granulator

Abstract

The invention relates to a pelletizer having a rotatably drivable cutter head for dividing a strand of material output from a die plate into pellets and a feed device for axially adjusting the cutter head relative to the die plate in the direction of the cutter head rotation axis, wherein the cutter head is drivingly connected to a drive motor via a transmission shaft. According to the invention, the spindle element of the spindle transmission stage of the feed device is configured as a spindle sleeve which is located on the rotary transmission shaft in an axially fixed manner between the drive motor and the cutter head, wherein the transmission shaft is connected to the cutter head in an axially fixed and rotationally fixed manner and transmits the axial movement of the spindle sleeve to the cutter head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pelletizer having a rotatably driven cutter disc and a feeding device, the cutter disc being used to separate a bundle of material output from a template into pellets, wherein the cutter disc is driveably connected to a drive motor via a drive shaft, and the feeding device is used to axially adjust the cutter disc relative to the template in the direction of the cutter disc's rotation axis. Background Technology

[0002] This type of granulator has various known designs, such as those for plastic granulation, in which a rotating cutter head causes blades to scrape across a die, cutting and shredding the polymer melt stream exiting from the nozzle-shaped orifices or through-holes of the die head into granules. Here, the granulator can be wet-operated, where, for example in the case of an underwater granulator, the cutter head operates in a cutting chamber flushed with process water or a process fluid to prevent the shredded granules from sticking together and agglomerating, and to remove them from the cutting chamber. Water ring granulators can also be wet-operated, where the blades do not operate in a water bath, but are surrounded circumferentially by a flowing annular stream of water that carries away and cools the cut granules to initiate solidification. The rotating blades cut the melt stream exiting from the end face of the die in a self-drying manner, then the still-hot molten granules are sprayed into the surrounding water ring. As with underwater granulators, water is not necessarily used as the process fluid; other liquids or mixtures, or water with additives, can also be used.

[0003] On the other hand, this granulator can also be operated in a dry manner, where, for example, in the case of an air or cooled air granulator, hot cutting is performed in a dry manner, wherein rotating blades can also scrape along the die to cut off the melt stream exiting from the channel orifice. The hot-cut granules are further conveyed and cooled by airflow; however, this takes longer because air has a lower thermal conductivity than water.

[0004] Here, the template from which the melt stream is output (the template) is not necessarily in the form of a flat plate; it can also have a conical or curved profile if necessary, although flat templates are advantageous for many applications. In contrast, the granulator does not necessarily granulate plastic melt, but it can also shred other paste-like material streams into granules, such as pastes in the food industry or active pharmaceutical ingredients.

[0005] For various reasons, the axial position of the cutter head relative to the die is crucial for the granulation process. Typically, the blades should be pressed or clamped against the cutting surface of the die with a predetermined adjustment force so that the blades precisely scrape across the cutting surface. Here, the restoring force that occurs during cutting must be absorbed, which can vary, for example, depending on the blade's angle of attack.

[0006] Depending on the application, such as the different materials to be granulated, or the different cutter heads or inserts used, it may be necessary to change the axial position and / or feed force and adapt them to the corresponding application or cutter head. When the inserts wear, the cutter head must also be readjusted due to wear.

[0007] Here, axial adjustment of the cutter head relative to the template in the direction of the rotation axis can be achieved in various ways and methods. For example, it is known to use a mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic spring device that drives the cutter head toward the cutting surface of the template, wherein the cutter head is positioned on a drive shaft in an axially adjustable manner, for example by a splined shaft profile or a similar torque transmission connector capable of axial adjustment, and the drive shaft can be configured to be hollow so as to be pressed against the cutter head, for example by a spring-biased moving rod (e.g., refer to DE 196 47 396 C2 or DE 296 24 638 U1).

[0008] On the other hand, axial adjustment of the cutter head via a motor drive is also known. For example, document EP 2067 591 A1 discloses an underwater pelletizer in which the drive shaft is held in an axially adjustable bearing connected to a rack adjustable by a pinion. The pinion is driven by a pneumatic cylinder via a gear train. The document aims to reduce the fluctuation of holding torque when stationary by using a pneumatic actuator, but the pneumatic cylinder causes a considerable loss of efficiency, especially when operating under the high pressure required to securely hold the cutter head. Furthermore, the driving force introduced on one side by the rack profile results in tensile forces in the bearing assembly, leading to a loss of stiffness and efficiency.

[0009] A granulator is also known from document EP 12 86 811 B1, in which the cutter head can be axially adjusted by a servo motor. Here, the servo motor rotatably drives a threaded sleeve via a screw gear stage, the rotation of which axially adjusts the screw engaged with its threads. The axial movement of the screw is transmitted to a bearing sleeve via a transverse bolt, in which the drive shaft is mounted axially fixed and rotatable. However, due to the transverse bolt, the driving force is applied only as intended and eccentrically to the bearing sleeve of the drive shaft, resulting in losses in support stress, stiffness, and efficiency. Furthermore, due to the eccentric, laterally spaced arrangement of the spindle drive stage and the connected screw gear stage, the transmission system between the servo motor and the bearing sleeve is bulky, making the self-locking effect desired from the multi-stage gear design costly.

[0010] Furthermore, an underwater granulator is known in document EP 24 42 954 B1, which also adjusts the cutter head via a motor. Here, the adjusting motor is positioned laterally spaced beside the main drive shaft and drives a main shaft drive stage via a belt. This drive stage is coaxial with the main drive shaft and can axially adjust a moving rod, which acts on the cutter head via a hollow main drive shaft. The moving rod passes through the main drive motor so that the main shaft drive stage can be positioned behind the main drive motor (i.e., on the side opposite the cutter head) and connected to the moving rod. This requires a specially designed main drive motor with a drive shaft continuously hollowed out at both end faces, and also results in a very long axial structure. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved granulator of the above type that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and further develops the prior art in an advantageous manner. In particular, rigid and energy-efficient axial adjustment of the cutter head should be achieved without sacrificing a compact design or requiring a specially designed main drive.

[0012] According to the present invention, the objective is achieved by a granulator according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] Therefore, it is proposed to place the spindle drive stage for axially adjusting the cutter head directly on the drive shaft between the main drive motor and the cutter head, so as to axially adjust the rotating drive shaft itself. Thus, a motion rod passing through the entire drivetrain is unnecessary, and the main drive does not need to be configured as a hollow shaft motor. According to the invention, the spindle element of the feed device's spindle drive stage is configured as a spindle sleeve, which is axially fixed on the rotating drive shaft between the drive motor and the cutter head, wherein the drive shaft is axially fixed and non-rotatable to the cutter head, and transmits the axial movement of the spindle sleeve to the cutter head. Unlike the prior art, the axial adjustment movement of the spindle element is not introduced to the cutter head via a transverse bolt from the eccentric spindle drive assembly, nor is it transmitted to the cutter head from the rear of the main drive via a separate motion rod, but is directly transmitted to the rotatably driven drive shaft, thus enabling a favorable force flow, thereby achieving high rigidity and high energy efficiency of the feed device. Simultaneously, a compact structure can be achieved, which does not require the drivetrain to extend axially beyond the main drive motor. At the same time, the special design of the main drive can be eliminated, especially the hollow shaft motor, although of course it can still be used.

[0014] In an improved example of the invention, the tube nut of the spindle drive stage, which is also coaxially located on the drive shaft, is mounted in a rotatable but axially fixed manner on, for example, a housing assembly and / or a base assembly, which may be arranged around or adjacent to the drive shaft between the drive motor and the cutter head.

[0015] The spindle element configured as the spindle sleeve can also be mounted on the housing assembly and / or the base assembly. However, regardless of this, the spindle element is mounted in a manner that allows for axial adjustment but not rotation, such that the rotational motion of the tube nut is converted into the axial motion of the spindle element.

[0016] In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the spindle element can be held on the drive shaft in an axially fixed but rotatable manner, such that the drive shaft can rotate independently below the spindle sleeve but precisely follow the axial movement of the spindle sleeve.

[0017] To enable the construction of a slender structure transverse to the axis of rotation, in an advantageous improvement of the invention, an axially offset arrangement can be provided for the bearing assembly for the tube nut and the bearing assembly for the spindle element. Specifically, the bearing assembly for mounting the tube nut in a rotatable and axially fixed manner can be positioned axially offset from the bearing assembly for mounting the spindle element on the drive shaft in an axially fixed and rotatable manner, and / or without radial overlap, and / or spaced apart from each other. Alternatively or supplementarily, the bearing assembly for mounting the tube nut in a rotatable and axially fixed manner can also be positioned axially offset from the bearing assembly for mounting the spindle element, specifically on the aforementioned housing assembly and / or base assembly, in an axially adjustable but non-rotatable manner, and / or without overlap, and / or spaced apart.

[0018] Regardless of the offset of the pipe nut bearing assembly, the bearings between the spindle element and the drive shaft, as well as the bearings between the spindle element and the housing assembly or base assembly, can be arranged to overlap each other and / or be substantially in the same axial position. This allows radial support of the drive shaft to be achieved via the spindle sleeve.

[0019] In principle, the spindle drive stage can be designed differently to convert the rotational motion of the tube nut into the axial motion of the spindle element. To achieve rigid positioning of the cutter head even under high drive forces, while simultaneously achieving a compact design, in an advantageous improvement of the invention, the spindle drive stage can be configured as a planetary screw drive mechanism, wherein planetary screw rollers for converting the rotational motion of the tube nut into the axial motion of the spindle element are disposed between the tube nut and the spindle element.

[0020] Alternatively, the spindle drive stage can be configured as a ball screw drive mechanism, wherein balls for converting the rotational motion of the tube nut into the axial motion of the spindle element are disposed between the tube nut and the spindle element, instead of planetary screw rollers. This ball screw drive mechanism allows for a very short tube nut structure and exhibits high operational smoothness even at higher adjustment speeds, without transmitting any vibration to the drive shaft.

[0021] However, alternatively, the spindle drive stage can also be configured as a threaded engagement drive mechanism, wherein no rolling element is provided between the tube nut and the spindle element, but rather the internal thread on the tube nut directly engages with the external thread of the spindle element. This allows for a particularly slender structure of the spindle drive stage.

[0022] Regardless of the specific design of the spindle drive stage, the tube nut of the spindle drive stage can be rotatably driven by a servo motor. A chain or belt drive stage can be provided between the servo motor and the tube nut. This chain or belt drive stage allows the servo motor to be arranged in a simple manner, spaced apart from the drive shaft or eccentrically relative to the main drive system. The motor shaft of the servo motor can be arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the tool head.

[0023] In an improved example of the invention, the chain or belt of the chain or belt drive stage can drive a transmission pinion, which can be fixed to the end side of the tube nut in a non-rotatable manner. Therefore, the chain or belt extends through the belt drive stage around the drive shaft, or the drive shaft to be axially adjusted. By arranging the transmission pinion on the end side of the tube nut, simple installation of the spindle drive stage and the belt drive stage can be achieved. Simultaneously, the tube nut can be stably and centrally supported in the area where the driving force is transmitted to the spindle element.

[0024] In principle, the tube nut can also be driven by a spur gear drive stage instead of a chain or belt stage. By using a chain or belt stage, efficient drive of the spindle drive stage can be achieved while maintaining quiet operation, as well as greater freedom in the arrangement of the slim structure and servo motor.

[0025] However, alternatively or additionally, the gear stage between the servo motor and the tube nut can also be configured to operate without contact and / or include a magnetic gear stage and / or a magnetic coupling stage. For example, a magnetic gear stage can be provided, having a permanent magnet on one side connected to the tube nut in a non-rotatable manner, and a permanent magnet on the other side connected to a roller element arranged coaxially with the tube nut. In particular, however, such a magnetic gear stage and / or magnetic coupling stage can be configured to operate electrodynamically and drive motion via eddy current transmission. It is known that such electrodynamically operated magnetic gear stages and / or magnetic coupling stages are, for example, speed reducers or eddy current brakes, or functionally similar to electric motors. The particular advantage of such a magnetic gear stage lies in its wear-free operation and excellent results in terms of smooth operation.

[0026] If a chain or belt stage is provided, the servo motor can essentially drive a transmission pinion directly from its motor shaft, which in turn drives the chain or belt of the chain or belt stage. However, in an alternative improvement of the invention, an additional gear stage can be provided between the servo motor and the transmission pinion used to drive the chain or belt. This additional gear stage can be positioned between the servo motor and the transmission pinion. In particular, this additional gear stage can be integrated between the transmission pinion and the servo motor within the servo motor or a common motor and transmission housing. Advantageously, the additional gear stage can be arranged coaxially with the motor shaft of the servo motor, or it can have gear input and output shafts, both of which can be arranged coaxially with the servo motor shaft.

[0027] In order to stably maintain the axial position of the cutter head moved by the servo motor in one pass and / or the cutter head feed force caused by the servo motor, in an improved example of the invention, a locking brake may be provided, which can lock, hold or fix the relevant part of the adjustment transmission system between the spindle drive stage and the servo motor.

[0028] For example, a locking brake can be configured or designed to rotatably lock or retain the tube nut of the spindle drive and / or axially lock or retain the spindle element in the form of a spindle sleeve. By fixing the tube nut and / or the spindle element, a particularly secure clamping of the cutter head in the position set by the servo motor can be achieved, because the flexibility or elasticity in the additional drive system between the tube nut and the servo motor, or its ineffectiveness, is avoided.

[0029] However, alternatively or additionally, the locking brake can also lock transmission elements closer to the servo motor to utilize the gear ratio and reliably lock the feed mechanism with less holding force. For example, the locking brake can act on and hold the gear elements of the drive pinion and / or gear stage between the drive pinion and the servo motor and / or the servo motor or the servo motor shaft itself in position.

[0030] According to the design of the granulator, in addition to its main rotational motion, the drive shaft can also be axially adjustable. The bearings of the drive shaft between the main shaft drive stage and the cutter head can be designed differently. In particular, when the granulator is wet-operated, such as when it is configured as an underwater granulator, a seal can also be provided as a replacement or supplement to the bearing.

[0031] In an improved example of the invention, an axially adjustable and rotatably driven drive shaft can be mounted in a cutting chamber housing that defines a cutting chamber for housing a cutter head.

[0032] Here, depending on the connection of the cutter head, the axial adjustment object is not necessarily the drive shaft itself, but in an advantageous improved example, it can also be the cutter head housing, which is installed in the cutting chamber housing in the manner described above and connected to the drive shaft in a non-rotatable and axially fixed manner.

[0033] Specifically, the bearing assembly between the cutting chamber housing and the drive shaft or cutter head housing can provide radial support for the drive shaft / cutter head housing on the cutting chamber housing.

[0034] In contrast, a sealing assembly may be provided between the cutting chamber housing and the drive shaft or cutter head housing to seal the cutting chamber in the area between the cutting chamber housing and the drive shaft / cutter head housing. In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the sealing assembly may be configured to allow axial and rotational movement of the drive shaft and the cutter head housing.

[0035] Specifically, a guide bushing can be provided between the cutting chamber housing and the cutter head housing / drive shaft, with the cutter head housing or drive shaft radially supported on the guide bushing by at least one radial bearing in the form of a rolling bearing and / or a sliding bearing.

[0036] Advantageously, particularly via one or more sliding bearings, the guide bushing is guided within the cutting chamber housing in an axially adjustable manner, wherein the guide bushing can be simultaneously sealed relative to the cutting chamber housing by at least one seal. Here, the seal can be configured in the form of a sealing ring, such as a resilient O-ring.

[0037] To provide a seal between the guide bushing and the cutter head housing or drive shaft, a sliding ring seal may be provided, which may be installed on the cutter head housing and / or the drive shaft connected thereto.

[0038] Specifically, the cutter head housing can be radially mounted and sealed within the guide bushing, wherein, in an advantageous improvement of the invention, the cutter head housing can be mounted within the guide bushing using two ball bearings or other rolling bearings. For sealing, a sliding ring seal can be provided on the cutter head housing, which, together with the sealing housing, seals the cutter head housing relative to the guide bushing. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments and related drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an underwater granulator, showing the cutter head drive and the process water connector for rinsing the cutting chamber.

[0041] Figure 2 It is used for rotary drive Figure 1 The longitudinal sectional view of the drive system of the cutter head of the granulator shows the feed device for axially adjusting the cutter head, wherein the main shaft drive stage located on the rotary drive shaft is configured as a planetary screw drive mechanism.

[0042] Figure 3 It is similar to Figure 2 The longitudinal section of the transmission system shows that the spindle drive stage for the feed device used to axially adjust the cutter head is configured as a threaded drive mechanism (Schraubgewindetrieb).

[0043] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the bearings and sealing devices of the transmission system in the cutting chamber housing of the granulator shown in the previous figure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the granulator 1 can be configured as an underwater granulator and may include a cutting chamber housing 22 in which a cutting chamber 23 is disposed; see also Figure 4A bladed cutter head 2 is housed within a cutting chamber 23. Molten plastic material can be supplied to a template 3 via a melt supply head 31, which can be connected to a melt supply device (not shown), such as an extruder. The template includes nozzle-shaped melt channels to allow melt streams to be extruded through or exited from the template. The melt channels of the template 3 may open on the end face of the template that forms the cutting surface and faces the cutter head 2, and are arranged in or adjacent to the cutting chamber 23.

[0045] Here, the cutting chamber 23 can be rinsed with process water. For example, process water can be supplied to the cutting chamber 23 through the inlet 32, and the process water and particles can be discharged together in the form of a particle-process water mixture through the outlet 33.

[0046] The cutter head 2 can be driven by the main driver 34 to rotate about a cutter head rotation axis 12, which can, for example, extend perpendicular to the template 3. See also Figure 1 The main drive 34 may include a drive motor 5, for example an electric motor, which drives the cutter head 2 rotatably via a drive shaft 4.

[0047] See Figure 2 and 3 In addition to the main drive 34, a feed device 6 including a servo motor 10 is provided for axially adjusting the cutter head 2 relative to the template 3.

[0048] Here, the feed device 6 includes a spindle drive stage 7 located on the drive shaft 4 between the drive motor 5 and the cutter head 2, so as to enable axial adjustment of the rotatably driven drive shaft 4 itself. Here, the drive shaft 4 is connected to the cutter head 2 in a non-rotatable and axially fixed manner, such that axial adjustment of the drive shaft 4 causes the cutter head 2 to advance in the axial direction.

[0049] Here, the spindle drive stage 7 includes a tube nut 8 and a spindle element 9 located within the tube nut 8. See here. Figure 2 The spindle element 9 is configured as a spindle sleeve, which is located on the drive shaft 4.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the spindle drive stage 7 can be configured as a planetary screw drive mechanism, wherein a planetary mechanism in the form of a planetary screw roller is provided between the tube nut 8 and the spindle element 9, which converts the rotational motion of the tube nut 8 into the axial motion of the spindle element 9.

[0051] However, as Figure 3As shown, the spindle drive stage 7 can also be configured as a threaded drive mechanism, in which a planetary mechanism is not provided between the tube nut 8 and the spindle element 9, but the internal thread of the tube nut 8 meshes with the external thread of the spindle element 9.

[0052] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the tube nut 8 can be mounted on the housing assembly and / or base assembly 13 in a rotatable but axially fixed manner, for example, via a bearing assembly 16 between the tube nut 8 and the housing assembly or base assembly 13. The bearing assembly 16 may include one or more rolling bearings, such as tapered roller bearing pairs or radial / axial bearing pairs. However, if necessary, a sliding bearing may also be used for the rotatable but axially fixed mounting of the tube nut 8.

[0053] The spindle element 9 is supported on the drive shaft 4, wherein the bearing 15 provided for this purpose can be configured to be axially fixed but rotatable, such that the axial movement of the spindle element 9 is directly transmitted to the drive shaft 4, but the drive shaft 4 can rotate within the spindle sleeve 9. The bearing assembly 15, which is mounted axially fixed and rotatable between the drive shaft 4 and the spindle element 9, can, for example, include two rolling bearings and / or sliding bearings, which can be arranged on opposite sides of the shaft protrusion 35, wherein, as rolling bearings, for example, tapered roller bearings and / or ball bearings and / or cylindrical bearings can be used.

[0054] See Figure 2 and 3 The bearing assembly 15, which is axially fixed between the drive shaft 4 and the main shaft element 9, can be arranged on the outside of the tube nut 8, or it can be arranged axially offset relative to the bearing assembly 16 for the tube nut 8.

[0055] The spindle element 9 is radially supported between the drive shaft 4 and the tube nut 8, or, if necessary, between the drive shaft 4 and the intermediate planetary mechanism 14. To hold the spindle element 9 in a non-rotatable but axially adjustable manner, another bearing assembly 17 can be provided between the spindle element 9 and the housing assembly or base assembly 13. This other bearing assembly is configured to be axially adjustable but non-rotatable. This other bearing assembly can be, for example, a splined shaft profile or a pin guide on an extension of the spindle element 9.

[0056] See Figure 2 and 3 In order to rotatably drive the tube nut 8 of the spindle drive stage 7, a servo motor 10 is provided. The motor shaft of the servo motor is aligned in a manner parallel to the rotation axis 12 of the cutter head 2 or the drive shaft 4, and can be arranged laterally offset next to the drive shaft 4.

[0057] To bridge the lateral offset between the servo motor 10 and the tube nut 8, a belt stage 18 can be provided, whose belt 36 can drive a first transmission pinion 19. The first transmission pinion 19 can be mounted on the end side of the tube nut 8 and connected to it in a non-rotatable manner. Here, the first transmission pinion 19 is configured as a gear ring, through which the drive shaft 4 passes.

[0058] On the other hand, the belt 36 of the belt stage 18 is driven by a second transmission pinion 37, which can be rotatably driven by a servo motor 10.

[0059] See here. Figure 2 Advantageously, another transmission stage 20 can be provided between the servo motor 10 and the second transmission pinion 37, the transmission input shaft and output shaft of which can be arranged coaxially with the motor shaft of the servo motor 10, and in particular can be integrated into a common motor / transmission housing.

[0060] Here, for the axial adjustment of the cutter head 2, the following force flow is generated: the servo motor 10 drives the belt stage 18 through the transmission stage 20, and the drive belt 36 of the belt stage 18 is driven by the first transmission pinion 19. The rotational movement of the axially fixed tube nut 8 is achieved according to... Figure 2 Planetary structure 14 or according to Figure 3 The threaded engagement is converted into the axial movement of the spindle element 9. The axial movement of the spindle element 9, which is axially fixed on the drive shaft 4, is transmitted to the drive shaft 4, which is in turn connected to the cutter head 2 in a non-rotatable and axially fixed manner, so that the cutter head 2 can move toward or away from the template 3.

[0061] Here, the rotary drive motion from the drive motor 5 can be transmitted to the drive shaft 4 via the coupling 38, which is configured to be non-rotatable but axially adjustable, and may include, for example, a spline shaft profile 38 or a tooth profile.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the drivetrain can be sealed relative to the cutting chamber 23, or radially supported or mounted in the cutting chamber housing 22.

[0063] Here, depending on the configuration of the granulator 1, the bearing of the drive shaft 4 between the main shaft drive stage 7 and the cutter head 2 can be designed differently. In addition to its main rotational motion, the bearing can also be axially adjustable. In particular, when the granulator 1 is operated wet, for example, when it is configured as an underwater granulator, a seal can also be provided in addition to the bearing.

[0064] Here, the axially adjustable and rotatably driven drive shaft 4 can be mounted in the cutting chamber housing 22 that defines the cutting chamber 23 in an axially adjustable and rotatable manner.

[0065] Depending on the connection method of the cutter head, the object of adjustment is not necessarily the drive shaft 4 itself, but in an advantageous improved example, it can also be installed and sealed in the cutting chamber housing 22 in the manner described above and connected to the cutter head housing of the drive shaft 4 in a non-rotatable and axially fixed manner.

[0066] Specifically, the bearing assembly 24 between the cutting chamber housing 22 and the drive shaft or cutter head housing provides radial support for the drive shaft / cutter head housing on the cutting chamber housing 22.

[0067] Unrelatedly, sealing assemblies 29 and 30 for sealing the cutting chamber 23 in the area between the cutting chamber housing 22 and the drive shaft / cutter head housing may be provided between the cutting chamber housing 22 and the drive shaft or cutter head housing, wherein the sealing assemblies 29 and 30 allow axial and rotational movement of the drive shaft and the cutter head housing.

[0068] See Figure 4 Specifically, the guide bushing 26 may be disposed between the cutting chamber housing 22 and the cutter head housing / drive shaft, the cutter head housing or drive shaft being radially supported on the guide bushing 26 by at least one radial bearing in the form of a rolling bearing and / or a sliding bearing.

[0069] Here, the guide bushing 26 is specifically guided in the cutting chamber housing 22 in an axially adjustable manner via one or more sliding bearings 28, wherein, see Figure 4 The guide bushing 26 can be simultaneously sealed by at least one seal 29 that seals relative to the cutting chamber housing. Here, the seal 29 can be in the form of a sealing ring, such as an elastic O-ring.

[0070] To also seal between the guide bushing 26 and the cutter head housing or drive shaft 4, a sliding ring seal 30 may be provided, which may be installed on the cutter head housing and / or the drive shaft connected thereto.

[0071] Specifically, the cutter head housing can be radially mounted and sealed in the guide bushing 26, wherein, in an advantageous improvement of the invention, the cutter head housing can be mounted in the guide bushing 26 using two ball bearings or other rolling bearings. For sealing, a sliding ring seal 30 can be provided on the cutter head housing, which, together with the sealing housing, can seal the cutter head housing relative to the guide bushing 26.

[0072] As can be seen from the above, granulator 1 has the following special features and characteristics:

[0073] The component allows the shaft 4, driven by an external motor 5, to move axially.

[0074] This component allows tension or compression to be applied to shaft 4, which is driven by an external motor 5.

[0075] This component allows the sliding shaft 4 to maintain its position and absorb external tension or compressive force.

[0076] By adjusting the rotational torque from the servo motor 10, the feed force can be continuously and independently adjusted in both travel directions.

[0077] By adjusting the rotational speed of the servo motor 10, the travel speed can be adjusted continuously and independently in both directions.

[0078] By locking the brake 21, the position of the moving rod can be kept in its proper position even when an external force is applied.

[0079] With the help of an integrated absolute encoder, the position of the moving rod can be measured and monitored during operation.

[0080] The automatic process sequence can be programmed using a suitable, particularly electronic, control device 40, which can facilitate the maintenance and operation of systems such as:

[0081] • Automatic adjustment of cutter head position

[0082] • Adaptation of blade travel to the current wear height of the cutting surface

[0083] • Measurement of template wear / blade wear

[0084] • Depends on the feed force of the work process

[0085] • Connection and separation of the cutting chamber without the feed force of the cutter head

[0086] • Possible different operating settings: manual movement of the blade, feed via the rotational torque from the main motor, feed via the rotational torque from the servo motor (= constant value of feed force); each feed stroke.

[0087] A standard motor can be used as the main drive, which allows for simple control of position and feed force.

Claims

1. A granulator having a rotatably driven cutter head (2) and a feeding device (6), the cutter head being used to separate a material bundle output from a template (3) into granules, wherein, The cutter head (2) is driven to a drive motor (5) via a drive shaft (4). The feed device is used to axially adjust the cutter head (2) relative to the template (3) in the direction of the rotation axis (12) of the cutter head. The feed device (6) includes a spindle drive stage (7). The tube nut (8) of the spindle drive stage can be rotatably adjusted via a gear stage (11) by a servo motor (10), so that the spindle element (9) connected to the tube nut (8) in a gear manner can be axially adjusted. The spindle element (9) is configured as a spindle sleeve, which is axially fixed between the drive motor (5) and the cutter head (2) on the rotating drive shaft (4). The drive shaft is axially fixed and non-rotatable to the cutter head (2) and transmits the axial movement of the spindle sleeve to the cutter head (2).

2. The granulator according to claim 1, wherein, The tube nut (8) is mounted on the housing assembly and / or base assembly (13) in a rotatable but axially fixed manner, wherein the spindle element (9) is mounted on the housing assembly and / or base assembly (13) in an axially adjustable but non-rotatable manner, and wherein the drive shaft (4) is held on the spindle element (9) in an axially fixed but rotatable manner.

3. The granulator according to claim 1, wherein, The bearing assembly (16) for mounting the tube nut (8) in a rotatable and axially fixed manner is axially spaced from the bearing assembly (15) for mounting the spindle element (9) on the drive shaft (4) in an axially fixed and rotatable manner and / or the bearing assembly (17) for mounting the spindle element (9) in an axially adjustable and non-rotatable manner in the direction of the rotation axis (12) of the cutter head.

4. The granulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The main shaft drive stage (7) is configured as a planetary screw drive mechanism, wherein a planetary screw roller (14) is provided between the tube nut (8) and the main shaft element (9) for converting the rotational motion of the tube nut (8) into the axial motion of the main shaft element (9).

5. The granulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The main shaft drive stage (7) is configured as a ball screw drive mechanism, wherein balls are provided between the tube nut (8) and the main shaft element (9) to convert the rotational motion of the tube nut (8) into the axial motion of the main shaft element (9).

6. The granulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The spindle drive stage (7) is configured as a threaded drive mechanism, wherein the internal thread on the tube nut (8) engages with the external thread of the spindle element (9).

7. The granulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The gear stage (11) between the servo motor (10) and the tube nut (8) includes a chain stage or a belt stage (18).

8. The granulator according to claim 7, wherein, The gear stage (11) is a toothed belt stage.

9. The granulator according to claim 7, wherein, The chain stage or belt stage (18) includes a first transmission pinion (19) which is connected to the tube nut (8) in a non-rotatable manner at the end side of the tube nut (8).

10. The granulator according to claim 7, wherein, An additional gear stage (20) is provided between the chain stage or belt stage (18) and the servo motor (10).

11. The granulator according to claim 10, wherein, The additional gear stage (20) is integrated into the servo motor (10).

12. The granulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The gear stage (11) between the servo motor (10) and the tube nut (8) includes a non-contact magnetic gear stage and / or a magnetic coupling stage for transmitting rotational torque and drive motion from the servo motor (10) to the tube nut (8).

13. The granulator according to claim 12, wherein, The magnetic gear stage and / or magnetic coupling stage are configured to operate electrodynamically using eddy currents.

14. The granulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The servo motor (10) is arranged to be laterally offset relative to the drive shaft (4) and / or aligned with its servo motor shaft parallel to the drive shaft (4).

15. The granulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A locking brake (21) is provided for rotatably locking the tube nut (8) and / or for axially locking the spindle element (9).

16. The granulator according to claim 15, wherein, The locking brake (21) is configured to lock the servo motor (10).

17. The granulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The axially adjustable and rotatably driven drive shaft (4) and / or the cutter head housing connected thereto are mounted in a cutting chamber housing (22) in an axially adjustable and rotatable manner, the cutting chamber housing (22) defining a cutting chamber (23) for accommodating the cutter head (2).

18. The granulator according to claim 17, wherein, The bearing assembly (24) between the cutting chamber housing (22) and the cutter head housing and / or the drive shaft (4) provides radial support for the cutter head housing and / or the drive shaft (4) on the cutting chamber housing (22).

19. The granulator according to claim 17, wherein, A sealing assembly (25) is provided between the cutter head receiving portion and / or the drive shaft (4) and the cutting chamber housing (22) for sealing the cutting chamber (23) in the area between the cutter head receiving portion and / or the drive shaft (4) and the cutting chamber housing (22), wherein the sealing assembly (25) is configured to allow axial and rotational movement of the cutter head receiving portion and / or the drive shaft (4).

20. The granulator according to claim 17, wherein, A guide bushing (26) is provided between the cutting chamber housing (22) and the cutter head receiving portion and / or the drive shaft (4), the cutter head receiving portion and / or the drive shaft (4) being radially supported on the guide bushing by at least one radial bearing in the form of a rolling bearing and / or a sliding bearing, wherein the guide bushing (26) is guided in the cutting chamber housing (22) in an axially adjustable manner and is sealed relative to the cutting chamber housing (22) by at least one seal (29).

21. The granulator according to claim 20, wherein, The guide bushing (26) is installed in an axially adjustable manner via a sliding bearing (28).

22. The granulator according to claim 20, wherein, The seal (29) is in the form of a sealing ring.

23. The granulator according to claim 20, wherein, A sliding ring seal (30) is provided between the guide bushing (26) and the cutter head receiving portion and / or the drive shaft (4).

24. The granulator according to claim 23, wherein, The sliding ring seal (30) is mounted on the cutter head housing, which is connected to the drive shaft (4) in a non-rotatable manner.

25. The granulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The feed device (6) includes a control device (40) for controlling the servo motor (10) according to at least one process parameter and / or system parameter.

26. The granulator according to claim 25, wherein, The control device (40) has an automatic mode in which the position of the cutter head (2) relative to the template (3) is automatically adjusted according to the at least one process parameter and / or system parameter.

27. The granulator according to claim 26, wherein, The control device (40) automatically moves the cutter head toward or away from the template (3).

28. The granulator according to claim 25, wherein, A detection device is provided for detecting wear signs on the cutter head (2) and / or the template (3), wherein the control device (40) is configured to control the servo motor (10) according to the signal of the detection device for wear detection, so that the position of the cutter head is adapted to the detected wear signs.

29. The granulator according to claim 28, wherein, The control device (40) is configured to control the servo motor (10) according to the signal from the detection device for wear detection, so as to advance the cutter head (2) further in the event of blade wear.

30. The granulator according to claim 25, wherein, The control device (40) has a setting member for setting the feed force of the cutter head (2) relative to the template (3), wherein the setting member has an automatic mode in which the servo motor (10) is controlled to set the feed force matching the working program based on the manual input and / or sensor detection working program signal for characterizing the working program of the material to be granulated.

31. The granulator according to claim 25, wherein, The control device (40) is configured to automatically control the feed of the cutter head (2) by controlling the servo motor (10) according to at least one of the following parameters: the rotational torque of the drive motor (5), the rotational torque of the servo motor (10), the feed speed, and / or the feed stroke / time.

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