Cutting device, in particular for micro-shredders, continuous micro-shredders, cutters and the like.

Abstract

Cutting device (10), in particular for micro-shredders, continuous micro-shredders, cutters and the like, with at least one stationary perforated plate (20) having an inner circumference (21) and with a spacer ring (30) which can be detachably arranged on the inner circumference of the perforated plate (20) and which can be driven in a rotatable manner and which has one or more projections (31) with which it can interact with the inner circumference (21) of the perforated plate (20), characterized by that the perforated plate (20) has on its inner circumference (21) a circumferential groove (25) which is formed integrally with the perforated plate (20), and that the spacer ring (30) is arranged in the perforated plate (20) such that the projections (31) dip into the groove (25) on the inner circumference (21) of the spacer ring (30), so that the spacer ring (30) is rotatably mounted in the perforated plate (20), that the perforated plate (20) has at least one recess (23) and that for mounting the spacer ring (30) in the perforated plate (20), the recess (23) on the perforated plate (20) is aligned with one or more of the projections (31) of the spacer ring (30) and the projection (31) can be brought into the groove (25) on the inner circumference (21) of the perforated plate (20) or that the spacer ring (30) has at least one groove (32) on each of its projections (31), that the perforated plate (20) has on its inner circumference (21) a circumferential rib (22) which is formed integrally with the perforated plate (20), and that the spacer ring (30) is arranged in the perforated plate (20) such that the circumferential rib (22) of the perforated plate (20) dips into the grooves (32) on the projections (31), so that the spacer ring (30) is rotatably mounted in the perforated plate (20), that the perforated plate (20) has at least one recess (23) and that for mounting the spacer ring (30) in the perforated plate (20), the recess (23) on the perforated plate (20) is aligned with one of the projections (36) of the spacer ring (30) and the rib (22) on the inner circumference (21) of the perforated plate (20) is immersed in the grooves (32) of the projections (31).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cutting device of the type mentioned in the preamble, particularly for use in a micro-shredder, also called a cutter, or a continuous micro-shredder, also called a continuous cutter. Such cutting devices are used particularly in the meat processing industry, but also in other areas of food preparation and comminution, especially for products to be emulsified, such as baby food, etc., as well as in other industries.

[0002] During operation of the efiber or continuous efiber shredder, the material to be shredded is pressed against the cutting set by a screw conveyor or other conveying device, such as a vacuum. In the case of an efiber shredder, this consists of several fixed perforated plates and rotating perforated discs. There are also efiber shredders that have knives in addition to the perforated plates and discs. When producing fine sausage meat, the perforated plates and discs of the efiber shredder must have particularly fine holes and should wear as little as possible during operation.

[0003] In a typical micro-shredder, stationary perforated plates and rotating perforated discs are arranged alternately to produce sausage meat of varying degrees of fineness. For this purpose, the stationary perforated plates are equipped with a spacer ring that rotates on the perforated plate and moves with the rotating perforated discs to minimize wear and tear on the perforated plates and discs. This has the advantage that the discs and plates require less frequent resharpening, and also that less wear and tear from the cutting tools enters the food and is inadvertently processed.

[0004] The spacer ring is rotatably mounted on the stationary perforated plate. The spacer ring can be located either on the inner or outer circumference of the perforated plate. The perforated plate is secured against rotational movement, for example, by means of a T-nut or other suitable means.

[0005] There are various ways to keep the spacer ring on the perforated plate rotatable. However, after a certain amount of time the entire cutting set must be removed for cleaning or re-sharpening. Since the spacer rings are not permanently attached to the perforated plates, they can and often get accidentally mixed up. Since the spacer rings and perforated plates are designed to work together, and each stationary perforated plate and its spacer ring are subjected to different loads, the different perforated plates also wear out at different rates. For this reason, the respective stationary perforated plates and spacer rings are marked with a uniform, consecutive number. In practice, however, this measure is often not enough to prevent the stationary perforated plates and spacer rings from being mixed up.However, if a spacer ring is mounted on a different stationary perforated plate, excessive abrasion during operation of the emulsifier may result in damage or defective batches. The perforated plates may also be damaged, necessitating their replacement. This then leads to unnecessary costs and the need for expensive replacement, resulting in unnecessary system downtime, e.g., for repairs, replacement of cutting set parts, etc.

[0006] Documents DE 10 2010 055 785 B4 and DE 10 2010 055 786 B4 each describe a micro-shredder with a perforated disc system consisting of stationary perforated plates with a spacer ring and rotating perforated discs. The stationary perforated plates have a rotatably mounted inner ring that serves as a spacer ring for the rotating perforated discs. The stationary perforated plates and rotating perforated discs serve as cutting tools. The documents do not provide a detailed description of how the spacer rings are mounted or held in the stationary perforated plates.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a cutting device on which a spacer ring can be rotatably mounted on a stationary perforated plate and which prevents accidental disassembly of the spacer ring from the stationary perforated plate. This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claims 1 and 2, which are of particular importance below.

[0008] In a first preferred embodiment, the spacer ring has a plurality of projections extending in the axial direction. The stationary perforated plate has a circumferential groove on its inner circumference, which is formed integrally with the perforated plate. The groove can also be interrupted. In the assembled state, the projections on the spacer ring engage the groove on the inner circumference of the perforated plate, whereby the spacer ring is rotatably held in the perforated plate. The perforated plate has at least one recess, which can be aligned with at least one projection on the spacer ring for mounting the spacer ring in order to connect the two components together.

[0009] In a second preferred embodiment, the spacer ring also has a plurality of projections. Here, however, each of the projections has a groove, while the perforated plate has a circumferential rib in the region of its inner circumference, which rib is formed integrally with the perforated plate. In the assembled state, the spacer ring is arranged in the perforated plate such that the grooves on the projections engage around the rib on the inner circumference of the perforated plate. As a result, the spacer ring is held captive in the perforated plate but is still rotatable. In this embodiment, too, the perforated plate has a recess that is aligned with the projection in order to effect the assembly of the spacer ring on the perforated plate. In this case, it can be provided that a flank of the projection overcomes the rib on the perforated plate.

[0010] Of course, a kinematic reversal is also possible. In this case, the spacer ring is provided as an outer ring, arranged on the outer circumference of the stationary perforated plate. Here, too, the spacer ring moves with the rotating perforated discs. In this case, the spacer ring can have one or more projections that engage with a groove arranged on the outer circumference of the perforated plate. Likewise, the circumferential groove on the spacer ring can be arranged, for example, on one or more projections, while the perforated plate has a rib.

[0011] In all versions, the spacer ring is held in place on the perforated plate for rotation. When the micro-shredder is in operation, the spacer ring rotates while the perforated plate remains stationary in the housing. The spacer ring is held in place on the perforated plate by a positive-locking, rotatable connection and cannot be removed or reinstalled later without tools.

[0012] When mounting the spacer ring on the perforated plate, the recess and the projection are aligned with each other. In some designs, the spacer ring is then subjected to such a force that - depending on the embodiment - the projection on the spacer ring overcomes the side wall of the groove on the inner circumference of the perforated plate, or one flank of the groove on the projection overcomes the rib on the inner circumference of the perforated plate, and the spacer ring is thus held in the perforated plate. The spacer ring is attached to the outer circumference of the perforated plate in a similar way. To achieve this, the perforated plate or the spacer ring can be heated so that it expands slightly, or the spacer ring or the perforated plate can be cooled so that they contract. In this way, the spacer ring is mounted captive but detachably on the perforated plate.To remove it from the perforated plate, the spacer ring must be realigned and subjected to such a force that the projection on the spacer ring overcomes the side wall of the groove on the inner circumference of the perforated plate or one flank of the groove on the projection overcomes the rib on the inner circumference of the perforated plate. Here, too, it can be helpful to heat the perforated plate or cool the spacer ring. If the spacer ring is arranged on the outer circumference of the perforated plate, the projections on the spacer ring or on the perforated plate must overcome one flank of the circumferential groove on the perforated plate or on the spacer ring. Here, too, the components in question can be heated or cooled again. It is also possible to heat the perforated plate and cool the spacer ring at the same time in order to mount the spacer ring on the inner circumference of the perforated plate or to remove it from it. The same applies vice versa when mounting or dismounting the spacer ring on the outer circumference of the perforated plate.Such cooling usually occurs down to the minus range.

[0013] To simplify installation and removal of the spacer ring, the projections can be shaped as rounded tabs. This makes it easy to connect and disconnect the spacer ring from the perforated plate, as there are no corners that could get caught.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the perforated plate or spacer ring can be heated or cooled without being damaged or undergoing a structural change. With these designs, it is not possible to separate the spacer ring and the perforated plate without considerable effort. Accidental separation of the components is impossible, thus avoiding the aforementioned problems with incorrectly assembled spacer rings on perforated plates.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the projections on the spacer ring are designed as pins that engage in a groove on the perforated plate. Preferably, at least three pins with two different lengths can be provided. The two pins with the longer lengths, hereinafter referred to as bearing pins, can then be arranged diametrically opposite one another on the spacer ring. The at least one further third pin, hereinafter referred to as the retaining pin, is then provided on one half of the circumference of the spacer ring and has a shorter length than the two bearing pins. A recess is provided in the perforated plate for each of these retaining pins.

[0016] In this embodiment, the spacer ring can be pivoted while mounted on the perforated plate, for example to clean it – particularly the groove. To do this, the retaining pins must be aligned with the recesses on the perforated plate; then the spacer ring can be pivoted, as it is only held in the groove by the two bearing pins. The bearing pins act as a pivot axis. The recesses on the perforated plate can only be provided on one side, so that pivoting can only occur in one direction and the spacer ring cannot be pivoted 180° back into place in the perforated plate after pivoting.

[0017] When the cutting device has finished pivoting, the retaining pins must be aligned with the recesses again, and the cutting device can be reinstalled in the pulverizer or similar device. When assembling the cutting device, the bearing pins are captively mounted in the spacer ring so that they protrude into the groove on the perforated plate. This can be done by hammering, screwing, or other means.

[0018] To ensure that the spacer ring and the perforated plate are not rotated 180° relative to each other, two or more recesses can be provided, distributed asymmetrically over half the inner circumference of the perforated plate, and matching retaining pins on the spacer ring. When assembling the perforated plate with the spacer ring, they can then only be mounted in one direction and not rotated 180° relative to each other.

[0019] Advantageously, the perforated plate has a mounting side from which the spacer ring can be mounted to the perforated plate. The rib or side wall on the mounting side can then have a material removal feature, such as a chamfer, bevel, rounding, or similar, to make it easier for one flank or projection to overcome the rib or side wall. Of course, it is also possible for the rib or both side walls to have material removal on both sides. The mounting side can preferably be the front side of the perforated plate. Furthermore, one or more recesses into which the retaining pin(s) engage can also be provided on the mounting side.

[0020] When mounted on the perforated plate, the spacer ring is advantageously held in place with a positive fit and is rotatable. It cannot be mounted or removed from the perforated plate without tools. This prevents the spacer ring from being accidentally removed during installation and removal, cleaning, or regrinding. It is then remounted on the wrong perforated plate, which could then be damaged during operation of the emulsifier or result in incorrect batches.

[0021] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the spacer ring is a few 1 / 100 mm higher than the perforated plate. This allows the spacer ring of the perforated plate to be clamped between the two perforated plates during assembly of the complete micro-shredder cutting set, allowing the perforated plates to rotate without contact and without touching the stationary perforated plates. The spacer ring itself can move freely within the perforated plate.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the spacer ring is penetrated by a central shaft and driven by one or more bolts that penetrate the spacer ring at bolt openings. The bolts penetrate all parts to be driven, i.e. the spacer ring but also the adjacent rotating perforated disks. This means that all rotating components are moved together so that no differences in movement can occur. In a further embodiment, the bolts and also the bolt openings have at least two different diameters. These can then be arranged in such a way that there is a clear installation position and the components cannot be accidentally installed twisted or mirrored. It is also possible to provide at least one bolt with an asymmetrical cross-section in order to achieve a clear installation position. Alternatively, a knife pin can also be used to drive the rotating components.This knife pin can also have an asymmetrical cross-section, so that the cutting set can only be mounted in one direction.

[0023] Further advantages and embodiments are apparent from the dependent claims, the following description, and the drawings. The invention is illustrated in two exemplary embodiments in the figures. They show: Fig. 1: a perforated plate according to the invention according to a first embodiment in front view, Fig. 2: a spacer ring according to the invention in front view, Fig. 3: the components from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 before assembly, perspective, Fig. 4: the assembled cutting device from Fig. 1 to 2 in front view, Fig. 5: the cutting device Fig. 4 on average, Fig. 6: a cutting device according to the invention according to a second embodiment in front view, Fig. 7: the cutting device according to Fig. 6 along section AA in Fig. 6, Fig. 8: the cutting device according to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 along section BB in Fig. 6, Fig. 9: the cutting device according to Fig. 6 to 8 along section CC in Fig. 6, Fig. 10: the magnification D of the cutting device according to Fig. 6 to 9 in Fig. 7, Fig. 11: the magnification E of the cutting device according to Fig. 6 to 10 in Fig. 6.

[0024] In Fig. 1 shows a perforated plate 20 according to the invention. This plate has a plurality of openings across its surface, which are not shown here, however. The openings can have different sizes, numbers, and shapes depending on the application. Round, oval, or kidney-shaped openings have proven suitable. The edges of the openings in the stationary perforated plate 20, together with the edges of the openings in the rotating perforated disks, form the cutting tool.

[0025] On the perforated plate 20, a circumferential rib 22 can be seen on its inner circumference 21. This rib has a recess 23 with the aid of which the spacer ring 30 can be mounted on the perforated plate 20. The corresponding perforated plate 20 is in Fig. 2. This has three projections 31 designed as rounded tabs, which are arranged at an angle of approximately 120° from each other on the outer circumference of the spacer ring 21. Furthermore, four bolt openings 40, 40', 40" can be seen, which have three different diameters so that the installation of the spacer ring 21 is only possible in a fixed orientation.

[0026] In the perspective representation of Fig. 3, the groove 32 can be seen on the projections 31 on the spacer ring 30. The side of the projection 31 facing the mounting side 24 of the perforated plate 20 has a flank 33 which overcomes the rib 22 in the region of the recess 23 in order to bring about the mounted state of the cutting device 10.

[0027] Show this assembled state Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The spacer ring 30 is received in the perforated plate 30. The projections 31 of the spacer ring 30 engage with their grooves 32 the circumferential rib 22 on the inner circumference 21 of the perforated plate 20. The spacer ring 30 is freely rotatably held in the perforated plate 20 and cannot be removed without the aid of tools, so that accidental loss or reassembly with the wrong perforated plate is practically impossible.

[0028] Another example is shown in the Fig. 6 to 11. Here, too, the spacer ring 30 is rotatably mounted on the inner circumference 21 of the perforated plate 20. The perforated plate 20 has, as an example, round, relatively large holes. As already explained, however, these holes can also be designed differently, arranged differently, and even provided in a different number. Here, too, the spacer ring 30 is driven by bolts that engage the four bolt openings 40 shown.

[0029] The perforated plate 20 has a circumferential groove 25 on its inner circumference. Two bearing pins 35 and three retaining pins 34 engage in this groove. The bearing pins 35 are particularly in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 10 and have a greater length than the retaining pins so that they cannot be accidentally brought out of the groove 25 at the recesses 23 on the perforated plate 20.

[0030] The retaining pins 34 are in the Fig. 6, Fig. 8 and Fig. 11. They are shorter than the bearing pins 35 and can be removed from the groove 25 by means of the recesses 23 in order to pivot the spacer ring 30 within the perforated plate 20. The spacer ring 30 is still held in the groove 25 by the two bearing pins 35.

[0031] To prevent the spacer ring 30 from being installed in the perforated plate 20 rotated by 180° after pivoting, the recesses 23 are provided only on one side, namely the mounting side 24 of the perforated plate 20. This prevents the spacer ring 30 from being inserted into the perforated plate 20 rotated by 180° after cleaning or maintenance. This could lead to the previously described problems with defective batches and damage to the components.

[0032] The bearing pins 35 and retaining pins 34 are the only projections 31 that engage in the groove 25 in the perforated plate 20. This is also Fig. 9. This allows the spacer ring 30 to be rotatably and securely mounted in the perforated plate 30.

[0033] Finally, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments presented here merely represent exemplary implementations of the invention. This is not limited to them. Rather, modifications and variations are still possible. For example, the spacer ring can have more or fewer bolt openings. The design of the holes in the perforated plate can also vary. Furthermore, the rib or groove on the perforated plate can be interrupted or exist in several sections. The exact design depends on the respective application. The spacer ring can also have a circumferential groove, while the stationary perforated plate has one or more projections on its inner or outer circumference that can interact with this groove. Furthermore, one or more projections can also be arranged on the stationary perforated plate, as a kinematic reversal of the described exemplary embodiments. List of reference symbols: 10 Cutting device 20 perforated plate 21 inner circumference of 20 22 rib at 21 23 recess at 20 24 assembly side of 20 25 groove in 21 30 spacer ring 31 lead 32 grooves 33 A cross from 31 34 retaining pins 35 bearing pins 40 bolt opening 40' bolt opening 40'' bolt opening QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2010 055 785 B4

[0006] DE 10 2010 055 786 B4

[0006]

Claims

[1] Cutting device (10), in particular for micro-shredders, continuous micro-shredders, cutters and the like, with at least one stationary perforated plate (20) having an inner circumference (21) and with a spacer ring (30) which can be detachably arranged on the inner circumference of the perforated plate (20) and which can be driven in a rotatable manner and which has one or more projections (31) with which it can interact with the inner circumference (21) of the perforated plate (20), characterized by , that the perforated plate (20) has on its inner circumference (21) a circumferential groove (25) which is formed integrally with the perforated plate (20), and that the spacer ring (30) is arranged in the perforated plate (20) such that the projections (31) dip into the groove (25) on the inner circumference (21) of the spacer ring (30), so that the spacer ring (30) is rotatably mounted in the perforated plate (20), that the perforated plate (20) has at least one recess (23) and that for mounting the spacer ring (30) in the perforated plate (20), the recess (23) on the perforated plate (20) is aligned with one or more of the projections (31) of the spacer ring (30) and the projection (31) can be brought into the groove (25) on the inner circumference (21) of the perforated plate (20) or that the spacer ring (30) has at least one groove (32) on each of its projections (31), that the perforated plate (20) has on its inner circumference (21) a circumferential rib (22) which is formed integrally with the perforated plate (20), and that the spacer ring (30) is arranged in the perforated plate (20) such that the circumferential rib (22) of the perforated plate (20) dips into the grooves (32) on the projections (31), so that the spacer ring (30) is rotatably mounted in the perforated plate (20), that the perforated plate (20) has at least one recess (23) and that for mounting the spacer ring (30) in the perforated plate (20), the recess (23) on the perforated plate (20) is aligned with one of the projections (36) of the spacer ring (30) and the rib (22) on the inner circumference (21) of the perforated plate (20) is immersed in the grooves (32) of the projections (31). [2] Cutting device (10), in particular for micro-shredders, continuous micro-shredders, cutters and the like, with at least one stationary perforated plate (20) having an outer circumference and with a spacer ring which can be detachably arranged on the outer circumference of the perforated plate (20) and which can be driven in a rotatable manner and which has one or more projections (31) with which it can interact with the outer circumference (21) of the perforated plate (20), characterized by , that the perforated plate (20) has a circumferential groove on its outer circumference, which is formed integrally with the perforated plate (20), and that the spacer ring is arranged on the perforated plate (20) in such a way that the projections (31) dip into the groove on the outer circumference of the spacer ring, so that the spacer ring is rotatably mounted on the perforated plate (20), that the perforated plate (20) has at least one recess (23) and that for mounting the spacer ring on the perforated plate (20), the recess (23) on the perforated plate (20) is aligned with one or more of the projections of the spacer ring and the projection can be introduced into the groove on the outer circumference (21) of the perforated plate (20) or that the spacer ring has at least one groove on each of its projections, that the perforated plate (20) has a circumferential rib (22) on its outer circumference, which is formed integrally with the perforated plate (20), and that the spacer ring is arranged on the perforated plate (20) in such a way that the circumferential rib (22) of the perforated plate (20) dips into the grooves on the projections, so that the spacer ring is rotatably mounted on the perforated plate (20), that the perforated plate (20) has at least one recess (23) and that for mounting the spacer ring on the perforated plate (20), the recess (23) on the perforated plate (20) is aligned with one of the projections of the spacer ring and the rib (22) on the outer circumference of the perforated plate (20) is immersed in the grooves (32) of the projections. [3] Cutting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the projection(s) (31) are designed as pins (34, 35). [4] Cutting device (10) according to claim 3, characterized by that at least three pins (34, 35) are provided which have at least two different lengths, namely bearing pins (35) and holding pins (34). [5] Cutting device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by that at least one retaining pin (34) can be aligned with at least one of the recesses (23) in the perforated plate (20), while two bearing pins (35) engage diametrically opposite one another in the groove (25) on the perforated plate (20). [6] Cutting device (10) according to claim 5, characterized by that several recesses (23) are provided which are distributed asymmetrically over the inner circumference (21) of the perforated plate (20) and that just as many retaining pins (34) exist which are provided on the spacer ring (30) to match them. [7] Cutting device (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that when one of the projections (31) is introduced into a groove (25), the projection (31) overcomes a side wall of the groove (25) or that when the rib (22) is introduced into a groove (32), a flank (33) of the projection (31) overcomes the rib (22) on the perforated plate (20). [8] Cutting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the spacer ring (30) is a few 1 / 100 mm higher than the perforated plate (20). [9] Cutting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the spacer ring (30) is penetrated by a central shaft and is driven via several bolts which penetrate the spacer ring (30) at bolt openings (40, 40', 40''). [10] Cutting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the spacer ring (30) and / or the rotating perforated discs are penetrated by a knife pin and driven via this. [11] Cutting device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by that the bolt openings (40, 40', 40'') have at least two different diameters and / or that at least one of the bolts has an asymmetrical cross-section or that the knife pin has an asymmetrical cross-section. [12] Cutting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that in the assembled state of the spacer ring (30) it is held rotatably on the perforated plate (20) by a positive connection and that the spacer ring (30) cannot be inserted into and / or removed from the perforated plate (20) without tools. [13] Cutting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that in order to mount the spacer ring (30) on the inner circumference of the perforated plate (20), the perforated plate (20) is heated and thus enlarged, or that in order to mount the spacer ring (30) on the outer circumference of the perforated plate (20), the spacer ring is heated and thus enlarged, and then the spacer ring (30) can be mounted on the perforated plate (20) by applying a force. [14] Cutting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized bythat in order to mount the spacer ring (30) on the inner circumference of the perforated plate (20), the spacer ring (30) is cooled and thus reduced in size, or that in order to mount the spacer ring (30) on the outer circumference of the perforated plate (20), the perforated plate (20) is cooled and thus reduced in size, and then the spacer ring (30) can be mounted on the perforated plate (20) by applying a force. [15] Cutting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that the perforated plate (20) has a mounting side (24) from which the spacer ring (30) can be mounted in the perforated plate (20). [16] Cutting device (10) according to claim 15, characterized by that the rib (22) on the mounting side (24) has a material removal such as a chamfer, bevel, rounding or similar. [17] Cutting device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by that the projections (31) are designed as rounded tabs.

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