DE102008047623B4 - mixing system - Google Patents

Abstract

Mixing system for use in the pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic field for mixing at least two components to be mixed with one another, comprising: at least one mixing device (50) and at least one mixing container (80), the mixing container (80) having at least one peripheral wall surface (82) and at least one bottom surface (84) and is suitable for receiving at least two components to be mixed with one another, the mixing container (80) having at least one information carrier (90) which contains at least one piece of control information in machine-readable form, the mixing device (50 ) has a control device and at least one communication device (60) and the communication device (60) is able to read at least one of the control information contained in the information carrier (90) of the mixing container (80) and the read control information to the control device to practice endured, and wherein the control device of the mixing device (50) processes this at least one piece of control information when controlling the mixing device (50), at least one control parameter being assigned to at least one control information item in the control device of the mixing device (50), characterized in that a mixing tool is provided for mixing the at least two components, which likewise has at least one information carrier (90) which contains further control information and can be read out by the communication device (60) of the mixing device (50).

Description

The present invention relates to a mixing system for mixing at least two components to be mixed together, a mixing device and a mixing container and a method for controlling a mixing system.

Mixing systems are known for mixing at least two components to be mixed together, such mixing systems often having a mixing device and a mixing container. Usually, the mixing devices are simple stirrers and the mixing container cylindrical plastic cups, which are referred to in the pharmaceutical field, especially in pharmacies as jars.

The DE 200 17 342 U1 discloses a stirrer, consisting of a vertically adjustable in height stirrer head with a drive, a shaft which is drivable at its upper in the installed position of the drive and at its lower end in installation position has a stirring tool, and receiving the material to be touched Stirrer container, in which the stirring tool is lowered. The agitator container has identification means which indicate container-specific information, and the agitator has detection means with which the information can be automatically detected in order to determine the operating parameters of the agitator, for. B. safety-related limit points to regulate depending on the agitator used.

The DE 699 07 680 T2 discloses a mixing machine especially for the production of dyes, creams or gels, such as dyeings for hair, cosmetic creams or the like, with a predetermined formula, which is preferably stored in a computer associated with the mixing machine per se and thus allowing each mix to be repeated exactly and at any time, that is, the process becomes repeatable without having to manually mix these products, with the ability to alter proportions and amounts

In a simple embodiment, a mixing device has a motor-driven shaft, in particular an electric motor-driven shaft, and a mixing tool located thereon. These mixing tools are similar to the blenders or hand mixers, as they are used in the kitchen area. When using such simple mixing systems, the components are filled into the mixing container and mixed there by means of the mixing tool of the mixing device. In this case, by the user of the mixing system, the mixing container is held with one hand and the mixing device with the other hand. Such a known mixing system has a number of disadvantages. So both hands of the user are necessary to keep mixing device and mixing container. Further addition of additional components to be mixed in the container during the mixing process is not possible. Also, the mixing itself is not ensured in an ideal manner, as between the mixing device and the mixing container by the purely manual operation of the mixing device, an angular displacement can occur, which prevents the ideal mixing of the components together. Not least, the known mixing system is disadvantageous, since high shear forces can be transferred from the mixing tool driven by the mixing device to the mixing container, especially in the case of highly viscous components which are to be mixed together. In this way, there is a risk that slipped by the transmitted torque of the mixing container in the user's hand, or completely moved out of this in the most unpleasant case, this means the leakage of the components to be mixed together.

Based on the above-described, very simple mixing system and mixing systems are known which provide a fixed clamping for the mixing device. Such mixing systems usually also have a receiving device for mixing containers. In this way, the user of such a mixing system has both hands free during the mixing process. However, this known form of mixing systems also has disadvantages. In particular, high demands are placed on the abilities and training of the operating personnel. So it is imperative that the type of mixing container, in particular with regard to its geometric shape and its material, is taken into account in the operation of the mixing device. For this purpose, the operator must be aware of which settings they must set according to the respective mixing container on the mixing device. The correctness of these settings is of particular relevance since the operator has both hands free and does not necessarily have to remain in or near the mixing system during the mixing process. Incorrect settings can thus lead to an uncontrolled mixing process up to damage to the mixing container and / or the mixing device, if the operating personnel during the mixing process, with incorrectly entered control parameters is not present.

The object of the present invention is to remedy the above-described disadvantages of the prior art.

This object is achieved by a mixing system having the features of claim 1, a mixing device having the features of claim 21, a mixing container having the features of claim 26 and a method for controlling a mixing system according to claim 35.

A mixing system according to the invention for mixing at least two components to be mixed together for use in the pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic field has at least one mixing device and at least one mixing container. The mixing container has at least one circumferential wall surface and at least one bottom surface and is suitable for receiving at least two components to be mixed together. The mixing container may additionally have other elements, such as a removable lid. The mixing container has at least one information carrier, which contains at least one control information, at least in machine-readable form. The mixing device has a control device and at least one communication device, wherein the communication device is able to read at least one of the control information contained in the information carrier of the mixing container. The read-out control information is transmitted to the control device from the communication device and the control device processes at least one control information in the control of the mixing device. An inventive mixing system has the advantage that the mixing device receives control information, which are directly related to the mixing vessel used. This creates a communication between mixing device and mixing container. While in well-known mixing systems a very good training of the operating personnel at the mixing device was necessary to ensure the appropriate security for operation, a mixing system according to the invention can also be operated by less trained personnel, since safety-relevant factors are exchanged via the communication device between mixing device and mixing container can. The operation of a mixing system according to the invention is thus of great advantage, since the safety of the operation is significantly increased. In addition to the safety aspect, the mixing process can be accelerated by the use of a mixing system according to the invention. Thus, it is possible to completely dispense with the manual input of control parameters, provided that they can be read by the communication device from the control information contained in the information carrier of the mixing container. A lengthy and manual input by the operator is therefore no longer necessary. The entire mixing process is reduced by the manual input step, so that the total preparation time is significantly reduced. In summary, it can be said that by means of a mixing system according to the invention in the same time a larger number of preparations can be produced with higher reliability.

In the mixing system according to the invention at least one control information of at least one information carrier in the control device of the mixing device is assigned in each case at least one control parameter. By the correlation in the control device between control information and control parameters, the safety of the operation of the mixing device is ensured. For example, at least one control information of at least one information carrier is assigned as the control parameter the rotational speed of the mixing device. Thus, depending on the mixing vessel geometry used or other control information which is contained on corresponding information carriers, the rotational speed of the mixing device can be kept in a safety area during the mixing process. Also certain speed curves, ie different speeds at different mixing times, for example, low speed at the start of mixing and high speed, for example, to produce a fine emulsion, the mixing end, are easily feasible in this way. In addition to the safety aspect, it becomes particularly clear what a great advantage, in particular in the case of complex speed curves, is provided by an inventive mixing system with regard to the programming time of the mixing device.

The mixing system according to the invention provides at least one mixing tool for mixing the at least two components, which likewise has at least one information carrier. This information carrier is also equipped with control information and can be read by the communication device of the mixing device. The information carrier of the mixing tool can be configured in an identical manner as the information carrier of the mixing container and its control information can also be assigned to identical or similar control parameters of the control device of the mixing device.

• – Höhe des Mischbehälters
• – Innendurchmesser des Mischbehälters
• – Innenvolumen des Mischbehälters
• – Material des Mischbehälters
• – Ausrichtung des Mischbehälters
• – Außendurchmesser des Mischbehälters
• – Deckelform des Mischbehälters

Furthermore, it is advantageous if a mixing system according to the invention has a mixing container whose information carrier contains at least one control information, wherein the at least one control information is selected from the list:

• - height of the mixing tank
• - Inner diameter of the mixing container
• - Inner volume of the mixing container
• - Material of the mixing container
• - Alignment of the mixing container
• - Outer diameter of the mixing container
• - Lid shape of the mixing container

The list above is just a selection of possible control information and not exhaustive. The geometric conditions of the mixing container and its choice of material influences the control parameters of the mixing device. Thus, for example, when using plastic mixing containers, the correlation between the planned preparation and the selected mixing container material can be checked for possible undesired chemical reactions. On the geometry of the mixing container further control parameters of the mixing device can be adapted to the actual situation in the mixing system.

It is also advantageous if at least one information carrier is arranged visibly on the mixing container for the human eye. As a result of this visible arrangement of the information carrier, the mixing container itself is characterized as belonging to the mixing system according to the invention. In this case, communication devices can be used for the mixing device, which rely on direct line-of-sight (LOS) between the communication device and the information carrier. Independently of the content of the information carrier, the visible information carrier can notify the user of a mixing system according to the invention that he may in principle count on the increased security guaranteed by the invention.

Alternatively or additionally, a mixing system according to the invention can have at least one information carrier which is arranged visibly on the mixing container for the human eye. in particular, when using mixing containers, the appearance of which should meet certain aesthetic requirements, it may be advantageous not visible to arrange the information carrier, in particular invisible to the mixing container. In this way, the visible area for the printing of the mixing container, for example, with advertising claims, is maintained and is not unnecessarily reduced by the information carrier itself.

At least one information carrier of a mixing system according to the invention can have at least one control information that is both machine-readable by the communication device and also readable by the human eye. In this way, especially in particularly critical preparation situations, the additional visual control before the start of the mixing program is possible. After at least one control information has been read from the information carrier of the mixing container via the communication device, the user of the mixing device can manually check and possibly readjust the settings of the control device of the mixing device based on the control information readable by the human eye, or determine that possibly an error in the communication device must be present. This double readability of at least one control information, that is, machine readability and readability with the human eye, can thus be used as a verification process for the proper functioning of the communication device.

In order to further increase the safety aspect on which the present invention is based, it may be advantageous if at least one of the information carriers is destroyed during removal from the mixing vessel. Otherwise, it would be possible to transmit incorrect control information, ie incorrect mixing containers / control information combinations, by removing information carriers and reattaching them to other mixing containers via the communication device of the mixing device. To exclude this, at least one information carrier can be made destructible. This is possible, for example, by using multi-part stickers, as in the case of motorway vignettes. Multi-layered information carriers whose layers at least partially remain on the mixing container during removal can also be used for the destructibility of the information carrier.

In particular, when using reusable mixing containers, it may be advantageous if a bilateral communication can take place between the mixing container and the mixing device via the communication device. This is possible if at least one information carrier is at least partially writable, in particular rewritable, by the communication device. When using reusable mixing containers can be stored in this way, for example, the number of uses on the information carrier. This ensures that a mixing container can be used for a maximum of ten times, for example, before it has to be disposed of. The storage of other information, such as the date of preparation, the maximum shelf life of the preparation itself or other parameters during the preparation process can be stored in the information carrier.

In a mixing system according to the invention, at least one information carrier as one-dimensional barcode be formed. Such one-dimensional barcodes are already in use, for example as so-called EAN codes, on products of all kinds and can be read quickly and with little error as relatively inexpensive scanners as a communication device. The production of such one-dimensional barcodes is also relatively easy and inexpensive.

As an alternative or in addition to a one-dimensional barcode, at least one information carrier can be designed as a two-dimensional barcode, in particular as a matrix code. Such matrix codes permit a very high information density on a relatively small area, for example 20 mm × 20 mm. In addition, the possibility of redundant information storage is possible due to this high density of information. This redundancy can ensure readability even with damaged or partially illegible barcodes compared to the one-dimensional barcode. The use of a two-dimensional barcode has the advantage in a mixing system according to the invention that even if the information carrier is partially destroyed by moisture or mechanical influences, the functionality of the entire mixing system is ensured by the communication device via the read-out of the information carrier.

Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, at least one information carrier of a mixing system according to the invention can be designed in the form of a storage medium, in particular in the form of an RFID transponder. This RFID transponder can be configured both active and passive. By means of an active RFID transponder, which has an independent energy supply, for example in the form of a small battery, the mixing device can be activated and ready to be mixed by merely assembling the mixing container and the mixing device. When using passive RFID transponders, ie those without their own power supply, a cost-effective variant for the mixing container and the information carrier can be provided with significantly lower costs for the RFID transponder itself. A great advantage of the use of RFID transponders or other storage media as information carrier is the relatively simple two-way communication by means of the communication device. Thus, the rewriting of digital information carriers, in particular RFID transponders, is much simpler than the reprinting or further printing of existing one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes.

The formation of at least one information carrier of a mixing system according to the invention in the form of a three-dimensional structure is also possible. By a three-dimensional structure, for example, a kind of three-dimensional barcode can be generated, which is formed either by a communication device in the form of a scanner or in the form of another scanning unit. Three-dimensional information carriers can be read out, for example, in the form of a key-lock principle from the communication device of the mixing device. Such three-dimensional information carrier in particular have the advantage that they can be configured in one piece with the mixing container in a relatively simple manner. So they are, for example, in plastic mixing containers with this together by injection molding in one piece. Subsequent removal of the information carrier is not possible due to this one-piece design without destroying the information carrier.

Furthermore, it is possible that at least one control information of at least one information carrier is assigned to the control parameter "size of the clamping force of the anti-rotation lock for the mixing container". Usually, especially in the mixing of highly viscous components, a Mitdrehsicherung for the mixing container during the mixing process is advantageous or even necessary. This Mitdrehsicherung can be realized, for example, a clamp or other Reibformschlusssystem, for example, in the space provided for the mixing container footprint of the mixing device. Depending on the components which are to be mixed together, by adjusting the size of the clamping force of Mitdrehsicherung, for the mixing container a maximum introduced into the mixture shear force can be adjusted. From this set shear force of the container itself rotates with, so slips through the terminal protection. In the case of highly viscous components, destruction or damage to the mixing container at high torques, which can be transmitted to the mixing container via the components to be mixed together, can thus be avoided.

Furthermore, it is possible to associate at least one control information of at least one information carrier with the control parameter "obligation to observe" in the form of a dead man's backup. In a mixing system according to the invention can thus be ensured that at least one person of the operating personnel constantly observed the mixing system during the mixing process. By means of a deadman switch, which must be pressed again and again during the mixing process in a certain interval time, for example 10 seconds, 20 seconds or 30 seconds, a longer or lasting removal of the operating personnel from the mixing system during the mixing process is not possible. This ensures that, for example, in sensitive mixing processes, especially in the case of expected chemical reactions during the mixing process or possibly occurring high mixing forces, a visual inspection is ensured by the operating personnel.

In addition, at least one control information of at least one information carrier can be assigned to the control parameter "displaying the control information in a display of the mixing device". In this way, a check of the read by the communication device control information by the operator is possible. The safety is thus further increased, without affecting the practicality, in particular the speed of the settings of the mixing device is impaired. In this case, both the control information itself and the control parameter setting influenced by the control information can be displayed in the display of the mixing device.

Furthermore, it is possible that at least one control information of at least one information carrier is assigned to the control parameter "checking the mixing tool diameter". When using mixing tools adapted to the inside diameter of the mixing container, it is essential how large the mixing gap created between the outside diameter of the mixing tool and the inside diameter of the mixing container is. This mixing gap defines the shear forces corresponding to the viscosity of the components to be mixed together, which contribute substantially to the efficient mixing of all components. In order to ensure that the defined mixing gap is maintained, especially with small different mixing tool diameters which are imperceptible to the naked eye, a wrong mixing gap can be avoided by selecting a wrong mixing tool by checking by means of a corresponding control parameter.

For different mixing containers, it may be advantageous that at least one control information of at least one information carrier is assigned to the control parameter "moving the mixing container to a certain height". Depending on the height of the mixing container and depending on the nature of the components to be mixed, the position of the mixing tool within the internal volume of the mixing container can be adjusted in this way. Thus, for example, the arrangement of the mixing tool in the lower third or even at the bottom of the mixing container may be advantageous for certain components, while in other cases the mixing tool should be substantially centered with respect to the height of the mixing container. The mixing container itself can be moved up and down, for example, together with the holder on which it is located in the mixing device.

Furthermore, it is possible that at least one control information of at least one information carrier is assigned to the control parameter "checking the weight of the empty / filled mixing container". In this way, the operator receives further assistance. Thus, for example, when filling the components to be mixed with each other into the mixing container, they are weighed together with its contents and checked for the maximum loading of the mixing container by means of the control information contained in the information carrier. This prevents overcharge and thus damage or destruction thereof, particularly in the case of particularly light and thin-walled plastic mixing containers.

For example, at least one control information of at least one information carrier may be assigned to the control parameter "checking the necessity of a splash guard for the mixing process". When mixing low-viscosity components, in particular liquids, for example, when using high mixing speeds, a splash guard may be useful or even necessary. This splash guard prevents contents from being ejected from the mixing bowl during the mixing process. The need for splash protection depends on the one hand on the components to be mixed together themselves, on the other hand also on the mixing vessel geometry, in particular its opening diameter. To protect the control device of the mixing device can be provided that when reading a control information, which affirms the need for a splash guard, the mixing process itself can not be started if a splash guard is not appropriate.

• – Außendurchmesser des Mischwerkzeugs
• – Art des Mischwerkzeugs
• – Maximale Scherbelastung des Mischwerkzeugs
• – Maximale Drehzahl für das Mischwerkzeug

Furthermore, the information carrier of the mixing tool can have control information in a mixing system according to the invention, wherein at least one control information is at least one control information selected from the following list:

• - Outer diameter of the mixing tool
• - Type of mixing tool
• - Maximum shear load of the mixing tool
• - Maximum speed for the mixing tool

The control information, which are contained in the information carrier of the mixing tool, based on the geometric and other features of the mixing tool also in safety-related terms, the control of the mixing device and the speed of the mixing process positively influence.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a mixing device for mixing at least two components to be mixed together and a mixing container for use in the pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic field. A mixing device according to the invention is used in a mixing system according to the invention, wherein the mixing device has a control device and at least one communication device which is capable of reading at least one control information which is contained in an information carrier of a mixing container. The read control information is transmitted to the control device and processed by the latter in the control of the mixing device. When using such a mixing device in a mixing system according to the invention, the same safety advantages and the same time advantages with regard to the processing time as in a mixing system according to the invention can be achieved.

The control device of the mixing device adjusts control parameters of the mixing device as a function of control information which has been read by the communication device, as has already been explained above for the mixing system according to the invention.

In a mixing device according to the invention, the communication device is designed for communication with an information carrier of a mixing container. In this case, the information carrier features, as have already been described above for the mixing vessel in the mixing system.

In this way, it is possible that a mixing device is used in a mixing system according to the invention to achieve the corresponding advantages.

The communication device of the mixing device is adapted to the type of information carrier and accordingly designed, for example, in the form of an RFID read / write device or a 1D or 2D bar code scanner.

In order to ensure that when the information carrier on the mixing container is present, the mixing device actually reads out the information carrier via the communication device, it is advantageous if the communication device is attached to the mixing device in such a way that the mixing container is in the communication region of the communication device before and / or during the mixing process located. In this case, the communication area is understood as the area which is monitored by the communication device, that is, in which information carrier can be read out. It is irrelevant whether the communication device is firmly connected to the mixing device or is arranged on this flexible, for example displaceable. When using RFID transponders on or in the mixing container as an information carrier, it may also be advantageous to provide the communication device in the base for the mixing container and thus to establish a direct contact between mixing container and mixing device via the communication device. It should be noted that the subject matter of the invention is by no means limited to wireless transmission of the control information to the communication device contained in the information carriers. Rather, also, for example, in the use of three-dimensional information carriers touching transfer method, for example by the use of plugs or scanning in the form of a key-lock principle in the context of the present invention possible.

Likewise provided by the present invention is a mixing container for use in a mixing system according to the invention. This mixing container has at least one circumferential wall surface and at least one bottom surface and is suitable for receiving at least two components to be mixed with one another. In this case, the mixing container has at least one information carrier, which contains at least one control information, at least in machine-readable form. This at least one control information of the information carrier is processed in the control of a mixing device of the control device. Such a mixing container according to the invention thus serves, together with a mixing device according to the invention, to form a mixing system according to the invention. As a result, the mixing container, both individually and in conjunction with the mixing device and the mixing system, achieves identical advantages in terms of improved safety and acceleration of the preparation process of the mixture.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if a mixing container according to the invention and its information carrier is designed in the form as already detailed for the mixing system according to the invention.

It is also advantageous if a mixing container according to the invention is largely made of plastic, in particular by injection molding. Such production is advantageous for reasons of both quality and cost. Thus, plastic containers can be produced under hygienic conditions very clean and with reworkable consistently high quality. In addition, depending on the choice of material, the injection molding process, especially at high volumes a very inexpensive process for producing such mixing container.

Furthermore, the at least one information carrier in a mixing container according to the invention is advantageously arranged on or in the circumferential wall surface of this mixing container. The arrangement on or in the wall surface of the mixing container has the advantage that a defined position of the information carrier can be obtained in the mixing system, which is ensured that it lies in the communication area of the communication device of the mixing device. Thus it can be avoided that mixing containers, which have an information carrier with corresponding control information, are not used without a read-out operation by the communication device in the mixing device.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one information carrier can also be arranged on or in the bottom surface of the mixing container. The arrangement on or in the bottom surface of the mixing container has the advantage that, in such a case, a communication device is arranged, for example, in the base surface opposite the bottom surface for the mixing container at the mixing device. This arrangement results in a very short contact path between the communication device and the information carrier. In this way, short communication paths and thus also short reading and transmission paths are possible. In turn, short reading and transmission paths allow low-energy information transmission between the communication device and the information carrier.

Furthermore, an information carrier can be attached to a mixing container, for example by gluing. By gluing even complex information carriers, which require their own more complex manufacturing process, are firmly connected to the mixing vessel. In this case, the necessary adhesive layer may already be part of the information carrier itself, part of the mixing container or a separate layer from both elements.

Another way of attaching an information carrier on the mixing container according to the invention is the direct printing. When using one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes, this printing process can take place for example by means of laser printing or inkjet printing. In this way, the information carrier can be quickly and safely brought to the mixing container after it has already completed its own manufacturing process. Mixing containers, which do not meet the high quality requirements, can be sorted out in this way, before the information carrier was printed on the mixing container.

An alternative is to insert or clamp at least one information carrier in a receptacle on the mixing container. In this way, there is a positive connection or frictional connection between the information carrier and mixing container. The advantage of this method of attachment is the absence of other attachment means. In particular, can be dispensed with in this connection between the mixing container and information carrier on the necessary for example in printing or gluing drying time and thus the entire production process can be accelerated.

In addition to possible connections between information carrier and mixing container, it is also possible in the context of the present invention that at least one information carrier is integrally connected or formed with at least one part of the mixing container. This one-piece structure can be achieved, for example, already in the manufacturing process of the mixing container, for example in the form of common injection molding. At this point, it is again pointed out that mixing vessels are also parts associated with the mixing vessel, such as mixing vessel lids. The one-piece injection molding of the mixing container lid with an information carrier is thus also part of the present invention. Also, the one-piece design of the information carrier with the mixing container due to the inseparability of both elements is advantageous. Accidental mislabelling can thus be completely ruled out.

• – Auslesen eines wenigstens eine Steuerinformation enthaltenden Informationsträgers, welcher auf einem Mischbehälter angebracht ist
• – Steuern einer Mischvorrichtung in Abhängigkeit von der ausgelesenen Steuerinformation

Likewise provided by the present invention is a method for controlling a mixing system according to the invention, as has been described in detail above. Such a method has at least the steps:

• - Reading an information carrier containing at least one control information, which is mounted on a mixing container
• - Controlling a mixing device in dependence on the read control information

These two steps, which a process according to the invention has at least, are core of the present invention, which serves to increase the safety of mixing systems and to accelerate the preparation process itself. By correlating the mixing container with the mixing device via information carrier, control information and communication device exactly this advantageous effect is achieved.

Furthermore, a control method according to the invention can also have the step that at least one control parameter, as described in detail above for the mixing system according to the invention, is taken into account in the control of the mixing device. In this way, a multiplicity of further steps are possible for a method according to the invention for controlling a mixing system in the context of the present invention.

Further advantageous embodiment of the invention and several embodiments thereof are explained in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures. The terms "left," "right," "top" and "bottom" used within the description of the embodiments refer to the drawing figures in alignment with normally readable figure names and reference numerals. Here is:

1 a side view of a mixing container according to the invention;

2 a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a mixing container according to the invention;

3 an oblique view of a mixing system according to the invention;

4a an example of a one-dimensional barcode as an information carrier;

4b an example of a two-dimensional barcode as an information carrier.

• – Höhe des Mischbehälters 80
• – Innendurchmesser des Mischbehälters 80
• – Innenvolumen des Mischbehälters 80
• – Material des Mischbehälters 80
• – Außendurchmesser des Mischbehälters 80
• – Ausrichtung des Mischbehälters 80
• – Deckelform des Mischbehälters 80

1 shows an oblique view of an embodiment of a mixing container according to the invention 80 , This mixing container 80 has a circumferential wall surface 82 and a floor area 84 on. The surrounding wall surface 82 is cylindrical, whereby a total of a cylindrical mixing container shape is formed. The top of the mixing bowl 80 know an opening 81 which can be used both as a filling opening for the components to be mixed with one another and as a removal opening. At that around the opening 81 circumferential edge of the mixing container 80 is a thread 88 intended. This in the present case multi-threaded 88 used for placing and locking a lid, not shown, for closing the mixing container 80 , On the sidewall 82 of the mixing container 80 is an information carrier 90 shown. The information carrier 90 according to the embodiment in 1 is by a printing process on the mixing container 80 been applied. This was the mixing container 80 , which has been produced by injection molding of plastic granules machined fed to a printing process. This printing process has the information carrier by means of laser printing 90 on the sidewall 82 of the mixing container 80 applied. The information carrier 90 contains the information:

• - height of the mixing tank 80
• - Inner diameter of the mixing container 80
• - Inner volume of the mixing container 80
• - Material of the mixing container 80
• - Outer diameter of the mixing container 80
• - Alignment of the mixing container 80
• - Lid shape of the mixing container 80

This in the information carrier 90 contained control information is at least partially for the control of an associated mixing device 50 necessary by means of a control device. The information carrier 90 is designed as a barcode, which via a communication device 60 a mixing device 50 can be read out.

2 shows a further embodiment of a mixing container 80 , The mixing container 80 is in 2 shown in a side sectional view. It can be seen that the information carrier 90 within the floor area 84 is appropriate. The information carrier 90 is in the embodiment according to 2 as an RFID transponder 96 educated. The attachment of the information carrier 90 takes place during the manufacturing process of the mixing container 80 , This is also produced by injection molding, with a final step in the bottom surface 84 of the mixing container 80 the information carrier 90 namely, the RFID transponder 96 , with injected. Also near the floor area 84 of the mixing container 80 is a lid 86 arranged. The lid 86 is in the delivery condition of the mixing container 80 at the bottom surface 84 clamped. In this way, the mixing container needs 80 can not be opened before the mixing process, but in the in 2 shown form of a transport packaging and into the mixing device 50 be used.

3 shows a mixing system according to the invention 1 with a mixing device 50 and a mixing container 80 , The mixing container 80 is in the 1 illustrated mixing container 80 similar, but is the information carrier 90 in this case, not by a printing process but by a gluing process on the wall surface 82 of the mixing container 80 arranged. The mixing device 50 has in its housing a communication device 60 on. This communication device 60 can by a in the housing 54 provided window 64 the information carrier 90 the mixing device 80 read. It is by the range and the spread of the communication device 60 , as well as the geometric dimensions of the window 64 a communication area 62 defines in which the mixing container 80 and its information carrier 90 are arranged. At the front upper end of the housing 54 is a display 62 appropriate. In this display 62 For example, information relating to the ongoing mixing process can be displayed, as can information displayed by the communication device 60 from the information carrier 90 of the mixing container 80 have been read out. the display 62 Used for visual inspection of the current and planned operating state of the mixing device 50 , Furthermore, the mixing device 50 in 3 not shown operating means which z. B. are attached in the form of a keyboard. Corrections or additional inputs to the control device of the mixing device can be made via this keyboard 50 be entered.

Based on 3 will exemplify the operation of the mixing system 1 described. The mixing container 80 will be on the stand area 56 the mixing device 50 switched off. This stand area 56 is both manually, and automatically via the control device of the mixing device 50 , adjustable in height. After switching off the mixing container 80 on the stand area 56 all components to be mixed together in the mixing container 80 filled. Subsequently, the mixing device 50 switched on and automatically via the communication device 60 in the communication area 62 the information carrier 90 of the mixing container 80 read. The control device of the mixing device 50 Now choose from the information carrier 90 read control information corresponding control parameters for the operation of the mixing device 50 out. Thus, in a first step, due to the height of the mixing tank 80 the necessary position of the mixing tank 80 determined for the mixing process in the control device. Then the stand area 56 move into the necessary position for the mixing process. In the next step, the necessary speed is set and checked whether a splash guard with the components used, in view of their viscosity, is necessary. If no splash guard is necessary or has been attached, it will be checked if the loading of the mixing tank 80 whose maximum load does not exceed. This is the weight of the filled mixing container 80 about one in the stand area 56 integrated balance to the control device of the mixing device 50 transmitted and there with the from the information carrier 90 of the mixing container 80 read control information for maximum loading of the mixing vessel 80 compared. In the case of the current loading of the mixing container 80 is less than or equal to its maximum load, the mixing process can be started.

In the event that it is in terms of the weight of the filled mixing container 80 or its high degree of filling appears necessary that the entire mixing process should be done only under the supervision of the operator, selects the control device of the mixing device 50 for the mixing process the observation obligation. This is ensured by a deadman switch 58 on the housing 54 the mixing device 50 , This must be pressed at least once by the operating staff during the mixing process in a time interval of 15 seconds. Continuous pressing, for example, by blocking or masking the safety switch 58 The operating obligation is not sufficient.

4a and 4b show examples of possibilities for the design of an information carrier 90 , In 4a is a one-dimensional barcode 92 shown. This barcode consists of vertical lines of different widths. 4b shows an example of a matrix code 94 as an information carrier 90 , This matrix code 94 is a two-dimensional barcode that contains information in the form of black and white squares in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

mixing system

50

mixing device

52

display

54

casing

56

footprint

58

safety button

60

communicator

62

communication area

64

window

80

mixing tank

81

opening

82

wall surface

84

floor area

86

cover

88

thread

90

information carrier

92

barcode

94

matrix code

96

RFID transponder

Claims (36)

Mixing system for use in the pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic sector for mixing at least two components to be mixed together, comprising: at least one mixing device ( 50 ) and at least one mixing container ( 80 ), the mixing container ( 80 ) at least one circumferential wall surface ( 82 ) and at least one bottom surface ( 84 ) and is suitable for receiving at least two components to be mixed together, wherein the mixing container ( 80 ) at least one information carrier ( 90 ), which at least in machine-readable form at least one Contains control information, the mixing device ( 50 ) a control device and at least one communication device ( 60 ) and the communication device ( 60 ) is capable of detecting at least one of the control information stored in the information carrier ( 90 ) of the mixing container ( 80 ) and to read out the read-out control information to the control device, and wherein the control device of the mixing device ( 50 ) this at least one control information in the control of the mixing device ( 50 ), wherein at least one control information of at least one information carrier ( 90 ) in the control device of the mixing device ( 50 ) is assigned in each case at least one control parameter, characterized in that a mixing tool for mixing the at least two components is provided, which also at least one information carrier ( 90 ), which contains further control information and from the communication device ( 60 ) of the mixing device ( 50 ) can be read out. Mixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the information carrier ( 90 ) of the mixing container ( 80 ) contains at least one control information, wherein the at least one control information is selected from the list: - height of the mixing container ( 80 ) - inner diameter of the mixing container ( 80 ) - internal volume of the mixing container ( 80 ) - Material of the mixing container ( 80 ) - alignment of the mixing container ( 80 ) - Outer diameter of the mixing container ( 80 ) - lid shape of the mixing container ( 80 ). Mixing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) visible to the human eye on the mixing container ( 80 ) is arranged. Mixing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) not visible to the human eye at the mixing container ( 80 ) is arranged. Mixing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control information of at least one information carrier ( 90 ) both from the communication device ( 60 ) machine readable, as well as to the human eye is readable. Mixing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the information carriers ( 90 ) when removing from the mixing container ( 80 ) gets destroyed. Mixer system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) from the communication device ( 60 ) is at least partially writable, in particular rewritable. Mixing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) as a one-dimensional barcode ( 92 ) is trained. Mixer system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) as a two-dimensional barcode, in particular as a matrix code ( 94 ) is trained. Mixing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) in the form of a storage medium, in particular in the form of an RFID transponder ( 96 ) is trained. Mixing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) is formed in the form of a three-dimensional structure. Mixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one control information of at least one information carrier ( 90 ) as a control parameter, the speed of the mixing device ( 50 ) assigned. Mixing system according to one of claims 1 or 12, characterized in that at least one control information of at least one information carrier ( 90 ) is assigned the control parameter "size of the clamping force of the Mitdrehsicherung for the mixing container". Mixer system according to one of claims 1, 12 or 13, characterized in that at least one control information (at least one information carrier 90 ) is assigned the control parameter "obligation to observe" using a dead man's fuse. Mixing system according to one of claims 1 or 12 to 14, characterized in that at least one control information of at least one information carrier ( 90 ) is associated with the control parameter "displaying the control information in a display of the mixing device". Mixing system according to one of claims 1 or 12 to 15, characterized in that at least one control information of at least one information carrier ( 90 ) the control parameter " Checking the mixing tool diameter "is assigned. Mixer system according to one of claims 1 or 12 to 16, characterized in that at least one control information (at least one information carrier 90 ) is assigned to the control parameter "moving the mixing container to a certain height". Mixing system according to one of claims 1 or 12 to 17, characterized in that at least one control information of at least one information carrier ( 90 ) is assigned to the control parameter "checking the weight of the filled mixing container". Mixing system according to one of claims 1 or 12 to 18, characterized in that at least one control information of at least one information carrier ( 90 ) is assigned to the control parameter "Checking the necessity of a splash guard for the mixing process". Mixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the information carrier ( 90 ) of the mixing tool has the features of one of claims 2 to 11 and at least one control information selected from the following list contains: - outer diameter of the mixing tool - type of mixing tool - maximum shear load of the mixing tool - maximum speed for the mixing tool. Mixing device for mixing at least two components to be mixed together in a mixing container ( 80 ) for use in the pharmaceutical and / or cosmetic field for use in a mixing system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the mixing device ( 50 ) a control device and at least one communication device ( 60 ), which is capable of at least one control information, which in an information carrier ( 90 ) of a mixing container ( 80 ) is read and transmitted to the control device, and wherein the control device processes at least one control information in the control, characterized in that the control device in dependence of the communication device ( 60 ) read control information according to the features of any one of claims 12 to 19 control parameters of the mixing device ( 50 ) adapts. Mixing device according to claim 21, characterized in that the communication device ( 60 ) for communication with an information carrier ( 90 ) of a mixing container ( 80 ), wherein the information carrier ( 90 ) has the features of at least one of claims 2 to 11. Mixing device according to one of claims 21 to 22, characterized in that the communication device ( 60 ) is designed as an optical scanner. Mixing device according to one of claims 21 to 22, characterized in that the communication device ( 60 ) is designed as a contactless RFID transponder reader. Mixing device according to one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the communication device ( 60 ) is attached to the mixing device such that the mixing container ( 80 ) before and / or during the mixing process in the communication area ( 62 ) of the communication device ( 60 ) is located. Mixing container with at least one circumferential wall surface ( 82 ) and at least one floor surface ( 84 ) for use in a mixing system ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 20, suitable for receiving at least two components to be mixed together, comprising at least one information carrier ( 90 ), which at least in machine-readable form contains at least one control information, wherein at least one of the control information of the information carrier ( 90 ) in the control of a mixing device ( 50 ) is processed with the features of any one of claims 21 to 25. Mixing container according to claim 26, characterized in that on the mixing container ( 80 ) attached information carrier ( 90 ) has the features of at least one of claims 2 to 11. Mixing container according to one of claims 26 or 27, characterized in that the mixing container ( 80 ) is made mostly of plastic, in particular by injection molding. Mixing container according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) on or in the surrounding wall surface ( 82 ) of the mixing container ( 80 ) is arranged. Mixing container according to one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) on or in the bottom surface ( 84 ) of the mixing container ( 80 ) is arranged. Mixing container according to one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) by gluing to the mixing container ( 80 ) is attached. A mixing container according to one of claims 26 to 31, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) directly onto the mixing container ( 80 ) is printed. Mixing container according to one of claims 26 to 32, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) in a receptacle on the mixing container ( 80 ) is plugged or pinched. Mixing container according to one of claims 26 to 33, characterized in that at least one information carrier ( 90 ) in one piece with at least part of the mixing container ( 80 ) connected is. Method for controlling a mixing system ( 1 ) comprising the features of one of claims 1 to 20, comprising at least the steps of: - reading an information carrier containing at least one control information ( 90 ), which on a mixing container ( 80 ) is attached. Controlling a mixing device ( 50 ) depending on the read control information. Method for controlling a mixing system ( 1 ) according to claim 35, further comprising a step of observing a control parameter of at least one of claims 13 to 19 in the control of the mixing device ( 50 ).

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