Patent Application
20230160405
The invention concerns a quick-action clamping apparatus, in particular a one-hand quick-action clamping apparatus, for clamping a first assembly of a pelletizing apparatus to a second assembly of the pelletizing apparatus, in particular a pelletizer to a cutting chamber or a cutting chamber to an apertured plate, a bracing method and a clamping lever.
Clamping apparatuses for bracing assemblies of a pelletizing apparatus, in particular a pelletizer with a cutting chamber or a cutting chamber with an apertured plate are known from the state of the art.
In pelletizing apparatuses, the assemblies being the pelletizer and the cutting chamber, are typically designed to be separable from each other, in particular to be able to adapt the pelletizing apparatus to different materials to be processed and to facilitate cleaning and maintenance thereof. For that purpose, it has proven effective for the pelletizer to be arranged moveably, for example on a rail system, wherein the cutting chamber is usually arranged stationarily.
In that respect particular significance is attributed to securely connecting the components being the pelletizer and the cutting chamber in operation as, in operation of the pelletizing apparatus, high pressures occur, which urge the assemblies away from each other. To prevent that, clamping apparatuses are known from the state of the art.
Such clamping apparatuses usually have a plurality of closure clamping devices which are to be installed by an operator while at the same time the operator is pushing the pelletizer in the direction of the cutting chamber. Clamping apparatuses with closure clamping devices are also known, which are used for reversibly bracing a cutting chamber with an aperture plate of a pelletizing apparatus.
Although such closure clamping devices have proven effective for securely connecting the assemblies of a pelletizing apparatus, there is room for improvement.
A disadvantage with the structures previously known from the state of the art is in particular that the operator has to carry out a number of movement sequences and changes in position for example to push the pelletizer in the direction of the cutting chamber and then install the plurality of closure clamping devices.
With that background in mind the object of the invention is to develop a clamping apparatus of the kind set forth in the opening part of this specification such that the disadvantages encountered in the state of the art are overcome to the best possible extent. In particular the invention seeks to provide a clamping apparatus which facilitates coupling of the assemblies of a pelletizing apparatus and bracing thereof.
According to the invention in a clamping apparatus of the first-mentioned kind that object is attained by a mounting element which is arranged at the first assembly or the second assembly, a locking element which is arranged at the other of the first assembly or the second assembly, and a clamping means having a clamping element, wherein the clamping element is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation to the mounting element and the clamping element is adapted to be pivoted into a clamping position in which the clamping element is in engagement with the locking element and braces the first assembly against the second assembly.
The invention makes use of the realization that the procedure involved in coupling and bracing the assemblies by means of the quick-action clamping apparatus according to the invention can be made significantly easier. In comparison with structures previously known from the state of the art only one single movement is required to move the clamping means into the clamping position and to securely brace the assemblies, in particular the pelletizer to the cutting chamber.
In an equally simple fashion, the braced state is to be reversed by a movement of the clamping means in the opposite direction so that the assemblies can be separated from each other in order for example to carry out maintenance tasks or the like.
A development of the invention provides that the quick-action clamping apparatus has a second mounting element arranged at the same assembly as the first mounting element, a second locking element arranged at the same assembly as the first locking element, wherein the clamping means has a second clamping element which is mounted rotatably about a second axis of rotation to the second mounting element and the second clamping element is adapted together with the first clamping element to be pivoted into the clamping position in which the second clamping element is in engagement with the second locking element.
Such a redundant provision of the essential components of the quick-action clamping apparatus, namely the mounting element, the locking element and the clamping element, has been found to be advantageous for enhancing operational reliability and security. If improbable failure of one of the components should occur the redundant design ensures that the assemblies of the pelletizing apparatus still remain securely connected together in operation thereof. In addition, the bracing operation as well as release of the clamping state can be easily effected by a single movement of the clamping means which is coupled to both clamping elements. The provision of a second clamping element moreover advantageously permits the uniform application of a clamping force for bracing the assemblies. That further affords a sealed connection between the assemblies, that is safeguarded in particular against the escape of fluid.
In a preferred embodiment the clamping means further has a clamping lever connected to the at least one clamping element for actuating the at least one clamping element. Such a clamping lever has been found to be particularly advantageous for applications in which coupling and bracing of the assemblies is effected manually by an operator. In dependence on the arrangement of the clamping lever it can be moved not only for bracing the components themselves but also for moving the pelletizer in the direction of the cutting chamber.
According to a preferred embodiment the at least one clamping element has a hooked portion, wherein the hooked portion is adapted upon the pivotal movement of the clamping element into the clamping position to come into engagement with the locking element and to brace the locking element against the clamping element in the clamping position. The hooked portion performs a dual function. On the one hand it ensures bracing of the locking element against the clamping element in the clamping position and further serves to press the assemblies against each other as soon as the hooked portion comes into engagement with the locking element. In that way the operator is supported not only when locking the assemblies but also when coupling the assemblies together prior to applying the bracing action.
Preferably the hooked portion has a hook bottom, wherein the hook bottom is of a configuration corresponding to an external cross-section of the locking element. In that way the hook bottom ensures the transmission of adequate clamping forces and in addition reliably holds the locking element in the clamping position.
A further development of the invention provides that the hooked portion has a first limb and a second limb, wherein the limbs extend from the hook bottom and form a hook mouth and wherein the hook mouth forms a free cross-section between the limbs, which enlarges from the hook bottom in the direction of the limbs.
Such a configuration for the limbs or the hook mouth has proven to be particularly advantageous in order to press the assemblies against each other as soon as the locking element comes into engagement with the hook mouth. In other words the locking element is guided by the geometry of the hook mouth to the clamping position, which makes it easier for the operator to carry out the operation of coupling the assemblies and permits both coupling and also subsequent clamping by means of a single movement of the clamping means or the clamping lever.
In a preferred development the first limb and/or the second limb has a thickening which is arranged adjacent to the hook bottom and is adapted to hold the locking element in the clamping position. The thickening in question is moved past by the locking element when the clamping means is pivoted into the clamping position and in the clamping position provides that the locking element is securely held in the region of the hook bottom and the clamping means remains securely in the clamping position without the application of a force thereto. In an alternative embodiment the limb is of an angled configuration, in particular with a shallow angle, such that it holds the locking element self-lockingly in the clamping position.
Preferably the clamping element further has an eccentric portion, the eccentric portion being of such a configuration that in the movement of the clamping element out of the clamping position the eccentric portion applies a force to the locking element which separates the first assembly from the second assembly. This preferred embodiment makes use of the realization that, in relation to pelletizing apparatuses, high forces are possibly to be applied to the pelletizer by the operator in order to separate it from the cutting chamber for performing maintenance tasks and the like. The eccentric portion provides that, in a movement of the clamping element out of the clamping position, a force which separates the assemblies from each other is applied to the locking element.
A further development of the invention provides that the eccentric portion has an area centroid corresponding to the axis of rotation of the clamping element. It is further preferred that one of the limbs is provided by the eccentric portion.
According to a preferred embodiment the eccentric portion, in that region of the limb, that is adjacent to the hook bottom, has a first radius in relation to the area centroid, that radius increasing with an increasing distance from the hook bottom along the limb, in particular linearly or non-linearly.
The operating force applied to the clamping means by the operator can be transmitted as desired, in dependence on the design configuration of the eccentric portion. Thus for example a slight increase in the radius along the limb or in other words a slight inclination of the eccentric portion provides that for a given distance of movement and a force for movement of the clamping means, a higher force is applied to the mounting element, but same is urged away from the axis of rotation of the mounting element only by a short distance. A greater inclination of the eccentric portion, with the same force applied to the clamping means and the same distance of movement, has the result that the locking element is urged further away from the axis of rotation, but only a lower force is transmitted to same.
In a preferred embodiment the locking element and/or the mounting element is in the form of a pin. In that case the locking element and the mounting element preferably involve the same geometry. That improves the interoperability of the components.
A development of the invention provides that the quick-action clamping apparatus has a drive device for driving the clamping means, wherein the drive device has or is formed from in particular at least one of the following: an electric motor, a hydraulic actuator or a pneumatic drive, in particular having a cylinder drive and/or a rotary drive. For application situations in which the assemblies are not to be manually coupled and/or braced it has proven to be advantageous to provide a drive device for driving the clamping means.
Preferably the quick-action clamping apparatus has a sensor device for sensing the position of the clamping means. In a preferred embodiment the sensor device is arranged at the pelletizer and/or is adapted to generate a signal when the clamping means is in the clamping position and/or is moved out of same.
In an alternative embodiment the sensor device is connected in signal-conducting relationship to a control device of the pelletizing apparatus, wherein the control device is adapted to stop the pelletizing apparatus when the clamping means if moved out of the clamping position. It is further preferred for the control device to be adapted to start the pelletizing apparatus after the clamping means has been moved into the clamping position.
In a further preferred configuration, the quick-action clamping apparatus has a locking means, in particular an electromechanical locking means, adapted to hold the clamping means in the clamping position and/or to release same from the clamping position. That prevents the clamping means being inadvertently moved out of the clamping position during operation of the pelletizing apparatus.
An advantageous development provides that the clamping lever has two spaced clamping lever limbs and a handle connecting the clamping lever limbs. The two clamping lever limbs provide a mechanically particularly strong and reliable holding action and the quick-action clamping apparatus can be very easily and efficiently operated by means of the handle.
It is advantageous in regard to a compact but nonetheless highly functional connection to one of the assemblies if the clamping lever, in particular its two spaced clamping lever limbs has a first clamping lever portion coupled to the clamping element and a second clamping lever portion extending at an angle relative to the first clamping lever portion and preferably a third clamping lever portion which extends at an angle relative to the second clamping lever portion and at the distal end of which the handle is fixed. The angles can preferably be so selected that the lever permits the application of a good torque and at the same time preferably good mechanical actuation is possible with sufficient space and without the hand being trapped.
It is particularly advantageous in regard to reliable secure bracing if the clamping lever is mounted pivotably to the first assembly or the second assembly of the pelletizing apparatus in such a way that the clamping lever moves beyond a dead center point in the manner of a toggle lever in the clamping operation and/or self-locking clamping ensues.
The invention has been described hereinbefore with reference to a quick-action clamping apparatus. In a further aspect the invention concerns a pelletizing apparatus for the production of pellets from a melt flow, comprising a pelletizer and a cutting chamber.
The invention attains the object set forth in the opening part of this specification in relation to the pelletizing apparatus by same having a quick-action clamping apparatus having a clamping means for bracing the pelletizer and the cutting chamber.
A development of the invention provides that the quick-action clamping apparatus is designed in accordance with one of the above-described preferred embodiments.
The pelletizing apparatus makes use of the same advantages and preferred configurations as the quick-action clamping apparatus according to the invention. In that respect attention is directed to the foregoing description and the content thereof is hereby incorporated.
In a further aspect the invention concerns a method of bracing a first assembly of a pelletizing apparatus to a second assembly of the pelletizing apparatus, in particular a pelletizer to a cutting chamber or a cutting chamber to an apertured plate.
The invention attains the object set forth in the opening part of this specification in relation to the method with the steps: providing the first assembly, in particular a pelletizer or an apertured plate; providing the second assembly, in particular a cutting chamber; and bracing the first assembly to the second assembly by means of a quick-action clamping apparatus, wherein the quick-action clamping apparatus is designed in accordance with one of the above-indicated and described embodiments.
The invention makes use of the same advantages and preferred embodiments as the quick-action clamping apparatus according to the invention. In that respect attention is directed to the foregoing description and the content thereof is hereby incorporated.
An advantageous development of the method provides that the clamping means is actuated by means of a clamping lever connected to the at least one clamping element, and the clamping lever is mounted pivotably to the first assembly or the second assembly of the pelletizing apparatus in the manner of a toggle lever and is rotated beyond a dead center point for the bracing effect and a self-locking bracing effect ensues.
In a further advantageous development for releasing the clamping action a force is applied to the locking element and thereby the first assembly is released from the second assembly, preferably at least somewhat spaced therefrom.
According to a further aspect to attain the object the invention further concerns a clamping lever which can be coupled to a clamping element for actuation of the clamping element of a quick-action clamping apparatus according to the invention for bracing a first assembly of a pelletizing apparatus to a second assembly of the pelletizing apparatus. According to the invention it is provided that the clamping lever has two spaced clamping lever limbs and a handle connecting the clamping lever limbs.
Additionally, or alternatively it is proposed that the clamping lever, in particular the two spaced clamping lever limbs thereof, has a first clamping lever portion coupled to the clamping element and a second clamping lever portion extending at an angle relative to the first clamping lever portion.
In regard to the further advantages and preferred features of the clamping element reference is directed to the foregoing and following description.
The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter by means of preferred embodiments by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figures.
In the Figures:
The pelletizer 4 has a base portion 22 on which a housing 24 is arranged. Arranged at the top side of the housing 24 is a base plate 26 at which a machine carrier 30 is disposed by means of spacer elements 28. Disposed on the machine carrier 30 is a drive 14 driving a cutting blade 34. The pelletizer 4 further has a protective hood 16. The pelletizer 4 is a first assembly 36.
Arranged on the pelletizer 4 are locking elements 40, 40′, in particular in that region of the pelletizer 4, that is coupled to the cutting chamber 6. The locking elements 40, 40′ are part of a quick-action clamping apparatus 8.
The cutting chamber 6 is a second assembly 38. The cutting chamber 6 has an inlet for process water 20 and an outlet 18 for process water and pellets. Pelletization and cutting of a supplied melt is effected in the cutting chamber 6, in which case both process water and also pellets issue from the cutting chamber 6 from the outlet 18.
A clamping means 10 is arranged at the cutting chamber 6. The clamping means 10 has a clamping element 32. The clamping element 32 is mounted rotatably to a mounting element 44 (see
As already stated in relation to
The clamping element 32, 32′ further has an eccentric portion 52. The eccentric portion 52 is of such a configuration that, in the movement of the clamping element 32, 32′ out of the clamping position S, it exerts a force on the locking element 40, 40′ (see
In addition, a locking device 68, in particular an electromechanical locking device 68, is arranged on the pelletizer 4. The locking device 68 is adapted to selectively hold fast or release a locking means 70 arranged on the clamping lever 42. In other words, the locking device 68 ensures that, when the clamping means 10 is in the clamping position S and the pelletizer 4 as well as the cutting chamber 6 are being operated, the clamping lever 42 cannot be moved out of the clamping position S, for example inadvertently. As soon as the pelletizer 4 and the cutting chamber 6 are no longer in operation the locking device 68 is adapted to release the clamping lever 42 and therewith the clamping means 10. The clamping lever 42 can now be moved out of the clamping position S.
In contrast to the first embodiment of
The pelletizer 104 has a base portion 122 and a housing 124 in a structure which is already known. Disposed at the top side of the housing 124 is a base plate 126, above which is arranged a machine carrier 130 spaced from the base plate 126 by spacer elements 128. Arranged on the machine carrier 130 is a drive 114 which drives a cutting blade 134 in rotation. The pelletizer 104 further has a protective hood 116. The clamping elements 132, 132′ are respectively mounted to a mounting element 144, 144′. The clamping means 110 further has a clamping lever 142 connected to the clamping elements 132, 132′ for actuating the clamping elements 132, 132′. The pelletizer 104 is a first assembly 136; the cutting chamber 106 is a second assembly 138.
The cutting chamber 106 has an inlet 120 for process water which feeds process water to the cutting chamber 106 and an outlet 118 for process water and pellets from which process water and pellets issue from the cutting chamber 106. In
The first limb 158 has a thickening 162. The thickening 162 is arranged adjacent to the hook bottom 156. The thickening 162 is adapted to hold the locking element 140, 140′ (see
The pelletizer 104 has a sensor device 166 adapted to sense the position of the clamping lever 142. In addition, the pelletizer 104 has an electromechanical locking device 168 adapted to selectively hold or release the locking means 170 when the clamping means 110 is in the clamping position S.
Further features of the clamping levers can be seen for both embodiments from the Figures, in particular
The clamping lever 42, 142, in particular the two spaced clamping lever limbs 43, 143 thereof, has a first clamping lever portion 49, 149 coupled to the clamping element 32, 32′, 132, 132′, and a second clamping lever portion 51, 151 extending at an angle relative to the first clamping lever portion 49, 149, and preferably a third clamping lever portion 53, 153 which extends at an angle relative to the second clamping lever portion 51, 151 and at the distal end of which is fixed the handle 47, 147. The clamping lever 42, 142 is thus pivotably mounted to the first assembly 36, 136 or the second assembly 38, 138 of the pelletizing apparatus 2, 102 in such a way that the clamping lever 42, 142 passes beyond a dead center point in the bracing operation in the manner of a toggle lever and a self-locking bracing action ensues.
As can be clearly seen for example from
The method according to the invention and the mode of operation of the quick-action clamping apparatus and the components thereof are further described hereinafter:
For bracing a pelletizer 4, 104 shown by way of example to a cutting chamber 6, 106 (other assemblies are also included in accordance with the invention) firstly the pelletizer 4, 104 and the cutting chamber 6, 106 are provided in mutually relative relationship (
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20176919.7 | May 2020 | EP | regional |
This application is a National Stage Application of International Patent App. No. PCT/US2021/032854, filed May 18, 2021, which claims the benefit of European Patent Application No. 20176919.7, filed May 27, 2020, the entire disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2021/032854 | 5/18/2021 | WO |
