Device and method for comminuting, deagglomerating and / or separating materials, fibres, recyclates or mixtures

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for comminuting, deagglomerating or separating materials, fibres, recyclates or mixtures, preferably of composite materials with or without proportions or amounts of fibre, during the further processing or processing of the materials to form products and / or the mixing thereof with other substances, substance mixtures or a preferably liquid agent, wherein the material (2), preferably free-flowing and / or wetted, is guided via an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) in the transport direction (10) through a device (1), and in the device (1) the material (2) is guided through at least one working region (9) between at least two, three or four coaxially aligned and rotating rollers (5, 6), wherein, in the working region (9), the material is comminuted, deagglomerated and / or separated by the preferably combing and / or preferably scratching fill material of two adjacent rollers (5, 6), such that a material flow (8) is formed downstream of the working region (9) in the transport direction (10) of the material (2). This material flow can be used in a large number of industrial processes or installations as required, for example in the production (1650) of fibre-reinforced composite materials.

Description

[0001] Dieffenbacher GmbH P1650WO Mechanical and Plant Engineering

[0002] Heilbronner Straße 20

[0003] D-75031 Eppingen

[0004] DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SMALLING, DEAGGLOMERATION AND / OR SINGLE-UP OF MATERIALS, FIBERS, RECYCLABLES OR MIXTURES

[0005] The invention relates to a device for comminuting, deagglomerating and / or singulating materials, fibers, recyclates or mixtures, preferably composites with or without fiber content or fiber mixtures, in the course of further processing or manufacturing of the materials into products according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] The invention further relates to a method for comminution, deagglomeration and / or singulation of materials, fibers, recyclates or mixtures, preferably composites with or without fiber content or fiber mixtures, in the course of further processing or processing of the materials into products according to claim 24.

[0007] The dependent claims list further advantageous embodiments of the device and the method.

[0008] Many industries share the common task of preparing, dissolving, or separating materials for further processing, product manufacturing, or mixing. Furthermore, it is necessary to establish a recycling loop in which the highest possible proportion of shredded materials can be effectively reused. In recycling, materials are regularly shredded, separated, sorted by substance or material type, and temporarily stored. During temporary storage, the material is usually piled, compressed, and / or packaged.

[0009] Fibers are used in a wide variety of technical applications. The most well-known is the use of glass, carbon, or similar fibers in the production of fiber-reinforced plastics in the aerospace and automotive industries. There is also a large area of ​​application in the textile industry, mostly as woven or nonwoven materials. Fibers are also used in the production of wood-based panels, for example, for MDF (medium-density fiberboard). In addition, there are composite materials made of plastics, sometimes with metal components, which can be fiber-reinforced or non-fiber-reinforced.

[0010] It is in the nature of shredded materials, especially fibers, to become entangled, clumped, or otherwise agglomerated. These phenomena can occur not only during industrial processing, extraction, or transport (whether in bales or packaged elsewhere). Sometimes, the material's own weight or prolonged storage is sufficient to cause problematic compression.

[0011] Traditional comminution using impact or cutting devices produces a high, predominant, or even almost complete dust content. Examples include hammer mills, cutting mills, and impact mills. While dust or materials smaller than fibers can be recycled, this process eliminates a wide range of potential applications. Chemical or thermal dissolution processes, such as steam dissolution, are either ineffective or only partially successful, depending on the specific material.

[0012] For the sake of simplicity, the term material or materials can be used in the following as a stand-in for the materials used or suitable, fibers, recyclates or mixtures, preferably mixtures of composite materials with or without fiber content or of fiber mixtures themselves.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method with which it is possible to dissolve or deagglomerate materials in order to prepare these materials or individual fibers for further use.

[0014] An extension of the task is to ensure that coagulations or clumping in a material or fiber stream do not affect subsequent devices or

[0015] P1650WO - Page 2 / 28 not damage equipment and / or impair essential properties of the product to be manufactured.

[0016] The solution to the problem for a device consists in the combination of the features according to claim 1.

[0017] The device for comminuting, deagglomerating and / or singulating materials, fibers, recyclates or mixtures, preferably composites with or without fiber content or fiber mixtures, during further processing or manufacturing of the materials into products and / or their mixing with other substances, mixtures of substances or a preferably liquid agent, comprises a housing with an inlet for the material and an outlet in the transport direction of the material, wherein at least two, three or four coaxially aligned and rotating rollers with a coating on the circumference of the rollers are arranged between the inlet and the outlet and

[0018] wherein the rotating rollers are preferably arranged in a combing and / or preferably a scraping manner with their coating to form a working area along the transport direction for at least partial comminution, deagglomeration and / or singulation of the materials, so that a material flow is formed in the transport direction of the material towards the working area between the rollers.

[0019] For any necessary mixing with other substances, mixtures, or preferably a liquid agent, a mixing device can be arranged downstream of the apparatus. The material stream exiting the apparatus is mixed there, preferably in a metered manner, with further substances or mixtures. Preferably, the material stream is added to the substances or mixtures in a smaller proportion or even as an additive. In addition, other agents, preferably liquids, can be added to the material or the material stream, for example, additives, lubricants, binders, or the like. These agents can also be introduced within the apparatus.

[0020] In conjunction with the inlet, i.e., before, within, or after it, a metal separator and / or a metering hopper for the material can be arranged. A metal separator can remove harmful foreign matter. A metering hopper can...

[0021] P1650WO - Page 3 / 28 Material prepared, continuously and above all in well-dosed quantities, fed to the rollers.

[0022] The inlet and / or outlet can be understood as a type of gate or sealing conveying device, or be operatively connected to such devices. For example, screw conveyors, rotary valves, cyclones, or similar devices can be arranged alone or in combination. This primarily serves to protect the environment from pollution or contamination. This solution can also be beneficial for occupational safety.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device is encapsulated or sealed from the environment. The material and / or material flow can be fed into and / or removed from the device in a timed manner, with continuous material handling systems being preferred.

[0024] Preferably, at least one of the rollers can be operated with a positive and / or negative torque relative to the transport direction of the material in the working area.

[0025] The device can be designed to adjust the torque, speed, and / or direction of rotation of the rollers, enabling its use with various input materials or combinations thereof. The ability to adjust the torque is advantageous, as it allows for a more uniform outgoing material flow and / or finer adjustment of the dissolution effect.

[0026] Particularly preferred is at least one roller operatively connected to a controllable drive and / or a controllable brake. This has the advantage that, especially under high forces in the working area between the rollers, the material would not simply pass through the roller gap, but would be cut between the rollers by the different force acting upon them.

[0027] Advantageously, the drive or brake can be operatively connected with a control or regulating device for adjusting the peripheral speed or the rotational speed of the roller.

[0028] P1650WO - Page 4 / 28 A control or regulating device may perform other or additional functions to initiate or carry out the following or preceding features.

[0029] Alternatively or cumulatively, the rollers can be driven synchronously or separately / decoupled from each other. This can be implemented electronically and / or mechanically. This simplifies and enables scalability for different industrial applications.

[0030] Alternatively, a suitable design allows for the arrangement of scraper strips around the circumference of a roller. These are preferably arranged in a replaceable manner. Standardized scraper strips are preferably used, and it is particularly advantageous for them to be equipped with a quick-release mechanism or to be replaceable with minimal maintenance.

[0031] Alternatively, at least one roller can be designed as a round brush or roller brush.

[0032] Depending on the requirements, at least two rollers with the same or different core diameters and / or the same or different effective outer diameters can be arranged.

[0033] For a combing or scraping arrangement, the rollers can be fitted with a required thickness and / or the rollers can be arranged in the working area such that the thicknesses of two rollers overlap or intersect within the working area. Preferably, the distances between the rollers are adjustable manually or automatically to compensate for wear or to enable other operating modes of the device.

[0034] Preferably, the maximum interlocking overlap of the bristles is arranged in a plane defined by the axes of the rollers. This is particularly advantageous with a coaxial arrangement of the rollers.

[0035] In the case of an overlap of less than 100% with the same stocking levels or with different stocking levels, at least one free area without [something] can remain.

[0036] P1650WO - Page 5 / 28 Form an overlap at a layer in the plane. The free area, preferably adjustable, can help to make the particle size distribution adjustable after the rollers and / or increase the throughput.

[0037] Preferably, at least two rollers or their axes are arranged at a distance from each other such that, with the same or a smaller packing height on one roller, a combing overlap of 10% to 25%, 25% to 50% or 50% to 75% is achieved with respect to the length of the smaller or same packing height.

[0038] Alternatively or cumulatively, the working area can be defined by a combing overlap with a length of 10 mm to 150 mm. The working area length, in the case of an overlap, is the line between the beginning and end of the combing or scraping overlap.

[0039] Alternatively, or in this context, the rotational speeds of the two rollers can be operated in a ratio of 1:5 to 1:30, preferably 1:10 to 1:25, and most preferably 1:15 to 1:20. This ensures optimal material dissolution and / or reduced wear.

[0040] Depending on the material to be processed, metal or plastic is preferably arranged as a coating on at least one roller.

[0041] Alternatively or cumulatively, a stocking density of 10 to 60 spikelets per cm² can be used. 2 They can be used.

[0042] Alternatively or cumulatively, a straight, bent and / or braided trim, preferably made of wire, could be arranged.

[0043] It can be advantageous if a roller consists of several axially arranged circular brushes, positioned side by side on the axis and preferably axially spring-loaded. This arrangement allows for cost-effective replacement of worn or damaged parts.

[0044] P1650WO - Page 6 / 28 In this context, or alternatively, it may be advantageous to provide a quick-change system or, preferably, an automatically rotating change system for the rollers, for example, a turret rotary device for the rollers. A simple mechanical solution and fixing of the rollers in the device can lead to faster maintenance or easier or faster adaptation to production changes.

[0045] In encapsulated systems, it can be advantageous if at least one engaged or working roller could be replaced with a new roller using a turret rotary device.

[0046] The packing of two adjacent rollers can be identical or differ in terms of packing height, packing shape, packing density, and / or packing material. This depends, among other things, on where and how the material is to be ground, crushed, and / or dissolved within the device, specifically between or on the rollers.

[0047] Particularly advantageous is the use of two adjacent rollers, where one roller is more durable or more susceptible to wear than the other. By using a higher-quality roller with good wear resistance, the wear is concentrated on only one roller, which can preferably be replaced easily or is suitable for quick replacement. This could also be applied to the brush material; the less durable brush material could be easier to replace and / or more cost-effective.

[0048] The distance between the roller axes can be adjustable. Similarly, the intermeshing overlap can also be adjustable via adjustable axes. Both are preferably implemented mechanically and / or electrically driven. The control device can, for example, implement a corresponding control loop depending on the material throughput at the inlet and / or outlet. For this purpose, the quantity or quality of the input material and / or the material flow at or after the outlet could be determined and processed accordingly. Appropriate control technology can be provided for this.

[0049] P1650WO - Page 7 / 28 For a combing and / or scraping overlap, a working area length of 5 to 50 mm, preferably 15 to 35 mm, is used. The working area length is defined as the line between the beginning and end of the combing or scraping overlap. In the case of an accumulation conveyor, the working area may be extended in the opposite direction to the material transport if material accumulation in front of the working area already results in effective work being performed on the material.

[0050] The device may include a dispensing device for other substances or, preferably, a liquid medium, which can be applied to the material, the material flow, and / or at least one of the rollers. The dispensing device may have one or more dispensing points, one or more openings, or one or more areas.

[0051] Preferably, the dispensing device is suitable for dispensing an additive, a resin matrix, a binder and / or a release agent. The agent can also be in powder form, for example, talc.

[0052] Alternatively or cumulatively, the dispensing device for this agent can be arranged upstream, downstream, or adjacent to the rollers in the direction of transport. The dispensing device can preferably dispense the agent at an angle to and / or against the direction of transport of the material or to the rollers, or be arranged accordingly for dispensing. Dispensing liquid agents can be carried out using nozzles.

[0053] Alternatively or cumulatively, mixing devices for the material stream with other substances or mixtures of substances can be provided at or in conjunction with the outlet, or for further processing. It may be provided that the material stream is metered or unmetered and fed to other substances or mixtures of substances, and, if necessary, added as a smaller proportion or mixed as a larger proportion.

[0054] Advantageously, at least one roller can be assigned at least one cleaning device. A cleaning device can preferably be

[0055] P1650WO - Page 8 / 28 suitable for continuous operation or operation at specified intervals during or outside of production.

[0056] A variable number of preferably interlocking rollers are preferably arranged as a cleaning device. These can be equipped with suitable drives and / or controls to be operated at a variable speed. If the cleaning device rollers are actively or passively driven by the main rollers, it can be advantageous to brake one or more of the rotating rollers as needed.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, a static scraper bar, possibly with flexible ends or a combing design, can be provided. Guide elements within the device are also conceivable, which guide the material to the rollers and / or direct the material flow within the device to the outlet.

[0058] Alternatively or cumulatively, a cooling device for the device itself, for the material and / or the transport air surrounding the material may be arranged in the device.

[0059] Regarding the terminology, it should be clarified that

[0060] The term "bridging" is commonly used in brush technology. It refers to the elements protruding from the brush body that interact with other materials. These protruding elements can be bristles or scrapers. The structure and mounting or fixing of the bristles can be adapted to the circumstances and application. The properties and / or density / quantity of the elements / bristles alter the way fibers or materials are crushed, deagglomerated, or separated.

[0061] A connecting element, such as adhesive or a separate holding device (for example, a band), can be arranged between the trim and the base body. This element can be attached to the base body and / or the trim, or is already attached to it. Furthermore, these terms are not limited to the singular; the essential elements can also be multi-part or arranged in multiples.

[0062] P1650WO - Page 9 / 28 A rotating brush can have a core diameter and / or an outer diameter. The core diameter essentially corresponds to an impermeable material, for example, the core diameter of a roller itself with direct bristles, or the core diameter of the roller with an impermeable fixing element for the bristles resting on it. Therefore, if a brush belt or scraper belt with bristles is mounted on a roller, it can be assumed that the circulating belt together with the diameter of the roller forms the core diameter. The outer diameter at the roller is determined accordingly by the core diameter and twice the bristle height, or by the core diameter and twice the height of the scraper belt (belt thickness plus bristle height).

[0063] In a combing arrangement, i.e., where two stacking heights from different rollers interlock, an effective working area results in which the different stacking heights overlap or comb, also called overlap. Mathematically speaking, the greatest possible overlap, if present, occurs in the plane defined by two coaxial axes of rotation of the rollers.

[0064] Even if there is no overlap, a rather theoretical working range results, in which work is preferably performed by the material being conveyed, depending on the grain or material size. In this arrangement, the rollers are preferably operated as accumulation conveyors, in which a material accumulation rests on or is present in the roller gap and is fed into the theoretical working range in a metered manner by the rotation of the rollers.

[0065] Accordingly, comminution, deagglomeration, fiberization or singulation can be carried out before and / or in the working area, preferably at different rotational speeds, with different roller circumferences or different types of bristles, if the two types of bristles or the bristles are guided through the working area at different speeds.

[0066] P1650WO - Page 10 / 28 Advantageously, the work and effect can be optimally adjusted at a "zero distance", or preferably a very small distance of the outer diameters on the material.

[0067] The term "transport direction" primarily serves to represent the material flow and should not necessarily be considered a continuous linear vector. The transport direction vector can change within and / or outside the device, potentially multiple times, due to the device or roller arrangement. The transport direction is more about illustrating the temporal process characteristics and / or the arrangement of machine elements.

[0068] Solid rollers with fixed or interchangeable needles, wire pins or pin cushions can also be used as rollers.

[0069] Preferably, the packing material is suitable for deagglomerating or fiberizing the incoming material. Particularly in a combing arrangement, the overall density of the packing material is preferably increased in the working area by means of a combing arrangement, which enhances the fiberizing or deagglomerating effect in the working area.

[0070] Preferably, adjacent bristles or types of bristles are provided for with different velocity vectors in the working area, thereby increasing the opening effect.

[0071] Particularly preferred is the exposure of the individual fiber surfaces to improve the starting material to such an extent that the resulting product, after processing, simplifies or improves subsequent processes, work steps, or production areas, especially due to its improved surface properties or loosening. For example, improved surface quality or quantity significantly improves or simplifies mixing with a binder.

[0072] Preferably, the device has a laminar material discharge downstream of the working area, which is particularly suitable for application of a binder to be sprayed.

[0073] P1650WO - Page 11 / 28 The solution to the problem for a method consists in the combination of the features according to claim 24

[0074] A method for comminuting, deagglomerating, or singulating materials, fibers, recyclates, or mixtures, preferably composites with or without fiber content or fiber mixtures, preferably during further processing or manufacturing of the materials into products and / or their mixing with other substances, mixtures, or a preferably liquid agent, is characterized in that the material, preferably free-flowing and / or wetted, is guided through a device via an inlet and an outlet in the transport direction, and in the device the material is guided through at least one working area between at least two, three, or four coaxially aligned and rotating rollers, wherein in the working area between the rollers the material is comminuted, deagglomerated, and / or singulated by the preferably combing and / or preferably scraping coating of two adjacent rollers.so that a material flow forms in the direction of transport of the material towards the work area.

[0075] In addition, the rollers can be operated at any peripheral speed. In a preferred embodiment, the rollers are operated at a peripheral speed of 5 m / min to 300 m / min, preferably at 50 to 250 m / min, most preferably at 100 to 200 m / min, and extremely preferably at 125 to 175 m / min.

[0076] Alternatively or cumulatively, the speed ratio of the rollers to each other can vary from 1:5 to 1:30 if the circumferential speed differs, with the faster roller preferably having a circumferential speed of 10 m / min to 300 m / min, more preferably 50 to 250 m / min, most preferably 100 to 200 m / min, and extremely preferably 125 to 175 m / min. In this context, the slower roller can have a circumferential speed of 5 m / min to 100 m / min, more preferably 25 to 75 m / min, and most preferably 40 to 60 m / min.

[0077] P1650WO - Page 12 / 28 In a particularly advantageous embodiment and application, the material is coated or mixed with an agent, preferably an additive, a binder, a resin matrix, or a release agent, either in or after the device. The agent is preferably in the form of a liquid and is preferably sprayed by means of one or more nozzles.

[0078] This can be optional and useful as a supplement if the material or material stream is extruded during further processing and / or placed on an endlessly circulating forming belt with or without other materials and, if required, formed, laminated and / or pressed into three-dimensional or planar products in a press.

[0079] The addition of the material stream obtained by the device (for example, dissolved fibers) during product manufacturing is also conceivable. Preferably, the device can be integrated into a manufacturing process for SMC, LFTD, or similar prepregs during the production of plastics or composite materials. In SMC production, a resin matrix and fibers are typically arranged between two films, which are then tumbled and rolled into an endless SMC prepreg or directly cut and further processed or pressed.

[0080] In a particularly preferred embodiment, pure fibers, material mixtures containing fibers, wood, fillers, balsa wood, polyurethane foam, flame retardants or other chemicals, protective varnishes, topcoats, coatings, or other production residues or production aids from the recycled material can be processed, wherein the material is preferably pre-treated to be free of metals and / or homogenized with respect to fraction size. Metered feeding of the material to the device or the rollers is particularly advantageous.

[0081] The control and / or regulation of the rollers, with regard to their respective or individual rotational speed, torque, and running profile, can preferably be adjusted depending on the materials present and / or the specified output parameters or characteristics. Preferably, a control or regulation device is provided, most preferably equipped with a

[0082] P1650WO - Page 13 / 28 Trained and / or self-learning artificial intelligence. Appropriate sensors, preferably optical and / or acoustic, can be positioned upstream and / or downstream of the rollers.

[0083] In a further particularly preferred embodiment, materials, preferably fibers, are prepared for further production steps using the device or method, especially if they are already present as fibers or fiber mixtures.

[0084] The fibers can be either natural or technical fibers. They can originate from a recycling process or be manufactured directly.

[0085] Known fiber types include:

[0086] - Glass fibers (for or in GRP), preferably made of E-glass (electrically insulating) or S-glass (higher strength);

[0087] - Carbon fibers (for or in CFRP) or

[0088] - Synthetic fibers (e.g. nylon, polyethylene).

[0089] Natural fibers, for example flax, hemp or jute, are also conceivable.

[0090] - Wood fibers, for example cellulose-based fibers that are obtained from wood by mechanical or thermomechanical pulping.

[0091] - Mineral fibers (MMF), for example rock wool, basalt.

[0092] Recyclates are generally materials or fibers that come from the circular system (recycling) and can be already shredded materials from post-consumption or from the production itself.

[0093] The above-mentioned device or method can be combined and / or operated in conjunction with another device or method, for example

[0094] - with a mixer or device for mixing the material with a binder

[0095] - as part of an extrusion system,

[0096] - as part of a device for processing fiber-reinforced plastics,

[0097] P1650WO - Page 14 / 28 - as part of an LFT-D system or an SMC system,

[0098] - as part of a plant that produces or presses material sheets,

[0099] - as part of a dissolving device for material or fibers,

[0100] - as a gluing device for the material or fibers and / or

[0101] - as a homogenizing device for mixing the material with a previously applied binder.

[0102] In a further embodiment, a negative pressure is established in the device, preferably by means of a suction system. This can be achieved, in particular, by encapsulating the device and / or by means of airlock-like inlets and / or outlets. Rotary valves can be used in this context.

[0103] In a further, non-exhaustive embodiment, the device and / or the method is used to mix a wetted material in such a way that the wetting is distributed as uniformly as possible throughout the material stream. The wetting can be carried out before the device and / or within the device, either before or at the rollers. It can also be provided that the material is first passed through one or more roller arrangements within the device, preferably for separation, then wetted with a binder, and finally passed through one or more roller arrangements again to distribute or homogenize the binder on the material or within the material stream. Schematically, two similar devices could also be arranged one after the other, and a device for wetting the material or fibers with a binder could be provided in one, several, or between the devices.

[0104] Further advantageous measures and embodiments of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description with the drawing.

[0105] They show:

[0106] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of the device and

[0107] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of two adjacent rollers with an overlap as shown in Figure 1.

[0108] P1650WO - Page 15 / 28 In the drawing, the same reference symbols denote the same elements.

[0109] According to Figure 1, the device 1 is arranged in a housing 11 and has two rotating rollers 5 and 6, which receive the material 2 from an inlet 3, pass the material 2 between them through a working area 9, and convey it as a material flow 8 in the transport direction 10 to an outlet 4 of the housing. A coating 7 is arranged on at least one roller 6. At least one cleaning device 19 can be assigned to one or more of the rollers 5, 6, which cleans the coating 7 or the surface of the roller on the return stroke.

[0110] Further possibilities for connecting the device to other facilities or process engineering applications are described in the description.

[0111] The material 2 can be guided through a metal separator 20 and / or a metering hopper 21 before entering the inlet 3.

[0112] Figure 2 shows, in a sketch-like enlargement not to scale, the individual elements of the exemplary rollers 5 and 6. Each roller has a core diameter into which the material 2 cannot normally penetrate. If the coating 7 is applied separately from the core material of the roller 5 / 6 on a separate strip (not shown), the material that is not permeable to the material 2 should be assigned to the core diameter 14. Such a strip with coating can be attached to the roller around its circumference by means of a form-fit, force-fit, and / or material bond.

[0113] The rollers have an axis 17 around which they rotate. These are preferably arranged coaxially. The coaxial arrangement results in a plane 22 spanned by the axis 17. Any overlap 16 of the two ribs 7 lies in this plane 22. With a 100% overlap 16, there is no free area in this plane 22 where only one rib 7 is present, because each rib 7 is tangent to the other core diameter. Due to the curvature of the outer diameter, there will be an upper starting point and a lower endpoint of the overlap. The perpendicular segment on the plane 22 that passes through these two points defines a possible working area 9.

[0114] P1650WO - Page 16 / 28 If different stocking heights 15 are to be used, it results in a free area without overlap 1650 coming into play.

[0115] P1650WO - Page 17 / 28 Reference list:

[0116] 1 Device

[0117] 2 Material

[0118] 3 Entrance

[0119] 4 outlets

[0120] 5 roller

[0121] 6 roller

[0122] 7 Stock

[0123] 8 Material flow

[0124] 9 Work area

[0125] 10 Transport direction

[0126] 11 cases

[0127] 12 outer diameter

[0128] 14 core diameters

[0129] 15 Stocking height

[0130] 16 Overlap

[0131] 17 axle

[0132] 18 Area (non-overlapping) 19 Cleaning device

[0133] 20 metal separators

[0134] 21 dosing bunkers

[0135] Level 22

[0136] P1650WO - Page 18 / 28

Claims

Dieffenbacher GmbH P1650WO Mechanical and Plant Engineering Heilbronner Straße 20 D-75031 Eppingen Patent claims 1. Device for comminution, deagglomeration and / or singulation of materials, fibers, recyclates or mixtures, preferably composites with or without fiber content or fiber mixtures, in the course of further processing or manufacturing the materials into products and / or their mixing with other substances, mixtures of substances or a preferably liquid agent, comprising a housing (11) with an inlet (3) for the material (2) and an outlet (4) in the transport direction (10) of the material (2), wherein at least two, three or four coaxially aligned and rotating rollers (5, 6) with a covering (7) on the circumference of the rollers (5, 6) are arranged between the inlet (3) and the outlet (4) and wherein the rotating rollers (5, 6) are preferably arranged in a combing and / or preferably a scraping manner to form a working area (9) along the transport direction (10) for at least partial comminution, deagglomeration and / or singulation of the materials (2) with their coating (7), so that a material flow (8) is formed in the transport direction (10) of the material (2) after the working area (9) between the rollers (5, 6).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that 3. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one roller (5, 6) can be operated with a positive and / or negative torque relative to the transport direction (10) in the working area (9), preferably at least one roller (5, 6) is operatively connected to a controllable drive and / or a controllable brake, wherein the drive or the brake is most preferably operatively connected to a control or regulation device for adjusting the circumferential speed or the rotational speed of the roller (5, 6).

4. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least on one roller, scratching strips, preferably interchangeable, are arranged on the circumference, or at least one roller is designed as a round brush or roller brush.

5. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two rollers (5, 6) with the same or different core diameters (14) and / or the same or different effective outer diameters (12) are arranged.

6. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering (7) of the rollers (5, 6) has a covering height (15) and the rollers (5, 6) are arranged for a combing overlap (16) in the working area (9) such that the covering heights (15) of two rollers (5, 6) overlap or dip into each other in the working area (9). P1650WO - Page 20 / 287. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a maximally combing overlap (16) of the bristles (7) is arranged in a plane (22) spanned by the axes (17) of the rollers (5, 6) and, in the case of an overlap (16) of less than 100% with the same bristle heights (15) or with different bristle heights (15), at least a free area (18) without overlap (16) is formed on a bristle (7) in the plane (22).

8. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two rollers (5, 6) or their axes (17) are arranged at a distance from each other such that, with the same or a smaller packing height (15) of a roller (5, 6), a combing overlap (16) of 10% to 25%, of 25% to 50% or of 50% to 75% is achieved with respect to the length of the smaller or same packing height (H).

9. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a working area (9) with a combing overlap (16) with a length of 10 mm to 150 mm is arranged and / or the rotational speed of the rollers (5, 6) is operated in a ratio of 1 :5 to 1:30 relative to each other.

10. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bristle (7) of a roller (5, 6) is made of metal or plastic and preferably has a bristle density of 10 to 60 tips per cm². 2 is arranged. P1650WO - Page 21 / 2811. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a straight, bent and / or braided trim, preferably made of wire, is arranged.

12. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a roller (5, 6) consists of several axially arranged round brushes which are arranged next to each other on the axis (17) and are preferably axially spring-loaded.

13. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a quick-change system or a preferably automatically rotating change system, for example a turret rotary device for at least one roller, is arranged for the rollers (5, 6), preferably for simple mechanical solution and fixation of the rollers (5, 6) in the device (1).

14. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the packing (7) of two adjacent rollers (5, 6) can be identically paired or differ with respect to the packing height (15), the packing shape, the packing density and / or the packing material.

15. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the case of two adjacent rollers (5, 6), one is designed to be more stable or more prone to wear compared to the other roller. P1650WO - Page 22 / 2816. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between the axes (17) of the rollers (5, 6) respectively the intermeshing overlap (16) is adjustable by means of adjustable axes (17), preferably mechanically and / or by means of a drive.

17. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of a combing and / or scraping overlap (16) a length of the working area (9) of 5 to 50 mm, preferably of 15 to 35 mm, is arranged.

18. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a dispensing device for an agent is arranged to the material, to the material flow and / or to at least one of the rollers (5, 6), wherein the dispensing device for the agent is preferably suitable for dispensing an additive, a resin matrix, a binder and / or a release agent.

19. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the dispensing device for the agent is arranged in the transport direction (10) in front of, behind or belonging to the rollers and / or the dispensing device for dispensing the agent is preferably arranged at an angle in and / or against the transport direction of the material or the rollers.

20. Device at least according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one roller (5, 6) has at least one P1650WO - Page 23 / 28 Cleaning device (19) is assigned, wherein the cleaning device (19) is preferably suitable to be operated permanently or at predetermined intervals during production or outside of production.

21. Device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that a variable number of preferably combing rollers are arranged as a cleaning device (19) and these are preferably suitable to be operated at a variable speed.

22. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cooling device for the device itself and / or the transport air surrounding the material is arranged in the device.

23. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is operatively connected to a mixer or a device for gluing the material with a binder, or is part of an extrusion system, part of a device for processing fiber-reinforced plastics, particularly preferably an LFT-D plant or an SMC plant, or that the device is arranged in a material sheet producing or pressing plant, preferably as a dissolving device for material or fibers, as a gluing device for the material or fibers and / or as a homogenizing device for mixing the material with an applied binder. P1650WO - Page 24 / 2824. Method for comminution, deagglomeration or singulation of materials, fibers, recyclates or mixtures, preferably composites with or without fiber content or fiber mixtures, in the course of further processing or manufacturing the materials into products and / or their mixing with other substances, mixtures of substances or a preferably liquid agent, wherein the material (2), preferably free-flowing and / or wetted, is guided through a device (1) via an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) in the transport direction (10) and in the device (1) the material (2) is guided through at least one working area (9) between at least two, three or four coaxially aligned and rotating rollers (5, 6), wherein in the working area (9) the material is comminuted, deagglomerated and / or singulated by the preferably combing and / or preferably scraping coating of two adjacent rollers (5, 6), so that a material flow (8) is formed in the transport direction (10) of the material (2) after the working area (9).

25. Method according to at least one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the rollers are operated at a peripheral speed of 5 m / min to 300 m / min, and preferably, at different peripheral speeds, the speed ratio of the rollers to each other can vary in a ratio of 1:5 to 1:30, wherein preferably a peripheral speed of 10 m / min to 300 m / min is set for the faster roller and a peripheral speed of 5 m / min to 100 m / min is set for the slower roller. P1650WO - Page 25 / 2826. Method at least according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the material in the material stream (8) in the device (1) or after the device (1) is coated or mixed with an agent, preferably an additive, a binder or a release agent.

27. Method according to at least one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the material is extruded during further processing or placed on an endlessly circulating forming belt with or without other materials and pressed in a press to form three-dimensional or planar products.

28. Method according to at least one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the material (2) may comprise pure fibers, material mixtures with fibers, wood, flame retardants or other chemicals, fillers, balsa wood, foam (PU), protective varnishes, topcoats, coatings or other production residues or production aids from the recycling underlying material, wherein the material is preferably freed from metals beforehand and / or homogenized with respect to the fraction sizes.

29. Method according to at least one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the material stream is coated with a binder and bound, laminated or pressed into a shaped body, or P1650WO - Page 26 / 28 of the material flow to an extrusion system, a plant for processing fiber-reinforced plastics, an LFT-D system, is fed into an SMC plant, or a plant that produces or presses material sheets, or that the method is used as a gluing device and / or as a homogenizing device for mixing the material with a binder previously applied to the material. P1650WO - Page 27 / 28

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