Quick-type fastening device and related methods, coarse crushing device, and fastening lever

Abstract

A quick-action fastening device (8,108), particularly a one-hand quick-action fastening device (8,108), for fastening a first assembly (36,136) of a pelletizing device (2,102) to a second assembly (38,138) of the pelletizing device (2,102), particularly a pelletizer (4,104) to a cutting chamber (6,106), or a cutting chamber (6,106) to a perforated plate, includes a mounting element (44,144) disposed on one of the first assembly (36,136) or the second assembly (38,138), and a fastening element (44,144) disposed on the first assembly (36,136) or the second assembly (38,138). and a fastening means (10, 110) having a fastening element (32, 132), the fastening element (32, 132) being attached to the mounting element (44, 144) for rotation about an axis of rotation (D), the fastening element (32, 132) being adapted to be rotated to a fastening position (S) in which the fastening element (32, 132) engages with the fastening element (40, 140) and fastens the first assembly (36, 136) to the second assembly (38, 138). Also disclosed are methods for fastening the pelletizing device (8, 108) and pelletizer (4, 104) to the cutting chamber (6, 106).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a quick-action clamping device for fastening a first assembly of a pelletizing device to a second assembly of the pelletizing device, particularly for fastening a pelletizer to a cutting chamber or for fastening a cutting chamber to a perforated plate, particularly a single-handed quick-action clamping device, a bracing method, and a clamping lever.

[0002] 〔Citation of Related Applications〕 This application claims the benefit of European Patent Application No. 20176919.7, filed on May 27, 2020, and incorporates this European patent application by reference in its entirety for all purposes, making its description part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] In the current state of the art, clamping devices are known for bracing the assemblies of a pelletizing device, particularly a pelletizer having a cutting chamber or a cutting chamber with a perforated plate, against each other.

[0004] In a pelletizing device, the assemblies are the pelletizer and the cutting chamber, and these assemblies are typically designed to be separable from each other, particularly to be adapted to different materials to be processed by the pelletizing device and to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the pelletizing device. For this purpose, it has been found effective to arrange the pelletizer movably, for example, on a rail system, and the cutting chamber is usually arranged in a stationary state.

[0005] In this regard, particular importance is placed on firmly connecting the component that is the pelletizer to the cutting chamber during operation, because high pressures are generated during the operation of the pelletizing device, whereby the assemblies are pushed apart from each other. To prevent this, clamping devices are known from the current state of the art.

[0006] Such fastening devices typically have multiple closing fasteners that are installed by the operator while the operator is pushing the pelletizer toward the cutting chamber. Fastening devices with closing fasteners used to removably fasten the cutting chamber of a pelletizing device to a perforated plate are also known. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] While such fastening devices have proven effective in securely connecting the pelletizing apparatus assemblies, there is room for improvement.

[0008] A known drawback of conventional structures, given the current state of the technology, is that the operator must perform numerous motion sequences and changes to position the pelletizer, for example, toward the cutting chamber, and then to position the multiple closure fasteners.

[0009] With the background art in mind, the object of the present invention is to develop a fastening device of the type described in the introduction of this specification, which resolves the shortcomings of the current art to the most optimal level possible. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a fastening device that facilitates the joining and fastening of pelletizing apparatus assemblies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the present invention, the object of the present invention is achieved by a quick-action type fastening device of the type described above, comprising a mounting element disposed at one of the first assembly or the second assembly, a locking element disposed at the other of the first assembly or the second assembly, and a fastening means equipped with the fastening element, wherein the fastening element is mounted on the mounting element so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis, the fastening element engages with the locking element, and the fastening element is rotated to a fastening position in which the first assembly is fastened to the second assembly.

[0011] This invention utilizes the finding that using the quick-action fastening device of the present invention significantly simplifies the procedure for joining and fastening assemblies. Compared to conventionally known structures, the fastening means requires only one movement to move to the fastening position and securely fasten the assembly, particularly the pelletizer, to the cutting chamber.

[0012] Similarly, in a simpler form, the fastened state can be reversed or released by the movement of the fastening means in the opposite direction, thereby allowing the assemblies to be separated from each other, for example, to perform maintenance work.

[0013] In one configuration example of the present invention, the quick-action fastening device includes a second mounting element located in the same assembly as the first mounting element, and a second locking element located in the same assembly as the first locking element, wherein the fastening means includes a second fastening element mounted on the second mounting element so as to be rotatable around a second pivot axis, and the second fastening element, together with the first fastening element, is rotated to a fastening position in which the second fastening element engages with the second locking element.

[0014] The provision of redundant components (mounting element, locking element, and fastening element) in the quick-action fastening device has proven advantageous in enhancing operational reliability and safety. Even if one of the components were to fail unexpectedly, the redundant design ensures that the pelletizing device assemblies remain securely connected to each other during operation. Furthermore, fastening and releasing can be easily performed by a single movement of the fastening means coupled to both fastening elements. Additionally, the provision of a second fastening element advantageously allows for a uniform application of fastening force to the assemblies. This provides a sealed connection between the assemblies that is particularly protected against fluid leakage.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the fastening means further includes a fastening lever connected to at least one fastening element and for activating at least one fastening element. Such a fastening lever has proven particularly advantageous for applications where the joining and fastening of the assembly is performed manually by an operator. By its structure, the fastening lever is movable not only for fastening the component itself but also for moving the pelletizer toward the cutting chamber.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one fastening element has a hook-shaped portion which engages with a locking element during rotational movement of the fastening element to the fastening position, and fastens the locking element to the fastening element in the fastening position. The hook-shaped portion performs a dual function. On the one hand, it causes the locking element to press against the fastening element and fasten in the fastening position, and further, as soon as the hook-shaped portion engages with the locking element, it helps to press the assemblies together. In this way, the operator is assisted not only when fastening the assemblies but also when joining the assemblies together before performing the fastening operation.

[0017] Preferably, the hook-shaped portion has a hook base, the hook base having a shape corresponding to the external cross-section of the locking element. In this way, the hook base ensures the transmission of an appropriate clamping force and securely holds the locking element in the clamped position.

[0018] In another configuration of the present invention, the hook-shaped portion has a first rim and a second rim, the rims extending from the bottom of the hook to form a hook opening, the hook opening being located between the rims and forming a free cross-section that expands from the bottom of the hook in the direction of the rims.

[0019] Such a configuration relating to the rim or hook opening has proven particularly advantageous in pressing the assembly together as soon as the locking element engages with the hook opening. In other words, the locking element is guided to the fastening position by the geometric shape of the hook opening, thereby facilitating the operator to perform the operation of joining the assembly, and allowing both joining and subsequent fastening to be performed with a single movement of the fastening means or fastening lever.

[0020] In a preferred configuration, the first rim and / or second rim have a thickened portion positioned adjacent to the hook base to hold the locking element in the fastened position. When the fastening means is rotated to the fastened position, the locking element passes over the thickened portion in question, and in the fastened position, this thickened portion firmly holds the locking element near the hook base, and the fastening means remains firmly in the fastened position without any force being applied to it. In a modified embodiment, the rim is angled, in particular, has a shallow angle, and as a result, the rim holds the locking element in a non-returning position in the fastened position.

[0021] Preferably, the fastening element further has an eccentric portion such that, during the movement of the fastening element to release from the fastening position, the eccentric portion applies a force to the locking element that pulls the first assembly away from the second assembly. In this preferred embodiment, with respect to a pelletizing apparatus, a large force may be applied to the pelletizer by the operator, for the purpose of separating the pelletizer from the cutting chamber for maintenance work or the like. The eccentric portion applies a force to the locking element that separates the assemblies from each other when the fastening element releases from the fastening position.

[0022] In another configuration of the present invention, the eccentric portion has a surface center of gravity corresponding to the rotation axis of the fastening element. Furthermore, it is preferable that one of the rims is provided by the eccentric portion.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the eccentric portion located in that region of the rim, i.e., adjacent to the hook bottom, has a first radius with respect to the surface centroid, and this radius increases, particularly linearly or non-linearly, as the distance from the hook bottom along the rim increases.

[0024] The operating force applied by the operator to the fastening means can be transmitted as desired depending on the design configuration of the eccentric portion. Thus, for example, with a slight increase in the radius along the rim, in other words, with a slight gradient of the eccentric portion, when the movement distance is given and the force for moving the fastening means is given, a large force is applied to the mounting element, but the fastening means is pushed away from the axis of rotation of the mounting element by only a small distance. When the gradient of the eccentric portion increases while the force applied to the fastening means is the same and the movement distance is the same, as a result, the locking element is pushed further away from the axis of rotation, but only a small force is transmitted to the locking element.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the locking element and / or the mounting element is in the form of a pin. In this case, the locking element and the mounting element preferably have the same geometric shape. This improves the interaction of the components.

[0026] In one configuration example of the present invention, the quick-action type fastening device has a driving device for driving the fastening means, and the driving device has or is formed from at least one of the following characteristic elements, i.e., an electric motor, a hydraulic actuator, or a pneumatic driving device particularly provided with a cylinder driving device and / or a rotational driving device. It has been found advantageous to provide a driving device for driving the fastening means in usage situations where the assembly is not manually coupled and / or fastened.

[0027] Preferably, the quick-action fastening device has a sensor device for detecting the position of the fastening means. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor device is arranged at the pelletizer and / or is adapted to generate a signal when the fastening means is in the fastening position and / or when it is released from the fastening position.

[0028] In a variant embodiment, the sensor device is connected in a signal-conducting relationship to the control device of the pelletizing device, and the control device is adapted to stop the operation of the pelletizing device when the fastening means disengages from the fastening position. It is further preferred that the control device is configured to start the pelletizing device after moving the fastening means to the fastening position.

[0029] In a further preferred form, the quick-action fastening device has locking means, in particular electromechanical locking means, for holding the fastening means in the fastening position and / or for releasing the fastening means from the fastening position. Thereby, the fastening means is prevented from accidentally disengaging from the fastening position during the operation of the pelletizing device.

[0030] In an advantageous configuration example, the fastening lever has two spaced-apart fastening lever rims and a handle connecting the fastening lever rims to each other. The two fastening lever rims are mechanically particularly robust and provide a reliable holding action, and the quick-action fastening device can be operated very easily and efficiently by means of the handle.

[0031] For a compact yet highly functional connection to one of the assemblies, it is advantageous to have a fastening lever, particularly having a first fastening lever portion in which two spaced-apart fastening lever rims are coupled to a fastening element, a second fastening lever portion extending at an angle to the first fastening lever portion, and preferably a third fastening lever portion extending at an angle to the second fastening lever portion with a handle fixed at its distal end. The angle preferably allows the lever to apply a sufficiently large torque, and at the same time preferably allows for good mechanical operation with sufficient space and without the hand being trapped.

[0032] With regard to ensuring secure fastening, it is particularly advantageous if the fastening lever is rotatably mounted to the first or second assembly of the pelletizing device in such a manner that the fastening lever moves beyond its dead center like a toggle lever during the fastening operation, resulting in a locking state that prevents it from returning to its original position.

[0033] The present invention has been described above in relation to a quick-action fastening device. In another view, the present invention relates to a pelletizing apparatus for the production of pellets from a melt flow, the pelletizing apparatus having a pelletizer and a cutting chamber.

[0034] The present invention achieves the objectives described in the introduction herein with respect to a pelletizing apparatus having a quick-action fastening device equipped with fastening means for fastening a pelletizer and a cutting chamber.

[0035] In the configuration example of the present invention, the quick-action fastening device is designed according to one of the preferred embodiments described above.

[0036] The pelletizing apparatus utilizes the same advantages and preferred forms as the quick-action fastening apparatus of the present invention. In this regard, attention is drawn to the above description, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] In another view, the present invention relates to a method for fastening a first assembly of a pelletizing apparatus to a second assembly of a pelletizing apparatus, and in particular to fastening a pelletizer to a cutting chamber, or a cutting chamber to a perforated plate.

[0038] The present invention achieves the objectives described in the introduction herein with respect to a method comprising the following steps, which include: preparing a first assembly, in particular a pelletizer or perforated plate; preparing a second assembly, in particular a cutting chamber; and fastening the first assembly to the second assembly by a quick-action fastening device, the quick-action fastening device being designed according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0039] The present invention utilizes the same advantages and preferred forms as the quick-action fastening device of the present invention. In this regard, attention is drawn to the above description, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0040] In an advantageous configuration of this method, the fastening means is operated by a fastening lever connected to at least one fastening element, and the fastening lever is rotatably attached to the first or second assembly of the pelletizing device like a toggle lever, and when it is rotated beyond blind spots to obtain a fastening effect, a return-prevention fastening effect is produced as a result.

[0041] In another advantageous configuration for releasing the fastening action, a force is applied to the locking element, thereby releasing the first assembly from the second assembly, preferably with at least some distance between them.

[0042] In another view for achieving the object of the present invention, the present invention further relates to a fastening lever that can be coupled to a fastening element and acts on a fastening element of a quick-action fastening device that fastens a first assembly of a pelletizing device to a second assembly of a pelletizing device. According to the present invention, the fastening lever has two spaced-apart fastening lever rims and a handle that connects the fastening lever rims to each other.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, a fastening lever, in particular two spaced-apart fastening lever rims, has a first fastening lever portion coupled to a fastening element and a second fastening lever portion extending at an angle to the first fastening lever portion.

[0044] For further advantages and desirable features of the fastening element, please refer to the above and below descriptions.

[0045] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached figures, using preferred embodiments as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a first embodiment illustrating the pelletizing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a first embodiment illustrating the pelletizing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 are plan views of an embodiment of the pelletizing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figures 1 to 3 show detailed views of the cutting chamber of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a fastening element as a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a detailed perspective view of a pelletizing apparatus as a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a pelletizing apparatus as a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a pelletizing apparatus as a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figures 7 and 8 are plan views of a modified embodiment of the pelletizing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figures 7 to 9 show detailed views of the cutting chamber in the modified embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of a fastening element as a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12]This is a detailed perspective view of a pelletizing apparatus as a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows a quick-action type fastening device as another modified embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] Figure 1 shows a pelletizing apparatus 2 for producing pellets from a melt flow. The pelletizing apparatus 2 has a pelletizer 4 and a cutting chamber 6. The cutting chamber 6 is positioned in a stationary position. The pelletizer 4 is movably positioned on a pelletizer rail 12 such that it can be moved toward the cutting chamber 6 and coupled to it.

[0048] The pelletizer 4 has a base portion 22 on which a housing 24 is mounted. A base plate 26 is positioned on the top side of the housing 24, and a machine carrier 30 is provided on the base plate 26 by spacer elements 28. A drive device 14 for driving the cutting edge 34 is provided on the machine carrier 30. The pelletizer 4 further has a protective hood 16. The pelletizer 4 is the first assembly 36.

[0049] The locking elements 40, 40' are provided on the pelletizer 4, particularly near the pelletizer 4, and the locking elements 40, 40' are coupled to the cutting chamber 6. The locking elements 40, 40' are part of a quick-action fastening device 8.

[0050] The cutting chamber 6 is the second assembly 38. The cutting chamber 6 has an inlet 20 for process water and an outlet 18 for process water and pellets. Pelleting and cutting of the supplied melt takes place within the cutting chamber 6, in which case both process water and pellets exit the cutting chamber 6 through the outlet 18.

[0051] A fastening means 10 is located at the cutting chamber 6. The fastening means 10 has a fastening element 32. The fastening element 32 is rotatably mounted on a mounting element 44 (see Figure 3). The fastening means 10 has a fastening lever 42 connected to the fastening element 32.

[0052] Figure 2 shows the pelletizing apparatus 2 of Figure 1, where the fastening means 10 is in the fastening position S. In the fastening position S, the pelletizer 4 is fastened to the cutting chamber 6 by a quick-action fastening device 8. In this situation, the fastening element 32 is engaged with the locking element 40, fastening the first assembly 36 in a state of pressing it against the second assembly 38. Further details regarding this are shown in Figure 3.

[0053] Figure 3 is a plan view of a pelletizing apparatus 2 having a pelletizer 4 and a cutting chamber 6. As can be seen in Figure 3, the pelletizer 4 has a locking element 40 at its apical portion in the region adjacent to the cutting edge 34, and the locking element 40 has an external cross section indicated by reference numeral 41. The locking element 40 is in the form of a pin 45. A fastening element 32 located at the cutting chamber 6 is mounted on a mounting element 44 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis D. A fastening lever 42 is connected to the fastening element 32. The rotational movement of the fastening lever 42 causes the fastening element 32, which is connected to the fastening lever 42, to rotate around the rotation axis D. The mounting element 44 is located at a pin holder 46 connected to the cutting chamber 6. After the movement of the pelletizer 4 towards the cutting chamber 6, the fastening element 32 engages with the locking element 40 and is rotated to the fastening position S shown in Figure 2.

[0054] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cutting chamber 6. The cutting chamber 6 has essential components of the quick-action fastening device 8. The quick-action fastening device 8 has a first fastening element 32 and a second fastening element 32'. Both fastening elements 32 and 32' are connected to the fastening lever 42 by a connecting screw 48. When the fastening lever 42 moves, the two fastening elements 32 and 32' move as a result.

[0055] As described above with reference to Figure 3, the fastening element 32 is attached to the mounting element 44 around the axis of rotation D. The mounting element 44 is provided on the pin holder 46. The fastening element 32' is attached to the mounting element 44 so as to be rotatable around the axis of rotation (not shown). Each of the fastening elements 32 and 32' has a corresponding hook-shaped portion 50. In addition, the fastening elements 32 and 32' have an eccentric portion 52. The eccentric portion 52 is configured such that when the fastening elements 32 and 32' are released from the fastening position S shown in Figure 2, the eccentric portion exerts force on the locking elements 40 and 40'. As a result, the first assembly 36 is separated from the second assembly 38 (see Figure 2).

[0056] Figure 5 shows fastening elements 32, 32'. The fastening elements 32, 32' are preferably connected to the fastening lever 42 by a threaded bore 54 (see, for example, Figure 4). In a modified example, the fastening elements 32, 32' and the fastening lever 42 may be integrally formed. The fastening elements 32, 32' have a hook-shaped portion 50. The hook-shaped portion 50 is formed by a hook base 56 and a first rim 58 and a second rim 58'. The rims 58, 58' form a hook opening 60. The hook opening 60 forms a free cross-section d between the rims 58, 58'. The free cross-section d expands from the hook base 56 toward the rims 58, 58'. In this case, the first rim 58 has a thickened portion 62. The thickened portion 62 is located adjacent to the hook base 56. The thickened portion 62 is designed to hold the locking element 40 (see, for example, Figure 3) in the fastening position S. In a modified example, the first rim 58 may have an angled shape that holds the locking element 40 (see Figure 3) in a return-stopping relationship to the fastening position S.

[0057] The fastening elements 32, 32' further have an eccentric portion 52. The eccentric portion 52 is configured such that when the fastening elements 32, 32' detach from the fastening position S, the eccentric portion exerts a force on the locking elements 40, 40' (see Figure 3). The eccentric portion 52 has a surface centroid 64 corresponding to the rotation axis D of the fastening elements 32, 32'. The eccentric portion 52 forms a rim 58'. The eccentric portion 52 has a first radius r1 near the hook base 56, and the first radius r1 is found on the second rim 58' further away from the hook base 56 and is smaller than radius r2. The radius increase observed between radius r1 and radius r2 is linear, and optionally nonlinear.

[0058] Figure 6 is a detailed view of the pelletizer 4 and cutting chamber 6, shown coupled but disengaged. A sensor device 66 is positioned on the pelletizer 4 adjacent to the machine carrier 30. The sensor device 66 is configured to generate a signal when the fastening means 10 or fastening lever 42 is moved and released from the fastening position S (see Figure 2). The generated signal can be used, for example, to stop the pelletizer, to start it, or to prevent the operation of the pelletizer 4 when the fastening means 10 and fastening lever 42 are in the positions shown in Figure 6.

[0059] In addition, a locking device 68, in particular an electromechanical locking device 68, is positioned on the pelletizer 4. The locking device 68 is configured to selectively and quickly hold or release a locking means 70 positioned on a clamping lever 42. In other words, the locking device 68 prevents the clamping lever 42 from moving away from the clamping position S, for example, accidentally, when the clamping means 10 is in the clamping position S and the pelletizer 4 and cutting chamber 6 are operating. As soon as the pelletizer 4 and cutting chamber 6 are no longer operating, the locking device 68 releases the clamping lever 42 and the clamping means 10 together with it. Now the clamping lever 42 can be moved away from the clamping position S.

[0060] Figures 7 to 12 show a pelletizing apparatus 102 as a modified embodiment. The pelletizing apparatus 102 has a pelletizer 104 and a cutting chamber 106. The cutting chamber 106 is positioned in a stationary state. The pelletizer 4 is movably positioned on a pelletizer rail 112. The pelletizing apparatus 102 has a quick-action fastening device 108. The quick-action fastening device 108 has a fastening means 110 including two fastening elements 132, 132'.

[0061] In contrast to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the fastening elements 132, 132' are located at the pelletizer 104 in this case. Similarly, the locking elements 140, 140' (see Figure 9) are located at the cutting chamber 106 in this case.

[0062] The pelletizer 104 has a base portion 122 and a housing 124 of a known structure. A base plate 126 is provided on the top side of the housing 124, and a machine carrier 130 is positioned above the base plate 126, separated from the base plate 126 by a spacer element 128. A drive unit 114 for rotating the cutting edge 134 is positioned on the machine carrier 130. The pelletizer 104 further has a protective hood 116. The fastening elements 132, 132' are each attached to mounting elements 144, 144'. The fastening means 110 further has a fastening lever 142 connected to the fastening elements 132, 132' and for operating the fastening elements 132, 132'. The pelletizer 104 is the first assembly 136, and the cutting chamber 106 is the second assembly 138.

[0063] The cutting chamber 106 has an inlet 120 for process water that supplies process water to the cutting chamber 106 and an outlet 118 for process water and pellets, which exit the cutting chamber 106 through this outlet. In Figure 7, the pelletizer 104 and the cutting chamber 106 are shown separated from each other. Maintenance work on the pelletizer 104 and / or the cutting chamber 106 is preferably performed at the illustrated work position.

[0064] Figure 8 shows the components described with reference to Figure 7 in the fastening position S. In this case, the pelletizer 104 is coupled to the cutting chamber 106. The fastening elements 132, 132' (see Figure 7) are in the fastening position S. The fastening elements 132, 132' are engaged with the locking elements 140, 140' (see Figure 9), and fasten the first assembly 136 to the second assembly 138.

[0065] Figure 9 is a plan view of the pelletizing apparatus 102. In addition to the cutting chamber 106, a locking element 140 located at the top of the cutting chamber 106 can be seen. The locking element 140 has an external cross section indicated by reference numeral 141. Returning to the pelletizer 104 and referring to it, the components visible from above the quick-action fastening device 108 include the fastening means 110, and the structure of these components can be understood here. The fastening element 132 is mounted on the mounting element 144 so as to be rotatable around the axis of rotation D. The fastening element 132 has a hook-shaped portion 150. This hook-shaped portion 150 corresponds to the external cross section of the locking element 141 in such a way that when the fastening element 132 rotates to the fastening position S, the hook-shaped portion 150 engages with the locking element 140, and fastens the locking element 140 to the fastening element 132 at the fastening position S.

[0066] Figure 10 is a detail view of the cutting chamber 106 representing the second assembly 138. The cutting chamber 106 has an inlet 120 for process water and an outlet 118 for process water and pellets in a known manner. Pin holders 146 are positioned adjacent to the outlet 118 and the inlet 120, respectively. Locking elements 140, 140' are positioned at the pin holders 146, respectively. Fastening elements 132, 132' (see Figure 12) engage with the locking elements 140, 140' at the fastening position S.

[0067] Figure 11 is a detailed view of the fastening elements 132, 132'. The fastening elements 132, 132' have threaded bores 154 for fixing the fastening elements 132, 132' to the fastening lever 142. The fastening elements 132, 132' have hook-shaped portions 150. The hook-shaped portions 150 have hook bases 156, which are shaped to correspond to the outer cross section 141 of the locking element 140 (see Figure 10). The locking elements 140, 140' are in the form of pins 145. The hook-shaped portions 150 further have a first rim 158 and a second rim 158'. The rims 158, 158' extend from the hook bases 156 to form a hook opening 160. The hook opening 160 forms a free cross section d between the rims 158, 158'. The free cross-section d expands from the hook base 156 towards the rims 158 and 158'.

[0068] The first rim 158 has a thickened portion 162. The thickened portion 162 is positioned adjacent to the hook bottom portion 156. The thickened portion 162 is designed to hold the locking elements 140, 140' (see Figure 8) in the fastening position S. In a modified example, the first rim 158 may have an angled shape with a particularly shallow angle so that the first rim holds the locking elements 140, 140' (see Figure 8) in a return-stopping relationship to the fastening position S. The fastening elements 132, 132' further have an eccentric portion 152. The shape of the eccentric portion 152 is such that the eccentric portion exerts force on the locking elements 140, 140' during the release movement of the fastening elements 132, 132' from the fastening position S (see Figure 8). The eccentric portion 152 has a surface center of gravity 164 corresponding to the rotation axis D of the fastening elements 132, 132'. The rim 158' is formed by the eccentric portion 152.

[0069] Figure 12 shows the cutting chamber 106 and the quick-action fastening device 108 in a coupled state; however, in this coupled state, they are not yet fully fastened. The fastening elements 132, 132' are engaged with the locking elements 140, 140' (the lower locking element 140' is not visible). Starting from the position shown in Figure 12, moving the fastening lever 142 toward the pelletizer 104 causes the fastening element 132 to engage more strongly with the locking element 140, fastening the first assembly 136 to the second assembly 138. However, moving the fastening lever 142 toward the cutting chamber 106, away from the pelletizer 104, causes the eccentric portion 152 of the fastening element 132 to push the locking element 140 away from the pelletizer 104. As a result, the movable pelletizer 104 is pushed away from the stationary cutting chamber 106. This facilitates the disengagement of the first assembly 136 from the second assembly 138 by the movement of the clamping lever 142.

[0070] The pelletizer 104 has a sensor device 166 which is configured to detect the position of the fastening lever 142. In addition, the pelletizer 104 has an electromechanical locking device 168 which is configured to selectively hold or release the locking means 170 when the fastening means 110 is in the fastening position S.

[0071] Further features of the clamping levers can be understood for both embodiments from the figures, particularly Figures 3, 4, 6, 9, and 12. The clamping levers 42, 142 have two clamping lever rims 43, 143 that are spaced apart from each other and handles 47, 147 that connect the clamping lever rims 43, 143 to each other.

[0072] The fastening levers 42,142, and in particular the two spaced-apart fastening lever rims 43,143, have a first fastening lever portion 49,149 coupled to the fastening elements 32,32',132,132', a second fastening lever portion 51,151 extending at an angle to the first fastening lever portion 49,149, and preferably a third fastening lever portion 53,153 extending at an angle to the second fastening lever portion 51,151, with a handle 47,147 fixed at its distal end. Thus, the fastening levers 42,142 are rotatably mounted to the first assembly 36,136 or the second assembly 38,138 of the pelletizing device 2,102, such that the fastening levers 42,142 pass through blind spots during fastening operations like toggle levers, followed by a return-stop fastening action.

[0073] As can be clearly seen, for example, from Figures 3 and 9, the first tightening lever portions 49,149 are shorter than the second tightening lever portions 51,151 and form an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the second tightening lever portions. The first tightening lever portions 49,149 are preferably releasably connected to the tightening elements 32,32',132,132' by threaded bores 54. The angle between the first tightening lever portions 49,149 and the second tightening lever portions 51,151, and furthermore, the respective lengths in the axial direction of each, may vary and different ranges of values ​​can be assumed. The angle between the first and second tightening lever portions 49,149,51,151 and the third tightening lever portion 53,153 is clearly greater than 90° and is in the range of approximately 170° in the illustrated embodiment, but it is also possible to adopt an angular range of, for example, 180° and 90°. The third tightening lever portion 53,153 is selected so that the handles 47,147 fixed to the two tightening lever portions 49,149 can be easily grasped even in the tightening position S, and especially in this tightening position, so that the hand or fingers can pass between the handles 47,147 and the assembly provided opposite them, particularly the pelletizer 4,104 or the cutting chamber 6,106, without the hand being pinched. Very broadly speaking, the tightening lever rim has a shape that is almost the same as an S when viewed in plan view (Figures 3 and 9).

[0074] The method of the present invention and the operating modes of the quick-action fastening device and its components will be further described below.

[0075] To fasten the pelletizer 4,104 shown as an example to the cutting chamber 6,106 (other assemblies are also included according to the present invention), first, the pelletizer 4,104 and the cutting chamber 6,106 are prepared in a relative relationship to each other (Figures 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12). Next, a quick-action fastening device is operated either by a drive or manually, so that the fastening means 10,110 engages with the fastening elements 32,132 with respect to the locking elements 40,140, ​​and the first assembly 36,136 and the second assembly 38,138 are fastened to each other. During the rotational movement, in the illustrated embodiment, the operation of the handle 47,147 causes the fastening lever, designed like a toggle lever, to pass a dead center where the relative fastening is at its maximum, and then, with further rotational movement, it passes that dead center, during which the fastening is somewhat reduced. As a result, a locking action is achieved in that area. In the locked position, the handles 47,147 are positioned at a minimum distance from the pelletizing device 2,102. This distance is selected so that, in the above-described configuration example, the pelletizing device 2,102 and the handles 47,147 can engage without pinching a hand. For the purpose of release, the locking elements 32,32',132,132' are rotated in the opposite direction, and during rotation in this direction, a force is applied to the locking elements 40,40',140,140' by the eccentric portions 52,152 of the locking elements 32,32',132,132', resulting in the first and second assemblies 36,136,38,138 being released from each other, preferably at least partially separated from each other.

[0076] Figure 13 is a locking circuit diagram of a quick-action fastening device 208 as another embodiment. The quick-action fastening device 208 has a fastening means 210. A drive unit 272 is located at the fastening means 210. The drive unit 272 helps to drive the fastening means 210. The drive unit 272 has an electric motor 274, a hydraulic actuator 276 and / or a pneumatic drive unit 278. The pneumatic drive unit 278 has a cylinder drive unit 280 and / or a rotary drive unit 282. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 2. Pelletization equipment 4 Pelletizer 6 Cutting Chamber 8. Quick-action fastening device 10 Fastening means 12 Pelletizer Rail 14 Drive unit 16 Protective Hood 18. Outlet for process water and pellets 20 Inlet for process water 22 Base part 24 Housing 26 Base Plate 28 Spacer elements 30 Machine Carrier 32,32' fastening element 34 Cutting blades 36. First Assembly 38. Second Assembly 40,40' Locking element 41 External cross-section of the locking element 42. Fastening lever 43. Fastening lever rim 44,44' Mounting element 45 pins 46 Pin Holder 47 Handle 48 connecting screws 49. First tightening lever portion 50 Hook-shaped part 51 Second fastening lever portion 52 Eccentric part 53 Third fastening lever portion 54 Threaded bore 56 Hook bottom 58, 58' First rim, second rim 60 hook openings 62 Thick wall part 64 plane center of gravity 66 Sensor device 68 Electromechanical locking device 70 Locking means 102 Pelletization equipment 104 Pelletizer 106 Cutting Chamber 108 Quick-action fastening device 110 Fastening means 112 Pelletizer Rail 114 Drive unit 116 Protective Hood 118 Outlet for process water and pellets 120 Inlet for process water 122 Base part 124 Housing 126 Base Plate 128 Spacer elements 130 Machine Carrier 132,132' fastening element 134 Cutting blades 136 First Assembly 138 Second Assembly 140,140' Locking element 141 External cross-section of the locking element 142 Fastening lever 143 Fastening lever rim 144,144' Mounting element 145 pins 146 Pin Holder 147 Handle 148 connecting screws 149 First tightening lever portion 150 Hook-shaped part 151 Second fastening lever portion 152 Eccentric part 153 Third fastening lever portion 154 Threaded Bore 156 Hook bottom 158, 158' First rim, second rim 160 hook openings 162 Thick wall part 164 Center of gravity 166 Sensor device 168 Electromechanical locking device 170 Locking means 208 Quick-action fastening device 210 Fastening means 272 Drive unit 274 Electric motor 276 Hydraulic Actuator 278 Pneumatic drive device 280 Cylinder drive unit 282 Rotary drive device d free section D Rotation axis S fastening position

Claims

1. A quick-action fastening device for fastening the first assembly of a pelletizing device to the second assembly of the pelletizing device, A mounting element positioned at either the first assembly or the second assembly, A locking element positioned at the other of the first assembly or the second assembly, The fastening means comprises a fastening element, wherein the fastening element is mounted on the mounting element so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis, and the fastening element is rotated to a fastening position in which the fastening element engages with the locking element and the fastening element fastens the first assembly to the second assembly. A quick-action fastening device, wherein the fastening element further has an eccentric portion that is offset from the axis of rotation, and the eccentric portion is configured such that, when the fastening element moves away from the fastening position, the eccentric portion engages with the locking element and applies a force to the locking element that pulls the first assembly away from the second assembly.

2. A second mounting element positioned on the same first or second assembly as the aforementioned mounting element, It has a second locking element, which is located at the same location as the first assembly or the second assembly as in the case of the aforementioned locking element, The fastening means includes a second fastening element mounted on the second mounting element so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis, wherein the second fastening element, together with the fastening element, is rotated to the fastening position in which the second fastening element engages with the second locking element, according to claim 1.

3. The fastening means further includes a fastening lever connected to the fastening element for activating the fastening element, according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The fastening element has a hook-shaped portion, and during the rotational movement of the fastening element to the fastening position, the hook-shaped portion engages with the locking element, and in the fastening position, the locking element is fixed to the fastening element, according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The quick-action fastening device according to claim 4, wherein the hook-shaped portion has a hook base, and the hook base is located in the external cross-section of the locking element.

6. The quick-action fastening device according to claim 5, wherein the hook-shaped portion has a first rim and a second rim, each of the first rim and the second rim extending from the bottom of the hook to form a hook opening, the hook opening being located between the first rim and the second rim and forming a cross-section that expands in the direction from the bottom of the hook toward the first rim and the second rim.

7. The quick-action fastening device according to claim 6, wherein the first rim and / or the second rim have a projection positioned adjacent to the bottom of the hook and which fastens the locking element in the fastening position.

8. The quick-action fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the eccentric portion has a center of gravity that lies on the same axis as the rotation axis of the fastening element.

9. The quick-action fastening device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein one of the first rim and the second rim is formed by the eccentric portion.

10. The quick-action fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the locking element and / or the mounting element is in the form of a pin.

11. The fastening means has a drive device, and the drive device has the following features, namely, Electric motor, Hydraulic actuator, or A quick-action fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least one of a pneumatic drive device equipped with a cylinder drive device and / or a rotary drive device.

12. A quick-action fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a sensor device for detecting the position of the fastening means.

13. The quick-action fastening device according to claim 12, wherein the sensor device is (a) located at the pelletizing device, (b) generates a signal when the fastening means is in the fastening position, or (c) generates a signal when the fastening means is released from the fastening position.

14. A quick-action fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising an electromechanical locking means for holding the fastening means in the fastening position or for moving the fastening means away from the fastening position.

15. The fastening lever has two spaced fastening lever rims and a handle connecting the fastening lever rims, according to claim 3, a quick-action type fastening device.

16. The fastening lever rim has a first fastening lever portion coupled to the fastening element, a second fastening lever portion extending at an angle to the first fastening lever portion, and a third fastening lever portion extending at an angle to the second fastening lever portion, wherein the third fastening lever portion extends to the distal end to which the handle is fixed, according to claim 15.

17. The quick-action fastening device according to claim 3, wherein the fastening lever is rotatably attached to the first or second assembly of the pelletizing device in such a manner that the fastening lever moves beyond the dead center of the fastening element during the fastening operation.

18. A pelletizing apparatus for producing pellets from a melt flow, comprising a pelletizer and a cutting chamber, A pelletizing apparatus having a quick-action fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A method for fastening the first assembly of a pelletizing apparatus to the second assembly of the pelletizing apparatus, The steps include preparing the first assembly, The steps include preparing the second assembly, A method comprising the step of fastening the first assembly to the second assembly by a quick-action fastening device, wherein the quick-action fastening device is the quick-action fastening device described in claim 1.

20. The fastening means is operated by a fastening lever connected to the fastening element. The method according to claim 19, wherein the fastening lever is rotatably attached to the first assembly or the second assembly of the pelletizing apparatus, and is rotated to pass over the blind spot of the fastening element so that the fastening effect of the fastening element can be obtained.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the fastening element is rotated to detach it from the fastening position, and force is applied to the locking element by the eccentric portion, thereby releasing the first assembly from the second assembly and positioning it at a distance from the second assembly.

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