Device for pressing empty containers together and method therefor

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• the so-called cutting play (16) between adjacent disks (6 or 5 and 6) has a value between 0.2 mm and 2 mm.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• the overlap of adjacent and opposite disks has a value range between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably 10% of the width of a disk (5 or 6, respectively).

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• the rollers preferably consist of the material 42CrMoS4.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• the disks of the rollers (4.1 and 4.2) are hardened and possess a maximal hardness of 55 HRc.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• the bearings of the rollers (4.1 and 4.2) are inserted into the bearing plates (8) from the outside.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• the diameter (D2) of the segments (S2) is preferably 79 mm, the diameter (D1) of the smaller segments (S1) is 70 mm, and the core diameter (4.3) of the rollers (4.1 and 4.2) is 50 mm.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• the speed of rotation of the rollers is preferably 60 rpm.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• strippers (4.6) are disposed between the disks (5 and 6), whereby standard strippers of document shredders are used.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• a photo eye that issues a start pulse for the rollers (4.1 and 4.2) is provided, which also controls the after-running time.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• nozzles are provided in the housing (1), to apply disinfectant to the rollers (4.1 and 4.2) and/or the inlet (2) and outlet (3) openings.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• the cutting disks (5) have grooves (5.3) worked into their circumference surface (5.1), the trailing flank (FL) of which, in the direction of rotation (R, R′), forms an acute-angle hook (5.4) with the circumference surface (5.1), which points in the direction of rotation, whereby the groove flank (FL) that starts at the tip (S) has a linear progression as well as a progression that is directed opposite the direction of rotation of the rollers (R, R′), and the subsequent transition region (K) is configured in arc shape towards the groove toe (N) and/or the groove flank (FL1) that lies in the direction of rotation.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• the two groove flanks (FL and FL1) run parallel to one another or divergent (FL, FL2).

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• the tip angle (W) of the hook (5.4) is preferably selected to be between 45° and 80°.

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• the cutting and pressing unit (4) is preceded by a separator/selector (10).

Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,

• characterized in that
• the device can be coupled to automated devices for accepting bottles and/or cans for recycling, or can be combined with such devices.