Blade head for granulating a strip of material and a granulating device having such a blade head and a method for assembling such a blade head

Abstract

A knife head for pelletizing material strands comprises a knife carrier (14) and at least one pelletizing knife (15) fastened to the knife carrier (14). Each pelletizing knife (15) is fastened to a positioning member (23), each positioning member (23, 23') abutting against the knife carrier (14) for a coarse positioning of the pelletizing knife (15). For a fine positioning purpose, at least one adjustment element (49) abuts against each pelletizing knife (15). The knife head allows a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of each pelletizing knife (15).

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to German patent application DE 10 2020 202 402.2, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a knife head for granulating a material strand and a granulating device having such a knife head as well as a method for assembling such a knife head. The invention further relates to an assembly device for preassembling a granulating knife and a positioning component. BACKGROUND

[0004] EP 3501773 A1 discloses a granulating device for granulating a material strand, the device comprising a perforated plate and a knife head. The knife head has a plurality of granulating knives fastened on a related knife arm. For the assembly, each granulating knife is clamped between the related knife arm and an adjustment element by means of a screw. The adjustment element and thus the related granulating knife is roughly positioned by means of an adjustment screw and is subsequently fixed by means of a screw. The granulating knife can subsequently be adjusted by means of a threaded pin.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing a knife head for granulating a material strand, which allows a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the granulating knives. SUMMARY

[0006] The object is achieved by a knife head for granulating a material strand, the knife head comprising a knife holder and at least one granulating knife fastened to the knife holder, wherein each granulating knife is fastened to a positioning component, wherein each positioning component abuts on the knife holder for a rough positioning of the granulating knife, and wherein at least one adjustment element abuts on the respective granulating knife for fine positioning purposes. Each granulating knife is preassembled on a related positioning component, such that each granulating knife is fastened to the related positioning component. Each positioning component with the fastened granulating knife is subsequently fastened to the knife holder or knife arm in such a way that each positioning component abuts on the knife holder or knife arm and the granulating knife is roughly positioned. Due to the fact that each granulating knife is fastened to the related positioning component, the fastening of the positioning component means that the granulating knife can be fastened to the knife holder or knife arm in a simple and user-friendly manner. The granulating knife is subsequently adjusted or precisely positioned by means of the at least one adjustment element, such that each granulating knife is precisely positioned with respect to the perforated plate or cutting plane of the granulating device.

[0007] Due to the fact that each granulating blade is pre-assembled on the associated positioning member and due to the fact that the positioning member is roughly positioned against the blade holder, the assembly of each granulating blade, for example when replacing a granulating blade, is simple and user-friendly. In this way, the time required for replacing a granulating blade is reduced and, as a result, the downtime of the granulating device and the associated process plant is reduced. In addition, the risk of injury to the operator assembling and setting each granulating blade is reduced, since the time spent in the area of the heated perforated plate and in the area of each granulating blade or blade cutting edge is minimized. Due to the rough positioning of the granulating blade during pre-assembly with the associated positioning member, only a fine positioning or adjustment of the granulating blade assembled on the blade holder is required. In addition, damage to the blade head or to the granulating device having the blade head due to setting errors is reduced or avoided.

[0008] The blade holder and / or each positioning member is made of a material M1. The material M1 has a thermal conductivity λ1≥ 150 W / m / K at 20°C, in particular λ1≥ 200 W / m / K, and in particular λ1≥ 250 W / m / K. For the thermal conductivity λ1, the following applies preferably: λ1≤ 900 W / m / K, in particular λ1≤ 700 W / m / K, and in particular λ1≤ 500 W / m / K.

[0009] The material M1 has a thermal expansion coefficient α1≥ 16 10 -6 1 / K at 20°C, in particular α1≥ 18 10 -6 1 / K, and in particular α1≥ 21 10 -6 1 / K. For the thermal expansion coefficient α1, the following applies preferably: α1≤ 40 10 -6 1 / K, in particular α1≤ 35 10 -6 1 / K, and in particular α1≤ 30 10 -6 1 / K.

[0010] The material M1 has a density ρ1≤ 7.0 g / cm 3, in particular ρ1≤ 5.0 g / cm 3 , in particular ρ1≤ 3.0 g / cm 3 . For the density ρ1, the following applies preferably: ρ1≥ 0.5 g / cm 3 , in particular ρ1≥ 1.0 g / cm 3 , in particular ρ1≥ 1.5 g / cm 3 .

[0011] The material M1 preferably comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, magnesium and beryllium. The material M1 is preferably an alloy of which at least 80% by weight is aluminum.

[0012] Each pelletizing blade is preferably made of a material M2. The material M2 preferably has a thermal conductivity λ2≥ 15 W / m / K at 20°C, in particular λ2≥ 50 W / m / K, and in particular λ2≥ 85 W / m / K. For the thermal conductivity λ2, the following preferably applies: λ2≤ 200 W / m / K, in particular λ2≤ 160 W / m / K, and in particular λ2≤ 120 W / m / K.

[0013] The material M2 preferably has a coefficient of thermal expansion α2≤ 11 10 -6 1 / K at 20°C, in particular α2≤ 9.0 10 -6 1 / K, and in particular α2≤ 7.0 10 -6 1 / K. For the coefficient of thermal expansion α2, the following preferably applies: α2≥ 1.0 10 -6 1 / K, in particular α2≥ 2.0 10 -6 1 / K, and in particular α2≥ 3.0 10 -6 1 / K.

[0014] The material M2 preferably has a density ρ2≥ 3.0 g / cm 3 , in particular ρ2≥ 5.0 g / cm 3 , and in particular ρ2≥ 7.0 g / cm 3 . For the density ρ2, the following preferably applies: ρ2≤ 30 g / cm 3 , in particular ρ2≤ 25 g / cm 3 , and in particular ρ2≤ 20 g / cm 3 .

[0015] A high cutting quality is achieved by the material M1 and / or by the material M2, since the heat generated as a result of the cutting dissipates from each pelletizing blade in a relatively more effective manner and spreads over the blade carrier, reducing temperature gradients and thermal distortions. Each pelletizing blade adjoins the plane of the perforated plate and the cutting quality is thus improved by the material M2.

[0016] The knife head configured such that the blade holder forms receiving spaces for receiving the individual positioning components ensures a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the granulating knives. The receiving spaces are formed in particular on the side of the blade holder facing away from the cutting plane or the perforated plate. The individual receiving spaces serve to receive the associated positioning components and preferably to fasten the granulating knives thereon. The blade holder delimits the individual receiving spaces on at least three sides. The individual receiving spaces are configured in the form of recesses in the blade holder or the individual blade arms.

[0017] The knife head configured such that the receiving spaces for receiving the individual positioning components are delimited in part by a first stop, a second stop and a third stop ensures a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the granulating knives. The individual receiving spaces are delimited in part by the three stops, which extend in pairs laterally with respect to one another, in particular perpendicularly with respect to one another. By means of the stops, the individual positioning components and the granulating knives secured thereon are positioned in the x-direction, the y-direction and the z-direction. The x-direction, the y-direction and the z-direction extend in particular perpendicularly in pairs with respect to one another and form a Cartesian coordinate system for the individual granulating knives or positioning components. The Cartesian coordinate systems assigned to the positioning components or the receiving spaces can be converted into one another, in particular as a result of the rotation of the knife head about the rotation axis.

[0018] The knife head configured such that the individual positioning components abut against the blade holder in the x-direction and the y-direction ensures a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the granulating knives. The individual receiving spaces abut directly against the blade holder in the x-direction and the y-direction, such that the granulating knives fastened to the positioning components are positioned in the x-direction and the y-direction. The x-direction and the y-direction extend laterally, in particular perpendicularly, with respect to one another. As a result of the fact that the granulating knives are fastened to the associated positioning components, the granulating knives are also positioned in the z-direction. The z-direction extends laterally, in particular perpendicularly, with respect to the x-direction or the y-direction. In the z-direction, the individual granulating knives are preferably arranged between the positioning components and the blade holder, in particular the blade arms. Preferably, the granulating knives abut against the blade holder, in particular the blade arms.

[0019] The knife head configured such that at least one adjustment element is adjustable in the z-direction ensures a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the granulating knives. The associated granulating knife is positioned in the z-direction and its position is set by means of the at least one adjustable adjustment element. Preferably, the at least one adjustable adjustment element comprises a threaded portion and / or an actuation portion. A plurality of adjustment elements is preferably assigned to the individual granulating knives. The adjustment elements are arranged substantially parallel to the cutting edge of the granulating knives. The adjustment elements are adjustable in the z-direction, such that the position of the associated granulating knife can be set along the cutting edge.

[0020] The knife head configured such that at least one adjustment element is adjustably fastened to each positioning member ensures a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the granulating knives. Due to the fact that at least one adjustment element is adjustably fastened to each positioning member, it is possible for the at least one adjustment element together with the positioning member and the granulating knife to be pre-assembled and subsequently fastened to the knife holder or knife arm. After the granulating knife has been roughly positioned by fastening the positioning member to the knife holder, the at least one adjustment element can be adjusted in a simple manner for the fine positioning or precise positioning of the granulating knife. A plurality of adjustment elements is preferably adjustably fastened to each positioning member. The adjustment elements are arranged essentially parallel to the cutting edge of the granulating knife. In this way, the granulating knife can be precisely positioned along the cutting edge by adjusting the adjustment elements. The at least one adjustment element is preferably fastened to each positioning member in such a way that the at least one adjustment element can be adjusted on the side of the positioning member which faces away from the granulating knife or the cutting plane or the perforated plate.

[0021] The knife head configured such that at least two fixation through-holes are formed in the respective granulating knife and the respective granulating knife is fastened to the positioning member by at least two fixation elements which extend through the at least two fixation through-holes ensures a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the granulating knives. The at least two fixation elements are for example configured in the form of screws. For pre-assembling the respective granulating knife and the associated positioning member, the at least two fixation elements are guided through the at least two fixation through-holes of the respective granulating knife and fastened to the positioning member. The fixation is carried out in particular by screwing. The at least two fixation through-holes are in particular of an elongated configuration. The at least two fixation through-holes are for example configured in the form of elongated holes. By means of the at least two fixation elements and the associated at least two fixation through-holes, the granulating knife can be fastened to the positioning member in the desired position.

[0022] The knife head configured such that the respective granulating knife is arranged between the positioning member and the knife holder ensures a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the granulating knives. Due to the fact that the respective granulating knife is arranged between the knife holder or knife arm and the associated positioning member, the positioning member is freely accessible on the side which faces away from the cutting plane or the perforated plate. In this way, the positioning member can be fastened to the knife holder or knife arm in a simple manner. In addition, the at least one adjustment element is easily accessible when the element has been adjustably fastened to the positioning member. The respective granulating knife can be fixed, in particular clamped, in a simple manner between the knife holder and the positioning member.

[0023] The knife head configured such that at least one recess for partially receiving at least two fixing elements is formed in the blade carrier ensures a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the granulating knives. Each granulating knife is fastened to the associated positioning component by means of the at least two fixing elements. The at least two fixing elements are configured, for example, in the form of screws. Each granulating knife and the associated positioning component are preassembled by means of the at least two fixing elements. The respective positioning component and the granulating knife fastened thereon are then fastened to the blade carrier or blade arm in such a way that the granulating knife is arranged between the blade carrier or blade arm and the positioning component. Here, the part of the at least two fixing elements that protrudes beyond the respective granulating knife is received in the at least one recess, such that the respective granulating knife is directly abutted against the blade carrier or blade arm. The at least one recess is, for example, of an elongated configuration, so that the at least two fixing elements can be received in one recess. Furthermore, each fixing element can be provided with its own recess, so that the blade carrier or the respective blade arm has at least two recesses.

[0024] The knife head configured such that the respective positioning element is fastened to the blade carrier, in particular in at least one of the region of the receiving space for receiving the positioning component and outside the receiving space, ensures a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the granulating knives. Each positioning component is fastened to the blade carrier or blade arm, so that the associated granulating knife is roughly positioned. In the region of the receiving space for the positioning element and / or outside the receiving space, each positioning component is preferably fastened, for example screwed. A fastening component is preferably fastened to each positioning component, which in turn is fastened to the blade carrier or blade arm. The fastening component in particular forms a through-hole, through which a fixing element, such as a fixing screw, is guided. In the region of the receiving space and / or outside the receiving space, the fixing element is fastened, in particular screwed, to the blade carrier or blade arm. In the region of the receiving space, the fastening in particular takes place at the third stop. Each granulating knife abuts against the third stop.

[0025] The knife head configured such that the respective positioning component is fastened to the blade carrier by means of a fastening component ensures a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the granulating knives. During the preassembly, each positioning component and the associated fastening component are fastened to one another. As a result of the preassembly, each granulating knife, the associated positioning component and the associated fastening component are thus fastened to one another. The fastening component is then fastened to the blade carrier or blade arm by means of a fixing element. To this end, the associated positioning component and / or the associated granulating knife has a through-hole for the fixing element. The fastening component is fastened to the positioning component, in particular on the side facing away from the cutting plane or the perforated plate. In this way, the fastening component can be easily fastened by means of the fixing element. The fastening component is preferably made of the material M1.

[0026] The blade head as follows ensures a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the pelletizing blades: the blade head is configured such that the blade carrier comprises at least two blade arms for fastening the pelletizing blades and a support for rotatably mounting the at least two blade arms, wherein the at least two blade arms are formed integrally with the support, in particular. The blade carrier comprises at least two blade arms, preferably at least three blade arms, which are arranged rotationally symmetrical around the rotation axis of the blade carrier, in particular, at an angle of 360° divided by the number of blade arms. The at least two blade arms extend in radial direction from a central support, which contributes to the formation of the rotation axis. The support is configured, for example, in the form of a hub. By means of the at least two blade arms and the respective pelletizing blades fastened thereon, a material strip is cut during the rotation of the blade carrier according to the number of pelletizing blades. The at least two blade arms and the support are formed integrally with one another, in particular. The pelletizing blades are preferably fastened to each blade arm. Each blade arm forms a receiving space for receiving the associated positioning element and the associated pelletizing blade.

[0027] The invention is also based on the object of providing a pelletizing device for pelletizing a material strip, which allows a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly and setting of the pelletizing blades.

[0028] The object is achieved by a pelletizing device for pelletizing a material strip, comprising a perforated plate for generating a material strip, a blade head according to the invention and arranged on the downstream side of the perforated plate for the purpose of generating pellets from the material strip, and a drive device for rotatably driving the blade head about a rotation axis. The advantages of the pelletizing device according to the invention correspond to the already described advantages of the blade head according to the invention. The pelletizing device is used, in particular, for the pelletization of a plastic material strip generated from a plastic melt. The rotation axis of the blade head is arranged concentrically or eccentrically with respect to the perforated plate. The pelletizing device is configured, for example, in the form of a hot-melt pelletizing device, in which the cutting of the pellets takes place in a dry state, or in the form of an underwater pelletizing device.

[0029] The invention is also based on the object of providing a method which allows a simple, user-friendly and precise assembly of a blade head.

[0030] The object is achieved by a method for assembling a blade head, the method having the following steps:

[0031] providing a blade carrier,

[0032] fastening a pelletizing blade to a positioning element,

[0033] fastening the positioning element with the pelletizing blade fastened thereto to the blade carrier in such a way that the pelletizing blade is in a first position relative to the blade carrier, and

[0034] - adjusting the granulating blade by means of at least one adjustment element in such a way that the granulating blade is in a second position relative to the blade carrier.

[0035] The advantages of the method according to the application correspond to the already described advantages of the blade head according to the application. The individual blade heads and the associated positioning parts are first preassembled and then fastened to the blade carrier or blade arm in such a way that the granulating blade is in a first position relative to the blade carrier or blade arm. Due to the fastening of the positioning part, the granulating blade is roughly positioned. The roughly positioned granulating blade is then adjusted or precisely set by means of at least one adjustment element, so that the granulating blade is in a second position relative to the blade carrier or blade arm. The second position is determined, inter alia, by a cutting plane in which the cutting edge of the granulating blade or the entire granulating blade has to be positioned.

[0036] Preferably, during the preassembly, a fastening part is fastened to the positioning part and / or a securing element for fastening the positioning part to the fastening part and / or fastening the fastening part to the positioning part is arranged in a captive manner. The at least one adjustment element is preferably fastened to the positioning part in an adjustable manner. The granulating blade, the positioning part, the at least one adjustment element, the fastening part and the securing element preferably form a preassembled blade unit. The preassembled blade unit is then fastened to the blade carrier or blade arm by means of the securing element, so that the granulating blade is in the first position. The preassembly is carried out, inter alia, by means of an assembly device.

[0037] The application is also based on the object of providing an assembly device which allows a simple, user-friendly and precise preassembly of a granulating blade and a positioning part.

[0038] The object is achieved by an assembly device for preassembling a granulating blade and a positioning part, having at least two assembly stops for arranging the positioning part and the granulating blade in defined positions relative to one another, so that the positioning part and the granulating blade can be connected to one another in the positions. The at least two assembly stops preferably extend at an acute angle relative to one another. Preferably, two assembly stops are used to arrange the positioning part in a defined position in the assembly device, wherein one of the assembly stops is used to arrange the granulating blade in a defined position on the positioning part. At least one of the assembly stops is preferably settable. The at least two assembly stops are formed, for example, by a base body and / or at least one adjustable stop element, for example an adjustment screw, arranged in the base body. Preferably, the assembly device has at least one further stop for arranging the granulating blade in a defined position. The base body of the assembly device preferably forms at least one cutout for receiving at least one adjustment element and / or at least one securing element and / or a fastening part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Further features, advantages and details of the application will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic view of a granulating device with an open granulating cover is shown for illustrating a blade head arranged eccentric with respect to a perforated plate,

[0041] Figure 2 A plan view of a blade head with a blade carrier and granulating blades fixed thereon is shown,

[0042] Figure 3 A sectional view through the blade carrier and the granulating blades along the sectional plane line III-III in Figure 2

[0043] Figure 4 A sectional view through the blade carrier and the granulating blades along the sectional plane line IV-IV in Figure 2

[0044] A plan view of the blade carrier without granulating blades in Figure 5 Figure 2 A sectional view through the blade carrier along the sectional plane line VI-VI in

[0045] Figure 6 Figure 5 A perspective view of an assembly device for preassembling a granulating blade on a positioning member is shown,

[0046] Figure 7 A perspective view of an assembly device and a preassembled blade unit comprising a granulating blade and a positioning member is shown, and

[0047] Figure 8 A plan view of the assembly device and the preassembled blade unit in

[0048] Figure 9 A plan view of the assembly device and the preassembled blade unit in Figure 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Figure 1 The shown granulating device 1 comprises a perforated plate 2 for producing a strip of material and a blade head 3 for producing granules from the strip of material. The blade head 3 is arranged downstream of the perforated plate 2 in the conveying direction 4 of the material melt.

[0050] The blade head 3 is rotatable about a rotation axis 6 by means of a drive device 5. The drive device 5 comprises an electric drive motor 7 which is connected to a drive shaft 8 via an angular gear mechanism which is not shown in more detail. The blade head 3 is connected to the drive shaft 8 in a rotationally fixed manner. The rotation axis 6 is arranged eccentric with respect to the perforated plate 2.

[0051] ​​​​The granulating device 1 comprises a granulating housing 9 with a first granulating housing part 10 and a second granulating housing part 11. The granulating housing parts 10, 11 are connected in a pivotable manner by means of a hinge 12 and can be locked in a closed state by means of a locking device 13. The perforated plate 2, the blade head 3 and the drive device 5 are mounted via the first granulating housing part 10. A heating system for heating the perforated plate 2 is arranged on the side of the first granulating housing part 10. The second granulating housing part 11 has an opening on the lower side, so that the cut granules can fall out of the granulating housing 9 and be transported away.

[0052] The granulating device 1 is arranged, for example, downstream of an extruder which produces a material melt. The material melt is, for example, a plastic melt. The granulating device 1 is connected to the extruder, for example, via a granulating head housing which is not shown in detail, so that the material melt is fed to the perforated plate 2.

[0053] The blade head 3 comprises a blade carrier 14 to which the granulating blades 15, 15' are fastened. To this end, the blade carrier 14 has blade arms 16, 16' which extend radially with respect to the rotation axis 6 from a support portion 17. The blade arms 16, 16' are formed integrally with the support portion 17. The blade arms 16, 16' are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner about the rotation axis 6. The support portion 17 is configured in the form of a hub and has a receiving hole 18 for receiving and rotationally fixedly fastening the drive shaft 8. The support portion 17 is thus arranged concentrically with respect to the rotation axis 6 and is connected to the drive shaft 8 in a rotationally fixed manner. One of the granulating blades 15, 15' is fastened to each blade arm 16, 16' at an end facing away from the support portion 17.

[0054] The fastening of the granulating blades 15 to the blade arms 16 or the blade carrier 14 is described in detail below. The blade arm 16 forms a receiving space 19 on the end facing away from the support portion 17. This receiving space 19 is delimited on three sides by the blade arm 16, so that the blade arm 16 forms a first stop 20, a second stop 21 and a third stop 22. This receiving space 19 is thus defined in part by the stops 21, 21 and 22.

[0055] The receiving space 19 serves to receive a positioning component 23 to which the granulating blade 15 has been fastened by means of two third fixing elements 24. The third fixing elements 24 are configured in the form of fixing screws. The third fixing elements 24 each have a head 25 and a thread 26. In order to receive the respective thread 26, an associated internal thread 27 is formed in the positioning component 23. The third fixing elements 24 are guided through associated fixing through-holes 28 formed in the granulating blade 15 and are screwed to the positioning component 23 by means of the thread 26 and the associated internal thread 27, so that the third fixing elements 24 fasten the granulating blade 15 to the positioning component 23 by means of their respective heads 25. The fixing through-holes 28 are of an elongate configuration.

[0056] The positioning part 23 and the granulating blade 15 fastened thereon are arranged in the receiving space 19 in such a way that the positioning part 23 directly abuts against the first stop 20 and the second stop 21 and the granulating blade 15 directly abuts against the third stop 22. Thus, with respect to the blade arm 16, the granulating blade 15 is positioned in the x-direction by the first stop 20, in the y-direction by the second stop 21 and in the z-direction by the third stop 22. The x-direction, the y-direction and the z-direction extend perpendicularly with respect to the associated stop 20, 21, 22 or with respect to the face formed by the stops 20, 21, 22, respectively. The stops 20, 21, 22 extend perpendicularly in pairs with respect to each other, so that the x-direction, the y-direction and the z-direction form a Cartesian coordinate system. In the z-direction, the granulating blade 15 is arranged between the blade arm 16 and the positioning part 23. For receiving the respective head 25 of the third fixing element 24, an associated recess 29 is formed in the blade arm 16 in the region of the third stop 22.

[0057] The positioning part 23 is fastened to the blade arm 16 by a fastening part 30. The fastening part 30 is fastened to the positioning part 23 on the side opposite to the granulating blade 15 by a fixing element 31. The fixing element 31 is configured in the form of a fixing screw which is guided through the fastening part 30 and is threadedly fastened to the positioning part 23. The fastening part 30 comprises a first portion 32 which abuts against the positioning part 23 and a second portion 33 which abuts against the blade arm 16.

[0058] In the first portion 32, a plurality of through-holes 34 is formed in the y-direction. The positioning part 23 and the granulating blade 15 have corresponding through-holes 36, 37 through which an associated first fixing element 38 is guided. The respective fixing element 38 comprises a head 39, an intermediate portion 40 and a threaded portion 41. The head 39 of the respective first fixing element 38 abuts against the fastening part 30, so that the intermediate portion 40 extends through the through-hole 36 of the positioning part 23 and the through-hole 37 of the granulating blade 15 and the threaded portion 41 is threadedly fastened to an internal thread 42 formed in the blade arm 16. The respective internal thread 42 is formed in the region of the third stop 22. The respective through-hole 34 and the respective intermediate portion 40 are formed in such a way that the respective first fixing element 38 is held captive by the fastening part 30 during pre-assembly. The through-holes 36, 37 have a free cross-section which is larger than the cross-section of the intermediate portion 40 and the cross-section of the threaded portion 41. Thus, the positioning part 23 is fastened to the blade arm 16 in the region of the receiving space 19 by the first fixing elements 38.

[0059] Correspondingly, in the second portion 33, a plurality of through holes 35 are formed in the y direction. The second portion 33 is fastened to the blade arm 16 by second fastening elements 43. Each second fastening element 43 is configured in the form of a fixing screw. Each second fastening element 43 comprises a head 44, an intermediate portion 45 and a threaded portion 46. Each threaded portion 46 is threadedly fastened to an internal thread 47 formed in the blade arm 16. Each internal thread 47 extends from a respective recess 48 formed in the blade arm 16. Each recess 48 has a larger cross section than the cross section of the intermediate portion 45 and the threaded portion 46. Each through hole 35 and the associated intermediate portion 45 are formed in such a way that each second fastening element 43 is held captive by the fastening member 30 during pre-assembly.

[0060] In order to adjust the granulating blade 15 fastened to the blade arm 16, a plurality of adjustment elements 49 are arranged on the positioning member 23. The adjustment elements 49 are arranged in the y direction, i.e. substantially parallel to the cutting edge S of the granulating blade 15. The adjustment elements 49 each comprise a threaded portion 50 and an actuation portion 51. The positioning member 23 comprises a through hole 53 for each adjustment element 49. An internal thread 52 is formed over the entire length of each through hole 53. Each threaded portion 50 is threadedly fastened to the internal thread 52 such that the adjustment element 49 is braced against the granulating blade 15 by an adjustment stop 54. The adjustment stop 54 is adjustable in the z direction as a result of the rotation of the adjustment element 49. The actuation portion 51 serves to rotate the adjustment element 49. Each actuation portion 51 comprises, for example, an internal hex socket. Each adjustment element 49 comprises a locking nut 51’ for stabilization purposes.

[0061] The granulating blade 15’ is fastened to the positioning member 23’ in a corresponding manner and is positioned in the receiving space 19’ by the first stop 20’, the second stop 21’ and the third stop 22’. The stops 20’, 21’ and 22’ delimit the receiving space 19’ in the associated x direction, y direction and z direction in a corresponding manner. The positioning member 23’ with the fastened granulating blade 15’ is correspondingly fastened to the blade arm 16’ by the fastening member 30’ and the granulating blade 15’ can be adjusted or positioned by the adjustment elements 49’.

[0062] The perforated plate 2 defines a cutting plane E in accordance with the desired spacing from the cutting edge S of the granulating blade 15, 15’. The cutting plane E is shown in Figure 4 Each receiving space 19, 19’ is formed on the side of the blade holder 14 or blade arm 16, 16’ which faces away from the cutting plane E. In a corresponding manner, the fastening member 30, 30’ and the adjustment elements 49, 49’ are arranged on the side of the blade holder 14 which faces away from the cutting plane E. In this way, the granulating blade 15, 15’ can be replaced or assembled, adjusted and / or dismantled in a simple manner.

[0063] The assembly of the granulating blade 15 on the blade arm 16 and the positioning of the cutting edge S of the granulating blade 15 in the cutting plane E are described in detail below. First, a preassembled blade unit 56 is produced by means of the assembly device 55.

[0064] The assembly device 55 comprises a base body 57 which comprises a first portion 58, a second, relatively high portion 59 and a third, L-shaped portion 60. The second portion 59 and the third portion 60 are arranged opposite the first portion 58. The third portion 60 is arranged substantially perpendicularly with respect to the first portion 58, so that the third portion 60 forms a first assembly stop 61. A straight-through slot 62 which is open towards one side is formed between the first assembly stop 61 and the first portion 58. A second assembly stop 63 is fastened to the first portion 58. The second assembly stop 63 is configured, for example, in the form of a pin. The second portion 59 has a ramp 64 which faces the first portion 58. A third assembly stop 65 is arranged in the region of the ramp 64. The third assembly stop 65 is adjustable perpendicularly with respect to the ramp 64. To this end, the third assembly stop 65 is formed at the end of a stop element 66, for example an adjustment screw. Fastened to the second portion 59 is a strip 67 which forms a fourth assembly stop 68 towards the first assembly stop 61. For the exact orientation of the fourth assembly stop 68, the strip 67 can be adjusted by means of a slot 70 and a screw 71. Formed in the first portion 58 is a longitudinal slot 69 which is open towards one side in a manner corresponding to the straight-through slot 62.

[0065] To preassemble the blade unit 56, the first fixing element 38 and the second fixing element 43 are first arranged captive in the through-holes 34, 35 of the fastening part 30. The adjustment element 49 is screwed in the relevant through-hole 53 of the positioning part 23. The fastening part 30 is then screwed to the positioning part 23 by means of the fixing element 31. Here, the first fixing element 38 is guided through the through-hole 36. The positioning part 23 and the fastening part 30 fastened thereto are then arranged in the assembly device 55 in such a way that the side of the positioning part 23 opposite the fastening part 30 is freely accessible. To this end, the fastening part 30 between the first fixing element 38 and the second fixing element 43 is introduced into the straight-through slot 62, so that the first fixing element 38 is positioned in the longitudinal slot 69 and the positioning part 23 rests against the first assembly stop 61 and the third assembly stop 65. The introduction operation is stopped when the fastening part 30 and / or the positioning part 23 rest against the second assembly stop 63.

[0066] In said position, the granulating blade 15 is arranged on the positioning member 23 in such a way that the granulating blade 15 rests against the adjustable fourth assembly stop 68. During the arrangement of the granulating blade 15, the first fixing element 38 is guided through the through hole 37. Subsequently, the granulating blade 15 is fastened to the positioning member 23 in the oriented position by means of the third fixing element 24. Thereby, the pre-assembly of the blade unit 56 is completed. The pre-assembled blade unit 56 is removed transversely from the straight-through slot 62 and the longitudinal slot 69 and thus transversely from the assembly device 55.

[0067] The pre-assembled blade unit 56 is subsequently fastened to the blade arm 16 by means of the first fixing element 38, the second fixing element 43, whereby the granulating blade 15 and the positioning member 23 are arranged in the receiving space 19 and positioned by resting against the stops 20, 21 and 22. The granulating blade 15 or the cutting edge S is thereby positioned in the first position. In the first position, the cutting edge S is located substantially in the cutting plane E.

[0068] Subsequently, the cutting edge S is precisely positioned in the cutting plane E by means of the adjustment elements 49. Due to the rotation of the respective adjustment element 49, the cutting edge S can thus be precisely positioned in the cutting plane E in the y-direction by means of the curvature of the granulating blade 15.

[0069] By means of the assembly device 55, the granulating blade 15', the positioning member 23', the fastening member 30' and the adjustment elements 49' are pre-assembled in a corresponding manner to form the blade unit 56'.

[0070] The pre-assembly of the blade units 56, 56' reduces the downtime of the granulating device 1 and the extruder connected thereto. In addition, the downtime is reduced due to the simple assembly of the blade units 56, 56' on the blade holder 14. Since the blade units 56, 56' are fastened to the blade holder 14 by means of the first fixing element 38, the second fixing element 43, the respective granulating blade 15, 15' has already been roughly positioned, so that only a precise positioning or adjustment of the cutting edge S in the cutting plane E by means of the adjustment elements 49, 49' is subsequently required. Due to the fact that the respective receiving space 19, 19' faces away from the cutting plane E, the blade units 56, 56' can be assembled and the granulating blades 15, 15' can be adjusted from the side facing away from the heated perforated plate 2. In this way, the granulating blades 15, 15' can be assembled and set up in a simple and user-friendly manner. Since the adjustment by means of the adjustment elements 49, 49' takes place after the blade units 56, 56' have been fixed to the blade holder 14 by means of the first fixing element 38, the second fixing element 43, any subsequent fastening operations do not affect the installation of the granulating blades 15, 15'. Thus, the granulating blades 15, 15' can be set up in a precise manner.

Claims

1. A blade head for granulating material strips, comprising: - Blade holder (14) - At least one granulation blade (15, 15'), which is fastened to the blade holder (14), and - At least one positioning element (23, 23') for positioning each granulation blade (15, 15'). Its features The blade holder (14) forms a receiving space (19, 19') for receiving the respective positioning components (23, 23'). The receiving space (19, 19') is defined by a first stop (20, 20'), a second stop (21, 21'), and a third stop (22, 22'). The individual granulation blades (15, 15') are pre-assembled and fastened to the respective positioning components (23, 23'). The respective positioning components (23, 23') abut against the blade holder (14) along the x and y directions for the coarse positioning of the granulation blades (15, 15'), and The positioning components (23, 23') and the granulating blades (15, 15') fastened thereto are arranged in the receiving space (19) in such a way that the positioning components (23, 23') directly abut against the first stop (20, 20') in the x-direction and directly abut against the second stop (21, 21') in the y-direction, and the granulating blades (15, 15') directly abut against the third stop (22, 22') in the z-direction. At least one adjusting element (49, 49') is fastened to the respective positioning members (23, 23') and abuts against the respective granulating blades (15, 15') for fine positioning purposes, wherein the at least one adjusting element (49, 49') is adjustable in the z-direction, and Each positioning component (23, 23') is fastened to the blade holder (14) by fastening components (30, 30'). The fastening components (30, 30') include a first part (32) and a second part (33). The first portion (32) abuts against the positioning member (23, 23') and is fastened to the blade holder (14) in the region of the receiving space (19) by the first fixing element (38), and The second part (33) is fastened to the blade holder (14) by a second fixing element (43).

2. The blade head according to claim 1, characterized in that... At least two fixing holes (28) are formed in each of the granulating blades (15, 15') and each of the granulating blades (15, 15') is fastened to the positioning member (23, 23') by at least two third fixing elements (24) extending through the at least two fixing holes (28).

3. The blade head according to claim 1, characterized in that... The individual granulation blades (15, 15') are arranged between the positioning component (23, 23') and the blade holder (14).

4. The blade head according to claim 1, characterized in that... At least one recess (29) for partially receiving at least two third fixing elements (24) is formed in the blade holder (14).

5. The blade head according to claim 1, characterized in that... Each positioning component (23, 23') is fastened to the blade holder (14) for receiving the positioning component (23, 23').

6. The blade head according to claim 1, characterized in that... Each positioning component (23, 23') is fastened to the blade holder (14) in at least one of the area of ​​the receiving space (19, 19') for receiving the positioning component (23, 23') and the outside of the receiving space (19, 19').

7. The blade head according to claim 1, characterized in that... The blade holder (14) includes at least two blade arms (16, 16') for securing the granulation blades (15, 15') and a support (17) for rotatably mounting the at least two blade arms (16, 16').

8. The blade head according to claim 7, characterized in that... The at least two blade arms (16, 16') are integrally formed with the support (17).

9. A granulation apparatus for granulating material strips, comprising: - A porous plate (2), which is used to generate material strips. - The blade head (3) according to claim 1 is arranged on the downstream side of the porous plate (2) for the purpose of generating particles from the material strip, and - Drive device (5), which is used to rotatably drive the blade head (3) about the rotation axis (6).

10. A method for assembling a blade head, comprising the following steps: - Provides blade holder (14). The blade holder (14) forms a receiving space (19, 19'). The receiving space (19, 19') is defined by a first stop (20, 20'), a second stop (21, 21'), and a third stop (22, 22'). - Pre-assemble and fasten the pelletizing blades (15, 15') to the positioning components (23, 23'). - The positioning member (23, 23') that is fastened to the pelletizing blade (15, 15') is fastened to the blade holder (14) such that the positioning member (23, 23') abuts against the blade holder (14) in the x and y directions and the pelletizing blade (15, 15') is in a first position relative to the blade holder (14). The positioning components (23, 23') and the granulating blades (15, 15') fastened thereto are arranged in the receiving space (19) in such a way that the positioning components (23, 23') directly abut against the first stop (20, 20') in the x-direction and directly abut against the second stop (21, 21') in the y-direction, and the granulating blades (15, 15') directly abut against the third stop (22, 22') in the z-direction. - The positioning component (23, 23') is fastened to the blade holder (14) by fastening components (30, 30'). The fastening components (30, 30') include a first part (32) and a second part (33). The first part (32) abuts against the positioning member (23, 23') and is fastened to the blade holder (14) in the region of the receiving space (19) by the first fixing element (38), and The second part (33) is fastened to the blade holder (14) by a second fixing element (43) and - Secure at least one adjusting element (49, 49') to the positioning member (23, 23'), and adjust the granulating blade (15, 15') in a second position relative to the blade holder (14) by the at least one adjusting element (49, 49') in the z direction.

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