Smashing device with multiple rotary configurations

Abstract

Disclosed is a comminution device comprising: at least three sequential feature sets, one of which is capable of comminution when configured to rotate relative to each other, where the relative rotation of at least two feature sets is configured to occur about a single axis; and at least one drive system configured to cause rotation of the at least two feature groups, and wherein rotation of at least one feature group is configured to occur in a different manner than rotation of at least another feature group.

Description

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of pulverizing equipment, and more particularly to a novel pulverizing apparatus that utilizes sequential feature sets and different relative rotational configurations for efficient and precise material processing. The invention is applicable to a wide range of materials, including but not limited to minerals, grains, coffee, pharmaceutical compounds, plastics, and waste materials. It provides a versatile, cost-effective, and easily adjustable pulverizing solution that combines the specificity and throughput of a roller mill with reduced complexity and lower manufacturing costs. This invention is particularly suitable for industries requiring precise control of particle size and consistency while maintaining high throughput, such as food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and waste recycling. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for pulverizing materials in the disclosed pulverizing apparatus, the method comprising: introducing a material block into a first pair of feature sets; rotating the first pair of feature sets relative to each other about a first single axis at a first rotational speed to reduce the size of the material block; introducing the reduced-size material block into a second pair of feature sets; rotating the second pair of feature sets relative to each other about a second single axis at a second rotational speed to further reduce the size of the material block; wherein the second rotational speed has an increasing rate relative to the first rotational speed. Background Technology

[0002] Various types of pulverizing devices, such as mills and grinders, are known in the art for reducing the size of materials. These devices include ball mills, roller mills, cone mills, surface mills, and hammer mills. While these existing devices have been successful in some applications, they may have limitations in terms of complexity, cost, ease of adjustment, and versatility in handling different materials. An improved pulverizing device is needed to address these limitations by providing a more efficient and versatile grinding mechanism with multiple configurable sets of rotating features. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a pulverizing apparatus that combines the specificity and throughput of a roller mill with significantly reduced complexity, making it more cost-effective and easier to manufacture. The apparatus includes at least three sequential feature groups configured to rotate relative to each other, wherein a pair of sequential feature groups is capable of pulverizing. The apparatus includes at least one drive system configured to cause at least two feature groups to rotate about a single axis, and the rotation of at least one feature group is configured to occur in a different manner compared to the rotation of at least another feature group.

[0004] Unlike traditional roller mills or conical / flat grinding mills that require precise spacing between grinding discs, the particle size in this invention can be easily adjusted by controlling the relative speeds between feature sets. A pair of feature sets breaks down the material into a given size and then feeds it to the next pair of feature sets at a specified rate. This method is similar to the feed and speed settings of a CNC milling machine, which can produce different chip sizes depending on their configuration.

[0005] This invention offers several advantages, including improved versatility, efficiency, and a wider range of material crushing capabilities. The unique configuration of the feature set and adjustable relative speeds make the crushing device more adaptable to specific material requirements. This innovative design enables users to achieve precise particle size control without complex adjustments or expensive manufacturing processes, making it a more cost-effective and user-friendly solution compared to traditional grinding technologies.

[0006] In summary, this invention provides an improved grinding device that overcomes the limitations of conventional mills and grinders by offering a more efficient, versatile, and easily adjustable grinding mechanism with multiple configurable rotating feature groups. This invention enables precise control over particle size reduction while maintaining a simpler design, reduced complexity, and lower manufacturing costs, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications and materials.

[0007] Detailed description of the invention This invention relates to a pulverizing apparatus with a unique configuration of multiple sequential sets of features designed to rotate relative to each other to provide efficient and precise pulverization of a variety of materials. The following detailed description elucidates the structure, operation, and potential applications of the invention, illustrating its advantages and versatility in various industries.

[0008] Structure and operation of the crushing device The crushing device includes at least three sequential feature groups configured to rotate relative to each other. These feature groups are designed to work in pairs, with each pair performing the crushing process. The feature groups can include various elements that facilitate shearing, cutting, crushing, grinding, or holding material in place, while the corresponding pairs of feature groups act on the material.

[0009] Depending on the material and the required particle size, the structure of the feature group allows for efficient size reduction through combinations of different crushing mechanisms. By adjusting the relative rotational speed and configuration of the feature groups, the device can achieve a wide range of crushing capabilities to suit the specific requirements of the materials being processed.

[0010] The pulverizing device includes at least one drive system configured to cause at least two feature groups to rotate about a single axis. The rotation of at least one feature group is configured to occur in a manner different from the rotation of at least one other feature group. This unique configuration enables precise control of the pulverizing process and allows for easy adjustment of particle size by changing the relative speeds between the feature groups.

[0011] Potential Applications The innovative design and adjustable features of the pulverizing device make it suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries. Some potential applications of this invention include: Food processing: This invention can be used to grind spices, nuts, seeds and other food ingredients to produce customized mixtures, flours and pastes through precise control of particle size and consistency.

[0012] Chemical Industry: Pulverizing equipment can be used in the chemical industry to process raw materials such as pigments, catalysts and polymers into powders or granules with specific particle size requirements for use in various manufacturing processes.

[0013] Cosmetics Industry: This invention can be used to grind and mix cosmetic ingredients, such as powders, pigments, and fillers, to produce consistent formulations with precise particle sizes to improve product performance and user experience.

[0014] In agriculture: Grinding equipment can be used to process animal feed, producing customized blends of various grains and raw materials with specific particle sizes to meet the dietary needs of different livestock species.

[0015] Waste management and recycling: This invention can be used to break down and process various waste materials (such as plastics, glass or electronic components) into smaller particles for easy recycling, disposal or further processing.

[0016] Building materials: Crushing equipment can be used to produce building materials such as cement, gypsum or lime by grinding raw materials into the required particle size to achieve optimal performance in a variety of applications.

[0017] The detailed description provided above illustrates the structure, operation, and potential applications of the pulverizing device, highlighting its versatility and unique advantages compared to conventional grinding technologies. By combining adjustable feature sets and different relative rotation configurations, this invention provides a more efficient, cost-effective, and easily adjustable solution for pulverizing a wide range of materials and industries.

[0018] Advantages of the present invention The innovative design of the pulverizing device offers several advantages over traditional grinding technologies such as roller mills, ball mills, and disc or conical grinding mills: Simplified structure and reduced complexity: Compared to other grinding technologies, the unique configuration of the sequential feature set and the axial rotation design significantly simplify the structure of the device, resulting in lower manufacturing costs.

[0019] Easy to adjust: Unlike roller mills or traditional disc mills, this pulverizing device does not require precise gaps between feature groups. Instead, particle size can be easily adjusted by changing the relative speeds between feature groups, providing a more direct and user-friendly method for controlling the pulverizing process.

[0020] Versatility: The adjustable nature of the pulverizer makes it suitable for processing a wide variety of materials, from minerals and grains to pharmaceutical compounds and food ingredients. Its unique design allows for precise control of particle size and consistency, meeting the specific requirements of various industries and applications.

[0021] Increased throughput: The sequential arrangement of the feature groups enables the pulverizer to achieve high throughput while maintaining precise control over particle size. This feature is particularly beneficial in applications requiring efficient and consistent processing of large volumes of material.

[0022] Improved energy efficiency: The innovative design of the pulverizing unit allows for efficient energy utilization during the pulverizing process, reducing total energy consumption compared to traditional grinding technologies.

[0023] In many commercial operations, roller mills have long been considered the "gold standard" for pulverizing tasks. Their ability to achieve uniform and precise particle sizes makes them the preferred choice for industries ranging from food processing to pharmaceutical manufacturing. However, despite their widespread use, roller mills also face a number of inherent challenges that affect their efficiency and ease of operation.

[0024] The proposed pulverizing device addresses these challenges and offers several significant advantages over conventional roller mills: Uniform Material Distribution: Roller mills typically rely on a uniform material distribution along the length of the rollers and gravity to facilitate material transfer between different grinding stages. This requires precise control and leveling of the equipment. The pulverizing device of this invention, along with its feature set and rotating design, ensures a uniform and continuous material distribution throughout the device, eliminating the need for precise material distribution control.

[0025] Controlled material transfer: The pulverizing device may include a positive displacement mechanism for transferring material between different feature groups. This controlled transfer mechanism avoids dependence on gravity, providing greater flexibility for system installation and operation. It can more precisely control the material transfer rate between feature groups, resulting in a more consistent pulverizing effect.

[0026] Simplicity of adjustment: Roller mills require careful adjustment to set the precise gap between the rollers, which can be a time-consuming and delicate operation. In contrast, this invention allows for easy adjustment of grinding characteristics by simply changing the relative rotational speeds between the characteristic groups. This simplicity enhances the usability of the device and reduces the time required for setup and adjustment.

[0027] Configuration flexibility: This pulverizing unit allows for various configurations of the feature set, each capable of performing different types of pulverizing actions, such as shearing, cutting, crushing, and grinding. This adaptability enables the unit to meet specific pulverizing requirements, which is difficult to achieve with conventional roller mills.

[0028] Lower manufacturing costs and complexity: Thanks to its design and operating principles, this pulverizing unit can be manufactured at a lower cost and with less complexity than traditional roller mills. This makes it a more economical and feasible solution for a wide range of pulverizing applications.

[0029] Enhanced versatility: The proposed pulverizing device is designed to process a wide variety of materials, from grains and coffee to minerals and pharmaceutical compounds. This versatility is not always possible with roller mills, which may require special design or adjustments to efficiently process different types of materials.

[0030] These advantages make this pulverizing unit an excellent alternative to traditional roller mills, offering greater operational flexibility, controllability, and cost-effectiveness. It provides an innovative pulverizing method that has the potential to redefine the "gold standard" in commercial operations.

[0031] Customization and Adaptability The pulverizing device can be further adapted to suit the specific requirements or preferences of different applications. For example, the drive system of the device can be designed to include a single motor, multiple motors, or even a hand crank, depending on the required operating mode and user preferences.

[0032] In addition, the device can be equipped with additional systems, such as a thermal management system for active heating or cooling, or a material metering system (gravimetric, volumetric, or rotation-based), to enhance its performance and adaptability to specific applications.

[0033] In summary, the detailed description provided above highlights the unique features and advantages of the pulverizing device, demonstrating its potential in various industries and applications. Its innovative design, adjustability, and versatility make it a valuable addition to the field of pulverizing technology, offering an improved alternative to traditional grinding systems.

[0034] Integration with other technologies Crushing equipment can be easily integrated with a variety of other technologies to further enhance its functionality and applicability across different industries. Some examples of such integration include: Automated control system: This device can be equipped with advanced sensors, controllers, and actuators to achieve precise control of the pulverizing process and real-time monitoring of the output particle size. This integration helps optimize the pulverizing process and improve overall process efficiency.

[0035] Material handling systems: The crushing unit can be combined with various material handling systems, such as conveyors, hoppers or pneumatic transport systems, to facilitate seamless transfer of materials between different processing stages or equipment.

[0036] Particle analysis and characterization tools: This device can be integrated with particle size analyzers, shape analyzers or other characterization tools to monitor and evaluate the properties of output materials, ensuring consistent product quality and meeting required specifications.

[0037] Process optimization and modeling software: By integrating the pulverizing device with process optimization and modeling software, users can simulate and optimize the pulverizing process to achieve optimal performance, energy efficiency, and product quality. For this purpose, the pulverizing device can be equipped with at least one of various sensors, such as the aforementioned particle analysis and characterization tools, speed and / or torque sensors for the drive, temperature sensors, mass flow sensors, weight sensors, etc. This at least one sensor can be connected to a central processing unit, which is connected to the drive and / or other components of the pulverizing device that affect the pulverizing process, such as material feed controllers, heating / cooling systems, etc. Based on the modeling software running on the central processing unit, the central processing unit can control the pulverizing process by controlling the connected components.

[0038] Maintenance and durability The innovative design of the pulverizing unit not only ensures efficient and precise pulverization but also promotes ease of maintenance and enhanced durability. The simplified structure reduces the number of components and potential points of failure, thereby lowering maintenance requirements and extending service life. Furthermore, the modular nature of the feature set allows for easy replacement or customization, ensuring the unit can adapt to changing requirements or industry standards.

[0039] Scalability and Adaptability Crushing units can be designed and manufactured in a variety of sizes and capacities, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from small-scale laboratories to large-scale industrial processing facilities. Their scalability and adaptability ensure that they can be easily integrated into existing production lines or used as stand-alone units for specific crushing tasks.

[0040] Environmental considerations The energy-efficient design of the pulverizing unit contributes to its environmental sustainability. By reducing the total energy consumption associated with the pulverizing process, the unit helps minimize the environmental impact of industries that rely on grinding technology. Furthermore, its ability to process waste materials such as plastics, glass, or electronic components aids waste management and recycling efforts, promotes a more circular economy, and reduces the environmental footprint of these industries.

[0041] The pulverizing apparatus described in this specification provides a versatile, efficient, and cost-effective solution for pulverizing needs across a wide range of materials and industries. Its unique design, combining sequential feature sets and different relative rotation configurations, simplifies the structure and operation of the apparatus while providing precise control over particle size and consistency. The adaptability, scalability, and integration with other technologies further expand its potential applications and contribute to its value in the field of pulverizing technology.

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention In one embodiment, the crushing device includes sequential sets of features, each pair of features configured to rotate relative to each other about a single axis. The rotation of at least one set of features occurs in a different manner compared to the rotation of at least one other set of features.

[0043] In another embodiment, the crushing device is designed such that the size reduction achieved by a pair of feature sets is less than the size reduction achieved by a previous pair of feature sets.

[0044] In another embodiment, the relative rotation of a pair of feature groups occurs at a rate that is higher than that of the relative rotation of a previous pair of feature groups.

[0045] In yet another embodiment, the relative rotation of a pair of feature groups occurs at a time interval that is different from the relative rotation of at least one other pair of feature groups.

[0046] In various embodiments of the pulverizing apparatus, the feature set can consist of different geometries and configurations to achieve the desired pulverizing effect on the material to be processed. These features may include, but are not limited to, grooves, teeth, blades, spikes, protrusions, holes, or any other suitable geometry capable of effectively shearing, cutting, crushing, grinding, or holding the material in place so that it can act on another feature set within the feature set.

[0047] In addition to these basic geometries, the feature set can be enhanced through several design improvements to optimize the crushing process and adapt to specific materials or applications: Adjustable or replaceable features: In some embodiments, the features in a feature group may be adjustable or replaceable, allowing users to change the geometry, spacing, or orientation of the features to suit different material properties or processing requirements.

[0048] Abrasion-resistant materials and coatings: In some embodiments, the feature groups may be composed of abrasion-resistant materials or covered by abrasion-resistant coatings to extend their service life and maintain consistent performance over time.

[0049] Self-sharpening or self-cleaning features: In some embodiments, the features are designed to enable self-sharpening or self-cleaning mechanisms, which help maintain optimal performance and reduce the need for maintenance and cleaning.

[0050] Customizable feature sets: In some embodiments, the pulverizing device can allow users to design and manufacture feature sets customized for specific materials or applications, providing greater flexibility and adaptability for different industries and use cases.

[0051] Surface treatment or texturing: In some embodiments, the surface of the feature may be treated or texturized to enhance its crushing performance, reduce friction, or facilitate material flow during processing.

[0052] These enhancements and changes in the feature set design help improve the overall performance, efficiency, and adaptability of the pulverizing unit, making it suitable for a wide range of materials and applications across various industries.

[0053] In one embodiment of the pulverizing apparatus, the structure may include a series of toothed concentric metal discs specifically designed for efficient and effective material handling. These metal discs may be directly attached to a rotor, which includes bearings providing rigid rotational mounting to ensure precise and smooth operation during the pulverizing process.

[0054] In addition, the rotor can be equipped with magnets, enabling direct drive via the motor stator coils, utilizing a brushless DC motor direct drive design.

[0055] The detailed description of this embodiment may include the following aspects: The feature set may include, or preferably, consist of concentric metal grinding discs: these discs have teeth designed for shearing, cutting, crushing, or grinding materials, and can be arranged concentrically to provide a highly efficient grinding surface. This arrangement also contributes to a more uniform particle size distribution and improved output material quality.

[0056] Rigid rotary mounting: The rotor, directly attached to the metal grinding disc, can be mounted using bearings. These bearings provide stable and rigid rotational support, ensuring precise and consistent operation during the grinding process. This results in better material handling control and reduced wear on device components.

[0057] Direct drive of brushless DC motors: This device benefits from brushless DC motor design by incorporating magnets within the rotor and using the motor stator coils for direct drive. This design reduces complexity, maintenance requirements, and frictional losses, while improving the overall efficiency, reliability, and lifespan of the device.

[0058] In various embodiments of the pulverizing apparatus, adjustments to rotational speed, material feed rate, and other processing parameters can significantly impact the physical properties and underlying structure of the output material. By fine-tuning these parameters, users can customize the pulverizing process to achieve specific material characteristics and properties required for a particular application or industry. For example, adjustments to the pulverizing process may affect: Structure preservation: In some cases, gentle and precise pulverization may be necessary to preserve the underlying cellular structure, particle size, or texture of a material. This is especially important for organic materials with complex structures, where maintaining the integrity of these structures can affect the material's function or performance in a particular application.

[0059] Grinding: In some applications, a more vigorous grinding process may be required to increase permeability and improve the solubility of the output material during dissolution. This is particularly important in the pharmaceutical, food processing, and chemical industries, where dissolution rate and material interactions directly affect product performance.

[0060] To adapt to these different processing requirements and material properties, the crushing device can be enhanced through several design improvements: Speed ​​control: The device can be equipped with a speed control mechanism to allow users to adjust the rotational speed of the feature group, thereby enabling precise control of the crushing process and its impact on the structure and properties of the output material.

[0061] Material-specific feature sets: The ability to design and manufacture customizable feature sets to suit specific materials or applications, providing greater flexibility and adaptability for different industries and use cases.

[0062] Process monitoring and feedback: This device can be integrated with sensors and feedback systems to monitor various processing parameters, such as motor current, material temperature, and material flow rate. This real-time feedback allows users to make informed adjustments to the pulverizing process to optimize material properties and ensure consistent product quality.

[0063] Pre-treatment or post-treatment: This device can be combined with additional equipment or processes, such as pre-treatment for material conditioning or post-treatment for material separation or sorting, to further enhance the performance and properties of the output materials.

[0064] In various embodiments of the pulverizing apparatus, static electricity can be a significant issue during the pulverizing process, posing challenges in handling, processing, and ensuring consistent output material properties. To mitigate these issues, the apparatus can be equipped with systems designed to manage and reduce static electricity generated during pulverization. These systems can be passive or active in nature, depending on the specific requirements and desired outcomes.

[0065] Passive static electricity mitigation systems: These systems utilize physical components, such as baffles or metal wires, to agglomerate particles into slightly larger clumps. By increasing particle mass, the forces generated by triboelectric attraction can be overcome, helping to reduce the impact of static electricity on the output material. Passive systems offer a simple and cost-effective solution for managing static electricity during the pulverizing process.

[0066] Active static electricity mitigation systems: In more advanced embodiments, the device can be equipped with an active, electrically driven system, such as an ionizer. An ionizer can utilize a series of conductive needles, typically made of tungsten carbide, to apply a high voltage to ionize the surrounding air and neutralize any charge on the output material. Active systems offer a more robust and effective solution for managing static electricity, especially in situations where static problems are more severe or persistent.

[0067] It is worth noting that although friction during the crushing process generates triboelectric effect, there may also be cases where the net charge remains zero, and the static electricity problem is caused by the migration or separation of positive and negative charges between different particles.

[0068] Other improvements to the pulverizing device may include: Antistatic materials: Using materials with low static electricity generation properties to construct feature groups or other components in contact with the material can help reduce the total static electricity generated during the crushing process.

[0069] Environmental control: Implementing humidity and temperature control systems in the processing environment can help manage conditions that lead to static electricity, thereby improving overall process stability and consistency of output materials.

[0070] Grounding: Ensuring proper grounding of the equipment and its components helps dissipate any accumulated static charge, reduces the impact on output materials, and improves overall process safety.

[0071] By incorporating these improvements and systems into the design of crushing equipment, static electricity-related problems can be effectively managed and mitigated, thereby improving the quality of material handling, processing, and output in a wide range of applications and industries.

[0072] These improvements and changes in the design of the pulverizing unit can help improve the overall performance, efficiency, and adaptability of the unit, making it suitable for a wide range of materials and applications across various industries.

[0073] In some embodiments, the pulverizing device may include a drive system comprising a single motor, multiple motors, or a hand crank to provide relative rotation for pairs of feature groups.

[0074] In some embodiments, the device is equipped with a system for managing the supply of a specific dose of material, such as a gravimetric, volumetric, or rotation-based system, to control the flow of the material.

[0075] In other embodiments, the pulverizing apparatus may include a thermal management system that may include active heating, active cooling, or both, to maintain optimal processing conditions and preserve the quality of the processed material.

[0076] In some embodiments, the pulverizing device may be integrated with an automated control system, a material handling system, particle analysis and characterization tools, or process optimization and modeling software to enhance its functionality and applicability across various industries.

[0077] In another embodiment, the crushing device is designed for ease of maintenance and enhanced durability, featuring a simplified structure that reduces the number of components and potential points of failure, as well as a modular design that allows for easy replacement or customization of feature groups.

[0078] In some embodiments, the pulverizing device is scalable and adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from small-scale laboratories to large-scale industrial processing facilities.

[0079] In another embodiment, the pulverizing device contributes to environmental sustainability through its energy-efficient design, helps minimize the environmental impact of industries that rely on grinding technology, and contributes to its ability to process waste for waste management and recycling efforts.

[0080] In some embodiments, the pulverizing apparatus includes sensors and a feedback system to monitor and control particle size distribution, material flow rate, temperature, and other processing parameters to ensure consistent product quality and improve processing efficiency.

[0081] In some embodiments, the crushing device is designed to accommodate interchangeable feature sets, allowing users to switch between different types of crushing mechanisms, such as shearing, cutting, crushing, or grinding, depending on the specific material and processing requirements.

[0082] In another embodiment, the pulverizing device can be configured to operate in continuous or batch processing mode, providing flexibility in material handling and adapting to various production scenarios.

[0083] In another embodiment, the pulverizing device may include an integrated cleaning and sanitation system that facilitates simple and efficient cleaning between processing batches, particularly for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries where hygiene and contamination control are critical.

[0084] In some embodiments, the pulverizing device may be designed to operate under various environmental conditions, such as high or low temperature, high humidity or corrosive environments, thereby ensuring its adaptability to different industries and application scenarios.

[0085] In another embodiment, the crushing device may include safety features such as an emergency stop button, overload protection, interlocking mechanisms, or protective devices.

[0086] In some embodiments, the pulverizing apparatus is equipped with a motor current monitoring system that provides real-time process feedback. This system measures and analyzes the current consumed by the motor during operation, which can be correlated with material properties, processing parameters, and equipment performance. By monitoring the motor current, users can gain a deeper understanding of the pulverizing process, optimize process efficiency, detect potential problems or anomalies, and make necessary adjustments to maintain consistent product quality and extend equipment lifespan.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a crushing apparatus is disclosed, comprising: at least three sequential feature groups, wherein when configured to rotate relative to each other, a pair of sequential feature groups are capable of crushing, wherein the relative rotation of at least two feature groups is configured to occur about a single axis; and at least one drive system configured to cause the rotation of the at least two feature groups, wherein the rotation of at least one feature group is configured to occur in a manner different from the rotation of at least another feature group.

[0088] According to another embodiment of the invention, the crushing configuration of a pair of feature groups is configured to reduce the size to a smaller size than the previous configuration of crushing a pair of feature groups.

[0089] According to another embodiment of the invention, the relative rotation of a subsequent pair of feature groups is configured to occur in a manner different from the relative rotation of at least the previous pair of feature groups, wherein the relative rotation speed of the pair of feature groups is configured to occur at a rate that increases compared to the relative rotation speed of the previous pair of feature groups.

[0090] According to another embodiment of the invention, the relative rotation of a pair of feature groups is configured to occur in a manner different from the relative rotation of at least another pair of feature groups, wherein the relative rotation of a pair of feature groups is configured to occur at time intervals different from the relative rotation portions of at least another pair of feature groups.

[0091] According to another embodiment of the invention, the rotation of at least two feature groups is each configured to occur around different rotation axes.

[0092] According to another embodiment of the invention, the rotation of at least three feature groups is configured to occur around the same rotation axis.

[0093] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one pair of feature groups are configured to rotate relative to each other, wherein one feature group remains in a fixed position and the remaining feature groups are configured to rotate relative to the fixed position.

[0094] According to another embodiment of the invention, the relative rotational configuration of at least one pair of feature groups is such that one feature group is configured to rotate in a given direction at a rotational speed, and the other feature group is configured to rotate in the same direction at an increased rotational speed.

[0095] According to another embodiment of the invention, the relative rotation configuration of at least one pair of feature groups is such that one feature group is configured to rotate in a given direction and the other feature group is configured to rotate in the opposite direction.

[0096] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one feature group in a pair of feature groups shares a fixed relative arrangement with one feature group in at least another pair of grinding feature groups.

[0097] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one feature group of a pair of feature groups is also a feature group of at least another pair of feature groups.

[0098] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one of the feature groups in a pair is formed by a plurality of holes.

[0099] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one of the pair of feature groups is formed by a ring having a groove crushing feature.

[0100] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one of a pair of feature groups has a varying geometry, so a region of a specific geometry can be selected by translating the position of one feature group relative to the other feature group.

[0101] According to another embodiment of the invention, the drive system includes a single motor configured to provide relative rotation to a pair of feature groups.

[0102] According to another embodiment of the invention, the drive system includes a hand crank configured to provide relative rotation of a pair of feature sets.

[0103] According to another embodiment of the invention, the drive system is configured to provide an initial relative rotation for a given pair of feature groups, wherein subsequent relative rotation of at least another pair of feature groups is provided by a mechanism coupled between at least one feature group of the given pair of feature groups and at least one feature group of the other pair of feature groups.

[0104] According to another embodiment of the invention, the drive system includes at least two motors configured to provide relative rotation in pairs of feature groups.

[0105] According to another embodiment of the invention, the relative rotation configuration of the paired feature groups is to start at least partially asynchronously.

[0106] According to another embodiment of the invention, the relative rotation configuration of paired feature groups is synchronously initiated.

[0107] According to another embodiment of the invention, the device includes a system for managing the supply of a specific dose of material.

[0108] According to another embodiment of the invention, the system for managing the supply of a specific dose of material is a weight measurement system.

[0109] According to another embodiment of the invention, the system for managing the supply of a specific dose of material is a volume measurement system.

[0110] According to another embodiment of the invention, a system for managing the supply of a specific dose of material is achieved through a specific number of relative rotations.

[0111] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device is provided with a thermal management system.

[0112] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one feature group is provided with a thermal management system.

[0113] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the thermal management system includes active heating.

[0114] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the thermal management system includes active cooling.

[0115] The present invention also relates to a method for pulverizing materials.

[0116] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for pulverizing materials in a pulverizing apparatus is disclosed, the method comprising: - Introduce the material block into the first pair of feature groups; rotate the first pair of feature groups relative to each other about a first single axis at a first rotational speed to reduce the size of the material block; - Introduce a smaller material block into the second pair of feature groups; - The second pair of feature groups are rotated relative to each other around a second single axis at a second rotational speed to further reduce the size of the material block; - Wherein, the second rotational speed increases at a rate relative to the first rotational speed.

[0117] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for pulverizing materials in a pulverizing apparatus is disclosed, the method comprising: - Introduce the material block into the first pair of feature groups; rotate the first pair of feature groups relative to each other about a first single axis to reduce the size of the coffee block; - Introduce a smaller material block into the second pair of feature groups; - Rotate the second pair of feature groups relative to each other about the second single axis to further reduce the size of the material block; - Wherein, the relative rotation of the first pair of feature groups and the second pair of feature groups occurs at least partially asynchronously.

[0118] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for pulverizing materials in a material pulverizing apparatus is disclosed, the method comprising: - Introduce the material block into the first pair of feature groups; rotate the first pair of feature groups relative to each other about a first single axis to reduce the size of the material block; - Introduce a smaller material block into the second pair of feature groups; - Rotate the second pair of feature groups relative to each other about the second single axis to further reduce the size of the material block; - Wherein, the maximum permissible crushing rate of the second pair of feature groups is greater than the crushing configuration rate of the first pair of feature groups.

[0119] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for pulverizing materials in a pulverizing apparatus is disclosed, the method comprising: - Introduce the material block into the first pair of feature groups; - The first pair of feature groups are rotated relative to each other around a first single axis at a first rotational speed to reduce the size of the material block; - Introduce a reduced-size material block into a second pair of feature groups; rotate the second pair of feature groups relative to each other about a second single axis at a second rotational speed to further reduce the size of the material block; - The crushing rate is adjustable to change the physical properties of the crushed material.

[0120] The embodiments and details of the present invention are further described with reference to the following drawings.

[0121] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the pulverizing apparatus according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view showing details of an embodiment of the pulverizing apparatus according to the present invention is shown; Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view showing further details of an embodiment of the pulverizing apparatus according to the present invention is shown; Figure 4 The flow of the material to be pulverized is depicted in an embodiment of the pulverizing apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 5 Another cross-sectional view is depicted according to an embodiment of the invention, which is adapted to produce a relatively coarse grind; Figure 6 Depicting according to Figure 5 An embodiment was adapted to produce a relatively fine grind; Figure 7 Another embodiment according to the invention is shown; and Figure 8 An embodiment of the invention suitable for working with an external drive is shown; Figure 9 A cross-sectional view according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, including a split grinding disc; Figure 10A cross-sectional view is shown according to another embodiment of the invention, including a conical grinding disc used in conjunction with a flat grinding disc; Figure 11 Another embodiment of the invention is shown, including an adjustable speed auger used in conjunction with a flat grinding disc. Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown includes an adjustable speed auger used in conjunction with a flat grinding disc; Figure 13 Another embodiment of the invention is shown, comprising an adjustable-speed auger drill used in conjunction with a flat grinding disc, wherein the auger drill is offset from a central axis; Figure 14 Another embodiment according to the invention is shown, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 The depiction; Figure 15 A cross-sectional view according to another embodiment of the invention is shown, including a split grinding disc.

[0122] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a pulverizing apparatus according to the present invention is shown. The illustrated embodiment includes a housing 3, a stator assembly 4 for an internal electric actuator, a small stator assembly 5, a central shaft 6, a first-stage bearing 7, a first-stage stationary grinding disc 8 forming a characteristic group within the pulverizing apparatus of the present invention, an upper rotor 9, a cup-shaped member 10 forming another characteristic group within the apparatus, a second-stage bearing 11, a conical first-stage rotating grinding disc 12 forming another characteristic group within the apparatus, a lower rotor 13, fixing devices 14, 15, and 16, a hopper 19, an annular grinding disc 20 forming another characteristic group of the apparatus, a lower plate 21, a funnel 22, a first stationary plate 23, a disc 24 (preferably made of an inert plastic material, such as PTFE), and a second stationary plate 25. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the cup-shaped member 10 and the first-stage rotating grinding disc 12 form the first pair of feature groups in the sense of the present invention, while the annular grinding disc 20 and the first-stage stationary grinding disc 8 form the second and third feature groups, respectively. The designation of the feature groups as first, second, or third does not necessarily refer to the subsequent order of material contact with the feature groups. The illustrated embodiment is driven by an internal actuator, which includes the stator assemblies 4 and 5, as well as the upper rotor 9 and the lower rotor 13.

[0123] Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view showing details of an embodiment of the crushing apparatus according to the present invention is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, when the apparatus is in operation, element 210 rotates clockwise, while elements 220 and 230 rotate counterclockwise in the opposite direction of rotation to element 210.

[0124] Figure 3Another cross-sectional view showing further details of an embodiment of a pulverizing apparatus with an internal drive according to the present invention is shown. Grinding discs 310 and 311, grinding disc supports 320 and 321, the stator 330 of the drive, and the housing 340 are shown.

[0125] Figure 4 The flow of the material to be pulverized in an embodiment of the pulverizing apparatus according to the invention is depicted. Raw material 410 is loaded into cavity 420, where it is pressed into the gap 430 between the first-stage rotating grinding disc 12 and the first-stage stationary grinding disc 8 by gravity and the centrifugal force of the rotating element of the apparatus. Upon exiting the gap 430, the initially pulverized material 410 enters a feature group comprising the first-stage rotating grinding disc 12 and the cup-shaped member 10. Subsequently, the material enters a feature group comprising the annular grinding disc 20. Finally, the material exits the apparatus as finely pulverized material 440. Arrow 450 also indicates the path of material 410.

[0126] Figure 5 Another cross-sectional view is depicted according to an embodiment of the invention, adapted to produce a relatively coarse grind. The annular grinding disc 20 has a varying geometry on its inner surface forming a set of features. This varying geometry on the inner surface of the annular grinding disc 20 can be given by varying distances between the discs, such that the distance between a first pair of discs on the inner surface of the annular grinding disc 20 can differ from the distance between a second pair of discs. Therefore, a region of a specific geometry can be selected by translating the position of the annular grinding disc 20 relative to the cup-shaped member 10. In the described configuration, the selected specific geometry or region has a wider distance between the two discs on the inner surface of the annular grinding disc 20, resulting in a relatively coarse grind. Adjustment of the selected region can be performed by rotating an adjusting ring 510. The adjusting ring 510 may include threads through which the distance between the upper portion 520 and the lower portion 530 of the device can be changed.

[0127] Figure 6 It shows that according to Figure 5 In one embodiment, the process is adapted to produce a relatively fine grind. A selected area of ​​the annular grinding disc 20 has a small distance between the two discs on the inner surface of the annular grinding disc 20, which results in a relatively fine grind.

[0128] Figure 7 Another embodiment according to the invention is shown. Material enters the device through hopper 20 and is conveyed by gravity and centrifugal force into the gap 730 between the first-stage rotating grinding disc 12 and the first-stage stationary grinding disc 8. From there, it enters the gap between the cup-shaped member 10 and the annular grinding disc 20. Finally, the material exits the device through funnel 22. Rotors 740 and 741 form part of the drive mechanism of the device.

[0129] Figure 8An embodiment of the invention adapted to work with an external drive is shown. Instead of an internal drive, this embodiment includes a gear 810 adapted to interact with a corresponding gear of an external drive.

[0130] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view according to another embodiment of the invention is shown, including a split grinding disc. The illustrated embodiment includes an outer ring 901, a shaft grinding disc 902, and a sleeve grinding disc 903, wherein the outer ring 901, the shaft grinding disc 902, and the sleeve grinding disc 903 form a split grinding disc. The outer ring 901 is stationary, meaning it does not rotate about an axis, while the shaft grinding disc 902 and the sleeve grinding disc 903 rotate about a common central axis. Although the rotation can be in the same or opposite direction relative to each other, it is preferred that the shaft grinding disc 902 and the sleeve grinding disc 903 rotate in the same direction. The shaft grinding disc 902 is driven by a motor 906 via a belt 907, while the sleeve grinding disc 903 is driven by a motor 904 via a belt 905. Optionally, the shaft grinding disc 902 and the sleeve grinding disc 903 can be driven by a common motor via at least one gearbox. The grinding can be adjusted by moving the outer ring 901 up and down relative to the sleeve grinding disc 903, and also by the rotational speed, especially by the speed difference between the shaft grinding disc 902 and the sleeve grinding disc 903.

[0131] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view according to another embodiment of the invention is shown, including a conical grinding disc coupled with a flat grinding disc 1003. The illustrated embodiment includes an outer ring 1001, a shaft grinding disc 1002, and a flat grinding disc 1003. The outer ring 1001 is stationary, meaning it does not rotate about an axis, while the shaft grinding disc 1002 and the flat grinding disc 1003 rotate about a common central axis. Although the rotation can be in the same or opposite directions relative to each other, it is preferred that the shaft grinding disc 1002 and the flat grinding disc 1003 rotate in the same direction. The shaft grinding disc 1002 is driven by a motor 1006 via a belt 1007, while the flat grinding disc 1003 is driven by a motor 1004 via a belt 1005. Instead of belt drive, any torque transmission system, such as a gearbox or direct drive, can be implemented. Optionally, the shaft grinding disc 1002 and the flat grinding disc 1003 can be driven by a common motor via at least one gearbox. Due to the specific geometry of the flat grinding disc, grinding can be adjusted by the rotational speed, especially the speed difference between the shaft grinding disc 1002 and the flat grinding disc 1003.

[0132] Figure 11Another embodiment of the invention is shown, comprising an adjustable-speed auger combined with a flat grinding disc. The illustrated embodiment includes a funnel 1110, a housing 1111, a rotating portion 1102 of the flat grinding disc, and a stationary portion 1103 of the flat grinding disc. Material to be pulverized is filled into the housing 1111 through the funnel 1110. An adjustable-speed auger is arranged within the housing. The auger pulverizes the material in a first stage and feeds it toward the flat grinding disc formed by the rotating portion 1102 and the stationary portion 1103. In a preferred embodiment, the stationary portion 1103, the funnel 1110, and the housing 1111 are integrally formed. Optionally, at least the stationary portion 1103 and the housing 1111 are separable parts. The auger is driven by a motor 1104 via a belt 1105, while the rotating portion 1102 of the flat grinding disc is driven by a motor 1106 via a belt 1107. Optionally, the auger and the rotating portion 1102 of the flat grinding disc 1003 can be driven by a common motor via at least one gearbox.

[0133] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 The illustrated cross-sectional view includes an adjustable-speed auger used in conjunction with a flat grinding disc. The illustrated embodiment includes a funnel 1110, a housing 1111, a rotating portion 1102 of the flat grinding disc, and a stationary portion 1103 of the flat grinding disc. The auger 1202 pulverizes material in a first stage between the inner wall 1201 of the housing 1111 and the coiled portion 1203 of the auger 1202, feeding it toward the flat grinding disc. The flat grinding disc is formed by the rotating portion 1102 and the stationary portion 1103.

[0134] Figure 13 Another embodiment of the invention is shown, comprising an adjustable-speed auger coupled to a flat grinding disc, wherein the auger is offset from a central axis. The illustrated embodiment includes a funnel 1110, a housing 1111, a rotating portion 1102 of the flat grinding disc, and a stationary portion 1103 of the flat grinding disc. The auger 1202 pulverizes material in a first stage between the inner wall 1201 of the housing 1111 and the coiled portion 1203 of the auger 1202, feeding it toward the flat grinding disc. The flat grinding disc is formed by the rotating portion 1102 and the stationary portion 1103. The auger is driven by a motor 1104, while the rotating portion 1102 of the flat grinding disc is driven by a motor 1106.

[0135] Figure 14 It shows that according to Figure 5 and Figure 6Another embodiment of the invention is shown. It depicts another cross-sectional view according to an embodiment of the invention. A first rotor 1402 is supported by a bearing 1406 and driven by a direct drive having a stator 1405, driving a first half of a conical grinding disc 1409. A cup-shaped member 1401 is centrally located and forms a fixed portion of the device, holding a second half of the conical grinding disc 1410, and includes a series of ports 1411. A second rotor grinding disc 1404 is supported by a bearing 1407 and driven by a direct drive having a stator 1408, driving an annular grinding disc 1412. The first rotor grinding disc 1402 and the second rotor grinding disc 1404 can rotate in the same direction or in opposite directions relative to each other. Grinding can be adjusted by the rotational speed, particularly the speed difference between the first rotor grinding disc 1402, the second rotor grinding disc 1404, and the cup-shaped grinding disc 1401.

[0136] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view according to another embodiment of the invention is shown, including a split grinding disc. The illustrated embodiment includes an outer ring 1501, a shaft grinding disc 1506, and a sleeve grinding disc 1502, wherein the outer ring 1501, the shaft grinding disc 1506, and the sleeve grinding disc 1502 form a split grinding disc. The outer ring 1501 is stationary, meaning it does not rotate about an axis, while the shaft grinding disc 1506 and the sleeve grinding disc 1502 rotate about a common central axis. Although the rotation can be in the same or opposite direction relative to each other, it is preferred that the shaft grinding disc 1501 and the sleeve grinding disc 1502 rotate in a common direction. The shaft grinding disc 1506 is driven by a direct drive having a stator 1505, while the sleeve grinding disc 1502 is driven by a direct drive having a stator 1503. The stators 1503 and 1505 are separated by an intermediate plate 1504. The grinding can be adjusted by moving the outer ring 1501 up and down relative to the sleeve grinding disc 1502, and also by the rotational speed, especially by the speed difference between the shaft grinding disc 1506 and the sleeve grinding disc 1502.

Claims

1. A comminution device comprising: at least three sequential sets of features, wherein one pair of sequential sets of features is configured to perform comminution when configured in relative rotation, wherein relative rotation of at least two sets of features is configured to occur about a single axis; and at least one drive system configured to cause rotation of the at least two sets of features, and wherein rotation of at least one set of features is configured to occur in a different manner than rotation of at least another set of features.

2. The pulverization device according to claim 1, wherein Comminution performed by one pair of sets of features is configured to reduce size to a size smaller than a size reduced by comminution performed by a previous pair of sets of features.

3. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Relative rotation of a subsequent pair of sets of features is configured to occur in a different manner than relative rotation of at least one previous pair of sets of features, manifested by a relative rotation speed of one pair of sets of features being configured to occur at an increased rate than a relative rotation speed of a previous pair of sets of features.

4. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Relative rotation of one pair of sets of features is configured to occur in a different manner than relative rotation of at least another pair of sets of features, manifested by relative rotation of one pair of sets of features being configured to occur at a different interval than relative rotation of at least another pair of sets of features.

5. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Rotation of at least two sets of features is each configured to occur about a different axis of rotation.

6. The comminution device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Rotation of at least three sets of features is each configured to occur about the same axis of rotation.

7. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Relative rotation of at least one pair of sets of features is configured wherein one set of features remains in a fixed position while the remaining set of features is configured to rotate relative to the fixed position.

8. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Relative rotation of at least one pair of sets of features is configured wherein one set of features is configured to rotate in a given direction at a rotational speed while the other set of features is configured to rotate in the same direction at an increased rotational speed.

9. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Relative rotation of at least one pair of sets of features is configured wherein one set of features is configured to rotate in a given direction while the other set of features is configured to rotate in the opposite direction.

10. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one set of features of one pair of sets of features shares a fixed relative arrangement with one set of features of at least another pair of sets of features.

11. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one set of features of one pair of sets of features is also a set of features of at least another pair of sets of features.

12. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one set of features of one pair of sets of features is formed by a plurality of holes.

13. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one set of features of one pair of sets of features is formed by a ring having fluted comminution features.

14. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one set of features of one pair of sets of features has a varying geometry such that a region of a particular geometry can be selected by translating the position of one set of features relative to the other set of features.

15. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The drive system includes a single motor configured to provide relative rotation for pairs of sets of features.

16. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The drive system includes a hand crank configured to provide relative rotation for pairs of sets of features.

17. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The drive system is configured to provide an initial relative rotation for a given pair of sets of features, and wherein a subsequent relative rotation of at least another pair of sets of features is provided by a mechanism coupled between at least one set of features of the given pair of sets of features and at least one set of features of the at least another pair of sets of features.

18. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The drive system includes at least two motors configured to provide relative rotation for pairs of sets of features.

19. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Relative rotation of pairs of sets of features is configured to be initiated at least partially asynchronously.

20. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Relative rotation of pairs of sets of features is configured to be initiated synchronously.

21. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device comprises a system for managing a supply of a specific dose of material.

22. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system for managing a supply of a specific dose of material is a gravimetric system.

23. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system for managing a supply of a specific dose of material is a volumetric system.

24. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system for managing a supply of a specific dose of material is achieved by a relative rotation of a specific number of times.

25. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device is provided with a thermal management system.

26. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one feature set is provided with a thermal management system.

27. The comminution device of any one of claims 25 and 26, wherein, The thermal management system comprises active heating.

28. The comminution device of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein, The thermal management system comprises active cooling.

29. A method of comminuting material in a comminution device, the method comprising: Introducing a material mass into a first pair of feature sets; Causing the first pair of feature sets to relatively rotate about a first single axis at a first rotational speed to reduce the size of the material mass; Introducing the reduced size material mass into a second pair of feature sets; causing the second pair of feature sets to relatively rotate about a second single axis at a second rotational speed to further reduce the size of the material mass; wherein the second rotational speed is at an increased rate compared to the first rotational speed.

30. The method of claim 29, comprising: Introducing a material mass into a first pair of feature sets; Causing the first pair of feature sets to relatively rotate about a first single axis to reduce the size of the coffee mass; Introducing the reduced size material mass into a second pair of feature sets; causing the second pair of feature sets to relatively rotate about a second single axis to further reduce the size of the material mass; wherein the relative rotation of the first pair of feature sets and the second pair of feature sets occurs at least partially asynchronously.

31. The method of claim 29, comprising: Introducing a material mass into a first pair of feature sets; Causing the first pair of feature sets to relatively rotate about a first single axis to reduce the size of the material mass; Introducing the reduced size material mass into a second pair of feature sets; causing the second pair of feature sets to relatively rotate about a second single axis to further reduce the size of the material mass; wherein the maximum allowable comminution rate of the second pair of feature sets is greater than the configured rate of comminution of the first pair of feature sets.

32. The method of claim 29, comprising: Introducing a material mass into a first pair of feature sets; Causing the first pair of feature sets to relatively rotate about a first single axis at a first rotational speed to reduce the size of the material mass; Introducing the reduced size material mass into a second pair of feature sets; causing the second pair of feature sets to relatively rotate about a second single axis at a second rotational speed to further reduce the size of the material mass; wherein the rate of comminution is adjustable to change the physical properties of the comminuted material.

Images