Patent Description:
The invention is applied in the field of fragmentation, or crushing, of incoherent inert material by means of crushing mills, advantageously of the reversible type.

It is known to treat incoherent material, for recycling purposes, using suitable machines equipped with rotating apparatuses.

An example of such processes is the crushing, or fragmentation, of incoherent inert material carried out using crushing mills <NUM> of the reversible type (<FIG>).

Normally, the incoherent material to be crushed is fed to a crusher mill by a feed unit <NUM>.

The feed unit <NUM> generally comprises a loading hopper with which a conveyor is associated for the metered transfer of the material to be crushed to a tubular conveyor <NUM>, known in the sector as the "loading mouth".

The tubular conveyor <NUM> is formed by a plurality of fixed walls <NUM> and has an inlet end <NUM>, communicating with the motorized conveyor, and an outlet end <NUM> from which the material to be crushed exits.

The crushing mill <NUM> comprises an external structure <NUM> which defines a crushing chamber <NUM> having an aperture <NUM> for the introduction of the material positioned in its upper portion and communicating with the outlet end <NUM> of the tubular conveyor <NUM>. Moreover, a crushing rotor <NUM> is rotatably mounted inside the crushing chamber <NUM> and has, on its periphery, a plurality of radially projecting hammers <NUM>.

The hammers <NUM> receive the material to be crushed as it falls, and throw it against the walls of the crushing chamber, which is lined internally by shaped elements <NUM> having a profile protruding toward the inside of the crushing chamber <NUM>.

In order to exploit the entire surface of the internal walls of the crushing chamber <NUM>, it is known that the crushing rotor <NUM> can first rotate in a clockwise direction and, after one work cycle, also in a counterclockwise direction, or vice versa. Therefore, the introduction aperture <NUM> of the crushing chamber <NUM> is advantageously centered with respect to the axis of rotation N of the rotor.

This known solution, although appreciated, has some disadvantages in that the material to be crushed introduced centrally with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor (<FIG>) also impacts on the upper portion of the hammers, causing abnormal, early and unpredictable wear of the hammers themselves and of the surfaces of the shaped elements of the crushing chamber.

Furthermore, this known solution causes the introduction of an excessive amount of material inside the crushing chamber, with the consequent increase in the demand for electric energy for the rotation of the crushing rotor. In addition, the excessive introduction of material hinders the correct functioning of the hammers, which are unable to throw all the material introduced against the walls of the crushing chamber. This means that a substantial portion of the material introduced is not crushed when it exits the crushing mill.

It also derives from this that the overall productivity of the crushing mill is not uniform and is unpredictable over time.

Document <CIT> is also known, which describes a crushing mill having an inlet aperture located laterally with respect to the axis of rotation and downstream of which mobile lamellar bodies are disposed to allow to vary the quantity of material entering into the mill only as a function the type of material to be introduced.

Document <CIT>is also known, which describes a crushing mill having an inlet aperture with which a rotating device is associated with the function of introducing the material into the mill in small discontinuous batches and accelerating it to increase the energy of the impact with the hammers. This solution increases the energy of the impact of the material and the hammers without reducing their wear.

Finally, document <CIT> is also known, which describes a crushing mill having an inlet aperture with which a rotating device is associated with the function of disposing the material to be crushed in a prechamber having a chute on which the material to be crushed slides until it reaches the hammers. This solution is used to obtain a continuous feed of the material to be crushed toward the hammers and to eliminate the risk of the crushed material coming out. However, this solution does not reduce the wear on the hammers. There is therefore a need to perfect a device and method for introducing incoherent material into a machine for treating incoherent material, which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to allow to introduce incoherent material into a machine in order to reduce wear on the hammers and on the internal lining of the crushing chamber.

Another purpose of the present invention is to increase the hourly productivity of the machine and make it more constant over time.

Another purpose of the present invention is to reduce the quantity of electric energy necessary to power the machine itself.

In accordance with the above purposes, a device according to the present invention, for introducing incoherent material into a machine for processing incoherent material, comprises an external body which defines inside it a passage channel configured to be passed through by an incoherent material and having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the device also comprises deviation means mobile with respect to the external body, associated with the latter and configured to selectively modify the cross-section of the outlet aperture.

Doing so achieves the advantage of being able to selectively direct the material to be crushed toward different and desired zones of the crushing chamber.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the deviation means are configured to assume a first inactive configuration, in which the cross-section of the outlet aperture is maximum, and its center is disposed in a central position; and at least a first operating configuration in which the center of the cross-section of the outlet aperture is disposed laterally with respect to the central position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the external body comprises a plurality of fixed walls and the deviation means comprise at least a first mobile wall pivoted at one end thereof to the external body in order to rotate about a first axis, and at least a second mobile wall, opposite the first mobile wall, and pivoted at one end thereof to the external body in order to rotate about a second axis.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first mobile wall has a free end which defines a first side of the perimeter of the cross-section of the outlet aperture, and the second mobile wall has a free end which defines a second side of the perimeter of the cross-section of the outlet aperture.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first mobile wall is configured to selectively assume a first inactive position in which it is aligned with at least one of the fixed walls, and a second work position in which it is inclined toward the inside of the external body; in turn, the second mobile wall is configured to selectively assume a first inactive position in which it is aligned with at least one other of the fixed walls, and a second work position in which it is inclined toward the inside of the external body.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the deviation means can assume both a first operating configuration in which the first mobile wall is in the second work position and the second mobile wall is in the first inactive position, and also a second operating configuration in which the first mobile wall is in the first inactive position and the second mobile wall is in the second work position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a unit for processing incoherent material comprises a machine for processing incoherent material with which a device according to the present invention is operatively associated.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the machine comprises an external structure having an introduction aperture, and a crushing rotor is disposed inside the external structure in order to rotate with respect to the latter about an axis of rotation, and the outlet aperture of the device is disposed aligned and communicating with the introduction aperture.

Preferably, the outlet aperture of the device is overlapping with the axis of rotation in a vertical direction. In particular, the outlet aperture of the device is vertically aligned with the axis of rotation.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for introducing incoherent material into a machine for processing incoherent material comprises the following steps:.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the method also comprises the following steps:.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, in the introduction step, the material is directed by means of a device comprising an external body which defines inside it a passage channel for the material and which has an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture which is communicating with the crushing chamber, the device also comprising deviation means mobile with respect to the external body, associated with the latter and configured to selectively modify the cross-section of the outlet aperture in order to direct the material exiting from the latter mainly toward the zone of the crushing chamber in which the crushing rotor completes a semi-circumference in an upward direction.

These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:.

With reference to <FIG>, a device <NUM> for introducing incoherent material into a machine for processing incoherent material, according to the present invention, is suitable to be associated with a machine <NUM> for processing incoherent material.

The incoherent material M can be stone, bricks, cement and more, and the processing referred to provides to crush the material M in order to reduce its granulometry, for example for recycling purposes.

In general terms, the machine <NUM> comprises a fixed and box-shaped external structure <NUM> having a plurality of walls <NUM> which define between them a crushing chamber <NUM>.

The crushing chamber <NUM> comprises inside it a lining <NUM> consisting of a plurality of impact elements <NUM> which are configured to receive the material M to be crushed.

The impact elements <NUM> are conventionally disposed adjacent to each other in order to form a wall, or "armor", having a profile defined by a portion of the external surface of each impact element <NUM>.

In the upper portion of the external structure <NUM> there is disposed an introduction aperture <NUM>, and in correspondence therewith there are disposed two conveying plates <NUM> converging toward the inside of the crushing chamber <NUM>.

A crushing rotor <NUM> is mounted inside the crushing chamber <NUM> in a manner rotatable with respect to the external structure <NUM> about an axis of rotation X, advantageously horizontal. The crushing rotor <NUM> can be selectively made to rotate, by means of a first electric motor <NUM> commanded by a central management unit <NUM>, for example of the programmable type.

The crushing rotor <NUM> comprises a central body <NUM> connected to the first electric motor <NUM>, directly or by means of mechanical transmission means of a known type, and one or more launching elements <NUM>, or hammers, each having a lateral impact surface 115a, are disposed on its periphery and projecting in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation X.

The launching elements <NUM> are configured to collide, with their lateral impact surface 115a, against the material M introduced into the crushing chamber <NUM> in order to launch it against the internal lining <NUM> thereof. The impact of the material M against the internal lining <NUM> of the crushing chamber <NUM> is such as to crush it and, consequently, reduce its granulometry.

The distance between the launching elements <NUM> and the lining <NUM> of the crushing chamber <NUM> is chosen as a function of the type of incoherent material M fed, and/or according to the characteristics of the finished product to be obtained.

The introduction aperture <NUM> is centered with respect to the axis of rotation X, that is, a vertical plane P comprising the axis of rotation X is passing through the center of the introduction aperture <NUM>.

Feed means <NUM> of any known type whatsoever, not described in detail, are configured to transfer the material M to be crushed toward the machine <NUM>; the feed means <NUM> can comprise, for example, a belt or slat conveyor, a bucket conveyor or a mobile bed conveyor, or a vibrating channel.

In the example described here, the device <NUM> of the present invention is located downstream of the feed means <NUM> and upstream of the introduction aperture <NUM> of the crushing chamber <NUM>, and it is configured to introduce into the latter the material M to be crushed that is transferred by the feed means <NUM>.

The device <NUM> comprises an external body <NUM> with a box-like or tubular shape, consisting of a plurality of fixed walls <NUM> and having an inlet aperture <NUM> and an outlet aperture <NUM> for the material M.

In particular, the external body <NUM> defines inside it a passage channel <NUM> configured to be passed through by the material M to be crushed.

During use, the device <NUM> is disposed on the external structure <NUM> of the machine <NUM> so as to align and put in communication its outlet aperture <NUM> with the introduction aperture <NUM> of the crushing chamber <NUM>.

In this way, the outlet aperture <NUM> is overlapping with the axis of rotation X in the vertical direction. In particular, the outlet aperture <NUM> is vertically aligned with the axis of rotation X.

In the example provided here, the passage channel <NUM> has a first segment <NUM> disposed in such a way as to facilitate the collection of the material M transferred by the feed means <NUM>, and a second segment <NUM>, angled with respect to the first segment <NUM>, disposed substantially vertically in order to facilitate the fall of the material M into the crushing chamber <NUM>.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the device <NUM> comprises deviation means <NUM>, mobile with respect to the external body <NUM> and associated with the latter, which are configured to selectively modify the cross-section S of the outlet aperture <NUM>.

In particular, the deviation means <NUM> are configured to assume at least a first inactive configuration (<FIG> and <FIG>) in which the cross-section S of the outlet aperture <NUM> is maximum and its center C is disposed in a central position, and at least a first operating configuration (<FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG>) in which the center C of the cross-section S of the outlet aperture <NUM> is disposed laterally with respect to the central position.

Preferably, in the inactive position, the center C of the cross-section S of the outlet aperture <NUM> lies on a vertical plane also containing the axis of rotation X. For example, in this case the center C lies on the plane P.

This allows to direct the material M introduced into the crushing chamber <NUM> as a function of the position assumed by the deviation means <NUM>, as will be explained in detail below.

In the example provided here, the mobile deviation means <NUM> comprise a first mobile wall <NUM> and a second mobile wall <NUM>, both rectangular in shape, and which in cooperation with the fixed walls <NUM> delimit the passage channel <NUM> (<FIG>).

The first mobile wall <NUM> is disposed in a position opposite to and facing the second mobile wall <NUM> with respect to the plane P.

The first mobile wall <NUM> is pivoted at one end <NUM> thereof to the support body <NUM> in order to selectively rotate about a first axis Y from a first inactive position, in which it is aligned with the adjacent fixed walls <NUM>, to a second work position, in which it is inclined toward the inside of the external body <NUM> (<FIG>). The rotation of the first mobile wall <NUM> is commanded by a first actuator <NUM> (<FIG>), for example a hydraulic piston, which is commanded by a control unit <NUM>, for example of the programmable type and configured to communicate with the central management unit <NUM>.

Similarly, the second mobile wall <NUM> is pivoted at one end <NUM> thereof to the support body <NUM> in order to selectively rotate about a second axis Z from a first inactive position (<FIG>), in which it is aligned with the adjacent fixed walls <NUM>, to a second work position, in which it is inclined toward the inside of the external body <NUM> (<FIG>). The rotation of the second mobile wall <NUM> is commanded by a second actuator <NUM> (<FIG>), for example a hydraulic piston, which is also commanded by the control unit <NUM>.

In the first inactive configuration of the deviation means <NUM>, both the mobile walls <NUM>, <NUM> are in the inactive position (<FIG> and <FIG>).

In the first operating configuration of the deviation means <NUM>, the first mobile wall <NUM> is in the work position and the second mobile wall <NUM> is in the inactive position (<FIG> and <FIG>). On the other hand, in the second operating configuration of the deviation means <NUM>, the first mobile wall <NUM> is in the inactive position and the second mobile wall <NUM> is in the work position (<FIG> and <FIG>).

The first mobile wall <NUM> has a free end <NUM> which defines a first side L1 of the perimeter L of the cross-section S, and the second mobile wall <NUM> also has a free end <NUM> which defines a second side L2 of the perimeter L of the cross-section S (figs. from <NUM> to <NUM>).

The other two sides of the perimeter L are defined by two fixed walls <NUM> disposed orthogonal with respect to the first mobile wall <NUM> and to the second mobile wall <NUM>.

In the inactive configuration as above, the first mobile wall <NUM> is disposed vertically and its free end <NUM> is in correspondence with one side of the introduction aperture <NUM>. Furthermore, the second mobile wall <NUM> is disposed inclined with respect to the first mobile wall <NUM> and its free end <NUM> is in correspondence with a second side of the introduction aperture <NUM>.

Instead, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, which show the device <NUM> in the first operating configuration, the first mobile wall <NUM> is inclined toward the inside of the external body <NUM> and the first side L1 is displaced laterally (toward the right in <FIG>) with respect to the previous inactive configuration. Therefore, a greater portion of the cross-section S is disposed to the right with respect to the plane P, and a smaller portion of the cross-section S is disposed to the left with respect to the plane P. It follows that the center C of the cross-section S will be disposed to the right with respect to the plane P.

This allows to introduce the material M to be crushed into the crushing chamber <NUM> directing it mainly toward the right portion of the crushing rotor <NUM>, in such a way that it optimally impacts the lateral impact surfaces 115a of the launching elements <NUM>, limiting their wear. In fact, as can be seen in <FIG>, in this operating configuration, the crushing rotor <NUM> rotates in a counterclockwise direction so that the material M optimally impacts the lateral impact surfaces 115a of the launching elements <NUM> which complete a semi-circumference in an upward direction.

In addition, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, which show the device <NUM> in the second operating configuration, the first mobile wall <NUM> is in the inactive position and the second mobile wall <NUM> is inclined toward the inside of the external body <NUM>, so that the second side L2 is displaced laterally (to the left in <FIG>) with respect to the previous inactive configuration. Therefore, a larger portion of the cross-section S is disposed to the left with respect to the plane P and a smaller portion of the cross-section S is disposed to the right with respect to the plane P. It follows that the center C of the cross-section S will be disposed to the left with respect to the plane P.

Therefore, in this configuration, the material M is introduced mainly toward the left portion of the crushing rotor <NUM> which, in this operating configuration, rotates in a clockwise direction, so that, also in this case, the material M optimally impacts the lateral impact surfaces 115a of the launching elements <NUM> which complete a semi-circumference in an upward direction.

This allows to reduce the wear of the launching elements <NUM> and to optimize the quantity of material M to be crushed that is introduced into the machine, reducing the energy required for its operation and the quantity of material that is not crushed.

A person of skill in the art will easily understand that the shape and disposition of the first mobile wall <NUM> and of the second mobile wall <NUM> can vary with respect to the example provided here, without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, both mobile walls <NUM>, <NUM>, in the inactive position, can be disposed vertically, or inclined with respect to each other, and their shape can be different from the rectangular one, for example they can be curved or shaped so as to define any desired lateral profile.

It should also be noted that the device <NUM> of the present invention allows to introduce the material M into the crushing chamber <NUM> in a substantially continuous manner.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a unit <NUM> for processing incoherent material comprises any machine <NUM> whatsoever for processing incoherent material, even of a type known per se, with which there is operatively associated a device <NUM> according to the present invention.

The operation of the unit <NUM> for processing incoherent material, which corresponds to a method for introducing incoherent material into a machine in accordance with the present invention, is as follows.

The central management unit <NUM> drives the feed means <NUM> so that the material M to be crushed is transported toward the device <NUM> which is associated with the machine <NUM> (<FIG>) and is in the inactive configuration.

Preferably, the feed of the material M to be crushed toward the device <NUM>, and therefore into the crushing chamber <NUM>, is substantially continuous.

The central management unit <NUM> also drives the first electric motor <NUM>, causing the rotation of the crushing rotor <NUM>, and it communicates the direction of the rotation of the crushing rotor <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>.

Based on the direction of the rotation of the crushing rotor <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> drives the first actuator <NUM> or the second actuator <NUM> in order to take the deviation means <NUM> into their first operating configuration or into their second operating configuration.

In particular, the control unit <NUM> will take the deviation means <NUM> into the operating configuration whereby the material M introduced into the crushing chamber <NUM> is directed mainly toward the zone of the latter in which the launching elements <NUM> of the crushing rotor <NUM> complete a semi-circumference in an upward direction.

For example, with reference to <FIG>, the central management unit <NUM> drives the first electric motor <NUM> causing the rotation of the crushing rotor <NUM> in an anti-clockwise direction, and communicates it to the control unit <NUM> which drives the first actuator <NUM> in order to take the deviation means <NUM> into the first operating configuration.

Subsequently, with reference to <FIG>, the central management unit <NUM> commands the first electric motor <NUM> to slow down and reverse the direction of rotation, causing the crushing rotor <NUM> to rotate in a clockwise direction. This inversion of the direction of rotation of the crushing rotor <NUM> is communicated to the control unit <NUM> which will drive the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> in order to take the deviation means <NUM> into the second operating configuration.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or steps may be made to the device <NUM> and to the method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

Claim 1:
Device (<NUM>) for introducing incoherent material into a machine for processing incoherent material, said device (<NUM>) comprising an external body (<NUM>) which defines inside it a passage channel (<NUM>) configured to be passed through by an incoherent material (M) and having an inlet aperture (<NUM>) and an outlet aperture (<NUM>), said device (<NUM>) also comprising deviation means (<NUM>) mobile with respect to said external body (<NUM>), which are associated with the latter and are configured to selectively modify the cross-section (S) of said outlet aperture (<NUM>), said deviation means (<NUM>) comprise both a first mobile wall (<NUM>) pivoted at one end (<NUM>) thereof to said external body (<NUM>) in order to rotate about a first axis (Y), and also a second mobile wall (<NUM>), opposite said first mobile wall (<NUM>), and pivoted at one end (<NUM>) thereof to said external body (<NUM>) in order to rotate about a second axis (Z), characterized in that said external body (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of fixed walls (<NUM>), and said deviation means (<NUM>) have a first operating configuration in which said first mobile wall (<NUM>) is in a work position inclined toward the inside of said external body (<NUM>) and the second mobile wall (<NUM>) is in an inactive position aligned with adjacent fixed walls (<NUM>), and a second operating configuration in which said first mobile wall (<NUM>) is in an inactive position aligned with adjacent fixed walls (<NUM>) and the second mobile wall (<NUM>) is in a work position inclined toward the inside of said external body (<NUM>).