Template assembly for granulation equipment and granulation equipment with same

Abstract

The template assembly comprises at least one inlet which is formed in the melt inlet side and used for inputting melt; and a plurality of outlets arranged at the melt outlet side and used for distributing the melt. Furthermore, the template assembly comprises a melt transport zone having at least one, preferably a plurality of melt flow channels extending from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side. Furthermore, the assembly comprises the following condition that the melt conveying area is designed as a melt conveying part, and the melt conveying part can be separated from the template assembly and can be reversibly installed on the template assembly and detached from the template assembly.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of German patent application No. 102023100777.7 filed on January 13, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to a die plate assembly for a pelletizing apparatus for producing pellets from a liquid plastic melt, particularly a thermoplastic material. The die plate assembly comprises at least one inlet arranged on a melt inlet side for feeding the melt, and a plurality of outlets arranged on a melt outlet side for distributing the melt. The melt conveying region comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality of, melt flow channels extending from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side. The present application also relates to a melt conveying component for conveying the melt, a pelletizing apparatus for producing pellets from the melt, and a method for repairing a pelletizing apparatus having a die plate assembly. Background Art

[0003] Such die plate assemblies are known in the prior art and are used, for example, in pelletizers. In most cases, they are primarily used to extrude a liquid plastic melt (e.g., thermoplastic) into multiple strands through a melt conveying zone. In underwater pelletizing, the produced single strand, after passing through the melt conveying zone, is divided into strand segments by a cutting device. When a cooling medium (e.g., water) flows along the outlet side of the die plate assembly, the strand exiting the outlet comes into contact with the cooling medium, where the separated strand segments, forming pellets, are cooled. Underwater pelletizing achieves high production efficiency in producing plastic pellets from liquid plastic melt.

[0004] In die plate assemblies known in the prior art, liquid plastic melt enters the die plate body, specifically the melt delivery zone, through an inlet. The liquid plastic melt is preferably divided into multiple melt strands corresponding to the multiple flow channels within the melt delivery zone of the die plate body. On the melt outlet side, the die plate body has multiple outlets for distributing the melt, and the size of the outlets can vary depending on the plastic melt being processed. Due to the large number of outlets, die plate assemblies known in the prior art achieve high productivity when producing plastic pellets, even when the pellets are relatively small in size.

[0005] During the production of plastic pellets, the die plate assembly is subject to continuous wear due to the relatively high pressures involved and the constant movement of the cutting device along the melt outlet. Such die plate assemblies can be repaired at least once to allow them to be reused in the next process. However, the number of times die plate assemblies in the prior art can be repaired is limited. After a certain number of repairs or operating time, primarily the integral die plate assembly, eventually wears out and must be replaced. The melt delivery zone is typically fixed as a middle component adjacent to the melt delivery zone on the inside and an outer region adjacent to the melt delivery zone on the outside. The adjacent outer and middle regions provide the die plate assembly in the prior art with a high structural strength.

[0006] Therefore, the regular replacement of formwork assemblies requires correspondingly high material and labor costs, making the production of such formwork assemblies fundamentally very expensive. Even though formwork assemblies known from the prior art can be repaired multiple times, their diameters range from 200 to 800 mm and their weight can exceed 100 kg, making the repair process labor-intensive.

[0007] In view of the above background, the present application aims to provide a template assembly for a pelletizing apparatus, a pelletizing apparatus for producing pellets, and a method for repairing a pelletizing apparatus, by which the disadvantages of the prior art are largely overcome. In particular, a template assembly, a pelletizing apparatus, and a method for repairing a pelletizing apparatus are provided, wherein the template assembly can be manufactured in a simple and inexpensive manner and the operation of repairing the template assembly can be simplified. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the present application, the object set forth for a formwork assembly of the initially stated type is achieved by the features of claim 1. In particular, the melt delivery zone is designed as a component separable from the formwork assembly and can be reversibly mounted on and removed from the formwork assembly.

[0009] According to the present application, the melt delivery area, which is subject to wear during the plastic melt extrusion process, is mounted as a separate component on the die plate assembly, particularly the die plate body, rather than on an integral die plate assembly. This melt delivery component of the die plate assembly can be reversibly mounted on and removed from the die plate assembly. When needed, it can be easily replaced on the die plate assembly according to the present application, and the die plate assembly can be reused after a relatively simple repair or replaced with a new melt delivery component.

[0010] Thus, the production of such a die plate assembly significantly reduces material and cost expenditures, and according to the present application, such a die plate assembly allows for easier repair and maintenance of the pelletizing apparatus. Thus, the die plate assembly or the die plate body of the die plate assembly has a replaceable melt conveying component that now forms a melt inlet side for the liquid plastic melt, a melt outlet side (which has a plurality of outlets for distributing the plastic melt in the form of melt strands), and a flow channel extending from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side on the die plate assembly.

[0011] According to a preferred improvement of the template assembly of the present application, the template assembly consists of at least a melt delivery component and an intermediate component and / or an outer ring, wherein the melt delivery component can be releasably connected to the intermediate component and / or the outer ring. In addition to the melt delivery component, the template assembly also has at least an outer ring, which is adjacent to the melt delivery area on the outside, and / or an intermediate component, which is adjacent to the inside of the melt delivery component. The outer ring, which is adjacent to the melt delivery component on the outside, is preferably used to mount the template assembly on a template support associated with the pelletizing device, in particular on a start valve. Smaller template assemblies can also be mounted on the pelletizing device. The intermediate component, which engages with the inside of the melt delivery component, is mainly used to distribute the liquid plastic melt flowing to the melt inlet side of the template assembly to a roughly annular inlet area of the template assembly. In particular, the inlet area extends essentially in an annular shape around the central axis of the template body.

[0012] The melt conveying component is preferably substantially annular, and the flow channels are preferably spaced apart from each other on at least one circumference. The annular design of the melt conveying component firstly makes the structure simple, and when the flow channels are arranged on the circumference, the material throughput through the melt conveying component of the present application is relatively high.

[0013] In one embodiment of the template according to the present application, the multiple outlets of each flow channel can be formed on circumferences of different sizes on the melt delivery component. Therefore, the melt delivery component of the present application has multiple outlets on each flow channel, and these outlets are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the outer ring of the die plate assembly includes a receiving portion for positioning the melt delivery component relative to the outer ring. The receiving portion securely mounts the melt delivery component to the outer ring of the die plate assembly, wherein the receiving portion secures the outer ring and the melt delivery component relative to each other in the direction of flow of the liquid plastic melt. In the simplest embodiment, the receiving portion on the outer ring includes one or more retaining areas that contact the melt delivery component and prevent any relative movement between the outer ring and the melt delivery component at least in a direction parallel to or radial to the flow channel in the melt delivery component.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle for the melt delivery component is accessible from either the melt inlet or melt outlet side. Providing the receptacle for the melt delivery component on the outer ring and melt inlet sides of the die plate assembly has the advantage that pressure in the direction of plastic melt flow can be safely absorbed by the outer ring, which accommodates the melt delivery component, and dissipated into the structure that reinforces the die plate assembly. Conversely, providing the receptacle on the melt outlet side has the advantage that the melt delivery component, formed separately from the outer ring according to the present application, can be removed from the die plate assembly while the die plate assembly is still installed on the pelletizing equipment, further improving operability, particularly when servicing the die plate assembly designed according to the present application.

[0016] According to one embodiment, to form a receiving portion, the outer ring is preferably further provided with a stepped groove having a substantially radially extending stop surface for the melt delivery component. The outer ring preferably has a central groove for accommodating the melt delivery component, which can be inserted therein. The outer ring also has at least one stop surface protruding radially in the direction of insertion of the melt delivery component, with which the separately formed melt delivery component contacts when inserted into the outer ring. A circumferential stepped groove is preferably provided on the outer ring as the receiving portion. In another embodiment, the steps of the groove are spatially discontinuous in the circumferential direction of the outer ring.

[0017] To achieve a positive connection between the outer ring and the melt-delivering component in the flow direction, the melt-delivering component is formed with at least one circumferential protrusion, preferably projecting radially outward, having an abutment surface that matches the stop surface on the outer ring. The groove on the outer ring and the protrusion on the melt-delivering component cooperate to achieve a locking function when the melt-delivering component is inserted into the outer ring in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel. In a preferred embodiment, the groove on the outer ring and the protrusion on the melt-delivering component are designed to also lock the melt-delivering component and the outer ring relative to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the outer ring has a receiving surface that tapers from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side to form a receiving portion. By providing a receiving cone on the outer ring to form the receiving portion, when a separately installed melt delivery component is inserted, the contacting surfaces of the outer ring and the melt delivery component converge. In addition to the form-fit connection created by the reduced diameter of the receiving cone, the various parts of the mold plate assembly are radially centered relative to each other between the converging surfaces. A self-locking mechanism is also provided on the outer ring of the mold plate assembly to lock the melt delivery component.

[0019] The melt delivery component preferably has an abutment surface that tapers from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side and has a cross-section on its outer circumference that matches the receiving surface on the outer ring. In addition to locking the flow channel longitudinally, a sealing effect is also achieved between the receiving cone on the outer ring and the tapered cross-section on the outer circumference. The tapered surfaces on the outer ring and the melt delivery component are preferably formed only along portions parallel to the outer longitudinal axes of the outer ring and melt delivery component, respectively. In addition to axially locking the melt delivery component and outer ring, the melt delivery component is also radially aligned within the receiving portion on the outer ring.

[0020] In another optional or alternative embodiment of the formwork assembly according to the present application, the receiving portion on the outer ring is designed as a rotary plug connector having at least one groove-like indentation extending in the circumferential direction and an axially open insertion area serving as a locking element on the melt-delivering component for insertion into the indentation via the insertion area. In addition to axially positioning the outer ring and melt-delivering component relative to each other, the melt-delivering component can also be simultaneously and forcefully positioned relative to the outer ring in the circumferential direction by the rotary plug connector. The groove-like indentation, which preferably extends to a limited extent in the circumferential direction, forms a stop surface into which the locking element can be inserted. The circumferential rotational direction of the rotary plug connector, and the resulting locking function, coincides with or is preferably identical to the rotational direction of the cutting head mating with the formwork assembly.

[0021] To form the locking element, the melt delivery element preferably has at least one projection that is axially spaced from the melt inlet and melt outlet sides of the melt delivery element and projects radially from the outer circumference, extending for a portion in the circumferential direction. In particular, a multi-part die plate body formed with such a rotary plug connection can be used to construct a receiving section accessible from the melt outlet side. The form-fitting, interlocking material regions between the melt delivery element and the outer ring form a structural connection between the reversibly attachable and removable parts of the die plate assembly that is both secure and resistant to the pressures generated during the production of plastic pellets. Several such projections are preferably arranged along the outer circumference of the melt delivery element. To ensure the necessary strength in the die plate assembly according to the present application, the parallel thickness of these projections in the longitudinal direction of the flow channel is approximately one-third to one-half of the total thickness of the die plate body from the melt inlet to the melt outlet.

[0022] According to the present application, in another preferred improvement to the die plate assembly, form-fitting elements that match each other are formed as positioning means in the insertion area and on a projection that matches the insertion area. These form-fitting elements determine a preferred assembly orientation when assembling the melt delivery component and the outer ring. Providing form-fitting elements only in the insertion area and on the projection prevents incorrect assembly between the melt delivery component and the outer ring. In a preferred embodiment, if a heating pipe for conducting the medium extends radially from the outside, through the outer ring, and into the melt delivery component, then correctly assembled die plate assembly components ensure fluid flow in the melt delivery component.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment of the formwork assembly of the present application, matching grooves are provided in the outer ring and the melt-delivering component, which are axially aligned with each other and serve to secure the outer ring and the melt-delivering component to each other when the formwork assembly is in operating mode. The grooves in the outer ring and / or the melt-delivering component, some of which preferably form threaded holes, provide a secure and reliable connection between the two components of the formwork to be connected according to the present invention. The fastening devices in the grooves in the outer ring and the melt-delivering component can be released again by releasing them. The melt-delivering component and the outer ring preferably form a reversibly releasable connection, allowing the melt-delivering component to be reversibly attached to and removed from the formwork assembly according to the present invention. Depending on the design of the grooves in the melt-delivering component and / or the outer ring, these grooves may have threaded sections, wherein the diameter of the axially adjacent portion of the groove in the respective other component is larger than the outer diameter of the fastening device inserted therein, thereby ensuring a clamping effect between the connected components.

[0024] According to another preferred embodiment of the die plate assembly of the present application, the melt delivery component and / or the outer ring have at least one heating channel offset radially inward and / or outward relative to the melt flow channel for conveying a heat medium, or have an electrical heating conductor receptacle for inserting an electrical heating conductor. The die plate assembly is heated by the at least one heating channel (preferably adjacent to the flow channel in the melt delivery component), preferably maintaining the liquid plastic melt at a desired temperature for free flow during normal operation. Combined with the embodiments described further below (air gaps, and using materials with different thermal conductivities for the melt delivery component, outer ring, and / or intermediate component), the thermal conductivity in the direction of the outer ring and intermediate component can be further reduced, so that during normal operation, heat input solely through the melt delivery component is sufficient. The multi-component nature of the die plate assembly can achieve energy savings during operation of the pelletizing system. In a preferred embodiment of the present application, one or more heating channels can be installed in the outer ring to more quickly heat the die plate assembly during startup of the pelletizing process. These channels preferably utilize a fluid gas or liquid heat medium. Alternatively, electrical heating conductors can be installed in the heating channels of the outer ring. During the start-up process, heating strips can also be wrapped around the outer ring.

[0025] The heating channels preferably extend along a section of the melt flow channel in the melt delivery component, with the heating channels being allocated to the outlet end of the flow channel. The heating channels are adjacent to the flow channels in the melt delivery component, effectively transferring heat to the adjacent flow channels and, in turn, to the plastic melt flowing through the flow channels. The heating channels, or portions of individual heating channels, are preferably offset radially inward and outward relative to the flow channels. This further increases the heat transfer to the flow channels of the separately formed melt delivery component.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the die plate assembly, the heating channel is an annular space, and the melt delivery component is provided with at least one inlet for a heat medium to flow into the heating channel and at least one outlet for a heat medium to flow out of the heating channel. The heating channel or a portion thereof preferably extends as an annular space along a flow channel arranged in an annular shape on the melt delivery component. This annular space, within which the heat medium for heating the melt delivery component flows, is preferably formed on the inside and outside of the flow channel.

[0027] To improve heat transfer to the plastic melt flowing through the flow channel, the inner and outer heating channels are in fluid communication with each other, preferably via radially extending connecting channels. In one embodiment, the heating channel further comprises a radially extending inlet and at least one radially extending outlet, which are preferably formed on opposing regions of the melt delivery component. In a preferred embodiment, the heating channel has two outlets for discharging the heat medium, which are arranged approximately opposite the inlet on the circumference of the melt delivery component and at an angle of approximately 35° to 55° relative to each other.

[0028] According to the present application, a melt delivery component comprises at least one base component surrounding a flow channel and at least one separately mounted, approximately cylindrical sleeve component. The sleeve component defines at least one inner and / or outer wall region of the melt delivery component, preferably a heating channel or an outer wall of the heating channel. The sleeve component, which is separately mounted on the base component carrying the flow channel, defines, in particular, the outer wall region of the heating channel and, at the same time, the inner and / or outer wall regions of the melt delivery component. The sleeve component, which performs this dual function, is preferably disposed on both the inner and outer sides of the base component. The sleeve components have different diameters.

[0029] Each sleeve component is preferably sealed or materially bonded to an adjacent area of the melt delivery component, particularly its base component. This creates a seal between the contact surface of the sleeve component and the base component of the melt delivery component, thereby ensuring that the heat medium is securely retained within the heating channel spatially defined by the sleeve component. The materially bonded connection between the sleeve component and the melt delivery component is preferably welded. For example, the sealing function can also be achieved by a sealing element provided on the base component of the melt delivery component, which is pressed against the mating contact surface of the sleeve component, thereby achieving a seal between the components to be connected.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the present application, the melt delivery component is subdivided into at least two independent sections, preferably annular sections. The latter can be subdivided into two, three, or more segments, rather than an annular melt delivery component. This provides the advantage that, when replacement is necessary, for example, if a defect develops in a portion of the melt delivery component, requiring premature replacement of that portion, only the melt delivery component of the mold plate assembly provided herein needs to be replaced, rather than the entire melt delivery component. The two, three, or more segments are positioned relative to each other on at least the outer ring of the mold plate assembly, like pieces of cake, so that the end faces of the segments contact each other and are preferably sealed against each other, preventing the flowing plastic melt from entering between the end faces of adjacent sections of the melt delivery component. Alternatively, the melt delivery component can be designed as a single section having a radially extending separating gap similar to a Seeger circlip ring.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the die plate assembly according to the present application, each segment is provided with at least one connection port serving as an inlet to the heating channel and at least one connection port serving as an outlet to the heating channel, preferably with radially extending grooves on the outer ring on the melt inlet side. To ensure the necessary heat input into the flow channel area, each segment of the melt delivery component has an inlet for the heat medium and at least one outlet for the heat medium. The connection ports are preferably arranged at opposite ends of each segment to effectively transfer the heat energy contained in the heat medium to the melt delivery component and the plastic melt flowing through it.

[0032] The outer ring is preferably provided with radially extending grooves accessible from the melt inlet side, rather than simply radially extending through-holes. These grooves are used to insert the heating pipes that are connected to the segments and carry the heat medium. In this way, the segments with pre-installed heating pipes can be easily inserted from the melt inlet side into the portion of the outer ring provided for this purpose.

[0033] The melt delivery component preferably includes a receptacle for securing the intermediate component to the melt delivery component, wherein the intermediate component is preferably assembled from a plurality of separate components. The receptacle on the melt delivery component allows the intermediate component of the mold plate body to be securely secured to the melt delivery component, which is formed separately from the intermediate component, and thereby securely connected thereto. In one possible embodiment of the mold plate assembly, the receptacle provided for the intermediate component inside the melt delivery component is preferably cylindrical.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving portion of the intermediate component is accessible from the melt outlet side, and the receiving portion comprises at least one stepped recess with a radially extending receiving surface for the intermediate component. The stepped recess and its substantially radially extending circumferential receiving surface provide a receiving portion for the intermediate component on the melt delivery component that is structurally simple to manufacture and provides a perfect fit. The intermediate component is preferably inserted into the receiving portion on the melt delivery component from the melt outlet side. This facilitates installation and removal of the die plate assembly of the present invention from the pelletizing equipment.

[0035] The intermediate component preferably has a radially outwardly projecting circumferential projection having an abutment surface that matches the receiving surface of the melt-delivering component. The radially projecting projections on the outer circumference of the intermediate component are specifically designed to abut against the receiving surface of the melt-delivering component in a form-fitting manner. Thus, when the intermediate component comes into contact with the melt-delivering component, the intermediate component is automatically positioned relative to the melt-delivering component. In particular, the intermediate component is positioned axially in the mold plate assembly.

[0036] According to one possible embodiment of the die plate assembly of the present application, the intermediate component comprises a substantially cylindrical base component and a guide cone connectable to the base component. The intermediate component includes at least one alignment element for securing the guide cone to the base component. The base component and the guide cone comprising the intermediate component contact portions of the melt delivery component from opposite sides (the melt inlet side and the melt outlet side) of the die plate body. The meshed components of the intermediate component thus interconnect and clamp the melt delivery component therebetween. The guide cone is preferably secured to the base component using an alignment element so that the longitudinal axes of the base component and the guide cone are aligned with each other.

[0037] In one possible embodiment of the die plate assembly, at least one, preferably annular, air gap is formed between the outer ring and the melt-delivering component and / or between the melt-delivering component and the intermediate component. The air gap preferably extends along the axial portion between the surfaces of the outer ring, melt-delivering component, and intermediate component that would otherwise contact each other, thereby improving the insulation of the components to be connected. This air gap is sufficient in this embodiment because heat transfer to the components of the die plate assembly connected to the melt-delivering component is minimized; only the melt-delivering component receives heat via heating channels formed therein to maintain the melt in a liquid state. To form the air gap, partial indentations / grooves can be formed on the inner and outer walls of the melt-delivering component, or on the walls of the outer ring and intermediate component facing the melt-delivering component.

[0038] According to one possible refinement of the die plate assembly, the outer ring and / or the intermediate member, and preferably at least one sleeve member, are made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the material used to form the melt delivery component. Specific embodiments of the die plate assembly according to the present application utilize materials with different thermal conductivities, which minimizes heat transfer from the area surrounding the melt delivery component of the die plate assembly and further enhances the thermal insulation effect. The intermediate member and outer ring, as well as the portions of the sleeve member forming the inner and outer walls of the melt delivery component, are preferably composed of a material with thermally insulating properties comparable to those of the melt delivery component (preferably composed of a metallic material). This has the advantage of reducing heat input and, therefore, the energy required to free-flow the plastic melt through the die plate assembly of the present application. Consequently, embodiments of the die plate assembly according to the present application help minimize the energy required to produce pellets.

[0039] According to another possible embodiment, the melt delivery component is produced by an additive manufacturing method, in particular a three-dimensional printing method. The melt delivery component can be designed as a one-piece component using an additive manufacturing method. When the component is manufactured, it preferably has all structural features, such as a shoulder, a lower groove, a flow channel extending from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side, and an annular heating channel arranged adjacent to the flow channel. The melt delivery component can be manufactured without subsequent processing, but this does not exclude the possibility of subsequent processing. Alternatively, a casting process can also be used to produce the melt delivery component. Additive manufacturing can be used to produce one-piece components with a closed cavity and a small distance between the heating channel and the melt flow channel, especially inside the component, which has improved structural stability and minimized weight compared to components consisting of individual parts, making it easier to handle.

[0040] Another aspect of the present application relates to a melt delivery component for delivering a melt, in particular a melt of a thermoplastic material, suitable for use in a die plate assembly of a pelletizing plant, in particular a die plate assembly according to at least one of the preferred embodiments described above. The melt delivery component according to the present application also achieves the objectives of the die plate assembly and is designed as an independent component, comprising a melt inlet side and a melt outlet side, and a plurality of flow channels extending from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side, wherein the melt delivery component is provided with an abutment surface for an outer ring that reversibly contacts the outer side of the melt delivery component and / or an intermediate component for the die plate assembly that reversibly contacts the inner side of the melt delivery component.

[0041] The separate melt-delivery component according to the present invention allows the die plate assembly incorporating it to have a multi-component design. This has a positive impact on the installation and removal of the die plate assembly from the pelletizing system when maintenance work may be required. Thus, rather than dismantling and replacing the entire die plate assembly from the pelletizing system, only a portion of the die plate assembly, including the melt-delivery component and, if necessary, the connected die plate assembly intermediate component, needs to be removed, while the outer ring remains installed on the pelletizing system. Repairing and, if necessary, replacing the melt-delivery component of the die plate assembly according to the present invention is simplified, significantly reducing material and cost expenditures. The outer ring and intermediate component of the die plate body according to the present invention can also be used with repaired or new melt-delivery components. Abutment surfaces, preferably provided on the outer and inner sides of the melt-delivery component, allow the melt-delivery component to be brought into contact with or separated from the outer ring and / or intermediate component of the die plate assembly in a simple and reversible manner. By preferably providing segmented air gaps between the outer ring and / or intermediate component in contact with the melt delivery component, the thermal insulation between the melt delivery component and the outer ring and / or intermediate component is also improved. This means that heat input via the heat transfer medium is preferably confined to the region of the melt delivery component, thereby keeping the melt flowing through the melt delivery component in a liquid state. To this end, indentations or grooves can be partially formed on the inner and outer walls of the melt delivery component, or on the outer ring wall and the wall of the intermediate component facing the melt delivery component.

[0042] The melt conveying component for such a die plate assembly according to the present application has the same advantages and preferred improvements as the die plate assembly of the present application, and vice versa.

[0043] A third aspect of the present application relates to a pelletizing device for producing pellets from a melt, in particular from a thermoplastic material, comprising a die plate assembly for conveying the melt. The pelletizing device is characterized in that the die plate assembly is manufactured according to any of the preferred embodiments described above. The present application utilizes the discovery that the melt conveying zone known from the prior art can now be embodied as a separate part, which is formed separately on the die plate assembly. According to the third aspect, the die plate assembly comprises a multi-part die plate body, including at least one outer ring, a separate melt conveying part, and an intermediate part, which is also formed separately, and these parts can be reversibly separated from each other and reassembled to form the die plate body.

[0044] In another aspect, the present application relates to a method for repairing a pelletizing device having a die plate assembly, in particular a pelletizing device according to the preferred embodiment described above, the method comprising the steps of at least partially disassembling the die plate assembly, replacing at least one melt delivery component or portion of the die plate assembly, and installing at least that portion of the die plate assembly equipped with the new melt delivery component or portion to a die plate support or a pelletizing device, wherein parts of the die plate assembly are disassembled and installed from the melt outlet side thereof.

[0045] According to the method steps of the present application, a pelletizing apparatus equipped with the die plate assembly of the present application can be repaired more easily. When repairing the die plate assembly, preferably only some of its components are disassembled. After replacing a defective or used portion or the entire melt delivery component, the newly assembled component is simply installed on the die plate assembly, which is still at least partially connected to the die plate support or the pelletizing apparatus. According to a variation of the method of the present application, the entire die plate assembly is removed from the die plate support, and then the melt delivery component or its components are removed from the removed die plate assembly and replaced. After the die plate assembly is completely disassembled, the melt delivery component is preferably replaced from the melt inlet side.

[0046] The preferred embodiments and improvements described herein for the die plate assembly or melt delivery component are also preferred embodiments of the pelletizing apparatus and method for repairing a pelletizing apparatus having a die plate assembly according to the present invention. The preferred embodiments and improvements described herein for the pelletizing apparatus and method thereof related to the die plate assembly or melt delivery component are also preferred embodiments of the die plate assembly or melt delivery component itself.

[0047] Therefore, in order to better understand the detailed description herein and to better appreciate the contribution made by this application to the art, we have provided a relatively broad overview of certain aspects of this application. Of course, there are other aspects of this application that will be described below and will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0048] In this regard, before explaining at least one aspect of the present application in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited in its application to the structural details and component arrangements illustrated in the following description or the accompanying drawings. In addition to the aspects described, the present application may have other aspects and may be implemented and carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein, as well as the abstract, are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0049] Therefore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the concepts underlying this disclosure can be readily utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems to achieve the several purposes of this disclosure. It is therefore important that the claims be construed to include such equivalent constructions as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0050] Further features and advantages of the present application will now be described with reference to a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings, and can also be seen from the embodiments described in detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] FIG1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a granulation apparatus having a die plate assembly according to the present application; FIG2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a template assembly connected with a heating tube according to the present application; FIG3 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the melt delivery component according to the present application shown in FIG1 ; FIG4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the template assembly according to the present application shown in FIG1 ; FIG5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the formwork assembly according to the present application; FIG6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another possible embodiment of the template assembly; FIG7 illustrates a partial view of one embodiment of the melt delivery component of the die plate assembly shown in FIG6 ; FIG8 shows a view of another embodiment of a template assembly connected with a heating tube according to the present application; FIG9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the template assembly shown in FIG8 according to the present application; FIG10 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the melt delivery component shown in FIG8 and FIG9; FIG11 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a template assembly according to the present application; FIG12 shows an isolated perspective view of the melt delivery component of the die plate assembly according to the present application shown in FIG11 ; 13 and 14 illustrate another embodiment of a die plate assembly having an embodiment of a melt delivery component according to the present application, as perspective views viewed from the melt inlet side and the melt outlet side, respectively; 15 and 16 show schematic cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a melt delivery component according to the present application to illustrate its structure, and FIG17 shows a schematic diagram of a method for repairing a granulation device according to the present invention in the form of a block diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows a pelletizing apparatus 100, preferably designed as an underwater pelletizing apparatus. Of course, the inventive embodiments of the template assemblies 1 and 1' described below can also be used in other pelletizing apparatuses. The pelletizing apparatus 100 includes an underwater pelletizer 102, which is driven by a drive 104. A protective cover 106 is also provided on the pelletizing apparatus.

[0052] The pelletizing apparatus 100 also includes a die plate assembly 1 connected to an underwater pelletizer 102, to which a liquid plastic melt is typically fed via an extruder (not shown). The die plate assembly 1 is mounted on a die plate support (not shown), for example, by a plurality of fixing screws 108. It is heated via inlet and outlet ports 56 in the form of connecting ports for admitting a heating medium, which is delivered via heating pipes 112 ( FIG. 2 ) within the die plate assembly 1.

[0053] The underwater pelletizer 102 has a process water inlet 114 and a process water outlet 116. Process water enters the melt outlet side 6 of the die plate assembly 1 according to the present application through these two inlets and is discharged from this side. When the pelletizer 100 is in operation, the plastic melt enters the die plate assembly 1 from the melt inlet side 4 of the die plate body 2 (as shown in Figure 1), is divided into multiple plastic strands within the die plate body 2, and exists as a continuously flowing melt strand at the melt outlet side 6 ( Figure 4 The underwater pelletizer 102 further includes a cutting device (not shown in the figure), which moves along the melt outlet side of the die plate body 2 and continuously divides the outflowing melt strands into individual strand segments.

[0054] In one embodiment (not shown), the cutting device of underwater pelletizer 102 comprises a rotating cutting head with a plurality of cutting blades arranged thereon. In underwater pelletizer 102, the outflowing melt strands / separated strand segments come into contact with and are cooled by process water. The separated strand segments exit the underwater pelletizer through process water outlet 116 and are separated from the process water in a separate process step.

[0055] The drive unit 104 is used to drive the cutting device (not shown), in particular to provide a rotational motion to the cutting device and its cutting blades. The assembly comprising at least the underwater pelletizer 102 and the drive unit 104 is mounted on a machine base 118 which is mounted on a movable housing structure 122 via spacer elements 120.

[0056] FIG2 shows a possible embodiment of the die plate assembly 1 shown in FIG1 , but separated from the pelletizing apparatus 100. The die plate assembly 1 includes a die plate body 2 having a melt inlet side 4 and a melt outlet side 6, with the melt outlet side 6 located on the other side of the melt inlet side 4. The melt inlet side 4 has at least one inlet 8 for delivering melt to the die plate assembly 1. The melt outlet side 6 has a plurality of outlets 10 ( Figure 4 ).

[0057] The die plate assembly 1 also has a melt delivery area 12, which, in the embodiment shown here, has a plurality of plastic melt flow channels 14 extending from a melt inlet side 4 to a melt outlet side 6. The outlets 10 at both ends of each flow channel 14 on the die plate body 2 are arranged in such a way that the plastic melt exits the die plate body 2 in the form of multiple melt strands. These melt strands are delivered to an underwater pelletizer 102 for separation into strand segments.

[0058] According to the present application, melt delivery zone 12 is designed as a melt delivery component 16 that is separable from formwork assembly 1, in particular, from formwork body 2. Melt delivery component 16 can thus be reversibly mounted on and removed from formwork body 2. In addition to melt delivery component 16, formwork assembly 1 also includes outer ring 18 and intermediate component 20. Therefore, formwork body 2 is a multi-component assembly.

[0059] Formwork assembly 1 is connected to the formwork support (not shown) via outer ring 18. For this purpose, multiple screw receptacles 22 are provided on outer ring 18 for securing screws 108, shown in Figure 1. Also visible are the inlet and outlet 56 of heating pipes 112, which form the connection ports on formwork assembly 1. The plastic melt is distributed via intermediate component 20 into circular inlet 8 on the melt inlet side 4 of formwork assembly 1.

[0060] FIG3 shows a melt delivery component 16 that is essentially annular and separate from the die plate assembly 1. On the melt delivery component 16, the circular inlet 8 and the adjacent flow channels 14 can also be seen on the melt inlet side 4. In this embodiment, the flow channels 14 are arranged adjacently in a ring.

[0061] As can be seen from the partial view of the template assembly 1 shown in FIG4 , the outer ring 18 has a receiving portion 24 for the melt delivery component 16 , the outer side of which is surrounded by the outer ring 18 . The receiving portion 24 allows the melt delivery component 16 to be positioned longitudinally and radially relative to the center axis L of the template assembly 1 . Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the receiving section 24 of the melt delivery element 16 is accessible from the melt inlet side 4 .

[0062] In another embodiment of the die plate assembly 1 shown in FIG5 , the receiving portion 24 ′ on the outer ring 18 ′ is accessible from the melt outlet side 6 . The melt delivery component 16 ′ is inserted into the receiving portion 24 ′ from the melt outlet side 6 . The receiving portion 24 ′ is also designed to position the melt delivery component 16 longitudinally and radially relative to the center axis L of the die plate assembly 1 .

[0063] 5 , matching grooves 26 , 26 ′ in the form of holes are further provided on the outer ring 18 ′ and the melt delivery component 16 ′. When the template assembly 1 is in the assembled state, they are aligned with each other and the outer ring 18 ′ and the melt delivery component 16 ′ are fixed together by the fastening device 27 .

[0064] In the embodiment of the die plate assembly 1 shown in Figures 4 and 5 , the outer rings 18, 18' have stepped recesses 28, 28' that form the receiving portions 24, 24'. Each recess 28, 28' includes a radially extending stop surface 30, 30' that contacts and axially positions the melt delivery component 16, 16' when inserted into the outer rings 18, 18'. To achieve this stop function, the melt delivery component 16, 16' shown in Figures 4 and 5 has at least one radially outwardly projecting protrusion 32, 32', preferably annular in shape. When the individual melt delivery components 16, 16' are installed, the protrusions 32, 32' contact the matching stop surfaces 30, 30' on the outer rings 18, 18' with their abutment surfaces 34, 34'.

[0065] As shown in Figures 4 and 5 , the intermediate component 20 of the die plate assembly 1 includes a base component 36 and a guide cone 38 connectable to the base component 36. The guide cone 38 distributes the melt flowing into the die plate assembly 1 to the inlets 8 of the die plate body 2 , which are formed on the melt delivery components 16 and 16 '. The melt delivery components 16 and 16 ' shown in Figures 4 and 5 each include a receptacle 40 for securing the intermediate component 20 to the melt delivery components 16 and 16 '. Each receptacle 40 of the intermediate component 20 is accessible from the melt outlet side 6 . The receptacle 40 includes a stepped recess 42 with a preferably radially extending receiving surface 44 for receiving the intermediate component 20 . The intermediate part 20 , in particular the base part 36 , has an outwardly projecting, preferably radially projecting, projection 46 , which has an abutment surface 48 that matches the receiving surface 44 on the melt-conveying part 16 , 16 ′.

[0066] 5 , the base part 36 has an alignment element 50 for fixing the guide cone 38. The guide cone 38 is fixed to the base part 36 by a plurality of fastening means 52 (eg screws), thereby clamping a part of the melt delivery part 16 ″ therein.

[0067] As can also be seen in Figures 4 and 5, at least one heating channel 54 is provided in the melt delivery components 16, 16'. This channel is offset radially inward and outward relative to the melt flow channel 14 to facilitate the transport of a heating medium through the channel. The heating medium directs heat energy through the heating channel 54 into the outlet region of the flow channel 14, thereby maintaining a free-flowing state of the plastic melt within the plurality of outlets 10 of the melt delivery components 16, 16' of the die plate assembly 1, which have a reduced cross-section.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, a preferably annular air gap 25 is provided at least partially between the outer rings 18, 18' and the melt-delivering elements 16, 16', and between the melt-delivering elements 16, 16' and the intermediate element 20. In Figure 4, to achieve this, a material groove 25' is partially formed in the inner wall region 94 of the melt-delivering element 16 or in the wall 95 of the outer ring 18 facing the melt-delivering element 16. In contrast, in Figure 5, the material groove is partially introduced into the inner and outer wall regions 94, 94' of the melt-delivering element 16'.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the flow channel 14 transitions into a plurality of outlets 10 (four in the present example) of significantly reduced cross-section, from which corresponding melt strands are extruded on the melt outlet side 6 .

[0070] The outer rings 18, 18' and the melt conveying components 16, 16' have inlets and outlets 56, 56' as connection ports for introducing and discharging heat medium into and out of the heating channel 54. Each inlet and outlet 56, 56' is connected to at least one heating pipe 112.

[0071] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of a die plate assembly 1 according to the present application. Unlike the stepped recess shown in the previous figures, this die plate assembly has a receiving portion 24" on its outer ring 18". This receiving portion has a receiving surface 58 that tapers from the melt inlet side 4 to the melt outlet side 6. The tapered receiving surface 58 extends for a portion along the total depth TG of the outer ring 18". In this embodiment, the melt delivery component 16" can be inserted into the outer ring 18" from the melt inlet side 4. Along a portion of the outer circumference 60, the melt delivery component 16" has an abutment surface 62 that tapers from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side and mates with the receiving surface 58 of the receiving portion 24". As can be seen in Figure 7, the abutment surface 62 preferably extends to approximately half of the total depth TG of the melt delivery component 16".

[0072] With regard to the design of the receptacle 40 for the intermediate component 20 on the melt-delivering component 16 ″ and the design of the intermediate component 20 itself, reference is made to the above description of the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 . Material recesses 25 ′ (not shown in further detail) may also be provided on the abutment surface 62 and in the region of the receptacle 40 or recess on the melt-delivering component 16 ″, in order to form an air gap 25 with adjacent regions of the outer ring 18 ″ and the intermediate component 20 .

[0073] The basic design of the melt delivery component 16" with the matching outer ring 18" can also be referred to in the previously described embodiments, such as the flow channel 14, the melt inlet and outlet 8, 10, and the heating channel 54 and its heating medium inlet and outlet 56, 56'. As in the previously described embodiments, the heating channel 54 preferably extends along a section of the flow channel 14 in the melt delivery component 16" and is distributed to the outlet end of the flow channel 14. The heating channel 54 also takes the form of an annular space and extends adjacent to the inside and outside of the annularly arranged flow channels 14.

[0074] FIG8 shows another embodiment of a die plate assembly 1 with a multi-part die plate body 2, viewed from the melt outlet side 6. The die plate body 2 comprises a melt delivery element 16''' and an outer ring 18''', which are connected to each other via a rotary plug connection. The rotary plug connection 64 includes a different type of receiving portion 24''' for receiving the melt delivery element 16''' on the outer ring 18'''.

[0075] To form the receiving portion 24''' as a rotary plug connection 64, the outer ring 18''' has at least one circumferentially extending groove-like indentation 66 ( FIG. 9 ). The outer ring 18''' also has an axially open insertion region 68 that cooperates with the groove-like indentation 66 and is designed to receive a matching locking element 70 of the melt-delivering component 16'''. To insert the melt-delivering component 16''' into the outer ring 18''', the two are first axially moved relative to each other until the locking element 70 is aligned with the groove-like indentation 66. The melt-delivering component 16''' and the outer ring 18''' are then rotated relative to each other about the central axis L. Preferably, a total of three such insertion regions 68 and matching groove-like indentations 66 are provided on the outer ring 18'''.

[0076] As shown in FIG10 , the outer circumference 60 of the melt delivery component 16 ''' has three material protrusions 72 , which extend radially from the outer circumference 60 of the melt delivery component 16 ''' and extend circumferentially to form a locking component 70 . Each material protrusion 72 is axially spaced from the melt inlet side 4 and the melt outlet side 6 of the melt delivery component 16 '''. This embodiment allows the melt delivery component 16 ''' to be inserted into the outer ring 18 ''' from the melt outlet side 6 of the die plate assembly. Figure 8 As can be seen in the figure, the base part 36 of the intermediate part 20 is covered by a cover 74 on the melt outlet side 6. On the outside, surrounding the circular cover 74 (underneath which thermal insulation material may be arranged), the outlets 10 for the melt strands to be discharged from the melt outlet side 6 are arranged in a ring. The outer ring 18''' also has screw receptacles 22 for inserting electrical fastening screws 108.

[0077] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a slightly modified variant of the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 10. Matching form-fitting elements 76 and 78 are formed on the outer ring 18''' and the melt-delivering component 16''' as positioning means, particularly on one of the insertion areas 68 and on one of the locking elements 70, which is provided in the form of a material projection 72. The form-fitting elements 76 and 78 allow the outer ring 18'' and the melt-delivering component 16''' to be connected together only in one preferred orientation. This ensures that the inlet and outlet ports 56 and 56'', serving as the heat medium connection ports in the melt-delivering component 16''' and the outer ring 18''', are aligned with each other after the two components are connected, thus preventing incorrect assembly.

[0078] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate another embodiment of a die plate assembly 1' according to the present application. This embodiment, instead of a monolithic melt delivery component 16, features a melt delivery component 80 that is subdivided into multiple segments 80', preferably annular segments. In the embodiment shown here, the melt delivery component 80 is divided into three segments 80'. Each segment 80' has a connection port 82 serving as an inlet to the heating channel 54 and at least one connection port 82' serving as an outlet for the heat medium to flow out of the heating channel. This ensures that each segment 80' receives the heat medium required to heat the plastic melt and flow through the corresponding heating channel 54.

[0079] The outer ring 18 of the die plate assembly 1' has a receiving portion 24 for receiving the melt delivery component 80 surrounding the outer ring 18. To form the receiving portion 24, the outer ring 18 has a stepped groove 28. The groove 28 includes a radially extending stop surface 30, which contacts the melt delivery component 80, particularly its individual portions 80', when it is inserted into the outer ring 18.

[0080] The end faces 84 of the parts 80' are designed or arranged to seal against each other, so that when the die plate assembly 1' is in operation, the plastic melt is prevented from passing between the parts 80'.

[0081] As can also be seen from Figures 13 and 14, a heat medium heating pipe 112 is directly connected to each section 80'. To enable the thus formed section 80' to be inserted into the outer ring 18, the outer ring 18 is provided with an extended radial groove 86 on its melt inlet side 4. The heating pipe 112 is inserted into the groove 86 together with the section 80' in the outer ring 18.

[0082] 8-12 or the melt delivery component 80 in Figures 13 and 14 for the design of the receiving portion 40 of the intermediate component 20, as well as the design of the intermediate component 20 itself, please refer to the above description of the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0083] Regarding the basic design of the melt delivery component 16" with the matching outer ring 18", reference can also be made to the previously described embodiments, for example, regarding the flow channel 14, the melt inlet and outlet 8 and 10, and the heating channel 54 and the heat medium inlet and outlet 56 and 56' (embodied as connection ports). As in the previously described embodiments, the heating channel 54 preferably extends along a section of the flow channel 14 in the melt delivery component 16" and is associated with the outlet end of the flow channel 14. The heating channel 54 also takes the form of an annular space and extends adjacent to the inner and outer sides of the annularly arranged flow channels 14.

[0084] In one embodiment of the present application, the melt delivery components 16 - 16 '', 80 can be produced using an additive manufacturing method, particularly a 3D printing method. This means that the melt delivery components 16 - 16 '', 80 can be integrally formed with all the grooves, lower grooves, and cavities.

[0085] In one possible embodiment of the present application, the melt delivery component is produced using conventional manufacturing and processing methods. Thus, the melt delivery component 16-16''', 80 according to Figures 15 and 16 is composed of multiple components. As can be seen from Figures 15 and 16, the melt delivery component 16-16''', 80 has at least one base component 90 including an inlet 8, an outlet 10, and a flow channel 14, and two respectively mounted approximately cylindrical sleeve components 92, 92'. The sleeve components 92, 92' respectively define the inner wall or outer wall area 94, 94' of the melt delivery component 16-16'''. The sleeve components 92, 92' also define the outer wall 96, 96' of the heating channel 54 facing away from the flow channel 14.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present application, sleeve parts 92, 92' are sealed at their contact surfaces 98, 98' to the region of base part 90 of melt-delivering part 16-16'", 80, for example, by means of sealing elements on base part 90. In another embodiment, a positive connection is established in the region of contact surfaces 90, 96; in particular, the contact surfaces are welded to one another.

[0087] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of a method 200 for repairing a pelletizing apparatus 100 having a die plate assembly 1, 1' is shown in the form of a block diagram in FIG17. In particular, the method 200 according to the present application is used to remove the individually formed melt delivery component 16-16''', 80 shown in FIG1-16 from the die plate assembly 1, 1' used in the pelletizing apparatus 100 and reinstall it after repair or replace it with another individually formed melt delivery component 16-16''', 80.

[0088] In a first step 201, the die plate assembly 1, 1' is at least partially disassembled. This can involve disassembling the entire die plate assembly from the pelletizing plant 100, or only parts of the die plate assembly 1, 1', in particular the melt conveying elements 16', 16''' on the die plate body 2, which can be removed from the die plate body 2 at the melt outlet side 6.

[0089] In the subsequent step 202, the melt delivery components 16-16''' of the die plate assembly 1, 1' are replaced. The melt delivery components 16-16'''' can be replaced as a whole component, or only the portion 80' of the melt delivery component 80 on the die plate body 2, 2' can be replaced.

[0090] Finally, in step 203, at least a portion of the die plate assembly 1, 1' equipped with new melt delivery components 16-16''', 80 or part 80' is installed on a die plate support or a pelletizing device, wherein the components of the die plate assembly 1, 1' are preferably removed and installed from the melt outlet side 6 of the die plate assembly.

[0091] When at least the melt delivery components 16, 16''', 80 on the template body 2, 2' are disassembled and installed, they are usually removed together with the intermediate component 20 on the template assembly 1, 1', and then the melt delivery components 16, 16''', 80 and the intermediate component 20 are also reinstalled on the outer ring 18-18''' of the template assembly.

[0092] Reference numerals 1. 1' mold plate assembly 2.2' Template body 4 Melt inlet side 6 Melt outlet side 8 Entrance 10 Exit 12 Melt conveying area 14 runners 16, 16'; 16'', 16''', melt conveying parts 18, 18', 18'', 18''' outer ring 20 Middle parts 22 screw seat 24, 24', 24'', 24'''accommodation part 25 air gap 25' material groove 26, 26' groove 27, 52 Fastening device 28, 28' groove 30, 30' stop surface 32, 32' raised 34, 34' abutment surface 36 base parts 38 guide cone 40 accommodating portion 42 grooves 44 Receiving surface 46 bulge 48 abutment surface 50 Alignment elements 54 heating channels 56, 56' entrance and exit 58 receiving surface 60 outer circumference 62 abutment surface 64 Rotating plug connector 66 Dent 68 Insertion Area 70 Locking parts 72 Material protrusion 74 cover 76, 78 Form-fitting elements 80 melt conveying components 80' section 82, 82' Entrance and Exit 84 end face 86 grooves 90 base parts 92, 92' sleeve parts 94, 94' wall area 95 Inner wall of outer ring 96, 96' wall 98, 98' contact surface 100 Granulation Equipment 102 Underwater pelletizer 104 drive unit 106 protective cover 108 fixing screws 112 heating tube 114 Process water inlet 116 Process water outlet 118 Machine Base 120 spacer element 122 Shell structure 200 Methods 201 Disassembly steps 202 Replacement Steps 203 Installation Steps L Central axis TG Total Depth It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of this application. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0093] It should be understood that when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is referred to as being "on" or "extending onto" another element, it can be directly on or directly extended onto the other element, and there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "extending directly onto" another element, there are no intervening elements. Similarly, it should be understood that when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is referred to as being "above" or "extending above" another element, it can be directly above or directly extended onto the other element, and there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly over" or "extending directly above" another element, there are no intervening elements. It should also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, and there may be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0094] Relative terms, such as "below," "above," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," "vertical," and so forth, may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region, as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms, as well as those discussed above, are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0095] The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that when the terms "include," "comprising," "including," and / or "comprising" are used herein, they specify the presence of the recited features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0096] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It should be further understood that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0097] Numerous features and advantages of the present application are apparent from the detailed description, and it is intended that the appended claims cover all such features and advantages that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present application. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the present disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents falling within the scope of the present disclosure may be employed.

Claims

1. A die plate assembly (1, 1') for a granulation device (100) for producing granules from a liquid plastic melt, in particular a thermoplastic material, comprising At least one inlet (8) is arranged on the melt inlet side (4) for inputting the melt, and a plurality of outlets (10) are arranged on the melt outlet side for distributing the melt. The melt conveying zone (12) has at least one, preferably a plurality of melt flow channels (14) extending from the melt inlet side (4) to the melt outlet side (6), It is characterized in that The melt conveying area (12) is designed as a melt conveying component (16-16''', 80), which can be separated from the template assembly and can also be reversibly installed on the template assembly (1, 1') and removed from the template assembly (1, 1').

2. The template assembly according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The die plate assembly (1, 1') consists of at least the melt conveying component (16-16''', 80) and an intermediate component (20) and / or an outer ring (18-18'''), wherein the melt conveying component (16-16''', 80) can be releasably connected to the intermediate component (20) and / or the outer ring (18-18''').

3. The formwork assembly according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The melt conveying component (16-16'', 80) is substantially annular, and the flow channels (14) are spaced apart from each other, preferably distributed on at least one circumference.

4. The formwork assembly according to claim 2 or 3, It is characterized in that The outer ring (18-18''') of the die plate assembly (1, 1') has a receiving portion (24-24''') for a melt delivery component (16-16''', 80), and the melt delivery component (16-16''', 80) is to be positioned relative to the outer ring (18-18''').

5. The formwork assembly according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The receiving portion (24-24''') of the melt conveying component (16-16''', 80) is accessible from the melt inlet side (4) or the melt outlet side (6).

6. The formwork assembly according to claim 4 or 5, It is characterized in that To form the receiving portion (24, 24'), the outer ring (18, 18') has a preferably stepped recess (28, 28') with a substantially radially extending stop surface (30, 30') for the melt conveying element (16, 16').

7. The formwork assembly according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The melt conveying component (16, 16', 16''', 80) has at least one circumferential protrusion (32, 32', 72) that preferably protrudes radially outward and has an abutment surface (34, 34') that matches the stop surface (30, 30') on the outer ring (18, 18').

8. The formwork assembly according to claim 4 or 5, It is characterized in that The outer ring (18'') has a receiving surface (58) that tapers from the melt inlet side (4) to the melt outlet side (6) to form the accommodating portion (24'').

9. The formwork assembly according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The melt conveying component (16'') has an abutment surface (62) that tapers from the melt inlet side (4) to the melt outlet side (6), and defines a cross section on the outer circumference (60) that matches the receiving surface (58) on the outer ring (18'').

10. The formwork assembly according to claim 4 or 5, It is characterized in that The receiving portion (24''') on the outer ring (18''') is designed as a rotary plug connection (64), which has at least one groove-shaped recess (66) extending in the circumferential direction and an axially open insertion area (68) for the locking part (70) on the melt conveying part (16''') so that the recess (66) can be inserted through the insertion area (68).

11. The formwork assembly according to claim 10, It is characterized in that The melt conveying component (16'") has at least one protrusion (72), which is axially spaced from the melt inlet side and the melt outlet side (4, 6) of the melt conveying component and radially protrudes from the outer circumference (60) and extends along the circumferential direction for a section to form the locking component (70).

12. The formwork assembly according to claim 10 or 11, It is characterized in that On the respective insertion region (68) and the projection (72) matching the insertion region (68), positive-locking elements (76, 78) that positively lock into one another form a positioning device.

13. The formwork assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 12, It is characterized in that Matching grooves (26, 26'') are provided on the outer ring (18', 18''') and the melt conveying component (16', 16'''), which are axially aligned with each other during operation and are used to fix the outer ring (18', 18''') and the melt conveying component (16', 16''') to each other.

14. Formwork assembly according to any of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The melt conveying component (16-16''', 80) and / or the outer ring (18-18''') has at least one heating channel (54) that is radially offset inward and / or outward relative to the melt flow channel (14) for conveying a heat medium; or is provided with an electric heating conductor accommodating portion (22) for inserting an electric heating conductor (108).

15. The formwork assembly according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The heating channel (54) in the melt conveying component (16-16''', 80) extends along a section of the flow channel (14), wherein the heating channel (54) is assigned to the outlet end of the flow channel (14).

16. The formwork assembly according to claim 14 or 15, It is characterized in that The heating channel (54) is an annular space, and the melt conveying component (16-16'''', 80) has at least one inlet (56, 82) for introducing a heat medium into the heating channel (54), and at least one outlet (56', 82') for discharging the heat medium from the heating channel (54).

17. Formwork assembly according to any of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The melt delivery component (16-16''', 80) has at least one base component (90) surrounding the flow channel (14) and at least one separate approximately cylindrical sleeve component (92, 92'), which defines at least one inner wall and / or outer wall region (94, 94') of the melt delivery component (16-16''', 80) and preferably defines the outer wall (96, 96') of the heating channel (54) facing away from the flow channel (14).

18. The formwork assembly according to claim 17, It is characterized in that The sleeve component (92, 92') is sealed or materially connected to adjacent areas of the melt conveying component (16-16''', 80).

19. Formwork assembly according to any of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The melt conveying element (80) is divided into at least two separate parts (80'), preferably annular parts.

20. The formwork assembly according to claim 19, It is characterized in that Each section (80') has at least one connection port as an inlet (82) of a heating channel (54) and at least one further connection port as an outlet (82') of the heating channel (54), wherein radially extending grooves (86) are preferably provided on the outer ring (18) of the melt inlet side (4).

21. The formwork assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 20, It is characterized in that The melt conveying component (16-16''', 80) has a receiving portion (40) for fixing the intermediate component (20) on the melt conveying component (16-16''', 80), wherein the intermediate component (20) is preferably composed of a plurality of individual components.

22. The formwork assembly according to claim 21, It is characterized in that The receptacle (40) of the intermediate part (20) is accessible from the melt outlet side (6) and has at least one stepped recess (42) with a radially extending receiving surface (44) of the intermediate part (20).

23. The formwork assembly according to claim 22, It is characterized in that The intermediate component (20) preferably has a circumferential protrusion (46) protruding radially outward and an abutment surface (48) matching the receiving surface (44) on the melt conveying component (16-16''', 80).

24. The formwork assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 23, It is characterized in that The intermediate part (20) consists of a substantially cylindrical base part (36) and a guide cone (38) connectable to the base part (36), wherein the intermediate part (20) has at least one alignment element (50) for docking the guide cone (38) on the base part (36).

25. The formwork assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 24, It is characterized in that An air gap (X), preferably annular, is formed at least between the outer ring (18-18''') and the melt delivery component (16-16''', 80), and / or between the melt delivery component (16-16''', 80) and the intermediate component (20).

26. The formwork assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 24, It is characterized in that The outer ring (18-18''') and / or the intermediate component (20), preferably the sleeve component (92, 92'), is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the material forming the melt delivery component (16-16''', 80).

27. Formwork assembly according to any of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The melt conveying component (16-16''', 80) is produced by an additive manufacturing method, in particular a three-dimensional printing method.

28. A melt conveying component (16-16''', 80) for conveying a melt, in particular a thermoplastic melt, to a die plate assembly of a pelletizing device (100), in particular for a die plate assembly (1, 1') according to at least one of claims 1 to 27, comprising a melt inlet side (4) and a melt outlet side (6), and a plurality of flow channels (14) extending from the melt inlet side (4) to the melt outlet side (6), in, On the melt delivery component (16-16''', 80), an abutment surface (34, 34'', 62) is provided for an outer ring (18-18'''') that can reversibly contact the outer side of the melt delivery component (16-16''', 80), and / or an intermediate component (20) of the template assembly (1, 1') that can reversibly contact the inner side of the melt delivery component.

29. A granulation device (100) for producing granules from a melt, in particular from a thermoplastic material, comprising a die plate assembly (1, 1') for guiding the melt, It is characterized in that The formwork assembly (1, 1') is implemented according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

30. A method (200) for repairing a granulation device (100) having a template assembly, in particular the granulation device according to claim 29, comprising the following steps: - at least partially disassembling (201) the formwork assembly (1, 1'), - replacing (202) at least one melt delivery component (16-16''', 80) or portion (80') of a die plate assembly (1, 1'), and - mounting (203) at least a portion of the die plate assembly (1, 1') equipped with the new melt conveying component (16-16''', 80) or portion (80') on a die plate support or a pelletizing device (100), The parts of the die plate assembly (1, 1') are disassembled and assembled from the melt outlet side (6).

31. A die plate assembly for a pelletizing apparatus for producing pellets from a liquid plastic melt, in particular from a thermoplastic material, comprising: at least one inlet for injecting the melt, which is arranged on the melt inlet side, and a plurality of outlets for distributing the melt, which are arranged on the melt outlet side, a melt conveying zone having at least one, preferably a plurality of melt flow channels extending from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side, The melt conveying area is designed as a melt conveying component, which is separable from the template assembly and can be reversibly mounted on and removed from the template assembly.

32. The formwork assembly according to claim 31, in, The die plate assembly consists of at least the melt-delivering element and an intermediate element and / or an outer ring, wherein the melt-delivering element is releasably connectable to the intermediate element and / or the outer ring.

33. The formwork assembly according to claim 31 or 32, The melt conveying component is substantially annular, and the flow channels are spaced apart from each other, preferably distributed on at least one circumference.

34. The formwork assembly according to claim 32 or 33, The outer ring of the die plate assembly has a receiving portion for positioning the melt delivery component relative to the outer ring.

35. The formwork assembly according to claim 34, The accommodating portion of the melt delivery component is accessible from the melt inlet side or the melt outlet side.

36. The formwork assembly according to claim 34 or 35, in, In order to form the receiving portion, the outer ring has a preferably stepped groove, with a stop surface extending approximately in the radial direction for the melt conveying component.

37. The formwork assembly according to claim 36, The melt delivery component has at least one circumferential protrusion which preferably projects radially outward and has an abutment surface which matches the stop surface on the outer ring.

38. The formwork assembly according to claim 34 or 35, The outer ring has a receiving surface which tapers from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side to form a receiving portion.

39. The formwork assembly according to claim 38, The melt conveying component has an abutting surface that tapers from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side and defines a cross section on the outer circumference, which matches the receiving surface on the outer ring.

40. The formwork assembly according to claim 34 or 35, The receiving portion on the outer ring is designed as a rotary plug connector having at least one groove-shaped recess extending in the circumferential direction and an insertion area for an axial opening of the locking component on the melt conveying component so as to be inserted into the recess through the insertion area.

41. The formwork assembly according to claim 40, The melt conveying component has at least one protrusion which is axially spaced apart from the melt inlet and melt outlet sides of the melt conveying component and radially protrudes from the outer circumference and extends along the circumferential direction to form a locking component.

42. The formwork assembly according to claim 40 or 41, Therein, at the respective insertion region and the projection matching the insertion region, positive-fit elements that positively fit one another form a positioning device.

43. The formwork assembly according to any one of claims 32 to 42, in, Matching grooves are provided on the outer ring and the melt delivery component, which are axially aligned with each other during operation and serve to fix the outer ring and the melt delivery component to each other.

44. Formwork assembly according to any of the preceding claims, The melt conveying component and / or the outer ring has at least one heating channel offset radially inward and / or outward relative to the melt flow channel for conveying a heat medium, or has an electric heating conductor receiving portion for inserting an electric heating conductor.

45. The formwork assembly according to claim 44, The heating channel in the melt delivery component extends along a section of the flow channel, wherein the heating channel is assigned to an outlet end of the flow channel.

46. The formwork assembly according to claim 44 or 45, The heating channel is an annular space, and the melt conveying component has at least one inlet for a heat medium to enter the heating channel and at least one outlet for a heat medium to flow out of the heating channel.

47. Formwork assembly according to any of the preceding claims, The melt delivery component has at least one base component surrounding the flow channel and at least one separate approximately cylindrical sleeve component, which defines at least one inner wall and / or outer wall area of the melt delivery component, and preferably defines the outer wall of the heating channel facing away from the flow channel.

48. The formwork assembly according to claim 47, The sleeve component is sealed or materially connected to an adjacent region of the melt conveying component.

49. Formwork assembly according to any of the preceding claims, The melt conveying element is divided into at least two separate parts, preferably annular parts.

50. The formwork assembly according to claim 49, in, Each section has at least one connection port as an inlet of the heating channel and at least one further connection port as an outlet of the heating channel, wherein radially extending grooves are preferably provided on the outer ring on the melt inlet side.

51. The formwork assembly according to any one of claims 32 to 50, The melt conveying component has a receptacle for fastening the intermediate component to the melt conveying component, wherein the intermediate component preferably consists of a plurality of individual components.

52. The formwork assembly according to claim 51, The receiving portion of the intermediate component is accessible from the melt outlet side and has at least one stepped groove, on which a radially extending receiving surface of the intermediate component is formed.

53. The formwork assembly according to claim 52, The intermediate component preferably has a circumferential protrusion protruding radially outward and an abutment surface matching the receiving surface on the melt conveying component.

54. The formwork assembly according to any one of claims 32 to 53, The intermediate component is composed of a substantially cylindrical base component and a guide cone connectable to the base component, wherein the intermediate component has at least one alignment element for docking the guide cone to the base component.

55. The formwork assembly according to any one of claims 32 to 54, In this case, a preferably annular air gap is formed at least between the outer ring and the melt-conveying element and / or between the melt-conveying element and the intermediate element.

56. The formwork assembly according to any one of claims 32 to 54, The outer ring and / or the intermediate component, preferably the sleeve component, is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than a material forming the melt delivery component.

57. Formwork assembly according to any of the preceding claims, The melt conveying component is produced by an additive manufacturing method, in particular a three-dimensional printing method.

58. A melt conveying component for conveying a melt, in particular a thermoplastic material melt, to a die plate assembly of a pelletizing plant, in particular for a die plate assembly according to at least one of claims 31 to 57, comprising: melt inlet side and melt outlet side, and a plurality of flow channels extending from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side, Wherein, on the melt delivery component, an abutment surface is provided for an outer ring that can reversibly contact the outer side of the melt delivery component and / or a middle component of the template assembly that can reversibly contact the inner side of the melt delivery component.

59. A granulation device for producing granules from a melt, in particular from a thermoplastic material, comprising a die plate assembly for guiding the melt, in, The formwork assembly is implemented according to any one of claims 31 to 57.

60. A method for repairing a granulation device having a template assembly, particularly the granulation device according to claim 59, comprising: at least partially disassembling the formwork assembly, replacing at least one melt delivery component or portion of the die plate assembly, and Installing at least a portion of the die plate assembly with the new melt delivery component or portion onto a die plate support or pelletizing apparatus, The parts of the die plate assembly are disassembled and installed from the melt outlet side.

61. A die plate assembly for a pelletizing apparatus for producing pellets from a liquid plastic melt, in particular from a thermoplastic material, comprising: at least one inlet for injecting the melt, which is arranged on the melt inlet side, and a plurality of outlets for distributing the melt, which are arranged on the melt outlet side, a melt conveying zone having at least one, preferably a plurality of melt flow channels extending from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side, The melt conveying area is designed as a melt conveying component, which is separable from the template assembly and can be reversibly mounted on and removed from the template assembly.

62. The formwork assembly according to claim 61, in, The die plate assembly consists of at least the melt-delivering element and an intermediate element and / or an outer ring, wherein the melt-delivering element is releasably connectable to the intermediate element and / or the outer ring.

63. The formwork assembly according to claim 61, The melt conveying component is substantially annular, and the flow channels are spaced apart from each other, preferably distributed on at least one circumference.

64. The formwork assembly according to claim 62, The outer ring of the die plate assembly has a receiving portion for positioning the melt delivery component relative to the outer ring.

65. The formwork assembly according to claim 64, The accommodating portion of the melt delivery component is accessible from the melt inlet side or the melt outlet side.

66. The formwork assembly according to claim 64, in, In order to form the receiving portion, the outer ring has a preferably stepped groove, with a stop surface extending approximately in the radial direction for the melt conveying component.

67. The formwork assembly according to claim 66, The melt delivery component has at least one circumferential protrusion which preferably projects radially outward and has an abutment surface which matches the stop surface on the outer ring.

68. The formwork assembly according to claim 64, The outer ring has a receiving surface which tapers from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side to form a receiving portion.

69. The formwork assembly according to claim 68, The melt conveying component has an abutting surface that tapers from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side, and has a cross section on the outer circumference, which matches the receiving surface on the outer ring.

70. The formwork assembly according to claim 64, The receiving portion on the outer ring is designed as a rotary plug connector having at least one groove-shaped recess extending in the circumferential direction and an insertion area for an axial opening of the locking component on the melt conveying component so as to be inserted into the recess through the insertion area.

71. The formwork assembly according to claim 70, The melt conveying component has at least one protrusion which is axially spaced apart from the melt inlet and melt outlet sides of the melt conveying component and radially protrudes from the outer circumference and extends along the circumferential direction to form a locking component.

72. The formwork assembly according to claim 70, Therein, at the respective insertion region and the projection matching the insertion region, positive-fit elements that positively fit one another form a positioning device.

73. The formwork assembly according to claim 62, in, Matching grooves are provided on the outer ring and the melt delivery component, which are axially aligned with each other during operation and serve to fix the outer ring and the melt delivery component to each other.

74. The formwork assembly according to claim 73, The melt conveying component and / or the outer ring has at least one heating channel offset radially inward and / or outward relative to the melt flow channel for conveying a heat medium, or has an electric heating conductor receiving portion for inserting an electric heating conductor.

75. The formwork assembly according to claim 74, The heating channel in the melt delivery component extends along a section of the flow channel, wherein the heating channel is assigned to an outlet end of the flow channel.

76. The formwork assembly according to claim 74, The heating channel is an annular space, and the melt conveying component has at least one inlet for a heat medium to enter the heating channel and at least one outlet for a heat medium to flow out of the heating channel.

77. The formwork assembly according to claim 61, The melt delivery component has at least one base component surrounding the flow channel and at least one separate approximately cylindrical sleeve component, which defines at least one inner wall and / or outer wall area of the melt delivery component, and preferably defines the outer wall of the heating channel facing away from the flow channel.

78. The formwork assembly according to claim 77, The sleeve component is sealed or materially connected to an adjacent region of the melt conveying component.

79. The formwork assembly according to claim 61, The melt conveying element is divided into at least two separate parts, preferably annular parts.

80. The formwork assembly according to claim 79, in, Each section has at least one connection port as an inlet of the heating channel and at least one further connection port as an outlet of the heating channel, wherein radially extending grooves are preferably provided on the outer ring on the melt inlet side.

81. The formwork assembly according to claim 62, The melt conveying component has a receptacle for fastening the intermediate component to the melt conveying component, wherein the intermediate component preferably consists of a plurality of individual components.

82. The formwork assembly according to claim 81, The receiving portion of the intermediate component is accessible from the melt outlet side and has at least one stepped groove on which a receiving surface of the intermediate component extends radially.

83. The formwork assembly according to claim 82, The intermediate component preferably has a circumferential protrusion protruding radially outward and an abutment surface matching the receiving surface on the melt conveying component.

84. The formwork assembly of claim 62, The intermediate component is composed of a substantially cylindrical base component and a guide cone connectable to the base component, wherein the intermediate component has at least one alignment element for docking the guide cone onto the base component.

85. The formwork assembly of claim 62, In this case, a preferably annular air gap is formed at least between the outer ring and the melt-conveying element and / or between the melt-conveying element and the intermediate element.

86. The formwork assembly of claim 77, The outer ring and / or the intermediate component, preferably the sleeve component, is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than a material forming the melt delivery component.

87. The formwork assembly according to claim 61, The melt conveying component is produced by an additive manufacturing method, in particular a three-dimensional printing method.

88. A melt conveying component for conveying a melt, in particular a thermoplastic material melt, to a die plate assembly of a pelletizing device, in particular for the die plate assembly according to claim 61, comprising: melt inlet side and melt outlet side, and a plurality of flow channels extending from the melt inlet side to the melt outlet side, Wherein, on the melt delivery component, an abutment surface is provided for an outer ring that can reversibly contact the outer side of the melt delivery component and / or a middle component of the template assembly that can reversibly contact the inner side of the melt delivery component.

89. A granulation device for producing granules from a melt, in particular from a thermoplastic material, comprising a die plate assembly for guiding the melt, in, The template assembly is implemented according to claim 61.

90. A method for repairing a pelletizing apparatus having a template assembly, particularly the pelletizing apparatus of claim 89, comprising: at least partially disassembling the formwork assembly, replacing at least one melt delivery component or portion of the die plate assembly, and Installing at least a portion of the die plate assembly with the new melt delivery component or portion onto a die plate support or pelletizing apparatus, The parts of the die plate assembly are disassembled and installed from the melt outlet side.

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