transmission shaft 45 comprises a first bevel wheel 48 which engages a second bevel wheel 50 perpendicular. This second bevel wheel 50 is linked in rotation to a countershaft 52. The countershaft 52 is mounted free in rotation relative to the counterblock 42. In addition, the countershaft 52 extends in a direction perpendicular to the transmission shaft 45. Also, the countershaft has a rear end 54 mounted in free rotation in a rear bearing 56 secured to the block 42. The countershaft 52 has a front end 58 connected in rotation and in translation to the roller 44. The countershaft 52 has an intermediate portion 60 mounted freely in rotation in a front bearing 62 secured to the transmission block 42.

In addition, the rear end 54 of the countershaft 52 is equipped with a third bevel wheel 64 housed in the block 42. And this third bevel wheel 64 meshes with a fourth bevel wheel 66 located inside the return block 42, which fourth bevel wheel 66 is perpendicular to third bevel wheel 64, and it is integral with column 30. Consequently, transmission shaft 45 freely passes through fourth bevel wheel 66 which is mounted coaxially to the column 30.

In this way, and from a kinematic point of view, it is understood that the rotational drive of the only transmission shaft 45 via the hydraulic motor 38, will allow both to drive the roller 44 around the axis X thereof common with the countershaft 52, and to rotate the block 42 on itself around the vertical axis Z. Indeed, if in top view the shaft transmission 45 is driven in the counterclockwise direction, thanks to the first bevel wheel 48 meshing with the second bevel wheel 50, both the rotational movement of the return block 42 is caused in the same counterclockwise direction around the vertical axis Z and the rotation of the compacting roller 44 counterclockwise, seen from the return block 42, thanks to the meshing of the third bevel wheel 64 with the fourth bevel wheel 66.

Also, we find on this Figure 2 the cutting means 46 which will be described in detail. The return block 42 defines an upper shoulder 68 on which is installed a shoe 70 in line with the compacting roller 44 and its return shaft 52. Thus, the shoe 70 is integral with the return block 42 and it is free with respect to to the column 30. The shoe 70 has a U-shaped groove 72, extending in an arc and a triangular prismatic free end 74 bordering it. It will be observed that the free end 74 extends overhanging the free edge 49 of the compacting roller 44. Thanks to these characteristics, the intrusion of plastic waste between the compacting roller 44 and the return block 42 is limited. The shoe 70 thus forms a shearing counter-member as will be explained below.

In addition, on the column 30 is installed a shearing member 76 comprising a finger 78 adapted to extend into the U-shaped groove 72 and a cutting blade 80 surmounting the finger 78. It will be observed that the dimensions of the finger 78 are equal, to the nearest functional clearance, to the cross section of the U-shaped groove 72. The shearing member 76 comprises a fixing edge 82 connected radially to the column 30. It comprises on the opposite side a cutting edge 84. In addition , the shearing member 76 has a V-shaped notch 86 inside which the prismatic free end 74 of the shoe 70 is adapted to extend. It will also be observed that the cross section of the prismatic free end 74 has a shape and dimensions equivalent to those of the V-notch 86, except for functional play.

We will now refer to the Figure 3 showing in more detail the shoe 70 and in particular its upper part having the U-shaped groove 72 extending in an arc and the triangular prismatic free end 74. It will be observed that the free end 74 also extends in an arc following the groove in U 72 that it borders. Also, the curvature of the U-shaped groove 72 has a center C located in the vicinity of the Z axis corresponding to the axis of symmetry of the column 30.

The U-shaped groove 72 defines a first straight flank 88 which joins an edge 90 which is extended by an oblique flank 92 of the prismatic free end 74. Also, the U-shaped groove 72 has an inlet 94 and an opposite outlet 96, given the directions of rotation defined with regard to the Figure 2 . Also, input 94 and opposite output 96 are swapped when the direction of rotation is reversed. Entrance 94 defines two opposite edges and a bottom edge allowing shearing as will be explained below. Moreover, the oblique flank 92 defines an oblique edge.

We will now refer to the Figure 4 , on which we find the shoe 70, but also the shearing member 76 secured to the column 30 and whose finger 78 is engaged inside the U-shaped groove 72. We also find in this Figure the compacting roller 44 and its free edge 49 which the prismatic free end 74 overhangs. the V-notch 86 of the shearing member 76 in which the prismatic free end 74 extends.

Given the arcuate shape of the U-shaped groove 72, and the prismatic free end 74, it is understood that the movement of the shoe 70 in rotation around the Z axis of the column 30 allows the finger 78 to sweep the U-shaped groove 92 from the inlet 94 to the outlet 96 by describing an arc and remaining at a distance but in the vicinity of the two opposite sides and the bottom of the groove 72. It is the same for the prismatic free end triangular 74 opposite the V-notch 86.

We also find on this Figure 4 the cutting edge 84 of the shearing member 76 in which teeth 98 are cut.

In this way, and thanks to the arrangement of the shearing member 76 and the shoe 70 on the return block 42, when the longitudinal plastic waste and generally in the form of a film, come to accumulate between the compacting roller 44 and the column 30 and they come to rest on the shoe 70, with each turn of the return block 42, this plastic waste is sheared and shredded by the double cooperation of the finger 78 and the U-shaped groove 72; and the triangular prismatic free end 74 and the notch 86. In addition, and thanks to the cutting edge 84 provided with teeth 98, the plastic waste is anchored at one of their ends on the shearing member 76 while the other end is driven by the compacting roller 44. In this way, the plastic waste is extended and comes to rest more easily against the shoe 70 and thus undergo shearing.

Also, it will be observed that, when the plastic waste comes to accumulate at the entrance of the groove 94, when the finger 78 of the shearing member 76 enters the U-shaped groove 72, it shears part of this plastic waste. accumulated. The other part is then stretched as the finger 78 travels through the U-shaped groove 72 to finally shred it.

We will now return to the Figure 1 on which we find the first part 12 and the second receiving part 14 of the compacting device 10 according to the invention.

Thus, the receiving device 14 has a rolling pallet 100 intended to receive a receiving plastic bag held by a support hoop 102. The rolling pallet 100 also supports a protective casing 104 capable of surrounding the aforementioned plastic bag. In this way, the rolling pallet 100 is driven in translation on the receiving surface 25 so as to come in line with the cylindrical sleeve 31, the protective casing 104 then closing the receiving space 29.

In this way, the plastic waste is introduced from the top through the opening 32 so that they can first move into the bottom of the plastic bag resting on the rolling pallet 100, while the arm 24 is lowered to its minimum so that the compacting roller 44 can compact the plastic waste as it is introduced through the opening 32. The direction of rotation of the return block 42 and consequently of the compacting roller 44 is regularly reversed after a certain number of turns of the return block 42. And at each turn of the return block 42, the shoe 70 forming the shearing counter-member, comes to cross the shearing member 76, and thereby shears the aggregated plastic waste between the compacting roller 44 and the column 30.

Claims (9)

1. A waste compacting device (10) adapted to be movably mounted in a receiving space (25), said compacting device comprising:

   - a column (30) adapted to be carried substantially vertically in the centre of said receiving space (25);

   - a return block (42) rotatably mounted on said column (30), said return block (42) being mounted in the extension of said column (30);

   - a compacting roller (44) having an end (43) which is rotatably mounted on said return block (42), said compacting roller (44) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said column (30);

   - drive members (45, 48, 50, 52, 64, 66) to be able to simultaneously drive said return block (42) in rotation relative to said column (30) and said compacting roller (44) in rotation relative to said return block (42); and,

   - cutting means (70, 76) installed between said column (30) and said compacting roller (44) to cut said waste surrounding said column (30);

   said cutting means comprising a shearing member (76) mounted on said column (30) and a shearing counter-member (70) mounted on said return block (42) adapted to intersect said shearing member (76) on each turn of said return block (42);

   characterised in that said shearing counter-member (70) has a groove (72), while said shearing member (76) comprises a finger (78) capable of extending inside said groove (72).
2. The compacting device according to claim 1, characterised in that said shearing counter-member (70) is mounted in line with said compacting roller (44).
3. The compacting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said groove (72) extends arcuately.
4. The compacting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said shearing counter-member (70) has a substantially triangular prismatic free end (74), while said shearing member (76) has a notch (86) for receiving said free end (74).
5. The compacting device according to claim 4, characterised in that said substantially triangular prismatic free end (74) extends overlooking said compacting roller (44).
6. The compacting device according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that said substantially triangular prismatic free end (74) and said groove (72) have a first common flank.
7. The compacting device according to claim 6, characterised in that said finger (78) and said notch (86) have a second common flank.
8. The compacting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said shearing member (76) has a sharp free edge (84) extending along said column (30).
9. The compacting device according to claim 8, characterised in that said sharp free edge (84) has a plurality of teeth (98).

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