CH717818A2 - Mixing attachment, mixing container and use of a mixing container. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a stirring attachment (14) comprising a cover (16) with a through-opening (24), the cover (16) being designed for essentially fluid-tight coupling to a container (12), and a stirring tool (18). a shaft (20) and an agitator (22), wherein the shaft (20) is rotatably mounted in the through-opening (24). The shaft (20) is provided with a coupling section (26) at one end, which is opposite the agitator (22) in relation to the cover (16), which is designed for removable coupling with a tool (28).

Description

The present invention relates to a mixing attachment, a mixing container and a use of a mixing container.

[0002] Containers are known which store a fluid. These fluids can include liquid media which are to be agitated, mixed, blended, agitated or thoroughly mixed as soon as possible or immediately prior to their use—hereinafter referred to uniformly as agitated in the same context. This includes, for example, liquids such as paints, thinners, varnishes, adhesives, etc. However, this can also include solid and soluble substances, such as powder, granules, flakes, paste, etc. Paints should be stirred before use in order to, among other things, achieve homogeneous mixing. Different colors can also be mixed or mixed with one another in order to achieve a desired shade. Conventional paint containers are sealed fluid-tight and airtight until shortly before use, e.g. by means of a cover that can be put on.

As soon as possible after the container for e.g. paints, varnishes, etc. is opened, stirring tools are used for stirring. A simple wooden stick can be used as a stirring tool, with which the paint is stirred by hand. Agitating tools with a shaft and an agitator firmly coupled to it can also be used, with the shaft being coupled at the other end of the agitator to an electric tool, e.g. clamped in the drill chuck of a drill/driver.

A disadvantage of known solutions is that the paint drips off the stirring tools after stirring and can cause contamination. Although the stirring tools can be accommodated after use in appropriately prepared draining devices with possibly a cleaning solution, this process is time-consuming and makes it necessary to have such a draining device available.

[0005] A further disadvantage is that color can splatter outwards during conventional stirring.

[0006] Stirring tools are also often designed as disposable tools, which, however, use up resources and generate waste.

Another disadvantage is that stirring tools are often not available at the application site.

Another disadvantage is that after opening the paint container escape vapors, which can be harmful. The user is thus exposed to the noxious vapors, at least during the stirring process.

Another disadvantage is that oxygen is introduced into the paint when it is stirred, which is disadvantageous for paints. For example, the color fastness suffers as a result.

[0010] A further disadvantage is that conventional stirring takes a very long time. The user also has no hands free. Although the time can be reduced with conventional motor-driven stirring, the user does not have a free hand here either. In addition, a lot of paint splashes outwards, the oxygen lock increases and more harmful vapors are released.

The object of the present invention is to specify a mixing attachment, a mixing container and a use of a mixing container which do not have the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0012] This object is achieved by a mixing attachment having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous design variants as well as a mixture container and a use of a mixture container are specified in further claims.

According to the invention, a stirring attachment comprises a cover with a through-opening, the cover being designed for essentially fluid-tight coupling with a container. Furthermore, the stirring attachment comprises a stirring tool, comprising a shaft and an agitator. The shaft is rotatably mounted in the through hole of the cover. Furthermore, the shaft is provided at an end which is opposite the agitator in relation to the cover, with a coupling section which is designed for removable coupling with a tool.

The stirring attachment according to the invention can be integrated into the container, for example after the container has been filled, by placing the lid tightly on the container in such a way that the stirring mechanism is immersed in the paint. The transport and storage of such a container are uncomplicated. When used by the user or customer, the latter initially leaves the container closed and removably couples the coupling section to a corresponding coupling section of a tool, e.g. a manual tool, electric tool or pneumatically operated tool. For example, a drill or, advantageously, a cordless drill can be used. However, a manually operated tool or manually manageable tool can also be used. Once paired, the cordless drill can be put into operation. The rotation is transferred to the agitator in the paint with the result that the paint is stirred. The mixing attachment can also be kept separately by the user. Furthermore, the mixer attachment can be used more frequently.

An advantage of the stirring attachment is that the color is mixed more quickly and more homogeneously than has been achieved with stirring by hand up to now. Overall, a better mix is achieved and quality is increased.

The stirring tool is also advantageously integrated directly in the container and does not need to be kept separately.

The lid of the mixer attachment is removed after stirring, as usual, for example, and can be placed on the floor with its top side. The paint adhering to the agitator can therefore drip onto the underside of the lid pointing upwards and does not contaminate the environment. Advantageously, therefore, no draining devices need to be kept available.

Another advantage is that no paint squirts outwards during stirring.

[0019]Further advantageously, no vapors escape to the outside during stirring, so that the user is not exposed to vapors that may be harmful to health, at least during the course of stirring.

[0020] Also advantageously, little or no oxygen is included in the paint during stirring. Thus, the color fastness after stirring can be guaranteed.

Another advantage is that the user can have one hand free while stirring.

There is also an advantage in that the mixing attachment can be used several times. For example, the mixer attachment can be removed from the container after use or a mixing process and placed in another container with cleaning solution, e.g. thinner. The stirring tool can then be set in rotation, e.g. by operating the drill/driver. As a result, the stirring tool, especially the stirring mechanism, which is otherwise difficult and cumbersome to clean, is reliably cleaned and can be reused several times. This promotes sustainability and resources are conserved. In addition, the use and disposal of cleaning solution can be reduced. Likewise, the user is only exposed to a reduced extent to vapors that may be harmful to health, e.g. released by thinners. Also no cleaning solution splashes to the outside.

Although benefits are described in the context of color, the benefits can also be achieved in the context of other liquid media.

In an advantageous embodiment of the mixing attachment, the shaft contains at least two shaft sections which can be adjusted in relation to one another, further comprising a lock for mutually locking the shaft sections at a predetermined overall length. An advantage of this design is that the agitator can be adjusted to a desired height in the container. The height can be adjusted product-specifically. Furthermore, it can be avoided that the agitator strikes the inner surface sections of the container, especially its bottom.

In an advantageous embodiment of the mixing attachment, the shaft sections can be slid into one another. In this embodiment, the agitator can be easily and reliably adjusted to a desired height in the container by sliding the shaft sections into one another and then locking them in place.

In an advantageous embodiment of the mixing attachment, the coupling section comprises a receptacle which is designed to enter into an essentially non-positive interaction with a tip tool of the electric tool. In this embodiment, a conventional pointed tool can be used, which engages with the receptacle of the coupling section or enters into a non-positive interaction with it. Thus, no special tool needs to be kept available.

In an advantageous embodiment of the mixing attachment, the receptacle has a polygonal inner surface which is shaped to correspond essentially to a polygonal outer surface of the tip tool. In a further advantageous embodiment of the stirring attachment, the polygonal inner surface widens outwards, designed to accommodate the tip tool of the electric tool in an orientation which deviates within a predetermined angular range from the axis of rotation of the shaft. An example of such a socket is a hexalobular socket, also known as a screw drive profile (also known by the word mark "Torx"). A corresponding external hexalobe can be used as a top tool on a cordless drill, for example. This coupling between the internal hexalobe and the external hexalobe allows the axial direction of the tip tool and the axial direction of the shaft of the agitating tool to deviate from each other in angular relationship. An advantage is that the tip tool can be easily disengaged from the coupling portion of the mixer attachment. This prevents the stirring attachment from remaining coupled to the tip tool after the lid has been removed from the container after stirring. This has the disadvantage that accidental or unintentional operation of the cordless drill sprays paint adhering to the agitator into the environment.

In an advantageous embodiment, the mixing attachment also comprises a rotary bearing, which is provided between the cover and a section of the shaft, designed to rotatably support the shaft on the cover. The shaft is thus reliably supported in the area of the passage opening. The rotary bearing can, for example, comprise a slide bearing.

In an advantageous embodiment of the stirring attachment, the rotary bearing comprises a wobbling bearing. The wobbling bearing of the shaft on the lid allows the axis of rotation of the shaft of the stirring attachment to deviate from the longitudinal direction of the container. By allowing the axis of rotation of the shaft to pivot or wobble in relation to the container, areas of the container that are further towards the edge of the container can also be reached, e.g. paint lying against the edge. This allows the paint to continue to be stirred homogeneously, since all parts of it can be reached by the agitator.

In an advantageous embodiment of the mixing attachment, the rotary bearing comprises a seal which seals the shaft to the cover in a fluid-tight manner. Thus, the rotary bearing can act as a rotary bearing and as a seal at the same time. The container, which is closed with the lid of the mixing attachment, can therefore be transported safely and stored for a long time.

In an advantageous embodiment of the stirring attachment, the seal is provided with a predetermined breaking point. The seal of the rotary bearing can thus be broken at the predetermined breaking point, for example, as soon as external torque is applied to the shaft of the mixing attachment. The condition of the seal, which was broken at the predetermined breaking point, is clearly visible from the outside and indicates that the mixture container has already been used.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the stirring attachment, the seal comprises a seal that is visible from the outside. For example, the seal can be designed in one piece, with a predetermined breaking point, which can also act as a seal. As soon as a torque is applied to the coupling section, the seal breaks into two parts, e.g. into two rings, namely an inner ring coupled to the shaft and an outer ring coupled to the cover at the predetermined breaking point. This condition is clearly visible from the outside and is an indication, for example, that the mixture container has already been used. Of course, the seal can also take other forms.

In an advantageous embodiment of the mixing attachment, the cover is provided with a trough in the area of the passage opening and the coupling section is arranged within the trough in such a way that the coupling section is sunk into the trough. For example, the coupling section can be completely submerged in the trough. In this particularly preferred embodiment, the coupling section advantageously does not protrude from the surface of the cover and is therefore not in the way. This enables good storage and transport.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the mixing attachment, the trough is covered with an adhesive strip. By masking the trough, it does not interfere and the lid assumes a substantially uniform shape. It is also avoided that foreign matter accumulates in the trough. The adhesive strip can also act as a seal. This makes it easy to see from the outside whether the mixing attachment has already been used.

In an advantageous embodiment of the agitator attachment, the agitator contains a large number of blades which can be deflected in the radial direction of the shaft. In this embodiment, the agitator contains a large number of blades which are articulated or deflectable in the radial direction of the shaft in such a way that they can be inserted through a narrow filling opening of the container, for example, by pressing the blades in the direction of the shaft. As soon as the wings have been passed through the narrow filling opening, they can be deflected or spread open in the opposite direction inside the container by a restoring force. The blades can be resiliently coupled to a portion of the agitator coupled to the shaft. Thus, a stirring attachment is created which is also suitable for containers with a narrow filling opening, e.g. containers in which the lid is designed as a screw cap. In an advantageous embodiment of the stirring attachment, the lid can be placed on the container in a fluid-tight manner or can be screwed thereto.

The invention further relates to a mixture container, which comprises a container and a stirring attachment according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the stirring attachment is placed on the lid of the container in a fluid-tight manner or is screwed thereto. The mixture container according to the invention allows stirring of e.g. paint directly on site with the help of e.g. a cordless drill attached via a pointed tool. The mixing container can be pre-assembled or fitted individually with the mixer attachment.

In an advantageous embodiment of the mixture container, at least the container and the lid comprise the same material. This makes it easier to recycle the mixture container.

In an advantageous embodiment, the mixing container is designed for storing and stirring liquid or solid media, in particular paints, thinners, lacquers, adhesives, powders, granules, flakes, paste. In addition to these media, the mixture container can also store other liquid or solid media, soluble substances, etc.

In an advantageous embodiment, the mixture container also includes information applied to the container with content-specific information about the stirring, especially about the type and/or duration of stirring. The information about stirring is specific to the content or refers to the medium stored in each case. In one example, the information may include an ideal speed, ideal stirring time, etc. for the medium.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the mixture container also comprises a closure lid which closes tightly with the edge of the container, the closure lid being provided with a recess into which the lid of the stirring attachment can be inserted. This design allows a reduction in the area of the lid. The overall dimensions of the mixer attachment can thus be reduced, making the mixer attachment more manageable and easier to transport and store.

The invention further relates to a use of a mixing container according to one of claims 16 to 20 for storing color and stirring the color.

Although color was often described as an example of the medium to be stored and stirred in the preceding description, other liquid media, such as thinners, paints, adhesives, etc., as well as solid and soluble media can also be used , such as powder, granules, flakes, paste, etc.

It is expressly pointed out that the above embodiment variants can be combined as desired. Only those combinations of design variants are excluded that would lead to contradictions through the combination.

[0044] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing. 1 shows a schematic representation of a mixing container, FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a stirring attachment, FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a sectional view of a mixing container in a further embodiment, and FIG mixture tank shown.

In Fig. 1, a mixture container 10 is shown in a schematic representation. The mixing container 10 comprises a container 12 and a stirring attachment 14 placed thereon, which is shown enlarged in FIG. The stirring attachment 14 in turn comprises a cover 16, via which the stirring attachment 14 is placed or coupled to the container 12. For this purpose, the cover 16 is designed for essentially fluid-tight coupling with the container 12 . For example, at least the container 12 and the lid 16 can be made of the same material, which makes it easier to recycle the mixture container after use.

Furthermore, the stirring attachment 14 comprises a stirring tool 18, which in turn contains a shaft 20 and an agitator 22 attached thereto. The agitator 22 comprises, for example, two blades 22', 22''. The shaft 20 is rotatably mounted in a through-opening 24 provided in the cover 16 .

The shaft 20 is provided at one end, which is opposite the agitator 22 in relation to the cover 16, with a coupling section 26 which is designed for removable coupling to an electric tool 28, e.g. For this purpose, the coupling section 26 includes a receptacle 29 which can be removably coupled to a tip tool 30 of the electric tool 28 or is able to enter into an essentially non-positive interaction therewith.

In an example of a non-positive interaction, the receptacle 29 can have a polygonal inner surface. The tip tool 30 can also have a polygonal outer surface which is shaped essentially corresponding to the polygonal inner surface of the receptacle 29 .

Advantageously, the polygonal inner surface can expand outwards in such a way that the tip tool 30 of the electric tool 28 can be received in an orientation which deviates from the axis of rotation of the shaft 20, for example within a predetermined angular range from the axis of rotation of the shaft 20 deviates.

Thus, the point tool 30 can be easily disengaged from the socket 30 or prevents the mixing attachment 14 from remaining coupled to the point tool 30 after the lid 16 is removed from the container 12 after mixing. This prevents the agitator 22 from being inadvertently rotated outside the container 12 and paint adhering to it from being sprayed into the environment.

The shaft 20 can be mounted on the cover 16 of the stirring attachment 14 via a rotary bearing 32 . The pivot bearing 32 can be designed as a plain bearing. In a further example, the rotary bearing 32 can comprise a wobbling bearing, which allows the axis of rotation of the shaft 20 to deviate from the longitudinal direction of the container 12 or to wobble. Due to the wobbling of the axis of rotation of the shaft 20 in relation to the container 12, areas on the edge of the container 12 can also be reached during stirring. As a result, the paint can continue to be stirred homogeneously, since all parts of it can be captured by the agitator 22 .

A seal 34 is also provided in the section of the through opening 24 which seals the shaft 20 to the cover 16 in a fluid-tight manner. In one example, seal 34 may be included in pivot bearing 32 . Furthermore, for example, the seal 34 can be provided with a predetermined breaking point. The seal 34 can be broken in a predetermined manner at the predetermined breaking point as soon as a torque is applied to the shaft 20 from the outside. For example, the seal 34 can break into two partial seals at the predetermined breaking point, e.g. into two rings 34', 34'', namely an inner ring 34' coupled to the shaft 20 and an outer ring 34'' coupled to the cover 16 (in Fig. 2 from illustrative reasons shown separately). The condition of the broken seal 34 is clearly visible from the outside and provides information about a previous use of the mixture container 10. Additionally or alternatively, the mixture container 10 can comprise a seal which is clearly visible from the outside and which breaks as soon as a torque is applied to the coupling section 26.

The cover 16 is provided with a trough 36 in the area of the passage opening 24 , the coupling section 26 being completely sunk within the trough 36 . As a result, the coupling section 26 advantageously does not protrude from the surface of the cover 16 and is therefore not in the way, which makes storage and transport easier. The trough can be covered with an adhesive strip 38. As a result, the trough 36 does not disturb the appearance of the mixture container 10. The cover 16 can be given a substantially uniform shape by the adhesive strip 38. Furthermore, the adhesive strip 38 prevents foreign matter from accumulating in the depression 36 . The adhesive strip 38 can also act as a seal. It is thus clearly visible from the outside whether the mixture container 10 has already been used.

Information 40 can be applied or glued to the outer surface of the mixture container 12, from which information specific to the content of the stirring can be found, in particular about the type and/or duration of stirring. The information 40 about the stirring is content-specific or relates to the medium stored in each case. In one example, the information 40 may include an ideal speed, ideal stirring time, etc. for the medium.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the mixture container 10 in a sectional view in a further embodiment, while FIG. 4 shows an enlarged representation of the upper side of the mixture container shown in FIG. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the shaft 20 contains two shaft sections 20', 20'' which can be adjusted in relation to one another. As soon as a desired or predetermined overall length of the shaft 20 has been set, the shaft sections 20', 20'' can be mutually locked by a locking device 42, e.g. a screw connection, a clamp, etc. In the example shown, the two shaft sections 20', 20"' can be slid into one another. One advantage of the two shaft sections 20', 20"' adjustable relative to one another is that the stirring tool 18 can be set to a desired height in the container 12. This height can be adjusted product-specifically. Furthermore, it can be avoided that the agitator 22 hits the inner surface sections of the container 12, especially its bottom.

The embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 illustrates a so-called lid-in-lid solution. For this purpose, the container 12 is provided with a sealing cover 44 which seals tightly all around with the edge of the container 12 and is provided with a central recess 46 . In turn, the cover 16 of the stirring attachment 14 is removably inserted into this recess 46 and also seals all around with the edge of the recess 46 . The use of the mixer attachment 14 is similar to the previous description. After use or stirring, the stirring attachment 14 can be easily detached from the closure lid 44 and separated from the container 12 . With this design, the area of the cover 16 can be reduced or the overall dimensions of the stirring attachment 14 can be reduced.

Thus, the mixing attachment 14 is easier to handle and can be transported and stored better.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cover 16 of the mixing attachment 14 is provided with the trough 36. Furthermore, the receptacle 29 of the coupling section 26 is completely sunk into the trough 36 and does not protrude in a disturbing manner. The attachment 29 is rotatably mounted in the trough 36 . The attachment is provided with radially protruding projections 46', 46'', which engage in annular depressions 50', 50'', which are formed in the inner surface or in the outwardly facing surface of the trough 36. This double seal connects the attachment 29 and the trough 36, or in total the attachment 29 and the cover 16, to one another in a fluid-tight manner. No fluid can escape between the inner surface of the trough 36 and the outer surface of the attachment 29 to the outside. Furthermore, the fluid is stored airtight. The container 12 can thus be safely transported and also stored for a long time. The seal described can simultaneously act as the pivot bearing 32 between the attachment 29 and the cover 16 . The inner surface of the trough 36 is designed in a conical shape, widening outwards or upwards, and the peripheral surface of the attachment 29 is also correspondingly designed in a conical shape. This advantageously increases the sealing surface between the inner surface of the trough 36 and the outer surface of the attachment 29. Furthermore, the attachment 29 is reliably accommodated in the trough 36. Further advantageously, the cover 16 can be produced simply and inexpensively by means of stamping.

Claims (21)

A mixer attachment (14) comprising: a lid (16) with a through-opening (24), the lid (16) being designed for essentially fluid-tight coupling to a container (12), an agitating tool (18) comprising a shaft (20) and an agitator (22), the shaft (20) being rotatably mounted in the through-opening (24), the shaft (20) being provided at an end opposite the agitator (22) in relation to the cover (16) with a coupling portion (26) adapted for removable coupling to a tool (28). 2. Mixing attachment (14) according to claim 1, the shaft (20) including at least two shaft sections (20',20'') which are adjustable in relation to one another, further comprising a lock for locking the shaft sections together at a predetermined overall length. 3. Mixing attachment (14) according to claim 2, wherein the shaft sections are slidable into each other. 4. Mixing attachment (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling section (26) comprises a receptacle (29) which is designed to enter into an essentially non-positive interaction with a tip tool (30) of the electric tool (28). 5. Mixing attachment (14) according to claim 4, wherein the receptacle (29) has a polygonal inner surface which is shaped essentially corresponding to a polygonal outer surface of the tip tool (30). 6. Mixing attachment (14) according to claim 4 or 5, the polygonal inner surface flaring outwardly adapted to receive the tip tool (30) of the power tool (28) in an orientation which deviates within a predetermined angular range from the axis of rotation of the shaft (20). 7. stirring attachment (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a rotary bearing (32), which is provided between the cover (16) and a portion of the shaft (20), designed to rotatably support the shaft (20) on the cover (16). 8. Mixing attachment (14) according to claim 7, wherein the rotary bearing (32) comprises a wobble bearing. 9. Mixing attachment (14) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the rotary bearing (32) comprises a seal (34) which seals the shaft (20) to the cover (16) in a fluid-tight manner. 10. Mixing attachment (14) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the seal (34) is provided with a predetermined breaking point. 11. Mixing attachment (14) according to claim 10, wherein the seal (34) comprises a seal visible from the outside. 12. Mixing attachment (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (16) is provided with a trough (36) in the area of the through-opening (24) and the coupling section (26) is arranged within the trough (36) in such a way that the coupling section (26) is sunk into the trough (36). 13. Mixing attachment (14) according to claim 12, wherein the trough (36) is covered with an adhesive strip (38). 14. Agitator attachment (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the agitator (22) contains a plurality of vanes which can be deflected in the radial direction of the shaft (20). 15. Mixing attachment (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (16) can be placed on the container (12) in a fluid-tight manner or can be screwed thereto. 16. Mixture container (10) comprising a container (12) and a stirring attachment (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stirring attachment (14) is placed on the container (12) via the lid (16) in a fluid-tight manner or is screwed thereto. 17. Mixture container (10) according to claim 16, wherein at least the container (12) and the lid (16) comprise the same material. 18. Mixing container (10) according to claim 16 or 17, designed for storing and stirring liquid or solid media, in particular paints, thinners, lacquers, adhesives, powders, granules, flakes, paste. 19. Mixture container (10) according to one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising information (40) applied to the container (12) with content-specific information about the stirring, especially about the type and/or duration of stirring. 20. Mixture container (10) according to one of Claims 16 to 19, further comprising a closure lid (44) which seals with the edge of the container (10), the closure lid (44) being provided with a recess (46) in which the cover (16) of the mixing attachment (14) can be used. 21. Use of a mixing container (10) according to any one of claims 16 to 20 for storing and stirring liquid or solid media, in particular paints, thinners, lacquers, adhesives, powders, granules, flakes, paste.