Treatment device for plastic material

Abstract

The invention relates to a treatment device for plastic materials and to a method for treating plastic materials, in particular for treating thermoplastic plastic materials in order to recycle the plastic materials. The treatment plant (1) comprises a first treatment unit (2) and a second treatment unit (10) and a plasticizing device (6). The plasticizing device (6) is arranged following the first processing unit (2) and the second processing unit (10) as viewed in the conveying direction. In this case, the first treatment unit (2) is fluidically connected to the plasticizing device (6), and the second treatment unit (10) is also fluidically connected to the plasticizing device (6). The plasticizing device (6) can be fed by means of the first processing unit (2) and / or by means of the second processing unit (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing plastic materials and a method for processing plastic materials, particularly for processing thermoplastic plastic materials for reuse. Background Technology

[0002] Similar processing devices are known via WO98 / 16360A and the resulting EP0934144B1.

[0003] In order to plasticize plastic materials, especially plastic waste, in an extruder, it is usually necessary to process the plastic material in an upstream processing step, which typically includes a shredding step. This typically involves a shredding step by tearing, cutting, or grinding the plastic material to obtain a preferably loose, dispersed material that can be drawn into the plasticizing unit, i.e., the so-called extruder. This processing is either carried out in a separate, upstream step by a separate shredder, or in a step directly upstream of the extruder, i.e., substantially online. In the separate implementation, the shredded material is temporarily stored, for example, in a hopper, which has the advantage that the hopper acts as a temporary storage device and thus can compensate for fluctuations in the material supply. For example, an apparatus for processing plastic materials is known from AT522051B1, in which the plasticizing unit is fed directly through a processing unit that includes a shredding unit and a conveying unit.

[0004] However, combined processing equipment that includes sub-functions such as crushing, conveying, and melting has the following drawbacks: due to the interconnection of the various equipment components, interdependence arises, which adversely affects equipment availability and operational flexibility. Specifically, for example, the entire equipment needs to be stopped in the event of interference or failure in the crushing unit, or during necessary maintenance work (such as changing the cutters).

[0005] Known processing equipment has, in principle, proven to be quite good in practical operation. However, with varying material inputs, especially with different volumes, quantities, and densities of plastic materials, known processing equipment often exceeds its capabilities or fails to provide satisfactory quality of the processed plastic. Furthermore, known processing equipment cannot achieve uniform transfer of shredded plastic material to the plasticizing unit under all operating conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to provide a processing apparatus and method that combine the advantages of processing apparatuses with detached processing units and processing apparatuses with coupled processing units, while ensuring improved apparatus usability. Furthermore, the objective of this invention is to provide a processing apparatus that ensures high quality of the processed material even when there are variations in the material input, such as variations in the volume, quantity, and density of the material.

[0007] The task is solved by a processing apparatus for plastic materials and a method for processing plastic materials according to the claims.

[0008] This invention relates to a processing apparatus for plastic materials, comprising a first processing unit including a first housing and a first shaft extending along a first longitudinal axis and rotatably supported within the first housing. The processing apparatus further includes a plasticizing device, preferably a single plasticizing device, comprising an extruder housing and at least one extruder screw extending along the longitudinal axis of the extruder and rotatably supported within the extruder housing. Viewed in the conveying direction, the plasticizing device is arranged following the first processing unit, and the first processing unit and the plasticizing device are flowably connected indirectly or indirectly, or indirectly or directly. For example, it can be considered as a configuration of a single-screw extruder, a twin-screw extruder, or a multi-screw extruder. When referring to a plasticizing device hereinafter, it always means at least one plasticizing device. This expression, of course, does not exclude the possibility of specifying two or more plasticizing devices.

[0009] This specification defines a second processing unit comprising a second housing and a second shaft extending along a second longitudinal axis and rotatably supported within the second housing. Viewed in the conveying direction, the plasticizing device is arranged following the second processing unit, and the second processing unit is flowably connected to the plasticizing device indirectly or indirectly, or indirectly or directly. The plasticizing device can be fed as needed via the first processing unit and / or via the second processing unit, either indirectly or indirectly, or indirectly or directly.

[0010] Therefore, the two processing units are connected in parallel during the process. They can operate individually, alternately, and / or simultaneously. In the context of this invention, the conveying direction means the direction in which the plastic material introduced into the processing equipment is conveyed through the equipment. Preferably, the first or second housing has a basic hollow cylindrical shape.

[0011] The advantage of this is that the possible feed volume is increased, allowing the plasticizing unit to be fed with the processed plastic material. Consequently, the flexibility of the use of such a processing device is also increased with varying material inputs, especially with varying bulk densities. As is known, pre-shredded materials or thick-walled materials have significantly higher bulk densities compared to thin-walled materials or films. By means of two or more essentially parallel processing units, or shredders, it is now possible to handle varying material inputs in a particularly variable manner. With relatively high input bulk densities, for example, only one of the two processing units, or shredders, can operate, while with relatively low input bulk densities or with large-volume input materials, such as films, both processing units, or shredders, can operate simultaneously. Furthermore, the processing units can be configured differently, for example, with different shredding blades, and therefore either the first processing unit or the second processing unit can operate depending on the input material.

[0012] Another advantage of this invention is that the input material can be flexibly supplied at multiple locations within the processing equipment via various processing units. For example, when the first processing unit is arranged to the left of the plasticizing unit and the second processing unit is arranged to the right of the plasticizing unit, the material supply sections and therefore the material delivery stations (e.g., conveyor belts, roller pullers) are spatially separated from each other. In particular, in the case of input materials with large volumes, such as films, this results in an advantageous material flow when supplying the input material.

[0013] An advantage of this invention is that, by mixing two different waste streams, or two different fragments, when operating two processing units simultaneously, it is simply possible to guide each fragment through a separate processing unit. The mixing ratio of the two material input streams can be adjusted, for example, by the rotational speed of each processing unit.

[0014] The advantage of this invention is that maintenance and repair work can be carried out on one of the two processing units during operation, while one of the two processing units remains in operation during the maintenance of the other processing unit, and the plasticizing device is fed by means of this one processing unit.

[0015] It is always possible to reliably continue feeding the shredded plastic material from each processing unit into the plasticizing unit. The circulation direction or rotation direction of each processing unit with respect to the conveying direction of the extruder screw can be selected to be either in the same circulation direction or rotation direction or in the opposite circulation direction or rotation direction.

[0016] Material transfer from the corresponding processing unit to the plasticizing unit can preferably be achieved in the transfer area. For this purpose, a discharge opening can be provided in the housing of the corresponding processing unit. Depending on the arrangement of the processing unit relative to the plasticizing unit, this discharge opening can be located above, below, or to the side of the housing. The extruder housing can also have at least one inlet opening. This inlet opening can also be located above, below, or to the side of the extruder housing, again depending on the arrangement of the processing unit relative to the plasticizing unit.

[0017] Alternatively, it may be suitable to arrange the first longitudinal axis orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the extruder, and / or arrange the second longitudinal axis orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the extruder.

[0018] Therefore, the rotation axes of the two processing units are preferably at a 90° angle to the rotation axis of the extruder screw. This has particular advantages: the processing units facing each other can be configured coaxially, and nested support structures are also possible.

[0019] Alternatively, it can be stipulated that the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are coaxial.

[0020] This means that the two longitudinal axes, or the rotation axes of the two processing units, are coincident, and the processing units are therefore arranged facing each other at their axial ends.

[0021] This arrangement has the following advantages: with such an arrangement, a single filling opening on the extruder housing is sufficient to allow the processed material to reach the plasticizing unit from both processing units in the same axial position. For this purpose, it is preferable that each processing unit includes its own discharge opening in the respective housing, or that the two processing units have a common discharge opening, so that the plastic material can reach the plasticizing unit via the filling opening through the respective discharge openings or the common discharge opening. It is also preferable that the two processing units have a common discharge opening. In a coaxial arrangement, it is possible that one or more discharge openings are formed on the lower side of the respective housing, and the filling opening is located on the upper side of the extruder housing, allowing the plasticizing unit to be filled from above. However, filling the plasticizing unit from below is also possible. For this purpose, one or more discharge openings can be formed on the upper side of the respective housing, and the filling opening can be located on the lower side of the extruder housing. Here, the conveyed material can preferably be pushed upward into the extruder housing by means of a conveying device.

[0022] Advantageously, the processing units can be arranged opposite each other on a common coaxial longitudinal axis, wherein the plasticizing device is located in the region of the axial ends of the two processing units facing each other.

[0023] Another advantage is that, with the arrangement according to the invention, no sealing is required in the transition from the respective processing unit to the plasticizing device, since the material is conveyed from both directions when the two processing units are running simultaneously.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be specified that the first shaft and the second shaft can be coupled to each other in a torsionally resistant manner.

[0025] Advantageously, when the shafts are fixedly connected, or when the shafts are arranged on a common, continuous shaft including the first and second shafts, no separate or special shaft support device is required. It is also advantageous that the two shafts, and therefore the two processing units, can be driven by a single common drive. Even in this extended configuration, where the two processing units cannot operate separately, for example, at different speeds or in different directions of rotation, and therefore independent or separate operation is impossible, the configuration remains suitable due to its structural simplicity. Furthermore, this configuration is advantageous because material supply is still possible from both sides, and the use of two processing units also improves material supply. Here, the two shafts can be of the same structure or can be configured differently. Furthermore, an operation in which one of the two processing units is fed with plastic material, while the other processing unit rotates together essentially in an idling state, is also possible.

[0026] Alternatively, the first and second axes may be configured to rotate independently of each other.

[0027] This is advantageous because it allows for particularly flexible operation, as the two shafts can operate individually and independently of each other at correspondingly different speeds and directions of rotation. Advantageously, the two shafts are configured to be axially suspended, facilitating independent and separate operation.

[0028] The following approach is also advantageous, in which the second shaft is configured as a hollow shaft, and the first shaft is at least partially disposed within the second shaft. Alternatively, it is also possible that the first shaft is configured as a hollow shaft, and the second shaft is at least partially disposed within the first shaft.

[0029] Advantageously, each shaft can have its own drive unit, and the two drive units can be located on the same side. The nested support structure of the two shafts can be implemented in the region of the hollow shaft. If a separate drive unit is constructed for each shaft, coupling can be selectively achieved via a transmission device, belt, or chain. Alternatively, the two drive units can be arranged sequentially along a common longitudinal axis. It is suitable that at least one of the two drive units also has a hollow shaft.

[0030] Alternatively, it can be considered that the two shafts are driven by a common drive mechanism, wherein either both shafts can be driven, or one shaft can be driven selectively, by means of one or more clutches.

[0031] Another advantageous extension is that the second shaft is partially supported within the first shaft. Alternatively, it is also possible that the first shaft is partially supported within the second shaft.

[0032] Nested support structures, i.e., one shaft within another, can be achieved through a recess at one axial end of one of the shafts. A corresponding protrusion can be formed at the axial end of the second shaft facing this recess, which is received and supported within the recess, particularly providing axial suspension. Such a support arrangement can be advantageously positioned in the material transfer area, and therefore especially near the filling opening of the plasticizing device.

[0033] This arrangement enables mutual support between the shafts, and thus mutual support between forces, particularly lateral forces and bending moments. This nested support of the shafts advantageously allows for mutual torsion, and therefore allows for flexible operation of the equipment. Preferably, the two shafts are supported axially in a suspended manner. The nested support of the shafts is preferably mutual support at their axial ends facing each other in the material transfer zone.

[0034] One possible extension is that the first and second longitudinal axes are parallel to each other.

[0035] This is advantageous because it allows for particularly flexible operation, as the two shafts can operate individually and independently of each other at correspondingly different speeds and directions of rotation.

[0036] It should be emphasized that any combination of multiple coaxial axes and multiple axes with parallel axes can also be considered. Thus, for example, it is possible to construct four or more processing units, wherein two processing units have axes with coaxial longitudinal axes, and two additional processing units also have axes with coaxial longitudinal axes, and the first pair of coaxial processing units and the second pair of coaxial processing units are parallel to each other on their axes.

[0037] Alternatively, the first processing unit and the second processing unit may be disposed on the same side of the plasticizing device, or alternatively, the first processing unit and the second processing unit may be disposed on opposite sides of the plasticizing device.

[0038] If the first and second processing units are arranged on the same side of the plasticizing apparatus, especially side-by-side with parallel axes, this has the following advantages: each shaft can be supported independently on the other side of the plasticizing apparatus, and nested support of each shaft is not required; and the independent operation of each processing unit is possible. Furthermore, the spatial requirement for processing units on the opposite side of the plasticizing apparatus is eliminated.

[0039] Here, the processed material can flow from two processing units at axially different positions, especially with filling openings that are staggered in different axial directions, along the longitudinal axis of the extruder into the plasticizing unit. This is advantageous because such axially staggered transfer areas allow for support of each shaft on opposite sides of the plasticizing extruder without nested support.

[0040] If the first processing unit and the second processing unit are located on opposite sides of the plasticizing device, this is especially advantageous when they are coaxial along the longitudinal axis.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be specified that the first processing unit and the second processing unit are fluidly connected to the plasticizing device at correspondingly different positions that are offset from each other in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis of the extruder.

[0042] This is particularly advantageous when dealing with plastic waste that has a very small density and a very large volume.

[0043] Alternatively, it can be specified that a single drive unit is configured to drive the first shaft and the second shaft, or correspondingly, one drive unit is configured to drive the first shaft and another drive unit is configured to drive the second shaft.

[0044] Plasticizing units are typically constructed and driven independently by separate drive units. The advantage of a common drive unit for the first and second shafts of both processing units is its simple structure, cost-effectiveness, and space-saving design. The advantage of separate drive units for the two shafts is their high flexibility in operation and maintenance.

[0045] One possible arrangement, viewed in the conveying direction, is that the first processing unit is arranged following the first supply device, which is in fluid connection with the first processing unit, particularly with a first supply opening in the housing of the first processing unit. Alternatively, viewed in the conveying direction, the second processing unit is arranged following the second supply device, which is in fluid connection with the second processing unit, particularly with a second supply opening in the housing of the second processing unit.

[0046] In particular, the first and second supply units can be configured to operate independently of each other. Such separate material supplies for each processing unit can be advantageous, facilitating separate operation and allowing for greater flexibility in terms of different material types and operating methods. Especially in such an arrangement, advantageous material flow is achieved in the aspects described at the beginning.

[0047] According to an advantageous extension, it can be specified that the first shaft and the second shaft can be structurally identical, or the first shaft and the second shaft can be constructed differently.

[0048] Advantageously, each shaft can be specialized for processing, and in particular for shredding, different types of input materials. Each shaft can, for example, have a conical or cylindrical circumferential surface, and differ in their diameter or in their helix angle. Furthermore, a shaft can have a section with a shredding device and a typically screw-shaped conveying device usually immediately following the shredding device. Shafts having only a shredding device or only a conveying device are also conceivable. The shredding device and the conveying device can also have multiple ranges, areas, or sections with different configurations.

[0049] Alternatively, it can be specified that each locking device constitutes a device for separately locking the first shaft and for separately locking the second shaft.

[0050] This extended design is particularly suitable when the shafts can rotate independently, i.e., when the shafts are not fixedly connected or coupled. The locking device is preferably configured to lock or prevent the shafts from twisting.

[0051] The advantage of using mechanical locking devices, in particular, is that it ensures exceptionally safe operation during maintenance and repair work, allowing the processing equipment to continue operating with at least a reserved second processing unit.

[0052] In particular, it is advantageous to construct a first shredding device on a first shaft and / or a second shredding device on a second shaft, and / or a first conveying device on a first shaft and / or a second conveying device on a second shaft.

[0053] In particular, the first fragmentation device and the second fragmentation device can have the same structure or can be configured differently.

[0054] In principle, a shaft is known to have a shredding device on its conical or cylindrical circumferential surface, and the shaft may include, for example, a cutting tool disposed on its circumferential surface. The shredding device, such as the cutting tool or a mating cutting tool, may also be configured on the housing of the processing unit. Each shaft may be configured with different cutting tools, cutting tool arrangements, shaft diameters, housing diameters, and conveyor lift angles. Therefore, it is advantageous that, adapted to the input material, each processing unit can be optimized better and more flexibly, and each processing unit can be specifically adapted to different material properties.

[0055] The shredding device, such as the cutter, can be arranged in a spiral shape, so that a certain conveying effect is produced in the area of ​​the shredding device, and perhaps even without a subsequent conveying device. The conveying device preferably consists of a shaft segment having at least one spiral plate, especially a threaded line, to convey the shredded material toward the transfer area into the extruder. Alternatively, the conveying device may be omitted.

[0056] If the shaft body is configured with both a crushing device and a conveying device, then the crushing device is arranged in the first region or the first shaft segment in the conveying direction, and the conveying device is subsequently arranged in the second region or the second shaft segment in the conveying direction, immediately following the crushing device.

[0057] For example, the first shaft may be configured as a simple conveying screw and thus only have a conveying device, while the second shaft has a shredding device and optionally a conveying device immediately following the shredding device in the conveying direction. This specifically allows the equipment to operate such that unshredded input materials, such as films, sheets, or textiles, pass through the second processing unit, and shredded input materials (ground materials, flakes) pass through the first processing unit via the metering screw.

[0058] According to an advantageous extension, the first and second longitudinal axes are parallel to each other, forming a first conveying device on the first shaft and a second conveying device on the second shaft. The first and second shafts functionally cooperate in the regions or shaft segments of the first and second conveying devices to form a dual shaft, allowing the plastic material to be continuously conveyed together through the dual shafts towards the plasticizing unit or extruder housing.

[0059] In the area of ​​the two conveying devices, especially when viewed from the beginning of the two conveying devices in the conveying direction, the individual material flows can be merged into a common material flow. The individual conveying devices, or metering or output screws acting as a twin-shaft or twin-screw system, can operate in the same or opposite directions. They can have the same structure or be designed differently. As explained above, the merged or jointly conveyed material flow, or the transfer of plastic material, can enter the extruder housing not only from top to bottom but also from bottom to top. This is achieved, for example, by an inclined, e.g., 45° arrangement of the first and second shafts.

[0060] For material transfer, several possibilities exist. Therefore, material transfer can be achieved solely from above. Here, the two shafts are positioned above the extruder screw. The relative inclination of the two shafts is unnecessary. Alternatively, material transfer can also be achieved solely from below. Here, the two shafts are positioned below the extruder screw. The relative inclination of the two shafts is also less necessary here.

[0061] Alternatively, material transfer can be achieved not only from above but also from below. Here, one of the two shafts is positioned above the extruder screw, and the other shaft is positioned below the extruder screw. The relative inclination of the two shafts is suitable here.

[0062] In other words, the scheme stipulates that the two shafts of the two processing units are arranged parallel to each other on the same side of the plasticizing unit, wherein the two individual single-shaft crushers are fed into a common metering component that is immediately following the crushing and is configured as a dual-shaft unit when viewed in the conveying direction.

[0063] This embodiment with a twin-screw feeding structure, particularly featuring a shredding device that functions as a single shaft and can be fed independently, and a conveying device that acts as a pair of shafts working together (i.e., essentially two separate shredders with a common metering structure or a common output screw), offers advantages such as improved material transport of the shredded input material and pre-homogenization of the shredded input material in the metering or output components. This is particularly advantageous with different input materials.

[0064] Here, in the conveying zone, two screws engage with each other such that the thread of one shaft extends into the thread groove of the second shaft, and vice versa. When the conveying screws engage, the threads of each shaft need to be configured with the same helix angle, and according to the direction of the helix angle, each shaft can either have the same direction of rotation or have opposite directions of rotation. When the conveying sections engage, the rotational speeds of the two shredding shafts are ideally synchronized. This can be achieved, for example, by synchronizing the respective drive units, or by using a common drive unit and coupling the shredding shafts with transmission devices, belts, chains, etc.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first conveying device may be configured with a first thread and the second conveying device may be configured with a second thread. These two threads may be configured to engage with each other locally, particularly in a comb-like manner, i.e., to mesh.

[0066] In another embodiment, the first conveying device may be configured with a first thread and the second conveying device may be configured with a second thread, the two threads not engaging, that is, not intersecting each other in the radial direction.

[0067] When two processing units share a common conveying section, namely a twin-screw conveying section, and material transfer to the plasticizing unit is simultaneously achieved via one shredding shaft from above and another from below, it is advantageous to offset the two shafts in the axial direction of the plasticizing unit. This creates a connecting line between the two axes of each shredding shaft, which forms an angle of not equal to 90° with the extruder axis. This results in an increased axial distance between the two shredding shafts, which is particularly advantageous when the diameter of the shredder is larger than the screw diameter of the plasticizing unit, so as to simultaneously position the transfer area as close as possible to the plasticizing unit. This results in particularly good material transfer. The distance between the extruder axis and the first or second longitudinal axis of the processing unit can be further reduced by means of the collar grooves known from AT522051A1. Alternatively, the conically enlarged transition area can be omitted by means of the collar grooves, i.e., radially surrounding recesses.

[0068] Therefore, according to another embodiment, it can be specified that the first shaft has a larger shaft diameter in the region of the first conveying device compared to the region of the first crushing device, and / or the second shaft has a larger shaft diameter in the region of the second conveying device compared to the region of the second crushing device.

[0069] Advantageously, the first shaft is rotatably supported in the first housing within the region of the first crushing device, and the second shaft is rotatably supported in the second housing within the region of the second crushing device. Furthermore, the first shaft and the second shaft are rotatably supported in the region of the first conveying device and the second shaft in the region of the second conveying device, respectively, within a common housing, such that the first and second processing units are in flow connection with the plasticizing device, particularly indirectly or directly. This is preferably achieved through a common discharge opening.

[0070] Furthermore, it can be specified that a control device is constituted, which comprises a first processing unit and a second processing unit for open-loop control and / or closed-loop control.

[0071] Such a control device can be advantageous for coordinating the operation of at least two shafts or processing units, for example, activating or deactivating them, controlling their rotational speed, direction of rotation, and timing, wherein, especially when the two processing units are running simultaneously, the mixing ratio of the material flows processed and transported in the two processing units can be set and perhaps also monitored.

[0072] Another advantageous embodiment is that a first processing unit is flowably connected to a first filling opening in the extruder housing of the plasticizing apparatus via a first discharge opening in a first housing, the first discharge opening being located on the lower side of the first housing and the first filling opening on the upper side of the extruder housing; and a second processing unit is flowably connected to a second filling opening in the extruder housing of the plasticizing apparatus via a second discharge opening in a second housing, the second discharge opening being located on the upper side of the second housing and the second filling opening on the lower side of the extruder housing, such that the plasticizing unit can be fed not only from above but also from below. This can be achieved not only alternately but also simultaneously from the two processing units. Preferably, viewed in the conveying direction, material transfer occurs in the axial end regions of the two processing units.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, it can be specified that one of the two processing units, or one of the two shredders, transfers the supplied material from above into the plasticizing device, and the other of the two processing units, or the other shredder, transfers the material from below into the plasticizing device.

[0074] This allows for an opposing arrangement of two shredding units and independent operation of each other at the same axial position in the plasticizing unit, without a continuous shaft or a support structure for one shaft of the two shredding units within the other. Furthermore, by simultaneously feeding the plasticizing unit from above and below, the forces acting on the extruder screw are canceled out, thus leading to reduced screw wear.

[0075] Transfer from above and from below can also be performed at different axial positions and on the same side or opposite sides of the extruder.

[0076] The object of the present invention is also solved by a method for processing plastic materials by means of a processing device according to one of the claims, wherein the plasticizing device supplies material as needed by means of a first processing unit and / or by means of a second processing unit.

[0077] The mixing ratio of material streams from at least two processing units can be set, for example, by means of the control device described. To avoid unnecessary repetition, refer to the description above and the advantages and extensions presented. Attached Figure Description

[0078] To better understand the invention, it will be explained in more detail with the aid of the following figures.

[0079] The attached diagrams are greatly simplified illustrations, as shown below:

[0080] Figure 1 The processing device is shown in a partially cut-out top view;

[0081] Figure 2 A detailed view showing the support structure at the axial ends of each shaft facing each other;

[0082] Figure 3 The partially cut-out top view shows a processing device with two opposing processing units, wherein the shaft of one processing unit is configured as a hollow shaft, and the two drive units are arranged on the same side.

[0083] Figure 4 A partially sectional top view shows a processing device with two opposing processing units and two axially staggered material transfer areas, the processing units having longitudinal axes with parallel axes.

[0084] Figure 5 The processing equipment is shown in a partially sectional top view, which includes two processing units on the same side of the plasticizing unit and having longitudinal axes parallel to each other.

[0085] Figure 6 The processing device, which has multiple processing units, specifically four processing units, is shown in a partially cut-out top view.

[0086] Figure 7 The processing equipment is shown in a sectional front view, which includes two opposing processing units that have material transfers into the plasticizing device from above and below;

[0087] Figure 8The processing equipment is shown in a sectional side view, which includes two processing units on the same side of the plasticizing unit, the processing units having parallel longitudinal axes and twin-screw conveying sections and material transfer from above and below into the plasticizing unit;

[0088] Figure 9 Display in top view Figure 8 Processing equipment;

[0089] Figure 10 Displayed in side view Figure 8 Processing equipment;

[0090] Figure 11 Shown in the cut oblique view Figure 8 Processing equipment;

[0091] Figure 12 Shown in the cut oblique view Figure 8 Processing equipment with alternatively configured conveying components;

[0092] Figure 13 The processing equipment is shown in a sectional side view, which includes two processing units on the same side of the plasticizing unit, the processing units having parallel longitudinal axes and twin-screw conveying sections and material transfer from above into the plasticizing unit;

[0093] Figure 14 Shown in the cut top view Figure 13 Processing equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0094] First, it should be noted that in different described embodiments, the same components are given the same reference numerals or the same component names, and the disclosure contained throughout the specification can be applied semantically to the same components having the same reference numerals or the same component names. The directional descriptions selected in the specification, such as above, below, side, etc., also refer to the directly described and illustrated figures, and these directional descriptions can be applied semantically to the new directional description when the directional changes.

[0095] The embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings respectively illustrate a processing apparatus 1 for plastic materials, which includes a first processing unit 2, at least one second processing unit 10, and a plasticizing device 6.

[0096] The first processing unit 2 here includes a first housing 3 and a first shaft 4. A first supply opening and a first discharge opening 19, not shown in more detail in the sectional view, may be formed on the first housing 3. Through the first supply opening, plastic material can reach the first housing 3 from a first supply device, also not described. The first shaft 4 here extends along a first longitudinal axis 5. The first shaft 4 is rotatably supported within the first housing 3.

[0097] The second processing unit 10 includes a second housing 11 and a second shaft 12. A second supply opening and a second discharge opening 21, not shown in more detail in the cross-sectional view, may be formed on the second housing 11. Through the second supply opening, plastic material can reach the second housing 11 from a second supply device, also not described. The second shaft 12 extends along a second longitudinal axis 13. The second shaft 12 is rotatably supported within the second housing 11.

[0098] exist Figure 4 , 5 Embodiments are shown in 6, 7, and 8-14, in which a first discharge opening 19 is provided on the first housing 3 and a second discharge opening 21 is provided on the second housing 11. In communication or flow connection with the two discharge openings 19 and 21, either a first filling opening 20 and a second filling opening 34 are provided in the extruder housing 7, or a single filling opening 35 is formed in the extruder housing 7.

[0099] exist Figure 1 , 3 Embodiments are shown in 6 and 14, in which two separate discharge openings 19 and 21 are replaced by a common discharge opening 33. A single filling opening 35 is formed in communication with, or in flow connection with, the common discharge opening 33 within the extruder housing 7.

[0100] The plasticizing unit 6 includes an extruder housing 7 and an extruder screw 8, on which one or more filling openings 20, 34, 35 may be formed. Plastic material can be delivered from the first housing 3 through a first discharge opening 19 into the subsequent plasticizing unit 6, particularly through the filling openings 20, 34, 35 in the extruder housing 7. The extruder screw 8 extends along the longitudinal axis 9 of the extruder and is rotatably supported within the extruder housing 7.

[0101] Viewed in the conveying direction, the plasticizing device 6 is arranged following the first processing unit 2 and the second processing unit 10. The first processing unit 2 is flowably connected to the plasticizing device 6, preferably through a first discharge opening 19 and a filling opening 20, 34, 35. The second processing unit 10 is flowably connected to the plasticizing device 6, preferably through a second discharge opening 21 and a filling opening 20, 34, 35 or another filling opening 20, 34, 35. Here, the plasticizing device 6 can be fed as needed and preferably directly by means of the first processing unit 2 and / or by means of the second processing unit 10.

[0102] The following description also applies to all embodiments of the processing equipment 1 for plastic materials and is equally applicable to all accompanying drawings. The specificities of each embodiment are described immediately following the general description.

[0103] In the accompanying drawings, the processing equipment 1 for plastic materials is simplified, particularly for processing thermoplastic plastic materials for their reuse, and this processing equipment is described only in partial sections. The processing equipment 1 is typically positioned on a flat, preferably horizontally oriented, standing surface, such as a hallway floor.

[0104] Such processing equipment 1 is, in principle, used to first break down plastic materials, which are typically large in size or volume, into correspondingly smaller pieces in processing units 2 and 10, forming parts that can be further processed within their dimensions, and then melt them in plasticizing unit 6. The plastic material to be broken down can be formed from larger pieces, films, strips, or pre-broken segments in various sizes and dimensions. The melt stream or multiple melt streams discharged from plasticizing unit 6 can be cooled after molding and can be granulated for subsequent processing. However, alternatively, or as a supplement, it is also possible that the molten plastic material is supplied directly and immediately following the melting for further processing and / or corresponding molding. The directly following molding can be carried out in a continuous or discontinuous extrusion process or an injection molding process, where the heat contained in the melt has not been removed first and needs to be replenished later. Additional treatment, purification, or addition of fillers is also possible.

[0105] Viewed in the conveying direction, the first processing unit 2 may be arranged following a first supply device (not described), which is flowably connected to the first processing unit 2. Similarly, viewed in the conveying direction, the second processing unit 10 may be arranged following a second supply device (also not shown), which is flowably connected to the second processing unit 10. Alternatively, both processing units 2 and 10 may be flowably connected to a single, common supply device by means of which material is supplied. However, each processing unit 2 and 10 preferably has a supply device preceding it, which is used in a known manner to gather the plastic material to be processed and / or treated and guide it to the processing unit 2 or 10. Here, supply can be automatic by gravity and / or by means of an additional adding device that pushes the uncrushed plastic material to the processing unit 2 or 10. Typically, a supply well is used to hold the plastic material to be processed and / or treated, by means of which the continued guidance to the processing units 2 and 10 is achieved.

[0106] For the sake of simplicity, in Figures 1-7In this context, all shafts 4 and 12 are described with the same structure. However, it is also possible that the first shaft 4, the second shaft 12, and perhaps other shafts of additional processing units 28 and 29 are configured differently. Figure 6 The image shows an embodiment of a processing device 1 having multiple processing units, particularly four processing units. Also shown is... Figures 8-11 In embodiments of schemes with twin-screw conveying structures, 13 and 14, shafts 4 and 12 are described with substantially the same structure. Figure 12 The image shows a scheme in which the conveying thread extends in the conveying direction via a cylindrical portion to a conically tapering portion of the two shafts 4, 12.

[0107] A first crushing device 15 may be configured on the first shaft 4, and / or a second crushing device 16 may be configured on the second shaft 12. Alternatively or supplementarily, a first conveying device 22 may be configured on the first shaft 4, and / or a second conveying device 23 may be configured on the second shaft 12. Processing units 2, 10 may respectively include crushing devices 15, 16 and conveying devices 22, 23, preferably housed in and rotatably supported in a housing 3, 11 preferably tubular or hollow cylindrical in shape. Typically, a rotary drive 14 may be implemented by at least one first drive device (not shown in more detail), such as an electric motor, perhaps with an intermediate transmission or the like. Conveying devices 22, 23 are used to continue conveying the plastic material, previously crushed by crushing devices 15, 16, in the conveying direction as described by the arrows, to a transfer area between processing units 2, 10 and plasticizing device 6, which is described in more detail below. In the transfer area, plastic material of piece size suitable for further processing is transferred from conveying devices 22 and 23 to the subsequently installed plasticizing device 6. The transfer area is located on the side of conveying devices 22 and 23 opposite to the crushing devices 15 and 16, thus forming the end of the conveying stroke of processing units 2 and 10. Conveying devices 22 and 23, preferably screw-shaped, are positioned downstream of the crushing devices 15 and 16 when viewed in the conveying direction. Furthermore, conveying devices 22 and 23 constitute a first conveying section and also define longitudinal axes 5 and 13. In the region of the first conveying section, the conveying direction is indicated by arrows, and continued transport is achieved in the axial direction. The first conveying section, viewed in the conveying direction, directly follows the crushing section defined by the crushing devices 15 and 16. Longitudinal axes 5 and 13 have an orientation that preferably extends parallel to the horizontal orientation of the standing surface. Therefore, longitudinal axes 5 and 13 have a horizontal orientation.

[0108] Typically, at least the conveying devices 22, 23 and perhaps also the shredding devices 15, 16 are constituted by central shafts 4, 12, and / or they are constituted or mounted on shafts 4, 12. For this purpose, at least one first thread, configured in a screw-like or helical shape, is provided on the outer circumference of the shafts 4, 12 to form the conveying devices 22, 23. The longitudinal extension of the thread on the circumference can also be referred to as helical or spiral. The shredding devices 15, 16 may be constituted by cutting blades (not shown in more detail), which are mounted or constituted on the shafts 4, 12. The shafts 4, 12 themselves may also be tubular and internally supported on and / or rotatably supported on a support shaft. The drive mechanisms described above are in a drive connection with the shafts 4, 12.

[0109] The motor, or drive unit 14, and the support structure 27 are represented by common symbols in the accompanying drawings. They may be structurally identical or different. It is possible that a single, common drive unit 14 is used to drive the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 12. This configuration is not described in more detail. Alternatively, one drive unit 14 may be used to drive the first shaft 4, and another drive unit 14 may be used to drive the second shaft 12. Furthermore, typically, one drive unit 14 is used to drive the plasticizing device 6.

[0110] The accompanying drawings show embodiments of the processing equipment 1, wherein the first longitudinal axis 5 is orthogonally arranged to the longitudinal axis 9 of the extruder, and / or the second longitudinal axis 13 is orthogonally arranged to the longitudinal axis 9 of the extruder, i.e., at an angle of 90°.

[0111] Figures 1-3 Examples of processing device 1 are shown respectively, wherein the first longitudinal axis 5 and the second longitudinal axis 13 are coaxial. Figure 1 , 3 The illustrations 4, 5, 6, 9, and 14 are top views of the equipment, in which the housings 3 and 11 of at least two processing units 2 and 10, and the extruder housing 7 of the plasticizing unit 6, are correspondingly at least partially cut in the radial direction, so that the shafts 4 and 12 or the extruder screw 8 disposed therein are visible. Furthermore, in Figure 3 The diagram also depicts one of the two shafts, 4 and 12, in a radial sectional view, revealing that the shaft is constructed as a hollow shaft. This scheme is further elaborated below. Figure 7 It is a sectional view with a vertical section passing through the center of processing units 2 and 10 in a front view having an axial direction along the longitudinal axis 9 of the extruder. Figure 8 Is Figure 9 The sectional view of section lines VIII-VIII described in the figure corresponds to a view from one side with two longitudinal axes 5 and 13 along the shafts 4 and 12 in the axial direction. Figure 10It is also a diagram from one side, showing the two longitudinal axes 5 and 13 along the shafts 4 and 12 in the axial direction. Figure 11 and Figure 12 They are pressed on Figure 10 The section line XI-XI in the diagram corresponds to a 45° oblique view or a 45° inclination in the described scheme. Figure 13 It is also a diagram from one side, showing the view along the two longitudinal axes 5 and 13 of the shafts 4 and 12 in the axial direction. Figure 14 Is it pressed on Figure 13 The sectional view of section line XIV-XIV in the diagram, and corresponding to the top view in the described scheme.

[0112] Although not shown graphically, one approach is to consider a configuration in which the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 12 are torsionally coupled together. The two shafts 4 and 12 can be fixedly connected to each other for this purpose, but it is also possible that the two shafts 4 and 12 are single-piece components, i.e., constructed on a single, unique shaft.

[0113] Alternatively, the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 12 may be configured to rotate independently of each other. This is not only in accordance with... Figure 1 In the example, and in the case of pressing Figure 3 This is the case in the example. Two shafts 4 and 12 are arranged opposite each other, with a common discharge opening 19 and 21 provided in the region of their axial ends facing each other. For this purpose, it is suitable that the two coaxial shafts 4 and 12 are arranged in a common continuous housing 3 and 11. Below the common discharge opening 19 and 21, a filling opening 20 of the plasticizing device 6 can be provided so that the processed material can reach the plasticizing device 6.

[0114] exist Figure 1 It is shown in, and especially in Figure 2 The details show that the second shaft 12 can be partially supported within the first shaft 4. Figure 2 A very rough schematic cross-sectional view of the radial section through the support area. Therefore, Figure 2 This is shown as a support structure for one shaft within another, located at the axial ends of two coaxial shafts 4 and 12 facing each other. Figure 2 The plasticizing device 6, which is usually located below the shaft, is not shown in more detail in the detailed drawing. The first shaft 4 is provided with a protrusion 24, and the second shaft 12 is provided with a recess 25. The protrusion 24 is located within the recess 25 of the supporting shaft, and a corresponding support structure 27 is formed between the recess 25 and the protrusion 24.

[0115] In addition, Figure 1As roughly illustrated, each locking device 17 can be configured to separately lock the first shaft 4 and separately lock the second shaft 12. Such locking devices 17 can also be provided in other embodiments.

[0116] In addition, Figure 1 The description includes a control device 18, which constitutes a first processing unit 2 and a second processing unit 10 for open-loop and / or closed-loop control. Specifically, by means of the control device 18, the operation of the two processing units 2 and 10, and perhaps other processing units 28 and 29, can be controlled, as in... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. For example, the mixing ratio of the input material in the plasticizing apparatus 6 can be set by means of the control device 18. This is achieved, for example, by adjusting the rotational speed of each processing unit 2, 10, 28, 29. Such a control device 18 can also be provided in other embodiments.

[0117] exist Figure 3 The image shows an embodiment in which the second shaft 12 is configured as a hollow shaft, and the first shaft 4 is at least partially disposed within the second shaft 12. The first shaft 4 thus has an elongated protrusion 24 at its axial end facing the second shaft 12. The second shaft 12 has an axial through-section 26 extending from one axial end to the other. The protrusion 24 of the first shaft 4 is completely disposed within the through-section 26 in the second shaft 12, and is axially suspended and rotatably supported therein. The first shaft 4 has a support structure 27 at its other axial end. At the other axial end of the second shaft 12, two identical or different drive devices 14 are disposed and connected to or coupled to the second shaft 12 and to the first shaft 4 via the protruding protrusion 24. Support structures for the shafts 4 and 12 are also suitably formed at this external axial end.

[0118] Alternatively, a scheme could be considered in which the first longitudinal axis 5 and the second longitudinal axis 13 are parallel to each other. This is, for example, in... Figure 4 and 5 It is displayed in the middle.

[0119] Press Figure 5 In the example, the first processing unit 2 and the second processing unit 10 are arranged on the same side of the plasticizing device 6 when the device is viewed from above.

[0120] Alternatively, the first processing unit 2 and the second processing unit 10 may be disposed on opposite sides of the plasticizing apparatus 6. For example, this is as follows: Figure 1 and 3 This is caused by a coaxial arrangement structure, but also as in... Figure 4 As described in [the text]. Furthermore, in [the text]... Figure 4 and 5 As shown, it is possible that the first processing unit 2 and the second processing unit 10 are flow-connected to the plasticizing device 6 at correspondingly different positions that are offset from each other in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 9 of the extruder.

[0121] Replace press Figures 1-3 In an axially parallel arrangement, it is possible that the housings 3 and 11 do not share a common discharge opening 19 and 21, but rather each housing 3 and 11 has its own discharge opening 19 and 21. Each of these discharge openings 19 and 21 is positioned above the filling opening 20 in the extruder housing 7, allowing material to reach the plasticizing unit 6 through this filling opening. It is not only possible that one filling opening 20 in the extruder housing 7 is continuous and extends axially over two discharge openings 19 and 21; it is also possible that at least two individual filling openings 20 are formed.

[0122] exist Figure 6 The illustration shows an embodiment that combines multiple coaxial processing units and multiple parallel, i.e., staggered, processing units. The processing units are arranged in pairs, with corresponding pairs of processing units 2, 10 and 28, 29 being coaxial, i.e., sharing a common axis of rotation. As explained above, the axes can be fixedly connected to each other or rotatably movable independently. The two pairs of processing units 2, 10 and 28, 29 are also parallel to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, when viewed from above, two corresponding processing units 2, 10 and 28, 29 are arranged on each side of the plasticizing device 6. To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the description section above.

[0123] exist Figure 7 Another embodiment is shown, in which the first processing unit 2 is flowably connected to the first filling opening 20 in the extruder housing 7 of the plasticizing apparatus 6 via a first discharge opening 19 in the first housing 3. When viewed vertically from above, the first discharge opening 19 is located on the lower side of the first housing 3. In this embodiment, the first filling opening 20 is located on the upper side of the extruder housing 7. Furthermore, when pressed... Figure 7 In the example, the second processing unit 10 is flow-connected to the second filling opening 34 in the extruder housing 7 of the plasticizing device 6 via a second discharge opening 21 in the second housing 11, the second discharge opening 21 being disposed on the upper side of the second housing 11 and the second filling opening 34 being disposed on the lower side of the extruder housing 7.

[0124] Figure 7This is a front view of a possible arrangement in which a first processing unit 10 is positioned above the plasticizing device 6, and a second processing unit 10 is positioned below the plasticizing device 6. Viewed vertically from top to bottom, the first longitudinal axis 5 of the first shaft 4 is positioned above the longitudinal axis 9 of the extruder, and the longitudinal axis 9 of the extruder is positioned above the second longitudinal axis 13 of the second shaft 12. Therefore, material transfer to the extruder housing 7 of the plasticizing device 6 is achieved from above by the first processing unit 2 and from below by the second processing unit 10.

[0125] Press Figure 7 In this example, the transfer of material to the plasticizing unit 6 is achieved at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis 9 of the extruder. This is especially true when the two processing units 2 and 10 are in... Figure 7 It is particularly suitable when the two processing units 2, 10 are arranged opposite each other as shown in the figure. This allows for the opposite arrangement of the two processing units 2, 10 and their independent operation without a continuous axis, or in other words, without a support structure for one axis of the two processing units 2, 10 in the other axis.

[0126] Although not illustrated graphically, one approach could be considered whereby material transfer and... Figure 7 The examples in the middle similarly enter the plasticizing device 6 from above and from below, but the two processing units 2 and 10 are located on the same side of the plasticizing device 6.

[0127] Although not illustrated graphically, one approach could be considered whereby material transfer and... Figure 7 The example in the example similarly enters the plasticizing unit 6 from above and below, but the material transfer is achieved at different axial positions along the longitudinal axis 9 of the extruder. Such axially staggered material transfer can be achieved not only when the processing units 2 and 10 are arranged on the same side of the plasticizing unit 6, but also when they are arranged on opposite sides of the plasticizing unit.

[0128] To avoid unnecessary repetition, it is also noted here that... Figure 7 The arrangement structure can also be considered for combination with other embodiments, especially with... Figure 6 The embodiments are combined in various ways. Any combination of the embodiments is possible, and in particular, other processing units 28, 29 may be provided.

[0129] Another embodiment of processing device 1 is in Figures 8-12 It is displayed in different views and sectional views. Figure 8 and 10 These are side views. Figure 9 It is a top view, and Figure 11 and 12 They are pressed on Figure 10The oblique view of section line XI-XI in the diagram.

[0130] According to this embodiment, the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 12 are functionally configured as a dual shaft in the regions of the first conveying device 22 and the second conveying device 23, that is, they are essentially configured as a twin-screw conveyor.

[0131] It is also possible that the first shaft 4 has a larger shaft diameter in the region of the first conveying device 22 compared to the region of the first crushing device 15, and / or the second shaft 12 has a larger shaft diameter in the region of the second conveying device 23 compared to the region of the second crushing device 16.

[0132] Alternatively, the first shaft 4 may be rotatably supported in the first housing 3 in the region of the first crushing device 15, and the second shaft 12 may be rotatably supported in the second housing 11 in the region of the second crushing device 16, and the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 12 may be rotatably supported in a common housing 32 in the region of the first conveying device 22 and the region of the second conveying device 23, such that the first processing unit 2 and the second processing unit 10 are in fluid connection with the plasticizing device 6, and in particular, indirectly in fluid connection with the plasticizing device 6.

[0133] What is particularly advantageous here is that, viewed vertically, material transfer is achieved from both above and below. Such material transfer is, in principle, […]. Figures 8-12 As shown in the figure. When the first conveying device 22 and the second conveying device 23 are arranged in a dual-shaft configuration or have a twin-screw conveyor, the two processing units 2 and 10 are positioned on the same side of the plasticizing device 6.

[0134] Press Figures 8-12 In the embodiments shown, the two processing units 2, 10 have two structurally and functionally independent shredding devices 15, 16 on separate shafts 4, 12 within their respective housings 3, 11. Cutting tools can be mounted on these shredding devices 15, 16, and corresponding mating cutting tools can be mounted on the housings 3, 11. Furthermore, it is possible that each shredding device 15, 16 is independently supplied with material.

[0135] Immediately following the crushing devices 15 and 16 in the conveying direction, separate shafts 4 and 12 have combined conveying devices 22 and 23. The two shafts 4 and 12 in this conveying region have a conical diameter trend that increases in the conveying direction until they engage with each other. The diameter of the two shafts 4 and 12 thus increases when viewed in the conveying direction, and remains constant once the threads 30 and 31 are fully engaged when viewed in the radial direction. In this twin-screw conveying region, the two shafts 4 and 12 engage with each other.

[0136] Alternatively, one could consider that the diameters of the two shafts 4 and 12 are tapered in a conical shape within the material transfer region. This is... Figure 9 , 11 As described in section 12. Such a transition region with a decreasing diameter is particularly suitable when the transfer of material to the plasticizing device 6 is observed vertically from above and below. Figure 11 One embodiment is shown, featuring a tapered conveying component where the conveying threads no longer form in the tapering region. The conveying threads terminate in the cylindrical regions of the conveying device. Figure 12 The image shows a scheme with a tapered conveying component, where a conveying thread continues from the cylindrical region of the conveying device along the tapered region.

[0137] exist Figure 13 and 14 Another embodiment is shown. Here, material transfer is achieved from above to the plasticizing device via two processing units.

[0138] In principle, we can refer to the following: Figures 8-12 The description does not use graphics to illustrate a scheme that includes material transfer from below via two processing units, but it can be understood in terms of meaning. Figure 13 and 14 Exported from the diagram.

[0139] The various embodiments illustrate possible implementations. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, various combinations of the various embodiments are possible, and such variations are within the scope of skill of those skilled in the art due to the teachings of the technical treatment of the invention.

[0140] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the specification and drawings can be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can form inventive solutions that are themselves independent. The task that forms the basis of an independent inventive solution can be derived from the specification.

[0141] All data concerning the range in this specification should be understood as including any and all subdomains derived therefrom. For example, data 1 to 10 should be understood as including all subdomains starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, that is, all subdomains starting from the lower limit of 1 or greater and ending at the upper limit of 10 or less, such as 1 to 1.7, 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0142] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for better understanding of the structure, the components are shown partially out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

[0143] List of reference numerals

[0144] 1 Processing equipment

[0145] 2 First Processing Unit

[0146] 3 First shell

[0147] 4 First Axis

[0148] 5 First longitudinal axis

[0149] 6 Plasticizing Unit

[0150] 7 Extruder Housing

[0151] 8 Extruder Screw

[0152] 9 Extruder longitudinal axis

[0153] 10 Second Processing Unit

[0154] 11 Second shell

[0155] 12 Second Axis

[0156] 13 Second longitudinal axis

[0157] 14 drive units

[0158] 15 First fragmentation device

[0159] 16 Second fragmentation device

[0160] 17 Locking Devices

[0161] 18 control devices

[0162] 19 First row opening

[0163] 20 First filling opening

[0164] 21 Second discharge opening

[0165] 22 First Conveying Device

[0166] 23 Second Conveying Device

[0167] 24 protrusions

[0168] 25 concavities

[0169] 26 pass-through part

[0170] 27 Support Structure

[0171] 28 Other processing units

[0172] 29 Other processing units

[0173] 30 First thread

[0174] 31 Second thread

[0175] 32 Common shell

[0176] 33 Common discharge opening

[0177] 34 Second filling opening

[0178] 35 Filling Opening

Claims

1. A processing apparatus (1) for plastic materials, comprising: The first processing unit (2) includes a first housing (3) and a first shaft (4), the first shaft (4) extending along a first longitudinal axis (5), and the first shaft (4) being rotatably supported in the first housing (3); Plasticizing device (6), which includes an extruder housing (7) and at least one extruder screw (8) extending along the longitudinal axis (9) of the extruder and being rotatably supported in the extruder housing (7); In the conveying direction, the plasticizing device (6) is arranged following the first processing unit (2), and the first processing unit (2) is indirectly or directly connected to the plasticizing device (6). Its features are, A second processing unit (10) is configured, comprising a second housing (11) and a second shaft (12), the second shaft (12) extending along a second longitudinal axis (13), and the second shaft (12) being rotatably supported within the second housing (11); and In the conveying direction, the plasticizing device (6) is arranged following the second processing unit (10), and the second processing unit (10) is indirectly or directly flow-connected to the plasticizing device (6); and The plasticizing device (6) can be fed indirectly or directly by means of the first processing unit (2) and / or by means of the second processing unit (10).

2. The processing unit according to claim 1, wherein, The first longitudinal axis (5) is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (9) of the extruder, and / or the second longitudinal axis (13) is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (9) of the extruder.

3. The processing apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first longitudinal axis (5) and the second longitudinal axis (13) are coaxial.

4. The processing unit (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The first shaft (4) and the second shaft (12) are coupled to each other in a torsion-resistant manner.

5. The processing unit (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The first shaft (4) and the second shaft (12) are configured to rotate independently of each other.

6. The processing apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The second shaft (12) is configured as a hollow shaft, and the first shaft (4) is at least partially disposed within the second shaft (12).

7. The processing apparatus (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The second shaft (12) is at least partially disposed within the first shaft (4).

8. The processing apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first longitudinal axis (5) and the second longitudinal axis (13) are parallel to each other.

9. The processing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first processing unit (2) and the second processing unit (10) are disposed on the same side of the plasticizing device (6), or the first processing unit (2) and the second processing unit (10) are disposed on opposite sides of the plasticizing device (6).

10. The processing apparatus (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The first processing unit (2) and the second processing unit (10) are flow-connected to the plasticizing device (6) at correspondingly different positions offset from each other in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis (9) of the extruder.

11. The processing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A single drive unit (14) is configured to drive the first shaft (4) and the second shaft (12), or correspondingly, one drive unit (14) is configured to drive the first shaft (4) and another drive unit (14) is configured to drive the second shaft (12).

12. The processing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Viewed in the conveying direction, the first processing unit (2) is arranged following the first supply device, which is in a fluid connection with the first processing unit (2); and viewed in the conveying direction, the second processing unit (10) is arranged following the second supply device, which is in a fluid connection with the second processing unit (10).

13. The processing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first shaft (4) and the second shaft (12) are structurally identical, or the first shaft (4) and the second shaft (12) are constructed differently.

14. The processing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each locking device (17) is configured to separately lock the first shaft (4) and separately lock the second shaft (12).

15. The processing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A first shredding device (15) is formed on the first shaft (4), and / or a second shredding device (16) is formed on the second shaft (12), and / or a first conveying device (22) is formed on the first shaft (4), and / or a second conveying device (23) is formed on the second shaft (12).

16. The processing apparatus (1) according to claims 8 and 15, wherein, The first shaft (4) and the second shaft (12) are configured as a dual shaft in function in the regions of the first conveying device (22) and the second conveying device (23).

17. The processing apparatus (1) according to claim 16, wherein, The first shaft (4) has a larger shaft diameter in the region of the first conveying device (22) compared to the region of the first crushing device (15), and / or the second shaft (12) has a larger shaft diameter in the region of the second conveying device (23) compared to the region of the second crushing device (16).

18. The processing apparatus (1) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The first shaft (4) is rotatably supported in the first housing (3) in the region of the first crushing device (15), and the second shaft (12) is rotatably supported in the second housing (11) in the region of the second crushing device (16). The first shaft (4) and the second shaft (12) are rotatably supported in a common housing (32) in the region of the first conveying device (22) and the region of the second conveying device (23), such that the first processing unit (2) and the second processing unit (10) are in fluid connection with the plasticizing device (6), and in particular, indirectly in fluid connection with the plasticizing device (6).

19. The processing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first processing unit (2) is flow-connected to the first filling opening (20) in the extruder housing (7) of the plasticizing device (6) through the first discharge opening (19) in the first housing (3), the first discharge opening (19) being disposed on the lower side of the first housing (3) and the first filling opening (20) being disposed on the upper side of the extruder housing (7). and The second processing unit (10) is flow-connected to the second filling opening (34) in the extruder housing (7) of the plasticizing device (6) via a second discharge opening (21) in the second housing (11), the second discharge opening (21) being disposed on the upper side of the second housing (11) and the second filling opening (34) being disposed on the lower side of the extruder housing (7).

20. A method for processing plastic materials using the processing equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The plasticizing device (6) is supplied with material as needed by means of the first processing unit (2) and / or by means of the second processing unit (10).

Images