DE102012101197A1 - Mixing pourable industrial mixing material, preferably plastic particles containing coloring pigments for manufacturing plastics, comprises mixing the mixing material by moving in a mixing container using mixing tools arranged in container - Google Patents

Abstract

Mixing a pourable industrial mixing material, preferably plastic particles containing coloring pigments for manufacturing the plastics, comprises mixing the mixing material by moving in a closed mixing container (4), using a number of complementary mixing tools arranged in the mixing container, where the mixing tools are arranged, designed and/or controlled such that a continuous movement of the entire mixing material arranged in the mixing container takes place only through the interaction of at least two mutually spaced mixing tools, or by any of the two mixing tools. An independent claim is also included for a mixing machine (1) comprising a mixing head (3) with at least one element for connecting the moving head to a container containing a mixing material to form a closed mixing container containing mixed material, and many mixing tools for mixing the mixing material arranged in the mixing container. The mixing container carries many mixing tools having respective tools, which are arranged, designed and/or controlled such that during an operation of only one of the mixing tools, only a partial quantity of the mixing material is moved, and movement of the entire mixing material takes place only through the interaction of at least two mixing tools.

Description

The invention relates to a method for mixing a pourable industrial mix, such as plastic particles containing color pigments for the production of plastic, in which method the mix is moved within a closed mixing container for the purpose of mixing it. Furthermore, the invention relates to a mixing machine, comprising a mixing head, equipped with one or more elements for connecting the same to a container containing a mix for forming a mixture containing the closed mixing container and a plurality of mixing tools for moving the mixed material in the mixing container.

Such mixing machines are industrial mixers which are used for mixing bulk material, typically powdered bulk material, such as is required for producing plastic granulate mixtures or in the paint industry. These mixing machines have a comparison with a frame pivotally mounted mixing head, which also serves to seal a container containing the mix, which is connected to the mixing head for the purpose of mixing therein. After connecting the container to the mixing head, a closed mixing container is formed from the mixing head and the container containing the mix. For the purpose of connecting the container to the mixing head, the mixing head has one or more connecting elements, for example a peripheral flange. Due to the fact that in these mixing machines a container containing the mix is connected to the mixing head, these mixers are also addressed as a container mixer. The mixing head itself is pivotally arranged with respect to the frame of the mixing machine, so that the mixing takes place with respect to the mixing head in an overhead position, in which the mixing head at the bottom and the container connected thereto are arranged at the top.

Such known container mixers have a device for generating a Mischgutstroms. As Mischgutstromerzeugseinrichtung used in conventional mixers axially mounted in the mixing head tool, driven by a motor rotatorisch. Such a tool has several projecting in the radial direction of the drive shaft wings, so that it is designed in the manner of a propeller. Such a container mixer is off EP 0 225 495 A2 known. Further, it can be provided to arrange a plurality of such tools on the drive shaft. In the prior art mixers, this tool serves as a mixing tool and generates a Mischthrombus during operation of the mixer with the mix contained in the mixing container. By mixing or the mixing material is thrown upwards in a radially outer region, deflected inward in the radial direction and then falls due to gravity then centered and above the mixing tools to this back. By the mixing tools described above, thus a Mischgutstrom is generated, in which the entire, located in the mixing vessel mix is included. Due to the acceleration of the mixed material on the one or more mixing tools and the turbulence contained in the Mischgutstrom the mixing process is high energy.

In applications where more energy is to be introduced into the mix in addition to the mixing tools, a second motor-driven mixing tool is arranged radially engaging in the wall portion of the container. This tool is a significantly higher speed rotating tool compared to the rotational speed of the tool used to create the mixing turret. It can be provided that a plurality of such radially arranged mixing tools are provided. The at least one mixing tool serves for further energy input into the mixing thrombus generated by the conveying tool and for improving a particle dispersion and thus for supporting the mixing process. In the design of such mixing machines, the formation of the high-energy mixed thrombus is imperative for the mixing process. In these known mixing machines, the particles are conveyed in the mixing thrombus depending on the mix at a speed in the range of about 20 m / sec.

In industrial mixing machines, the aim is to achieve the desired mixing in the shortest possible time. Even if with higher tool speeds basically a thorough mixing in a shorter time is possible, as with slower rotating tools is generally considered that in the material to be mixed not too much heat may be entered. Especially with a mixing of plastic granules is to pay attention to this, since otherwise the individual granules particles baked together and / or can cake on the tools and / or on the container wall. For this reason, in the mixing machines described above, the mixing time is limited in order to prevent the mixed material from being too much heated by the drive of the first and second mixing tools as well as the jacket friction of the particles on the inner wall of the container.

To counter this disadvantage is in EP 2 226 117 A2 has been proposed that by means of a Mischgutstromerzeugungseinrichtung a low-energy primary mixed material flow is generated as a flow for supplying the mixed material contained in the mixing container to the at least one mixing tool. By this mixing tool only a fraction of the mixed material in the mixing container is detected. By means of this mixing tool, a secondary mixing flow is generated as a crossflow to the primary mixed flow serving as a flow. Compared to other methods, the otherwise high-energy primary mixed material stream is replaced by a low-energy primary mixed stream in this process. By this measure, the mixing result can be improved especially in temperature-critical mix. Used to generate the primary mix stream is a rotary driven bottom clearance conveying tool having at least one blade. Due to the soil-clearing character of the tool used to generate the primary mixed material stream, it may happen that material which tends to stick even at lower temperatures forms deposits on the bottom of the mixing container. By or the blades of the soil clearing tool such components of the mix are spatulated on the ground, so to speak.

Based on this discussed prior art, the invention is therefore the object of proposing a suitable especially for temperature-critical mixing material mixing method and a suitable mixing machine in this process and in which mixing machine the disadvantages sketched out to the prior art reduced if not avoided are.

The method-related object is achieved according to the invention by a method of the type mentioned, in which the mix is moved by a plurality of complementary mixing tools, the mixing tools arranged in such a way and / or designed and / or controlled that a continuous movement of the entirety mixing material located in the mixing container is effected only by cooperation of at least two spaced-apart mixing tools arranged in the mixing container, wherein by none of the at least two mixing tools alone the entirety of the mixed material located in the mixing container can be moved.

The task related to the mixing machine is achieved according to the invention by an aforementioned generic mixing machine, in which the mixing head carries a plurality of mixing tools located with their tools within the mixing container, which are arranged and / or designed and / or driven in such a way that during operation only one of the mixing tools alone, only a subset of the mixed material in the mixing container can be moved and a movement of the totality of the mixed material in the mixing container takes place only by interaction of at least two mixing tools.

In this concept - the following applies equally to the claimed method and for the claimed mixing machine - one has left the path dictated by the state of the art and followed for decades by requiring several mixing tools for the movement of the mixed material in the mixing container, wherein These mixing tools, in contrast to previously known concepts, are not used hierarchically with regard to their function, but in addition and thus standing on a common functional level. In this concept, the mixing tools are designed such that the entirety of the mixed material in the mixing container by a single mixing tool can not, at least not be moved continuously. By means of each mixing tool alone, only a fraction of the mixed material can regularly be moved. However, if several or all of the mixing tools are operated together, the entirety of the mixed material in the mixing container is moved. This does not require that a mixed material flow which detects the entirety of the mixed material is produced, in which the entirety of the mixed material is simultaneously moved continuously. Rather, it is considered sufficient if the entirety of the mixed material is detected by the mixing operation, so that mixed material parts between two production phases can also rest. It is understood that the mixing method is preferably carried out in such a way that non-movement phases of mixed material parts are avoided as far as possible. The several mixing tools are typically independently controllable. This applies both in terms of their operation, their rotational speed, as well as with respect to their direction of rotation. This in turn allows the formation of a Mischgutbewegung, in which this is not promoted on a usual as in the prior art, for the duration of the mixing process constant circumferential trajectory. The independent control of the mixing tools allows changing their operation during a mixing cycle, so that in this way the Mischgutbewegung can be changed within the mixing container. Generating a Mischgutbewegung, in which no mixing cycle over a continuous Mischgutbewegungsstrom is generated, but the mixing material forming particles are moved on erratic paths, allows the requirements of mixing the mixed material, without requiring a special energy input into the mix is required.

Particularly useful is an embodiment in which the Mischgutströme generated by two or more mixing tools are conveyed in such a way that this mixing, preferably in which they are directed against each other. In such an embodiment, in which two streams of mixed material are directed against each other, a particularly good mixing is observed. It is believed that this is due to the fact that the particles forming the mix collide. This collision of the particles in turn brings energy into the mix, which is useful if not only a homogenization, but also dispersing or even in connection with the mixing process comminution is desired. Compared with conventional methods and conventional mixing machines needs in a configuration in which the impact energy of two oppositely directed Mischgutströmen is exploited, the mixed material flow conveyed by each mixing tool only have a lower conveying speed. In the region of the coincidence of the two mixed material flows, the same energy is then still introduced into the mix by exploiting the particle impact energy. The division of the primary energy input to two or more mixing tools has the consequence that they can be driven at a correspondingly lower rotational speed. This in turn significantly reduces the heat input into the mix.

Typically, different mixing tools are used to agitate and mix the mix. These can complement each other in terms of the desired mixing result. Nevertheless, there is also the possibility that all mixing tools are designed the same or similar. As mixing tools, for example, dispersion tools known per se can be used. These tools are designed like choppers. Different configurations can be used, namely those with fixed wings or even be adjustable with respect to their inclination wings. Also, homogenizing tools, such as screw conveyors or other spiral tools or segment screws (screw conveyors, which are composed of individual spiral segments) may be provided. In the latter embodiment, the helical segments may be paddle-shaped and, if desired, adjustable in their inclination.

In a mixing container with such mixing tools arranged therein with regard to their tools, a wide variety of control algorithms can be realized, wherein the control of the individual or individual mixing tools is expediently changed during a mixing cycle. A change in the control of the mixing tools during a mixing cycle and the resulting movement paths of the conveyed particles not only reduce, as described above, a temperature entry, which is why otherwise difficult or insufficient mixing mixed mix needs to be mixed according to the requirements, but by the changing Trajectories is also counteracted caking of sticky material on the container inner wall. Due to the non-constant trajectories of the conveyed particles uniform loading of a container wall portion is avoided, so that due to the impact from different directions under certain circumstances adhering particles by other, subsequently striking it from different directions are removed again.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

1 FIG. 2: a schematic perspective view of a mixing machine with a container containing a mixture in a mixing position connected to a mixing head thereof, FIG.

2 : a perspective view into the mixing head of the mixing machine of 1 .

3 : a sectional view through the mixing head of 2 and

4 : a top view into the mixing head of the 1 and 2 ,

A blender 1 for industrial purposes has a frame 2 , on which a mixing head pivots 3 is stored. The pivot axis of the mixing head 3 is denoted by the reference S in 1 indicated. About a drive, not shown, is the mixing head 3 pivotable about its pivot axis S at least 180 °. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivotability of the mixing head is used 3 the purpose that in its opposite the representation in 1 rotated by 180 ° position a mixed goods container 4 as a mix containing container to the mixing head 3 can be connected to the then from Mischgutcontainer 4 and mixing head 3 formed unit - the actual mixing container - in the in 1 shown mixing position of the mixing head 3 to be able to pivot. In this position is the mixing head 3 the blender 1 at the bottom, so that in the mixed goods container 4 contained mix on the in the mixing head 3 arranged tools falls.

The mixing head 3 is detached from the frame 2 in 2 shown, with a line of sight in the mixing head 3 into it. The mixing head 3 has a floor 5 and one the ground 5 bordering surrounding wall 6 , In the area of the soil 5 of the mixing head 3 are several mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 arranged. At the mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 These are rotationally driven tools. The respective drive shafts reach through the floor 5 , The drive of the mixing tools, which is realized by electric motors in the illustrated embodiment, is located outside of the mixing head 3 , In 2 are the ones to drive the mixing tools 7 . 7.1 used electric motors 8th . 8.1 recognizable.

At the mixing tools 7 . 7.2 These are dispersion tools designed in the manner of choppers. Such mixing tools are well known, for example EP 2 226 117 A2 , In addition to the dispersion tools 7 . 7.2 The mixing head has mixing tools 3 about two spiral tools. These are the mixing tools 7.1 and 7.3 , The mixing tool 7.1 is a segmental screw, formed from individual spiral segments 9 , The spiral segments 9 are adjustable in terms of their inclination. In the mixing tool 7.3 it is a known auger.

The axes of rotation of the drive shafts of the mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 are how out 3 is recognizable, against each other in the direction of the ground 5 groundbreaking inclined. The breakthrough of the drive axles through the ground 5 of the mixing head 3 is with the mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 in terms of their radial distance from the center 10 of the soil 5 of the mixing container 3 different (see 4 ). Also, the distance of the individual mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 different from each other. Consequently, the mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 in the area of the soil 5 of the mixing head 3 arranged irregularly. It should be emphasized that the mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 a relatively large distance to the circumferential wall 6 exhibit.

The mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 are due to their arrangement within the mixing head 3 and their design adjusted that when operating the mixing machine 1 that in the mixing container 3 . 4 is moved in its entirety when all four mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 are in operation. Thus, the mixing tools complement each other 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 in terms of their effect, to move the mixing material in the mixing container in motion. During a mixing cycle we control the mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 changed, either according to a given algorithm or randomly. It is understood that when providing a random control, the individual mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 be changed only in such a barrier in terms of their rotational speed and / or their direction of rotation that the mixing material contained in the mixing container is continuously or continuously continuously moved continuously. As a result, no uniform mixed material flow is generated within the mixing container over the duration of the mixing cycle. Rather, the mix is moved in individual Mischgutströmen (Mischgutteilströmen), wherein the trajectories change. Ultimately, this leads to operation of the mixer 1 in which the particles of the mixed material to be mixed are moved on the erratic paths within the mixing container.

To improve a mixing, it is expedient if that of two or more of the mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 generated Mischgutteilströme are directed against each other. This not only supports the mixing process, but this is then divided by exploiting the interparticular impact energy of the primary energy input into the mix on the involved in the promotion of Mischgutteilströme mixing tools.

As a result, it should be noted that with such a mixing machine and with the described method, on the one hand, a very effective and therefore rapid mixing is achieved, on the other hand, this is achieved very gently - ie with only a low energy input. Consequently, mixed material can also be mixed in this way, which otherwise are mixed as mixed-critical due to the tendency of individual constituents of the mixed material to tend to bond.

The provision of different mixing tools 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 also has the advantage that individually different mixing programs can be traversed by different activation of the mixing tools depending on the desired mixing result and the mix to be mixed. Therefore, the mixing machine is suitable 1 as well as the method described also to be able to mix with one and the same machine different mixes. It is understood that in the blender 1 the entire range of possible mixing processes can be carried out, starting from just a homogenization to a dispersion and even a comminution. All intermediate stages can be realized.

The invention has been described above with reference to an embodiment. Without departing from the scope of the present claims, numerous other embodiments will be apparent to a person skilled in the art to be able to realize the invention without, however, having to be explained in detail.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

mixer

2

frame

3

mixing head

4

Mischgutcontainer

5

ground

6

wall

7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3

mixing tool

8, 8.1

electric motor

9

Wendel segment

10

center

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0225495 A2 [0003]
• EP 2226117 A2 [0006, 0021]

Claims (13)

Process for mixing a pourable industrial mixed material, such as plastic particles containing plastic pigments for the production of plastics, in which process the mix is mixed within a closed mixing container ( 3 . 4 ) is moved for the purpose of mixing it, characterized in that the mix by several, complementary, in the mixing container ( 3 . 4 ) arranged mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ), the mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ) are arranged and / or designed and / or controlled to each other such that a continuous movement of the entirety of the in the mixing container ( 3 . 4 ) mixed material only by interaction of at least two spaced-apart mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ), wherein none of the at least two mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ) alone the entirety of the in the mixing container ( 3 . 4 ) mixed material can be moved. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that for moving the mixed material at least three spaced apart in the mixing container ( 3 . 4 ) arranged mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ) be used. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that that of at least two mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ) conveyed Mischgutströme be promoted in such a direction that they at least partially mix. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the Mischgutströme have a vectorial motion component, which is directed against each other. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the Mischgutstrom generated by at least one first mixing tool is at least partially conveyed towards another mixing tool out, so that the path of the conveyed Mischgutstromes at least partially in the working direction of the tools of the second mixing tool is. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that during the process of mixing the mixing container is placed in an oscillatory pivoting movement and / or in a wobbling motion. Mixing machine comprising a mixing head ( 3 ) equipped with one or more elements for connecting it to a container containing a mix ( 4 ) for forming a closed mixing container containing the mixture ( 3 . 4 ) as well as several mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ) for moving in the mixing container ( 3 . 4 ) mixing material, characterized in that the mixing head ( 3 ) several, with their tools located within the mixing container mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ), which are arranged in such a way to one another and / or designed and / or controlled, so that during operation only one of the mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ) alone only a subset of the in the mixing container ( 3 . 4 ) can be moved and a movement of the entirety of the in the mixing container ( 3 . 4 ) mixed material only by interaction of at least two mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ) he follows. Mixing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that within the mixing head ( 3 ) at least three mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ) are arranged. Mixing machine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ) are equipped with different tools. Mixing machine according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ) with its drive shaft the ground ( 5 ) of the mixing head ( 3 ). Mixing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the drive shafts of the mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ) with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the mixing head ( 3 ) are inclined towards each other in the direction of the mixing container interior. Mixing machine according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the mixing tools ( 7 . 7.1 . 7.2 . 7.3 ) at least partially with different radial distance to the center ( 10 ) of the soil ( 5 ) of the mixing head ( 3 ) are arranged. Mixing machine according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the mixing head ( 3 ) pivotable with respect to a frame ( 2 ) is stored so that the mixing head ( 3 ) and container ( 4 ) formed mixing container for performing the mixing process is pivotable.

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