A chopper for comminuting bulk material

Abstract

A shredder includes a shredder housing and a shredder rotor positioned in an interior of the shredder housing. The shredder rotor is rotatable about a rotor axis and has a plurality of rotor teeth. An access door is pivotably movable between an open position and a closed position, the access door defining a side wall of the shredder housing when the access door is in the closed position. A shredder comb is positioned at an interior side of the access door and includes a plurality of shredder comb teeth. The shredder comb is positioned at a shredding position for intermeshing with the plurality of rotor teeth for shredding material input to the shredder housing when the access door is in the closed position. The plurality of shredder comb teeth are removable and reversible for use in two orientations.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 212,850, filed June 21, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] This application relates to a low-speed shredder for crushing large pieces of material. Low-speed shredders are used to reduce the particle size of certain waste products, such as large landfill waste. U.S. Patent No. 9,573,137, U.S. Patent Publication 2021 / 0069721, and U.S. Patent Publication 2015 / 0217299 are examples of such shredders. Due to the high loads and forces applied to the equipment during the shredding process, these shredders are robust machines constructed from heavy-duty components. Waste is typically fed from the top of the shredder, with the material falling into a hopper typically using a front-end loader. The hopper contains the material as a rotor / drum, which is typically located below the hopper and rotates at a speed that can vary from 0 to 40 RPM. The shredder rotor has multiple rigid teeth that engage with the waste material and ultimately force the waste material through toothed combs, resulting in shearing and tearing of the material. The shredded waste then falls onto a conveyor for discharge. A screen can be used between the rotor and the conveyor to control the size of the material discharged from the shredder. The screen allows smaller particles to pass through while preventing larger particles from passing through and being discharged by the conveyor. Larger particles that do not pass through the screen are recycled back to the hopper via a rotor to further reduce their size.

[0004] Due to the harsh operating conditions of the equipment, shredder components such as the teeth of the comb will experience wear. For this reason, the comb can be constructed so that the comb teeth can be replaced individually. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a low-speed shredder including a shredder housing and a shredder rotor positioned within the shredder housing. The shredder rotor is rotatable about a rotor axis and has a plurality of rotor teeth. An access door is pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the access door, when in the closed position, defines a sidewall of the shredder housing. A shredder comb is positioned inside the access door and includes a plurality of shredder comb teeth. When the access door is in the closed position, the shredder comb is positioned in a shredding position to engage with the plurality of rotor teeth for shredding material fed into the shredder housing. The plurality of shredder comb teeth are removable and reversible for use in two orientations.

[0006] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a shredder including a shredder housing and a shredder rotor positioned inside the shredder housing. The shredder rotor is rotatable about a rotor axis and has a plurality of rotor teeth. An access door is pivotally movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the access door, when in the closed position, defines a sidewall of the shredder housing. A shredder comb unit is positioned inside the access door such that, when the access door is in the closed position, a shredder comb comprising a plurality of shredder comb teeth is positioned in a shredding position to engage with the plurality of rotor teeth for shredding material fed into the shredder housing. The shredder comb unit includes a frame, the plurality of shredder comb teeth being fixedly supported on the frame by corresponding tooth bases, the tooth bases being removable from the frame.

[0007] Various advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will also be apparent in part from that description, or may be learned by practicing various aspects of this disclosure. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and are not intended to limit the broad inventive concepts on which the examples are based. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a left-hand perspective view of a shredder based on the principles of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the shredder from the rear, looking down to the right.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The right-side view of the shredder.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Left side view of the shredder.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The left-hand perspective view from the rear of the shredder shows the shredder's access door in the open position.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A rear view of a portion of the shredder, showing the access door in the open position.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A top view of a portion of the shredder, showing the access door in the open position.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A top view of a portion of the shredder, showing the access door in the closed position.

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the comb assembly of the shredder taken from the working side.

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The front view of the comb component, with parts removed to better illustrate the removable and flippable comb teeth.

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A perspective view of the comb assembly of the shredder taken from the non-operating side, wherein... Figure 10 Some parts have been removed.

[0019] Figure 12 It is along Figure 9 The sectional view taken from section line 12-12.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a detailed perspective view of the comb, showing from left to right several installed comb teeth, the tooth bases from which the comb teeth are removed, and the frame housing from which the tooth bases are removed.

[0021] Figure 14 It is an exploded perspective view including the comb frame, individual comb teeth, and associated mounting hardware.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the comb teeth according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A side view of the comb teeth.

[0024] Figure 17 It is along Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the comb teeth taken from line 17-1.

[0025] Figure 18 yes Figure 15 A top view of the comb teeth.

[0026] Figure 19 This is the first perspective view of the base of the comb teeth.

[0027] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 The second perspective view of the base of the comb teeth.

[0028] Figure 21 It is a bottom view that directly looks through the main fastener hole used for comb tooth mounting to the base of the comb tooth.

[0029] Figure 22 This is a top view of the base of the comb teeth.

[0030] Figure 23 This is a front view of the base of the comb teeth.

[0031] Figure 24 It is along Figure 21 A sectional view of the base of the comb teeth taken from line 24-24.

[0032] Figure 25 This is a side view of the base of the comb teeth.

[0033] Figure 26 This is a rear view of a shredder according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, with the end walls removed to illustrate the internal components of the rotor and comb unit. The comb unit generally follows the principles of the foregoing embodiments and additionally includes a plurality of removable limiters extending below the comb teeth.

[0034] Figure 27 yes Figure 26 A perspective view of the end section of the comb unit, with several components removed from the comb unit to better illustrate the underlying structure of the comb unit frame.

[0035] Figure 28 yes Figure 26 A perspective view of the comb unit. The comb unit is shown as having a single limiter, a pair of associated retainers, and a pair of associated fasteners separated from the comb unit frame.

[0036] Figure 29 yes Figure 26 A perspective view of one of the limiters in the comb unit limiter.

[0037] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 The limiter is taken from the end view of the near end of the limiter.

[0038] Figure 31 yes Figure 29 Side view of the limiter.

[0039] Figure 32 It is along Figure 31 The sectional view of the limiter taken from line 32-32.

[0040] Figure 33 This is a perspective view of a comb unit according to an alternative embodiment, wherein the limiter is mounted to the comb unit frame aligned with the comb teeth.

[0041] Figure 34 yes Figure 33 A bottom view of the comb unit. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts and components throughout the views. Furthermore, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting, and are merely illustrative of some of the many possible embodiments for practicing various aspects of this disclosure.

[0043] This invention relates to a shredder 20. It can be made by... Figure 1 In one embodiment, the shredder 20 may include a shredder housing 22, the shredder housing 22 including opposing first end walls 24 and second end walls 26, and opposing first side walls 28 and second side walls 30 extending between the first end walls 24 and second end walls 26. The shredder housing 22 also includes a hopper 32 for receiving material to be shredded. The shredder housing 22 may further include a lower discharge outlet 33. Figure 5 The lower discharge outlet 33 can cooperate with the chute 34 for discharging the shredded material from the shredder chamber 22. (Return to Reference) Figure 1 The first sidewall 28 and the second sidewall 30 are located at the first side 201 and the second side 202 of the shredder housing 22, respectively.

[0044] Figure 1 The shredder 20 is shown to further include a conveyor system 159 comprising a lower conveyor 160 and an outer conveyor 162. The lower conveyor 160 is positioned below the lower discharge chute 34, and the outer conveyor 162 is positioned adjacent to one end of the lower conveyor 160. The outer conveyor 162 is pivotally movable relative to the shredder housing 22 between a stowed or transport position and an operating position. The shredder housing 22 may also include a base 50 supported on wheels 52. The discharge chute 34 may be part of the shredder housing 22, part of the base 50, or part of both the shredder housing 22 and the base 50. The shredder 20 includes a shredder housing 54 that encloses a power transmission system 56 for rotating the shredder rotor 38. Embodiments may include a traction tongue / hook 59 with a support jack 51 at the front of the shredder 20.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, the shredder housing 22 may further include a maintenance platform 36 and a shredder rotor 38, the maintenance platform 36 extending between the first end wall 24 and the second end wall 26, and the shredder rotor 38 positioned inside the shredder housing 22 adjacent to the lower end of the feed hopper 32. The access door 46 moves to a lowered position or an open position, as shown. Figure 5As shown, a maintenance platform 36 is exposed. The maintenance platform 36 may be substantially flat (i.e., horizontal) and provides access to multiple components of the chopper 20. For example, when an operator stands on the maintenance platform 36, the operator may be able to face a first direction toward the chopper rotor 38, or the operator may be able to face a second direction toward the chopper comb 58, which will be described in more detail below. The operator can access the full length of the chopper comb 58 by walking along the maintenance platform 36. The operator can also access the full length of the rotor 38 by walking along the maintenance platform 36. On the opposite side of the maintenance platform 36, the chopper 20 includes a flow control comb 150 connected to a first sidewall 28. This flow control comb 150 engages with the chopper rotor 38 to prevent material to be shredded from moving downwards from the feed hopper 32 into the area between the chopper rotor 38 and the first sidewall 28. The flow control comb 150 also has a comb element that can pivot upward relative to the first sidewall 28 to allow material to be recirculated upward through the flow control comb 150 and back to the feed hopper 32 by the shredder rotor 38.

[0046] The shredder rotor 38 may include a main rotor body and a plurality of rotor teeth 42 mounted to the main rotor body. The shredder rotor 38 is rotatable about a rotor axis 40 oriented from a first end wall 24 to a second end wall 26. A first side wall 28 and a second side wall 30 are depicted as extending in the direction of the rotor axis 40 (i.e., along or parallel to the rotor axis 40). The shredder rotor 38 may rotate about the rotor axis 40 in a positive decreasing direction F or in a reversing direction, or both about the rotor axis 40 in a positive decreasing direction F and in a reversing direction. Although not shown, the shredder 20 may also include a screen unit capable of being mounted at a screen mounting location for screening shredded material moving through the shredder comb 58. The screen mounting location may be located above the lower discharge port 33 and the chute 34 and below the rotor 38.

[0047] The shredder's access door 46 can be in the open position relative to the first end wall 24, the second end wall 26, and the maintenance platform 36 (see...). Figure 5 ) and closed position (see Figure 1 The access door 46 pivots between the open and closed positions. As the access door 46 pivots between the open and closed positions, it pivots about a door axis 48. The door axis 48 extends between the first end wall 24 and the second end wall 26 in the direction of the rotor axis 40 (i.e., along or parallel to the rotor axis 40). In the illustrated embodiment, the door axis 48 is horizontal. When the access door 46 is in the closed position, it defines a second side wall 30 of the shredder housing 22. The access door 46 may also include first and second latches 400. Figure 5 The first and second latches 400 are used to secure the access door 46 to the first end wall 24 and the second end wall 26, respectively, when the access door 46 is in the closed position. The latches 400 can interlock with openings 401 in the end walls 24, 26 to secure the door 46 in the closed position. In the example embodiment, the access door 46 is vertical in the closed position and horizontal in the open position. Furthermore, in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 400, which is configured to include a retractable pin, operates in the horizontal direction to extend and retract into the opening 401 in the respective end walls 24, 26. Figure 6 The illustration shows an access door 46 with an alternative style of latch 400A, which extends into and retracts from a vertical opening 401A in the end walls 24, 26.

[0048] refer to Figure 5 The shredder 20 also includes a shredder comb 58, which can be positioned inside the access door 46 at a distance 404. The shredder comb 58 can be carried by the access door 46 as it pivots between an open position and a closed position. The shredder comb 58 includes shredder comb teeth 60. When the access door 46 is in the closed position, the shredder comb 58 is positioned between a first end wall 24 and a second end wall 26 at a shredding position adjacent to the lower end of the feed hopper 32. In some embodiments, the shredder comb 58 is configured to cooperate with the shredder rotor 38 to shred material from the feed hopper 32. The shredder comb 58 can be positioned at the shredding position (see...). Figure 8 In the chopping position, the comb teeth 60 mesh with the rotor teeth 42, and the comb teeth 60 are located inside the cylindrical reference boundary of the chopper rotor 38, as defined below. With the access door 46 closed, the chopper comb 58 can also be positioned in a released position (not shown), in which the comb teeth 60 are outside the cylindrical reference boundary. This cylindrical reference boundary can be defined by the sweep dimension of the rotor teeth 42 of the chopper rotor 38 as it rotates about the rotor axis 40. In some embodiments, the rotor axis 40 can be positioned above the service platform 36.

[0049] When the shredder comb 58 is in the shredding position, the shredder comb teeth 60 can cooperate with the rotor teeth 42 to shred the material to be shredded as the shredder rotor 38 rotates about the rotor axis 40. Conversely, when the access door 46 is in the open position, the shredder comb 58 is laterally displaced outward from between the first end wall 24 and the second end walls 24, 26 to the shredder comb maintenance position inside the shredder housing 22. Figures 5 to 14The illustration shows a shredder comb 58, which is part of a shredder comb unit 78 supported by an access door 46. The shredder comb unit 78 includes a shredder comb unit frame 80 to which shredder comb teeth 60 are mounted. The shredder comb unit 78 can rotate relative to the support frame of the access door 46 around axis 81 between a shredding position and a release position. Figure 6 It can pivotally move. Axis 81 can be parallel to rotor axis 40. To allow pivotal movement of the shredder comb unit 78, frame 80 may include a pivot shaft supported within a bearing housing 410 (see...). Figure 5 The bearing housing 410 is mounted to the frame of the door 46 within the bearing housing. When the door 46 is closed, the bearing housing 410 is fitted into a corresponding recess 412 defined by the end walls 24, 26 of the shredder housing. Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the shredder comb unit 78 may further include a first plate structure 82 supported by the shredder comb unit frame 80 above the shredder comb 58. The first plate structure 82 defines the lower portion of the hopper defining surface 76. The access door 46 may further include a second plate structure 84 fixed relative to the support frame of the access door 46. The second plate structure 84 defines the upper portion of the hopper defining surface 76.

[0050] When the access door 46 is closed and the shredder comb 58 is in the shredding position, the shredder comb teeth 60 can be positioned inside the cylindrical reference boundary of the shredder rotor 38 when the shredder comb unit 78 is in the shredding position. When the shredder comb unit 78 is in the released position, the shredder comb teeth 60 can be located outside the cylindrical reference boundary of the shredder rotor 38. Figure 6 As shown, the shredder 20 may also include at least one hydraulic cylinder 87 for holding the shredder comb unit 78 in the shredding position. One or more hydraulic cylinders 87 may be configured to retract to allow the shredder comb unit 78 to move from the shredding position to a release position. One or more additional hydraulic cylinders 90 are configured to move the access door 46 from a closed position to an open maintenance position, and vice versa.

[0051] For reference here Figures 9 to 25 This describes the construction of the comb teeth 60 and the assembly of the comb teeth 60 into the shredder comb unit 78 to form the comb 58. For example... Figure 9As shown, a row of comb teeth 60 is provided, each comb tooth being individually mounted to the frame 80 of the shredder comb unit 78. Therefore, the comb teeth 60 can be individually replaced on the comb unit 78. As described in further detail below, each comb tooth 60 is configured to be mounted in two different orientations, allowing the comb tooth 60 to be flipped for use in two different orientations. Each comb tooth 60 is not directly mounted to the frame 80, but is supported by a comb tooth mounting base or base 170, where one comb tooth can be... Figure 9 Seen from the front. The base of the comb teeth at 170 is also... Figures 19 to 25 Shown separately. Each comb tooth 60 has a top side and a bottom side at its working end, the top side facing the oncoming rotor tooth 42, and the bottom side bordering the comb tooth base 170. The working end is a portion of the comb tooth 60 that extends from the operating side of the frame 80 and is exposed to mesh with the rotor tooth 42 when the shredder comb unit 78 is in the shredding position with the access door 46 closed. Figure 9 neutralization Figure 10 The working end is shown on the left side. As described below, each installed comb tooth 60 also has a non-working end ( Figure 10 (On the right side), regardless of the position of the access door 46 and the shredder comb unit 78 relative to the access door 46, the non-working end cannot mesh with the plurality of rotor teeth 42. The non-working ends of all comb teeth 60 extend to the non-operating side of the frame 80 and are shielded from the interior of the shredder housing by the frame 80, such as... Figures 10 to 13 As shown. The working end and non-working end are determined by how the comb teeth 60 are mounted to the frame 80. Thus, the reorientation of the comb teeth 60 can reverse which end is the working end and which end is the non-working end. The working end and non-working end of the comb teeth 60 can be physically identical to each other. Thus, separate labels are not given for the working end and non-working end to avoid confusion.

[0052] At the top side, the working end of the comb teeth 60 provides a cutting portion 174 at least partially defined by one or more cutting blades. At the bottom side of the working end, the comb teeth 60 may define a recess 178. Figure 12 The recess 178 receives the central protrusion 182 of the comb tooth base 170. The central protrusion 182 has a reduced thickness compared to the surrounding portion of the comb tooth base 170. Thus, additional lateral support surfaces 186 can be formed on the comb tooth base 170 at corresponding steps where the central protrusion 182 meets the main body of the comb tooth base 170. The surfaces 186 at these steps can support the portion of the comb tooth 60 extending along the recess 178. Figure 12 and Figure 25In the shown side view, the central protrusion 182 may present an arcuate convex interface surface 190, which is complementary to an arcuate concave interface surface 192 formed in the recess 178 of the comb tooth 60. The two surfaces 190, 192 may optionally have portions following a constant radius of at least 90 degrees. The constant radius section may extend to the top of a master fastener hole 196 for receiving a fastener 200 that secures the comb tooth 60 to the base 170. The fastener 200 may extend upward from the bottom of the hole 196 through the top of the hole 196 and then screw into a threaded hole 204 in the comb tooth 60, as shown. Figure 12 As shown. Hole 196 can be a clearance hole for fastener 200.

[0053] Although fastener 200 can be tightened to stretch the comb teeth 60 and base 170 together at interface surfaces 190, 192, fastener 200 is configured not to bear the cutting load presented by the material driven by the rotating roller teeth 42 across the comb teeth 60. Instead, fastener 200 is relatively isolated from the cutting load after being tightened to bring interface surfaces 190, 192 tightly together. For reasons further explained below, although fastener 200 is isolated from the cutting load, the total contact point between comb teeth 60 and base 170 does not itself have a positive locking effect. Rather, when interface surfaces 190, 192 are used independently, they can be fully engaged by simply placing comb teeth 60 and base 170 directly together, and can be separated from the fully engaged engagement by simply pulling comb teeth 60 and base 170 apart. Although the boundary surfaces 190, 192 may define a conical or wedge-shaped profile, the shape of the boundary surfaces 190, 192 does not necessarily require a multi-step orientation, such as a specific rotation of one part relative to another.

[0054] The load applied to the comb teeth 60 is transferred to the base 170 and from the base 170 to the frame 80 of the comb unit 78. The frame 80 can be constructed as a single, integral welded piece to support all the comb teeth 60 of the comb unit 78. Figure 12As shown, the comb base 170 may have three separate points that engage with or support the frame 80. A first contact point may be established between the arched protrusion 208 of the frame 80 and a complementary receiving portion or recess 210 formed in the bottom of the base 170, adjacent to the side of the fastener hole 196 away from the comb teeth 60. A second contact point is defined between an inward end surface 212 (e.g., formed flat) and an adjacent reaction surface 214 on the frame 80 (e.g., also formed flat). Additionally, a threaded fastener 218 engages with a threaded hole 220 in the frame 80, such that the end of the fastener 218 presses against a foot portion 224 of the comb base 170. Although shown with an orifice (optionally for receiving a threaded fastener), the foot portion 224 of the illustrated embodiment is configured in the illustrated configuration to receive thrust from the fastener 218 when the fastener is screwed into the frame hole 220. This action ensures that any gaps at other contact points between the frame 80 and the base 170 are occupied, allowing the load to be effectively transferred to the frame 80 and reducing wear. The fastener 218 can have a fine pitch, allowing for precise adjustment of the thrust generated by rotating the fastener 218. Because the fastener 218 has a relatively small length-to-diameter ratio and therefore a relatively small number of full engagement thread turns, the retainer 228 can slide into place within the channel of the frame 80 to engage the head of the fastener 218, thus preventing the fastener 218 from rotating and disengaging once assembled. The fastener 218 of the illustrated configuration can be referred to as a "pushbolt" because it only pushes the comb base 170 without extending into or through it.

[0055] Further reference Figures 10 to 12 and Figure 14 Each comb tooth 60 is additionally supported relative to the frame at a position spaced apart from the comb tooth base 170. This support may be provided by a support member or support "ring" 232, which is separate from the comb tooth base 170 and the frame 80, although the support member or support "ring" 232 is fixedly attached to the comb tooth base 170 and the frame 80. Figure 12The window 236 of the frame 80 is shown to be very close to the central portion 240 of the comb teeth 60, which separates the working and non-working ends; however, when the comb teeth 60 are installed in the comb unit 78, a gap is provided between the central portion 240 of the comb teeth and the window 236. A plurality of support rings 232 corresponding to the plurality of corresponding comb teeth 60 are fixedly attached to the frame 80 by rods 244 and at least one fastener 248. In the illustrated configuration, one rod 244 supports one half of the support rings 232 of the comb unit 78, and another rod 244 (not shown) supports the other half of the support rings 232. The support rods 244 may have an end with internal threads for engaging with the fastener 248, which initially extends through a hole in the side plate of the frame 80. The threaded end of the support rod 244 may also be used during assembly / disassembly, for example by facilitating engagement with a portable power cylinder that pushes the support rod 244 into / out of the assembly position. In other configurations, the support ring 232, or other components with similar features for supporting the comb teeth 60, are integrally incorporated into the welded parts of the frame 80. The support ring 232 may have a hardened steel construction, such as heat-treated SAE 4140 steel. Each support ring 232 is formed as a single piece capable of complete 360-degree rotation around a central axis and orifice.

[0056] The portion of the support ring 232 facing the comb tooth 60 on its non-working end is shaped and presents itself to mimic the central projection 182 of the comb tooth base 170. In other words, a recess 178 on the non-working end receives at least a portion of the support ring 232 to define a tight interface between the recess interface surface 192 and the interface surface of the support ring 232, which may have the same shape as the interface surface 190 of the central projection 182 of the comb tooth base 170, complementing the recess interface surface 190, each being tapered or wedge-shaped. Due to the presence of the mounted support ring 232, the comb tooth 60 can be assembled to the comb unit 78 by inserting the non-working end into a first angular position through the frame window 236, wherein the working end pivots about a first axis A of the comb tooth 60 away from the tooth base 170 (and the non-working end similarly pivots away from the support ring 232). Once the comb tooth 60 is inserted longitudinally along its second axis B, the comb tooth 60 pivots about the first axis A to a second angular position, in which the working end recess 178 is brought toward and onto the tooth base 170, and the non-working end recess 178 is brought toward and onto the support ring 232. Figure 12As shown, a curved guide surface 238 is formed in the comb unit frame 80 as a mounting slide, which guides the non-working end of the comb teeth 60 into the mounting position. Fasteners 200 and 218 are then installed, followed by the retainer 228 for the second fastener 218. When the second fastener 218 is tightened (e.g., only after the torsion of fastener 200), the second fastener 218 causes the tooth base 170 to surround the protrusion 208 (…). Figure 12 The comb 60 is rotated counterclockwise. This not only brings the inward end surface 212 into contact with the frame 80, but also forces the entire comb tooth 60 slightly outward away from the frame 80 to further ensure close contact and occupancy of the gaps in the two recesses 178 (with the tooth base 170 and the support ring 232, respectively). The arrangement shown in the figure allows the recesses 178 at the non-working end to be pressed into contact with the corresponding support ring 232 without being fastened. No fasteners are used on the non-working end of the comb tooth 60.

[0057] The retainer 228 portion of the comb can also be used to retain a limiter or other screening attachment to help manage the movement of the shredded material below the comb teeth 60. See below for reference. Figures 26 to 32 To describe at least one such example in more detail.

[0058] As previously mentioned, each installed comb tooth 60 will have a working end and a non-working end. The initial assembly of the comb unit 78 can be completely unconcerned about which end of the comb tooth 60 is positioned as the working end. In other words, the two cutting portions 174 are of identical physical construction and provide the same chopping performance when used with the rotor teeth 42. For the initial assembly, regardless of the chosen orientation, one of the recesses 178 receives the central protrusion 182 of the comb tooth base 170, and the opposing recess 178 receives the support ring 232. As from... Figures 15 to 18 As can be seen, a 180-degree rotation of the comb teeth 60 about the first axis A results in a component orientation that is exactly the same as the original orientation, although the positions of the two ends are interchanged. Therefore, when it is desired to reorient the comb teeth 60 to flip the working and non-working ends (e.g., after the service life of the first cutting portion 174), the original comb tooth mounting orientation and the subsequent comb tooth mounting orientation differ by a 180-degree rotation about the first axis A. When the comb teeth 60 are installed, the first axis A extends parallel to axis 81, and the shredder unit 78 can pivot about axis 81 on the access door 46. Once moved to the subsequent comb tooth mounting orientation, the original (worn) cutting portion 174 is positioned adjacent to and facing away from the support ring 232. (As from...) Figure 12 and Figure 18As can be seen, the comb teeth 60 include two fastener holes 204 (e.g., coherent fastener holes), both of which are offset from the first axis A. Due to the engagement of the comb teeth 60 with the support ring 232 at the non-working end, in the original or first comb tooth mounting orientation, only the first hole of the holes 204 is utilized, and in the subsequent or second comb tooth mounting orientation, only the other hole of the holes 204 is utilized.

[0059] Although not shown, other embodiments of the comb teeth 60 provide different cut portions 174 at two opposite ends (e.g., different in one or more aspects of size, shape, and hardness). Comb teeth 60 with different cut portions 174 can be flipped to allow for reconfiguration of the comb unit 78 for different materials (e.g., wood versus rubber). Comb teeth 60 with different cut portions 174 can still maintain two consistent mounting surfaces (e.g., recesses 178) at both ends, allowing the comb teeth 60 to be mounted in the same manner regardless of which of the cut portions 174 is presented for use. In some configurations, only one cut portion 174 on the comb teeth 60 is serrated, or the two cut portions 174 may have different serration structures. In some configurations, flipping comb teeth 60 with different cut portions 174 can reconfigure the comb unit 78 to match different rotor configurations (e.g., rotor end height and / or profile).

[0060] Figures 26 to 32 A shredder 320 according to another embodiment is illustrated, which may be similar to shredder 20 in any or all respects except those explicitly pointed out herein. In some embodiments, Figures 26 to 32 The shredder 320 can be a modification or reconfiguration of the same shredder 20, although it is also conceivable that the shredder 320 is a completely independent shredder. Similarly, the comb unit 378 can be a completely different component from the comb unit 78, or simply a reconfiguration of the comb unit 78, including a set of added and / or interchangeable components. Figure 26As shown, the comb unit 378 includes a plurality of restraints 333 extending at least partially below the rotor 38. In some cases, the restraints 333 may promote more complete crushing of the shredded material before it is conveyed to the conveyor 160, and / or reduce the likelihood of fragments or chips being driven downwards into the conveyor 160. The restraints 333 may promote deflection and, in some cases, promote further crushing of the shredded material after it has passed the junction between the rotor teeth 42 and the comb teeth 60. In some cases, the restraints 333 may be configured to extend further through the width of the shredder housing 22 (e.g., a large portion of the width of the shredder housing 22), and / or cooperate with additional restraints or screens to promote complete recycling of the shredded material to the top side of the rotor 38 above the comb teeth 60. The restraints 333 may be particularly advantageous in shredding railway sleepers and other long, split types of timber, although the restraints 333 can be used in any desired application where better dimensions may be beneficial. Generally, screens and limiters are used to improve material dimensions, but limiters offer less constraint because they do not wrap too long around the underside of the rotor 38. Although the limiter 333 illustrated is positioned entirely outside the cylindrical reference boundary of the shredder rotor 38, similar limiters may have a profile that extends through and into the cylindrical reference boundary of the shredder rotor 38.

[0061] like Figure 27 As shown, the limiter 333 can extend primarily in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis B of the comb teeth. The limiters 333 can have a spacing between them that matches the spacing between the comb teeth 60. However, the limiters 333 are not aligned with the comb teeth 60, but are offset relative to them, such that a given limiter 333 is equidistant from the two nearest adjacent comb teeth 60. Figure 33 and Figure 34 In an alternative embodiment, the limiter 433 is provided at the same spacing distance as the comb teeth 60, and the limiter 433 is positioned to align with the comb teeth 60. The limiter 333 may have a rotor-facing side or edge 337 that faces generally upward when the limiter 333 is mounted below a portion of the rotor 38. The limiter 333 may have a claw shape or a slightly hook shape, wherein the rotor-facing edge 337 has a concave profile that approximates or matches a profile curve traced at a fixed distance relative to the rotor axis 40, such as from... Figure 26 It's clear. Return to Figure 27The frame 80 can be a shared frame for the two comb units 78, 378 or a frame unique to comb unit 378. The frame 80 includes a support surface 339 having threaded holes 220 for fasteners 218. The support surface 339 can be flat or otherwise configured. Spaced apart from the support surface 339 are a plurality of flanged posts or bosses 341 configured to define slots or receiving portions 343 therebetween. Figure 27 As shown, a hole 220 for a fastener 218 is located in each receiving portion 343.

[0062] Each retainer 328 is held relative to the support surface 339 by a pair of laterally spaced slots formed by a pair of adjacent, spaced-apart flanged bosses 341, each having a corresponding flange extending toward each other. A receiving portion 343 for the retainer 328 is formed between the two flanged bosses 341, and a corresponding flange extends along the edge portion of the receiving portion 343; this arrangement is repeated for each retainer 328. Additionally, each of the limiters 333 is mounted on a flanged boss 341, and in this case, on only one flanged boss 341. As described in further detail below, the limiter 333 is configured to engage two laterally opposing flanges on a flanged boss 341. The retainers 328 and the corresponding receiving portions 343 are centered between adjacent flanged bosses 341, while the limiters 333 are centered on the flanged bosses 341. Limiter 333, or a portion thereof, can be stacked with retainer 328 during assembly, which allows for... Figure 27 I saw it in [the text]. Figure 27 In the diagram, the two leftmost flanged bosses 341 are shown without retainers 333. The leftmost retainer slot is also shown without retainers 328 and fasteners 218, thus exposing the threaded hole 220 and the support surface 339. According to the above disclosure, each receiving portion 343 may receive a retainer 328 (e.g., the entire retainer) and portions (e.g., side edges) of two adjacent retainers 333.

[0063] about Figures 29 to 32One of the limiters 333 is shown in further detail. Although alternative constructions may be optional, the limiter 333 may be integrally constructed, for example, welded to a plate portion that has been cut and / or bent into a desired shape. Opposite to the distal end 335, the limiter 333 has a proximal end or attachment end 345, which has a structure defined for mating with the shape of the flanged boss 341. The structure at the attachment end 345 may include a closed end slot 347. The slot 347 opens on a lower side opposite the rotor-facing edge 337 and closes on an upper side adjacent to the rotor-facing edge 337. The slot 347 provides space, when assembled, to receive one of the flanged bosses 341.

[0064] The limiter 333 and retainer 328 can be assembled to the comb unit frame 80 by sliding onto the flanged boss 341 or into the receiving portion 343 in a direction parallel to the support surface 339. The limiter 333 is installed first, prior to the installation of the fastener 218. Once the limiter 333 is in place, one or more adjacent limiter retainers 328 slide into position between the support surface 339 and the limiter 333, and once the fastener 218 is installed (e.g., the fastener 218 as described above is installed to eliminate gaps at the comb tooth base 170), these adjacent limiter retainers 328 lock the limiter 333 in place (e.g., preventing the limiter 333 from sliding upwards out of the slot). For example, as... Figures 29 to 31As indicated, the lip 349 protrudes outward at the proximal end of the limiter 333, substantially opposite to the portion forming the rotor-facing edge 337. In the assembled position, the bottom edge of the limiter retainer 328 contacts the lip 349, or is positioned directly on the front of the lip 349 relative to a direction parallel to the support surface 339 passing through the receiving portion 343. Once fastener 218 is installed, the head of fastener 218 prevents the retainer 328 from sliding out of the receiving portion 343. With the limiter lip 349 tucked under the bottom edge of the retainer 328, the retainer 328 prevents the limiter 333 from sliding away from the flanged boss 341. The lip 349 is positioned to engage with the retainer 328 in the event of an upward sliding force on the limiter 333, which would otherwise allow the limiter 333 to slide out of position. As shown, each limiter 333 has a lip 349 on each lateral side of the limiter for engaging each adjacent retainer 328. As mentioned above, due to interference with the limiter lip 349, the retainer 328 is assembled after the limiter 333 and before the fastener 218. However, in another configuration, the comb unit 378 may not have the limiter 333 and may have multiple retainers that act as anti-rotation clips for the fastener 218, similar to the retainer 228 described above (e.g., Figure 14 ).

[0065] As briefly mentioned above, Figure 33 and Figure 34 The illustration shows a shredder comb unit 478 similar to comb units 78 and 378, except that the limiters 433 are positioned directly below the respective comb teeth 60. To achieve this arrangement, each limiter 433 is mounted in a receiving portion 343 between two adjacent flanged bosses 341 on the support surface 339. Fasteners 218 can extend through an opening in the proximal portion of the limiter 433. Therefore, the limiters 433 can be held in the assembled position by the fasteners 218 without the need for a separate additional retainer, although alternative arrangements are optional.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and alterations can be made without following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the inventive aspects disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A shredder, comprising: Shred the chassis; A shredder rotor, the shredder rotor being positioned inside the shredder housing, the shredder rotor being rotatable about a rotor axis and having multiple rotor teeth; and A shredder comb, positioned on the side of the shredder housing, and comprising a plurality of shredder comb teeth configured to mesh with the plurality of rotor teeth to shred the material fed into the shredder housing; as well as The plurality of shredder comb teeth are removable and reversible for use in two orientations, and each of the plurality of shredder comb teeth includes a first end having a cutting portion and a mounting recess and a second end having a cutting portion and a mounting recess. The cut portions at the first end and the cut portions at the second end are not only located at opposite ends, but also on opposite sides. The mounting recesses at the first end and the mounting recesses at the second end are not only located on opposite ends, but also on opposite sides.

2. The shredder of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of shredder comb teeth are fixedly supported on the comb unit frame by corresponding comb tooth bases, and the plurality of comb tooth bases can be removed from the comb unit frame.

3. The shredder of claim 2 wherein, The entire shredder comb is supported by the comb unit frame, which is constructed as a single, integral welded component.

4. The shredder of claim 2 wherein, The bases of the multiple comb teeth are positioned on the operating side of the comb unit frame.

5. The shredder of claim 2 wherein, Each of the plurality of comb tooth bases is positioned between the comb unit frame and the corresponding comb tooth.

6. The shredder of claim 2 wherein, Each of the plurality of shredder comb teeth is secured to a corresponding comb tooth base in the plurality of comb tooth bases with fasteners.

7. The mincing machine of claim 6, wherein, The fastener extends from the underside of the corresponding comb base in the comb base through the gap hole in the corresponding comb base, and at least partially extends into the hole in the corresponding shredder comb in the plurality of shredder combs.

8. The shredder according to claim 1, wherein the shredder has a first configuration in which the first ends of the plurality of shredder comb teeth are mounted on a shredder comb frame so as to be positioned to mesh with the plurality of rotor teeth, and the second ends of the plurality of shredder comb teeth are shielded by a comb unit frame and separated from the interior of the shredder housing.

9. The shredder according to claim 1, wherein the shredder has a first configuration in which the first ends of the plurality of shredder comb teeth are mounted on the operating side of the comb unit frame so as to be positioned to mesh with the plurality of rotor teeth by fastening to the bases of the plurality of comb teeth, and the bases of the plurality of comb teeth are at least partially received in mounting recesses of the respective first ends.

10. The shredder according to claim 9, wherein, In the first configuration, the second ends of the plurality of shredder comb teeth are mounted on the non-operating side of the comb unit frame, and the second ends contact a plurality of corresponding support rings, which are at least partially received into the mounting recesses of the second ends without being fastened.

11. The shredder according to claim 1, wherein, The shredder comb is movable between a shredding position and a release position, in which the shredder comb teeth are positioned to mesh with the rotor teeth, and in the release position, the shredder comb teeth are positioned outside the cylindrical reference boundary defined by the rotor teeth.

12. The shredder according to claim 1, wherein, A curved guide surface is formed in the comb unit frame as a mounting slide, which is used to guide the non-working end of each of the plurality of shredder comb teeth into the mounting position.

13. The shredder according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of shredder combs are fixedly supported on a comb unit frame having a support surface and a plurality of flanged bosses extending from the support surface; the shredder also includes a plurality of limiters mounted at the respective plurality of flanged bosses and protruding around the lower portion of the shredder rotor to close a throat-like space and facilitate the recycling of the shredded material.

14. A shredder, comprising: Shred the chassis; A shredder rotor, the shredder rotor being positioned inside the shredder housing, the shredder rotor being rotatable about a rotor axis and having multiple rotor teeth; and A shredder comb unit is located on the side of the shredder housing and includes a plurality of shredder comb teeth configured to mesh with the plurality of rotor teeth for shredding the material fed into the shredder housing. The shredder comb unit includes a frame, and the plurality of shredder comb teeth are fixedly supported on the frame by corresponding comb tooth bases, the plurality of comb tooth bases being removable from the frame. The plurality of shredder comb teeth are removable and reversible so as to be used in two orientations. Each of the plurality of chopper comb teeth includes a first end having a cutting portion and a mounting recess, and a second end having a cutting portion and a mounting recess. The cut portions at the first end and the cut portions at the second end are not only located at opposite ends, but also on opposite sides. The mounting recesses at the first end and the mounting recesses at the second end are not only located on opposite ends, but also on opposite sides.

15. The shredder according to claim 14, wherein, Each of the plurality of comb tooth bases is securely positioned relative to the frame solely through a plurality of contact points that contact the comb teeth and the frame, without any direct fastening measures to the frame.

16. The shredder according to claim 14, wherein, For each of the plurality of comb bases, the circular protrusion of the frame is received in a complementary receiving portion formed in the comb base.

17. The shredder of claim 16, further comprising a clamping bolt for each of the plurality of comb bases, the clamping bolt being screwed into the frame and configured to apply an adjustable thrust to a foot of the comb base offset from the receiving portion that receives the circular protrusion.

18. The shredder according to claim 14, wherein, Each of the plurality of shredder comb teeth is secured to a corresponding comb tooth base in the plurality of comb tooth bases with fasteners.

19. The shredder according to claim 18, wherein, The fastener extends from the underside of the corresponding comb base in the comb base through the gap hole in the corresponding comb base, and at least partially extends into the hole in the corresponding shredder comb in the plurality of shredder combs.

20. The shredder according to claim 14, wherein, Each of the plurality of shredder comb teeth is removable and flip-up relative to the base of the plurality of comb teeth in order to provide two working orientations.

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