Distributing device for separating particles in a particle stream
A distribution device for separating and orienting particles in a particle stream conveyed by the device to a particle-measuring device, including a conveying device with a discharge at one end for particles that are to pass in free fall to a downstream image-capturing device. At least two conducting elements are associated with the discharge and are movable relative to one another in that at least one of the conducting elements is movable under the effect of a drive mechanism. A feed gap is provided between the conducting elements for separated particles falling out of the discharge. The conducting elements are arranged in the manner of a funnel such that the feed gap is formed at an end of the funnel.
1. A distribution device for a separation and orientation of particles in a particle stream that is conveyed by said distribution device to a particle-measuring device, comprising:
a conveying device having disposed at one end thereof a discharge for particles that are to pass in free fall to a downstream image-capturing device; and
at least two conducting elements associated with said discharge of said conveying device, wherein said conducting elements are movable relative to one another in that at least one of said conducting elements is configured to be movable under the effect of a drive mechanism, further wherein a feed gap is provided between said conducting elements for separated particles falling out of said discharge, and wherein said conducting elements are arranged in the manner of a funnel such that said feed gap is formed at an end of said funnel, wherein the particles are inherently oriented as they pass the feed gap, wherein the feed gap that respectively forms due to the movement of the conducting elements remains constant and is not significantly influenced by the relative movement of the conducting elements relative to one another, so that the greatest particle dimensions can be reliably determined.
2. A distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein one of said at least two conducting elements is movable horizontally in a direction of conveyance of said conveying device, or horizontally transverse to the direction of conveyance of said conveying device, or vertically perpendicular to a conveying plane of said conveying device, and with adjustable frequency and amplitude.
3. A distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein said at least two conducting elements are disposed across from one another to form said funnel, and wherein said conducting elements are simultaneously movable in different directions of movement.
4. A distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein said at least two conducting elements are disposed across from one another to form said funnel, and wherein said conducting elements are simultaneously movable in the same or parallel direction of movement.
5. A distribution device according to claim 4 , wherein said conducting elements are simultaneously movable in a parallel direction, and wherein the movement of said conducting elements is established in opposite directions relative to one another.
6. A distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein movement of said conducting elements is respectively effected with the same frequency or with different frequencies.
7. A distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein movement of said conducting elements is effected with the same amplitude or with different amplitudes.
8. A distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein said conducting elements are oriented transverse to a direction of discharge of said conveying device, and wherein that conducting element that in a direction of conveyance of said conveying device is spaced from said discharge of said conveying device, acts as an impingement or deflection element.
9. A distribution device according to claim 1 , which further includes an additional discharge element that adjoins said discharge of said conveying device, wherein said additional discharge element extends into said feed gap that is formed by said conducting elements.
10. A distribution device according to claim 9 , wherein said additional discharge element is configured to be movable under the effect of a drive mechanism.
11. A distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein said at least two conducting elements are disposed across from one another, and wherein said conducting elements extend in a direction of conveyance of said conveying device.
12. A distribution device according to claim 11 , wherein said discharge of said conveying device is positioned between said conducting elements that are arranged in the manner of a funnel.
13. A distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein said conducting elements, and/or an additional discharge element that adjoins said discharge of said conveying device, have a plate-shaped configuration.
14. A distribution device according to claim 13 , wherein said conducting elements and/or said additional discharge element are comprised of individual segments that are configured to be movable relative to one another, displaceable relative to one another, pivotable, or respectively rotatable.
15. A distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein said conducting elements, and/or an additional discharge element that adjoins said discharge of said conveying device, are made of an elastic material.
16. A distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein drive mechanisms for carrying out movement of said conducting elements, and/or of an additional discharge element that adjoins said discharge of said conveying device, are rotary drives or linear drives, with or without a gear mechanism on an output side.
17. A distribution device according to claim 16 , wherein said drive mechanisms are configured as electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic drive mechanisms.