Device for grinding solids, computer system and computer readable medium

The comminution device addresses inefficiencies in conventional shredding devices by using a valve system to adjust contact and sealing pressures, enhancing performance and reducing maintenance through flexible operation and compact design.

EP4706831A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-11VOGELSANG GMBH & CO KG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-02
Publication Date
2026-03-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional shredding devices lack user-friendly and space-saving designs, leading to inefficient energy use, accelerated wear, and high maintenance costs due to the inability to adjust shredding performance to individual requirements and varying applications.

Method used

A comminution device with a valve device that hydraulically couples to a power transmission unit, adjusting element actuation unit, and locking chamber, allowing flexible control of contact pressure and sealing chamber pressure through switching states, reducing the need for multiple hydraulic circuits and simplifying maintenance.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient, versatile operation with reduced parts and maintenance effort, optimizing shredding performance and service life by allowing adjustable contact pressure and sealing without increasing device size.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A comminution device (1) for comminuting a medium containing solids, characterized in that a valve device (60) is hydraulically coupled to the power transmission unit (70) at a first valve hydraulic connection (V1) of the valve device (60), is hydraulically coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit (50) at a second valve hydraulic connection (V2) of the valve device (60), is hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber (80) at a third valve hydraulic connection (V3) of the valve device (60), and the valve device (60) is switchable back and forth between at least a first switching state and a second switching state different from the first switching state, wherein in the first switching state, in order to set a position of the first cutting element (21) relative to the second cutting element (22) along a translational movement path,the power transmission unit (70) is hydraulically coupled to the adjusting element actuating unit (50) and hydraulically decoupled from the locking chamber (80), and in the second switching state, for setting a pressure within the locking chamber (80), the power transmission unit (70) is hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber (80) and hydraulically decoupled from the adjusting element actuating unit (50).
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a comminution device for comminuting a medium containing solids, comprising a drive hollow shaft rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation, which is coupled for drive to a cutting device axially displaceable along the axis of rotation, wherein the drive hollow shaft can be coupled to a drive device and extends along the axis of rotation between a first shaft end and a second shaft end, an adjusting element which is coupled to the cutting device and is displaceably arranged within the drive hollow shaft, a hydraulic adjusting element actuation unit which is coupled to the drive hollow shaft and the adjusting element for displacing the cutting device and can be hydraulically coupled to a power transmission unit, wherein the displaceably arranged cutting device has a first cutting element,which is coupled to the drive hollow shaft and the adjusting element and comprises at least one first cutting edge, and has a second cutting element which comprises at least one second cutting edge, wherein the first cutting element and the second cutting element are arranged to be movable relative to each other in such a way that a rotational movement of the first cutting element relative to the second cutting element about the axis of rotation causes a shearing action between the at least one first cutting edge and the at least one second cutting edge, and the first cutting element is arranged to be movable translationally relative to the second cutting element along the axis of rotation, a comminution chamber within which the cutting device is located between an opening outlet through which the comminutioned solid-containing medium can flow out of the comminution chamber, and an opening inlet,through which the solid-containing medium to be comminuted can flow into the comminution chamber, and a barrier chamber which is arranged adjacent to the comminution chamber and seals the comminution chamber against the escape of the solid-containing medium from the comminution chamber at the drive hollow shaft.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a valve device for a comminution device for comminuting a medium containing solids.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling a comminution device for comminuting a medium containing solids and to a method for maintaining a comminution device.

[0004] Finally, the invention relates to a control device, a computer system and a computer-readable medium.

[0005] It is known to protect hydraulic machines, such as pumps, from stones or metal parts that may be present in a solids-containing medium, such as slurry or wastewater, by means of a sieve. However, this has the disadvantage that the sieve can become clogged, which prevents the hydraulic medium from being pumped.

[0006] To solve this problem, it is known to use comminution devices of the aforementioned design, arranged upstream of the pump in the flow direction to comminute the solids-containing medium. These comminution devices are used particularly as so-called wet crushers to process, for example, in the food industry, in the production of bio-suspensions for further energy use, or in other agricultural applications, flowable mixtures containing solids, and to comminute the solids contained therein. Comminution devices are specifically designed to homogenize a solids-containing medium. For example, the comminution device is designed for homogenizing solids-containing media in the food industry or for biogas plants.

[0007] A comminution device is known, for example, from EP 2 613 884 B1. This comminution device comprises a first cutting element, comprising at least one first cutting edge, and a second cutting element, movable on a first path of movement relative to the first cutting element, comprising at least one second cutting edge, wherein the second cutting element bears against the first cutting element in such a way that the relative movement of the second cutting element along the first path of movement causes a shearing action between the at least one first cutting edge and the at least one second cutting edge.Furthermore, this shredding device has an adjustment mechanism which adjusts the second cutting element relative to the first cutting element along a second path of movement in such a way that, as the first and / or second cutting element wears due to the relative movement along the first path of movement, the first cutting element is moved into permanent contact with the first cutting element, thus ensuring a constant shredding performance of the shredding device during operation – the shredding performance here describes the ability of the shredding device to shred a medium containing solids. The disclosure of this document EP 2 613 884 B1 is fully incorporated into the disclosure of this description by reference.

[0008] A fundamental problem with shredding devices of this type is that they are designed for a constant shredding capacity, regardless of their intended use. This shredding capacity typically only meets the average requirements of a user or perhaps just a very specific user requirement. For example, a shredding device might be set for an average shredding capacity of a solid-containing medium. However, shredding devices can also be set for maximum shredding capacity or for a maximum flow rate of the solid-containing medium being shredded. It is also conceivable that shredding devices are set to process the solid-containing medium at a level that minimizes energy consumption.

[0009] With conventional shredding devices, users have no way to easily and quickly adjust the shredding performance to their individual requirements. In practice, however, users employ shredding devices for a wide variety of applications. Depending on the application, the shredding performance requirements vary. The requirement for the longest possible service life of the shredding device, however, generally exists regardless of the application. Therefore, when operating conventional shredding devices, users must always make a compromise between shredding performance and wear and tear or service life.

[0010] If, for example, the shredding device is intended solely to protect a pump located downstream in the flow direction of the solids-containing medium, a high rotational speed of the cutting elements is not required to allow flow through the screen or to prevent clogging. In particular, no rotation of the cutting elements of the shredding device is necessary at all if the screen is not clogged and flow is ensured. However, since the shredding capacity of the known shredding device cannot be adjusted, energy is wasted unnecessarily and wear on the cutting mechanism is accelerated.

[0011] To solve this problem, some users are resorting to using a separate shredding device for each specific application, optimized for the required shredding capacity. This approach is obviously extremely costly for users, not only in terms of procurement, but also in operation and maintenance. Furthermore, this approach leads to comparatively long downtimes for the shredding devices, during which they remain unused at their designated operating locations.

[0012] Users who do not want to operate multiple shredding devices for the respective applications must regularly disassemble the shredding device to such an extent that they can adapt the shredding performance of the shredding device to the respective application, for example, by changing a preload spring with a lower spring stiffness to minimize the contact pressure between the two cutting elements in order to minimize the shredding performance.

[0013] However, the current state of the art has a disadvantage in that it is not easily possible for a user of such a shredding device to adjust the shredding performance, in particular not to adjust it in such a way that it is optimal for an application taking into account the wear on the cutting elements and thus with regard to the service life of the shredding device.

[0014] From DE 202022 103 106 U, it is known to operate shredding devices in different operating modes and to provide detection and adjustment devices that adjust the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements. The contact pressure is usually adjusted hydraulically, but can also be adjusted using an electric motor. The disclosure of this document, DE 202022 103 106 U, is fully incorporated into this description by reference.

[0015] Furthermore, it is known that comminution devices can have a hydraulic sealing chamber which seals the comminution chamber of the device, in which the first and second cutting elements for comminuting solid-containing media are arranged. For this purpose, hydraulic pressure is built up in the sealing chamber, so that the seals of the sealing chamber are pressed against a drive shaft of the comminution device due to the hydraulic pressure, thus preventing the (comminuted) solid-containing medium from escaping.

[0016] The sealing chamber for the shredding chamber is typically operated with a hydraulic pressure that differs from the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements. Therefore, if the contact pressure is hydraulically adjusted, it is common practice to regulate both the contact pressure and the pressure within the sealing chamber via two independently controlled hydraulic circuits. However, this has the disadvantage of requiring two hydraulic circuits with pumps, lines, tanks, etc. Consequently, the shredding device must accommodate two hydraulic circuits. Furthermore, this increases the assembly and maintenance effort, as well as the need to stock spare parts.

[0017] In principle, as previously explained, it is also conceivable to apply the contact pressure between the cutting elements using an electric drive and a corresponding spindle coupled to one of the two cutting elements. While this has the advantage of eliminating a space-consuming hydraulic circuit, it requires two systems with different operating principles: one hydraulic and one electric. This necessitates a broader knowledge base for the assembly personnel and, in particular, leads to greater effort in maintenance work and the stocking and organization of spare parts.

[0018] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a solution that overcomes the disadvantages of known shredding devices. In particular, the invention aims to provide a solution that enables a user-friendly and space-saving design and operation of a shredding device. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a solution that enables cost-effective operation, maintenance, and spare parts inventory.

[0019] This problem is solved according to a first aspect of the invention by providing a comminution device described above for comminuting a medium containing solids, which has a valve device that is hydraulically coupled to the power transmission unit at a first valve hydraulic port of the valve device, hydraulically coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit at a second valve hydraulic port of the valve device, hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber at a third valve hydraulic port of the valve device, and the valve device is switchable back and forth between at least a first switching state and a second switching state different from the first switching state, wherein in the first switching state, in order to set a position of the first cutting element relative to the second cutting element along a translational path of movement,The power transmission unit is hydraulically coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit and hydraulically decoupled from the locking chamber, and in the second switching state, for setting a pressure within the locking chamber, the power transmission unit is hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber and hydraulically decoupled from the adjusting element actuation unit.

[0020] Solids, solid masses, or liquids containing solids are examples of solid-containing media. Furthermore, a solid-containing medium is, in particular, a liquid medium containing fibers and / or impurities. Preferably, a solid-containing medium is a heterogeneous medium. A solid-containing medium can, for example, comprise organic and / or inorganic substances. In particular, the solid-containing medium can contain solids and a liquid medium, such as water or oils. Specifically, a solid-containing medium can include fibers, such as hair or industrial fibers, as solids.

[0021] The comminution device is designed to comminute the solids of the solid-containing medium. For this purpose, the device comprises a cutting unit located within a comminution chamber, which comminutes the solids. The comminution chamber is enclosed by a housing with an inlet and an outlet opening, between which the chamber extends. During operation, the solid-containing medium to be comminuted is fed into the comminution chamber and then into the cutting unit through the inlet opening. The comminuted solid-containing medium then exits the comminution chamber through the outlet opening. Therefore, during operation, the outlet opening is located downstream of the inlet opening to facilitate the comminution of the solids.Accordingly, the comminution chamber and the cutting device are arranged in the direction of flow between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

[0022] The present cutting device comprises a first cutting element and a second cutting element for comminuting a medium containing solids. For comminuting the medium containing solids, it is preferably provided that the first and second cutting elements are in contact with each other. In particular, it is provided that the first and second cutting elements are in contact with each other under a contact pressure. Preferably, the contact pressure is selected such that the comminution performance is maximized or wear is minimized. It may also be preferred that the contact pressure is selected such that it is optimal, taking into account both the comminution performance and wear.

[0023] The present cutting device comprises a first cutting element and a second cutting element for comminuting a medium containing solids, which move relative to each other. In the cutting device according to the invention, the second cutting element is preferably arranged in a stationary position. In particular, the second cutting element is attached to the housing. Specifically, the second cutting element is attached to the housing in such a way that it does not move relative to the housing. The first cutting element, on the other hand, is arranged to be movable within the comminution chamber, in particular rotatable and / or translationally displaceable.

[0024] To rotate the first cutting element relative to the second cutting element, the first cutting element can be coupled to the drive. The drive is preferably an electric motor. In principle, however, other types of motors, such as a hydraulic motor or a fuel-powered engine, are also possible. It may be preferred that the first cutting element is coupled to the drive via a transmission, for example, a gear transmission. It may be preferred that the first cutting element is arranged directly on the drive shaft of the drive. In particular, it is preferred that the drive is arranged outside the comminution chamber or the housing of the comminution chamber. It may be preferred that the drive is arranged on the outside of the housing.

[0025] Preferably, the first cutting element is displaced translationally by a drive or actuating unit different from the drive. Preferably, the first cutting element is coupled to this additional drive or actuating unit. It may be preferred that this additional drive or actuating unit comprises or is an electric drive unit. Additionally or alternatively, it may be preferred that the additional drive or actuating unit comprises or is a hydraulic drive unit. In this description, the actuating unit is also referred to as the hydraulic adjustment element actuating unit.

[0026] In this arrangement, the first cutting element is coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit via an adjusting element. During operation, the adjusting element actuation unit can be actuated, thus causing a translational displacement of the first cutting element relative to the second cutting element. It is particularly advantageous that, without actuation of the adjusting element actuation unit, a spring pre-tensions the cutting device such that the first cutting element is pressed against the second cutting element with a contact pressure corresponding to the spring force. Preferably, when the adjusting element actuation unit is actuated, a hydraulic actuation force acts due to hydraulic pressure, which counteracts the spring force, so that the first cutting element is translationally displaced relative to the second cutting element, or the first cutting element is lifted from the second cutting element.In this preferred embodiment, the contact pressure can thus be reduced by applying a hydraulic actuating force. However, in principle, different configurations of the adjusting element actuating unit or of the mode of operation of the adjusting element actuating unit with the first cutting element are also conceivable.

[0027] Preferably, the adjusting element is arranged and / or guided so as to be translationally displaceable within a drive hollow shaft. Preferably, the drive hollow shaft and / or the adjusting element each extend between a first end and a second end. Preferably, the first cutting element is coupled to the drive hollow shaft and / or the adjusting element at the first end and / or in the region of the first end. In particular, it is preferred that the first cutting element is coupled to the drive hollow shaft and / or the adjusting element at the first end and / or in the region of the first end by a positive-locking, material-locking, and / or force-locking connection.In particular, it is provided that the first cutting element is coupled to the drive hollow shaft at its first end and / or in the region of its first end in such a way that the torque and / or the rotary motion generated by the drive is transmitted to the first cutting element. Additionally or alternatively, it is preferred that the first cutting element is coupled to the adjusting element at its first end and / or in the region of its first end in such a way that a translational displacement movement of the adjusting element causes a displacement movement of the first cutting element. Preferably, the first cutting element is coupled to the drive hollow shaft in such a way that a translational relative displacement between the first cutting element and the drive hollow shaft is possible.Such a connection between the drive hollow shaft and the first cutting element can be implemented, for example, by a polygonal or toothed outer section on the drive hollow shaft at or in the area of ​​the first end. This requires that the first cutting element is designed to match the corresponding outer section of the drive hollow shaft.

[0028] Preferably, the adjusting element is coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit at its second end or in the region of its second end. In particular, it is provided that the adjusting element is hydraulically and / or mechanically coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit at its second end or in the region of its second end.

[0029] It is understood that, for the comminution of the solid-containing medium, the first cutting element has one or more primary cutting edges, and the second cutting element has one or more secondary cutting edges. The primary cutting edge(s) on the first cutting element and the secondary cutting edge(s) on the second cutting element are arranged and designed in such a way that the cutting device causes the solid-containing medium to be comminuted.

[0030] The grinding chamber must be sealed because the housing surrounding it has an opening through which the hollow drive shaft and the adjusting element extend. Therefore, the sealing chamber's primary function is to seal the grinding chamber during operation, specifically the gap between the rotating hollow drive shaft and the housing surrounding the grinding chamber.

[0031] The barrier chamber is located adjacent to the comminution chamber. Specifically, the barrier chamber is positioned directly on the comminution chamber or its housing. The barrier chamber serves to seal the comminution chamber during operation. In particular, the barrier chamber prevents the medium being comminuted or the comminution itself from escaping from the comminution chamber into the environment. The barrier chamber also has a housing, and this housing encloses the drive shaft and the adjusting element. The barrier chamber is designed to have dynamic seals at the openings where the drive shaft passes through the housing surrounding the barrier chamber. Specifically, the barrier chamber is designed to be pressurized with a hydraulic medium.This has the effect of pressing the dynamic seals arranged on the housing of the sealing chamber against the hollow drive shaft. This prevents the hydraulic medium itself from escaping the sealing chamber and also prevents the escape of the comminuted or to-be-comminuted solids-containing medium. To seal the comminution chamber, the sealing chamber is therefore pressurized with the hydraulic medium to a so-called sealing chamber pressure.

[0032] The valve device according to the invention is connected to the power transmission unit at the first hydraulic valve port, to the adjusting element actuation unit at the second hydraulic valve port, and to the locking chamber at the third hydraulic valve port. The valve device can then switch between at least two switching states during operation: a first switching state and a second switching state that differs from it.

[0033] In the first switching state, the power transmission unit is fluidly connected to the adjusting element actuation unit, i.e., hydraulically coupled, and fluidly separated from the locking chamber, i.e., hydraulically decoupled. In this first switching state, the position of the first cutting element relative to the second cutting element can be adjusted along a translational path, and thus the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements can also be set or varied. Therefore, a movement, force, and / or pressure (within) the power transmission unit can cause a movement, force, and / or pressure (within) the adjusting element actuation unit, and vice versa. For example, a displacement of a cylinder or...A piston within the power transmission unit can cause a displacement of the adjusting element coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit along the axis of rotation of the drive hollow shaft. Conversely, a displacement of the adjusting element via the adjusting element actuation unit can cause a displacement of the cylinder or piston within the power transmission unit. Because the locking chamber is hydraulically decoupled from the power transmission unit in the first switching state, a movement, force, and / or pressure (within) the power transmission unit does not cause any movement, force, and / or pressure (within) the locking chamber. In particular, the displacement of the cylinder or piston within the power transmission unit in the first switching state cannot lead to a change in the pressure level within the locking chamber.

[0034] In the second switching state, however, the power transmission unit is fluidly connected to the barrier chamber, i.e., hydraulically coupled, and fluidly separated from the adjusting element actuation unit, i.e., hydraulically decoupled. In this switching state, the pressure within the barrier chamber can then be adjusted to seal the shredding chamber against the environment at the drive hollow shaft. Therefore, a movement, force, and / or pressure (within) the power transmission unit can cause a movement, force, and / or pressure (within) the barrier chamber, and vice versa. For example, a displacement of a cylinder or piston within the power transmission unit can build up or release pressure in the barrier chamber.Because the adjusting element actuation unit is hydraulically decoupled from the power transmission unit in the second switching state, any movement, force, and / or pressure (within) the power transmission unit does not cause any movement, force, and / or pressure (within) the adjusting element actuation unit or the adjusting element itself. In particular, the displacement of the cylinder or piston within the power transmission unit in the first switching state cannot lead to a change in the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements.

[0035] The valve assembly allows adjustment of both the contact pressure with which the first and second cutting elements are pressed together to comminute the solids-containing medium, and the pressure in the sealing chamber, which ensures that the comminuted chamber is sealed against the environment at the drive hollow shaft. This has the advantage that the comminuted device can be designed more compactly, i.e., in a more space-saving manner, without any loss of functionality. Furthermore, the solution according to the invention minimizes the number of parts in the comminuted device. This not only simplifies assembly but also minimizes the effort required for maintenance and spare parts inventory. This is achieved depending on the switching states of the valve assembly.Overall, the valve device thus enables flexible control of the shredding device in order to efficiently implement different operating conditions and thereby improve the performance and versatility of the shredding device.

[0036] The valve device preferably comprises a valve block through which several flow channels extend between the hydraulic connections. These flow channels are also referred to as hydraulic connection sections. Furthermore, valve elements are arranged in the valve block which, depending on their switching state, block or close a flow channel, or at least block or close a part or section of a flow channel, or release or open a flow channel between two hydraulic connections, or at least partially release or open it.

[0037] If a flow channel is blocked, hydraulic ports connected by that channel become hydraulically decoupled. This means that the transfer of hydraulic fluid between the ports is interrupted or blocked. When two hydraulic ports are hydraulically decoupled, changes in force, pressure, and / or motion at one port cannot be directly transferred to the other. If a flow channel is opened, hydraulic ports connected by that channel become hydraulically coupled. This means that the transfer of hydraulic fluid between the ports is possible and occurs.When two hydraulic ports are hydraulically coupled, this means that changes in force, pressure and / or movement at one hydraulic port can be transmitted to the other hydraulic port.

[0038] The blocking and releasing of the flow channels of the valve device depending on the switching states is necessary for independent control or regulation of the contact pressure and the locking chamber pressure.

[0039] In a hydraulic system, various hydraulic components, such as valves, cylinders, pumps, and other components, can be hydraulically coupled to achieve complex movements or functions, or hydraulically decoupled. For example, if two hydraulic cylinders are hydraulically coupled, the movement of one cylinder forces hydraulic fluid into the system, which in turn causes the other cylinder to move. This coupling allows for the efficient transfer of forces and / or movements between the components.

[0040] The valve device preferably employs several valve elements. In particular, it may be preferred that the valve device comprises several valve elements of different types. In principle, a wide variety of different types of valves are suitable as valve elements for the valve device. Possible valves include, for example, throttle valves, shut-off valves, check valves, control valves, proportional valves, safety valves, switching valves, or the like. Furthermore, the valve elements can have various shapes, such as flaps, slides, or balls, which can be actuated by actuators to open or block the flow channel for the flow of a hydraulic medium.

[0041] A throttle valve, for example, can be used to regulate the flow of liquids in a channel by narrowing or widening the channel's cross-section. Shut-off valves are used to completely stop or allow the flow of liquids in a channel. Accordingly, shut-off valves are used to open and close a channel. Check valves allow liquid flow in only one direction and prevent backflow in the opposite direction. Control valves allow the flow of liquids through a channel to be controlled based on an external control signal. This control signal can be electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic. Proportional valves allow the control of liquid flow or pressure proportionally to an input signal.

[0042] Safety valves are designed to limit the pressure in a hydraulic circuit by opening the circuit to the environment to relieve pressure. The safety valve closes as soon as the pressure in the hydraulic circuit falls below a desired level, ensuring safe operation of the hydraulic system. Switching valves allow flow between different hydraulic ports to enable desired functions.

[0043] Preferably, the valve device has a control unit or regulating unit, or is coupled to a control unit or regulating unit via signals, which can receive signals from external control units and / or sensors and actuates a valve element or valve elements of the valve device depending on these signals.

[0044] The power transmission unit is preferably a hydraulic power transmission unit and / or an electrical or electromagnetic power transmission unit. Preferably, the power transmission unit comprises a cylinder that generates hydraulic pressure and / or flow, which in turn, via the adjusting element actuation unit, causes a displacement of the adjusting element and thus of the cutting device, in particular the first cutting element, along the axis of rotation of the drive hollow shaft. While the power transmission unit is hydraulically coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit, it is hydraulically decoupled from the locking chamber. This allows the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements to be adjusted independently of the pressure in the locking chamber.

[0045] The barrier chamber is preferably arranged adjacent to the comminution chamber. It is preferably provided that the barrier chamber tightly encloses the drive hollow shaft. For this purpose, the barrier chamber extends along the axis of rotation between two side walls, each of which comprises a dynamic seal that seals against the rotating drive hollow shaft during operation. The dynamic seals are designed such that their sealing effect increases with increasing barrier chamber pressure. However, it must also be considered that the friction between the dynamic seals and the drive hollow shaft increases with increasing barrier chamber pressure. Therefore, the barrier chamber pressure must be selected such that the barrier chamber provides a sufficiently high sealing effect while simultaneously keeping the frictional resistance within acceptable limits.

[0046] When adjusting or regulating the pressure within the barrier chamber, it is important to ensure that the pressure does not rise abruptly. Therefore, to adjust or regulate the pressure within the barrier chamber, the pressure within the power transmission unit is first equalized with the pressure within the barrier chamber. This is achieved, for example, by extending or retracting a cylinder of the power transmission unit. The cylinder is preferably enclosed by the master cylinder unit described below. Here, too, it may be possible to provide appropriate pressure sensors on the power transmission unit and the barrier chamber, which detect and, if necessary, display the actual pressure of the power transmission unit and the barrier chamber. As soon as the pressure difference between the power transmission unit and the barrier chamber reaches 0 bar, the pressure is equalized.If the differential pressure is within a range that allows the power transmission unit and the sealing chamber to be hydraulically coupled without causing a sudden pressure increase in the sealing chamber, the valve device can be controlled accordingly. This means that the valve device is controlled in such a way that the flow channel between the power transmission unit and the sealing chamber, which is blocked by a valve element, for example, a check valve, is opened, thus hydraulically coupling the power transmission unit and the sealing chamber. The power transmission unit can then be controlled in such a way that the hydraulic fluid within the power transmission unit is forced into the sealing chamber. This can be achieved, for example, by the master cylinder, which is moved by a drive unit, such as an electric cylinder. This continues until a desired pressure is reached within the sealing chamber.Preferably, the pressure within the barrier chamber is 0.5 bar above the hydraulic pressure of the solids-containing medium to be comminuted within the comminution chamber. Of course, other pressure differentials, for example 1 bar or more, are also conceivable.

[0047] Here too, it may be advantageous to provide pressure sensors that detect the pressure within the barrier chamber and within the power transmission unit in order to control the power transmission unit and the valve assembly accordingly. It may also be necessary to readjust the pressure after a certain waiting period, for example, a waiting period of 1 second. However, a hysteresis value should be taken into account, which must first be exceeded or fallen below before the readjustment occurs.

[0048] Once the pressure in the barrier chamber reaches the desired level and is maintained by the shredding device, the valve can be actuated, thus closing the flow channel between the power transmission unit and the barrier chamber, i.e., hydraulically decoupling the power transmission unit and the barrier chamber. This is achieved by the valve element closing the flow channel.

[0049] If the desired sealing chamber pressure cannot be achieved by a single actuation of the power transmission unit because the required hydraulic volume is greater than what the power transmission unit can provide, additional hydraulic volume can be supplied by a hydraulic accumulator, as described below. This hydraulic accumulator will also be referred to as the third hydraulic accumulator.

[0050] Depending on the size of the shredding device, it may be advantageous or necessary to couple the power transmission unit with a hydraulic accumulator. If the shredding device requires a hydraulic volume for controlling or regulating the contact pressure or the sealing chamber pressure that is larger than the hydraulic volume in the power transmission unit, additional hydraulic fluid can be supplied to the power transmission unit from this hydraulic accumulator. In the following description, this hydraulic accumulator will also be referred to as the third hydraulic accumulator.

[0051] To ensure that the power transmission unit receives additional hydraulic fluid from the (third) hydraulic accumulator, the power transmission unit is "adjusted" so that the pressure difference between the hydraulic pressure within the power transmission unit and the (third) hydraulic accumulator is 0 bar or close to 0 bar. It is important to note that the (third) hydraulic accumulator is preferably unpressurized. By arranging a pressure sensor on the power transmission unit to detect the hydraulic pressure within the power transmission unit, and optionally a pressure sensor on the (third) hydraulic accumulator to detect the pressure within the accumulator, the valve assembly and / or the power transmission unit can be controlled accordingly.For example, in the power transmission unit, the cylinder of the master cylinder unit can be retracted, thus reducing the pressure within the power transmission unit and equalizing it with the pressure of the (third) hydraulic accumulator. The hydraulic fluid can then flow from the (third) hydraulic accumulator into the power transmission unit, for example, under the influence of gravity. Specifically, the cylinder of the power transmission unit is retracted to such an extent that the pressure within the power transmission unit is lower than the pressure in the (third) hydraulic accumulator. This has the advantage that the hydraulic fluid then flows from the (third) hydraulic accumulator into the power transmission unit due to the pressure difference between the power transmission unit and the (third) hydraulic accumulator.

[0052] This has the advantage that, despite a comparatively compact design of the power transmission unit, even larger shredding devices can be operated. In particular, this allows shredding devices to be operated with a power transmission unit where the maximum hydraulic volume that the power transmission unit can accommodate is smaller than the hydraulic volume required to control the shredding device, especially the contact pressure and / or the sealing chamber.

[0053] When adjusting or regulating the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements, it is important to ensure that the contact pressure does not increase abruptly. Therefore, the pressure within the power transmission unit is first equalized with the pressure within the adjusting element actuation unit. This is achieved, for example, by extending or retracting a cylinder of the cylinder encoder unit of the power transmission unit. Here, too, it may be necessary to provide appropriate pressure sensors on the power transmission unit and the adjusting element actuation unit to detect and, if necessary, display the actual pressure in both units. As soon as the pressure difference between the power transmission unit and the adjusting element actuation unit reaches 0 bar, the pressure equalization process is initiated.If the differential is within a range that allows the power transmission unit and the actuator unit to be hydraulically coupled without causing a sudden pressure increase in the actuator unit, the valve device can be controlled accordingly. This means that the valve device is controlled in such a way that the flow channel between the power transmission unit and the actuator unit, which is blocked by a valve element (e.g., a check valve), is opened, thus hydraulically coupling the power transmission unit and the actuator unit. The power transmission unit can then be controlled in such a way that the hydraulic fluid in the power transmission unit is forced into the actuator unit. This can also be achieved, for example, by the cylinder being moved by the electric cylinder.This continues until a desired pressure is reached within the adjusting element actuation unit.

[0054] If the desired contact pressure cannot be achieved by a single actuation of the power transmission unit because the required hydraulic volume is larger than can be provided by the power transmission unit, additional hydraulic volume can be provided by a hydraulic accumulator, as described above.

[0055] It may be necessary to reduce or eliminate the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements or the locking chamber pressure. To do this, it must be ensured that the contact pressure or the locking chamber pressure essentially corresponds to the pressure within the power transmission unit, at least within permissible limits. The contact pressure or locking chamber pressure, as well as the pressure within the power transmission unit, can be measured using pressure sensors. As long as the contact pressure does not essentially correspond to the pressure within the power transmission unit, the adjusting element actuation unit must remain decoupled from the power transmission unit. This also applies to the locking chamber. If the locking chamber pressure does not essentially correspond to the pressure within the power transmission unit, the locking chamber must remain decoupled from the power transmission unit. As soon as the contact pressure orWhen the pressure in the locking chamber essentially corresponds to the pressure within the power transmission unit, the corresponding valve element can be opened, thus releasing the corresponding flow channel between the adjusting element actuating unit and the power transmission unit, or between the locking chamber and the power transmission unit. This means that the adjusting element actuating unit and the power transmission unit, or between the locking chamber and the power transmission unit, are hydraulically coupled. The cylinder of the power transmission unit can then be retracted, for example, using an electric cylinder, reducing the pressure within the adjusting element actuating unit or the locking chamber to the desired pressure.Should a single actuation of the power transmission unit—that is, fully retracting the cylinder of the power transmission unit to its stop—not be sufficient to establish the desired pressure in the adjusting element actuation unit or the locking chamber, the hydraulic fluid in the power transmission unit can be pumped into a hydraulic accumulator by appropriately controlling the valve assembly. Subsequently, the power transmission unit and the hydraulic accumulator are hydraulically decoupled again by means of the valve assembly, and the pressure within the adjusting element actuation unit or the locking chamber can be further reduced as described above by actuating the power transmission unit again and appropriately controlling the valve assembly.

[0056] It is preferred that the pressure within the power transmission unit corresponds to the contact pressure. Therefore, after setting the locking chamber pressure, the valve device must be actuated as described above so that the pressure within the power transmission unit is equalized to the contact pressure.

[0057] Finally, the shredding device should also be designed for ease of maintenance by means of the valve assembly. If the first and / or the second cutting element is worn, the first cutting element is preferably moved into a maintenance position. For this purpose, the contact pressure must first be reduced as described previously. The first cutting element can then be moved into or positioned in the maintenance position. Furthermore, it may be preferable to reduce the barrier chamber pressure as described previously.

[0058] For further information on the advantages, design variants and details of the first aspect and the possible further training opportunities, please refer to the description of the corresponding features, advantages, design variants and details of the other aspects.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment of the comminution device, the valve device is / are provided that it comprises a filling valve or several filling valves and / or an unlockable check valve or several unlockable check valves; and / or is switched to the first switching state or to the second switching state in a non-actuated state, a so-called rest state, or the locking chamber and the adjusting element actuation unit are hydraulically decoupled from the force actuation unit.

[0060] According to a further preferred embodiment of the comminution device, the valve assembly comprises two valves, one of which is arranged in a hydraulic connection section between the first valve hydraulic port and the second valve hydraulic port, and the other of which is arranged in a further hydraulic connection section between the first valve hydraulic port and the third valve hydraulic port. In this description, valves are also referred to as valve elements.

[0061] It is therefore preferably provided that one valve in the hydraulic connection section between the first and second valve hydraulic ports, depending on the first or second switching state of the valve device, hydraulically couples or decouples the first and second valve hydraulic ports from each other. Similarly, it is preferred that the other of the two valves, in the hydraulic connection section between the first and third valve hydraulic ports, hydraulically couples or decouples the first and third valve hydraulic ports from each other, depending on the first or second switching state of the valve device.

[0062] In particular, it is preferred that one of the two valves, which is arranged in the hydraulic connection section between the first and second valve hydraulic ports, releases the hydraulic connection section in the first switching state, so that the first and second valve hydraulic ports, and thus the power transmission unit and the adjusting element actuation unit, are hydraulically coupled. In this first switching state, it is further preferred that the other of the two valves, which is arranged in the hydraulic connection section between the first and third valve hydraulic ports, blocks the hydraulic connection section, so that the first and third valve hydraulic ports, and thus the power transmission unit and the locking chamber, are hydraulically decoupled. This makes it possible, as described above, to adjust the contact pressure to a desired pressure.

[0063] Furthermore, it is preferred that one of the two valves, which is arranged in the hydraulic connection section between the first and second valve hydraulic ports, blocks the hydraulic connection section in the second switching state, so that the first and second valve hydraulic ports, and thus the power transmission unit and the adjusting element actuation unit, are hydraulically decoupled. In this second switching state, it is further preferred that the other of the two valves, which is arranged in the hydraulic connection section between the first and third valve hydraulic ports, releases the hydraulic connection section, so that the first and third valve hydraulic ports, and thus the power transmission unit and the sealing chamber, are hydraulically coupled. This makes it possible, as described above, to adjust the sealing chamber pressure to a desired pressure.

[0064] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the valve device has a fourth hydraulic valve port through which a hydraulic medium can be supplied to the sealing chamber or from which the hydraulic medium can be discharged from the sealing chamber; and / or a fifth hydraulic valve port through which the hydraulic medium can be supplied to the adjusting element actuation unit or from which the hydraulic medium can be discharged from the adjusting element actuation unit; and / or a sixth hydraulic valve port which is configured as a connection for an adjusting element actuation unit sensor for determining a hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic medium within the adjusting element actuation unit; and / or a seventh hydraulic valve port which is configured for connecting a sealing chamber sensor for determining a hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic medium within the sealing chamber.

[0065] The fourth hydraulic valve port allows hydraulic fluid to be supplied to the sealing chamber to increase the pressure, or hydraulic fluid to be discharged from the sealing chamber to reduce the pressure. The fourth hydraulic valve port can be fluidically coupled to a tank. Preferably, however, the fourth hydraulic valve port is coupled to a first hydraulic accumulator, as described below.

[0066] Hydraulic fluid can be supplied to the adjusting element's actuating unit via the fifth hydraulic valve port to increase the contact pressure, or hydraulic fluid can be discharged from the actuating unit to reduce the contact pressure. The fifth hydraulic valve port can be fluidically coupled to a tank. Preferably, however, the fifth hydraulic valve port is coupled to a second hydraulic accumulator, as described below.

[0067] The sixth valve hydraulic port can be coupled to, or is already coupled to, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the power transmission unit. As previously described, the pressure detected by the pressure sensor can be used to compare the pressure within the power transmission unit with the pressure within the locking chamber and / or the adjusting element actuation unit using a control unit or similar device. This ensures that there is no abrupt pressure change when the power transmission unit is hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber or the adjusting element actuation unit in the first or second switching state. In this respect, the detected pressure value can be used to ensure that the valve assembly or...The corresponding valve elements are only activated when the pressure difference between the power transmission unit and the locking chamber or the adjusting element actuation unit is at 0 bar or within a permissible pressure difference range.

[0068] The seventh hydraulic valve port can be coupled to, or is already coupled to, a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the hydraulic fluid within the sealing chamber. As previously described, the pressure measured by the sensor can be used to balance the pressure within the sealing chamber with the pressure within the power transmission unit, controlled by a control unit or similar device. This ensures that there is no abrupt pressure change when the power transmission unit is hydraulically coupled to the sealing chamber in the second switching state. In this respect, the measured pressure value can be used to ensure that the valve assembly or the corresponding valve elements are only activated when the pressure differential between the power transmission unit and the sealing chamber is at 0 bar or within a permissible pressure differential range.

[0069] According to a further preferred embodiment, the valve device has a first hydraulic accumulator, wherein the first hydraulic accumulator is preferably designed as a pressure accumulator, in particular as a diaphragm accumulator or bladder accumulator, and the first hydraulic accumulator is arranged at the fourth valve hydraulic port; and / or has a second hydraulic accumulator, wherein the second hydraulic accumulator is preferably designed as a pressure accumulator, in particular as a diaphragm accumulator or bladder accumulator, and the second hydraulic accumulator is arranged at the fifth valve hydraulic port.

[0070] The first hydraulic accumulator thus serves in particular to supply hydraulic fluid to the sealing chamber when the sealing chamber pressure is to be increased, or to absorb hydraulic fluid from the sealing chamber when the sealing chamber pressure is to be reduced.

[0071] The second hydraulic accumulator thus serves, in particular, to supply hydraulic fluid to the adjusting element actuation unit when the contact pressure is to be reduced, or to receive hydraulic fluid from the adjusting element actuation unit when the contact pressure is to be increased. Depending on the design of the adjusting element actuation unit, it may alternatively be preferred that the second hydraulic accumulator serves, in particular, to supply hydraulic fluid to the adjusting element actuation unit when the contact pressure is to be increased, or to receive hydraulic fluid from the adjusting element actuation unit when the contact pressure is to be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the comminution device comprises a power transmission unit pressure sensor designed to determine a hydraulic pressure within the power transmission unit or a force to be transmitted by the power transmission unit, and / or the adjusting element actuating unit pressure sensor designed to determine a hydraulic pressure within the adjusting element actuating unit, and / or the barrier chamber pressure sensor designed to determine a hydraulic pressure within the barrier chamber.

[0073] As previously explained, the pressure sensors ensure that the power transmission unit is hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber only when the difference in pressure values ​​detected by the respective pressure sensors is 0 bar or within a permissible pressure difference range. Otherwise, the pressure within the power transmission unit must be further adjusted to match the pressure within the locking chamber or the adjusting element actuation unit until the difference in pressure values ​​detected by the respective pressure sensors is 0 bar or within a permissible pressure difference range.

[0074] According to a further preferred embodiment of the comminution device, the power transmission unit comprises a drive unit, wherein the drive unit is preferably an electric motor, in particular an electric cylinder, or comprises one; and a encoder cylinder unit, which is mechanically coupled to the drive unit for setting a hydraulic pressure within the power transmission unit or for setting a force to be transmitted by the power transmission unit, wherein the encoder cylinder unit has a first encoder cylinder unit hydraulic connection, via which the encoder cylinder unit can be hydraulically coupled to the first valve hydraulic connection or is coupled; and a second encoder cylinder unit hydraulic connection, via which a hydraulic medium can be supplied to the encoder cylinder unit and from which the hydraulic medium can be discharged from the encoder cylinder unit.

[0075] The drive unit, which is preferably an electric cylinder or comprises an electric cylinder, is coupled to the master cylinder unit. The master cylinder unit can be extended and retracted between two stops by means of the drive unit. For this purpose, the master cylinder unit has a piston that can be moved within a cylinder tube between the two stops. It should be noted that, in particular, the first and second master cylinder unit hydraulic connections are arranged within the cylinder tube, with the piston being movable between the first and second master cylinder unit hydraulic connections.

[0076] It is preferably provided that the first master cylinder unit hydraulic connection is hydraulically connectable to, or coupled with, the first valve hydraulic connection of the valve device. Furthermore, it is preferred that the second master cylinder unit hydraulic connection is hydraulically connectable to, or coupled with, a tank or a third hydraulic accumulator.

[0077] According to a further preferred embodiment of the comminution device, the power transmission unit has a third hydraulic accumulator, wherein preferably the third hydraulic accumulator is a pressureless hydraulic accumulator or is designed to store the hydraulic medium without pressure, and the third hydraulic accumulator is connected to the second master cylinder unit hydraulic connection.

[0078] This has the advantage that additional hydraulic fluid can be supplied from the third hydraulic accumulator if, by actuating the power transmission unit between the two stops, a sufficient quantity of hydraulic fluid cannot be supplied or absorbed in the locking chamber or the adjusting element actuation unit to set the desired pressure within the locking chamber or the adjusting element actuation unit.

[0079] For example, if the pressure in the locking chamber or the adjusting element actuation unit needs to be increased, but the amount of hydraulic fluid within the power transmission unit is insufficient, the power transmission unit can, after initial actuation, first be decoupled from the locking chamber and / or the adjusting element actuation unit, and hydraulic fluid can be supplied to the power transmission unit from the third hydraulic accumulator. Subsequently, the power transmission unit can be hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber and / or the adjusting element actuation unit, and the additional amount of hydraulic fluid provided in the power transmission unit can be at least partially supplied to the locking chamber and / or the adjusting element actuation unit.

[0080] If, for example, pressure in the locking chamber or the adjusting element actuation unit needs to be reduced, but the volume of the power transmission unit is insufficient to draw the required amount of hydraulic fluid after the initial actuation of the power transmission unit, locking chamber, or adjusting element actuation unit, the power transmission unit can first be decoupled from the locking chamber and / or the adjusting element actuation unit, and the hydraulic fluid from the power transmission unit can be fed to the third hydraulic accumulator. Subsequently, the power transmission unit can be hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber and / or the adjusting element actuation unit again, and additional hydraulic fluid from the locking chamber and / or the adjusting element actuation unit can be supplied to the power transmission unit until the desired contact pressure and / or locking chamber pressure is reached.

[0081] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the shredding device, the power transmission unit has a shut-off valve unit which is arranged between the third hydraulic accumulator and the second master cylinder unit hydraulic connection, wherein the shut-off valve unit can be switched back and forth between a first shut-off valve switching position and a second shut-off valve switching position different from the first shut-off valve switching position, wherein in the first shut-off valve switching position the connection between the third hydraulic accumulator and the second master cylinder unit hydraulic connection is open, and in the second shut-off valve switching position the connection between the third hydraulic accumulator and the second master cylinder unit hydraulic connection is hydraulically decoupled.

[0082] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the comminution device, the shut-off valve unit is provided that it is or includes a filling valve or an unlockable check valve, and / or is switched to an unactuated state, a so-called rest state, in the second shut-off valve switching position.

[0083] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the comminution device has a control device which is coupled to the power transmission unit and the valve device via a signal connection, wherein the control device is designed to switch the valve device to the first or second switching state depending on an operating state value which represents an operating state of the comminution device, with a valve device setpoint value which represents a switching state of a valve device.

[0084] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the comminution device, the barrier chamber is formed within a barrier chamber housing which has through-openings through which the drive hollow shaft extends, wherein the barrier chamber extends within the barrier chamber housing between two sealing elements which enclose the drive hollow shaft and abut the inside of the barrier chamber housing adjacent to the through-openings, wherein the sealing elements are preferably designed as mechanical seals.

[0085] The aforementioned problems are further solved according to a second aspect of the invention. According to the second aspect of the invention, the use of a valve device for a comminution device for comminuting a medium containing solids is provided. In particular, the comminution device is a comminution device according to the first aspect and possible embodiments thereof. Furthermore, it is preferred that the valve device is configured according to a valve device of the comminution device according to the first aspect and possible embodiments thereof.

[0086] According to the second aspect, the valve device has a first hydraulic valve port to which a power transmission unit can be hydraulically coupled or is coupled, a second hydraulic valve port to which an adjusting element actuation unit can be hydraulically coupled or is coupled, wherein, by means of the adjusting element actuation unit, a drive hollow shaft and a first cutting element of a cutting device connected to the drive hollow shaft are arranged to be translationally movable relative to a second cutting element of the cutting device along a rotational axis of the drive hollow shaft, and a third hydraulic valve port to which a barrier chamber can be hydraulically coupled or is coupled, wherein the barrier chamber is arranged adjacent to the comminution chamber and seals the comminution chamber against the escape of the solid-containing medium from the comminution chamber along the drive hollow shaft.wherein the valve device is switchable back and forth between at least a first switching state and a second switching state different from the first switching state, wherein in the first switching state the power transmission unit is hydraulically coupled or coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit and is hydraulically decoupled or decoupled from the locking chamber, and wherein in the second switching state the power transmission unit is hydraulically coupled or coupled to the locking chamber and is hydraulically decoupled or decoupled from the adjusting element actuation unit.

[0087] For further information on the advantages, design variants and details of the second aspect and the possible training opportunities, please refer to the description of the corresponding features, advantages, design variants and details of the other aspects.

[0088] The aforementioned problems are further solved according to a third aspect of the invention. According to the third aspect of the invention, the problems are solved by a method for controlling a comminution device for comminuting a medium containing solids. Preferably, the comminution device is designed according to a comminution device according to the first aspect and possible further developments thereof.

[0089] According to the third aspect, the procedure comprises several steps: First, the procedure comprises the step of determining an operating state value that represents an operating state of the comminution device, wherein the comminution device can assume at least one or more of the following operating states and each of the operating states is represented by a specific operating state value: a cutting device adjustment operating state in which a first cutting element of a cutting device of the comminution device arranged within a comminution chamber is adjustable relative to a second cutting element of the cutting device arranged within the comminution chamber; and a barrier chamber adjustment operating state in which a barrier chamber pressure is adjustable within a barrier chamber arranged adjacent to the comminution chamber, wherein the barrier chamber seals the comminution chamber against the escape of the solid-containing medium from the comminution chamber along a drive hollow shaft of the cutting device.

[0090] Furthermore, the method comprises providing a valve device control value that represents a switching state of a valve device, wherein the valve device can assume one or more of the following at least switching states and each of the switching states is represented by a specific switching state value: a first switching state in which a power transmission unit is hydraulically coupled to an adjusting element actuating unit for translational adjustment of the first cutting element, which is connected to the drive hollow shaft in a torque-resistant manner, and is hydraulically decoupled from the locking chamber; a second switching state in which the power transmission unit is hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber for setting a hydraulic pressure within the locking chamber and is hydraulically decoupled from the adjusting element actuating unit; and a third switching state in which the power transmission unit is hydraulically decoupled from the locking chamber and / or the power transmission unit is hydraulically decoupled from the adjusting element actuating unit.

[0091] It should be understood that the valve device setpoint represents a first switching state if the operating state value represents a cutting device adjustment operating state, and a second switching state if the operating state value represents a barrier chamber adjustment operating state.

[0092] According to a preferred further development, the method comprises the step of determining a power transmission unit pressure operating mode value that represents a pressure operating mode of the power transmission unit, wherein the power transmission unit can assume one or more of the following pressure operating modes and each of the pressure operating modes is represented by a specific power transmission unit pressure operating mode value: a pressure build-up operating mode in which hydraulic pressure is built up within the power transmission unit; a pressure release operating mode in which hydraulic pressure is released within the power transmission unit; and a pressure maintenance operating mode in which hydraulic pressure is maintained within the power transmission unit; and / or a cutting device sharpening mode in which hydraulic pressure is built up within the power transmission unit, wherein the hydraulic pressure built up in the cutting device sharpening mode is greater than the hydraulic pressure built up in the pressure build-up operating mode.

[0093] Furthermore, according to a preferred further development of the method, it is provided that in the cutting device adjustment operating state In the pressure build-up operating mode, pressure is built up with the power transmission unit within the adjusting element actuation unit from an actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure up to a target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value, and in the pressure reduction operating mode, pressure is reduced with the power transmission unit within the adjusting element actuation unit from an actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure up to a target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value, and in the pressure maintenance operating mode, a pressure is maintained with the power transmission unit;and / or in the cutting device sharpening mode, with the power transmission unit within the adjusting element actuation unit, pressure is built up from an actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure to a cutting device sharpening adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value that is greater than the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value, wherein preferably ∘ the cutting device sharpening mode is preceded by the pressure build-up operating mode and / or the pressure reduction operating mode and / or the pressure maintenance operating mode; and / or ∘ the cutting device sharpening mode is followed by the pressure build-up operating mode and / or the pressure reduction operating mode and / or the pressure maintenance operating mode.

[0094] In particular, it is preferred that the duration for which the shredding device is or can be operated in cutting device sharpening mode is adjustable or set. Furthermore, it is preferred that the pressure value of the cutting device sharpening adjustment element shaft actuation is adjustable or set.

[0095] Preferably, the shredding device is operated in cutting device sharpening mode after it has been used to shred the solids-containing medium. Typically, the operation of the shredding device in cutting device sharpening mode follows the operation of the shredding device for shredding the solids-containing medium. This has the effect of sharpening the cutting elements of the cutting device, thus enabling the shredding device to be operated again for shredding solids-containing medium with sharpened cutting elements.

[0096] Additionally or alternatively, it is provided that in the locking chamber adjustment operating state In the pressure build-up operating mode, the pressure is built up within the barrier chamber from an actual barrier chamber pressure to a target barrier chamber pressure, and in the pressure reduction operating mode, the pressure is reduced within the barrier chamber from an actual barrier chamber pressure to a target barrier chamber pressure value, and in the pressure maintenance operating mode, a pressure is maintained with the power transmission unit.

[0097] According to a further preferred embodiment of the method, the operating state value represents the cutting device adjustment operating state. The method comprises the steps of: determining an actual adjustment element shaft actuation pressure value, which represents the actual hydraulic pressure within the adjustment element actuation unit, wherein the actual adjustment element shaft actuation pressure value is preferably determined with an adjustment element actuation unit shaft actuation unit pressure sensor; determining an actual force actuation pressure value, which represents the actual hydraulic pressure within the force actuation unit, wherein the actual force actuation pressure value is preferably determined with a force actuation unit pressure sensor;Determining the power transmission unit pressure operating mode value, wherein the power transmission unit pressure operating mode value represents the pressure build-up operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is built up within the power actuation unit while the adjuster actuation unit is hydraulically decoupled from the power actuation unit, when the specified actual adjuster shaft actuation pressure value is greater than the specified actual power actuation pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual adjuster shaft actuation pressure value is greater than a specified adjuster shaft actuation deviation threshold;and / or represents the pressure reduction operating mode and the hydraulic pressure within the power actuation unit is reduced while the adjusting element actuation unit is hydraulically decoupled from the power actuation unit, if the specified actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is less than the specified actual power actuation pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is greater than a specified adjusting element shaft actuation deviation threshold;and / or represents the pressure holding operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is maintained within the force actuation unit while the actuator actuation unit is hydraulically decoupled from the force actuation unit when the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual actuator shaft actuation pressure value is less than a specified actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold or corresponds to the specified actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold; and providing the valve device position value representing the first switching state as soon as the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual actuator shaft actuation pressure value is less than a specified actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold or corresponds to the specified actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold.

[0098] According to a further preferred development of the method, this comprises the steps of: determining a target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value representing the target hydraulic pressure within the adjusting element actuation unit, and determining the power transmission unit pressure operating mode value, wherein the power transmission unit pressure operating mode value represents the pressure build-up operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is built up within the power actuation unit while the adjusting element actuation unit is hydraulically coupled to the power actuation unit.if the specified target actuator shaft pressure value is greater than the specified actual actuator shaft pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual actuator shaft actuation pressure value is less than a specified shaft actuation actuator deviation threshold or corresponds to the actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold; and / or represents the pressure reduction operating mode and the hydraulic pressure within the force actuation unit is reduced while the actuator unit is hydraulically coupled to the force actuation unit,if the specified target actuator shaft pressure value is less than the specified actual actuator shaft pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual shaft actuation actuator pressure value is less than a specified actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold or corresponds to the actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold; and / or represents the pressure holding operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is held within the force actuation unit while the actuator unit is hydraulically coupled to the force actuation unit, if the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual shaft actuation actuator pressure value is less than a specified actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold or corresponds to the actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold.

[0099] Preferably, the pressure difference between the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value and the actual force actuation pressure value is adjusted via a hysteresis pressure value, by which the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value can fluctuate before the force transmission unit is actuated, wherein the hysteresis pressure value for the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is particularly preferably 2 bar.

[0100] Additionally, the procedure includes the steps of maintaining the hydraulic pressure at the target actuator shaft pressure value by means of the force actuation unit while the valve device position value represents the first switching state, when the actual actuator shaft pressure value equals or has reached the target actuator shaft pressure value, or providing the valve device position value representing the third switching state as soon as the actual actuator shaft pressure value equals or has reached the target actuator shaft pressure value.

[0101] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the method, if the operating state value represents the locking chamber adjustment operating state, comprises the following steps: determining an actual locking chamber pressure value representing the actual hydraulic pressure within the locking chamber, wherein the actual locking chamber pressure value is preferably determined using a locking chamber pressure sensor; determining the actual force actuation pressure value representing the actual hydraulic pressure within the force actuation unit, wherein the actual force actuation pressure value is preferably determined using the force actuation unit pressure sensor;Determining the power transmission unit pressure operating mode value, wherein the power transmission unit pressure operating mode value represents the pressure build-up operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is built up within the power actuation unit while the locking chamber is hydraulically decoupled from the power actuation unit, when the determined actual locking chamber pressure value is greater than the determined actual power actuation pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual locking chamber pressure value is greater than a determined locking chamber deviation threshold;and / or represents the pressure reduction operating mode and the hydraulic pressure within the power actuation unit is reduced while the lock chamber is hydraulically decoupled from the power actuation unit, if the specified actual lock chamber pressure value is less than the specified actual power actuation pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual lock chamber pressure value is greater than a specified lock chamber deviation threshold; and / or represents the pressure maintenance operating mode and the hydraulic pressure within the power actuation unit is maintained while the lock chamber is hydraulically decoupled from the power actuation unit, if the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual lock chamber pressure value is less than a specified lock chamber deviation threshold or corresponds to the lock chamber deviation threshold.

[0102] Additionally, the procedure includes the step of providing the valve device setpoint, which represents the second switching state, once the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual lock chamber pressure value is less than a certain lock chamber deviation threshold or corresponds to the certain lock chamber deviation threshold.

[0103] Furthermore, according to a preferred further development, the method comprises the steps of: determining a target lock chamber pressure value representing the target hydraulic pressure within the lock chamber; determining the power transmission unit pressure operating mode value, wherein the power transmission unit pressure operating mode value represents the pressure build-up operating mode; and building up the hydraulic pressure within the power actuation unit while the lock chamber is hydraulically coupled to the power actuation unit when the determined target lock chamber pressure value is greater than the determined actual lock chamber pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual lock chamber pressure value is less than a determined lock chamber deviation threshold or corresponds to the lock chamber deviation threshold;and / or represents the pressure reduction operating mode and the hydraulic pressure within the power actuation unit is reduced while the locking chamber is hydraulically coupled to the power actuation unit, if the specified target locking chamber pressure value is less than the specified actual locking chamber pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual locking chamber pressure value is less than a specified locking chamber deviation threshold or corresponds to the locking chamber deviation threshold, and / or represents the pressure maintenance operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is maintained within the power actuation unit while the locking chamber is hydraulically coupled to the power actuation unit, if the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual locking chamber pressure value is less than a specified locking chamber deviation threshold or corresponds to the locking chamber deviation threshold.

[0104] Preferably, the pressure difference between the target locking chamber pressure value and the actual force actuation pressure value is adjusted via a hysteresis pressure value, by which the target locking chamber pressure value can fluctuate before the force transmission unit is actuated, wherein the hysteresis pressure value for the target locking chamber pressure value is particularly preferably 2 bar.

[0105] Additionally, the procedure includes the steps of maintaining the hydraulic pressure at the target lock chamber pressure value by means of the force actuation unit while the valve device position value represents the second switching state, when the actual lock chamber pressure value equals or has reached the target lock chamber pressure value, or providing the valve device position value that represents the third switching state as soon as the actual lock chamber pressure value equals or has reached the target lock chamber pressure value.

[0106] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the method, the operating state value represents the cutting device adjustment operating state when the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is less than the determined adjusting element shaft actuation deviation threshold, and the absolute difference between the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value and the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is greater than the determined adjusting element shaft actuation deviation threshold.

[0107] Additionally or alternatively, the operating state value represents the locking chamber adjustment operating state if the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual locking chamber pressure value is less than the specified locking chamber deviation threshold, and the absolute difference between the target locking chamber pressure value and the actual locking chamber pressure value is greater than the specified locking chamber deviation threshold.

[0108] Furthermore, according to a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: determining a required hydraulic volume to adjust the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value to the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value, or to adjust the actual locking chamber pressure value to the target locking chamber pressure value; determining a possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit; providing a check valve switching position signal for a check valve, which corresponds to a first check valve switching position, if the required hydraulic volume to adjust the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value to the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is greater than the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit.or the required hydraulic volume to adjust the actual locking chamber pressure value to the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is greater than the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit, and / or corresponds to a second locking valve switching position, if the required hydraulic volume to adjust the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value to the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is less than the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit or corresponds to the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit, or the required hydraulic volume to adjust the actual locking chamber pressure value to the target locking chamber pressure value is less than the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit or corresponds to the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit, wherein an additional quantity of hydraulic medium is supplied to the power transmission unit in the first locking valve switching position,preferably from a hydraulic accumulator, until the possible delivery volume corresponds to the required hydraulic volume, and wherein in the second shut-off valve switching position of the power transmission unit no additional quantity of hydraulic medium is supplied, wherein preferably the power transmission unit is hydraulically decoupled from the third hydraulic accumulator.

[0109] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the method, the power transmission unit comprises: a drive unit, wherein the drive unit is preferably an electric motor, in particular an electric cylinder, or comprises one; and a master cylinder unit, which is mechanically coupled to the drive unit for adjusting a hydraulic pressure within the power transmission unit or for adjusting a force to be transmitted by the power transmission unit, wherein the master cylinder unit has a first master cylinder unit hydraulic connection to which the first hydraulic line is connected; and a second master cylinder unit hydraulic connection through which a hydraulic medium can be supplied to the master cylinder unit and from which the hydraulic medium can be discharged from the master cylinder unit.wherein if the hydraulic volume required to adjust the actual actuator shaft pressure value to the target actuator shaft pressure value is greater than the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit, or the hydraulic volume required to adjust the actual lock chamber pressure value to the target actuator shaft pressure value is greater than the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit, the method comprises the following steps: moving the electric cylinder to a position until the pressure within the power transmission unit is at 0 bar, i.e., in particular, has a differential pressure of 0 bar relative to the environment; providing a lock valve switching position signal corresponding to the first lock valve switching position; and moving the electric cylinder to an end position once the lock valve is open, thereby creating a vacuum at the master cylinder unit.so that additional hydraulic fluid is drawn from the third hydraulic accumulator until the possible delivery volume corresponds to the required hydraulic volume, and a shut-off valve switching position signal is provided, which corresponds to the second shut-off valve switching position, so that the power transmission unit is hydraulically decoupled from the third hydraulic accumulator.

[0110] According to a further aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a method for maintaining a comminution device according to the previously described aspect of the comminution device or one of the previously described preferred embodiments of the comminution device. The method according to this aspect comprises the following steps: pressure reduction within the power actuation unit while the power actuation unit is hydraulically decoupled from the adjusting element actuation unit and the third hydraulic accumulator, wherein the pressure reduction preferably comprises adjusting an electric cylinder of a drive unit of the power transmission unit; hydraulic coupling of the power actuation unit with the adjusting element actuation unit and the third hydraulic accumulator.and translational adjustment of the adjusting element with the first cutting element arranged thereon in a torque-fixed manner from an operating position to a maintenance position different from the operating position, wherein the hydraulic medium flows from the adjusting element actuating unit via the force actuating unit into the third hydraulic accumulator, and preferably replacement of the used first and / or second cutting element with a new or nearly new first and / or second cutting element.

[0111] According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: pressure reduction within the power actuation unit while the power actuation unit is hydraulically decoupled from the locking chamber and the third hydraulic accumulator, wherein the pressure reduction preferably includes adjusting the electric cylinder of the drive unit of the power transmission unit; hydraulic coupling of the power actuation unit with the locking chamber and the third hydraulic accumulator, so that the hydraulic medium flows from the locking chamber into the third hydraulic accumulator until the pressure within the locking chamber reaches 0 bar, i.e., in particular, that the pressure within the locking chamber reaches a pressure such that the differential pressure between the locking chamber and the power transmission unit and / or the environment is 0 bar.

[0112] According to a further aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a control device for controlling a comminution device for comminuting a medium containing solids, wherein the control device is configured to execute the steps of the methods according to one or both further aspects or according to preferred embodiments of these methods.

[0113] According to another aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a computer system for controlling a comminution device for comminuting a medium containing solids, wherein the computer system has an input interface, a graphical user interface, a storage unit, and a computing unit, and is configured to execute the steps of the methods according to one or both of the other aspects or according to preferred embodiments of these methods.

[0114] According to another aspect, the aforementioned task is solved by a computer program comprising program code means for carrying out the steps of the procedures according to one or both of the further aspects or according to preferred implementation variants of these procedures, when the computer program is executed on the control device or computer system described above.

[0115] According to another aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a computer-readable medium containing a computer program that includes program code means for carrying out the steps of the procedures according to one or both of the other aspects or according to preferred implementation variants of these procedures, when the computer program is executed on the control device or computer system described above.

[0116] The comminution device described above, its use, and its possible further developments possess features and process steps that make them particularly suitable for use in the described method for controlling and maintaining the comminution device and its further developments, as well as for the control device, computer system, computer program, and computer-readable medium for controlling the comminution device. For further advantages, design variants, and design details of these additional aspects and their possible further developments, reference is also made to the preceding description of the corresponding features and further developments of the comminution device, or the respective other aspects and their further developments.Accordingly, for further advantages, design variants and design details of the comminution device and its possible further developments as well as the use of the comminution device, reference is made to the previously given description of the corresponding features and further developments of the respective other aspects and their further developments.

[0117] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Figure 1: a schematic sectional view of a shredding device in a preferred embodiment; Figure 2: a schematic side view of a valve device of the Figure 1 depicted shredding device; Figure 3: a schematic side view of a power transmission unit of the in Figure 1Figure 4: a schematic block diagram of a method for comminuting a medium containing solids according to a preferred embodiment; Figure 5: a schematic block diagram of a method for comminuting a medium containing solids according to a further preferred embodiment; and Figure 6: a schematic block diagram of a method for maintaining a comminuting device according to a preferred embodiment.

[0118] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a comminution device 1 in a preferred embodiment. The comminution device 1 comprises a comminution chamber 30 enclosed by a housing 3. A cutting device 20 is arranged within the comminution chamber 30. The comminution chamber is divided into two chamber sections by the cutting device: an upstream chamber section 30a, which extends in the flow direction upstream of the cutting device 20, and a downstream chamber section 30b, which extends in the flow direction downstream of the cutting device 20.

[0119] The solids-containing medium to be comminuted is fed into the upstream chamber section 30a via an opening 31 in the housing. The solids-containing medium, comminuted by the cutting device 20, is fed into the downstream chamber section 30b and discharged from the downstream chamber section 30b through an opening 32 in the housing of the comminution chamber 30.

[0120] The cutting device 20 comprises a first cutting element 21 and a second cutting element 22. The second cutting element 22 is connected to the housing surrounding the comminution chamber 30 and divides the comminution chamber into the upstream chamber section 30a and the downstream chamber section 30b. Thus, the solids-containing medium preferably passes exclusively through the cutting device 20 from the upstream chamber section 30a to the downstream chamber section 30b.

[0121] The second cutting element 22 is fixedly connected to the housing, for example by means of a screw connection or a welded connection. In particular, the second cutting element 22 cannot be rotated or displaced relative to the housing. In this respect, the second cutting element 22 is stationary on the housing 3 of the comminution chamber 30. The first cutting element 21, on the other hand, is movably arranged. Firstly, the first cutting element 21 is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation A, and secondly, the first cutting element 21 is mounted so that it can be translationally displaced along the axis of rotation A. In this respect, the first cutting element 21 moves relative to the second cutting element 22 in order to comminute the solids-containing medium during operation. The cutting device 20 is therefore a displaceably arranged cutting device 20.

[0122] With respect to the flow direction of the medium to be comminuted or of the comminuted solids, the first cutting element 21 is arranged upstream of the second cutting element 22. Therefore, the cutting edge(s) of the second cutting element 22 face the upstream chamber section.

[0123] The first cutting element 21 of the cutting device 20 is coupled at one end to a drive hollow shaft 10, so that a rotary motion of the drive hollow shaft 10 or a torque from the drive hollow shaft 10 is transmitted to the first cutting element 21 of the cutting device 20. Accordingly, the connection between the drive hollow shaft 10 and the first cutting element 21 of the cutting device 20 can be positively engaged to transmit the rotary motion. Since the first cutting element 21 is displaceably arranged along the axis of rotation A, the connection between the drive hollow shaft 10 and the first cutting element 21 allows displacement along the axis of rotation A. For this purpose, a corresponding connecting or fastening section on the drive hollow shaft can be designed as a splined shaft or the like. Such a splined shaft enables the transmission of a torque or...a rotational movement about an axis of rotation A, but can allow a relative displacement of the shaft-hub connection, here between the drive hollow shaft 10 and the first cutting element 21. This connection section or fastening section is formed at a first end 10a or in a region at the first end 10a of the drive hollow shaft 10.

[0124] The rotary motion of the first cutting element 21, or the drive hollow shaft 10, is generated by a corresponding drive 40. This drive 40 is preferably an electric motor. In the present case, the drive 40 is coupled to the drive hollow shaft 10 via a gearbox 41. In principle, however, it is conceivable that the drive hollow shaft 10 is also directly coupled to the output shaft of the drive 40 or represents an extension of the output shaft of the drive 40.

[0125] By means of a so-called hydraulic adjusting element actuating unit 50, the first cutting element 21 can be translationally displaced relative to the second cutting element 22, or the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements 21, 22 can be adjusted. For this purpose, the first cutting element 21 is coupled to the hydraulic adjusting element actuating unit 50 via an adjusting element 11, which extends between a first end 11a and a second end 11b. The first cutting element 21 is coupled to the first end 11a or in the region of the first end 11a of the adjusting element 11, for example by a screw connection. In this case, the adjusting element 11 is designed to extend within the drive shaft 10 from the first cutting element 21 through the second cutting element 22 and the downstream chamber section 30b.Accordingly, the housing 3 surrounding the comminution chamber has a shaft opening 3a through which the drive hollow shaft 10 and the adjusting element 11 extend, such that the second end 10b of the drive hollow shaft 10 and the second end 11b of the adjusting element 11 are located outside the comminution chamber 30. The second end of the adjusting element 11 can extend into a chamber comprising the adjusting element actuation unit 50, wherein the second end of the adjusting element 11, or the section extending from the second end of the adjusting element 11, is arranged as a kind of piston within the chamber of the adjusting element actuation unit 50 and is mounted to be translationally movable.

[0126] Preferably, the contact pressure between the first cutting element 21 and the second cutting element 22 increases with increasing hydraulic pressure. In particular, it is understood that contact pressure exists between the first cutting element 21 and the second cutting element 22 as soon as hydraulic pressure is present in the chamber. Preferably, the contact pressure between the first cutting element 21 and the second cutting element 22 decreases with decreasing hydraulic pressure. Preferably, no contact pressure exists between the first cutting element 21 and the second cutting element 22 when the hydraulic pressure falls below a certain pressure threshold. In particular, no contact pressure exists between the first cutting element 21 and the second cutting element 22 when the hydraulic pressure falls below a certain pressure threshold of 0 bar.Preferably, the first and second cutting elements shift relative to each other due to gravity, so that they are spaced apart from each other and there is no contact pressure when the hydraulic pressure falls below the pressure limit.

[0127] Of course, a different operating principle for the adjusting element actuating unit 50 is also conceivable. For example, the adjusting element actuating unit 50 can have a compression spring which pushes the first cutting element 21 away from the second cutting element 22 depending on a spring force. For example, the compression spring can be arranged between the adjusting element actuating unit 50 and the adjusting element 11 in such a way that it pushes the first cutting element 21 away from the second cutting element 22, so that the first cutting element 21 does not contact the second cutting element 22. The chamber of the adjusting element actuating unit 50 can be arranged in such a way that the hydraulic pressure acting on the hydraulic medium exerts a force opposite to the spring force.Therefore, the hydraulic pressure must increase when the first cutting element 21 is moved towards the second cutting element 22 and / or when a contact pressure is to be built up between the first cutting element 21 and the second cutting element 22.

[0128] Of course, a different operating principle for the adjusting element actuation unit 50 is also conceivable. The adjusting element actuation unit 50 can, for example, have a compression spring that presses the first cutting element 21 against the second cutting element 22 depending on a spring force. For this purpose, the compression spring can, for example, rest at one end against a shoulder formed at the second end of the adjusting element and at the other end against a shoulder at the second end of the drive hollow shaft 10. To vary the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements, the pressure in the chamber of the adjusting element actuation unit 50 can be varied by supplying additional hydraulic fluid to the chamber of the adjusting element actuation unit 50 or by draining hydraulic fluid from the chamber of the adjusting element actuation unit 50.In particular, the adjusting element actuation unit 50 can be designed such that an increasing hydraulic pressure in the chamber of the adjusting element actuation unit 50 counteracts the spring force. Thus, with increasing hydraulic pressure, the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements 21, 22 can be reduced or increased such that the first cutting element lifts away from the second cutting element. This can be advantageous, for example, for maintenance purposes. Conversely, if the hydraulic pressure in the chamber of the adjusting element actuation unit 50 is reduced, the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements 21, 22 increases. It may be preferable to set the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements 21, 22 so high that it is above the contact pressure typically used for comminuting the solids-containing media.This can be used in particular to sharpen the cutting edges of the first and second cutting elements 21, 22.

[0129] To prevent the solid-containing medium from escaping the comminution chamber through the shaft opening 3a during operation of the comminution device 1, i.e., during comminution of the solid-containing medium, the comminution device 1 has a barrier chamber 80. The barrier chamber 80 is located directly on the housing 3 surrounding the comminution chamber at the shaft opening 3a. The barrier chamber 80 is enclosed by a barrier chamber housing 80a, which abuts the housing 3 surrounding the comminution chamber 30. The drive hollow shaft 10 and the adjusting element 11 arranged therein extend through corresponding openings in the barrier chamber housing 80a. Dynamic seals, for example radial shaft seals, are arranged in the openings of the barrier chamber housing 80a through which the drive hollow shaft 10 and the adjusting element 11 arranged therein extend.These allow the sealing of a chamber against the environment between a stationary part, here the barrier chamber housing 80a, and a moving part, here the drive hollow shaft.

[0130] To seal the comminution device or comminution chamber from the environment, the sealing chamber is filled with a hydraulic medium that can be pressurized (sealing chamber pressure). As the sealing chamber pressure increases, particularly when it exceeds the ambient pressure, the hydraulic medium presses the dynamic seal against the housing and the hollow drive shaft. Thus, the sealing effect of the sealing chamber increases with increasing pressure. By positioning the sealing chamber directly adjacent to the comminution chamber at the shaft passage opening 3a, the sealing chamber effectively seals the comminution chamber from the environment U.

[0131] The invention is based on the finding that, by using a suitable valve device 60, the locking chamber pressure and the contact pressure between the first and second cutting element can be realized by a single power transmission unit 70, and not, as before, by two separate power transmission circuits. Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the valve device 60 of the in Figure 1 The depicted comminution device 1 in detail. Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a power transmission unit 70 of the in Figure 1 shown crushing device 1.

[0132] Accordingly, the adjusting element actuation unit 50 and the locking chamber 80 can be hydraulically coupled to the same power transmission unit 70 via the valve device 60.

[0133] For this purpose, the valve assembly 60 has a first, second, and third hydraulic valve connection V1, V2, and V3. The valve assembly 60 is hydraulically coupled to the power transmission unit 70 via the first hydraulic valve connection V1. The valve assembly 60 is hydraulically coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit 50 via the second hydraulic valve connection V2. The valve assembly 60 is hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber 80 via the third hydraulic valve connection V3. The valve assembly 60 can then be switched back and forth between two switching states: a first switching state and a second switching state that differs from the first. In the first switching state, the power transmission unit 70 is hydraulically coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit 50 and hydraulically decoupled from the locking chamber 80.In this first switching state, the position of the first cutting element 21 relative to the second cutting element 22 can be adjusted along a translational path, or the contact pressure between the first and second cutting elements 21, 22 can be adjusted. In the second switching state, the power transmission unit 70 is hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber 80 and hydraulically decoupled from the adjusting element actuation unit 50. This allows the pressure within the locking chamber 80 to be adjusted.

[0134] To hydraulically couple or decouple the power transmission unit 70 with the locking chamber 80 or the adjusting element actuation unit 50, the valve device has several valve elements or valves 60a, 60b, which are arranged in corresponding connection sections between the valve hydraulic ports V1, V2, V3. For example, a valve 60a, such as a releasable check valve, is arranged in a hydraulic connection section between the first valve hydraulic port V1 and the second valve hydraulic port V2, and another valve 60b, such as also a releasable check valve, is arranged in a hydraulic connection section between the first valve hydraulic port V1 and the third valve hydraulic port V3.It may be preferred that the valve device 60 is designed in such a way that, in a non-actuated state of the valve device, both the locking chamber 80 and the adjusting element actuating unit 50 are hydraulically decoupled from the power transmission unit 70. Different switching states when the valve device is not actuated are conceivable.

[0135] Furthermore, the valve device 60 has in the Figure 1 as well as in Figure 2The illustrated embodiment features four further hydraulic valve ports V4, V5, V6, and V7. Hydraulic fluid can be supplied to or discharged from the sealing chamber 80 via the fourth hydraulic valve port V4. For this purpose, the fourth hydraulic valve port V4 can be hydraulically coupled to a first hydraulic accumulator 61, for example, a diaphragm accumulator or bladder accumulator. Hydraulic fluid can be supplied to or discharged from the adjusting element actuation unit 50 via the fifth hydraulic valve port V5. For this purpose, the fifth hydraulic valve port V5 can be hydraulically coupled to a second hydraulic accumulator 62, for example, a diaphragm accumulator or bladder accumulator.The sixth valve hydraulic port V6 is coupled to an adjusting element actuation unit sensor S1 to determine the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic medium within the adjusting element actuation unit 50. The seventh valve hydraulic port V7 is hydraulically coupled to a locking chamber sensor 51 to determine the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic medium within the locking chamber 50.

[0136] Furthermore, a power transmission unit pressure sensor S3, an adjustment element actuation unit pressure sensor S1, and a barrier chamber pressure sensor S2 are provided. The power transmission unit pressure sensor S3 is arranged on the shredding device or the power transmission unit 70 in such a way that it can detect the hydraulic pressure within the power transmission unit 70. The adjustment element actuation unit pressure sensor S1 is arranged on the shredding device or the adjustment element actuation unit 50 in such a way that it detects the hydraulic pressure within the adjustment element actuation unit. The barrier chamber pressure sensor S2 is arranged on the shredding device or the barrier chamber in such a way that it detects the hydraulic pressure within the barrier chamber.

[0137] The power transmission unit 70 comprises a drive unit 71, which in the present embodiment includes an electric cylinder as an electric motor. Furthermore, the power transmission unit 70 comprises a master cylinder unit 72, which is mechanically coupled to the drive unit 71 for setting a hydraulic pressure within the power transmission unit 70 or for setting a force to be transmitted by the power transmission unit 70. The master cylinder unit 72 has a first master cylinder unit hydraulic connection G1, via which the master cylinder unit 72 is hydraulically coupled to the first valve hydraulic connection V1. Additionally, the master cylinder unit 72 has a second master cylinder unit hydraulic connection G2, via which a hydraulic medium can be supplied to and discharged from the master cylinder unit 72.A third, unpressurized hydraulic accumulator 73 is provided, which is connected to the second master cylinder unit hydraulic connection G2.

[0138] A check valve unit 74 is arranged in a connecting line between the second master cylinder unit hydraulic port G2 and the third hydraulic accumulator 73. The check valve unit 74 is, for example, a filling valve or a resettable check valve. The check valve unit 74 can be switched back and forth between a first check valve switching position and a second check valve switching position that differs from the first. In the first check valve switching position, the connection between the third hydraulic accumulator 73 and the second master cylinder unit hydraulic port G2 is open. In the second check valve switching position, the connection between the third hydraulic accumulator 73 and the second master cylinder unit hydraulic port G2 is hydraulically decoupled. It is preferred that the check valve unit 74 is switched to the second check valve switching position when not actuated.

[0139] To switch the valve assembly between the first and second switching states, the shredding device 1 has a control device 90. The control device 90 is signal-coupled to the power transmission unit 70, the valve assembly 60, and the pressure sensors S1, S2, and S3. The control device 90 is configured to switch the valve assembly 60 to the first or second switching state depending on an operating state value representing an operating state of the shredding device 1 and a valve assembly setpoint representing a switching state of the valve assembly.

[0140] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a corresponding method for controlling a comminution device 1 according to a preferred embodiment. The comminution device 1 is, for example, a comminution device 1 such as the one described above. Figures 1 to 3as described. According to this procedure, a first step 1010 involves determining an operating state value. The operating state value represents an operating state of the comminution device. It should be understood that the comminution device can assume at least one or more of the following operating states, and each of the operating states is represented by a specific operating state value: The comminution device 1 can assume a cutting device adjustment operating state in which a first cutting element 21 of a cutting device 20 of the comminution device 1, arranged within a comminution chamber, is adjustable relative to a second cutting element 22 of the cutting device 20, i.e., in this case rotatable about a rotational axis A and translationally displaceable along the rotational axis A.Furthermore, the comminution device 1 can assume a barrier chamber adjustment operating state in which a barrier chamber pressure can be adjusted within a barrier chamber 80 arranged adjacent to the comminution chamber 30. As mentioned, this serves to seal the comminution chamber against the escape of the solid-containing medium from the comminution chamber 30 along a drive hollow shaft 10 of the cutting device 20.

[0141] In a second step 1020, a valve device setpoint is provided. The valve device setpoint represents a switching state of a valve device 60, wherein the valve device can assume one or more of the following at least switching states, and each of the switching states is represented by a specific switching state value: In a first switching state, the power transmission unit 70 is hydraulically coupled to an adjusting element actuating unit 50 for translationally adjusting the first cutting element 21, which is torque-resistant to the drive hollow shaft 10, and hydraulically decoupled from the locking chamber 80. In a second switching state, the power transmission unit 70 is hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber 80 for setting a hydraulic pressure within the locking chamber 80 and hydraulically decoupled from the adjusting element actuating unit.In a third switching state, the power transmission unit is hydraulically decoupled from the locking chamber 80 and from the adjusting element actuation unit 50.

[0142] It should be understood that the valve device setpoint represents a first switching state if the operating state value represents a cutting device adjustment operating state, and a second switching state if the operating state value represents a barrier chamber adjustment operating state.

[0143] Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a corresponding method for controlling a comminution device 1 according to a further preferred embodiment. The method according to this embodiment builds on the method according to the one described in relation to Figure 4 The described embodiment of the method for controlling a comminution device 1. In addition, the embodiment relating to Figure 5The described embodiment of the control method comprises the following steps: In step 1030, a pressure operating mode value is determined, which represents a pressure operating mode of the power transmission unit. It should be understood that the power transmission unit can assume one or more of the following pressure operating modes, and each of the pressure operating modes is represented by a specific power transmission unit pressure operating mode value: a pressure build-up operating mode, in which hydraulic pressure is built up within the power transmission unit; a pressure release operating mode, in which hydraulic pressure is released within the power transmission unit; and a pressure maintenance operating mode, in which hydraulic pressure is maintained within the power transmission unit.

[0144] The following is a determination (1040) of an actual actuator shaft actuation pressure value, which represents the actual hydraulic pressure within the actuator actuation unit. The actual actuator shaft actuation pressure value can be determined, for example, using an actuator actuation unit pressure sensor. Furthermore, the procedure (1000) includes a determination (1050) of an actual force actuation pressure value, which represents the actual hydraulic pressure within the force actuation unit. This actual force actuation pressure value can be determined using a force actuation unit pressure sensor. Additionally, the procedure (1000) includes, in step (1060), a determination (1060) of the force transmission unit operating mode pressure value.It is provided that the power transmission unit pressure operating mode value represents the pressure build-up operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is built up within the power actuation unit, while the adjusting element actuation unit is hydraulically decoupled from the power actuation unit when the specified actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is greater than the specified actual power actuation pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is greater than a specified adjusting element shaft actuation deviation threshold.Additionally or alternatively, it is provided that the power transmission unit pressure operating mode value represents the pressure reduction operating mode and the hydraulic pressure within the power actuation unit is reduced while the adjusting element actuation unit is hydraulically decoupled from the power actuation unit when the specified actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is less than the specified actual power actuation pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is greater than a specified adjusting element shaft actuation deviation threshold.Furthermore, it is additionally or alternatively provided that the power transmission unit pressure operating mode value represents the pressure holding operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is maintained within the power actuation unit, while the adjusting element actuation unit is hydraulically decoupled from the power actuation unit when the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is less than a certain adjusting element shaft actuation deviation threshold or corresponds to the adjusting element shaft actuation deviation threshold.

[0145] Finally, the procedure comprises 1000 according to the in Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, step 1070 provides the valve device setpoint value, which represents the first switching state, as soon as the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is less than a certain adjusting element shaft actuation deviation threshold or corresponds to the certain adjusting element shaft actuation deviation threshold.

[0146] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of a method 2000 for the maintenance of a comminution device 1, such as this in relation to the Figure 1The process described above comprises, in a first step (2010), pressure reduction within the power actuation unit while the power actuation unit is hydraulically decoupled from the adjusting element actuation unit and the third hydraulic accumulator. It should be understood that, with a suitably designed power transmission unit, the pressure reduction involves adjusting an electric cylinder of a drive unit within the power transmission unit. In this step, hydraulic fluid is thus released from the power transmission unit and / or the volume containing the hydraulic fluid is increased. Additionally, according to step 2040, pressure reduction can be provided within the power actuation unit while the power actuation unit is also decoupled from the sealing chamber.

[0147] In a further step in 2020, a hydraulic coupling of the power actuation unit with the adjusting element actuation unit and the third hydraulic accumulator is provided, and in a subsequent step in 2030, a translational adjustment of the adjusting element with the attached first cutting element from an operating position to a maintenance position different from the operating position, whereby the hydraulic fluid flows from the adjusting element actuation unit via the power actuation unit into the third hydraulic accumulator. If this is necessary for maintenance purposes, the used first and / or second cutting element can then be replaced with a new or nearly new first and / or second cutting element.

[0148] Furthermore, it may be preferred that hydraulic fluid is also drained from the sealing chamber. For this purpose, method 2000 comprises the step of hydraulically coupling 2050 of the force actuation unit with the sealing chamber and the third hydraulic accumulator, so that the hydraulic fluid flows from the sealing chamber into the third hydraulic accumulator until the pressure inside the sealing chamber reaches 0 bar or the pressure difference between the sealing chamber pressure and the environment or the third hydraulic accumulator is 0 bar.

[0149] From the preceding description, it is clear that for steps 2020 and 2050 of the hydraulic coupling, the valve device assumes the corresponding switching state specified by a control device 80.

Claims

1. Comminution device (1) for comminuting a medium containing solids, the comminution device (1) comprising: - a drive hollow shaft (10) rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (A), which is coupled for driving a cutting device (20) axially displaceable along the axis of rotation (A), wherein the drive hollow shaft (10) is connectable to a drive device (40) and extends along the axis of rotation (A) between a first shaft end (10a) and a second shaft end (10b), - an adjusting element (11) which is connected to the cutting device (20) and is displaceably arranged within the drive hollow shaft (10), - a hydraulic adjusting element actuation unit (50) which is connected to the drive hollow shaft (10) and the adjusting element (11) for displacing the cutting device (20) and is hydraulically connectable to a power transmission unit,wherein - the slidably arranged cutting device (20) ∘ has a first cutting element (21) which is coupled to the drive hollow shaft (10) and the adjusting element (11) and comprises at least one first cutting edge, and ∘ has a second cutting element (22) which comprises at least one second cutting edge, wherein ∘ the first cutting element (21) and the second cutting element (22) are arranged to be movable relative to each other in such a way that a rotational movement of the first cutting element (21) relative to the second cutting element (22) about the axis of rotation (A) causes a shearing action between the at least one first cutting edge and the at least one second cutting edge, and ∘ the first cutting element (21) is arranged to be movable translationally relative to the second cutting element (22) along the axis of rotation (A), - a comminution chamber (30) within which the cutting device (20) is arranged between an opening outlet (32),a through which the comminuted solid-containing medium can flow out of the comminution chamber (30), and an opening inlet (31) through which the solid-containing medium to be comminuted can flow into the comminution chamber (30), and a sealing chamber (80) which is arranged adjacent to the comminution chamber (30) and seals the comminution chamber (30) against the escape of the solid-containing medium from the comminution chamber (30) at the drive hollow shaft (10), , characterized by the fact that- a valve device (60) ∘ is hydraulically coupled to the power transmission unit (70) at a first valve hydraulic port (V1) of the valve device (60), ∘ is hydraulically coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit (50) at a second valve hydraulic port (V2) of the valve device (60), ∘ is hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber (80) at a third valve hydraulic port (V3) of the valve device (60), and - the valve device (60) is switchable back and forth between at least a first switching state and a second switching state different from the first switching state, wherein ∘ in the first switching state, to adjust a position of the first cutting element (21) relative to the second cutting element (22) along a translational movement path, the power transmission unit (70) is hydraulically coupled to the adjusting element actuation unit (50). is and is hydraulically decoupled from the locking chamber (80),and ∘ in the second switching state, for setting a pressure within the locking chamber (80), the power transmission unit (70) is hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber (80) and hydraulically decoupled from the adjusting element actuation unit (50).

2. Comminution device (1) according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the valve device (60) is / are or comprises a filling valve or several filling valves and / or an unlockable check valve or several unlockable check valves; and / or in an unactuated state, ∘ is switched to the first switching state, or ∘ is switched to the second switching state, or ∘ the locking chamber and the adjusting element actuating unit (90) are hydraulically decoupled from the force actuating unit (70).

3. Comminution device according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein the valve device (60) has two valves (60a, 60b), wherein - one of the two valves (60a) is arranged in a hydraulic connection section between the first valve hydraulic port (V1) and the second valve hydraulic port (V2) and - the other of the two valves (60b) is arranged in a further hydraulic connection section between the first valve hydraulic port (V1) and the third valve hydraulic port (V3).

4. Crusher (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, the valve device comprising: - a fourth hydraulic valve port (V4) through which a hydraulic medium can be supplied to the sealing chamber (80) or from which the hydraulic medium can be discharged from the sealing chamber (80); and / or - a fifth hydraulic valve port (V5) through which the hydraulic medium can be supplied to the adjusting element actuating unit (50) or from which the hydraulic medium can be discharged from the adjusting element actuating unit (50); and / or - a sixth hydraulic valve port (V6) which is designed for connecting an adjusting element actuating unit sensor (S1) to determine a hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic medium within the adjusting element actuating unit (50);and / or - a seventh valve hydraulic port (V7) which is designed for connecting a lock chamber sensor (51) to determine a hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic medium within the lock chamber (50), wherein the valve device (60) preferably has - a first hydraulic accumulator (61), wherein the first hydraulic accumulator (61) is preferably designed as a pressure accumulator, in particular as a diaphragm accumulator or bladder accumulator, and the first hydraulic accumulator (61) is arranged at the fourth valve hydraulic port (V4); and / or - a second hydraulic accumulator (62), wherein the second hydraulic accumulator (62) is preferably designed as a pressure accumulator, in particular as a diaphragm accumulator or bladder accumulator, and the second hydraulic accumulator is arranged at the fifth valve hydraulic port (V5).

5. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, comprising: - a power transmission unit pressure sensor (S3) configured to determine a hydraulic pressure within the power transmission unit (70) or a force to be transmitted by the power transmission unit (70), and / or - the adjusting element actuating unit pressure sensor (S1) configured to determine a hydraulic pressure within the adjusting element actuating unit (50), and / or - the barrier chamber pressure sensor (S2) configured to determine a hydraulic pressure within the barrier chamber (80), and / or the power transmission unit (70) comprising: - a drive unit (71), wherein the drive unit is preferably an electric motor, in particular an electric cylinder, or comprises one;and - a master cylinder unit (72) which is mechanically coupled to the drive unit (71) for adjusting a hydraulic pressure within the power transmission unit (70) or for adjusting a force to be transmitted by the power transmission unit (70), wherein the master cylinder unit (72) ∘ has a first master cylinder unit hydraulic port (G1) via which the master cylinder unit (72) can be hydraulically coupled to or is coupled to the first valve hydraulic port (V1); and ∘ has a second master cylinder unit hydraulic port (G2) via which a hydraulic medium can be supplied to the master cylinder unit (72) and from which the hydraulic medium can be discharged from the master cylinder unit (72).; 6. Shredding device according to the preceding claim 5, wherein the power transmission unit (70) has a third hydraulic accumulator (73), wherein preferably the third hydraulic accumulator is a pressureless hydraulic accumulator or is configured to store the hydraulic medium without pressure, and the third hydraulic accumulator is connected to the second master cylinder unit hydraulic connection (G2), wherein preferably the power transmission unit has a shut-off valve unit (74) which is arranged between the third hydraulic accumulator (73) and the second master cylinder unit hydraulic connection (G2), wherein the shut-off valve unit (74) is switchable back and forth between a first shut-off valve switching position and a second shut-off valve switching position different from the first shut-off valve switching position,wherein - in the first locking valve switching position the connection between the third hydraulic accumulator (73) and the second master cylinder unit hydraulic port (G2) is open, and - in the second locking valve switching position the connection between the third hydraulic accumulator (73) and the second master cylinder unit hydraulic port (G2) is hydraulically decoupled, wherein the locking valve unit (74) is preferably - a filling valve or an unlockable check valve or comprises one; and / or - is switched to an unactuated state in the second locking valve switching position.

7. A comminution device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, comprising a control device (90) which is coupled to the power transmission unit (70) and the valve device (60) via a signal, wherein the control device (90) is configured to switch the valve device (60) to the first or second switching state depending on an operating state value representing an operating state of the comminution device (1), with a valve device setpoint value representing a switching state of a valve device, and / or wherein the barrier chamber (80) is formed within a barrier chamber housing (80a) which has through-openings through which the drive hollow shaft (10) extends, wherein the barrier chamber (80) extends within the barrier chamber housing (80a) between two sealing elements (81),which enclose the drive hollow shaft and abut the inside of the locking chamber housing adjacent to the through-openings, wherein the sealing elements (80a) are preferably designed as mechanical seals.

8. Use of a valve device (60) for a comminution device (1) for comminuting a medium containing solids, - the valve device (60) comprising: ∘ a first hydraulic valve connection (V1) to which a power transmission unit (70) can be hydraulically coupled or is coupled, ∘ a second hydraulic valve connection (V2) to which an adjusting element actuating unit (50) can be hydraulically coupled or is coupled, wherein a drive hollow shaft (10) and a first cutting element (21) of a cutting device (20) connected to the drive hollow shaft are arranged to be translationally movable relative to a second cutting element (22) of the cutting device (20) along a rotational axis (A) of the drive hollow shaft (10) by means of the adjusting element actuating unit (50); and ∘ a third valve hydraulic connection (V3) to which a locking chamber (80) can be hydraulically coupled or is coupled,wherein the sealing chamber (80) is arranged adjacent to the comminution chamber (30) and the comminution chamber (30) seals against the escape of the solids-containing medium from the comminution chamber (30) along the drive hollow shaft (10), wherein - the valve device (60) is switchable back and forth between at least a first switching state and a second switching state different from the first switching state, wherein ∘ in the first switching state the power transmission unit (70) is hydraulically coupled or coupled to the adjusting element actuating unit (50) and is hydraulically decoupled or decoupled from the sealing chamber (80), and ∘ in the second switching state the power transmission unit (70) is hydraulically coupled or coupled to the sealing chamber (80) and is hydraulically decoupled or decoupled from the adjusting element actuating unit (50),- wherein the valve device (60) is preferably designed in accordance with the valve device (60) of the comminution device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12.

9. Method (1000) for controlling a comminution device (1) for comminuting a medium containing solids, wherein the comminution device (1) is preferably configured according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the steps of: - determining (1010) an operating state value representing an operating state of the comminution device, wherein the comminution device can assume at least one or more of the following operating states and each of the operating states is represented by a specific operating state value: ∘ a cutting device adjustment operating state in which a first cutting element of a cutting device of the comminution device arranged within a comminution chamber is adjustable relative to a second cutting element of the cutting device arranged within the comminution chamber; and ∘ a barrier chamber adjustment operating state,in which a barrier chamber pressure is adjustable within a barrier chamber (80) arranged adjacent to the comminution chamber (30), wherein the barrier chamber seals the comminution chamber (30) against the escape of the solids-containing medium from the comminution chamber (30) along a drive hollow shaft of the cutting device; and - providing (1020) a valve device setpoint value representing a switching state of a valve device, wherein the valve device can assume one or more of the following at least switching states and each of the switching states is represented by a specific switching state value: ∘ a first switching state in which a power transmission unit is hydraulically coupled with an adjusting element actuating unit for translationally adjusting the first cutting element, which is torque-resistant to the drive hollow shaft, and is hydraulically decoupled from the barrier chamber, ∘ a second switching state,in which the power transmission unit for setting a hydraulic pressure within the locking chamber is hydraulically coupled to the locking chamber and hydraulically decoupled from the adjusting element actuating unit, and ∘ a third switching state in which the power transmission unit is hydraulically decoupled from the locking chamber and / or the power transmission unit is hydraulically decoupled from the adjusting element actuating unit, - wherein the valve device setpoint ∘ represents a first switching state if the operating state value represents a cutting device adjusting operating state, and ∘ represents a second switching state if the operating state value represents a locking chamber adjusting operating state.

10. A method according to the preceding claim 9, comprising the step (1030) of determining a power transmission unit pressure operating mode value representing a pressure operating mode of the power transmission unit, wherein the power transmission unit may assume one or more of the following pressure operating modes and each of the pressure operating modes is represented by a specific power transmission unit pressure operating mode value: - a pressure build-up operating mode in which hydraulic pressure is built up within the power transmission unit; - a pressure release operating mode in which hydraulic pressure is released within the power transmission unit; and - a pressure hold operating mode in which hydraulic pressure is maintained within the power transmission unit;and / or - a cutting device sharpening mode in which hydraulic pressure is built up within the power transmission unit, wherein the hydraulic pressure built up in the cutting device sharpening mode is greater than the hydraulic pressure built up in the pressure build-up operating mode, wherein preferably - in the cutting device adjustment operating state, ∘ in the pressure build-up operating mode, pressure is built up with the power transmission unit within the adjustment element actuation unit from an actual adjustment element shaft actuation pressure up to a target adjustment element shaft actuation pressure value, and ∘ in the pressure reduction operating mode, pressure is reduced with the power transmission unit within the adjustment element actuation unit from an actual adjustment element shaft actuation pressure up to a target adjustment element shaft actuation pressure value, and ∘ in the pressure maintenance operating mode, pressure is maintained with the power transmission unit;and / or ∘ in the cutting device sharpening mode with the power transmission unit within the adjusting element actuation unit, starting from an actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure, up to a cutting device sharpening adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value that is greater than the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value, wherein preferably ▪ the cutting device sharpening mode is preceded by the pressure build-up operating mode and / or the pressure reduction operating mode and / or the pressure maintenance operating mode; and / or ▪ the cutting device sharpening mode is followed by the pressure build-up operating mode and / or the pressure reduction operating mode and / or the pressure maintenance operating mode;and / or - in the barrier chamber adjustment operating state ∘ in the pressure build-up operating mode with the power transmission unit inside the barrier chamber, starting from an actual barrier chamber pressure, pressure is built up to a target barrier chamber pressure, and ∘ in the pressure reduction operating mode with the power transmission unit inside the barrier chamber, pressure is reduced from an actual barrier chamber pressure to a target barrier chamber pressure value, and ∘ in the pressure maintenance operating mode with the power transmission unit, a pressure is maintained.; 11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 9 or 10, where the operating state value represents the cutting device adjustment operating state, comprising the steps of: - determining (1040) an actual adjustment element shaft actuation pressure value representing the actual hydraulic pressure within the adjustment element actuation unit, wherein the actual adjustment element shaft actuation pressure value is preferably determined using an adjustment element actuation unit pressure sensor; - determining (1050) an actual force actuation pressure value representing the actual hydraulic pressure within the force actuation unit, wherein the actual force actuation pressure value is preferably determined using a force actuation unit pressure sensor; - determining (1060) the force transmission unit pressure operating mode value, wherein the force transmission unit pressure operating mode value represents the pressure build-up operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is built up within the force actuation unit.while the adjusting element actuating unit is hydraulically decoupled from the force actuating unit, when the specified actual adjusting element shaft actuating pressure value is greater than the specified actual force actuating pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual force actuating pressure value and the actual adjusting element shaft actuating pressure value is greater than a specified adjusting element shaft actuating deviation threshold; and / or ∘ represents the pressure reduction operating mode and the hydraulic pressure within the force actuating unit is reduced while the adjusting element actuating unit is hydraulically decoupled from the force actuating unit,if the specified actual actuator shaft actuation pressure value is less than the specified actual force actuation pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual actuator shaft actuation pressure value is greater than a specified actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold; and / or represents the pressure holding operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is held within the force actuation unit while the actuator unit is hydraulically decoupled from the force actuation unit, if the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual actuator shaft actuation pressure value is less than a specified actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold or is equal to the actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold; and - providing (1070) the valve device position value representing the first switching state,as soon as the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual actuator shaft actuation pressure value is less than a certain actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold or corresponds to the certain actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold, preferably comprising: - determining (1080) a target actuator shaft actuation pressure value representing the target hydraulic pressure within the actuator actuation unit, and - determining (1090) the force transmission unit pressure operating mode value, wherein the force transmission unit pressure operating mode value represents the pressure build-up operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is built up within the force actuation unit while the actuator actuation unit is hydraulically coupled to the force actuation unit,if the specified target actuator shaft pressure value is greater than the specified actual actuator shaft pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual actuator shaft actuation pressure value is less than a specified actuator actuation deviation threshold or corresponds to the actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold; and / or represents the pressure reduction operating mode and the hydraulic pressure within the force actuation unit is reduced while the actuator unit is hydraulically coupled to the force actuation unit,if the specified target actuator shaft pressure value is less than the specified actual actuator shaft pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual actuator actuation pressure value is less than a specified actuator actuation deviation threshold or corresponds to the actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold; and / or represents the pressure holding operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is held within the force actuation unit while the actuator unit is hydraulically coupled to the force actuation unit, if the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual actuator actuation pressure value is less than a specified actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold or corresponds to the actuator shaft actuation deviation threshold,wherein preferably an adjustment of the pressure difference between the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value and the actual force actuation pressure value is specified via a hysteresis pressure value by which the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value can fluctuate before the force transmission unit is actuated, wherein the hysteresis pressure value for the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is particularly preferably 2 bar, and - maintaining the hydraulic pressure at the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value by means of the force actuation unit while the valve device position value represents the first switching state, when the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value corresponds to or has reached the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value, or - providing the valve device position value that represents the third switching state,as soon as the actual actuator shaft pressure value corresponds to the target actuator shaft pressure value or has reached the target actuator shaft pressure value.

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 11, where the operating state value represents the locking chamber adjustment operating state, comprising the steps of: - determining (1100) an actual locking chamber pressure value representing the actual hydraulic pressure within the locking chamber, wherein the actual locking chamber pressure value is preferably determined using a locking chamber pressure sensor; - determining (1110) the actual force actuation pressure value representing the actual hydraulic pressure within the force actuation unit, wherein the actual force actuation pressure value is preferably determined using the force actuation unit pressure sensor; - determining (1120) the force transmission unit pressure operating mode value, wherein the force transmission unit pressure operating mode value represents the pressure build-up operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is built up within the force actuation unit while the locking chamber is hydraulically decoupled from the force actuation unit.if the specified actual lock chamber pressure value is greater than the specified actual force actuation pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual lock chamber pressure value is greater than a specified lock chamber deviation threshold; and / or represents the pressure reduction operating mode and the hydraulic pressure within the force actuation unit is reduced while the lock chamber is hydraulically decoupled from the force actuation unit, if the specified actual lock chamber pressure value is less than the specified actual force actuation pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual lock chamber pressure value is greater than a specified lock chamber deviation threshold; and / or represents the pressure maintenance operating mode and the hydraulic pressure within the force actuation unit is maintained while the lock chamber is hydraulically decoupled from the force actuation unit,when the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual lock chamber pressure value is less than a specified lock chamber deviation threshold or corresponds to the specified lock chamber deviation threshold; and - providing (1130) the valve device position value representing the second switching state as soon as the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual lock chamber pressure value is less than a specified lock chamber deviation threshold or corresponds to the specified lock chamber deviation threshold, preferably comprising the steps of: - determining (1140) a target lock chamber pressure value representing the target hydraulic pressure within the lock chamber, - determining (1150) the force transmission unit pressure operating mode value, wherein the force transmission unit pressure operating mode value represents the pressure build-up operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is built up within the force actuation unit,while the locking chamber is hydraulically coupled to the power actuation unit when the specified target locking chamber pressure value is greater than the specified actual locking chamber pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual locking chamber pressure value is less than a specified locking chamber deviation threshold or corresponds to the locking chamber deviation threshold; and / or ∘ represents the pressure reduction operating mode and the hydraulic pressure within the power actuation unit is reduced while the locking chamber is hydraulically coupled to the power actuation unit when the specified target locking chamber pressure value is less than the specified actual locking chamber pressure value and the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual locking chamber pressure value is less than a specified locking chamber deviation threshold or corresponds to the locking chamber deviation threshold,and / or ∘ represents the pressure maintenance operating mode and the hydraulic pressure is maintained within the power actuation unit while the locking chamber is hydraulically coupled to the power actuation unit when the absolute difference between the actual power actuation pressure value and the actual locking chamber pressure value is less than a certain locking chamber deviation threshold or corresponds to the locking chamber deviation threshold, wherein preferably an adjustment of the pressure difference between the target locking chamber pressure value and the actual power actuation pressure value is specified via a hysteresis pressure value by which the target locking chamber pressure value can fluctuate before the power transmission unit is actuated, wherein in particular preferably the hysteresis pressure value for the target locking chamber pressure value is 2 bar, and - maintaining (1160) the hydraulic pressure at the target locking chamber pressure value by means of the power actuation unit,while the valve device position represents the second switching state when the actual lock chamber pressure value equals or has reached the target lock chamber pressure value, or - providing (1170) the valve device position value representing the third switching state as soon as the actual lock chamber pressure value equals or has reached the target lock chamber pressure value.

13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 12, wherein the operating state value represents the cutting device adjustment operating state when: ∘ the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual adjustment element shaft actuation pressure value is less than the determined adjustment element shaft actuation deviation threshold, and ∘ the absolute difference between the target adjustment element shaft actuation pressure value and the actual adjustment element shaft actuation pressure value is greater than the determined adjustment element shaft actuation deviation threshold, and / or: ∘ the operating state value represents the locking chamber adjustment operating state when: ∘ the absolute difference between the actual force actuation pressure value and the actual locking chamber pressure value is less than the determined locking chamber deviation threshold.and ∘ the absolute difference between the target lock chamber pressure value and the actual lock chamber pressure value is greater than the determined lock chamber deviation threshold.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 13, comprising the step of: - determining (1180) a required hydraulic volume ∘ to match the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value to the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value, or ∘ to match the actual locking chamber pressure value to the target locking chamber pressure value; - determining (1190) a possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit, - providing (1200) a locking valve switching position signal for a locking valve which ∘ corresponds to a first locking valve switching position when ▪ the required hydraulic volume to match the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value to the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is greater than the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit,or ▪ the required hydraulic volume to adjust the actual lock chamber pressure value to the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is greater than the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit, and / or ∘ corresponds to a second lock valve switching position if ▪ the required hydraulic volume to adjust the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value to the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is less than the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit or corresponds to the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit, or ▪ the required hydraulic volume to adjust the actual lock chamber pressure value to the target lock chamber pressure value is less than the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit or corresponds to the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit, ∘ wherein an additional quantity of hydraulic medium is supplied to the power transmission unit in the first lock valve switching position,preferably from a hydraulic accumulator, until the possible delivery volume corresponds to the required hydraulic volume, and wherein in the second shut-off valve switching position of the power transmission unit no additional quantity of hydraulic medium is supplied, wherein preferably the power transmission unit is hydraulically decoupled from the third hydraulic accumulator, preferably the power transmission unit comprising: - a drive unit, wherein the drive unit is preferably an electric motor, in particular an electric cylinder, or comprises one; and - a master cylinder unit, which is mechanically coupled to the drive unit for setting a hydraulic pressure within the power transmission unit or for setting a force to be transmitted by the power transmission unit, wherein the master cylinder unit has a first master cylinder unit hydraulic connection.to which the first hydraulic line is connected; and ∘ has a second master cylinder unit hydraulic connection through which a hydraulic medium can be supplied to the master cylinder unit and through which the hydraulic medium can be discharged from the master cylinder unit, - wherein if ∘ the required hydraulic volume to adjust the actual adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value to the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is greater than the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit or ∘ the required hydraulic volume to adjust the actual locking chamber pressure value to the target adjusting element shaft actuation pressure value is greater than the possible delivery volume of the power transmission unit, the method preferably comprises the steps of: - moving (1210) the electric cylinder to a position until the pressure inside the power transmission unit is at 0 bar, - providing (1220) a locking valve switching position signal,which corresponds to the first shut-off valve switching position, and - moving (1230) the electric cylinder into an end position as soon as the shut-off valve is open, thereby creating a vacuum at the master cylinder unit, so that additional hydraulic fluid is drawn from the third hydraulic accumulator until the possible delivery volume corresponds to the required hydraulic volume, and - providing (1240) a shut-off valve switching position signal which corresponds to the second shut-off valve switching position, so that the power transmission unit is hydraulically decoupled from the third hydraulic accumulator.

15. Method (2000) for maintaining a shredding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the steps of: - pressure reduction (2010) within the power actuation unit while the power actuation unit is hydraulically decoupled from the adjusting element actuation unit and the third hydraulic accumulator, wherein the pressure reduction preferably comprises adjusting an electric cylinder of a drive unit of the power transmission unit, - hydraulic coupling (2020) of the power actuation unit with the adjusting element actuation unit and the third hydraulic accumulator, - translational adjustment (2030) of the adjusting element with the first cutting element attached thereto from an operating position to a maintenance position different from the operating position, wherein the adjustment causes the hydraulic medium to flow from the adjusting element actuation unit via the power actuation unit into the third hydraulic accumulator,and - preferably replacing the used first and / or second cutting element with a new or nearly new first and / or second cutting element and / or the method (2000) preferably comprising the steps of: - pressure reduction (2040) within the power actuation unit while the power actuation unit is hydraulically decoupled from the locking chamber and the third hydraulic accumulator, wherein the pressure reduction preferably comprises adjusting the electric cylinder of the drive unit of the power transmission unit, - hydraulic coupling (2050) of the power actuation unit with the locking chamber and the third hydraulic accumulator, so that the hydraulic medium flows from the locking chamber into the third hydraulic accumulator until the pressure within the locking chamber reaches 0 bar.

16. Control device (80) for controlling a comminution device (1) for comminution of a medium containing solids, wherein the control device is configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 14; and / or to perform the steps of the method according to the preceding claim 15.

17. Computer system for controlling a comminution device for comminuting a medium containing solids, wherein the computer system comprises an input interface, a graphical user interface, a storage unit, and a computing unit, and is configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 14, and / or to perform the steps of the method according to the preceding claim 15.

18. Computer program comprising program code means for carrying out - the steps of the method according to any of the preceding claims 9 to 14, and / or - the steps of the method according to the preceding claim 15, - when the computer program is executed on the control device according to the preceding claim or the computer system according to the preceding claim.

19. Computer-readable medium containing a computer program comprising program code means for performing - the steps of the method according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 14, and / or - the steps of the method according to the preceding claim 15, when the computer program is executed on the control device according to the preceding claim or the computer system according to the preceding claim.

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