Processing plant for plastics material

Abstract

The invention relates to a processing plant for plastics material and to a method for processing plastics material, in particular for processing thermoplastic material for recycling. The processing plant (1) comprises a first processing unit (2), a second processing unit (10) and a plasticizing device (6). The plasticizing device (6) is downstream of the first processing unit (2) and the second processing unit (10) as viewed in the delivery direction. The first processing unit (2) is in flow connection with the plasticizing device (6) and the second processing unit (10) is also in flow connection with the plasticizing device (6). The plasticizing device (6) can be charged as and when required by means of the first processing unit (2) and / or by means of the second processing unit (10).

Description

[0001] PLANT FOR PLASTICS MATERIAL

[0002] The invention relates to a processing plant for plastic material and a method for processing plastic material, in particular for processing thermoplastic material for its recycling.

[0003] Such processing plants have become known through WO 98 / 16360 A and the resulting EP 0934 144 Bl.

[0004] In order for plastic material, especially plastic waste, to be plasticized in an extruder, it is usually necessary to process it in an upstream processing step, usually including a comminution step. This typically involves a comminution step by shredding, cutting, or grinding the plastic material to obtain a preferably free-flowing bulk material that can be drawn into a plasticizing device, a so-called extruder. This processing is carried out either in a separate, decoupled upstream step using dedicated shredders, or in a step directly upstream of the extruder, i.e., virtually inline.In the decoupled, separate process, the shredded material is temporarily stored in a silo, for example, which has the advantage that the silo serves as an intermediate storage facility, thus compensating for fluctuations in material availability. For example, AT 522051 B 1 discloses a processing plant for plastic material in which a plasticizing device is directly fed via a processing unit consisting of a shredding device and a conveying device. However, a combined processing plant, which includes the subfunctions of shredding, conveying, and melting, has the disadvantage that the interlinking of the system components results in a mutual dependency, which adversely affects system availability and flexibility.Especially in the event of a malfunction or defect in, for example, the shredding unit, but also when maintenance work is necessary (e.g. changing the blades), the entire system must be stopped.

[0005] The existing processing systems have generally proven themselves quite well in practical operation. However, with varying material input, especially with different volumes, quantities, and densities of plastic material, the existing processing systems often reach their performance limits or fail to deliver a satisfactory quality of processed plastic. Furthermore, the existing processing systems cannot achieve a consistent transfer of the shredded plastic material to the plasticizing device in all operating conditions.

[0006] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a processing plant and method that combines the advantages of processing plants with a decoupled processing unit and a coupled processing unit, ensuring improved plant availability. Furthermore, the object of the invention was to provide a processing plant that ensures high quality of the processed material even with fluctuating material input, for example, with regard to volume, quantity, and density of the material.

[0007] This object is achieved by a processing plant for plastic material and a method for processing plastic material according to the claims.

[0008] The invention relates to a processing plant for plastic material, comprising a first processing unit, comprising a first housing and a first shaft body, wherein the first shaft body extends along a first longitudinal axis, and wherein the first shaft body is arranged so as to be rotatable in the first housing. The processing plant further comprises a plasticizing device, preferably a single plasticizing device, with an extruder housing and at least one extruder screw, wherein the extruder screw extends along a longitudinal extruder axis, and wherein the extruder screw is arranged so as to be rotatable in the extruder housing, wherein the plasticizing device is arranged downstream of the first processing unit, viewed in the conveying direction, and wherein the first processing unit is fluidly connected to the plasticizing device indirectly, or directly, or indirectly.For example, a single-screw extruder, a twin-screw extruder, or a multi-screw extruder is conceivable. Whenever reference is made to the plasticizing device below, this always refers to at least one plasticizing device. Of course, this wording does not exclude the possibility of two or more plasticizing devices being provided.

[0009] It is provided that a second processing unit is formed, wherein the second processing unit comprises a second housing and a second shaft body, wherein the second shaft body extends along a second longitudinal axis, and wherein the second shaft body is rotatably mounted in the second housing, and wherein the plasticizing device is arranged downstream of the second processing unit, viewed in the conveying direction, and wherein the second processing unit is fluidly connected to the plasticizing device indirectly, or directly, or directly. The plasticizing device can be fed indirectly, or directly, or directly, as required, by means of the first processing unit and / or by means of the second processing unit.

[0010] Accordingly, the two processing units are connected in parallel during the process. They can therefore be operated individually, alternately, and / or simultaneously. In the context of the invention, the conveying direction refers to the direction in which the plastic material introduced into the processing system is transported through the system. Preferably, the first and second housings have a hollow cylindrical basic shape.

[0011] The advantage achieved through this is that it increases the possible feed volume with which the plasticizing unit can be fed with processed plastic material. This also increases the flexibility of the possible applications of such a processing plant with changing material input, particularly with varying bulk densities. As is well known, pre-shredded material or thick-walled material have a significantly higher bulk density than thin-walled materials or films. By means of two or more processing units or shredders connected in parallel, it is now possible to react particularly flexibly to changing material input. With comparatively high input bulk densities of the material, for example, only one of the two processing units or shredders can be operated, whereas with comparatively low input bulk densities, or both units can be operated in parallel.For large-volume input materials, such as film, both processing units or shredders can be operated simultaneously. Furthermore, the processing units can be designed differently, for example, with different shredder blades, allowing either the first processing unit or the second processing unit to be operated depending on the input material.

[0012] Another advantage of the invention is that the input material can be flexibly fed into the processing plant via the processing units at multiple locations. For example, if the first processing unit is located on the left side of the plasticizing unit and the second processing unit on the right side of the plasticizing unit, the material feeds and, consequently, the material feed stations (e.g., conveyor belts, roller feeds) are spatially separated from each other. This results in advantageous logistics for the provision of the input material, particularly for large-volume input materials, such as films.

[0013] Another advantage of the invention is that by mixing two different waste streams, or two different fractions, it is easily possible to feed each of these fractions through a single processing unit while simultaneously operating both processing units. The mixing ratio of the two material input streams can be regulated, for example, by the speed of the individual processing units.

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

[0015] It is always important to ensure that the plastic material shredded by the processing units is conveyed safely to the plasticizing device. The direction of rotation or rotation of the processing units relative to the conveying direction of the extruder screw can be selected so that it is aligned either in the same direction of rotation or rotation or in the opposite direction of rotation or rotation.

[0016] Material can preferably be transferred from the respective processing unit to the plasticizing device in a transfer area. For this purpose, an outlet opening can be provided in the housing of the respective processing unit. This outlet opening can be provided at the top, bottom, or side of the housing, depending on the arrangement of the processing unit in relation to the plasticizing unit. The extruder housing can in turn have at least one inlet opening. This inlet opening can in turn be provided at the top, bottom, or side of the extruder housing, again depending on the arrangement of the processing unit in relation to the plasticizing unit. Furthermore, it can be expedient for the first longitudinal axis to be arranged orthogonally to the extruder longitudinal axis, and / or for the second longitudinal axis to be arranged orthogonally to the extruder longitudinal axis.

[0017] The rotational axes of the two processing units are therefore preferably at an angle of 90° to the rotational axis of the extruder screw. This has the particular advantage that opposing processing units can be designed coaxially and can also be mounted one inside the other.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are coaxial.

[0019] This means that the two longitudinal axes or rotational axes of the two processing units are congruent, i.e. the processing units are arranged facing each other at their axial ends.

[0020] This has the advantage that with such an arrangement a single filler opening on the extruder housing is sufficient, so that the processed material from both processing units reaches the plasticising device at the same axial position. For this purpose, each of the processing units preferably comprises its own outlet opening in the respective housing, or the two processing units have a common outlet opening, so that plastic material can reach the plasticising device via the outlet openings or the common outlet opening via the filler opening. It can also be preferred for the two processing units to have a common outlet opening. In the case of a coaxial arrangement, it can be that the outlet opening orOutlet openings are formed on the underside of the respective housing, and the fill opening is arranged on the top of the extruder housing, so that the plasticizing device can be filled from above. However, filling the plasticizing device from below is also conceivable. For this purpose, the outlet opening(s) can be formed on the top of the respective housing, and the fill opening can be arranged on the underside of the extruder housing. In this case, the conveyed material can preferably be pushed up into the extruder housing by means of a conveying device.

[0021] Advantageously, the processing units can be arranged opposite one another with coaxial, common longitudinal axes, wherein the plasticizing device is arranged in the region of the mutually facing axial ends of the two processing units.

[0022] A further advantage is that, due to the arrangement according to the invention, no sealing is required at the transition from the respective processing unit to the plasticizing device, because the material is conveyed from two directions when both processing units are operating simultaneously.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first shaft body and the second shaft body are coupled to each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0024] An advantage of permanently connected shaft bodies or shaft bodies arranged on a common, through shaft that includes the first and second shaft body is that no separate or special shaft bearings are required. Another advantage is that the two shaft bodies and thus the two processing units can be driven by a single, common drive. Even though in this further development the two processing units cannot be operated separately, for example at different speeds or directions of rotation, and thus independent or separate operation is not possible, this variant is nevertheless practical due to its structural simplicity. Furthermore, this variant is also advantageous because it still allows material to be fed from two sides and the two processing units also enable an increased material feed.The two shaft bodies can be identical or different. Furthermore, an operation is conceivable in which one of the two processing units is fed with plastic material, while the other of the two processing units rotates virtually empty.

[0025] Furthermore, the first shaft body and the second shaft body may be designed to be rotatable independently of one another.

[0026] This is advantageous because it enables particularly flexible operation, as the two shaft bodies can be operated individually and independently of one another, each at a different speed and in a different direction of rotation. Advantageously, the two shaft bodies are designed to be axially free-floating, thus facilitating independent, separate operation. Also advantageous is a design according to which it can be provided that the second shaft body is designed as a hollow shaft and that the first shaft body is arranged at least partially within the second shaft body. Alternatively, of course, it is also possible for the first shaft body to be designed as a hollow shaft and for the second shaft body to be arranged at least partially within the first shaft body.

[0027] The advantage here is that each shaft body can be designed with its own drive, and that both drives can be arranged on the same side. Nesting the two shaft bodies is possible in the area of ​​the hollow shaft. If a separate drive is designed for each shaft body, coupling can be achieved either via gears, belts, or chains. It is also conceivable for the two drives to be arranged axially one behind the other along the common longitudinal axis. In this case, it can be expedient if at least one of the two drives also has a hollow shaft.

[0028] It is also conceivable to drive both shaft bodies by means of a common drive, whereby either both shaft bodies or optionally one shaft body can be driven by means of one or more couplings.

[0029] A further development is also advantageous, according to which the second shaft body is partially mounted within the first shaft body. Alternatively, the first shaft body can, of course, also be partially mounted within the second shaft body.

[0030] Nested shafts, i.e., a shaft-in-shaft bearing arrangement, can be realized by a recess at an axial end of one of the shaft bodies. On the axial end of the second shaft body facing this axial end, an extension corresponding to this recess can be formed. This extension is received and supported in the recess, in particular, is mounted in an axially free-floating manner. Such a bearing arrangement can advantageously be positioned in the material transfer area, i.e., in particular, at a filling opening of the plasticizing device.

[0031] Such an arrangement ensures mutual support of the shafts and thus mutual support of the acting forces, particularly the transverse force and bending moments. Shafts mounted within each other in this way advantageously enable mutual rotation and thus flexible operation of the system. Preferably, the two shafts are mounted axially in a free-floating manner. Shafts mounted within each other preferably support each other at their facing axial ends in the material transfer area.

[0032] According to a further development, it is possible for the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis to be axially parallel to each other.

[0033] This is advantageous because it allows for particularly flexible operation, as the two shaft bodies can be operated individually and independently of each other, each with a different speed and direction of rotation.

[0034] At this point, it should be emphasized that any combination of coaxial shaft bodies and axially parallel shaft bodies is also conceivable. For example, four or more processing units may be configured, two of the processing units may have shaft bodies with coaxial longitudinal axes, and two further processing units may also have shaft bodies with coaxial longitudinal axes, and the first coaxial pair of processing units and the second coaxial pair of processing units may be axially parallel to each other.

[0035] Furthermore, it may be expedient if the first processing unit and the second processing unit are arranged on the same side of the plasticizing device, or alternatively the first processing unit and the second processing unit are arranged on opposite sides of the plasticizing device.

[0036] If the first processing unit and the second processing unit are arranged on the same side of the plasticizing device, in particular arranged axially parallel next to each other, this has the advantage that the shafts on the other side of the plasticizing device can be mounted independently of each other, eliminating the need for nested shafts, and at the same time, a particularly independent operation of the processing units is possible. Furthermore, the space required for the processing unit on the opposite side of the plasticizing device is eliminated.

[0037] The processed material from the two processing units can flow into the plasticizing device at different axial positions, particularly at different, axially offset feed openings along the extruder's longitudinal axis. This is advantageous because such axially offset transfer areas allow the shaft bodies to be mounted on the opposite side of the plasticizing extruder without the shafts being mounted inside each other.

[0038] If the first processing unit and the second processing unit are arranged on opposite sides of the plasticizing device, this is particularly advantageous in the case of coaxial longitudinal axes.

[0039] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first processing unit and the second processing unit are fluidly connected to the plasticizing device at different positions offset from one another in the axial direction of the extruder's longitudinal axis.

[0040] This is particularly advantageous for very large volume plastic waste with a comparatively low specific mass.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be provided that a single drive is designed to drive the first shaft body and the second shaft body, or that one drive is designed to drive the first shaft body and another drive is designed to drive the second shaft body.

[0042] The plasticizing device is typically designed and driven separately by a separate drive. The advantages of a shared drive for driving the first and second shaft bodies of the two processing units are its structural simplicity and cost and space savings. The advantage of separate drives for both shaft bodies is their high flexibility during operation and maintenance.

[0043] According to a particular embodiment, it is possible for the first processing unit to be arranged downstream of a first supply device, viewed in the conveying direction, wherein the first supply device is fluidly connected to the first processing unit, in particular to a first supply opening in the housing of the first processing unit. Furthermore, it is possible for the second processing unit to be arranged downstream of a second supply device, viewed in the conveying direction, wherein the second supply device is fluidly connected to the second processing unit, in particular to a second supply opening in the housing of the second processing unit.

[0044] In particular, the first feed device and the second feed device can be designed for independent operation. Such a separate material feed for each of the processing units can be advantageous in order to facilitate separate operation and to carry out this operation even more flexibly with regard to different material types and operating modes. In particular, with such an arrangement, the aspect of advantageous logistics in the provision of the input material described above comes into play.

[0045] According to an advantageous further development, it can be provided that the first shaft body and the second shaft body are of identical construction, or that the first shaft body and the second shaft body are of different construction.

[0046] An advantage here is that the shaft bodies can be specialized for the processing, in particular for the comminution, of different types of input material. The shaft bodies can, for example, have a conical or cylindrical shaft shell and differ in their diameter or pitch. Furthermore, shaft bodies can have a section with a comminution device and a usually screw-shaped conveying device that is usually connected to the comminution device. Shaft bodies that have only a comminution device or only a conveying device are also conceivable. The comminution device and the conveying device can also have several differently designed areas, zones or sections.

[0047] Furthermore, it can be provided that a locking means is designed for separately locking the first shaft body and for separately locking the second shaft body.

[0048] This refinement can be particularly useful for separately rotatable shaft bodies, i.e., for shaft bodies that are not permanently connected or permanently coupled. A locking means is preferably designed to secure or block the shaft body against rotation.

[0049] An advantage of a particularly mechanical locking means is that it can ensure particularly safe working during repair and maintenance work, so that the processing plant can continue to be operated with the at least second remaining processing unit. In particular, it can be advantageous if a first comminution device is formed on the first shaft body, and / or if a second comminution device is formed on the second shaft body, and / or if a first conveying device is formed on the first shaft body, and / or wherein a second conveying device is formed on the second shaft body.

[0050] In particular, the first comminution device and the second comminution device can be of identical construction or can be of different construction.

[0051] Shaft bodies with comminution devices on their conical or cylindrical outer surface are generally known and can, for example, comprise knives arranged on the shaft body's outer surface. Comminution devices, such as knives or counter knives, can also be formed on the housing of the processing unit. Each shaft body can be designed with different knives, knife arrangements, shaft diameters, housing diameters, and conveyor pitch. This is advantageous in that even better and more flexible optimization of the processing units is possible, adapted to the input material, and each processing unit can be individually tailored to different material properties.

[0052] The comminution devices, such as the blades, can be arranged in a spiral configuration, resulting in a certain conveying effect even in the area of ​​the comminution device, possibly even without a subsequent conveying device. A conveying device preferably consists of a shaft section with at least one spiral-shaped flight, in particular a screw flight, for conveying the comminuted material to the transfer area in the extruder. Alternatively, the conveying device can also be omitted if necessary.

[0053] If the shaft body is designed with both a comminution device and a conveying device, the comminution device is arranged in a first region or shaft section as viewed in the conveying direction and the conveying device subsequently adjoins the comminution device in a second region or shaft section as viewed in the conveying direction.

[0054] For example, the first shaft body may be designed as a pure screw conveyor and thus have only one conveying device, while the second shaft body may have a shredding device and, optionally, a conveying device connected to it in the conveying direction. This specifically enables the system to operate with non-pre-shredded input materials, such as films, sheets, and fabrics, via the second processing unit, as well as with already shredded input material (ground material, flakes) via the dosing screw in the first processing unit.

[0055] According to an advantageous development, the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis can be axially parallel to one another, and a first conveying device can be formed on the first shaft body, and a second conveying device can be formed on the second shaft body. The first shaft body and the second shaft body are configured to cooperate functionally as a double shaft in the area or in the shaft section of the first conveying device and the second conveying device, so that plastic material can be conveyed further via the double shaft toward the plasticizing unit or extruder housing.

[0056] In the area of ​​the two conveying devices, particularly at the beginning of the two conveying devices when viewed in the conveying direction, the individual material flows can be combined into a common material flow. The conveying devices or dosing or discharge screws, which interact as a twin-shaft or twin-screw, can be operated in the same or counter-rotating manner. They can be of identical construction or of different dimensions. The material transfer of the combined or jointly conveyed material flow or plastic material can, as described above, take place both from top to bottom into the extruder housing or from bottom to top into the extruder housing. This can be achieved, for example, by an inclined position, such as a 45° arrangement of the first and second shaft bodies.

[0057] There are several options for material transfer. Material transfer can occur exclusively from above. In this case, both shaft bodies are positioned above the extruder screw. An inclination of the two shaft bodies relative to each other is not necessary. Furthermore, material transfer can also occur exclusively from below. In this case, both shaft bodies are positioned below the extruder screw. An inclination of the two shaft bodies relative to each other is also not necessary.

[0058] Furthermore, the material transfer can also take place from above or from below.

[0059] In this case, one of the two shaft bodies is positioned above the extruder screw, and the other shaft body is positioned below the extruder screw. An inclined position of the two shaft bodies relative to each other is advantageous.

[0060] In other words, this variant provides that the two shaft bodies of the two processing units are arranged parallel to each other on the same side of the plasticizing unit, with two individual single-shaft shredders, viewed in the conveying direction, opening into a common dosing section designed as a double shaft following the shredding.

[0061] Such a design with twin-screw feeders, and in particular with independently feedable shredding devices, each as a single shaft and with conveyor devices that interact with each other as a twin-screw conveyor, i.e., as two separate shredders with a shared dosing and discharge screw, offers the advantage of improved material transport of the shredded input material, as well as pre-homogenization in the dosing and discharge sections of the shredded input material. This is particularly advantageous when different input materials are involved.

[0062] In this case, the two screws can interlock in the conveying section, so that the screw flight from one shaft extends into the flight of the second shaft and vice versa. With interlocking screw conveyors, the flights of the shafts must have the same pitch, and depending on the pitch direction, the shafts can rotate in either the same or opposite directions. With interlocking conveyor sections, the speeds of the two shredder shafts are ideally synchronized. This can be achieved, for example, by synchronizing the drives or by using a common drive and coupling the shredder shafts using gears, belts, chains, etc.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first conveyor device can be configured with a first screw flight, and the second conveyor device with a second screw flight. These two screw flights can be configured for intermeshing, particularly in a comb-like manner, in certain areas.

[0064] In a further embodiment, the first conveying device can be designed with a first screw flight and the second conveying device can be designed with a second screw flight, wherein the two screw flights are not meshing, i.e. do not engage with each other in the radial direction. In the embodiment with a common conveying section, i.e. a twin-screw conveying section, of the two processing units, and simultaneous material transfer to the plasticizing unit by one shredder shaft from "above" and the other shredder shaft from "below", it can be advantageous if the two shafts are offset in the axial direction of the plasticizing unit. This results in a connecting line between the two axes of the shredder shafts, which is at a certain angle other than 90° to the extruder axis.This results in an increase in the center distance between the two shredder shafts, which is particularly advantageous when the shredder diameter is larger than the screw diameter of the plasticizing unit, as it simultaneously positions the transfer area as close as possible to the plasticizing unit. This results in particularly good material transfer. Using a shaft recess similar to that known from AT 522051 A1, the distance between the extruder axis and the first or second longitudinal axis of the processing unit can be further reduced. Alternatively, using a shaft recess, i.e., a radially circumferential recess, the conically enlarging transition area can be omitted.

[0065] According to a further embodiment, it can therefore be provided that the first shaft body has a larger shaft diameter in the region of the first conveying device than in the region of the first comminution device, and / or that the second shaft body has a larger shaft diameter in the region of the second conveying device than in the region of the second comminution device.

[0066] Advantageously, it can also be the case that the first shaft body is rotatably mounted in the first housing in the region of the first comminution device and that the second shaft body is rotatably mounted in the second housing in the region of the second comminution device, and wherein the first shaft body is rotatably mounted in the region of the first conveying device and the second shaft body is rotatably mounted in a common housing in the region of the second conveying device, so that the first processing unit and the second processing unit are fluidly connected to the plasticizing device, in particular are indirectly or directly fluidly connected to the plasticizing device. This is preferably via a common outlet opening. In addition, it can be provided that a control device is designed, wherein the control device is designed to control and / or regulate the first processing unit and the second processing unit.

[0067] Such a control device can be advantageous in order to coordinate the operation of the at least two shaft bodies or processing units, i.e. for example to activate and deactivate them, to enable their speed, direction of rotation and their temporal control, wherein in particular when both processing units are operated simultaneously, a mixing ratio of the material flows processed and transported therein can be set and, if necessary, also monitored.

[0068] Another advantageous embodiment is one in which the first processing unit is fluidically connected via a first outlet opening in the first housing to a first inlet opening in the extruder housing of the plasticising device, the first outlet opening being arranged on the underside of the first housing and the first inlet opening being arranged on the top side of the extruder housing, and the second processing unit is fluidly connected via a second outlet opening in the second housing to a second inlet opening in the extruder housing of the plasticising device, the second outlet opening being arranged on the top side of the second housing and the second inlet opening being arranged on the underside of the extruder housing, so that the plasticising unit can be fed from both above and below, both alternately and simultaneously from both processing units.Preferably, the material transfer takes place in the axial end area of ​​the two processing units, viewed in the conveying direction.

[0069] In this embodiment, it can thus be provided that one of the two processing units or one of the two shredders transfers the supplied material from “above” into the plasticizing device, and that the other of the two processing units or the other shredder transfers the material from “below” into the plasticizing device.

[0070] This allows for the two shredder units to be arranged opposite one another and operate independently of each other at the same axial position of the plasticizing unit, without a continuous shaft or shaft-in-shaft mounting of the two shredder units. Furthermore, the simultaneous feeding of the plasticizing unit from above and below balances the forces acting on the extruder screw(s), thus reducing screw wear. The transfer from above and below can also take place at different axial positions, as well as on the same or opposite sides of the extruder.

[0071] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for processing plastic material by means of a processing plant according to one of the claims, wherein the plasticizing device is fed as required by means of the first processing unit and / or by means of the second processing unit.

[0072] A mixing ratio of the material streams from the at least two processing units can be adjusted, for example, using the described control device. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the above description and the advantages and further developments presented.

[0073] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0074] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0075] Fig. 1 shows a processing plant in plan view, partly in section;

[0076] Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the bearing at the mutually facing axial ends of the shaft bodies;

[0077] Fig. 3 shows a processing plant with two opposite processing units, wherein the shaft of one processing unit is designed as a hollow shaft and both drives are arranged on the same side, in plan view, partially in section;

[0078] Fig. 4 a processing plant with two opposite processing units with axially parallel longitudinal axes and two axially offset material transfer areas, in plan view, partially sectioned;

[0079] Fig. 5 shows a processing plant with two processing units on the same side of the plasticizing device with parallel longitudinal axes, in plan view, partially sectioned; Fig. 6 shows a processing plant with several processing units, specifically with four processing units, in plan view, partially sectioned;

[0080] Fig. 7 a processing plant with two opposite processing units with material transfer from above and from below into the plasticising device, in front view, sectioned;

[0081] Fig. 8 shows a processing plant with two processing units on the same side of the plasticising device with axially parallel longitudinal axes and twin-screw conveyor section and with material transfer from above and from below into the plasticising device, in side view, sectioned;

[0082] Fig. 9 shows the processing plant from Fig. 8, in plan view;

[0083] Fig. 10 the processing plant from Fig. 8, in side view;

[0084] Fig. 11 the processing plant from Fig. 8, in oblique view, sectioned;

[0085] Fig. 12 the processing plant from Fig. 8 with alternatively designed conveying section, in

[0086] Oblique view, sectioned;

[0087] Fig. 13 a processing plant with two processing units on the same side of the plasticizing device with axially parallel longitudinal axes and twin-screw conveyor section and with material transfer from above into the plasticizing device, in side view, sectioned;

[0088] Fig. 14 shows the processing plant from Fig. 13, in plan view, sectioned.

[0089] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals or identical component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with identical reference numerals or identical component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these positional information must be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a position change. The exemplary embodiments shown in the figures each show a processing plant 1 for plastic material, comprising a first processing unit 2, at least one second processing unit 10, and a plasticizing device 6.

[0090] The first processing unit 2 comprises a first housing 3 and a first shaft body 4, wherein a first feed opening and a first outlet opening 19 (not shown in detail due to the sectional views) can be formed on the first housing 3. Plastic material can pass from a first feed device (also not shown) into the first housing 3 via the first feed opening. The first shaft body 4 extends along a first longitudinal axis 5. The first shaft body 4 is rotatably mounted in the first housing 3.

[0091] The second processing unit 10 comprises a second housing 11 and a second shaft body 12, wherein a second feed opening and a second outlet opening 21 (not shown in detail due to the sectional views) can be formed on the second housing 11. Plastic material can pass from a second feed device (also not shown) into the second housing 11 via the second feed opening. The second shaft body 12 extends along a second longitudinal axis 13. The second shaft body 12 is rotatably mounted in the second housing 11.

[0092] Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 to 14 each show exemplary embodiments in which a first outlet opening 19 is provided on the first housing 3 and a second outlet opening 21 is provided on the second housing 11. Corresponding to or fluidically connected to the two outlet openings 19, 21, either a first fill opening 20 and a second fill opening 34 are provided in the extruder housing 7, or a single fill opening 35 is formed in the extruder housing 7.

[0093] Figs. 1, 3, 6, and 14 each show exemplary embodiments in which a common outlet opening 33 is formed instead of two separate outlet openings 19, 21. Corresponding to or fluidly connected to the common outlet opening 33, a single filling opening 35 is formed in the extruder housing 7.

[0094] The plasticizing device 6 comprises an extruder housing 7 and an extruder screw 8, wherein one or more feed openings 20, 34, 35 can be formed on the extruder housing 7. From the first outlet opening 19, plastic material from the first housing 3 can pass into the subsequent plasticizing device 6, in particular through a feed opening 20, 34, 35 in the extruder housing 7. The extruder screw 8 extends along a longitudinal extruder axis 9, and the extruder screw 8 is rotatably mounted in the extruder housing 7.

[0095] The plasticizing device 6 is arranged downstream of the first processing unit 2 and the second processing unit 10, viewed in the conveying direction. The first processing unit 2 is fluidly connected to the plasticizing device 6, preferably via the first outlet opening 19 to the filling opening 20, 34, 35. The second processing unit 10 is fluidly connected to the plasticizing device 6, preferably via the second outlet opening 21 to the filling opening 20, 34, 35 or another filling opening 20, 34, 35. The plasticizing device 6 can be fed as needed and preferably directly by means of the first processing unit 2 and / or by means of the second processing unit 10.

[0096] The following description applies equally to all embodiments of processing plants 1 for plastic material and applies equally to all figures. Specific features of individual embodiments will be discussed after this general description.

[0097] The figures show a simplified version of a processing plant 1 for plastic material, in particular for processing thermoplastic material for recycling. The processing plant 1 is usually installed on a flat, preferably horizontally oriented support surface, such as a hall floor.

[0098] Basically, such a processing plant 1 serves to first reduce the plastic material, which usually has a larger dimension or is large in volume, in a processing unit 2, 10 to a correspondingly smaller piece size, forming a piece product that can be further processed in that size, and then to melt it in a plasticizing device 6. The plastic material to be reduced can be larger piece products of various dimensions and sizes, films, strips, or even pre-shredded pieces. The melt stream melted by the plasticizing device 6 and emerging from it can be cooled after shaping and granulated for subsequent processing.Independently of this or in addition to this, it would also be possible to directly subject the molten plastic material to further processing and / or appropriate molding. The immediately subsequent molding can take place in a continuous or discontinuous extrusion process or an injection molding process, whereby the heat contained in the melt does not have to be first dissipated and later reinserted. Additional processing, cleaning, or the addition of additives is also possible.

[0099] The first processing unit 2 can be arranged downstream of a first feed device (not shown) as viewed in the conveying direction, wherein the first feed device is flow-connected to the first processing unit 2, and wherein the second processing unit 10 is arranged downstream of a second feed device (also not shown) as viewed in the conveying direction, wherein the second feed device is flow-connected to the second processing unit 10. It is also conceivable for the two processing units 2, 10 to be flow-connected by means of a single, common feed device and to be fed with material by means of this. However, each processing unit 2, 10 is preferably preceded by a feed device which serves in a known manner to collect the plastic material to be processed and / or processed and to feed it to the processing unit 2, 10.The feed can be effected automatically by its own weight and / or by means of an additional feed device, which moves the not yet shredded plastic material to the processing unit 2, 10. Typically, a feed shaft is used to receive the plastic material to be processed and / or reprocessed, by means of which the material is forwarded to the processing unit 2, 10.

[0100] For the sake of simplicity, all shaft bodies 4, 12 are shown as being identical in construction in Figures 1 to 7. However, the first shaft body 4 and the second shaft body 12, as well as any further shaft bodies of further processing units 28, 29 that may be provided, may also be designed differently. An exemplary embodiment of a processing plant 1 with several processing units, in particular with four processing units, is shown in Figure 6. In the exemplary embodiments of variants with twin-screw feed according to Figures 8 to 11, 13 and 14, the shaft bodies 4, 12 are also shown as being essentially identical in construction. Figure 12 shows a variant in which the conveyor web extends in the conveying direction over the cylindrical part into the conically tapered part of the two shaft bodies 4, 12.A first comminution device 15 can be formed on the first shaft body 4, and / or a second comminution device 16 can be formed on the second shaft body 12. Alternatively or additionally, a first conveying device 22 can be formed on the first shaft body 4, and / or a second conveying device 23 can be formed on the second shaft body 12. The processing units 2, 10 can therefore each comprise a comminution device 15, 16 and a conveying device 22, 23, wherein the comminution device 15, 16 and / or the conveying device 22, 23 is / are preferably accommodated and rotatably mounted in a preferably tubular or hollow cylindrical housing 3, 11. The usually rotary drive 14 can be provided with at least one first drive means (not designated in more detail), such as an electric motor, optionally with the interposition of a gear or the like.The conveying device 22, 23 serves to convey the plastic material previously shredded by the shredding device 15, 16 in the conveying direction according to the arrow to a transfer area between the processing units 2, 10 and the plasticizing device 6, which will be described in more detail later. In the transfer area, the plastic material having a further processable piece size is transferred from the conveying device 22, 23 to the downstream plasticizing device 6. The transfer area is arranged on the side of the conveying device 22, 23 facing away from the shredding device 15, 16 and thus forms the end of the conveying section of the processing unit 2, 10. The preferably screw-shaped conveying device 22, 23 is arranged downstream of the shredding device 15, 16 in the conveying direction.Furthermore, the conveying device 22, 23 forms a first conveying section and also defines a longitudinal axis 5, 13. In the region of the first conveying section, the conveying direction is indicated by an arrow, with further transport occurring in the axial direction. Viewed in the conveying direction, the first conveying section directly adjoins a comminution section defined by the comminution device 15, 16. With a horizontal orientation of the support surface, the longitudinal axis 5, 13 preferably has a parallel orientation. Thus, the longitudinal axis 5, 13 has a horizontal, horizontal orientation.

[0101] In most cases, at least the conveying device 22, 23 and optionally also the comminution device 15, 16 are formed by a central shaft body 4, 12 and / or are formed or arranged on the shaft body 4, 12. For this purpose, at least one helical or spiral-shaped first screw flight is provided on the outer circumference of the shaft body 4, 12 to form the conveying device 22, 23. The circumferential longitudinal course of the screw flight can also be referred to as helical or screw-shaped. The comminution device 15, 16 can be formed by cutting blades (not further described) which are arranged or formed on the shaft body 4, 12. The shaft body 4, 12 can in turn also be tubular and supported in its interior on a bearing axis and / or rotatably mounted on this. The previously described drive means is in driving connection with the shaft body 4, 12.

[0102] Motors or drives 14 and bearings 27 are depicted in the figures with the usual symbols. These can be identical in construction, but can also be different. A single common drive 14 may be configured to drive the first shaft body 4 and the second shaft body 12. This variant is not shown in detail. It may also be configured to drive one drive 14 each for the first shaft body 4 and another drive 14 for the second shaft body 12. In addition, a drive 14 is typically configured to drive the plasticizing device 6.

[0103] The figures each show embodiments of processing plants 1 in which the first longitudinal axis 5 is arranged orthogonally to the extruder longitudinal axis 9, and / or wherein the second longitudinal axis 13 is arranged orthogonally, i.e. at an angle of 90°, to the extruder longitudinal axis 9.

[0104] 1 to 3 each show exemplary embodiments of processing systems 1 in which the first longitudinal axis 5 and the second longitudinal axis 13 are coaxial. The illustrations in Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 14 are each a plan view of the system, wherein the housings 3, 11 of at least two processing units 2, 10, as well as the extruder housing 7 of the plasticizing device 6 are at least partially sectioned radially, so that the shaft bodies 4, 12 and the extruder screw 8 arranged therein can be seen. In Figure 3, one of the two shaft bodies 4, 12 is also shown in radial section, so that its design as a hollow shaft can be seen. This variant will be discussed in more detail below. Fig. 7 is a sectional view with a vertical section through the center of the processing units 2, 10 in a frontal view looking axially along the extruder longitudinal axis 9. Fig. 8 is the sectional view of the processing units 2, 10 shown in Fig.9 sketched section line VIII - VIII and corresponds to a side view with a view axially along the two longitudinal axes 5, 13 of the shaft bodies 4, 12. Fig. 10 is also a side view with a view axially along the two longitudinal axes 5, 13 of the shaft bodies 4, 12. Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 are each sectional views according to section line XI - XI in Fig. 10 and, in the variant shown, correspond to an oblique view or an inclination of 45°. Fig. 13 is also a side view with a view axially along the two longitudinal axes 5, 13 of the shaft bodies 4, 12. Fig. 14 is a sectional view according to section line XIV - XIV in Fig. 13 and, in the variant shown, corresponds to a top view.

[0105] A variant conceivable, although not shown in the figure, is one in which the first shaft body 4 and the second shaft body 12 are coupled to each other in a rotationally fixed manner. The two shaft bodies 4, 12 can be rigidly connected to each other for this purpose, but it is also conceivable for the two shaft bodies 4, 12 to be integral, i.e., formed on a single shaft body.

[0106] Alternatively, the first shaft body 4 and the second shaft body 12 can be designed to be independently rotatable. This is the case in both the example shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. The two shaft bodies 4, 12 are arranged opposite one another, with a common outlet opening 19, 21 being arranged in the region of the mutually facing axial ends of the shaft bodies 4, 12. For this purpose, it can be expedient if the two coaxial shaft bodies 4, 12 are arranged in a common, continuous housing 3, 11. A filling opening 20 of the plasticizing device 6 can be arranged below the common outlet opening 19, 21 so that processed material can reach the plasticizing device 6.

[0107] Fig. 1 and, in particular, also in detail in Fig. 2, show that the second shaft body 12 can be partially mounted within the first shaft body 4. Fig. 2 is a very roughly schematic sectional view of a radial section through this bearing area. Fig. 2 thus shows such a conceivable shaft-in-shaft bearing at the mutually facing axial ends of the two coaxial shaft bodies 4, 12. In this detailed view according to Fig. 2, the plasticizing device 6, which is usually arranged underneath, is not shown in detail. The first shaft body 4 is formed with an extension 24, and the second shaft body 12 is formed with a recess 25. The extension 24 is mounted within the recess 25, with corresponding bearings 27 being formed between the recess 25 and the extension 24.

[0108] Fig. 1 also shows, roughly schematically, that a locking means 17 can be configured for separately locking the first shaft body 4 and for separately locking the second shaft body 12. Such a locking means 17 can also be provided in the other exemplary embodiments.

[0109] Furthermore, a control device 18 is sketched in Fig. 1, wherein the control device 18 is designed to control and / or regulate the first processing unit 2 and the second processing unit 10. In particular, the operation of the two processing units 2, 10, as well as any further processing units 28, 29, as in Fig. 6, can be controlled by means of the control device 18. For example, a mixing ratio of the input material in the plasticizing device 6 can be adjusted by means of the control device 18. This can be done, for example, by regulating the speed of the processing units 2, 10, 28, 29. Such a control device 18 can also be provided in the other exemplary embodiments.

[0110] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment in which the second shaft body 12 is designed as a hollow shaft, wherein the first shaft body 4 is arranged at least partially within the second shaft body 12. For this purpose, the first shaft body 4 is formed with a long extension 24 on the axial end facing the second shaft body 12. The second shaft body 12 is formed with an axial opening 26, which opening 26 extends from one axial end to the other axial end of the shaft body 12. The extension 24 of the first shaft body 4 is arranged completely within the opening 26 in the second shaft body 12 and is mounted therein in an axially freely floating and rotatable manner. At its other axial end, the first shaft body 4 has a bearing 27.At the other axial end of the second shaft body 12, two identical or different drives 14 are arranged and are connected or coupled to the second shaft body 12 and, via the protruding extension 24, to the first shaft body 4. Bearings for the shaft bodies 4, 12 are also expediently formed at this axial outer end.

[0111] Variants are also conceivable in which the first longitudinal axis 5 and the second longitudinal axis 13 are axially parallel to each other. This is shown, for example, in Figs. 4 and 5. In the example according to Fig. 5, the first processing unit 2 and the second processing unit 10 are arranged on the same side of the plasticizing device 6 when viewed from above.

[0112] It is also conceivable for the first processing unit 2 and the second processing unit 10 to be arranged on opposite sides of the plasticizing device 6. This is the case, for example, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3 due to the coaxial arrangement, but also as shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, Figs. 4 and 5 show that the first processing unit 2 and the second processing unit 10 may be fluidly connected to the plasticizing device 6 at different positions, offset from one another in the axial direction of the extruder's longitudinal axis 9.

[0113] 1 to 3, in the case of an axially parallel arrangement, there may be no common outlet opening 19, 21 in the housing 3, 11, but rather each housing 3, 11 may have its own outlet opening 19, 21. Each of these outlet openings 19, 21 is arranged above a filler opening 20 in the extruder housing 7, so that material can pass through it into the plasticizing device 6. It is possible for the filler opening 20 in the extruder housing 7 to be continuous and extend axially over the two outlet openings 19, 21, or for at least two individual filler openings 20 to be formed.

[0114] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment that combines coaxial processing units and axially parallel, i.e. offset, processing units. The processing units are arranged in pairs, with two processing units 2, 10 and 28, 29 being coaxial, i.e. sharing a common axis of rotation. As described above, the shaft bodies can be fixedly connected to one another or rotate independently of one another. The two pairs of processing units 2, 10 and 28, 29 are in turn axially parallel to one another. In the embodiment shown, when viewing the processing plant 1 from above, two processing units 2, 10 and 28, 29 are arranged on each side of the plasticizing device 6. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made here to the preceding sections of the description.

[0115] Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment, wherein the first processing unit 2 is connected via a first outlet opening 19 in the first housing 3 to a first fill opening 20 in the extruder housing 7 of the plasticizing device 6. The first outlet opening 19 is located on the underside of the first housing 3, when viewing the processing system 1 in the vertical direction from above. The first fill opening 20 is located on the top side of the extruder housing 7 in this embodiment. Furthermore, in the example according to Fig. 7, it is provided that the second processing unit 10 is fluidly connected by means of a second outlet opening 21 in the second housing 11 to a second filling opening 34 in the extruder housing 7 of the plasticizing device 6, wherein the second outlet opening 21 is arranged on the upper side of the second housing 11 and the second filling opening 34 is arranged on the underside of the extruder housing 7.

[0116] Fig. 7 is a front view of a conceivable arrangement, wherein the first processing unit 10 is arranged above the plasticizing device 6, and the second processing unit 10 is arranged below the plasticizing device 6. Viewed in the vertical direction from top to bottom, the first longitudinal axis 5 of the first shaft body 4 is positioned higher than the extruder longitudinal axis 9 and the extruder longitudinal axis 9 is in turn positioned higher than the second longitudinal axis 13 of the second shaft body 12. The material is thus transferred into the extruder housing 7 of the plasticizing device 6 from the first processing unit 2 from above and from the second processing unit 10 from below.

[0117] In the example shown in Fig. 7, the material transfer to the plasticizing device 6 takes place at the same axial position of the extruder's longitudinal axis 9. This is particularly useful when the two processing units 2, 10 are arranged opposite one another, as shown in Fig. 7. This allows, on the one hand, an opposing arrangement of the two processing units 2, 10 and independent operation of each other, without a continuous shaft or without a shaft-in-shaft bearing of the two processing units 2, 10.

[0118] Also conceivable, although not shown in the figure, is a variant according to which the material transfer takes place from above and from below into the plasticizing device 6, analogous to the example in Fig. 7, but the two processing units 2, 10 are positioned on the same side of the plasticizing device 6.

[0119] Equally conceivable, although not shown in the figure, is a variant according to which the material transfer takes place from above and from below into the plasticizing device 6, analogous to the example in Fig. 7, but the material transfer takes place at axially different positions of the extruder's longitudinal axis 9. Such an axially offset material transfer can be achieved both with an arrangement of the processing units 2, 10 on the same side and on opposite sides of the plasticizing device 6.

[0120] To avoid unnecessary repetition, it should also be noted here that the arrangement of Fig. 7 is also conceivable in combination with other embodiments, in particular with the embodiment according to Fig. 6. Any combinations of the embodiments with one another, in particular the provision of further processing units 28, 29, are conceivable.

[0121] A further embodiment of a processing plant 1 is shown in various views and sectional views in Figs. 8 to 12. Figs. 8 and 10 are side views, Fig. 9 is a plan view, and Figs. 11 and 12 are oblique views along section line XI-XI in Fig. 10.

[0122] According to this example, it is provided that the first shaft body 4 and the second shaft body 12 in the region of the first conveying device 22 and the second conveying device 23 are designed to function together as a double shaft, i.e., quasi with a double screw feed.

[0123] It may also be the case that the first shaft body 4 has a larger shaft diameter in the region of the first conveying device 22 than in the region of the first comminution device 15, and / or that the second shaft body 12 has a larger shaft diameter in the region of the second conveying device 23 than in the region of the second comminution device 16.

[0124] Furthermore, it is possible for the first shaft body 4 to be rotatably mounted in the first housing 3 in the region of the first comminution device 15, and for the second shaft body 12 to be rotatably mounted in the second housing 11 in the region of the second comminution device 16, and for the first shaft body 4 to be rotatably mounted in the region of the first conveying device 22 and the second shaft body 12 to be rotatably mounted in a common housing 32 in the region of the second conveying device 23, so that the first processing unit 2 and the second processing unit 10 are connected to the plasticizing device 6 flow s, in particular are indirectly fluidly connected to the plasticizing device 6. A material transfer in the vertical direction, seen from above and below, is particularly advantageous in this case. Such a material transfer is basically shown in Figs. 8 to 12.When the first conveying device 22 and the second conveying device 23 are arranged functionally together as a double shaft or with a double screw feed, the two processing units 2, 10 are positioned on the same side of the plasticizing device 6.

[0125] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 to 12, it is shown that the two processing units 2, 10 have two structurally and functionally independent comminution devices 15, 16 on separate shaft bodies 4, 12, each in its own housing 3, 11. Blades can be mounted on these comminution devices 15, 16, and the corresponding counterblades can be mounted on the housing 3, 11. Furthermore, it is possible for each comminution device 15, 16 to be fed with material independently.

[0126] Adjacent to the comminution devices 15, 16 in the conveying direction, the separate shaft bodies 4, 12 comprise a combined conveying device 22, 23. In this conveying area, the two shaft bodies 4, 12 have a conical diameter that increases in the conveying direction until the shafts interlock. The diameter of the two shaft bodies 4, 12 thus increases in the conveying direction and remains constant as soon as the screw flights 30, 31 interlock sufficiently in the radial direction. In this twin-screw conveying area, the two shaft bodies 4, 12 interlock.

[0127] It is also conceivable for the diameters of the two shaft bodies 4, 12 to be conically tapered again in the material transfer area. This is illustrated in Figs. 9, 11 and 12. Such a transition area with a reduced diameter is particularly useful when the material is transferred to the plasticizing device 6 from above and from below, viewed in the vertical direction. Fig. 11 shows a variant with a conically tapered conveying part, wherein no conveying webs are formed in the tapered area. The conveying webs each end in the cylindrical area of ​​the conveying device. Fig. 12 shows a variant with a conically tapered conveying part, wherein the conveying webs continue from the cylindrical area of ​​the conveying device beyond the tapered area.

[0128] Figs. 13 and 14 show another exemplary embodiment. In this case, the material transfer from both processing units into the plasticizing device takes place from above. In this case, reference can generally be made to the description of Figs. 8 to 12. A variant with material transfer from below through both processing units is not shown in the figures, but can be deduced from the illustrations in Figs. 13 and 14.

[0129] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

[0130] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0131] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0132] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size to improve understanding of the structure.

[0133] Processing plant 32 common housing first processing unit 33 common outlet opening first housing 34 second filling opening first shaft body 35 filling opening first longitudinal axis

[0134] Plasticizing device

[0135] Extruder housing

[0136] Extruder screw

[0137] Extruder longitudinal axis second processing unit second housing second shaft body second longitudinal axis

[0138] Drive first shredding device second shredding device

[0139] Locking means

[0140] Control device first outlet opening first filling opening second outlet opening first conveying device second conveying device

[0141] appendage

[0142] recess

[0143] breakthrough

[0144] Storage further processing unit further processing unit first screw flight second screw flight

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Processing plant (1) for plastic material, comprising - a first processing unit (2) comprising a first housing (3) and a first shaft body (4), wherein the first shaft body (4) extends along a first longitudinal axis (5), and wherein the first shaft body (4) is rotatably mounted in the first housing (3), - a plasticizing device (6) comprising an extruder housing (7) and at least one extruder screw (8), wherein the extruder screw (8) extends along an extruder longitudinal axis (9), and wherein the extruder screw (8) is rotatably mounted in the extruder housing (7), - wherein the plasticizing device (6) is arranged downstream of the first processing unit (2) as viewed in the conveying direction, and wherein the first processing unit (2) is directly or indirectly fluidly connected to the plasticizing device (6), characterized in that - a second processing unit (10) is formed, wherein the second processing unit (10) comprises a second housing (11) and a second shaft body (12), wherein the second shaft body (12) extends along a second longitudinal axis (13), and wherein the second shaft body (12) is rotatably mounted in the second housing (11), and - wherein the plasticising device (6) is arranged downstream of the second processing unit (10) as viewed in the conveying direction, and wherein the second processing unit (10) is directly or indirectly fluidly connected to the plasticising device (6), and - wherein the plasticizing device (6) can be fed directly or indirectly by means of the first processing unit (2) and / or by means of the second processing unit (10).

2. Processing plant (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal axis (5) is arranged orthogonally to the extruder longitudinal axis (9), and / or wherein the second longitudinal axis (13) is arranged orthogonally to the extruder longitudinal axis (9).

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

4. Processing plant (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first shaft body (4) and the second shaft body (12) are coupled to one another in a rotationally fixed manner.

5. Processing plant (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first shaft body (4) and the second shaft body (12) are designed to be rotatable independently of one another.

6. Processing plant (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second shaft body (12) is designed as a hollow shaft, and wherein the first shaft body (4) is arranged at least partially within the second shaft body (12).

7. Processing plant (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second shaft body (12) is partially mounted within the first shaft body (4).

8. Processing plant (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first longitudinal axis (5) and the second longitudinal axis (13) are axially parallel to one another.

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

10. Processing plant (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first processing unit (2) and the second processing unit (10) are fluidly connected to the plasticizing device (6) at different positions offset from one another in the axial direction of the extruder longitudinal axis (9).

11. Processing plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a single drive (14) is designed to drive the first shaft body (4) and the second shaft body (12), or wherein one drive (14) is designed to drive the first shaft body (4) and another drive (14) is designed to drive the second shaft body (12).

12. Processing plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first processing unit (2) is arranged downstream of a first feed device, viewed in the conveying direction, wherein the first feed device is fluidly connected to the first processing unit (2), and wherein the second processing unit (10) is arranged downstream of a second feed device, viewed in the conveying direction, wherein the second feed device is fluidly connected to the second processing unit (10).

13. Processing plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first shaft body (4) and the second shaft body (12) are of identical construction, or wherein the first shaft body (4) and the second shaft body (12) are of different construction.

14. Processing plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a locking means (17) is designed for separately locking the first shaft body (4) and for separately locking the second shaft body (12).

15. Processing plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first comminution device (15) is formed on the first shaft body (4), and / or wherein a second comminution device (16) is formed on the second shaft body (12), and / or wherein a first conveying device (22) is formed on the first shaft body (4), and / or wherein a second conveying device (23) is formed on the second shaft body (12).

16. Processing plant (1) according to claim 8 and 15, wherein the first shaft body (4) and the second shaft body (12) are designed to cooperate functionally as a double shaft in the region of the first conveying device (22) and the second conveying device (23).

17. Processing plant (1) according to claim 16, wherein the first shaft body (4) has a larger shaft diameter in the region of the first conveying device (22) than in the region of the first comminution device (15), and / or wherein the second shaft body (12) has a larger shaft diameter in the region of the second conveying device (23) than in the region of the second comminution device (16).

18. Processing plant (1) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first shaft body (4) is rotatably mounted in the first housing (3) in the region of the first comminution device (15), and wherein the second shaft body (12) is rotatably mounted in the second housing (11) in the region of the second comminution device (16), and wherein the first shaft body (4) is rotatably mounted in a common housing (32) in the region of the first conveying device (22) and the second shaft body (12) is rotatably mounted in the region of the second conveying device (23), so that the first processing unit (2) and the second processing unit (10) are fluidly connected to the plasticizing device (6), in particular are indirectly fluidly connected to the plasticizing device (6).

19. Processing plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first processing unit (2) is fluidically connected via a first outlet opening (19) in the first housing (3) to a first filling opening (20) in the extruder housing (7) of the plasticizing device (6), wherein the first outlet opening (19) is arranged on the underside of the first housing (3) and wherein the first filling opening (20) is arranged on the top side of the extruder housing (7), and wherein the second processing unit (10) is fluidically connected via a second outlet opening (21) in the second housing (11) to a second filling opening (34) in the extruder housing (7) of the plasticizing device (6), wherein the second outlet opening (21) is arranged on the top side of the second housing (11) and the second filling opening (34) is arranged on the underside of the extruder housing (7).

20. A method for processing plastic material by means of a processing plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the plasticizing device (6) is fed as required by means of the first processing unit (2) and / or by means of the second processing unit (10).

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