WO2009090300A1

WO2009090300A1 - Feed hatch mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2009090300A1
Application number: PCT/FI2009/050010
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harry Metzger
Original assignee: Maricap Oy
Current assignee: Maricap Oy
Priority date: 2008-01-16
Filing date: 2009-01-08
Publication date: 2009-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 2010-07-16
Also published as: TW200946424A; AR070181A1; FI20086086A0; FI20086086A7; FI120677B; FI20085038A0; FI121373B; FI20085038A7

Abstract

A feed hatch mechanism for feeding material, which comprises a hatch (2) rotatably arranged in a support structure and a material feed space (V) functionally joined to the hatch which in a first position i.e. an open position of the hatch is tillable with material and which in a second position i.e. a closed position or when rotating the hatch to the second position is arranged to empty. The material feed space (V) is formed of a tubular part (6) which is arranged rotatably around a pivot shaft (8) arranged in the hatch (2) and a bottom part (7) arranged in the hatch (2), the tubular part (6) is arranged to move in relation to the bottom part (7) between at least two positions, a first position in which the tubular part is on top of the bottom part so that the bottom part (7) closes an outlet opening (20) of the material feed space (V) in the tubular part (6) in the first position of the hatch (2), and a second position in which the tubular part (6) has moved away from top of the bottom part whereby the outlet opening (20) of the material feed space is open, and the mechanism comprises a binding part (10) which functionally joins the tubular part (6) in the pivoting motion of the hatch (2) between the first and the second position.

Description

FEED HATCH MECHANISM

Background of invention

The invention relates to a feed hatch mechanism according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention relates generally to hatch mechanisms and particularly to hatch mechanisms of a material feed opening. The invention relates particularly to feed hatch mechanisms in which the purpose is to limit material feed from the feed opening to specific maximum volume at a time. In feed hatch mechanisms, the invention particularly relates to arrangements in which the purpose is to feed specific maximum volume of material at the most, whereby the feed hatch mechanism is rotatable between a first position i.e. a feed position open outwards and a second position i.e. an emptying position closed outwards.

Typically in connection with e.g. feed openings at material reception points intended for collecting waste, a problem is often trying to feed too much material or trying to feed material of incorrect size, typically too large material pieces, from the feed opening. This has been aimed to limit by arranging mechanisms into connection with the feed hatch by means of which the feed of too large material volume or too large pieces from the feed opening is avoided. Such a hatch mechanism is presented in specification WO2004/087538. The arrangement comprises a hatch which includes fixed side walls moving along the hatch and a moving bottom wall which is movable between two positions, an open position and a closed position. The arrangement further comprises two guide walls in which are formed guide slots guided by which the motion of the bottom wall is controlled between the open position and the closed position. The arrangement according to the reference specification is difficult to be modified for various applications. Furthermore, cleansing the walls of different parts of the mechanism is awkward.

The object of this invention is generally to provide a totally novel arrangement into connection with feed hatch mechanisms, and particularly into connection with feed hatch mechanisms of feed openings of waste feed points used in connection with waste bins or waste chutes, particularly with vacuum conveying systems. The object of the invention is to achieve a feed hatch mechanism whereby the disadvantages of known prior art are avoided. Furthermore, an object of the invention is to provide a feed hatch mechanism which is easily modifiable for various targets of application. In addition, an object of the invention is to provide a feed hatch mechanism the cleansing of which is easy.

Brief description of invention

The feed hatch mechanism according to the invention is characterised by that a material feed space is formed of a tubular part which is arranged rotatably around a pivot shaft arranged in the hatch and a bottom part arranged in the hatch, that the tubular part is arranged to move in relation to the bottom part between at least two positions, a first position in which the tubular part is on top of the bottom part so that the bottom part closes an outlet opening of the material feed space in the tubular part in the first position of the hatch, and a second position in which the tubular part has moved away from top of the bottom part whereby the outlet opening of the material feed space is open, and that the mechanism comprises a binding part which functionally joins the tubular part in the pivoting motion of the hatch between the first and the second position.

In addition, the feed hatch mechanism according to the invention is characterised by what is stated in claims 2-15.

The arrangement according to the invention has numerous significant advantages. By arranging the material feed space of the feed hatch mechanism to consist of a tubular part and a bottom part with respect to which the tubular part is moved by a transmission comprising a binding part, a feed hatch mechanism reliable in use and easily modifiable is provided. The transmission mechanism comprising the binding part, which is e.g. a band, a wire, a cable, a chain or equivalent, an advantageous arrangement is provided for transmitting motion and applying pivoting force in emptying the feed space. The shape and volume of the feed space can be easily varied according to the requirements of the target of application by switching a tubular part different of its shape in the mechanism. The tubular part can be easily replaced if required and its material can also be easily accommodated according to the requirements of the target of application. The feed hatch mechanism according to the invention can be applied in a variety of targets in connection with waste bins, in connection with various containers, in connection with the feed points of pneumatic pipe conveyance systems, in connection with waste chutes, in connection with waste conveyance systems. By arranging an opening element, such as a foot pedal or a presser element, into connection with the hatch mechanism, opening the hatch can be facilitated. Then, the hatch mechanism can be opened without the user having to free his/her hands for opening the hatch or otherwise to touch the hatch directly in order to open it.

Brief description of figures

Next, the invention will be described in detail by means of an example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

Fig. 1 shows a partially cut feed hatch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment according to the invention in a first position i.e. a feed position,

Fig. 2 shows a partially cut feed hatch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment according to the invention in an intermediate position,

Fig. 3 shows a partially cut feed hatch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment according to the invention in a second position i.e. an emptying position,

Fig. 4 shows a feed hatch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment according to the invention in a first position,

Fig. 5 shows a feed hatch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment according to the invention in a second position,

Fig. 6 shows a feed hatch mechanism in accordance with another embodiment according to the invention in a first position,

Fig. 7 shows a feed hatch mechanism in accordance with another embodiment according to the invention in a second position i.e. an emptying position,

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a feed hatch mechanism according to the invention in a first position, Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a feed hatch mechanism according to the invention in a second position, and

Fig. 10 shows a further feed hatch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment according to the invention in a second position.

Detailed description of invention

Figs. 1-5 show an embodiment of a feed hatch mechanism 1 according to the invention installed in a support structure 5, such as a body of a reception point. In the support structure 5, such as the body of the reception point, is formed a feed opening in which the feed hatch mechanism 1 is arranged. In the embodiment of the figures, the feed hatch mechanism 1 comprises a support part 3 which is in the embodiment of the figure a frame part separate from the body 5 of the reception point set in the feed opening of the feed point.

The feed mechanism further comprises a hatch part 2 which is pivotedly supportedly arranged in the support structure, most advantageously rotatably around a shaft 4. In the embodiment of the figure, the shaft 4 is a horizontal shaft which is arranged in the vicinity of the lower part of the feed opening of the feed point. In the embodiment of the figure, the shaft 4 is a pivot pin 4 supported by which the hatch 2 is pivoted from its lower part.

In the hatch 2 on the side of its inner wall is arranged from the plane of the hatch to the side of the feed opening a bottom part 7 typically extending inside of it. The bottom part 7 is a laminar part substantially cross-directional in relation to the plane of the hatch, which is in the embodiment of the figures advantageously substantially perpendicular in relation to the plane of the hatch.

In the hatch 2, a tubular part 6 is arranged pivotedly supportedly, which in the embodiment of the figure comprises a circular wall 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and a material space V forming inside the circle of the wall, open from the first end of the tubular part and the second end of the tubular part. An opening 21 of the upper end of the tubular part is the feed opening of the material space V. The tubular part is arranged in the situation of Fig. 1 against the bottom part 7 so that an opening 20 of the other end i.e. the lower end of the tubular part is against the bottom part 7. Then, the tubular part and the bottom part 7 form the material space V i.e. a container open from the top which has a volume dependent on the shape and dimensions of the tubular part.

The tubular part 6 is pivoted, most advantageously from its upper part, rotatable around a pivot shaft 8 arranged in the hatch 2. Between the tubular part 6 and the support structure is arranged a binding element 10, such as a band, a wire, a cable, a chain or equivalent, which in a tense position, particularly when closing the hatch 2, is arranged to induce in the tubular part 6 a force effect which rotates the tubular part 6 in relation to the pivot shaft 8 from the situation of Fig. 1 to the situation in Fig. 3. Then, the other end i.e. the lower end of the tubular part moves in relation to the bottom part 7 of the hatch 2 so that a passage from the lower end of the tubular part opens. Then, material in the interior space of the tubular part is able to convey away from the open opening of the other end i.e. the lower end of the tubular part and it is emptied at the reception point.

In the first position, the open position i.e. the feed position of the hatch 2 in the position according to Fig. 1 , the tubular part 6 is arranged from its lower end against the bottom part 7, whereby material can be fed in a feed container space limited by the walls and the bottom part of the tubular part 6. The binding part 10, which is in the embodiment of the figure an elastic band element, is arranged from its first end at a fastening point 11 of the support part and from its other end at a fastening point 12 of the tubular part 6. In the situation of Fig. 1 , in the non-tense state of the binding part 10, the binding part 10 does not apply a considerable force effect in the tubular part 6. When closing the hatch, the binding part 10 shifts to the tensed state (Fig. 2) starting from which position it will apply a force effect in the tubular part 6. In the situation of Fig. 2, the hatch is very near the closed position. In the situation of Fig. 2, the opening angle (angle alpha) of the hatch 2 in relation to the closed position is in the range of 5-15 degrees, typically 5-10 degrees, advantageously 6-8 degrees, then when further closing the hatch, the binding part 10 supplies the tubular part 6 with a force effect as a result of which the tubular part 6 starts to rotate around the pivot shaft 8. When further continuing the closing motion of the hatch, the binding part 10 stays tense and the tubular part 6 continues its rotation around the pivot shaft 8 into the position of Fig. 3.

The feed opening of the reception point and the feed hatch mechanism 1 are mutually arranged typically such of their size and shape that material cannot be fed from the feed opening of the reception point in the normal use position otherwise than by means of the feed container of the feed hatch mechanism.

The cross-section of the tubular part 6 can be of desired shape, such as rectangular, polygonal, triangular, circular, oval. The tubular part does not have to be symmetrical. It can be e.g. of the shape of a truncated cone, funnel-shaped etc. The tubular part is typically formed of metal or plastic. It is easily replaceable and its cleansing is easy.

In the figure, the tubular part 6 is a form pipe profile which contains four straight walls 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, whereby there is a rounded angle section between each adjacent wall part.

Into connection with the pivot shaft 8 is advantageously arranged a torsion spring element 9 which tries to rotate the tubular part towards the back surface of the hatch 2. Then when opening the hatch 2, the motion of the tubular part 6 into the position of Fig. 1 is ensured.

Figs. 4 and 5 further show as perspective figures the open position i.e. the feed position of the hatch and the closed position i.e. the emptying position of the hatch.

In the figures, an installation surface of the hatch of the support structure 5 is formed inclined. Then, feeding material in the feed container is facilitated. The installation surface of the hatch and the size of the opening of the hatch can be accommodated according to each target of application. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, into connection with a grip handle 13 of the hatch 2 is arranged a locking element 22 by means of which the hatch can be locked in the closed position. A counter part 23 of the locking element 22 is in the frame part 3.

Figs. 6 and 7 further show another embodiment of a feed hatch mechanism according to the invention. Fig. 6 presents the mechanism in the open position i.e. the feed position and Fig. 7 the hatch in the closed position i.e. the emptying position. In this embodiment, the mechanism comprises damping means 15 for damping the closing and/or opening of the hatch. The damping means is in the case of Figs. 6 and 7 fastened, typically pivotedly, from its first end 16 to the frame 3 of the hatch mechanism and from its second end 17 to the hatch part, in the figures to the bottom part 7 protruding from the hatch. The damping means 15 also operates according to an advantageous embodiment as a locking means which keeps the hatch 2 in the closed position. Forces of the damping means 15 and the binding part 10 prevailing in the feed hatch mechanism are arranged in the closed position such that the hatch stays in the closed position and does not e.g. remain ajar. Equivalently, forces of the feed hatch mechanism are arranged in the open position such that the hatch stays in the open position.

For supporting the bottom part, the mechanism can comprise a support plate 14. There are two support plates in the figure and they support the bottom part from opposite side edges. The support plates 14 form the side walls of the bottom part which support the tubular part at least in the first position and at the same time ensure that the tubular part sets in place when it moves in the first position when opening the hatch.

Figs. 8 and 9 show a yet further embodiment of a feed hatch mechanism according to the invention. There, the mechanism is provided with an opening element 24 of the hatch. In the embodiment according to Figs. 8, 9, the opening element 24 is a presser element, such as a pedal element, by pressing which the feed hatch moves to the open position. Then, the hatch 2 can be opened e.g. with the press of a foot, whereby the person placing waste in the container does not have to open the hatch by hand. In the arrangement according to Figs. 8 and 9, the opening element 24 affects the hatch 2 particularly its bottom part 7. In the figure, in the bottom part 7 is arranged a fastening point 31 for the opening element. In the embodiment of the figure, the opening element 24 comprises a pedal mechanism whereby a pedal part 26 comprises at its first end a pedal element 25 and at its second end a pivot point 28 in which is arranged an arm part 29 which is further pivotedly fastened at the fastening point 31 of the bottom part 7 of the hatch 2. The pedal part 26 is rotatably arranged from the section between the first end and the second end around a shaft 27 arranged to the support structure, such as the body of the reception point. Then, pressing the pedal 25 from the position of Fig. 9 to the position of Fig. 8 provides the opening of the hatch 2.

Fig. 10 shows another embodiment of the opening element 24 in which an arm part 32 of the opening element is curved. The arm part 32 is fastened in the bottom part 7 of the hatch 2 at a distance from the pivot shaft 4 of the hatch. According to an advantageous embodiment, the radius of curvature r of the arm part 32 is symmetrical with respect to the pivot shaft 4 of the hatch. According to the embodiment of Fig. 10, a presser part 33 of the opening element 24 is arranged to be pressed by some part of the human body, such as e.g. a knee or a side. Then, the presser part 33 is typically substantially arranged higher from the installation plane of the reception point than the foot pedal used in the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9.

The invention thus relates to a feed hatch mechanism for feeding material, which comprises a hatch 2 rotatably arranged in a support structure and a material feed space functionally joined to the hatch which in a first position i.e. an open position of the hatch is tillable with material and which in a second position i.e. a closed position or when rotating the hatch to the second position is arranged to empty. According to an embodiment of the invention, the material feed space V is formed of a tubular part 6 which is arranged rotatably around a pivot shaft 8 arranged in the hatch 2 and a bottom part 7 arranged in the hatch 2, the tubular part 6 is arranged to move in relation to the bottom part 7 between at least two positions, a first position in which the tubular part is on top of the bottom part so that the bottom part 7 closes an outlet opening of the material feed space in the tubular part 6 in the first position of the hatch 2, and a second position in which the tubular part 6 has moved away from top of the bottom part whereby the outlet opening 20 of the material feed space V is open, and the mechanism comprises a binding part

10 which functionally joins the tubular part 6 in the pivoting motion of the hatch 2 between the first and the second position.

Between the tubular part 6 and the support structure is arranged the binding part 10, such as a band, a wire, a cable, a chain or equivalent, which in a tense position, particularly when closing the hatch 2, is arranged to induce in the tubular part 6 a force effect which rotates the tubular part 6 in relation to the pivot shaft 8.

Typically, the binding part 10 has at least one first position in which it does not transmit motion and at least one second position in which it transmits the motion of the hatch part 2 to the tubular part 6.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the binding part 10 is from its first end

11 fastened to a fixed support structure, such as a frame 3 or a wall 5, and from its second end fastened at a fastening point 12 of the tubular part 6. The tubular part 6 can be formed of its cross-section in accordance with the requirements of the target of application. Its cross-section can be e.g. circular, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, or oval. Also other shapes can be used according to the requirements.

The shape of the tubular part can also vary from the feed opening towards the emptying opening. The tubular part 6 can thus be e.g. a cylindrical or conical part. Also other suitable shapes can be used.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tubular part 6 is typically of metal or plastic. Also other materials are possible.

The feed hatch mechanism further comprises damping means 15 for damping the pivoting motion of the hatch 2. The damper can damper motion both when opening the hatch and/or when closing the hatch. The damper can be e.g. a cylinder-piston element known as such. The damper operates in an embodiment of the invention as a locking element of the hatch 2. Then, it ensures that the hatch remains at least in the closed position.

The binding part 10 is according to an embodiment arranged from its first end to the frame part 3 of the hatch.

The binding part 10 is in an embodiment fastened from its other end 12 to the upper part of the tubular part 6. Substantial for the fastening points of the binding part is that it transmits motion starting from a desired point of the pivoting motion of the hatch. On the other hand, the length of the binding part can be minimised, e.g. by arranging according to the embodiment of the figures. By fastening the binding part to the frame, the entire feed hatch mechanism can be installed in the opening of the installation target as a whole.

In accordance with an embodiment of a feed hatch mechanism according to the invention, the mechanism comprises a spring means, such as a torsion spring 9, for ensuring the moving of the tubular part 6 from the second position to the first position.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the feed hatch mechanism 1 is arranged to be used particularly as the feed hatch mechanism of a feed point of waste chutes or a vacuum conveying system of material, particularly waste.

According to a yet further embodiment of the feed hatch mechanism according to the invention, into connection with the mechanism is arranged an opening element 24 of the hatch 2, particularly a presser element or a pedal element.

It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but it may be varied within the scope of the enclosed claims. When necessary, the features possibly described in this specification together with other features may also be used separately from each other.

Claims

1. A feed hatch mechanism for feeding material, which comprises a hatch (2) rotatably arranged in a support structure and a material feed space (V) functionally joined in the hatch which in a first position i.e. an open position of the hatch is fillable with material and which in a second position i.e. a closed position or when rotating the hatch to the second position is arranged to empty, characterised in that the material feed space (V) is formed of a tubular part (6) which is rotatably arranged around a pivot shaft (8) arranged in the hatch (2) and a bottom part (7) arranged in the hatch (2), and that the tubular part (6) is arranged to move in relation to the bottom part (7) at least between two positions, a first position in which the tubular part is on top of the bottom part so that the bottom part (7) closes an outlet opening of the material feed space (V) in the tubular part (6) in the first position of the hatch (2), and a second position in which the tubular part (6) has moved away from top of the bottom part (7) whereby the outlet opening (20) of the material feed space is open, and that the mechanism comprises a binding part (10) which functionally joins the tubular part (6) to the pivoting motion of the hatch (2) between the first and the second position.

2. A feed hatch mechanism according to claim 1, characterised in that between the tubular part (6) and the support structure is arranged the binding part (10), such as a band, a wire, a cable, a chain or equivalent, which in a tense position, particularly when closing the hatch (2), is arranged to induce in the tubular part (6) a force effect which rotates the tubular part (6) in relation to the pivot shaft (8).

3. A feed hatch mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the binding part (10) has at least one first position in which it does not transmit motion and at least one second position in which it transmits the motion of the hatch part (2) to the tubular part (6).

4. A feed hatch mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterised in that the binding part (10) is fastened from its first end (11) to a fixed support structure and fastened from its second end at a fastening point (12) of the tubular part (6).

5. A feed hatch mechanism according to any one of claims 1-4, characterised in that the cross-section of the tubular part (6) is circular, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, or oval.

6. A feed hatch mechanism according to any one of claims 1-5, characterised in that the tubular part (6) is a cylindrical or conical part.

7. A feed hatch mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterised in that the tubular part (6) is of metal or plastic.

8. A feed hatch mechanism according to any one of claims 1-7, characterised in that the feed hatch mechanism further comprises damping means (15) for damping the pivoting motion of the hatch (2).

9. A feed hatch mechanism according to any one of claims 1-8, characterised in that the binding part (10) is arranged from its first end (11 ) to a frame part (3) of the hatch.

10. A feed hatch mechanism according to any one of claims 1-9, characterised in that the binding part is fastened from its second end to the upper part of the tubular part (6).

11. A feed hatch mechanism according to any one of claims 1-10, characterised in that the mechanism comprises a spring means, such as a torsion spring (9), for ensuring the moving of the tubular part (6) from the second position to the first position.

12. A feed hatch mechanism according to any one of claims 1-11, characterised in that the feed hatch mechanism (1 ) is arranged to be used particularly as the feed hatch mechanism of a feed point of waste chutes or a vacuum conveying system of material, particularly waste.

13. A feed hatch mechanism according to any one of claims 1-12, characterised in that in the hatch is arranged a latch or equivalent locking element.

14. A feed hatch mechanism according to any one of claims 1-12, characterised in that the damper element (15) is a locking element.

15. A feed hatch mechanism according to any one of claims 1-14, characterised in that into connection with the mechanism is arranged an opening element (24) of the hatch (2), particularly a presser element or a pedal element.