SCRAPING ROLLER

Abstract

 A scraping roller (2) for scraping the skin side of an animal pelt such as a mink pelt is disclosed. The scraping roller (4) comprises a plurality of scraping teeth (44, 44') arranged longitudinally on the outer surface of the scraping roller (2). The scraping roller (2) comprises an inner structure (30) provided with a plurality of groove structures (4, 4', 6, 6') configured to receive detachably attached insert members (20, 20') formed as scraping teeth (44, 44') to the scraping roller (2). Each groove structure (4, 4', 6, 6') comprises a straight bore (6, 6') and each insert member (20, 20') comprises an engagement member (22, 22') configured to be detachably attached to the straight bore (6, 6'). There is further a non-zero angle (α) between the transversal axis (Y) of the first groove structures (4, 4') and the normal direction (R) (radius) of the inner structure (30).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a scraping roller for scraping the skin side of an animal pelt such as a mink pelt.

Prior art

[0002] It is known to use scraping devices that apply scraping rollers for scraping the skin side of the pelts of fur animals such as minks and foxes. When the scraping rollers are blunted (the teeth become dull), they must be sharpened or replaced with new ones. When the scraping rollers are removed from a scraping device, they have to be replaced by an additional set of scraping rollers.

[0003] From WO 2005/068665 A1, an apparatus for processing fur is known. The apparatus comprises scraping rollers having scraping lamellas disposed in a recessed groove. The scraping lamellas are exchangeably mounted in the recessed groove and secured, when the scraping roller are rotated in the direction of rotation. The rounding radii for the side edges are different, implying that if the direction of rotation for the scraping rollers, the scraping lamellas will be braced against the rounding radius, whereby the scraping lamellas will have a very upright position. However, as the scraping lamellas are mounted in a straight recess, the overall scraping properties may not be optimal.

[0004] From WO 2003/087413 A1, a rotary defleshing cutter is known. The central cutter head is substantially circular or polygonal and has, at its periphery, substantially axially aligned mounting grooves adapted to accommodate individually replaceable elastic cutting inserts and mounting grooves shaped to follow a limited inclination of each cutting insert about the longitudinal axis. The mounting groove has a substantially keyhole-shaped cross section, the inner portion being circularly rounded. The inserts become helically alighed along the defleshing cutter periphery due to the form of the mounting groove. However, the mounting groove is a straight bore, which may affect the overall scraping properties.

[0005] In general, the pelt farmers are required to possess several sets of scraping rollers as the scraping rollers are typically sent away for days or weeks to specialised companies capable of sharpening the scraping rollers by means of manually assisted scraping devices.

[0006] The prior art scraping rollers are typically sharpened a few times before they are thrown away. Accordingly, an enormous waste is generated in this way.

[0007] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an alternative to the prior art scraping rollers in order to reduce waste.

[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a scraping roller that can replace the prior art scraping roller in order to reduce the quantity of wasted material.

Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention can be achieved by a scraping roller as defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent sub claims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0010] The scraping roller according to the invention is a scraping roller for scraping the skin side of an animal pelt such as a mink pelt, wherein the scraping roller comprises a plurality of scraping teeth arranged on the outer surface of the scraping roller, wherein the scraping roller comprises an inner structure provided with a plurality of groove structures configured to receive detachably attached insert members formed as scraping teeth to the scraping roller, wherein each groove structure comprises a straight bore and each insert member comprises an engagement member configured to be detachably attached to the straight bore, and wherein there is a non-zero angle (α) between the transversal axis of the first groove structures and the normal direction (radius) of the inner structure.

[0011] Hereby, it is not necessary to throw away the portion of the scraping roller provided between the opening and the teeth, when the scraping roller teeth become dull. Accordingly, the invention makes it possible to reduce waste significantly.

[0012] The scraping roller according to the invention may have any suitable size, number of teeth and geometry.

[0013] The scraping teeth may have any suitable size and form as long as they can be arranged on the outer surface of the scraping roller.

[0014] The scraping teeth are detachably attached to the scraping roller.

[0015] Hereby, the scraping teeth can be replaced by new ones when they become dull. Instead of throwing away the whole scraping roller, only the dull teeth need to be replaced. The teeth may be sharpened in the same manner as the teeth of prior art scraping rollers.

[0016] It may be an advantage that the scraping roller comprises a centrally arranged axial hole.

[0017] Hereby, the hole can receive a driving member for driving the scraping roller.

[0018] It may be an advantage that the straight bore has a circular cross section.

[0019] Hereby, it is possible to make the straight bore by a drilling process.

[0020] It may be beneficial that the inner structure comprises:

• a plurality of first groove structures configured to receive the scraping teeth and
• a plurality of second groove structures configured to receive the engagement members of the insert members, wherein each first groove structure extends in extension of a corresponding second groove structure, wherein each pair of first groove structures, and the corresponding second groove structures constitute a common groove structure.

[0021] Hereby, it is possible to prevent the insert members from being detached from the inner structure unintentionally. It is possible to provide a reliable and firm attachment of the insert members to the inner structure by simple mechanical means.

[0022] It may be beneficial that the inner structure is made in metal. Hereby, it is possible to provide a more stable scraping roller. Furthermore, vibrations through the scraping roller can be reduced compared to the prior art scraping rollers. In one embodiment, according to the invention the inner structure is made in steel. In a preferred embodiment, according to the invention the inner structure is made in aluminum.

[0023] It may be advantageous that the second groove structure has a larger width than the first groove structure.

[0024] Hereby, it is possible to prevent the insert member from being radially displaced. The insert member can be detachably attached to the inner structure in a reliable and simple manner.

[0025] It is beneficial that there is a non-zero angle between the transversal axis of the first groove structures and the normal direction (radius) of the inner structure.

[0026] Hereby, it is possible to provide the teeth of the insert members in positions in which they are angled relative to the axial direction of the inner structure. Accordingly, an efficient scraping roller can be provided.

[0027] In one embodiment, the non-zero angle between the transversal axis of the first groove structures and the normal direction (radius) of the inner structure may be between 5 and 30 degrees.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the non-zero angle between the transversal axis of the first groove structures and the normal direction (radius) of the inner structure may be between 10 and 20 degrees.

[0029] It may be an advantage that there is a non-zero angle between the longitudinal axis of the first groove structures and the longitudinal axis of the inner structure.

[0030] In one embodiment, the non-zero angle between the longitudinal axis of the first groove structures and the longitudinal axis of the inner structure is between 5 and 30 degrees.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the non-zero angle between the longitudinal axis of the first groove structures and the longitudinal axis of the inner structure is between 10 and 20 degrees.

[0032] It may be advantageous that the inner structure comprises a plurality of shoulder portions each surrounding a portion of a first groove structure extending in extension of a second groove structure.

[0033] Hereby, the shoulder portions can support the teeth of the insert members and prevent the teeth from being bent during the scraping process.

[0034] In one embodiment, the inner structure comprises 6-12 pairs of opposing shoulder portions.

[0035] In one preferred embodiment, the inner structure comprises 8-10 pairs of opposing shoulder portions.

[0036] It may be beneficial that the inner structure comprises a first portion and second portion, wherein the first portion extends along the first half of the inner structure, wherein the second portion extends along the other half of the inner structure.

[0037] Hereby, it is possible to provide a scraping roller that comprises two opposing portions each provided with detachably attached insert members.

[0038] It may be an advantage that the first portion and the second portion are separated by a central portion provided centrally along the circumference of the inner structure.

[0039] Hereby, the central portion can be used to guide away fat and other tissue from the pelt.

[0040] It may be an advantage that the central portion provided centrally along the circumference of the inner structure is a groove-shaped portion. Hereby, the central portion can contain fat and other tissue being transported away.

[0041] It may be beneficial that the teeth of the insert members are sharpened in a manner in which the top portion of the teeth extend along the outer cylindrical circumference of the scraping roller having the inner structure to which the insert members are detachably attached.

[0042] Hereby, it is possible to provide a scraping roller capable of scraping pelts in the most desired manner. It is possible to achieve a scraping roller optimised for scraping the skin side of the pelts of fur animals such as minks and foxes. The teeth will engage with the skin along the entire length of the top portion of the teeth.

[0043] It may be advantageous that the common groove structures are provided in a manner allowing the insert members to be inserted from the end portion of the inner structure.

[0044] It may be an advantage that the inner structure comprises a locking structure configured to prevent the scraping teeth from moving axially along the longitudinal axis of the scraping roller.

[0045] Hereby, it is possible to keep the scraping teeth in fixed positions with respect to the inner structure.

[0046] It may be beneficial that the locking structure is an end plate configured to be attached to the end portion of the inner structure.

[0047] Hereby, the opening can receive a driving member for driving the scraping roller.

[0048] It may be beneficial that the scraping roller comprises an inner structure provided with receiving portions configured to receive insert members configured to be engagedly received by the receiving portions.

[0049] Hereby, the insert members can be attached to the inner structure of the scraping roller in an easy, reliable and user-friendly manner.

[0050] It may be beneficial that the scraping roller comprises an inner structure configured to receive the teeth by sliding insert members into axially extending track-like receiving structures provided in the inner structure.

[0051] Hereby, a fast and reliable fixation of the insert members can be achieved.

[0052] It may be advantageous that the inner structure comprises a plurality of receiving portions configured to receive the teeth protruding from the inner structure.

[0053] Hereby, it is possible to sharpen the teeth when they become dull. Furthermore, it is possible to replace dull teeth with new ones or sharpened ones.

[0054] It may be beneficial that the locking structure is an end plate configured to be attached to the end portion of the inner structure, wherein the end plate comprises a centrally arranged opening.

[0055] Hereby, the opening can receive a driving member for driving the scraping roller.

[0056] It may be an advantage that an opening is provided in the inner structure.

[0057] Hereby, the opening can receive a driving member for driving the scraping roller.

[0058] It may be beneficial that axially extending bores (threaded bores) are provided in the end portion(s) of the inner structure.

[0059] Hereby, it is possible to fix an end plate to the end portion(s) of the inner structure by means of bolts or screws.

[0060] It may be advantageous that the scraping roller comprises a locking mechanism comprising a slidably arranged pin member configured to be brought into a corresponding cavity in order to prevent the insert member from moving axially along the longitudinal axis of the scraping roller.

[0061] Accordingly, the pin member can be inserted into the cavity in such a manner that the pin member is arranged to prevent the insert member from moving axially along the longitudinal axis of the scraping roller.

[0062] It may be an advantage that the scraping roller comprises a connection member configured to be moved by using an activation unit.

[0063] The connection member may be configured and arranged to be moved upon activating a pneumatic activation unit.

[0064] The connection member may be configured and arranged to be moved upon activating an electrical activation unit that may comprise an electrical actuator.

[0065] The connection member may be configured to be moved by using one or more mechanical units of any suitable type (not shown) e.g. a cotter pin, a split pin, a dowel or a bolt or a screw.

Description of the Drawings

[0066] The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1A

shows a schematic perspective end view of an inner structure of a scraping roller according to the invention;

Fig. 1B

shows a schematic side view of the scraping roller shown in Fig. 1A;

Fig. 2A

shows a schematic end view of the inner structure of the scraping roller shown in Fig. 1A;

Fig. 2B

shows a schematic side view of the scraping roller shown in Fig. 2A;

Fig. 3A

shows a schematic perspective end view of an inner structure of a scraping roller according to the invention, wherein several insert members have been attached to the inner structure;

Fig. 3B

shows a schematic perspective top view of the inner structure of the scraping roller shown in Fig. 3A;

Fig. 3C

shows a schematic end view of the inner structure of the scraping roller shown in Fig. 3A;

Fig. 3D

shows a schematic perspective end view of an insert member of a scraping roller according to the invention;

Fig. 4A

shows a schematic perspective view of an insert member according to the invention;

Fig. 4B

shows a schematic perspective view of another insert member according to the invention;

Fig. 4C

shows another schematic perspective view of the insert member shown in Fig. 4B;

Fig. 4D

shows a schematic perspective view of another insert member according to the invention;

Fig. 4E

shows another schematic perspective view of the insert member shown in Fig. 4A;

Fig. 4F

shows a schematic perspective view of an insert member according to the invention in a configuration, in which the insert member is formed as when it is attached to the inner structure of a scraping roller according to the invention;

Fig. 5A

shows a first schematic view of a locking mechanism according to the invention;

Fig. 5B

shows another schematic view of the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 5A;

Fig. 6A

shows a schematic view of a prior art scraping roller and

Fig. 6B

shows a schematic view of an inner structure of a scraping roller according to the invention;

Detailed description of the invention

[0067] Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a perspective view of an inner structure 30 of a scraping roller 2 according to the invention is illustrated in Fig. 1A.

[0068] The inner structure 30 comprises a centrally-arranged cylindrical opening 10 configured to receive a driving member, e.g. a driving shaft of a sharpening machine (not shown). The inner structure 30 comprises a plurality of shoulder portions 8, 8' surrounding a first groove structure 4, 4' extending in extension of a second groove structure 6, 6'. The inner structure 30 comprises ten pairs of opposing shoulders portions 8, 8'. Each pairs of opposing shoulders surrounds a first groove structure 4 extending in extension of a second groove structure 6.

[0069] Each second groove structure 6, 6' is formed as a straight bore. In a preferred embodiment, according to the invention, each second groove structure 6, 6' is formed as a straight bore having a circular cross section. In a preferred embodiment, according to the invention, each first groove structure 4, 4' is formed as a box-shaped recess extending along the outer periphery of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2. The first groove structures 4, 4' are configured to receive an engagement member of an insert member (see Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D) according to the invention.

[0070] Two large bores 12 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2 are provided in the central portion of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2. Likewise, two smaller bores 12' extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2 are provided in the central portion of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2. The bores 12, 12' are configured to receive driving structures for driving the scraping roller 2. It is indicated that it can be seen that there is a non-zero angle α between the transversal axis Y and the normal direction R (radius) first groove structures 4, 4'. The longitudinal axis of the first groove structures 4, 4' and the longitudinal axis of the corresponding second groove structures 6, 6' extend parallel to each other.

[0071] Fig. 1B illustrates a schematic side view of the scraping roller 2 shown in Fig. 1A. It can be seen that a central portion 14 extends along the central periphery of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2. Accordingly, the central portion 14 separates the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2 into a first portion I and a second portion II. Furthermore, it is indicated that there is a non-zero angle β between the longitudinal axis X of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2 and the longitudinal axis of the second groove structures.

[0072] Fig. 2A illustrates a schematic end view of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2 shown in Fig. 1A. The inner structure 30 comprises a centrally arranged cylindrical opening 10 surrounded by a body portion 16. The body portion 16 is provided with two large bores 12 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2. The body portion 16 is provided with two smaller bores 12' extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2. The bores 12, 12' can receive driving structures for driving the scraping roller 2.

[0073] The inner structure 30 comprises a plurality of pairs of opposing shoulder portions 8, 8'. Each pairs of opposing shoulders 8, 8' defines the surrounding of a first groove structure 4, 4' extending in extension of a second groove structure 6, 6'. It can be seen that the second groove structures 6, 6' have a basically circular cross section and that the first groove structures 4, 4' have a rectangular cross section extending in extension of the second groove structures 6, 6'.

[0074] It is preferred that the second groove structures 6, 6' have a uniform cross section. In one embodiment, according to the invention, the second groove structures 6, 6' are made by means of a drill.

[0075] The first groove structures 4, 4' have a rectangular cross section extending in extension of the second groove structures 6, 6'.

[0076] The angle α between the transversal axis Y of the groove structures 6, 6' and the radial direction R of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2. The first groove structures 4, 4' and the corresponding second groove structures 6, 6' extend parallel to each other.

[0077] Fig. 2B illustrates a schematic side view of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller shown in Fig. 2A. A central portion 14 extends along the central periphery of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2. The central portion 14 separates the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2 into a first portion I and a second portion II. There is a non-zero angle β between the longitudinal axis X of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2 and the longitudinal axis of the second groove structures.

[0078] Fig. 3A illustrates a schematic perspective end view of an inner structure 30 of a scraping roller 2 according to the invention, wherein several insert members 20, 20' have been attached to the inner structure 30. The inner structure 30 comprises a body portion 16 provided with a centrally arranged cylindrical opening 10. The body portion 16 is provided with two large bores 12 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2. The body portion 16 comprises two smaller bores 12' extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2. The bores 12, 12' are adapted for receiving driving structures for driving the scraping roller 2.

[0079] The inner structure 30 comprises a plurality of pairs of opposing shoulder portions 8, 8', wherein each pairs of opposing shoulders 8, 8' defines the surrounding of a first groove structure 4, 4' extending in extension of a second groove structure 6, 6'. The pairs of opposing shoulders portions 8, 8' are evenly distributed along the circumference of the inner structure. The second groove structures 6, 6' have a basically circular cross section and the first groove structures 4, 4' have a rectangular cross section extending in extension of the second groove structures 6, 6'.

[0080] A plurality of insert members 20, 20' having a tooth 44, 44' attached to an engaging member 22', are detachably attached to the groove structures 4, 4', 6, 6'. It can be seen that the tooth 44, 44' is slightly twisted.

[0081] Fig. 3B illustrates a schematic perspective top view of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2 shown in Fig. 3A. It can be seen that insert members 20, 20' having teeth 44, 44' can be attached to either the first portion I or the second portion II of the inner structure 30.

[0082] The inner structure 30 has a body portion 16 comprising a centrally arranged cylindrical opening 10 extending axially through the inner structure 30. Two large bores 12 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2 are provided in the body portion 16. Moreover, two smaller bores 12' extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2 are provided in the body portion 16. The bores 12, 12' are configured to receive driving structures (not shown) for driving the scraping roller 2.

[0083] The inner structure 30 comprises a plurality of pairs of opposing shoulders portions 8, 8' evenly distributed along the circumference of the inner structure 30. Each pair of opposing shoulder portions 8, 8', defines the surrounding of a first groove structure 4, 4' extending in extension of a second groove structure 6, 6', wherein the second groove structures 6, 6' have a basically circular cross section and the first groove structures 4, 4' have a rectangular cross section extending in extension of the second groove structures 6, 6'.

[0084] Each insert member 20, 20' has an engaging member 22 configured to be detachably attached to the second groove structures 6, 6', whereas the first groove structures 4, 4' are configured to receive the teeth 44, 44' of the insert members 20, 20'. It can be seen that the teeth 44, 44' are slightly twisted/bent when the insert members 20, 20' are attached to the groove structures 4, 4', 6, 6'.

[0085] Fig. 3C illustrates a schematic end view of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2 shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B. The inner structure 30 comprises a body portion 16 provided with a centrally arranged cylindrical opening 10. A plurality of bores 12, 12' extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner structure 30 of the scraping roller 2 are provided in the body portion 16.

[0086] The inner structure 30 comprises a plurality of pairs of opposing shoulder portions 8, 8'. Each pair of opposing shoulder portions 8, 8' surrounds a first groove structure 4, 4' extending in extension of a second groove structure 6, 6'. Ten pairs of opposing shoulder portions 8, 8' are evenly distributed along the circumference of the inner structure 30 and support the teeth 44 of the insert members 20 one the insert members 20 have been inserted into the groove structures 4, 4', 6, 6'.

[0087] It can be seen that the second groove structures 6, 6' have a basically circular cross section whereas the first groove structures 4, 4' have a rectangular cross section extending in extension of the second groove structures 6, 6'. An insert member 20 having a cylindrical engagement member 22 and a box-shaped tooth 44 has been detachably attached to the inner structure 30. The cylindrical engagement member 22 has been received by a second groove structure, whereas the box-shaped tooth has been detachably attached to a first groove structure of the inner structure 30.

[0088] Fig. 3D illustrates a schematic perspective end view of an insert member 20 of a scraping roller according to the invention. The insert member 20 comprises a rod-shaped engagement member 22 and a tooth 44 attached thereto. The joint portion between the engagement member 22 and the tooth 44 extends along the entire length of the engagement member 22. In a preferred embodiment, according to the invention, the engagement member 22 is cylindrical and has a circular cross section. It can be seen that the top portion of the tooth 44 is arced compared with the plane P extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the engagement member 22. The tooth 44 has been sharpened in order to make the top portion of the tooth 44 extend along the outer cylindrical circumference of the scraping roller having the inner structure to which the insert member 20 is detachably attached. Therefore, it is preferred that the insert members 20 used in the scrapping roller according to the invention are arced as indicated in Fig. 3D. The top portions of the tooth 44 of the insert members 20 can be arced through a sharpening process. It is also possible to manufacture insert member 20 having an arced top portion.

[0089] Fig. 4A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an insert member 22 according to the invention. The insert member 22 comprises a cylindrical engagement member 22 provided in the proximal end of the insert member 20. The insert member 22 comprises a tooth 44 having a box-shaped geometry. The tooth 44 and the engagement member 22 are joint. The tooth 44 has not been sharpened yet. Once the insert member 22 has been detachably attached to an inner structure of a scraping roller 2 according to the invention, the top portion of the tooth 44 will be processed in order to provide an arced geometry as shown in Fig. 3D and Fig. 4B.

[0090] Fig. 4B illustrates a schematic perspective view of another insert member 20 according to the invention. The insert member 22 comprises an elongated engagement member 22 provided in the proximal end of the insert member 20. The engagement member 22 has a rectangular cross section. Accordingly, the engagement member 22 is box-shaped. The insert member 20 comprises a tooth 44 having a basically box-shaped geometry. The tooth 44 has been sharpened and the top portion of the tooth 44 is arced like the one shown in Fig. 3D. Accordingly, the form of the tooth 44 will extend along the outer cylindrical circumference of a scraping roller having the inner structure according to the invention, when the insert member 20 has been detachably attached thereto. When the top portion of the tooth 44 has not been arced, the corner portions of the tooth 44 will protrude radially from the cylindrical circumference of the scraping roller. Accordingly, it is important that the top portion of the tooth 44 is arced.

[0091] Fig. 4C illustrates another schematic perspective view of the insert member shown in Fig. 4B.

[0092] Fig. 4D illustrates a schematic perspective view of another insert member 20 provided with a tooth 44 according to the invention. The insert member 22 comprises an elongated engagement member 22 having a circular cross section provided with a centrally arranged through-going aperture 24. A slot 26 is provided to constitute a joint portion between the adjacent lower structures of the engagement member 22.

[0093] Fig. 4E illustrates another schematic perspective view of the insert member shown in Fig. 4A.

[0094] Fig. 4F illustrates a schematic perspective view of an insert member 20 according to the invention having a tooth 44 that is in a twisted configuration, in which the insert member 20 is formed as when it is attached to the inner structure of a scraping roller according to the invention. The insert member 20 comprises an elongated engagement member 22 having a circular cross section.

[0095] The insert members 20 may be produced in thermoplastic polyurethane or another suitable material. The insert members 20 may be produced by extrusion since the insert members 20 have a fixed cross-sectional profile.

[0096] Fig. 5A illustrates a first schematic view of a locking mechanism according to the invention, whereas Fig. 5B illustrates another schematic view of the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 5A.

[0097] The locking mechanism comprises a slidably arranged pin member 32 configured to be brought into a corresponding cavity 34 in order to prevent the insert member 20 from moving axially along the longitudinal axis of the scraping roller.

[0098] A connection structure 36 connects the pin member 32 and an elongated connection member 40. The pin member 32 is arranged in a space 38 shaped to allow for radially displacing the pin member 32 in order to bring the pin member 32 from a first unlocked position (shown in Fig. 5A) into a second locked position (shown in Fig. 5B) by moving the pin member 32 in the direction indicated by the arrow.

[0099] The space 38 is provided in an inner structure 30 of a scraping roller according to the invention. The cavity 34 provided in the insert member 20 extends in extension of the space 38. Hereby, it is possible to displace the pin member radially along the length of the space 38 and further into the cavity 34 in the insert member 20 in order to prevent the insert member 20 from moving axially along the longitudinal axis of the scraping roller.

[0100] In Fig. 5B, the connection member 40 has been pressed into the space 38. Hereby, the elongated connection member 40 has displaced the connection structure 36 and the pin member 32 towards the cavity 34. Accordingly, the pin member 32 is inserted into the cavity 34. Therefore, the pin member 32 is arranged to prevent the insert member 20 from moving axially along the longitudinal axis of the scraping roller.

[0101] The connection member 40 may be moved by using any suitable activation unit. The connection member 40 may be moved upon activating a pneumatic activation unit (not shown). The connection member 40 may alternatively be moved upon activating an electrical activation unit that may comprise an electrical actuator (not shown). The connection member 40 may be moved by using one or more mechanical units of any suitable type (not shown) e.g. a cotter pin, a split pin, a dowel or a bolt or a screw.

[0102] Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic view of a prior art scraping roller 46. The prior art scraping roller 46 comprises a centrally-arranged cylindrical opening 50 and a plurality of teeth 52, 52' provided at the outer surface of the scraping roller 46. A large quantity of material is provided between the teeth 52, 52' and the opening 50. Accordingly, the solid portion 48 provided between the teeth 52, 52' and the opening 50 is wasted when the scraping roller 46 is thrown away.

[0103] When using a scraping roller according to the invention, it is not necessary to throw away the portion provided between the opening and the teeth 52, 52'. Accordingly, the invention makes it possible to reduce waste significantly.

[0104] Fig. 6B illustrates a schematic view of an inner structure 30 of a scraping roller 2 according to the invention. The inner structure 30 comprises a first portion I and a second portion II separated by a central portion 14 provided centrally along the circumference of the inner structure 30. A plurality of first groove structures 4, 4' are provided in the inner structure 30. It can be seen that the first groove structures 4, 4' are formed as straight bores that are angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the inner structure 30. The angle θ is indicated. The inner structure 30 comprises a centrally-arranged cylindrical opening 10 configured to receive a driving member, e.g. a driving shaft of a sharpening machine (not shown). The opening 10 extends along the longitudinal axis of the inner structure 30.

List of reference numerals

[0105] 

2

Scraping roller

4, 4'

First groove structure

6, 6'

Second groove structure

8, 8'

Shoulder groove structure portion

10

Opening

12, 12'

Bore

14

Central portion

16

Body portion

20, 20'

Insert member

22

Engagement structure

24

Aperture

26

Joint portion

30

Inner structure

32

Pin member

34

Cavity

36

Connection structure

38

Space

40

Connection member

44, 44'

Tooth

46

Prior art scraping roller

48

Solid portion

50

Opening

52, 52'

Tooth

I, II

Portion

X

Longitudinal axis

Y

Transversal axis

α, β, θ

Angle

R

Normal direction

P

Plane

Claims

1. A scraping roller (2) for scraping the skin side of an animal pelt such as a mink pelt, wherein the scraping roller (2) comprises a plurality of scraping teeth (44, 44') arranged longitudinally on the outer surface of the scraping roller (2), wherein the scraping roller (2) comprises an inner structure (30) provided with a plurality of groove structures (4, 4', 6, 6') configured to receive detachably attached insert members (20, 20') formed as scraping teeth (44, 44') to the scraping roller (2), characterised in that each groove structure (4, 4', 6, 6') comprises a straight bore (6, 6') and that each insert member (20, 20') comprises an engagement member (22, 22') configured to be detachably attached to the straight bore (6, 6'), and in that there is a non-zero angle (α) between the transversal axis (Y) of the first groove structures (4, 4') and the normal direction (R) (radius) of the inner structure (30).

2. A scraping roller (2) according to claim 1, characterised in that the straight bore (6, 6') has a circular cross section.

3. A scraping roller (2) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the inner structure (30) comprises:

- a plurality of first groove structures (4, 4') configured to receive the scraping teeth (44, 44') and

- a plurality of second groove structures (6, 6') configured to receive the engagement members (22, 22') of the insert members (20, 20'), wherein each first groove structure (4, 4') extend in extension of a corresponding second groove structure (6, 6'), wherein each pair of first groove structures (4, 4') and the corresponding second groove structures (6, 6') constitute a common groove structure (4, 4', 6, 6').

4. A scraping roller (2) according to claim 3, characterised in that the second groove structure (6, 6') has a larger width than the first groove structure (4, 4').

5. A scraping roller (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that there is a non-zero angle (β) between the longitudinal axis of the first groove structures (4, 4') and the longitudinal axis (X) of the inner structure (30).

6. A scraping roller (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner structure (30) comprises a plurality of shoulder portions (8, 8') each surrounding a portion of a first groove structure (4, 4') extending in extension of a second groove structure (6, 6').

7. A scraping roller (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inner structure (30) comprises a first portion (I) and second portion (II), wherein the first portion (I) extends along the first half of the inner structure (30), wherein the second portion (II) extends along the other half of the inner structure (30).

8. A scraping roller (2) according to claim 7, characterised in that the first portion (I) and the second portion (II) are separated by a central portion (14) provided centrally along the circumference of the inner structure (30).

9. A scraping roller (2) according to one of the preceding claims 3-9, characterised in that the teeth (44, 44') of the insert members (20, 20) are sharpened in a manner in which the top portion of the teeth (44, 44') extend along the outer cylindrical circumference of the scraping roller (2) having the inner structure (30) to which the insert members (20, 20') are detachably attached.

Drawing