EP3027323B1 - Closing system for ball mills and method of opening and closing of ball mills - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a ball mill with closure system and a method for opening and closing ball mills according to the features of the preamble of claims 1 and 12.

State of the art

The invention relates to large, horizontally oriented ball mills with a closure system. The ball mill is a device for coarse, fine and fine crushing or homogenization of regrind. It consists of a rotating grinding chamber in which ground material is comminuted by grinding media. Ball mills are usually constructed of a horizontally rotatably mounted approximately circular cylindrical grinding container. The mills are filled by a central opening in one of the end walls. The discharge depends on the design and takes place, for example, through slots in the grinding chamber wall at the mill end, with the grinding bodies being retained.

A special form of the ball mill is the agitator ball mill. Agitator ball mills consist of a vertically or horizontally arranged, usually approximately cylindrical grinding container, which is filled to 70 - 90% with grinding media. The grinding container is usually stationary in stirred ball mills, not rotatably mounted. An agitator with suitable stirring elements ensures the intensive movement of the grinding media. The millbase suspension is pumped continuously through the grinding chamber. The suspended solids are crushed or dispersed by impact and shear forces between the grinding media. At the discharge of the mill, the separation of regrind and grinding media by means of a suitable separation system.

A ball mill is used, for example, in US 2542482 A disclosed. This consists of a rotatable drum with two circular side surfaces. One of the circular Side surfaces forms the lid, which is screwed onto the drum. An analogous attachment of the lid can be found for example in the US 4018393 A ,

Other embodiments of ball mills, in which the lid is screwed in each case via threaded bolts, are in the DE 19630186 and the US1768188 described.

The lid of large mills, for example of ball mills or stirred ball mills, with a diameter of the grinding container of several meters, due to its size has a high weight, which makes it difficult to close the grinding container. In the case of a stirred ball mill, the agitator and the drive are usually arranged on the lid, making it even heavier and worse to handle. However, the lid must always be able to be removed as quickly and easily as possible, for example, to clean the interior of the grinding container, to replace defective stirring means of the agitator, to replace defective and / or worn parts of the grinding container lining, to exchange the grinding balls in the grinding container, etcetera. For this reason, ball mills are known in which the grinding container is mounted horizontally displaceable and can be moved away from the lid. Such and similar mills are for example from the DE 69525334 T2 and WO 2010068993 A1 known. The grinding container and the lid conventionally have flanges which comprise, for example, aligned openings, so that the grinding container and the lid can be screwed together via the flanges. Problematic when removing the lid are in particular long working hours to open the screws. To make matters worse due to the size of the poor accessibility of the screws, especially at the top and bottom of the flanges.

The invention has for its object to provide a closure device for a ball mill with which the lid can be securely, firmly and sealingly mounted on the ball mill and the lid can be quickly and easily removed from the grinding container, for easy and easy access to the Interior of the grinding container to grant. Furthermore, the object is to provide a method for easy, quick and secure closing and opening a ball mill.

The above objects are achieved by a ball mill with locking system and a method for opening and closing ball mills comprising the features in claims 1 and 12. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

description

The invention relates to a ball mill with closure system with a horizontally or vertically mounted grinding container. The term ball mill is used in the context of the application both for ball mills with a rotating grinding container and for stirred ball mills with a non-rotating grinding container and stirring tools. In stirred ball mills, the grinding container can be mounted rotating or not rotating. The grinding container has an end opening. In particular, the grinding container is a hollow cylinder which is open on one side and which is arranged horizontally and has a circular opening at one of the free ends. Other geometries of the grinding container, for example, containers with a substantially symmetrical polygonal, in particular an octagonal cross-section or the like are also conceivable and should be encompassed by the invention. The opening is closed with a closure device, in particular with a lid. For this purpose, the closure device comprises a first flange with first connection means. The front opening of the grinding container comprises a second counter flange with second connecting means. The closure device can be fixed in a force-locking manner to the grinding container via the first and the second connecting devices.

According to the invention, the first or the second connecting devices are each part of at least one rotatable, at least partially annular adjusting element. If in the following is spoken of the adjustment in a single number, this should also include a plurality of rotatable, part-ring-shaped adjusting elements, in particular a plurality of adjusting elements, which together form a substantially annular shape.

The adjusting element can assume an open working position, in which the first and second connecting devices loosely engage each other. By rotation in one the first direction of rotation, the at least one, at least partially annular adjustment is transferred to a closed locking position. In this second closed locking position, the first and second connecting devices are rotated against each other. In particular, the first or the second connecting devices are rotated relative to the first working position. By means of adhesion producing means a force-locking clamped operative connection between the closure device and the grinding container is formed.

During the rotation of the adjusting element is a rotational movement of only a few degrees, for example, the adjusting rotates by a rotation angle between 5 ° and 20 °, in particular by about 10 ° - 15 °. By the rotation of the adjusting element in combination with adhesion-producing means, the closure device and the grinding container are axially compressed in the end position, so that the closure device is sealingly attached to the grinding container.

The grinding container is preferably horizontally movable, while the closure device is arranged largely stationary. For fastening the closure device to the grinding container, the latter is moved into a first closing position, in which the first connection devices of the closure device and the second connection devices of the grinding container flange loosely engage one another or in which the second connection devices of the grinding container flange pass through the first connection devices of the closure device. Subsequently, the locking is carried out by the rotation of the adjusting element and the adhesion-producing means. In order to clean the grinding container, for example, or to remove the grinding media etcetera, the locking between the grinding container and the closure device is achieved by rotating the adjustment in the opposite direction to the first direction of rotation and the force and / or positive connection on the means producing the adhesion is lifted , After the rotation of the adjusting element in the opposite direction, the first and second connecting means are arranged so that they only loosely engage with each other. By moving the grinding container horizontally away from the closure device into a maintenance position, easy access into the interior of the grinding container is made possible.

For the adjustment of the at least one rotatable, at least partially annular adjusting element by rotation of this at least one suitable hydraulic, pneumatic or / or electronic adjusting means, in particular at least one hydraulic device assigned. Furthermore, it is provided according to a preferred embodiment, that the flange and the mating flange are associated with centering, which force a correct orientation of the closure device on the grinding container and thus prevent wedging of the first and second connection means. For example, the flange comprises a centering bolt which engages in a corresponding bore of the mating flange and is guided. Preferably, at least two centering pins are provided so that the grinding container and the closure device are aligned properly during the merging. Other centering means known to those skilled in the art are also to be included.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the first connection means of the closure device are part of a rotatable, annular adjusting element. In a first open working position of the adjusting element, the first connecting devices are in a first open position in alignment with the second connecting devices. If the grinding container is now displaced horizontally along its longitudinal axis in the direction of the closure device, then the second connection devices of the grinding container loosely engage with or engage through the first connection devices of the closure device. By rotation of the adjusting element, this is transferred to the locking position. In this case, the first connecting means are rotated in a second, at least partially closed position. In the second locking position of the adjusting element, the first and the second connecting devices are at least partially rotated against each other. Preferably, the first and the second connection means are rotated against each other so far that they are no longer aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the grinding container, but at least largely arranged side by side.

The rotatable, annular adjustment element is designed, for example, as an outer ring, which is assigned to be rotatable with the first flange of the closure device. The outer diameter of the outer ring is preferably larger than the outer diameter of the first flange. According to an alternative Embodiment, the outer diameter of the outer ring is preferably formed identically to the outer diameter of the first flange. The outer ring comprises inwardly directed first teeth, that is, the first teeth of the outer ring are directed to the ring center of the outer ring out. In particular, a plurality of identically formed first teeth are arranged evenly spaced on the inner diameter of the outer ring, so that they form a kind of inner sprocket. The spaces between the first teeth each form the first connection means. Between the first teeth and the first flange at least partially free space is formed at least partially. This clearance is preferably designed so large that the second teeth of the Mahlbehälterflansches described below can be fully inserted into the spaces between the first teeth. Alternatively, the first teeth may have formed an undercut to the first flange. The second connecting devices project beyond the outer diameter of the Mahlbehälterflansches in areas. In particular, the second connection devices are designed as outwardly directed second teeth. At Mahlbehälterflansch a kind of outer sprocket is arranged. The second teeth are dimensioned such that they can be pushed or pushed through in a first working position by the horizontal displacement of the grinding container in the spaces between the first teeth, that is between the inwardly directed first teeth of the adjusting element of the closure device. Accordingly, second connecting devices are inserted into first connecting devices, which are part of the adjusting element of the closure device. For this purpose, the grinding container is moved up to the closure device so far that the second connection devices abut substantially on the flange of the closure device.

By rotation of the closure element in a first direction of rotation, the locking position is set. The first direction of rotation is defined, for example, as a closing direction of rotation in a clockwise direction. During the rotation of the closure element in the clockwise direction, the first connection means are rotated relative to the second connection means. In particular, the first teeth of the rotatable, annular adjustment element are at least partially pushed over the second connection means, that is, over the outwardly directed second teeth of the Mahlbehälterflansches. The second teeth are then at least partially arranged in the clearance or in the undercut between the first, inwardly directed teeth of the outer ring and the flange of the closure device. Preferably, the first teeth largely completely cover the second teeth in the locking position of the adjusting element.

In order to produce a particularly good frictional connection, wedge elements which widen perpendicular to the grinding container flange against the first direction of rotation of the outer ring of the closure device can be assigned to the second connecting devices on the side facing the grinding container. Alternatively or additionally, wedge elements may also be arranged on the cover side of the first teeth. The wedge elements on the first teeth are referred to below as first wedge elements and the wedge elements on the second teeth are referred to as second wedge elements.

If the first wedge elements on the first teeth of the closure device are viewed from the container side, their thickness increases counterclockwise in each case perpendicular to the plane of the open end side of the grinding container. When closing the open end of the grinding container with the closure device cause the first wedge elements together with the second wedge elements arranged on Mahlbehälterflansch second teeth producing a non-positive connection, in particular because the respective widening of the first and second wedge elements of the contact pressure is additionally increased.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first or the second wedge elements are adjustably arranged on the first and second teeth. For example, an adjustment via a slot fixing or other suitable adjustment can be realized. Preferably, the wedge elements are set once when commissioning the ball mill. Alternatively and / or additionally, it may be provided to readjust the adjustable wedge elements, for example, if, for example, the sealing elements become thinner in order to always ensure a sufficient frictional connection.

In this context, it should also be noted that it makes sense, of course, the wedge elements perform individually replaceable, so that they can be replaced individually in case of damage.

When adjusting the second locking position by rotation of the adjusting element, the wedge elements increase the frictional connection between the first inwardly directed teeth of the outer ring of the adjusting element of the closure device and the second outwardly directed teeth of the Mahlbehälterflansches. By the rotation of the adjusting element in the closed locking position, an additional pressure in the axial direction of the grinding container is generated by the wedge elements. Preferably, the closure device is assigned to the Mahlbehälterseite a sealing element, for example in the form of a rubber seal or an approximately 10mm to 15mm thick rubber plate. Due to the additional pressure in the axial direction, the rubber seal or rubber plate is compressed and thus the grinding container sealed against the closure device. According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing elements are wearing parts.

The grinding container including Mahlbehälterflansch, the closure device and the rotatable outer ring with the first teeth are preferably made of a first material, in particular steel or stainless steel. The wedge elements on the second connecting means are preferably made of a second, different material, for example made of brass or of a copper-zinc alloy etcetera. The material of the wedge elements is chosen so that the lowest possible static friction between the material of the outer ring and the material of the wedge elements. Due to a low stiction, for example, due to a low static friction between brass and steel, it comes with the rotation of the outer ring thus not to unwanted jamming.

To rotate the rotatable, annular adjusting element according to the first described embodiment, for example, two hydraulic cylinders are provided, which are arranged on the rotatable, annular adjusting element and on a ball mill supporting frame and cause the necessary rotation of the adjusting element.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the Mahlbehälterflansch is associated with a plurality of rotatable, semi-annular adjusting elements with second connecting means. Preferably, four largely quarter-ring-shaped adjusting elements are provided. In an open working position of Adjustment elements are the second connection means in a first open position, so that the first connection means of the closure device can pass through the second connecting means in alignment. By preferably simultaneous and common rotation of the adjusting elements, the second connecting means are transferred to a second closed position. It can be provided that all adjusting rotate in a common direction of rotation. Alternatively, it may be provided that a part of the adjusting elements rotate in a clockwise direction and the other adjusting elements in a counterclockwise direction. The first connecting devices are assigned additional axial displacement devices, by means of which the first connecting devices can be displaced parallel to the milling container longitudinal axis. As Axialverschiebungsvorrichtung known in the art hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical means can be used. To close the grinding container this is moved up to the closure device, so that the flange and the mating flange almost touch. In general, the grinding container is moved so close to the closure device, that between the grinding container and the closure device an all-uniform gap between 5mm to 40mm, preferably formed between 10mm to 25mm. In this case, the first connection devices pass through the second connection devices. The first connection devices can then be displaced or lengthened in the direction of the grinding container in addition or largely at the same time by means of their respective axial displacement devices. As Axialverschiebungsvorrichtungen serve as hydraulic cylinders or other suitable means. The axial displacement devices can be controlled individually or jointly. The Axialverschiebungsvorrichtungen in this second embodiment simultaneously constitute the adhesion-producing means, as will be shown below.

The first connecting devices are designed, for example, as hydraulically extensible bolts with a widened free, in particular widened, mushroom-head-like end region. The first connection devices are, if appropriate with the help of Axialverschiebungsvorrichtungen carried out by the second connecting means that the widened free mushroom-like end portions are behind the second connecting means, that is behind the adjusting elements on the Mahlbehälterflansch. The second Connecting means comprise a passage area and a support area with a support surface for the widened end area of the first connection devices. The passage area and the support area are interconnected via a central area. The middle region is formed for example as a long hole. In the working position of the rotatable, part-ring-shaped adjusting elements, the second connecting devices are aligned so that when approaching the grinding container to the closure device, the first connection means can be easily pushed through the passage areas of the second connection means. By rotation of the part-ring-shaped adjusting elements in the locking position, the second connecting means are moved over the elongated hole relative to the first connecting means, that the free end portions of the first connecting means are now respectively preceded by the support areas of the second connecting means. By means of the hydraulic cylinder, the first connection means are tightened towards the closure device. As a result, the widened end region is pressed against the support surface of the second connection device and generates a contact pressure between the widened end region and the support region of the second connection device and thus a frictional connection between the grinding container and the closure device, whereby the grinding container is fully drawn to the closure device and thus firm and sealed can be closed with this.

The first connecting device, that is to say the bolt with the broadened mushroom-like end region, can for example be designed such that it can be easily removed from the respective hydraulic cylinder. The bolt is guided in a receptacle and bolted to the hydraulic cylinder.

According to an alternative embodiment, it is provided that not every first connecting device is assigned its own hydraulic cylinder as Axialverschiebungsvorrichtungen, but that a plurality of first connecting means are coupled to a hydraulic cylinder and thus adjusted together. For example, it is provided that three bolt-shaped first connecting devices, each with a widened mushroom-like end region, are each assigned to a common hydraulic cylinder.

For the rotation of the rotatable, part-ring-shaped adjusting elements each of these elements are assigned suitable hydraulic, pneumatic or electronic means. For example, at least one, preferably two cooperating hydraulic cylinders are assigned to the adjusting elements. The rotation of the adjusting elements for opening or closing the closure system preferably takes place largely synchronously.

The adjustment, that is, the rotation of the adjusting elements and / or the application of the frictional connection by the Axialverschiebungsvorrichtungen can also be done pneumatically and / or electronically.

The invention further relates to a method for opening and closing a ball mill, wherein the ball mill comprises a horizontally arranged grinding container with an end-side opening, which is closable with a closure device. The ball mill further comprises a closure system with at least one rotatable, at least partially annular adjusting element with first connecting devices on the closure device or with second connecting devices on the grinding container. In particular, the ball mill comprises a closure system according to the first or second embodiment described above.

In a working position, the first and the second connecting device engage in alignment with one another or the first connecting devices engage in alignment through the second connecting device or the second connecting device engage in alignment through the first connecting devices. By rotation, the at least one adjusting element is transferred to a closed locking position. During this rotation of the at least one adjusting element, the first and second connecting devices are rotated against each other. By means of adhesion-producing means, a frictionally clamped operative connection between the closure device and the grinding container is produced.

To close the ball mill of the grinding container is pushed in the axial direction of the closure device. After reaching or reaching through the first and second connecting devices, the at least one adjusting element is rotated in the first direction of rotation and a frictional connection between the closure device and the grinding container is produced. To open the ball mill, the adhesion between the Closing device and the grinding container dissolved and the adjusting element in a second opposite direction, opposite to the first direction of rotation, twisted. Subsequently, the grinding container is moved in the axial direction and indeed away from the closure device. As a result, the first and second connecting means, which are aligned with one another or arranged in a cross-section, are pulled apart and spaced from one another.

The four largely quarter-shaped adjusting elements are arranged on the outer edge of Mahlbehälterflansches and cover, for example, each an angle between 75 ° and 85 °, in particular an angle of about 80 °. Between each adjacent about 80 ° covering adjusting elements is in each case an approximately 10 ° adjustment. This serves to provide the necessary space for the rotatable adjustment of the adjusting elements. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a rotation of the adjusting takes place by about 2 °. The necessary rotation can be varied and depends in particular on the distance between the passage region and the support region of the second adjustment elements.

The number of first and second connection devices can be adapted both in the first and in the second described embodiment. In particular, in grinding containers and closure devices with a large diameter, for example, with a diameter of several meters, the number is increased accordingly to ensure a solid, secure and sealed attachment.

The closure system is a quick-acting closure via which the movable grinding container can be quickly and easily, in particular without, attached to the fixed closure device, in particular to a fixed bearing block in which the closure device is still associated with an agitator, a corresponding drive and optionally further components high manual effort, on and can be flanged off.

figure description

• Figur 1 zeigt einen schematischen Querschnitt durch eine Kugelmühle.
• Figur 2 zeigt einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch eine Rührwerkskugelmühle.
• Figuren 3 bis 10 zeigen unterschiedliche Ansichten und Detailausschnitte einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusssystems einer Kugelmühle.
• Figuren 11 bis 17 zeigen unterschiedliche Ansichten und Detailausschnitte einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusssystems einer Kugelmühle.

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The size ratios of the individual elements to each other in the figures does not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for ease of illustration.

• FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross section through a ball mill.
• FIG. 2 shows a schematic longitudinal section through an agitator ball mill.
• FIGS. 3 to 10 show different views and detail of a first embodiment of a closure system according to the invention a ball mill.
• FIGS. 11 to 17 show different views and detail of a second embodiment of a closure system according to the invention of a ball mill.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the device or method of the invention may be configured and are not an exhaustive limitation.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross section through a ball mill 1. In a supporting frame 2, the cylindrical grinding container 3 is mounted horizontally rotatable. About a Mahlgutzugabevorrichtung 4, the material to be ground 5 is filled in the grinding container 3. The Mahlgutzugabevorrichtung 4 is usually associated with a first circular end wall (not shown). In the interior of the grinding container 3 are so-called grinding balls 6 or other suitable grinding aids. By rotation R of the grinding container 3, the material to be ground 5 is ground by the grinding balls 6 and thus crushed. The discharge of the comminuted material to be ground 5 via a Mahlgutentnahmevorrichtung 7, which is assigned in the illustrated embodiment of the first end wall opposite the second circular end wall. In particular, the grinding balls 6 are retained on the grinding material removal device 7 and remain in the grinding container 3.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic longitudinal section through an agitator ball mill 9. This also includes a horizontally mounted grinding container 3. Furthermore, it can be seen that the first end wall 10 is a Mahlgutentnahmevorrichtung 7 associated with separation system 8. The other second end wall 11 of the grinding container 3 is open and comprises a Mahlbehälterflansch 12. The open end wall 11 of the grinding container 3 is closed with a lid 13 with cover flange 13 *. On the cover 13 sealing elements are arranged on the container side for sealing attachment. The lid 13 is further assigned the Mahlgutzugabevorrichtung 4, is introduced via the material to be ground 5 in the grinding container 3. The grinding container 3 is filled with grinding balls 6 and additionally comprises stirring elements 14, which ensure the intensive movement of the grinding balls 6, while for example a mill base suspension 5 * is continuously pumped through the grinding chamber of the grinding container 3. The stirring elements 14 are arranged, for example, on a common drive shaft 15, which is driven by a suitable drive means 16. The drive means 16 is for example an electric motor 17 and is arranged on the outside of the lid 13.

FIGS. 3 to 10 show different views and detail of a first embodiment of a closure system of a ball mill according to the invention. FIG. 3 shows a section of a horizontally mounted cylindrical grinding container 20, in particular the region of the open second end wall 21 with the Mahlbehälterflansch 22, and FIG. 5 shows a detail of this. At Mahlbehälterflansch 22 a ring 23 is arranged with an external toothing on the cover side. The ring 23 is fastened, for example, to the Mahlbehälterflansch 22 via screw 26. Between the outer teeth 24 there are so-called outer tooth spaces 25. The distance between the center of the ring 23 and the point closest to it in the outer tooth gaps 25 is preferably identical to the radius of the Mahlbehälterflansches 22. That is, the external teeth 24 protrude beyond the grinding vessel flange 22.

The outer teeth 24 have, for example, an extensive cuboid shape. The mean distance A ₂₄ between two outer teeth 24 and the average width B _{25 of} an outer tooth space 25 corresponds at least to the width B _{24 of} an outer tooth 24. Wedge elements 27 are furthermore arranged on the container side of the outer teeth 24. Looking at the wedge elements 27 from the container side seen from their thickness then increases perpendicular to the plane of the open end 21 in each case in a clockwise direction. When closing the open end 21 with the lid 30, these wedge elements 27 are used to produce a frictional connection between grinding container 20 and cover 30, which in connection with the FIGS. 7 to 10 will be explained in more detail.

FIG. 4 shows a lid 30 for closing the open second end wall 21 of the grinding container 20 and FIG. 6 shows a detail of this. The lid 30 has a cover flange 32. Above the cover flange 32, a large, rotatable adjusting ring 33 with internal teeth of inwardly directed internal teeth 34 is arranged. In particular, the inner teeth 34 are disposed in front of the cover flange 32 such that a free space 36 exists between the inner teeth 34 and the cover flange 32.

The inner teeth 34 have, for example, an extensive cuboid shape. The mean distance A ₃₄ between two inner teeth 34 and the mean width B _{35 of} an inner tooth space 35 corresponds at least to the width B _{34 of} the inner teeth 34. In particular, the width B _{24 of} the outer teeth 24 corresponds approximately to the width B _{34 of} the inner teeth 34 and in particular is the mean distance A ₃₄ between two inner teeth 34 at least slightly larger than the width B _{24 of} the outer teeth 24. Furthermore, the average distance A ₂₄ between two outer teeth 24 is at least slightly greater than the width B _{34 of} the inner teeth 34th

On the cover side of the inner teeth 34 wedge elements 37 are further arranged. If one considers the wedge elements 37 as viewed from the container side, then their thickness increases perpendicularly to the plane of the open end face 21 in the counterclockwise direction in each case. When closing the open end 21 of the grinding container 20 with the lid 30, these wedge elements 37 together with the wedge elements 27 of the outer teeth 24 of the Mahlbehälterflansch 22 arranged ring 23 cause the production of a non-positive connection, since they increase the contact pressure in addition.

On the adjusting ring 33 two hydraulic cylinders 38 are arranged opposite each other, with the aid of the adjusting ring 33 is rotated. The hydraulic cylinders 38 are attached to a supporting substructure (not shown) of the ball mill or agitator ball mill.

The grinding container 20 is mounted horizontally and is moved up for closing by the cover 30 thereto. The adjusting ring 33 must be in a working position AP according to FIG. 7 are located so that the outer teeth 24 of the arranged on Mahlbehälterflansch 22 ring 23 in one of the inner tooth spaces 35 between the inner teeth 35 of the adjusting 33 of the lid 30 or pushed through (see also FIG. 8 ). In particular, the outer teeth 24 are pushed so close to the cover 30 that they largely abut the cover flange 32 or optionally on a cover flange 32 associated with the sealing element or the like. In the first working position AP, the first hydraulic cylinder 38-1 is extended and the opposite second hydraulic cylinder 38-2 retracted. By simultaneously extending the second hydraulic cylinder 38-2 and retracting the first hydraulic cylinder 38-1, the adjusting ring 33 is rotated. Seen from the container side of the adjusting ring rotates clockwise. By the rotation of the adjusting ring 33, the inner teeth 34 preferably push completely in front of the outer teeth 24. That is, in the locking position, the outer teeth 24 are arranged completely in the free space 36 between the inner teeth 34 and the cover flange 32. By widening in a clockwise direction wedge elements 27 of the outer teeth 24 and the widening counterclockwise wedge elements 37 of the outer teeth 34, an additional frictional connection is generated, so that the grinding container 20 is sealed with the lid 30. In particular, a force is generated in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the ball mill or the grinding container 30 and thus a firm connection between the Mahlbehälterflansch 22 and the cover flange 32. The adjusting ring 33 is supported on the cover flange 32.

The wedge elements 27 of the outer teeth 24 are preferably made of a different material than the wedge elements 37 of the outer teeth 34, in particular a combination of materials with the lowest possible static friction is selected. For example, the wedge members 37 of the inner teeth 34 are made of steel and the wedge members 27 of the outer teeth 24 are made of brass. However, other suitable material combinations are conceivable.

FIG. 9 shows a section AA through a used on the lid 30 grinding container 20 in the region of an internal tooth 34th

FIG. 10 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 7 in which the adjusting ring 33 is in the locking position VP, wherein the first hydraulic cylinder 38-1 retracted and the opposite second hydraulic cylinder 38-2 is extended. The outer teeth 24 are in this case arranged in the free spaces 26 between the inner teeth 34 of the adjusting ring 33 and the cover flange 32 and via the wedge elements 37, 27 (not visible, cf. FIGS. 6 . 7 ), the non-positive sealing attachment of the lid 30 is made on the grinding container 20. To open the lid 30, the adjusting ring 33 is rotated counterclockwise by the first hydraulic cylinder 38-1 extended and the opposite second hydraulic cylinder 38-2 retracted. As a result, the closure system returns to a working position AP FIG. 7 in which the outer teeth 24 of the ring 23 arranged on Mahlbehälterflansch 22 are aligned in the inner tooth gaps 35 between the inner teeth 35 of the adjusting ring 33 of the lid 30 or pushed through. The grinding container 20 can now be moved away by horizontal displacement of the cover 30.

The ball mill with a closure system according to the illustrated first embodiment is suitable for the inventive method for opening and closing of ball mills. In the closure system according to the illustrated first embodiment, the internal tooth spaces 35 are part of a rotatable adjusting ring 33 and represent the first connection means of the closure device, that is the lid 30, the external teeth 24 associated with Mahlbehälterflansch 22 represent the second connecting means on the grinding container 20 In the first open working position AP of the adjusting ring 33, the external teeth 24 reach through the internal tooth gaps 35. By rotation in a clockwise direction, the adjusting ring 33 is transferred into the closed locking position VP. In this case, the outer teeth 24 are rotated relative to the inner tooth spaces 35, that the outer teeth are now in the space 36 between the inner teeth 34 and the cover flange 32. Both the inner teeth 34 and the outer teeth 24 wedge elements 37, 27 are assigned as a means of adhesion producing means which cause a frictionally clamped operative connection between the lid 30 and the grinding container 20 in the locking position VP.

Furthermore, in FIG. 7 the arrangement of centering 39 indicated. For example, the cover flange 32 comprises two upper and two lower centering pins 39a, 39b, which respectively point in the direction of the grinding container 20. If the grinding container 20 is pushed up against the cover 30, the centering pins 39a, 39b engage in corresponding holes in the grinding container flange 22 and the centering pins 39a, 39b are guided into the latter.

FIGS. 11 to 17 show different views and detail of a second embodiment of a ball mill according to the invention with closure system. FIGS. 11 and 12 show a frontal view and a side view of a lid 50. The lid 50 includes a cover flange 51, which is associated with a plurality of first connecting means 52. The first connecting devices 52 are in particular designed as bolts 53 with a mushroom-head-widened end region 54. The widened end region 54 of the first connection devices 52 is in each case formed on the side of the cover 50 facing the grinding container 60. The other end of the respective bolt 53 is in each case connected to a hydraulic cylinder 55, via which the bolt 53 can be displaced parallel to the longitudinal axis of the grinding container 60.

FIG. 13 shows a plan view of Mahlbehälterflansch 62 of a grinding container 60 as seen from the container side. At the so-called rear side of Mahlbehälterflansches 62 four Verstellsegmente 63 are arranged. Each adjusting segment 63 comprises six second connecting devices 65, which are accordingly part of the respective adjusting segment 63. The second connection devices 65 each comprise slot bores which connect a passage region 66 to a support region 67 for the widened end region 54 of the first connection devices 52. The bolt rod 53 of the first connecting device 52 itself is always free in the slot hole, the passage area 66 and the support area 67. In alignment with the passage regions 66 of the second connecting devices 65 on the adjusting segments 63, the grinding container flange 62 comprises corresponding passage openings (not shown) for the first connecting devices 52.

FIG. 11 is compared to the FIGS. 12 and 13 shown reduced. The diameter of Mahlbehälterflansch 62 and cover flange 51 are at least largely identical

FIG. 14 shows a mounted on the cover 50 grinding container 60, in which the Verstellsegmente 63 are in the working position AP and FIG. 15 shows a raised to the lid 50 grinding container 60, in which the Verstellsegmente 63 are in locking position VP. FIGS. 16 and 17 each show detail views to, in particular the area at which the Verstellsegmente 63-1 and 63-4 are largely adjacent.

In the open working position AP of the adjusting segments 63, the first connecting means 52 pass through the passage openings (not shown) of Mahlbehälterflansches 62 and the respective passage areas 66 of the second connecting means 65 on the Verstellsegmenten 63. About the hydraulic cylinder 55, the bolts 53 are in particular adjusted so that the Mushroom-like widened end regions 54 protrude beyond the adjusting segments 63 on the side facing the grinding container 60, after the grinding container 60 has been moved as close as possible to the cover 50 for closing. This is especially good in FIG. 16 to recognize.

The four adjusting segments 63-1 to 63-4 are each assigned two hydraulic cylinders 64, 64-1a and 64-1b etcetera, which effect a targeted rotation of the adjusting segments 63. By extending the hydraulic cylinder 64-1b and shortening the hydraulic cylinder 64-1a, the adjusting segment 63-1 is transferred in the counterclockwise direction into the locking position VP. By extending the hydraulic cylinder 64-2b and shortening the hydraulic cylinder 64-2a, the adjusting segment 63-2 is transferred by a clockwise rotation in the locking position VP. By extending the hydraulic cylinder 64-3b and shortening the hydraulic cylinder 64-3a, the adjusting segment 63-3 is transferred counterclockwise to the locking position VP, and by extending the hydraulic cylinder 64-4b and shortening the hydraulic cylinder 64-4a, the adjusting segment 63-4 passes a clockwise rotation in the locked position VP transferred. The adjustment of the four adjusting segments 63-1 to 63-4 by the hydraulic cylinder 64 is preferably controlled jointly and takes place largely synchronously. That means the four largely Quarter-ring-shaped adjusting segments are each converted into their closed locking position by rotation in or counterclockwise. In the illustrated embodiment, two of the Verstellsegmente 63-2 and 63-4 rotate clockwise and the other two Verstellsegmente 63-1 and 63-3 rotate counterclockwise when the Verstellsegmente be transferred from the working position to the locking position. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the hydraulic cylinders 64 are arranged so that all adjusting segments 63 rotate in a common direction of rotation. It is important here that the mushroom-like widened end regions 54 of the first connecting devices 52 project freely beyond the adjusting segments 63 during the rotation of the adjusting segments 63.

The rotation of the adjusting segments 63-1 to 63-4 is additionally guided by guided in elongated holes 70 guide screws 71.

In the closed locking position VP, the first connecting means 52 and the second connecting means 65 are rotated against each other. In particular, the second connection devices 65 have been rotated relative to the first connection devices 52 such that the mushroom-like widened end regions 54 of the first connection devices 52 are now arranged directly on the support regions 67 of the second connection devices 65.

About the first connecting means 52 associated hydraulic cylinders 55, the first connecting means 52 are withdrawn. This movement is limited by the widened end regions 54 of the first connection devices 52 and the support regions 67 of the second connection devices 65. In particular, a frictional connection between the mushroom-like widened end regions 54 of the first connection devices 52 and the support regions 67 of the second connection devices 65 is generated. That is, the hydraulic cylinders 55 form the adhesion-producing means, via which a frictionally clamped operative connection between the cover 50, in particular the cover flange 51, and the grinding container 60, in particular the Mahlbehälterflansch 62, is formed.

Furthermore, in the FIGS. 11 and 13 also indicated the arrangement of centering. The cover flange 51 comprises two pointing in the direction of the grinding container 60 centering pin 59. These engage in corresponding holes (not shown) of Mahlbehälterflansches 62 and are guided in this. In alignment with the holes in the grinding container flange 62, the adjusting segments 63-2 and 63-3 have oblong holes 69. The oblong holes 69 are necessary so that despite centering a rotation of Verstellsegmente 63-2 and 63-3 is possible. FIG. 13 shows the arrangement of the centering pins 59 of the cover flange 51 in the oblong holes 69 of the adjusting segments 63-2 and 63-3. FIG. 13 shows the adjustment segments 63 in working position AP and illustrates that the centering pins 59, the rotation of the Verstellsegmente 63 for taking the locking position VP (see. FIGS. 15 and 17 ) do not hinder. In particular, the oblong hole 69a allows a clockwise rotation of the adjusting segment 63-2, and the oblong hole 69b allows the adjusting segment 63-3 to rotate counterclockwise.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

ball mill

2

frame

3

Cutting container

4

Mahlgutzugabevorrichtung

5

grist

5 *

millbase

6

grinding balls

7

Mahlgutentnahmevorrichtung

8th

separation system

9

stirred ball mill

10

first end wall

11

second end wall

12

Mahlbehälterflansch

13

cover

13 *

cover flange

14

stirrer

15

drive shaft

16

drive means

17

electric motor

20

Cutting container

21

open front wall

22

Mahlbehälterflansch

23

ring

24

outdoor gear

25

External tooth space

26

screw

27

key member

30

cover

32

cover flange

33

adjusting

34

internal ring

35

Internal tooth space

36

free space

37

key member

38

hydraulic cylinders

39

centering

39a / 39b

centering

50

cover

51

cover flange

52

first connection device

53

bolt

54

Mushroom-like widened end region

55

hydraulic cylinders

59

centering

60

Cutting container

62

Mahlbehälterflansch

63

adjusting segment

64

hydraulic cylinders

65

second connection device

66

Passage region

67

support area

68

hydraulic cylinders

69

Long hole

70

Long hole

71

lead screw

A

distance

AP

working position

B

width

R

rotation

VP

lock position

Claims (14)

1. A ball mill comprising closure system, wherein the ball mill comprises a grinding container (20, 60) with a frontal opening (21), which can be closed by means of a closure device (30, 50), wherein the closure device (30, 50) comprises a first flange (32, 51) with first connecting devices (35, 52) and the frontal opening (21) of the grinding container (20, 60) comprises a second counter flange (22, 62) with second connecting devices (24, 65), wherein the closure device (30, 50) can be fastened to the grinding container (20, 60) via the first and the second connecting devices (35, 52, 20, 60), characterized in that the first or the second connecting devices (35, 52, 20, 60) are a component part of at least one rotatable, at least partially annular adjustment element (33, 63), wherein the first and second adjustment devices (35, 52, 20, 60) engage loosely with or through one another in an open working position (AP) of the at least one, at least partially annular adjustment element (33, 63), wherein the at least one, at least partially annular adjustment element (33, 63) can be transferred into a second closed locking position (VP) by means of rotation, wherein the first and second connecting devices (35, 52, 20, 60) are rotated with respect to one another in the closed locking position (VP) and wherein the closure system comprises means (27, 37, 55) for establishing a frictionally clamped connection, by means of which a clamped operative connection can be embodied between the closure device (30, 50) and the grinding container (20, 60).
2. The ball mill according to claim 1, wherein the grinding container (20, 60) is arranged horizontally movable and the closure device (30, 50) is arranged in an at least largely stationary manner, and wherein the grinding container (20, 60) can be traversed into a first closing position, in which the first connecting devices (35, 52) and the second connecting devices (24, 65) loosely engage with or through one another.
3. The ball mill according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one hydraulic, pneumatic and/or electric adjustment means (38, 68) for the rotation is assigned to the at least one rotatable, at least partially annular adjustment element (33, 63).
4. The ball mill according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first connecting devices (35) of the closure device (30) are a component part of a rotatable, annular adjustment element (33), wherein the first connecting devices (35) are in a first open position in the open working position (AP) of the adjustment element (33), so that the second connecting devices (24) of the grinding container (20) engage with or through, respectively, the first connecting devices (35) in an aligned manner, wherein, by rotation of the adjustment element (33) into a second locking position (VP), the first connecting devices (35) can be transferred into a second, at least partially closed position, wherein the first and the second connecting devices (35, 24) are rotated at least partially with respect to one another.
5. The ball mill according to claim 4, wherein an outer ring (33), as rotatable, annular adjustment element, is assigned to the first flange (32) of the closure device (30) comprising an outer diameter, which is greater than an outer diameter of the first flange (32), and wherein the outer ring (33) comprises first teeth (34) directed towards the ring center, wherein the first connecting devices are formed by gaps (35) between the first teeth (34), wherein at least one free space (36) is embodied between the first teeth (34) and the first flange (32) at least area by area, or wherein the first teeth (34) have an undercut embodied towards the first flange (32), wherein the second connecting devices (24) protrude beyond an outer diameter of the grinding container flange (22) area by area and wherein, in the first open working position of the outer ring (33), the second connecting devices can be inserted into or pushed through the first connecting devices (35) and wherein, in the closed locking position (VP) of the outer ring (33), the second connecting devices (24) are arranged at least partially in the free space (36) or in the area of the undercut behind the first teeth (34) of the outer ring (33).
6. The ball mill according to claim 5, wherein, on a side facing the grinding container (20), wedge elements (27), which widen against the first direction of rotation of the outer ring (33) of the closure device (30) and which, in the closed locking position (VP), are arranged at least partially in the free space (36) or in the undercut, respectively, behind the first teeth (34), are assigned to the second connecting devices (24).
7. The ball mill according to claim 6, wherein the outer ring (33) with the first teeth (34) and the grinding container flange (22) are made of a first material and wherein the wedge elements (27) on the second connecting devices (24) are made of a second material, wherein the first material is not the same as the second material, in particular wherein the first material is steel or stainless steel and the second material is brass or a copper-zinc alloy.
8. The ball mill according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of rotatable, partially annular adjustment elements (63) with second connecting devices (65) is assigned to the grinding container flange (62), in particular wherein four largely quarter circle-shaped adjustment elements (63-1, 63-2, 63-3, 63-4) are assigned to the grinding container flange (62), wherein, in the open working position (AP) of the adjustment elements (63), the second connecting devices (65) are in a first open position, so that the first connecting devices (52) of the closure device (50) engage through the second connecting devices (65) in an aligned manner, wherein the second connecting devices (65) can be transferred into a second closed position by rotation of the adjustment elements (63) into a second locking position (VP).
9. The ball mill according to claim 8, wherein means for the axial displacement along a longitudinal grinding container axis are assigned to each of the first connecting devices (52) as means establishing a frictional connection, in particular wherein a hydraulic device (55) for axially displacing the first connecting devices (52) is assigned to each of the first connecting devices (52).
10. The ball mill according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first connecting devices (52) are embodied as bolts (53) with a widened free end area (54) and wherein the second connecting devices (65) comprise a passage area (66) and a support area (67) comprising a support surface for the widened end area (54) of the first connecting devices (52), wherein, in the working position (AP) of the rotatable, partially annular adjustment elements (63), the free end areas (54) of the first connecting devices (52) engage through the passage area (66) of the second connecting devices (65), wherein, in the locking position (VP) of the rotatable, partially annular adjustment elements (63), the free end areas (54) of the first connecting devices (52) are positioned upstream of the support area (67) of the second connecting devices (65), and wherein, in the locking position (VP), a frictional connection can be created between the closure device (50) and the grinding container (60) by means of the hydraulic devices (55), which are assigned to the first connecting devices (52).
11. The ball mill according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least two hydraulic cylinders (64) for creating the rotary motion are assigned to each rotatable, partially annular adjustment element (63).
12. A method for opening and closing ball mills, wherein the ball mill comprises a horizontally arranged grinding container (20, 60) with a frontal opening (21), which can be closed by means of a closure device (30, 50), wherein the ball mill comprises a closure system with at least one rotatable, at least partially annular adjustment element (33, 63) with first connecting devices (35, 52) on the closure device (30, 50) or with second connecting devices (24, 65) on the grinding container (20, 60), wherein, in a working position (AP) of the at least one rotatable, at least partially annular adjustment element (33, 63), the first and the second connecting devices (35, 52, 20, 60) engage with or through the first and the second connecting devices (35, 52, 20, 60) in an aligned manner, and wherein the at least one adjustment element (33, 63) is transferred into a second closed locking position (VP) by rotation, wherein the first and second connecting devices (35, 53, 20, 60) are rotated with respect to one another and wherein a frictionally clamped operative connection is established between the closure device (30, 50) and the grinding container (20, 60) by means of means (27, 37, 55) for establishing a frictional connection.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, for closing the ball mill, the grinding container (20, 60) is pushed in axial direction towards the closure device (30, 50), and after engaging with or through, respectively, the first and second connecting devices (35, 52, 20, 60), the at least one adjustment element (33, 63) is rotated in the first direction of rotation and a frictional connection is established between the closure device (30, 50) and the grinding container (20, 60).
14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, for opening the ball mill, the frictional connection between the closure device (30, 50) and the grinding container (20, 60) is released and the adjustment element (33, 63) is rotated in a second counter direction and wherein, by moving the grinding container (20, 60) away from the closure device (30, 50) in axial direction, the first and second connecting means (35, 52, 20, 60), which are arranged so as to engage with or through one another in an aligned manner, are spaced apart from one another.

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