Granulation process

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pelletizing method. A cutting blade according to one embodiment includes an insert member including a blade tip configured to slide along a plate surface of a die plate having a hole formed therein to cut a material extruded onto the plate surface from the hole, and an insert portion having a first face and a second face opposite to the first face, the insert portion being connected to the blade tip, and a body portion configured to support the insert member by clamping the first and second faces.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202180081831.4, application date July 30, 2021, entitled "Cutting blade, granulation apparatus and method for manufacturing cutting blade". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a granulation method. Background Technology

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a cutting blade for cutting resin material extruded from a hole formed in a template.

[0004] Reference List Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H11-165316.

[0005] Technical issues When using the cutting blade disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to bond the hardened layer to the cutting blade by brazing to improve the durability of its tip. However, since the cutting blade needs to be heated to approximately 1000°C for brazing, its tip will deform. The manufacturing cost increases because additional machining is required to correct the deformation of the tip. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Other problems to be solved and novel features will become apparent from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] Solution to the problem According to one embodiment, a cutting blade includes: an insertion member having a blade tip configured to slide along a perforated plate surface of a template, whereby the blade tip cuts material extruded from the perforation onto the plate surface; the insertion member further includes an insertion portion having a first face and a second face opposite to the first face, the insertion portion being connected to the blade tip; and a body portion configured to support the insertion member by clamping the first face and the second face.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a cutting blade includes: an insertion member including a blade tip configured to slide along a perforated plate surface of a template, whereby the blade tip cuts material extruded from the perforation onto the plate surface; the insertion member further includes an insertion portion connected to the blade tip, the insertion member comprising metal as its material; and a body portion configured to support the insertion member by clamping the insertion portion, the body portion comprising at least one of resin, metal, and ceramic as its material.

[0009] A granulation apparatus according to one embodiment includes: the aforementioned cutting blade; a cutting blade holding portion, wherein the cutting blade is connected to the cutting blade holding portion; and the aforementioned template.

[0010] A method for manufacturing a cutting blade according to one embodiment includes: an insert member preparation step: preparing an insert member including a blade tip configured to slide along a perforated plate surface of a template, whereby the blade tip cuts material extruded from the perforation onto the plate surface; the insert member further includes an insertion portion having a first face and a second face opposite to the first face, the insertion portion being connected to the blade tip; a body part preparation step: preparing a body part; and Installation steps: Install the insertion member onto the body portion, such that the insertion member is supported in such a way that the first surface and the second surface are clamped in the body portion.

[0011] A method for manufacturing a cutting blade according to one embodiment includes: an insert member preparation step: preparing an insert member including a blade tip configured to slide along a perforated plate surface of a template, whereby the blade tip cuts material extruded from the perforation onto the plate surface; the insert member further including an insertion portion connected to the blade tip, the insert member comprising metal as its material; an insert member arrangement step: arranging the insert member in a cavity of a mold; and an insert molding step: filling the cavity with a material comprising at least one of molten resin, molten metal, and ceramic powder, curing the material, and thereby supporting the insert member by clamping the insertion portion; and molding a body portion comprising at least one of resin, metal, and ceramic as its material; and a removal step: removing the cutting blade comprising the insert member and the body portion from the mold.

[0012] Beneficial effects of the present invention According to the above embodiments, a cutting blade, a granulation device, and a method for manufacturing a cutting blade can be provided that can reduce manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating an example of a granulation apparatus using a cutting blade according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an example of a template in a granulation apparatus using a cutting blade according to a first embodiment; Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of a cutting blade according to the first embodiment; Figure 4 This is a side view showing an example of a cutting blade according to the first embodiment; Figure 5This is a front view showing an example of a cutting blade according to the first embodiment; Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a cutting blade according to the first embodiment; Figure 7 This is a side view showing an example of the body portion of the cutting blade according to the first embodiment; Figure 8 This is a side view showing an example of an insertion member for a cutting blade according to the first embodiment; Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a cutting blade according to a first embodiment, wherein an insertion member is mounted in a groove in the body portion; Figure 10 An example is shown of the installation step of mounting the insert member to the body portion in the method for manufacturing a cutting blade according to the first embodiment; Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a cutting blade according to the first embodiment, wherein insert molding is performed; Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing an example of a cutting blade according to the second embodiment; Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a cutting blade according to the second embodiment; Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing an example of a cutting blade according to a third embodiment; and Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a cutting blade according to a third embodiment. Specific Implementation For clarity, the following descriptions and figures have been appropriately omitted and simplified. Furthermore, in all figures, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or corresponding parts, and redundant descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0015] (First embodiment) A cutting blade according to the first embodiment and a method for manufacturing the cutting blade will be described. First, a granulation apparatus will be described as an example of a device using a cutting blade. Thereafter, a cutting blade and a method for manufacturing the cutting blade will be described.

[0016] Underwater granulation device Figure 1 This is a structural diagram illustrating an example of a granulation apparatus using a cutting blade according to a first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an example of a template in a granulation apparatus using a cutting blade according to a first embodiment. Figure 1 An exploded view of a portion of the granulation apparatus is shown within the frame.

[0017] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the granulation device is, for example, an underwater granulation device 200. The underwater granulation device 200 is connected to the downstream side of the extrusion device 100. The extrusion device 100 includes a drive unit 101, a reducer 102, a barrel 103, and a screw 104. The drive unit 101, for example, a motor, transmits its rotation, regulated by the reducer 102, to the screw 104. Thus, the screw 104 is rotated within the barrel 103 by the regulated power source of the drive unit 101.

[0018] Material 206, fed from a predetermined portion of cylinder 103 into cylinder 103, is extruded through a rotating screw 104 to the underwater granulation apparatus 200. The conveyed material 206 is, for example, a resin material. The extrusion apparatus 100, for example, plasticizes and mixes the resin material by heating it within cylinder 103 and by rotating the screw 104, and extrudes the plasticized and mixed resin material as molten resin into the underwater granulation apparatus 200.

[0019] The underwater granulation apparatus 200 includes a template 201, a cutting edge holder 202, and a drive unit 203. The template 201 and the cutting edge holder 202 are disposed underwater. The template 201 has a plate surface 204. A plurality of holes 205 are formed in the plate surface 204. Material 206 extruded by a rotating screw 104 is extruded from the holes 205 formed in the plate surface 204 onto the plate surface 204. The material 206 extruded onto the plate surface 204 is, for example, molten resin. Figure 2 In order to simplify the accompanying drawings, only some of the holes 205 and some of the material 206 extruded from them are indicated by reference numerals.

[0020] Template 201 and plate surface 204 have a central axis C. A cutting blade holder 202 is positioned opposite to template 201. The cutting blade holder 202 rotates about the central axis C via a power source from drive unit 203. The cutting blade holder 202 holds a plurality of cutting blades 1. Figure 1 In order to simplify the accompanying drawings, only some of the cutting edges 1 are indicated by reference numerals.

[0021] For example, the cutting blades 1 are held (i.e. positioned) at equal intervals on the periphery of the circular cutting blade holder 202. Furthermore, as the cutting blade holder 202 rotates, each cutting blade 1 slides on the plate surface 204. Each cutting blade 1 slides along the plate surface 204, thereby cutting multiple pieces of material 206 extruded from the holes 205 onto the plate surface 204. For example, multiple pieces of molten resin extruded from the holes 205 onto the plate surface 204 are cut by the cutting blades 1. The multiple cut pieces of molten resin solidify underwater and become resin particles.

[0022] <Cutting blade> Next, the cutting edge 1 will be described. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of the cutting blade 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 This is a side view showing an example of the cutting blade 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 This is a front view showing an example of the cutting blade 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the cutting blade 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 This is a side view showing an example of the body portion of the cutting blade 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 This is a side view showing an example of an insertion member for a cutting blade according to the first embodiment. Figures 3 to 8 As shown, the cutting blade 1 includes a body portion 110 and an insertion member 140. The body portion 110 supports the insertion member 140 by clamping the insertion member 140 therein.

[0023] Note that an XYZ orthogonal axis system is introduced to explain the cutting blade 1. With the cutting blade 1 placed on the plate surface 204, the direction perpendicular to the plate surface 204 is defined as the Z-axis direction. The +Z-axis direction is referred to as "upper," and the -Z-axis direction is referred to as "lower." The terms "upper" and "lower" are used only to explain the cutting blade 1 and do not necessarily indicate the direction when the actual cutting blade 1 is used. The direction in which the tip of the cutting blade 1 extends is defined as the Y-direction. The direction perpendicular to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions is defined as the X-axis direction. The various components / structures of the body portion 110 of the cutting blade 1 and the insertion member 140 will be described below. Note that for the sake of simplicity, some component / structure reference numerals (or symbols) have been omitted.

[0024] <Main part> The body portion 110 includes a mounting portion 111 and a peak portion 115. The mounting portion 111 and the peak portion 115 are connected to each other in the Y-axis direction. As its material, the body portion 110 may contain, for example, metal, such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the body portion 110 may contain, for example, resin, such as heat-resistant resin. Note that the material of the body portion 110 is not limited to materials containing metal or resin, but may be materials containing ceramics, materials containing fibers, or resins containing fillers.

[0025] The mounting portion 111 is fixed to the cutting blade retaining portion 202, which transmits power to slide the cutting blade 1 along the plate surface 204. The mounting portion 111 is formed, for example, on the portion of the body portion 110 in the -Y axis direction. The mounting portion 111 has, for example, a quadrangular prism shape and has a bottom surface 111a, a top surface 111b, a front surface 111c, and a rear surface 111f. The bottom surface 111a is the surface in the -Z axis direction, and the top surface 111b is the surface in the +Z axis direction. The front surface 111c is the surface in the -X axis direction, and the rear surface 111f is the surface in the +X axis direction.

[0026] A hole 113 is formed in the mounting portion 111 for fixing the mounting portion 111 to the cutting edge retaining portion 202. The number of holes 113 may be one or more. The hole 113 extends from the top surface 111b to the bottom surface 111a. For example, the cutting edge 1 is fixed to the cutting edge retaining portion 202 by inserting a bolt into the hole 113 in the mounting portion 111 and the hole formed in the cutting edge retaining portion 202. Note that structures other than the hole 113 may be formed in the mounting portion 111, as long as they can be used to fix the mounting portion 111 to the cutting edge retaining portion 202.

[0027] A groove 114 for retaining the insertion member 140 can be formed in the mounting portion 111. The groove 114 is formed, for example, in the front face 111c on the X-axis direction side of the mounting portion 111. The groove 114 extends in the Y-axis direction in the front face 111c. That is, the opening of the groove 114 in the front face 111c extends along the Y-axis direction. The groove 114 is formed from the opening in the front face 111c along the +X-axis direction. The bottom of the groove 114 is opposite to the rear face 111f. The groove 114 can extend to the end face 111g on the Y-axis direction side of the mounting portion 111. In other words, the groove 114 can be formed in both the front face 111c and the end face 111g. Therefore, the opening of the groove 114 extends to both the front face 111c and the end face 111g. The opening of the groove 114 in the end face 111g extends along the X-axis direction.

[0028] The peak portion 115 is formed, for example, on the +Y axis direction side of the body portion 110. Thus, the peak portion 115 is connected to the +Y axis direction side of the mounting portion 111. The peak portion 115 extends, for example, in the Y axis direction. The peak portion 115 has a top surface 115b, a front surface 115c, a recessed surface 115e, and a rear surface 115f. The top surface 115b is the surface on the +Z axis direction side, the front surface 115c is the surface on the -X axis direction side, the recessed surface 115e is the surface on the -Z axis direction side, and the rear surface 115f is the surface on the +X axis direction side. The peak portion 115 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Y axis direction, wherein the top surface 115b, the front surface 115c, the recessed surface 115e, and the rear surface 115f are its peripheral surfaces.

[0029] The upper surface 115b is flush with the upper surface 111b of the mounting portion 111, for example. A groove 114 for holding the insertion member 140 is formed in the front surface 115c. That is, the groove 114 of the mounting portion 111 is also formed in the peak portion 115. The groove 114 extends in the front surface 115c in the Y-axis direction. That is, the opening of the groove 114 in the front surface 115c extends along the Y-axis direction. The groove 114 is formed (i.e. extends) from the opening in the front surface 115c along the +X-axis direction. The bottom of the groove 114 is opposite to the rear surface 115f. The groove 114 can extend to the end face 115g on the +Y-axis direction side of the peak portion 115. That is, the groove 114 can be formed in both the front surface 115c and the end face 115g. Therefore, the opening of the groove 114 extends to both the front surface 115c and the end face 115g. The opening of the groove 114 in the end face 115g extends along the X-axis direction.

[0030] <Insert Component> The insertion member 140 includes a cutting edge 120 and an insertion portion 130. The cutting edge 120 and the insertion portion 130 are, for example, plate-like elements. The insertion portion 130 is connected to the cutting edge 120. Specifically, the insertion portion 130 is connected to the end of the cutting edge 120 opposite to its cutting edge. The cutting edge 120 and the insertion portion 130 are connected to form an obtuse angle. For example, when viewed along the Y-axis, the cutting edge 120 and the insertion portion 130 may form an obtuse angle of 130°.

[0031] The insertion member 140, including the blade tip 120 and the insertion portion 130, can be formed as a single integral component, or it can be integrated by joining the blade tip 120 to the insertion portion 130. The insertion member 140 may include a hardened layer, such as TiC cermet as its material. Note that the insertion member 140 is not limited to materials containing TiC cermet as a component, but may contain other metals, ceramics, or resins. For example, the insertion member 140 may contain a metal such as stainless steel.

[0032] Furthermore, the tip 120 and the insertion portion 130 of the insertion member 140 may be made of different materials. For example, the tip 120 may be made of TiC cermet, and the insertion portion 130 may be made of a material containing metal, a material containing resin, a material containing ceramic, a material containing fibers, or a resin containing fillers.

[0033] The cutting edge 120 is a portion that slides on the plate surface 204. The cutting edge 120 slides along the plate surface 204 of the template 201, which has holes 205 formed therein, thereby cutting multiple pieces of material 206 extruded from the holes 205 onto the plate surface 204. The cutting edge 120 is, for example, a plate-like element extending along the Y-axis direction. When the portion of the cutting edge 120 connected to the insertion portion 130 is referred to as the connecting surface 120d, the cutting edge 120 includes a sliding surface 120a, an inclined surface 120c, a connecting surface 120d, and a cutting surface 120e. The cutting edge 120 is, for example, a plate-like element extending along the Y-axis direction, wherein the inclined surface 120c and the cutting surface 120e are its plate surfaces, and the sliding surface 120a and the connecting surface 120d are its end faces.

[0034] The sliding surface 120a slides on the plate surface 204. As the sliding surface 120a slides on the plate surface 204, multiple pieces of material 206 extruded from the hole 205 onto the plate surface 204 are cut by a cutting edge. The sliding surface 20a is shaped to conform to the shape of the plate surface 204, allowing it to slide on the plate surface 204. When the plate surface 204 is planar (i.e., flat), the sliding surface 20a is also planar (i.e., flat). When the plate surface 204 is curved, the sliding surface 20a bends in accordance with the curvature of the plate surface 204.

[0035] The sliding surface 120a is flush with the bottom surface 111a of the mounting portion 111 in the body portion 110. Therefore, the bottom surface 111a of the body portion 110 is flush with the sliding surface 120a. As a result, the insert member 140 can be easily positioned (i.e., aligned). For example, when the insert member 140 is inserted into the body portion 110, the insert member 140 can be easily aligned with the body portion 110. Furthermore, when insert molding is performed, the insert member 140 can be easily positioned (or aligned) within the mold.

[0036] The inclined surface 120c is inclined relative to the sliding surface 120a. For example, the inclined surface 120c is inclined at 50 degrees relative to the sliding surface 120a. The cutting edge is formed by the sliding surface 120a and the inclined surface 120c. That is, the angle between the sliding surface 120a and the inclined surface 120c forms the cutting edge.

[0037] The cut-in surface 120e is the surface opposite to the inclined surface 120c. The cut-in surface 120e can be bent into a concave shape, for example. The cut-in surface 120e can be smoothly connected to the cut-in surface 112e. In addition, the cut-in surface 120e contacts the portion of the peak 115 located below the groove 114 in the front end 115c.

[0038] The insertion portion 130 is, for example, a plate-shaped element. The insertion portion 130 extends along the Y-axis direction. When the portion of the insertion portion 130 connected to the tip 120 of the blade is referred to as the connecting surface 130d, the insertion portion 130 includes a first surface 130a, a second surface 130b, the connecting surface 130d, and an edge surface 130e. The first surface 130a faces the -Z-axis direction. The second surface 130b faces the +Z-axis direction. Therefore, the second surface 130b is opposite to the first surface 130a. The edge surface 130e is connected to the periphery of the first surface 130a and the periphery of the second surface 130b. The insertion portion 130 is a plate-shaped element extending along the Y-axis direction, the first and second surfaces 130a and 130b are its plate surfaces, and the edge surface 130e and the connecting surface 130d are its end faces.

[0039] An insertion portion 130 is disposed within a groove 114 of the body portion 110. The body portion 110 supports the insertion member 140 by clamping the insertion portion 130 therein. Therefore, the peak portion 115 has a groove 114 in which the insertion portion 130 is clamped. Note that both the peak portion 115 and the mounting portion 111 may have a groove 114 in which the insertion portion 130 is clamped. For example, the body portion 110 may support the insertion member 140 by clamping the first and second surfaces 130a and 130b therein. The edge surface 130e opposite to the portion of the insertion portion 130 that connects to the tip of the cutting edge 20 contacts the bottom surface of the groove 14 of the body portion 10. Furthermore, the peak portion 115 of the body portion 110 may contact the insertion portion 130 in the groove 114, and the portion of the peak portion 115 located below the groove 114 at the front end 115c may contact the tip of the cutting edge 120.

[0040] The insertion portion 130 can extend into the groove 114 of the mounting portion 111. In this case, a hole 133 can be formed in the insertion portion 130. The hole 133 can communicate with the hole 113 (i.e., can be aligned with the hole 113), and the insertion portion 130 can be fixed to the cutting blade retaining portion 202 by bolts. When the insertion member 140 is inserted into the body portion 110, they can be configured such that the insertion member 140 inserted into the body portion 110 can be replaced with a new insertion member.

[0041] <Methods for manufacturing cutting blades> Next, a method for manufacturing the cutting edge 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The cutting edge 1 can be manufactured by separately forming a body portion 110 and an insert member 140, and then installing the insert member 140 into a groove 114 of the body portion 110. Alternatively, the cutting edge 1 can be manufactured by insert molding. Specifically, in insert molding, the cutting edge 1 is manufactured by placing the insert member 140 in a mold and filling and curing molten resin in the mold. In this case, the body portion 110 may contain resin as its material. Note that when insert molding is performed, the molding is not limited to resin molding (including molding of resin and filler), but can be metal molding or ceramic molding. The manufacturing method of installing the insert member 140 into the groove 114 of the body portion 110 and the manufacturing method using insert molding will be described below.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a cutting blade according to the first embodiment, wherein an insertion member 140 is mounted in a groove 114 of the body portion 110. (As...) Figure 9 As shown, the method for manufacturing the cutting edge 1 by installing the insertion member 140 in the groove 114 of the body portion 110 includes an insertion member preparation step (step S11), a body portion preparation step (step S12), and an installation step (step S13). Note that the order of the insertion member preparation step and the body portion preparation step can be interchanged. That is, the body portion preparation step can be performed in step S11, and the insertion member preparation step can be performed in step S12.

[0043] First, as shown in step S11, the insert member 140 is prepared in the insert member preparation step. The insert member 140 can be formed by injection molding or by using a 3D (three-dimensional) printer. The insert member 140 can contain metal, resin (which may contain fillers), or ceramic, such as TiC cermet, as its material. The insert member 140 is shaped to include a blade tip 120 and an insertion portion 130.

[0044] The blade tip 120 slides along the plate surface 204 of the template 201, the plate surface 204 having holes 205 formed therein, thereby cutting off multiple pieces of material 206 extruded from the holes 205 onto the plate surface 204. An insert 130 is connected to the blade tip 120.

[0045] In the insertion member preparation step, the insertion portion 130 may have a first surface 130a and a second surface 130b opposite to the first surface 130a. Furthermore, the insertion portion 130 may have edge surfaces 130e connected to the periphery of the first surface 130a and the periphery of the second surface 130b. The cutting edge 120 may have a sliding surface 120a that slides on the plate surface 204. The cutting edge 120 and the insertion portion 130 of the insertion member 140 may comprise metal, resin (which may contain fillers), or ceramic, such as TiC cermet, as materials distinct from each other.

[0046] Next, as shown in step S12, the body part 110 is prepared in the body part preparation step. The body part 110 can be formed by injection molding or by using a 3D printer. In the body part preparation step, the body part 110 can contain metal, resin (which may contain fillers), or ceramic as its material. The body part 110 may have a bottom surface 111a. In addition, the body part 110 may include a mounting part 111 and a peak part 115 connected to the cutting edge holding part 202, the mounting part 111 transmitting power for sliding the cutting edge 1 along the plate surface 204. In addition, the body part 110 may have a groove 114. For example, the peak part 115 and the mounting part 111 may have a groove 114, in which the insertion part 130 is held.

[0047] Figure 10 An example of the installation steps of installing the insertion member 140 to the body portion 110 in the method for manufacturing the cutting blade 1 according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0048] Next, as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown in step S13, in the installation step, the insertion member 140 is installed onto the body portion 110. Specifically, the insertion member 140 is installed onto the body portion 110 such that the insertion member 140 is supported such that the first surface 130a and the second surface 130b of the insertion portion 130 are clamped therein. For example, the insertion portion 130 is inserted into the groove 114 such that the first and second surfaces 130a and 130b are clamped in the groove 114. The edge surface 130e opposite to the portion of the insertion portion 130 that connects to the cutting edge 120 can contact the body portion 110 at the bottom of the groove 114. Furthermore, the peak portion 115 can contact the cutting surface 120e of the cutting edge 120 in the front end 115c. Holes 113 and 133 can be connected to each other (i.e., aligned) so that the above components are fixed by bolts.

[0049] The insertion member 140 can be installed onto the body portion 110 in such a way that the insertion member 140 can be replaced with a new insertion member. For example, when the insertion member 140 is installed onto the body portion 110, the insertion member 140 is installed onto the body portion 110 using bolts. Furthermore, the body portion 110 can be connected in such a way that the body portion 110 has a bottom surface 111a that is flush with the sliding surface 120a. Specifically, the bottom surface 111a of the mounting portion 111 is mounted such that the bottom surface 111a is flush with the sliding surface 120a. Through the above process, the cutting blade 1 can be manufactured.

[0050] <Method for Manufacturing Cutting Blades Using Insert Molding> Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a cutting blade according to the first embodiment, wherein insert molding is performed. Figure 11 As shown, the method for manufacturing the cutting blade 1 by performing insert molding includes: an insert member preparation step (step S21); an insert member arrangement step (step S22) in which the insert member 140 is arranged in the cavity of the mold; an insert molding step (step S23) in which insert molding is performed by filling the cavity with a material comprising at least one of molten resin, molten metal and ceramic powder and solidifying the filled material; and a removal step (step S24) in which the cutting blade 1 is removed from the mold.

[0051] First, such as Figure 11 As shown in step S21, the insertion member 140 is prepared in the insertion member preparation step. Step S21 is similar to... Figure 9 Step S11. Note that in the case of insert molding, the insert member 140 preferably contains metal as its material.

[0052] Then, as shown in step S22, the insertion member 140 is arranged in the cavity of the mold in the insertion member arrangement step.

[0053] Then, as shown in step S23, a material comprising at least one of molten resin, molten metal, and ceramic powder is filled into the cavity of the mold in which the insert member 140 is arranged, and the filled material is cured in the insert molding step. Insert molding is performed in this manner. Through insert molding, the insert member 140 is supported by clamping the insert portion 130 in the middle, and the body portion 110, which comprises at least one of resin, metal, and ceramic as its material, is formed.

[0054] Next, as shown in step S24, in the removal step, the cutting blade 1, including the insertion member 140 and the body portion 110, is removed from the mold. Through the above process, the cutting blade 1 can be manufactured.

[0055] Next, before explaining the effects of the above embodiments, a comparative example will be described. Thereafter, the beneficial effects of the above embodiments will be described, and compared with the beneficial effects of the comparative example.

[0056] (Comparative example) For example, as a comparative example, in the case of the cutting blade disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to improve the durability of its cutting tip by brazing the hardened layer to the cutting blade. However, since the cutting blade needs to be heated to about 1000°C for brazing, its cutting tip deforms. Because additional machining is required to correct the deformation of the cutting tip, the manufacturing cost increases.

[0057] Furthermore, because brazing must be carried out in a furnace, workers cannot witness the entire process. Therefore, no direct work related to the quality of the brazed parts can be performed, making it difficult to control the yield rate of brazed parts.

[0058] Furthermore, since the hardened layer of the copper solder does not peel off even when heated to high temperatures, the hardened layer, worn down by friction, cannot be replaced. Therefore, the cutting edge must be scrapped after a period of use, thus increasing manufacturing costs.

[0059] The effects of this embodiment will then be explained. According to this embodiment, the cutting blade 1 supports the insert member 140 by clamping it within the body portion 110. Therefore, heating the insert member 140 and the body portion 110 (which is necessary in the case of brazing) is unnecessary, thus preventing deformation. As a result, no additional machining is required, which would otherwise necessitate correcting deformation of the insert member 140 and the body portion 110, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs.

[0060] When the body portion 110 contains resin as its material, the weight of the cutting blade 1 can be reduced. As a result, the electrical power consumed during the operation of the granulation device can be reduced.

[0061] When the insert member 140 is arranged in the cavity of the mold and the cutting blade 1 is manufactured by insert molding, inexpensive resin can be used as raw material, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0062] The sliding surface 120a of the cutting edge tip 120 and the bottom surface 111a of the body portion 110 can be flush with each other. This allows the cutting edge 1 to slide without resistance on the plate surface 204. Furthermore, when the insert member 140 is installed into the body portion 110, the insert member 140 can be easily aligned with the body portion 110. For example, the body portion 110 and the insert member 140 can be aligned with each other on flat surfaces and can be joined together. Moreover, in the case of insert molding, when the insert member 140 is arranged in the cavity of the mold, the insert member 140 can be easily positioned (or aligned).

[0063] The groove 114 is continuously formed from the mounting portion 111 to the peak 115 in the body portion 110, and the insertion portion 130 is held therein by the mounting portion 111 and the peak 115. In this way, the insertion member 140 can be firmly supported. Furthermore, since the insertion member is supported by holding the first surface 130a and the second surface 130b of the insertion portion 130 in the middle, the insertion member 140 can be firmly supported. The edge surface 130e of the insertion portion 130 contacts the bottom surface of the groove 114 in the body portion 110. As a result, the insertion member 140 can be supported more firmly.

[0064] (Second Embodiment) Next, the cutting blade according to the second embodiment will be described. The shape of the insertion portion of the insertion member of the cutting blade according to this embodiment is different from the shape in the first embodiment. Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing an example of the cutting blade 2 according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the cutting blade 2 according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 and 13 As shown, the cutting blade 2 according to this embodiment includes a body portion 210 and an insertion member 240.

[0065] <Main part> The body portion 210 includes a mounting portion 211 and a peak portion 215. The mounting portion 211 and the peak portion 215 are connected to each other in the Y-axis direction. The mounting portion 211 is formed, for example, on the portion of the body portion 210 in the Y-axis direction. The mounting portion 211 has, for example, a quadrangular prism shape and has a bottom surface 211a, a top surface 211b, a front surface 211c, and a rear surface 211f. A hole 213 for fixing the cutting blade 2 to the cutting blade holding portion 202 is formed in the mounting portion 211. Compared with the first embodiment, no groove for holding the insertion member 240 is formed in the mounting portion 211. That is, neither the front surface 211c nor the end surface 211g has a groove.

[0066] The peak 215 is formed, for example, in the portion of the body portion 210 on the +Y axis direction side. Thus, the peak 215 is connected to the +Y axis direction side of the mounting portion 211. The peak 215 has a top surface 215b, a front surface 215c, a recessed surface 215e, and a rear surface 215f. A groove 214 for retaining the insertion member 240 is formed in the front surface 215c. The groove 214 extends along the Y axis direction in the front surface 215c. That is, the opening of the groove 214 in the front surface 215c extends along the Y axis direction. The groove 214 is formed (i.e., extends) from the opening in the front surface 215c along the +X axis direction. The bottom of the groove 214 is opposite to the rear surface 215f. As described above, in this embodiment, the groove 214 is formed in the front surface 215c of the peak 215. Furthermore, the groove 214 does not need to be formed in the end face 215g of the peak 215.

[0067] The insertion member 240 includes a cutting edge 220 and an insertion portion 230. The cutting edge 220 has a sliding surface 220a, an inclined surface 220c, a connecting surface 220d, and a digging surface 220e. The insertion portion 230 has a first surface 230a, a second surface 230b, a connecting surface 230d, and an edge surface 230e. In this embodiment, the insertion portion 230 is arranged within a groove 214 of the peak portion 215. Unlike the first embodiment, the insertion portion 230 does not extend to the mounting portion 211. The remaining construction of the cutting blade 2 according to this embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment. Furthermore, except that the shapes of the groove 214 and the insertion portion 230 differ from those in the first embodiment, the method for manufacturing the cutting blade 2 according to this embodiment is similar to that according to the first embodiment.

[0068] According to the cutting blade 2 of this embodiment, since the size of the insertion portion 230 can be reduced, manufacturing costs can be reduced when a metal such as TiC cermet is used for the insertion portion 230. Furthermore, the weight of the cutting blade 2 can be further reduced, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0069] (Third embodiment) Next, the cutting blade according to the third embodiment will be described. The shape of the tip of the blade of the insertion member of the cutting blade according to this embodiment is different from that in the first and second embodiments. Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing an example of the cutting blade 3 according to the third embodiment. Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the cutting blade 3 according to the third embodiment. Figure 14 and 15 As shown, the cutting blade 3 according to this embodiment includes a body portion 310 and an insertion member 340.

[0070] <Main part> The body portion 310 includes a mounting portion 311 and a peak portion 315. The mounting portion 311 and the peak portion 315 are connected to each other in the Y-axis direction. The mounting portion 311 is formed, for example, on the Y-axis side of the body portion 310. The mounting portion 311 has, for example, a quadrangular prism shape and has a bottom surface 311a, a top surface 311b, a front surface 311c, and a rear surface 311f. A hole 313 for connecting the cutting blade 3 to the cutting blade holding portion 202 is formed in the mounting portion 311. Compared with the first embodiment, no groove for holding the insertion member 340 is formed in the mounting portion 311. That is, neither the front surface 311c nor the end surface 311g has a groove.

[0071] The peak portion 315 is formed, for example, in the portion of the body portion 310 on the +Y axis direction side. Thus, the peak portion 315 is connected to the mounting portion 311 on the +Y axis direction side. The peak portion 315 has a top surface 315b, a front surface 315c, a bottom surface 315h, and a rear surface 315f. Unlike the first and second embodiments, no groove for retaining the insertion member 240 is formed in the peak portion 315. Therefore, neither the front surface 315c nor its end face 315g of the peak portion 315 has a groove. Furthermore, unlike the first and second embodiments, the peak portion 315 does not have a recessed surface, but instead has a bottom surface 315h. Furthermore, a stepped surface 316 is formed in the bottom surface 315h.

[0072] The stepped surface 316 is more recessed in the +Z axis direction than the lower surface 315h (i.e., the recess extends beyond the lower surface 315h). The lower surface 315h surrounds the stepped surface 316 in a U-shape, with its side facing the -X axis direction being open. The lower surface 315h extends in the X-axis direction on the +Y axis direction side of the stepped surface 316, extends in the Y-axis direction on the +X axis direction side of the stepped surface 316, and extends in the X-axis direction on the -Y axis direction side of the stepped surface 316.

[0073] The insertion member 340 includes a cutting edge 320 and an insertion portion 330. The cutting edge 320 has a sliding surface 220a, an inclined surface 320c, a connecting surface 320d, and a digging surface 320e. The insertion portion 330 has a first surface 330a, a second surface 330b, a connecting surface 330d, and an edge surface 330e. In this embodiment, the second surface 330b of the insertion portion 330 contacts the stepped surface 316 of the peak portion 315. For example, the second surface 330b of the insertion portion 330 can engage with the stepped surface 316 of the peak portion 315. Furthermore, the steps on the +Y axis direction side and the -Y axis direction side of the peak portion 315 can clamp the insertion portion 330 therebetween in the Y axis direction. Thus, the body portion 310 supports the insertion member 340 by clamping the insertion portion 330 therebetween in the Y axis direction.

[0074] The remaining structure of the cutting blade 3 according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, except that the shapes of the peak 315, the blade tip 320, and the insertion portion 330 differ from those in the first and second embodiments, the method for manufacturing the cutting blade 3 according to this embodiment is similar to that according to the first and second embodiments.

[0075] According to the cutting blade 3 of this embodiment, since the size of the blade tip 320 can be reduced, manufacturing costs can be reduced when metal, such as TiC cermet, is used in the blade tip 320. Furthermore, the weight of the cutting blade 3 can be further reduced, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0076] The invention described above by the inventors of this application has been specifically illustrated with reference to the embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is self-evident that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0077] This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application 2020-214766, filed on December 24, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0078] List of reference numerals Cutting blades 1, 2, and 3 110, 210, 310 Main body part Installation Departments 111, 211, and 311 111a, 211a, 311a bottom surface Above 111b, 211b, and 311b Before 111c, 211c, and 311c After 111f, 211f, 311f 111g, 211g, 311g end face Holes 113, 213, and 313 114, 214 trenches Peaks 115, 215, and 315 Above 115b, 215b, and 315b 115c, 215c, 315c (previous) 115e and 215e excavation faces 115f, 215f, 315f and later 115g, 215g, 315g end face 120, 220, 320 blade top 120a, 220a, 320a sliding surfaces 120°C, 220°C, 320°C inclined surfaces 120d, 220d, 320d connection surfaces 120e, 220e, 320e excavation faces Insertion sections 130, 230, and 330 130a, 230a, 330a First Page 130b, 230b, 330b Second Page 130d, 230d, 330d connection surfaces 130e, 230e, 330e edge surfaces 133 holes Insert components at 140, 240, and 340. 100 Extrusion Unit 101 Drive Unit 102 Reducer 103 tubes 104 screw 200 Underwater Granulation Unit 201 Template 202 Cutting edge retainer 203 Drive Unit 204 stainless steel board surface 205 holes 206 Materials 315h below 316 Step Surface

Claims

1. A granulation method, comprising: Prepare a template having a board surface on which holes are formed; Prepare the cutting blade, which has a blade tip; The cutting blade is installed into the cutting blade retainer; By sliding the cutting blade along the plate surface, the material extruded from the hole onto the plate surface is cut off; The cutting blade has: an insertion member having a blade tip and an insertion portion, the blade tip being configured to slide along a perforated plate surface of the template, thereby cutting material extruded from the perforation onto the plate surface, the insertion portion having a first face and a second face opposite to the first face, the insertion portion being connected to the blade tip; and a body portion configured to support the insertion member by clamping the first surface and the second surface. The blade tip has a sliding surface configured to slide on the plate surface, and the body portion has a bottom surface flush with the sliding surface.

2. The granulation method according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes: removing and replacing the insert member with the worn blade tip from the body portion.

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