Industrial seed mill and retrofit assembly for industrial seed mill

Abstract

The present invention relates to an industrial seed mill (10) comprising: an inlet unit (12) configured to receive a seed to be milled; a processing unit (14) configured to mill the seed; and an output unit (16) configured to release the milled seed. The machining unit (14) has: a rotor (22) having an outer grinding side (24); and a cylindrical screening unit (26) surrounding the rotor (22). The screening unit (26) has an inner side (30) and an outer side (34) having an outer surface (36). The processing unit (14) has at least one automatic cleaning unit (38) comprising at least one cleaning element (42) which is in contact with the screening unit (26) in an operating mode of the seed mill (10). The at least one cleaning element (42) is configured to move relative to the screening unit (26) to automatically remove milling residues from the screening unit (26).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an industrial seed mill and a retrofit assembly for an industrial seed mill. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the prior art, industrial seed mills for different purposes are known. For example, using a seed mill, rice is whitened by removing the outer layer of the rice, called bran. The bran thus corresponds to the milling residue during the milling process. Those seed mills are also called rice whitener, since the bran usually has a darker color than the rice, so that the rice is whitened once the bran is removed. In fact, the bran has to be removed, since it contains vitamins, minerals and oils, which greatly reduce the shelf life of the rice if not removed.

[0003] Industrial seed mills usually remove the milling residue, such as the bran, based on a friction mechanism.

[0004] Industrial seed mills usually comprise a rotor with an outer grinding side, such as stones, and a screening unit for screening the milled seeds and the milling residue. The seeds to be milled are placed between the rotor and the screening unit so that the seeds are milled in a frictional manner. Thus, three different types of friction occur, namely due to the contact of the seeds with the seeds, the contact of the seeds with the grinding side of the rotor and / or the contact of the seeds with the screening unit.

[0005] In the case of milling rice by an industrial seed mill, the bran is removed mechanically, wherein the removed bran is transported through slots, more precisely openings, within the screening unit so that the milled seeds, i.e. white rice, are screened. The white rice is temporarily retained between the rotor and the screening unit, while the milling residue, i.e. the bran, is discharged via the screening unit.

[0006] During the milling process, the screening unit, in particular the openings and / or slots, are often clogged due to the accumulation of the milling residue, which reduces the overall efficiency of the industrial seed mill, since frequent manual cleaning is required to remove the accumulated milling residue. The efficiency is reduced due to the fact that the seed mill has to be deactivated for cleaning purposes, which is also called machine idle time, in order to allow the screening unit to be cleaned.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to improve the machine performance, in particular its efficiency. SUMMARY

[0008] This invention provides an industrial seed mill comprising an inlet unit configured to receive seeds, such as rice, to be milled. The mill also includes a processing unit configured to mill the seeds, thereby producing milled seeds. Furthermore, the mill has an output unit configured to release the milled seeds, i.e., the seeds previously processed by the processing unit. The processing unit is arranged between the inlet and output units, and includes a rotor having an outer grinding side and a cylindrical screening unit surrounding the rotor. The screening unit has an inner side and an outer side, the outer side having an outer surface. The inner side and the grinding side of the rotor face each other to form an annular grinding zone between the screening unit and the rotor. The processing unit further includes a housing surrounding the rotor and the screening unit to protect them from environmental influences. The processing unit has at least one automatic cleaning unit including at least one cleaning element that, in the operating mode of the seed mill, contacts the screening unit, particularly its outer surface. At least one cleaning element is configured to move relative to the screening unit, thereby automatically removing grinding residues from the screening unit, particularly the outer surface of the screening unit.

[0009] The main idea of ​​this invention is to automatically clean the screening unit during seed mill operation, thereby significantly reducing machine downtime and improving the overall performance, i.e., the efficiency, of the seed mill. At least one automatic cleaning unit ensures continuous cleaning of the screening unit, particularly its outer surface, through at least one cleaning element in contact with it. Therefore, as in the prior art, the seed mill does not need to be frequently shut down for cleaning purposes. Currently, manual cleaning requires shutting down the seed mill every four to six hours. In other words, reducing the seed mill's downtime (for maintenance) and / or increasing its operating time improves the overall productivity of the seed mill. As indicated above, automatic cleaning during seed mill operation further reduces costs.

[0010] Furthermore, the lifespan of the screening unit is increased because it is kept constantly clean.

[0011] One aspect specifies that the at least one cleaning element is selected from a mitter curtain, a rag, a feather duster, a brush, and combinations thereof. Specifically, the external automatic removal of milling residue is based on at least one dry cleaning technique selected from wiping, brushing, polishing, sweeping, and combinations thereof. Thus, mechanical removal of milling residue occurs, where the selection of the cleaning element can depend on the type of seed to be milled, and particularly the characteristics of the milling residue. In the case of rice being milled, a brush can be used to remove milling residue, i.e., bran. In the case of other seeds being milled by an industrial seed mill, different types of cleaning elements, such as rags or feather dusters, can be used.

[0012] In one specific embodiment, the at least one cleaning element is a brush comprising a cylindrical longitudinal shaft with a plurality of bristles arranged on it. Specifically, in the operating mode of the seed mill, the shaft is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. Therefore, the brush bristles, particularly their tips, contact the screening unit to remove grinding residues accumulated there. In practice, the tips of the bristles brush along the corresponding surfaces of the screening unit, particularly the outer surface, to remove any grinding residues accumulated due to seed processing.

[0013] As indicated above, the automatic cleaning unit mechanically cleans the screening unit by removing accumulated grinding residue.

[0014] The (substantially) parallel alignment of the shaft with respect to the rotor's axis of rotation ensures that (almost) all the brush bristles contact the corresponding surfaces of the screening unit, thereby maximizing the cleaning area, i.e., the mechanically cleaned area of ​​the screening unit.

[0015] On the other hand, it is stipulated that in the operating mode of the seed mill, the self-rotation of at least one brush is driven solely by the frictional contact between the brush and the screening unit, particularly the outer surface of the screening unit. Therefore, the brush itself is not driven to rotate around its own axis of rotation. In fact, the self-rotation is induced by the frictional contact between the brush and the corresponding brushed surfaces of the screening unit. This self-rotation ensures that the bristles wear in a uniform manner, as all bristles contact the corresponding surfaces due to the rotation. Therefore, the brush life can be maximized, which in turn extends the overall life of the automatic cleaning unit. In other words, the idle time of the automatic cleaning unit can be reduced, or more precisely, minimized.

[0016] Furthermore, the cleaning unit may include a rack with a horizontal base, wherein the brush is rotatably suspended from the rack, thus enabling the brush to function as a roller brush. Self-rotation is achieved due to the fact that the brush is suspended in a rotatable manner, particularly by hinges to the rack. Additionally, the rack stabilizes the alignment of the brush relative to the screening unit.

[0017] For example, the rack includes a vertical or horizontal crossbar extending vertically from a horizontal base, and a horizontal crossbar mounted between two parallel bars extending vertically from the horizontal base. The shaft is rotatably suspended at the corresponding crossbar, i.e., the vertical or horizontal crossbar. This ensures the mechanical stability of the brush installation. Furthermore, the appropriate arrangement ensures that the brush can self-align with the surface to be cleaned, such as the outer surface, of the screening unit.

[0018] In a simplified implementation, the brush is mounted to a vertically extending crossbar (vertical crossbar) which is (substantially) parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor and / or the axis of symmetry of the screening unit.

[0019] In a more complex embodiment, the rack includes a horizontally extending crossbar (horizontal crossbar) mounted between two parallel bars extending vertically from a horizontal base. The horizontal crossbar is rotatably connected via a hinge mechanism, allowing it to rotate about its own axis. The brush shaft is fixed to the horizontal crossbar but is rotatably suspended because the horizontal crossbar is hinged. The brush shaft generally extends vertically, for example, perpendicular to the direction of extension of the horizontal crossbar. The hinge mechanism ensures that the brush can be aligned with the surface to be automatically cleaned relative to the screening unit, thus establishing automatic alignment, or more precisely, self-alignment, of the brush relative to the screening unit.

[0020] On the other hand, the rack is connected to a drive unit that, in the operating mode of the seed mill, is configured to cause the brush to rotate repeatedly along the screening unit, particularly along the outer side of the screening unit. The drive unit drives the entire rack so that the brush, along with the rack, moves along the screening unit.

[0021] As mentioned above, the rotation around the axis of symmetry of the brush is not driven by the drive unit, but only by the movement of the brush around the screening unit, especially the outer side of the screening unit.

[0022] The drive unit may include a gear ring coupled to the rack, wherein the gear ring is rotatably mounted. The rack is fixed to the gear ring driven by the drive unit such that the gear ring can rotate about its axis of rotation, which may coincide with the axis of symmetry of the screening unit and / or the axis of rotation of the rotor.

[0023] Generally, the rotor, screening unit, and / or gear ring can be constructed in a rotationally symmetrical manner. The rotor, screening unit, and gear ring can be positioned coaxially. Therefore, the axes of symmetry can coincide with each other.

[0024] The drive unit may further include a motor and a drive gear driven by the motor. The drive gear meshes with a gear ring to rotate the gear ring. Therefore, the motor drive can be connected to the drive gear shaft. The drive gear drives the rotatably mounted gear ring so that the gear ring rotates about its axis of rotation, thereby causing a rack fixedly connected to the gear ring and a brush fixedly connected to the rack to rotate along the screening unit, particularly the outer side of the screening unit. Thus, the outer surface of the screening unit is cleaned.

[0025] Specifically, the rack is connected to the gear ring via an alignment mechanism for at least one brush. The alignment mechanism may include a corresponding crossbar on which the brush is mounted, such as a horizontal crossbar mounted between two parallel bars extending vertically from the horizontal base. Additionally, the alignment mechanism may include an additional hinge located between the horizontal base and the gear ring.

[0026] Therefore, a simple alignment mechanism was established, especially for implementations that include a vertical crossbar on which the brush shaft can be freely rotatably suspended.

[0027] The alignment mechanism may include at least one spring-like member and a mounting base, the at least one spring-like member being connected to a horizontal base, the mounting base being fixedly mounted at the gear ring. The at least one spring-like member is located between the horizontal base and the mounting base. For example, the at least one spring-like member is a spring, such as a compression spring.

[0028] Generally, spring-shaped components can be used to ensure proper pressure and / or alignment of the brush relative to the surface to be cleaned on the screening unit, especially the outer surface.

[0029] On the other hand, the cleaning unit is specified to include at least two brushes, each of which extends at least partially across the screening unit, particularly the outer surface of the screening unit. Therefore, a (substantially) symmetrical cleaning unit can be provided, which reduces weight while ensuring improved load capacity. The two brushes can extend across different portions of the screening unit, particularly along different portions of the longitudinal axis of the screening unit, which coincides with the axis of symmetry of the screening unit. Furthermore, the brushes can be distributed circumferentially to different areas of the outer surface of the screening unit.

[0030] Generally, ensure that the entire surface of the screening unit to be cleaned is cleaned by two brushes that move along the screening unit, for example, along the outside of the screening unit.

[0031] Specifically, the two brushes are arranged completely opposite to each other. This ensures that the load applied during the automatic cleaning of the screening unit is balanced, thereby minimizing the risk of tilting of the cleaning unit, such as the mechanism.

[0032] The processing unit may include a ventilation system comprising: a ventilation duct extending axially through the rotor; an exhaust duct allocated to an inlet unit and fluidly connected to the grinding zone; and an air source allocated to an outlet unit and configured to direct airflow into the ventilation duct. The ventilation system generally ensures efficient grinding because the seeds processed within the grinding zone are subjected to forces exerted by the airflow directed into the ventilation duct. This improves the mechanical friction of the seeds, such as friction caused by grinding along the screening unit, particularly its inner side, friction caused by grinding along the grinding sides of the rotor, and / or friction caused by grinding against each other.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a retrofit assembly for an industrial seed mill as described above. The retrofit assembly includes an automatic cleaning unit having at least one cleaning element configured to contact a screening unit, particularly the outer surface of the screening unit, in the operating mode of the seed mill. The at least one cleaning element is further configured to move relative to the screening unit, thereby automatically removing milling residues from the screening unit, particularly the outer surface of the screening unit.

[0034] Generally, an automatic cleaning unit may include a cleaning element, a rack, and a drive unit. As mentioned above, the drive unit includes a motor, a drive gear, and a gear ring connected to the rack, specifically via an alignment mechanism for the cleaning element. The cleaning element is mounted to the rack.

[0035] The modification components may include all the parts mentioned above that are assigned to the automatic cleaning unit, namely the cleaning element, rack, drive unit, and alignment mechanism.

[0036] Generally, an automatic cleaning unit includes a rack and a drive unit with a geared ring connected to the rack. The geared ring can be rotatably mounted. The drive unit may include a motor and a drive gear driven by the motor. The drive gear can mesh with the geared ring to enable rotation of the geared ring.

[0037] As mentioned above, the drive unit ensures efficient and automatic cleaning of the screening unit. When the motor drives the drive gear meshing with the gear ring, the cleaning element can move along the screening unit, particularly the outer surface of the screening unit. The gear ring is connected to the rack, and the cleaning element is rotatably mounted to the gear ring.

[0038] Furthermore, the modification assembly may also include an alignment mechanism for the cleaning element, such as the alignment mechanism described above. The rack is coupled to the gear ring via the alignment mechanism for the cleaning element, wherein the alignment mechanism includes at least one spring-like member connected to the gear ring. The alignment mechanism ensures that the brush is aligned with the surface to be cleaned of the screening unit, such as the outer surface. Therefore, the cleaning element applies a defined pressure to the corresponding surface to be cleaned, i.e., the outer surface of the screening unit. This ensures proper cleaning of the surface of the screening unit.

[0039] Since the automatic cleaning unit can be part of a retrofit component, it can be integrated into an existing industrial seed mill, thereby adding automatic cleaning functionality.

[0040] The resulting seed mill has a built-in cleaning mechanism, thus reducing the frequency of manual cleaning.

[0041] The automatic cleaning unit is equipped with a cleaning mechanism that rotates and turns around the screening unit for continuous cleaning. Attached Figure Description

[0042] When taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and with reference to the following detailed description, the foregoing aspects and numerous accompanying advantages of the claimed subject matter will become more readily understood, and thus more readily comprehended,

[0043] - Figure 1 A schematic overview of an industrial seed mill according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] - Figure 2 according to Figure 1 The schematic perspective overview of an industrial seed mill according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown below.

[0045] - Figure 3 Examples are given based on Figure 1 An overview diagram of the components of an industrial seed mill according to the embodiment shown.

[0046] - Figure 4 according to Figure 1 An overview diagram of a portion of an industrial seed mill according to the embodiment shown.

[0047] - Figure 5 according to Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment provides a detailed view of the automatic cleaning unit as a retrofit component installed in an industrial seed mill.

[0048] - Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a portion of an industrial seed mill according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] - Figure 7A detailed view of a portion of the automatic cleaning unit, and

[0050] - Figure 8 Examples Figure 7 An overview diagram of different views of the parts shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] exist Figures 1 to 6 The image shows an industrial seed mill 10, which includes: an inlet unit 12 configured to receive seeds to be milled; a processing unit 14 configured to mill the seeds to produce milled seeds; and an output unit 16 configured to release the milled seeds.

[0052] As shown in the figure, the processing unit 14 is located between the inlet unit 12 and the output unit 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the processing unit 14 is arranged vertically between the inlet unit 12 and the output unit 16 so that the seeds to be ground received via the inlet unit 12 are transferred to the processing unit 14. However, the processing unit 14 can also be arranged horizontally between the inlet unit 12 and the output unit 16. In practice, this depends on the specific design of the industrial seed mill 10.

[0053] Processing unit 14 processes the seeds to be milled, for example by milling the seeds, thereby producing milled seeds and milling residue. As will be described in more detail later, milling residue is removed from the milled seeds by processing unit 14. The milled seeds are transferred from processing unit 14 to output unit 16.

[0054] Figure 2 The processing unit 14 is shown to have a housing 18, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is constructed of two housing portions 20A and 20B (e.g., equal divisions of the housing). Housing portions 20A and 20B are rotatable to provide access to the internal components of the processing unit 14.

[0055] Therefore, the housing 18 surrounds the internal components of the processing unit 14 so that the internal components of the processing unit 14 are protected by the housing 18 from the influence of the surrounding environment.

[0056] The internal components of the processing unit 14 include, in particular, a rotor 22 having an outer grinding side 24 and a screening unit 26 surrounding the rotor 22. The arrangement of the rotor 22 and the screening unit 26 is shown in more detail below. Figure 3 In the right part.

[0057] Figure 3 The rotor 22 is also shown to be constructed from a plurality of components 28, such as cylindrical stones stacked on top of each other, with gaps provided between adjacent components 28.

[0058] The seeds to be ground by the processing unit 14 are mechanically processed, for example, by grinding, between the components 28 of the rotor 22 and between the rotor 22, particularly its grinding side 24 and the screening unit 26, i.e., its inner side 30. Therefore, the grinding side 24 and the inner side 30 of the screening unit 26 are opposite to each other.

[0059] Therefore, a grinding zone 32 is established between the inner side 30 of the screening unit 26 and the grinding side 24 of the rotor 22, wherein the grinding zone 32 is annular.

[0060] Therefore, the rotor 22 and the screening unit 26 are cylindrical with different radii, thus ensuring the annular grinding zone 32.

[0061] Additionally, the screening unit 26 has an outer side 34 with an outer surface 36, wherein openings and / or slits are provided in the screening unit 26 so that the grinding residue can leave the grinding zone 32 through the openings and / or slits of the screening unit 26, thereby reaching the outer side 34 of the screening unit 26 for discharge.

[0062] In addition, the seed mill 10 includes an automatic cleaning unit 38, which can be built as a retrofit component 40 for implementation in an existing seed mill 10.

[0063] The cleaning unit 38, particularly the modification component 40, includes at least one cleaning element 42, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is formed by a brush.

[0064] The brush includes a cylindrical longitudinal shaft 43 on which a plurality of bristles 45 are arranged, such as... Figure 7 As shown in more detail below.

[0065] Alternatively, the cleaning element 42 may be a mitt curtain, a rag, a feather duster, or a combination of the components mentioned above.

[0066] Generally, the cleaning element 42 contacts the screening unit 26, especially its outer side 34, or more precisely, the outer surface 36 provided by the outer side 34.

[0067] Therefore, the cleaning element 42 mechanically contacts the screening unit 26 to mechanically clean the corresponding surfaces of the screening unit 26, particularly the outer surface 36. This removes grinding residue from the corresponding surfaces of the screening unit 26, thus preventing excessive accumulation of grinding residue.

[0068] The removal of abrasive residues is based on at least one dry cleaning technique, selected from wiping, brushing, polishing, sweeping, and combinations thereof. In practice, the specific dry cleaning technique depends on the specific cleaning element 42 used for the cleaning purpose.

[0069] The cleaning unit 38 further includes a drive unit 44 for moving the cleaning element 42 relative to the screening unit 26, thereby automatically removing grinding residue from the outer surface 36 of the screening unit 26.

[0070] When the seed mill 10 is in operation, the drive unit 44 is working.

[0071] Therefore, in the operating mode of the seed mill 10, the cleaning element 42 moves along the outer side 34 of the screening unit 26.

[0072] Therefore, when using the seed mill 10, accumulated milling residues, such as bran, can be automatically removed without having to stop the seed mill 10 (idle time).

[0073] Specifically, the drive unit 44 includes a motor 46 that drives a drive gear 48, such as a pinion, which meshes with a gear ring 50 that is rotatably mounted so that the gear ring 50 can rotate about its axis of rotation.

[0074] The cleaning element 42 is mounted to the toothed ring 50 such that rotation of the toothed ring 50 causes relative movement of the cleaning element 42 relative to the screening unit 26.

[0075] In such Figure 6 In one simplified embodiment shown, the cleaning element 42 is connected to the gear ring 50. In practice, the cleaning element 42 is mounted to the rack 52, which is connected to the gear ring 50.

[0076] In this embodiment, the rack 52 includes a vertically extending crossbar 54 (vertical crossbar) extending from the horizontal base 56 of the rack 52, and the rack 52 is connected to the gear ring 50 via the vertically extending crossbar.

[0077] Generally, the cleaning element 42 is rotatably suspended from the rack 52 so that it can be used as a roller cleaning element, such as a roller brush. In practice, this ensures that the self-rotation of the cleaning element 42 is driven solely by the frictional contact between the cleaning element 42 and the screening unit 26, i.e., the outer surface 36. In other words, the cleaning element 42 is not driven by the drive unit 44 to rotate about its own axis of rotation, because it rotates solely based on the friction occurring between the cleaning element 42 and the outer surface 36 of the screening unit 26.

[0078] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8In a more complex embodiment shown in greater detail, the cleaning element 42 is rotatably suspended from a rack 52, which includes a horizontal crossbar 58 rotatably connected to two vertically extending rods 60 parallel to each other. The vertical rods 60 extend from a horizontal base 56, which is connected to a mounting base 64 via an alignment mechanism 62. The entire rack 52 is connected to a gear ring 50 via this mounting base, as shown in the diagram. Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0079] The alignment mechanism 62 includes at least one spring-like member 66 located between the mounting base 64 and the horizontal base 56, from which a vertical rod 60 extends.

[0080] exist Figure 8 The image shows an automatic cleaning unit 38 with a self-alignment mechanism 68. The self-alignment mechanism 68 is established by an alignment mechanism 62 and a rotatable connector 70 between a horizontal bar 58 and a vertical bar 60.

[0081] like Figure 8 As shown, the self-alignment mechanism 68 provides two hinges 72, 74 so that the cleaning element 42 can self-align its relative position with respect to the outer surface 36 of the screening unit 26.

[0082] Generally, the cleaning unit 38 may include two cleaning elements 42 formed by a brush.

[0083] The cleaning elements 42 extend at least partially across the screening unit 26, i.e., along a portion of the longitudinal dimension of the screening unit 26, such that each of the cleaning elements 42 covers only a portion of the outer surface 36 of the screening unit 26, even as they rotate around the screening unit 26. However, the two cleaning elements 42 are positioned at different heights such that they together cover the entire outer surface 36 of the screening unit 26 as they move along the outer surface 36.

[0084] In addition, the two cleaning elements 42 are arranged completely opposite to each other, thereby reducing the unbalanced load on the gear ring 50 so that the entire cleaning unit 38 does not tilt during operation.

[0085] Generally, the automatic cleaning unit 38 ensures that there is no need to manually clean the screening unit 26 to remove accumulated grinding residue, because the cleaning element 42 moves along the outer surface 36 of the screening unit 26, thereby removing any accumulated grinding residue.

[0086] As illustrated in the implementation scheme, in the operating mode of the seed mill 10, the shaft 43 is aligned parallel to the rotation axis of the rotor 22, wherein the rotation axis coincides with the axis of symmetry of the rotor 22 and / or the screening unit 26.

[0087] existFigures 1 to 3 The image also shows a seed mill 10 including a ventilation system 76 having a ventilation passage 78 extending through the rotor 22. Figure 1 (shown by dashed lines in the middle).

[0088] In addition, the ventilation system 76 has an exhaust passage 80 that is fluidly connected to the grinding zone 32.

[0089] The ventilation system 76 further includes an air source 82 allocated to the outlet unit 16, such as Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0090] Air source 82 is configured to direct airflow into ventilation channel 78 so that the seeds to be ground tumble within processing unit 14, thereby ensuring that the seeds are granulated at each other, at the grinding side 24 of rotor 22 and / or at the inner side 30 of screening unit 26.

Claims

1. An industrial seed mill (10), comprising: an inlet unit (12) configured to receive seeds to be milled, a processing unit (14) configured to mill the seeds, and an outlet unit (16) configured to release milled seeds, wherein the processing unit (14) is arranged between the inlet unit (12) and the outlet unit (14), the processing unit (16) comprising: a rotor (22) having an outer grinding side (24), a cylindrical screening unit (26) enclosing the rotor (22), wherein the screening unit (26) has an inner side (30) and an outer side (34) having an outer surface (36), wherein the inner side (30) and the grinding side (34) of the rotor (22) oppose each other such that an annular milling zone (32) is formed between the screening unit (26) and the rotor (22), and a housing (18) enclosing the rotor (22) and the screening unit (26) such that the rotor (22) and the screening unit (26) are protected from the ambient environment by the housing (18), characterized in that the processing unit (14) comprises at least one automatic cleaning unit (38) comprising at least one cleaning element (42) which, in an operating mode of the seed mill (10), is in contact with the screening unit (26), wherein the at least one cleaning element (42) is configured to move relative to the screening unit (26) such that milling residues are automatically removed from the screening unit (26).

2. The industrial seed mill (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning element (42) is selected from the group consisting of a mitt window curtain, a rag, a feather duster, a brush, and combinations thereof, in particular wherein the automatic removal of the milling residues is based on at least one dry cleaning technique selected from the group consisting of wiping, brushing, polishing, sweeping, and combinations thereof.

3. The industrial seed mill (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning element (42) is a brush comprising a cylindrical longitudinal shaft body (43) on which a plurality of bristles (45) are provided, in particular wherein in the operating mode of the seed mill (10) the shaft body (43) is aligned parallel to a rotation axis of the rotor (22).

4. The industrial seed mill (10) according to claim 3, wherein in the operating mode of the seed mill (10) a self-rotation of the at least one brush is driven by a frictional contact between the brush and the screening unit (26) only.

5. Industrial seed mill (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the cleaning unit (38) further comprises a rack (52) having a horizontal base (56), wherein the brushes are freely rotatably suspended at the rack (52) such that the brushes can be used as drum brushes.

6. Industrial seed mill (10) according to claim 5, wherein the rack (52) comprises a vertical crossbar (54) extending vertically from the horizontal base (56) or a horizontal crossbar (58) mounted between two parallel bars (60) extending vertically from the horizontal base (56), and wherein the shaft bodies (43) are freely rotatably suspended at the respective crossbar (54, 58).

7. Industrial seed mill (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the rack (52) is coupled to a drive unit (44) configured to repeatedly rotate the brushes along the screening unit (26) in the operating mode of the seed mill (10).

8. Industrial seed mill (10) according to claim 7, wherein the drive unit (44) comprises a pinion (50) coupled to the rack (52), and wherein the pinion (50) is rotatably mounted.

9. Industrial seed mill (10) according to claim 8, wherein the drive unit (44) comprises a motor (46) and a drive gear (48) driven by the motor (46), and wherein the drive gear (48) meshes with the pinion (50) to rotate the pinion (50).

10. Industrial seed mill (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the rack (52) is coupled to the pinion (50) via an alignment mechanism (62) for the at least one brush.

11. Industrial seed mill (10) according to claim 10, wherein the alignment mechanism (62) comprises at least one spring-like member (66) connected to the horizontal base (56) and a mounting base (64) fixedly mounted at the pinion (50), and wherein the at least one spring-like member (66) is located between the horizontal base (56) and the mounting base (64).

12. Industrial seed mill (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning unit (38) comprises at least two brushes (60), each of the two brushes extending at least partially across the screening unit (26).

13. Industrial seed mill (10) according to claim 12, wherein the two brushes are arranged completely opposite to each other.

14. Industrial seed mill (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit (14) further comprises a ventilation system (76) comprising: a fan (78) arranged at the processing unit (14), a first duct (80) having a first end (82) connected to the fan (78) and a second end (84) connected to the screening unit (26), and a second duct (86) having a first end (88) connected to the fan (78) and a second end (90) connected to the cleaning unit (38). a ventilation channel (78) axially extending through the rotor (22), an exhaust channel (78) assigned to the inlet unit (12), the exhaust channel being fluidically connected to the grinding zone (32), and an air source (82) assigned to the outlet unit (16) and configured to direct an air flow into the ventilation channel (80).

15. A retrofit kit (40) for an industrial seed mill (10) according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the retrofit kit (40) comprises an automatic cleaning unit (38) having at least one cleaning element (42) configured to contact the screening unit (26) in an operational mode of the seed mill (10), wherein the at least one cleaning element (42) is further configured to move relative to the screening unit (26) to automatically remove grinding residues from the screening unit (26), in particular wherein the cleaning unit (42) comprises a rack (52) and a drive unit (44) having a pinion (50) coupled to the rack (52), wherein the pinion (50) is rotatably mounted, wherein the drive unit (44) comprises a motor (46) and a drive gear (48) driven by the motor (44), and wherein the drive gear (48) is in meshing engagement with the pinion (50) to enable rotation of the pinion (50).

16. The retrofit kit (40) according to claim 15, wherein the rack (52) is coupled to the pinion (50) via an alignment mechanism (62) for the cleaning element (42), and wherein the alignment mechanism (62) comprises at least one spring-like member (66) connecting the pinion (50).

Images