DE102020209824A1 - Method for producing rubber mixtures in a mixing device comprising at least two mixing chambers, device for carrying out the method and use of the device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing rubber mixtures in a mixing device comprising at least two mixing chambers, each of the at least two mixing chambers having at least two mixing rotors, comprising the following steps: A) adding and mixing rubber mixture components comprising at least one rubber and at least one further mixture component, at least one first process parameter being measured during the mixing in the first mixing chamber of the at least two mixing chambers of the mixing device, B) ejecting the rubber premix mixed in step A) from the first mixing chamber of the mixing device, with a mixed rubber premix being formed, C) feeding in the mixed rubber premix into the second mixing chamber of the mixing device, D) mixing the rubber premix fed into the second mixing chamber in step C) in the second mixing chamber of the mixing device based on the one first en or the at least one first process parameter measured in step A). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method and a use of the device.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing rubber mixtures in a mixing device comprising at least two mixing chambers, each of the at least two mixing chambers having at least two mixing rotors. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method and a use of the device.

• DE4309451A1 betrifft ein Verfahren zur Herstellung von Kautschukmischungen, bei dem in einer ersten Stufe in einem Stempelkneter aus Kautschuk und nicht reaktiven Zusatzstoffen chargenweise eine Grundmischung hergestellt und die Grundmischung ohne Zwischenlagerung in einer zweiten Stufe unter Zufügen von reaktiven Zusatzstoffen in einem stempellosen Kneter ebenfalls chargenweise bei verringerter Temperatur fertig gemischt wird. Die zweikämmrige Bauweise eines Tandemmischers bedingt somit ein zumindest zweistufiges Herstellungsverfahren einer Kautschukmischung

In the rubber industry, a wide variety of rubber mixtures have to be produced on a large scale with compositions that are as precise and homogeneously distributed as possible. The mixing of the individual rubber mixture components with one another always involves the conflict of objectives between producing the rubber mixture as quickly as possible and achieving the highest possible quality of the same. One of the most important parameters here is the homogeneity of the distribution of the individual components in the rubber compound. Various parameters play a role during the mixing of the rubber compound, particularly when it comes to the compound quality, and have a major impact on the final product, which can be a pneumatic vehicle tire, for example.
Due to these different requirements, various devices for the production of rubber mixtures are known. A device that is used more and more frequently for the production of rubber mixtures are the so-called tandem mixers, which are generally already known in the prior art:

• DE4309451A1 relates to a process for the production of rubber mixtures in which, in a first stage, a basic mixture is produced in batches from rubber and non-reactive additives in a ram kneader and the basic mixture is produced without intermediate storage in a second stage, with the addition of reactive additives in a ram-less kneader, also in batches at reduced temperature is completely mixed. The two-chamber design of a tandem mixer thus requires at least a two-stage manufacturing process for a rubber mixture

In very general terms, attempts have been made in the prior art, such as in the document cited above, to optimize temperature programs or other process parameters in such a way that they can be used for different compositions and their area of use. Such areas of use could be, for example, the production of car treads, truck treads, side walls or even apex areas, and the compositions of the corresponding rubber mixtures therefore differ considerably.

In the prior art, the problem has hitherto arisen that a tandem mixer produces a rubber mixture in batches and does not work continuously, like the process steps in the rubber industry that follow mixing. Therefore, a large number of batches often have to be produced, with the various batches often not being able to be produced under the same conditions. The latter can be due to the fact that the tandem mixer is not yet at operating temperature for the first batch or that the mixture components fed to the mixer do not have the same properties in every batch. This includes differences in the storage temperature or in the manufacturer of the mixture component.

It is therefore the object on which the invention is based to change a method for producing a vehicle tire or use a device for producing a rubber compound in such a way that it enables rapid conversion to other compound compositions or rapid intervention in the mixing process. In particular, it should be possible to use the method for producing a vehicle tire or the use of the device for producing a rubber mixture for producing car treads, truck treads, side walls or else apex areas.

1. A) Hinzufügen und Mischen von Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen umfassend mindestens einen Kautschuk und mindestens einen weiteren Mischungsbestandteil, bevorzugt einen Füllstoff, in der ersten der zwei Mischkammern, sodass eine Kautschukvormischung entsteht, wobei während des Mischens in der ersten Mischkammer der mindestens zwei Mischkammern der Mischvorrichtung mindestens ein erster Prozessparameter gemessen wird,
2. B) Auswerfen der in Schritt A) gemischten Kautschukvormischung aus der ersten Mischkammer der Mischvorrichtung, wobei eine angemischte Kautschukvormischung entsteht,
3. C) Zuführen der angemischten Kautschukvormischung in die zweite Mischkammer der Mischvorrichtung,
4. D) Mischen der in Schritt C) in die zweite Mischkammer zugeführte Kautschukvormischung in der zweiten Mischkammer der Mischvorrichtung basierend auf dem einen ersten oder dem mindestens einen ersten in Schritt A) gemessenen Prozessparameter,
5. E) Auswerfen der in Schritt D) in der zweiten Mischkammer gemischten Kautschukvormischung, wobei eine angemischte Kautschukgrundmischung oder eine angemischte Kautschukfertigmischung entsteht.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a method for producing rubber mixtures in a mixing device comprising at least two mixing chambers, each of the at least two mixing chambers having at least two mixing rotors, comprising the following steps:

1. A) Adding and mixing rubber compound ingredients comprising at least one rubber and at least one other compound ingredient, preferably a filler, in the first of the two mixing chambers, so that a rubber premix is formed, wherein during the mixing in the first mixing chamber of the at least two mixing chambers of the mixing device at least a first process parameter is measured,
2. B) ejection of the rubber premix mixed in step A) from the first mixing chamber of the mixing device, resulting in a mixed rubber premix,
3. C) feeding the mixed rubber premix into the second mixing chamber of the mixing device,
4. D) mixing the rubber premix fed into the second mixing chamber in step C) in the second mixing chamber of the mixing device based on the one first or the at least one first process parameter measured in step A),
5. E) Ejecting the rubber premix mixed in step D) in the second mixing chamber, resulting in a mixed base rubber compound or a mixed finished rubber compound.

It is an outstanding achievement of the present invention to have found that the homogeneity of a rubber compound produced by means of a method described above can be improved compared to methods already known. What is special here is that the above-described step D) in the second mixing chamber is individually adapted for the rubber mixture processed in the second mixing chamber on the basis of a process parameter from step A) from the first mixing chamber. This makes it possible to compensate for both compound-dependent deviations of the individual rubber compound ingredients added in step A) and compound-independent deviations which can come from the mixing chamber used for mixing.

Compensating for such deviations is important because they lead to a change in the energy input into the rubber compound generated by the drive of the mixing rotors of the mixing device. The energy input mainly determines how homogeneously a mixture is mixed and thus directly leads to fluctuations in the homogeneity. Therefore, an energy input not produced in the first mixing chamber must be compensated for by the end of a method according to the invention in order to prevent a reduction in homogeneity in the final rubber base mixture or rubber ready-mix.

The first, mixture-dependent deviations include, for example, the specific filler surface area of fillers or, for example, the viscosity scattering known in the prior art for commercially available natural rubber or other types of rubber. Due to such deviations in the batches delivered by the supplier, there are deviations in the mixing behavior of the rubber mixture in the first mixing chamber, for example in terms of temperature or rotor resistance. The latter, mixture-independent deviations include, for example, the temperature of the inner walls or the temperature of the circulating medium of the temperature control elements of the mixing chamber.

By adapting the mixing process in step D) of a method according to the invention based on a process parameter from step A), the deviations described above within a mixing cycle, ie during mixing in the first and second mixing chamber, can be compensated to the effect that the homogeneity of the rubber mixture components can be increased in the rubber base compound or finished rubber compound produced in step E). A parameter that indicates the increased homogeneity of a rubber compound is, for example, the more uniform distribution of the filler in the resulting rubber base compound or rubber compound. For example, one way to measure the more even distribution of a filler in a rubber compound is to take micrographs of the cross-sectional area of a cross-sectional plane of a batch of rubber compound and measure the standard deviation of the distance of each filler cluster to the nearest filler cluster. In the context of the present invention, both primary and secondary filler particles and their agglomerates come under the expression “filler accumulation”.

In the context of the present invention, the expression “mixing the rubber premix fed into the second mixing chamber in step C) in the second mixing chamber of the mixing device based on the one first or the at least one first process parameter measured in step A) includes that a process parameter from step A) is assigned to a process parameter in step D), and includes in particular the entire meaning of the expression described below "mixing the rubber premix fed into the second mixing chamber in step C) in the second mixing chamber of the mixing device, wherein during the mixing in the second mixing chamber at least a second process parameter is controlled as a function of the one first process parameter or the at least one first process parameter measured in step A).

In the context of the present invention, the rubber masterbatch produced in step A) of a method according to the invention can be a rubber masterbatch or a masterbatch for producing a rubber masterbatch.

A method as described above or as described above as preferred is preferred, wherein the one or the at least one first process parameter in step A) is measured once, several times or continuously during step A).

Preference is given to a method as described above or as described above as preferred, wherein the one or at least one first process parameter measured in step A) is the same or the same process parameters as those controlled in step D) of a method according to the invention. Specific examples of such process parameters to be measured and controlled are described below.

RPM is the total number of revolutions a rubber compound undergoes in a mixing chamber.

• Mischen der in Schritt C) in die zweite Mischkammer zugeführte Kautschukvormischung in der zweiten Mischkammer der Mischvorrichtung, wobei während des Mischens in der zweiten Mischkammer mindestens ein zweiter Prozessparameter in Abhängigkeit des einen ersten oder dem mindestens einen ersten in Schritt A) gemessenen Prozessparameter gesteuert wird, wobei einer oder jeder der mindestens einen während des Mischens in Schritt D) in Abhängigkeit des mindestens einen ersten Prozessparameters gesteuerten zweiten Prozessparameter bevorzugt ausgewählt ist aus der Gruppe bestehend aus
  • - die Temperatur der Kautschukvormischung während Schritt D),
  • - die Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren der zweiten Mischkammer während Schritt D),
  • - die Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren der zweiten Mischkammer während Schritt D), und
  • - die zeitliche Dauer vom Zuführen der angemischten Kautschukvormischung in Schritt C) bis zum Auswerfen der Kautschukvormischung in Schritt E).

Preference is given to a method as described above or as described above as being preferred, the method comprising steps A), B), C) and E) and step D) of the method is:

• Mixing the rubber premix fed into the second mixing chamber in step C) in the second mixing chamber of the mixing device, with at least one second process parameter being controlled during the mixing in the second mixing chamber as a function of the one first or the at least one first process parameter measured in step A), wherein one or each of the at least one second process parameter controlled during the mixing in step D) as a function of the at least one first process parameter is preferably selected from the group consisting of
  • - the temperature of the rubber masterbatch during step D),
  • - the speed of rotation of the mixing rotors of the second mixing chamber during step D),
  • - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the second mixing chamber during step D), and
  • - the length of time from feeding in the mixed rubber premix in step C) to ejecting the rubber premix in step E).

An advantage of the aspect of the present invention described above is that in particular deviations in the second process parameter described above of a method according to the invention affect the homogeneity of the resulting rubber mixture and are therefore more important than other process parameters.

This applies in particular to the temperature of the rubber premix, the rotational speed of the mixing rotors and the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors during step D) of a process according to the invention.

• Mischen der in Schritt C) in die zweite Mischkammer zugeführte Kautschukvormischung in der zweiten Mischkammer der Mischvorrichtung, wobei während des Mischens in der zweiten Mischkammer mindestens ein zweiter Prozessparameter in Abhängigkeit des einen ersten oder dem mindestens einen ersten in Schritt A) gemessenen Prozessparameter gesteuert wird, wobei einer oder jeder der mindestens einen während des Mischens in Schritt D) in Abhängigkeit des mindestens einen ersten Prozessparameters gesteuerten zweiten Prozessparameter bevorzugt ausgewählt ist aus der Gruppe bestehend aus
  • - die Temperatur der Kautschukvormischung während Schritt D),
  • - die Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren der zweiten Mischkammer während Schritt D), und
  • - die Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren der zweiten Mischkammer während Schritt D).

A method as described above or as described above as preferred is particularly preferred, the method comprising steps A), B), C) and E) and step D) of the method is:

• Mixing the rubber premix fed into the second mixing chamber in step C) in the second mixing chamber of the mixing device, with at least one second process parameter being controlled during the mixing in the second mixing chamber as a function of the one first or the at least one first process parameter measured in step A), wherein one or each of the at least one second process parameter controlled during the mixing in step D) as a function of the at least one first process parameter is preferably selected from the group consisting of
  • - the temperature of the rubber masterbatch during step D),
  • - the speed of rotation of the mixing rotors of the second mixing chamber during step D), and
  • - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the second mixing chamber during step D).

• - die Temperatur der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A),
• - die Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Mischens in Schritt A),
• - die Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Mischens in Schritt A),
• - die zeitliche Dauer vom Hinzufügen der Kautschukmischungsbestandteile in Schritt A) bis zum Auswerfen der Kautschukvormischung in Schritt B),
• - die elektrische Leitfähigkeit der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A) und
• - die Konzentration an Alkohol in der Gasphase der ersten Mischkammer der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A), wobei
  • - mindestens einer der mehreren Sensoren dazu eingerichtet ist, die Temperatur der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A) zu messen,
  • - mindestens einer der mehreren Sensoren dazu eingerichtet ist, die Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Mischens in Schritt A) zu messen,
  • - mindestens einer der mehreren Sensoren dazu eingerichtet ist, die Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Mischens in Schritt A) zu messen,
  • - mindestens einer der mehreren Sensoren dazu eingerichtet ist, die zeitliche Dauer vom Hinzufügen der Kautschukmischungsbestandteile in Schritt A) bis zum Auswerfen der Kautschukvormischung in Schritt B) zu messen,
  • - mindestens einer der mehreren Sensoren dazu eingerichtet ist, die elektrische Leitfähigkeit der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A) zu messen, und
  • - mindestens einer der mehreren Sensoren dazu eingerichtet ist, die Konzentration an Alkohol in der Gasphase der ersten Mischkammer der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A) zu messen.

A method as described above or as described above as preferred is preferred, wherein one or each of the at least one first process parameter measured during the mixing in step A) is measured by means of one or more sensors and is selected from the group consisting of

• - the temperature of the rubber premix during mixing in step A),
• - the speed of rotation of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during the mixing in step A),
• - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during the mixing in step A),
• - the time from adding the rubber compound ingredients in step A) to ejecting the rubber premix in step B),
• - the electrical conductivity of the rubber premix during the mixing in step A) and
• - the concentration of alcohol in the gas phase of the first mixing chamber of the rubber precursors during mixing in step A), wherein
  • - at least one of the several sensors is set up to measure the temperature of the rubber premix during the mixing in step A),
  • - at least one of the several sensors is set up to measure the rotational speed of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during the mixing in step A),
  • - at least one of the several sensors is set up to measure the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during the mixing in step A),
  • - at least one of the plurality of sensors is set up to measure the time from the addition of the rubber mixture components in step A) to the ejection of the rubber premix in step B),
  • - at least one of the plurality of sensors is set up to measure the electrical conductivity of the rubber premix during the mixing in step A), and
  • - at least one of the plurality of sensors is adapted to measure the concentration of alcohol in the gas phase of the first mixing chamber of the rubber premix during the mixing in step A).

An advantage of the aspect of the present invention described above is that, in particular, deviations in the first process parameters described above of a method according to the invention impair the homogeneity of the resulting rubber mixture. This applies in particular to the temperature of the rubber premix, the rotational speed of the mixing rotors and the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors during step A) of a process according to the invention.

In the context of the present invention, the expression "the time from adding the rubber mixture components in step A) to ejecting the rubber premix in step B)" includes in particular the time during which a specific temperature X during a specific mixing step of a process step of the process according to the invention or maintained during an entire method step as defined in a method according to the invention, preferably it is the duration of time during an entire method step as defined in a method according to the invention. An above-described step A) or an above-described step D) according to a method according to the invention preferably comprises several different mixing steps as mentioned in the last sentence and thus also the mixing of the corresponding rubber mixture at different temperatures.

A method as described above or as described above as preferred is very particularly preferred, wherein all of the one or more sensors are set up to measure the corresponding first process parameter not just once, but several times or continuously, as described above in a method according to the invention or as described above to be measured in a method described as preferred according to the invention. This enables the acquisition of the time profile of the corresponding process parameter, in particular as described in one of the methods as particularly preferred below, whereby the deviation from the previously envisaged time profile to the real time profile of the first process parameter can still be determined precisely and thus the second process parameters can be adjusted better.

• - die Temperatur der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A),
• - die Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Mischens in Schritt A) und
• - die Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Mischens in Schritt A), wobei
  • - mindestens einer der mehreren Sensoren dazu eingerichtet ist, die Temperatur der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A) zu messen,
  • - mindestens einer der mehreren Sensoren dazu eingerichtet ist, die Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Mischens in Schritt A) zu messen und
  • - mindestens einer der mehreren Sensoren dazu eingerichtet ist, die Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Mischens in Schritt A) zu messen.

A method as described above or as described above as preferred is particularly preferred, wherein one or each of the at least one first process parameter measured during the mixing in step A) is measured by means of one or more sensors and is selected from the group consisting of

• - the temperature of the rubber premix during mixing in step A),
• - the rotational speed of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during the mixing in step A) and
• - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during the mixing in step A), where
  • - at least one of the several sensors is set up to measure the temperature of the rubber premix during the mixing in step A),
  • - at least one of the plurality of sensors is set up to measure the rotational speed of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during the mixing in step A) and
  • - At least one of the multiple sensors is set up to measure the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during the mixing in step A).

1. 1. Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren der zweiten Mischkammer während Schritt D) in Abhängigkeit von der Temperatur der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A):
   • Wird beim Mischen in Schritt A) eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens in der ersten Mischkammer eine unzureichende Temperatur der Kautschukmischung trotz Erreichens der geforderten Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren in der ersten Mischkammer gemessen, so sollte die Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren in der zweiten Mischkammer während Schritt D) entsprechend erhöht werden. Dies führt zu einer verbesserten Homogenität der resultierenden Kautschukmischung bei besagter unzureichender Temperatur ansonsten gleichbleibenden Prozessparameter.

• 2. Zeitliche Dauer vom Zuführen der angemischten Kautschukvormischung in Schritt C) bis zum Auswerfen der Kautschukvormischung in Schritt E) in Abhängigkeit von der Konzentration an Alkohol in der Gasphase der ersten Mischkammer der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A):
  • Wird nur eine geringe Konzentration an Alkohol während des Mischens in Schritt A) gemessen und somit vermutete, dass nicht genug Silane mit der Silika-Oberfläche reagiert haben, so kann der Schritt D) zeitlich verlängert werden, um der entsprechenden Reaktion mehr Zeit zu geben.
• 3. Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren der zweiten Mischkammer während Schritt D) in Abhängigkeit von der zeitlichen Dauer vom Hinzufügen der Kautschukmischungsbestandteile in Schritt A) bis zum Auswerfen der Kautschukvormischung in Schritt B):
• 4. Temperatur der Kautschukvormischung während Schritt D) in Abhängigkeit von der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A)

The interrelationships of the process parameters described above and below are explained in detail below as an example:

1. 1. Speed of rotation of the mixing rotors of the second mixing chamber during step D) as a function of the temperature of the rubber premix during mixing in step A):
   • If, during mixing in step A) of a method according to the invention, an insufficient temperature of the rubber mixture is measured in the first mixing chamber despite reaching the required rotational speed of the mixing rotors in the first mixing chamber, the rotational speed of the mixing rotors in the second mixing chamber should be increased accordingly during step D). This leads to improved homogeneity of the resulting rubber mixture at said insufficient temperature, the process parameters otherwise remaining the same.

• 2. Duration of time from supplying the mixed rubber premix in step C) to ejection of the rubber premix in step E) depending on the concentration of alcohol in the gas phase of the first mixing chamber of the rubber premix during mixing in step A):
  • If only a low concentration of alcohol is measured during the mixing in step A) and it is therefore assumed that not enough silanes have reacted with the silica surface, step D) can be extended in time in order to give the corresponding reaction more time.
• 3. Number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the second mixing chamber during step D) as a function of the time from adding the rubber compound ingredients in step A) to ejecting the rubber premix in step B):
• 4. Temperature of the rubber masterbatch during step D) as a function of the electrical conductivity of the rubber masterbatch during mixing in step A)

• - einer der während des Mischens in Schritt D) in Abhängigkeit des mindestens einen ersten Prozessparameters gesteuerten zweiten Prozessparameter die Temperatur des flüssigen Zirkulationsmittels der zweiten Mischkammer ist und/oder

• - einer der während des Mischens in Schritt A) gemessenen ersten Prozessparameter die Temperatur des flüssigen Zirkulationsmittels der ersten Mischkammer ist, wobei die Temperatur bevorzugt mittels Temperatursensoren gemessen wird und besonders bevorzugt die Temperatur des Teils des flüssigen Zirkulationsmittels gemessen wird, welcher bereits durch die Temperierelemente der ersten Mischkammer zirkuliert ist, d.h. die Rücklauftemperatur des flüssigen Zirkulationmittels.

A method as described above or as described above as preferred is preferred, wherein the first and/or second mixing chamber comprises temperature control elements with liquid circulating medium for cooling or heating the inner wall of the chamber housing of the first and/or second mixing chamber, wherein

• - one of the second process parameters controlled during the mixing in step D) as a function of the at least one first process parameter is the temperature of the liquid circulation medium of the second mixing chamber and/or

• - One of the first process parameters measured during the mixing in step A) is the temperature of the liquid circulating medium of the first mixing chamber, the temperature preferably being measured by means of temperature sensors and particularly preferably the temperature of that part of the liquid circulating medium being measured which is already heated by the temperature control elements of the first mixing chamber is circulated, ie the return temperature of the liquid circulating medium.

An advantage of the above aspect of the present invention is that the return temperature of the liquid circulating medium can be measured and thus the rubber premix temperature and heat transfer to the premix can be calculated.
While the flow temperature in a method according to the invention is purely a manipulated variable, i.e. a process parameter to be controlled in a method according to the invention, the temperature of that part of the liquid circulating medium which has not yet passed through the temperature control elements of the first or second mixing chamber is a measured variable and therefore a possible process parameters to be measured in a method according to the invention.

In the context of the present invention, heating or cooling of the inner wall of a chamber housing occurs when the temperature of the chamber housing is increased or decreased due to heat transfer with the circulating medium. In the context of the present invention, said tempering elements are preferably tubular recesses behind the inner wall of the chamber housing of a mixing chamber through which a liquid for tempering the inner wall of the chamber housing is circulated, this liquid constituting said liquid circulation medium. The circulation of said liquid circulating means preferably also includes passing through a reservoir, in which the liquid circulating means is brought to a predetermined temperature.

• - einer der während des Mischens in Schritt A) gemessenen ersten Prozessparameter die Höhenposition des Stempels im Beschickungsschacht der ersten Mischkammer ist, und/oder
• - einer der während des Mischens in Schritt A) gemessenen ersten Prozessparameter der auf die Unterseite des Stempels im Beschickungsschacht ausgeübte Druck ist.

Preference is given to a method as described above or as described above as being preferred, wherein the first mixing chamber comprises a feed chute with a plunger for closing the first mixing chamber, wherein

• - one of the first process parameters measured during the mixing in step A) is the height position of the ram in the feed chute of the first mixing chamber, and/or
• - one of the first process parameters measured during the mixing in step A) is the pressure exerted on the underside of the plunger in the feed chute.

In the context of the present invention, an object of the plunger of the first mixing chamber is in particular to vary the volume of the first mixing chamber.

• - einer der während des Mischens in Schritt D) in Abhängigkeit des mindestens einen ersten Prozessparameters gesteuerten zweiten Prozessparameter der Zeitpunkt der Zugabe der weiteren Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen, insbesondere der Füllstoffe, zu der zweiten Mischkammer ist und/oder
• - einer der während des Mischens in Schritt D) in Abhängigkeit des mindestens einen ersten Prozessparameters gesteuerten zweite Prozessparameter die Menge an dem zugegebenen weiteren Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen, insbesondere der Füllstoffe, zu dem jeweiligen Zeitpunkt der Zugabe des weiteren Kautschukmischungsbestandteils ist.

Preference is given to a method as described above or as described above as preferred, wherein the second mixing chamber comprises feed units for feeding further rubber mixture components to the second mixing chamber, wherein

• - one of the second process parameters controlled as a function of the at least one first process parameter during the mixing in step D) is the point in time at which the further rubber mixture components, in particular the fillers, are added to the second mixing chamber and/or
• - one of the second process parameters controlled during the mixing in step D) as a function of the at least one first process parameter is the amount of the added further rubber mixture components, in particular the fillers, at the respective point in time of the addition of the further rubber mixture component.

An advantage of the aspect of the present invention described above is that an even greater homogeneity of the resulting rubber base compound or the resulting finished rubber compound can be achieved by a precisely timed and precisely measured release of a rubber compound component during step D) as a function of one of the first process parameters from step A). can.

• - Zeitpunkt der Zugabe der weiteren Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu der zweiten Mischkammer in Abhängigkeit von in Abhängigkeit von der Temperatur der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A).
• - Menge an dem zugegebenen weiteren Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu dem jeweiligen Zeitpunkt der Zugabe des weiteren Kautschukmischungsbestandteils in Abhängigkeit von der Konzentration an Alkohol in der Gasphase der ersten Mischkammer der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A).

In the following, particularly preferred combinations of the process parameters described above and below are explained in detail by way of example:

• - Time of addition of the other rubber compound ingredients to the second mixing chamber depending on depending on the temperature of the rubber premix during the mixing in step A).
• - Amount of the additional rubber compound ingredients added at the respective point in time of the addition of the additional rubber compound ingredient depending on the concentration of alcohol in the gas phase of the first mixing chamber of the rubber premix during the mixing in step A).

Preference is given to a method as described above or as described above as being preferred, wherein one of the at least one further mixture component added in step A) is a filler, wherein the filler is preferably carbon black and/or silica and the total concentration of fillers is particularly preferably between 10 and 150 phr lies.

An advantage of the aspect of the present invention described above is that, in particular, relatively small differences in the material properties of two batches of a filler produced at different times can have large differences in the homogeneity of the resulting rubber base mixture or the resulting finished rubber mixture of a method according to the invention. Rapid intervention in step D) of a process according to the invention is therefore important, particularly in the production of rubber mixtures with the fillers described above.

• Y) Mischen einer weiteren Kautschukvormischung in der ersten Mischkammern, wobei während des Mischens der weiteren Kautschukvormischung in der ersten Mischkammer mindestens ein dritter Prozessparameter in Abhängigkeit eines ersten und/oder zweiten Prozessparameters gesteuert wird,
• Z) Auswerfen der in Schritt Y) gemischten weiteren Kautschukvormischung aus der ersten Mischkammer, wobei eine weitere angemischte Kautschukvormischung entsteht

Preference is given to a method as described above or as described above as being preferred, the method additionally comprising the following steps:

• Y) mixing a further rubber premix in the first mixing chamber, wherein at least one third process parameter is controlled as a function of a first and/or second process parameter during the mixing of the further rubber premix in the first mixing chamber,
• Z) Ejection of the further rubber premix mixed in step Y) from the first mixing chamber, with a further mixed rubber premix being produced

An advantage of the aspect of the present invention described above is that in this way the next rubber mixture that is produced in a mixing device of a method according to the invention also benefits from the findings from the previously produced rubber base mixture or rubber ready-mix. The advantages achieved by controlling the third process parameter described above or below correspond to the advantages which were described above for the relationships between the first and second process parameters.

• - der Temperatur der weiteren Kautschukvormischung während des Schrittes Y),
• - der Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Schrittes Y),
• - der Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Schrittes Y),
• - der zeitliche Dauer des Mischens der weiteren Kautschukvormischung in Schritt Y),
• - der Temperatur der Temperiermittel der ersten Mischkammer während des Schrittes Y),
• - der Höhenposition des Stempels im Beschickungsschacht der ersten Mischkammer während des Schrittes Y),
• - dem auf den Stempel im Beschickungsschacht während Schritt D) ausgeübte Druck aus der ersten Mischkammer,
• - dem Zeitpunkt der Zugabe weiterer Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu der ersten Mischkammer während des Schrittes Y) und
• - der Menge an zugegebenen weiteren Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu dem jeweiligen Zeitpunkt der Zugabe weiterer Kautschukmischungsbestandteils.

Preferred is a method as described above or as described as preferred above, wherein the third during the step Y) controlled process parameters is selected from the group consisting of

• - the temperature of the further rubber premix during step Y),
• - the speed of rotation of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during step Y),
• - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during step Y),
• - the duration of the mixing of the further rubber premix in step Y),
• - the temperature of the temperature control means of the first mixing chamber during step Y),
• - the height position of the ram in the feed chute of the first mixing chamber during step Y),
• - the pressure exerted on the plunger in the feed chute during step D) from the first mixing chamber,
• - the timing of adding further rubber compound ingredients to the first mixing chamber during step Y) and
• - the amount of additional rubber compound ingredients added at the respective time of addition of additional rubber compound ingredients.

1. 1. der auf den Stempel im Beschickungsschacht während Schritt D) ausgeübte Druck aus der ersten Mischkammer in Abhängigkeit von der Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren der zweiten Mischkammer während Schritt D).
2. 2. Höhenposition des Stempels im Beschickungsschacht der ersten Mischkammer während des Schrittes Y) in Abhängigkeit von der Temperatur der Kautschukvormischung während Schritt D).

In the following, particularly preferred combinations of the process parameters described above and below are explained in detail by way of example:

1. 1. The pressure from the first mixing chamber exerted on the plunger in the feed chute during step D) as a function of the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the second mixing chamber during step D).
2. 2. Height position of the ram in the hopper of the first mixing chamber during step Y) as a function of the temperature of the rubber premix during step D).

• - die zwei Mischkammern der Mischvorrichtung räumlich übereinander angeordnet sind und somit einen Obermischer mit einer ersten Mischkammer und einen Untermischer mit einer zweiten Mischkammer bilden und/oder
• - einer oder mindestens einer oder sämtliche der in Schritt A) und/oder in Schritt D) und/oder in Schritt Y) gemessenen ersten Prozessparameter einmalig, mehrmals oder kontinuierlich während des jeweiligen Schrittes gemessen werden.

Preference is given to a method as described above or as described above as preferred, wherein

• - the two mixing chambers of the mixing device are arranged spatially one above the other and thus form an upper mixer with a first mixing chamber and a lower mixer with a second mixing chamber and/or
• - one or at least one or all of the first process parameters measured in step A) and/or in step D) and/or in step Y) are measured once, several times or continuously during the respective step.

An advantage of the aspect of the present invention described above is that, in particular for a tandem mixer system with an upper mixer and a lower mixer as described above, particularly high homogeneity can be achieved in the rubber mixtures mixed according to the invention in the tandem mixer by means of the process.

1. A) Hinzufügen und Mischen von Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen umfassend mindestens einen Kautschuk und mindestens einen weiteren Mischungsbestandteil sowie Silika in der ersten der zwei Mischkammern, sodass eine Kautschukvormischung entsteht, wobei während des Mischens in der ersten Mischkammer der mindestens zwei Mischkammern der Mischvorrichtung mindestens ein erster Prozessparameter gemessen wird,
2. B) Auswerfen der in Schritt A) gemischten Kautschukvormischung aus der ersten Mischkammer der Mischvorrichtung, wobei eine angemischte Kautschukvormischung entsteht,
3. C) Zuführen der angemischten Kautschukvormischung in die zweite Mischkammer der Mischvorrichtung,
4. D) Mischen der in Schritt C) in die zweite Mischkammer zugeführte Kautschukvormischung in der zweiten Mischkammer der Mischvorrichtung, wobei während des Mischens in der zweiten Mischkammer mindestens ein zweiter Prozessparameter in Abhängigkeit des einen ersten oder dem mindestens einen ersten in Schritt A) gemessenen Prozessparameter gesteuert wird,
5. E) Auswerfen der in Schritt D) in der zweiten Mischkammer gemischten Kautschukvormischung, wobei eine angemischte Kautschukgrundmischung oder eine angemischte Kautschukfertigmischung entsteht, wobei sämtliche der mindestens einen während des Mischens in Schritt D) in Abhängigkeit des mindestens einen ersten Prozessparameters gesteuerten zweiten Prozessparameter ausgewählt sind aus der Gruppe bestehend aus
   • - die Temperatur der Kautschukvormischung während Schritt D),
   • - die Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren der zweiten Mischkammer während Schritt D),
   • - die Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren der zweiten Mischkammer während Schritt D), und
   • - die zeitliche Dauer vom Zuführen der angemischten Kautschukvormischung in Schritt C) bis zum Auswerfen der Kautschukvormischung in Schritt E),
   wobei sämtliche der mindestens einen während des Mischens in Schritt A) gemessenen ersten Prozessparameters mittels eines oder mehrerer Sensoren gemessen wird und ausgewählt sind aus der Gruppe bestehend aus
   • - die Temperatur der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A),
   • - die Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Mischens in Schritt A),
   • - die Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Mischens in Schritt A),
   • - die zeitliche Dauer vom Hinzufügen der Kautschukmischungsbestandteile in Schritt A) bis zum Auswerfen der Kautschukvormischung in Schritt B),
   • - die elektrische Leitfähigkeit der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A) und
   • - die Konzentration an Alkohol in der Gasphase der ersten Mischkammer der Kautschukvormischung während des Mischens in Schritt A),
   wobei die erste und zweite Mischkammer Temperierelemente mit flüssigem Zirkulationsmittel zum Kühlen oder Erwärmen der Innenwand des Kammergehäuses der ersten und zweiten Mischkammer umfasst, wobei
   • - einer der während des Mischens in Schritt D) in Abhängigkeit des mindestens einen ersten Prozessparameters gesteuerten zweiten Prozessparameter die Temperatur des flüssigen Zirkulationsmittels der zweiten Mischkammer ist und
   • - einer der während des Mischens in Schritt A) gemessenen ersten Prozessparameter die Temperatur des flüssigen Zirkulationsmittels der ersten Mischkammer ist, wobei die Temperatur mittels Temperatursensoren gemessen wird und die Temperatur des Teils des flüssigen Zirkulationsmittels gemessen wird, welcher bereits durch die Temperierelemente der ersten Mischkammer zirkuliert ist,
   wobei die erste Mischkammer einen Beschickungsschacht mit einem Stempel zum Schließen der ersten Mischkammer umfasst, wobei
   • - einer der während des Mischens in Schritt A) gemessenen ersten Prozessparameter die Höhenposition des Stempels im Beschickungsschacht der ersten Mischkammer ist, und
   • - einer der während des Mischens in Schritt A) gemessenen ersten Prozessparameter der auf die Unterseite des Stempels im Beschickungsschacht ausgeübte Druck ist,
   wobei die zweite Mischkammer Zuführeinheiten zum Zuführen von weiteren Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu der zweiten Mischkammer umfasst, wobei
   • - einer der während des Mischens in Schritt D) in Abhängigkeit des mindestens einen ersten Prozessparameters gesteuerten zweiten Prozessparameter der Zeitpunkt der Zugabe der weiteren Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu der zweiten Mischkammer ist und
   • - einer der während des Mischens in Schritt D) in Abhängigkeit des mindestens einen ersten Prozessparameters gesteuerten zweite Prozessparameter die Menge an dem zugegebenen weiteren Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu dem jeweiligen Zeitpunkt der Zugabe des weiteren Kautschukmischungsbestandteils ist,
   wobei einer des mindestens einen in Schritt A) hinzugefügten weiteren Mischungsbestandteil Silika ist, wobei die Gesamtkonzentration an Silika zwischen 50 und 90 phr liegt, wobei das Verfahren zusätzlich die folgenden Schritt umfasst:
   • Y) Mischen einer weiteren Kautschukvormischung in der ersten Mischkammern, wobei während des Mischens der weiteren Kautschukvormischung in der ersten Mischkammer mindestens ein dritter Prozessparameter in Abhängigkeit eines ersten oder zweiten Prozessparameters gesteuert wird,
   • Z) Auswerfen der in Schritt Y) gemischten weiteren Kautschukvormischung aus der ersten Mischkammer, wobei eine weitere angemischte Kautschukvormischung entsteht,
   wobei sämtliche des mindestens einen dritten während des Schrittes Y) gesteuerten Prozessparameter ausgewählt sind aus der Gruppe bestehend aus
   • - der Temperatur der weiteren Kautschukvormischung während des Schrittes Y),
   • - der Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Schrittes Y),
   • - der Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren der ersten Mischkammer während des Schrittes Y),
   • - der zeitliche Dauer des Mischens der weiteren Kautschukvormischung in Schritt Y),
   • - der Temperatur der Temperiermittel der ersten Mischkammer während des Schrittes Y),
   • - der Höhenposition des Stempels im Beschickungsschacht der ersten Mischkammer während des Schrittes Y),
   • - dem auf den Stempel im Beschickungsschacht während Schritt D) ausgeübte Druck aus der ersten Mischkammer,
   • - dem Zeitpunkt der Zugabe weiterer Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu der ersten Mischkammer während des Schrittes Y) und
   • - der Menge an zugegebenen weiteren Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu dem jeweiligen Zeitpunkt der Zugabe weiterer Kautschukmischungsbestandteils,

wobei

• - die zwei Mischkammern der Mischvorrichtung räumlich übereinander angeordnet sind und somit einen Obermischer mit einer ersten Mischkammer und einen Untermischer mit einer zweiten Mischkammer bilden und
• - einer oder mindestens einer oder sämtliche der in Schritt A) und in Schritt D) und in Schritt Y) gemessenen ersten Prozessparameter mehrmals oder kontinuierlich während des jeweiligen Schrittes gemessen werden.

A method as described above comprising the following steps is particularly preferred:

1. A) adding and mixing rubber mixture components comprising at least one rubber and at least one other mixture component as well as silica in the first of the two mixing chambers, so that a rubber premix is formed, wherein at least one first process parameter is measured during the mixing in the first mixing chamber of the at least two mixing chambers of the mixing device ,
2. B) ejection of the rubber premix mixed in step A) from the first mixing chamber of the mixing device, resulting in a mixed rubber premix,
3. C) feeding the mixed rubber premix into the second mixing chamber of the mixing device,
4. D) Mixing the rubber premix fed into the second mixing chamber in step C) in the second mixing chamber of the mixing device, wherein during the mixing in the second mixing chamber at least one second process parameter is controlled as a function of the one first or the at least one first process parameter measured in step A). will,
5. E) Ejection of the rubber premix mixed in step D) in the second mixing chamber, resulting in a mixed rubber base mixture or a mixed ready-made rubber mixture, wherein all of the at least one second process parameter controlled during the mixing in step D) as a function of the at least one first process parameter are selected from the group consisting of
   • - the temperature of the rubber masterbatch during step D),
   • - the speed of rotation of the mixing rotors of the second mixing chamber during step D),
   • - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the second mixing chamber during step D), and
   • - the time from supplying the mixed rubber premix in step C) to ejecting the rubber premix in step E),
   wherein all of the at least one first process parameter measured during the mixing in step A) is measured by means of one or more sensors and is selected from the group consisting of
   • - the temperature of the rubber premix during mixing in step A),
   • - the speed of rotation of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during the mixing in step A),
   • - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during the mixing in step A),
   • - the time from adding the rubber compound ingredients in step A) to ejecting the rubber premix in step B),
   • - the electrical conductivity of the rubber premix during the mixing in step A) and
   • - the concentration of alcohol in the gas phase of the first mixing chamber of the rubber premix during the mixing in step A),
   wherein the first and second mixing chambers comprise tempering elements with liquid circulating medium for cooling or heating the inner wall of the chamber housing of the first and second mixing chambers, wherein
   • - one of the second process parameters controlled during the mixing in step D) as a function of the at least one first process parameter is the temperature of the liquid circulating medium of the second mixing chamber and
   • - one of the first process parameters measured during the mixing in step A) is the temperature of the liquid circulating medium of the first mixing chamber, the temperature being measured by means of temperature sensors and the temperature of that part of the liquid circulating medium being measured which is already circulating through the temperature control elements of the first mixing chamber is,
   wherein the first mixing chamber comprises a hopper having a plunger for closing the first mixing chamber, wherein
   • - one of the first process parameters measured during the mixing in step A) is the height position of the plunger in the feed shaft of the first mixing chamber, and
   • - one of the first process parameters measured during mixing in step A) is the pressure exerted on the underside of the plunger in the feed chute,
   wherein the second mixing chamber comprises feed units for feeding further rubber compound ingredients to the second mixing chamber, wherein
   • - one of the second process parameters controlled as a function of the at least one first process parameter during the mixing in step D) is the point in time at which the further rubber mixture components are added to the second mixing chamber and
   • - one of the second process parameters controlled during the mixing in step D) as a function of the at least one first process parameter is the amount of the added further rubber mixture components at the respective point in time of the addition of the further rubber mixture component,
   wherein one of the at least one further mixture component added in step A) is silica, wherein the total concentration of silica is between 50 and 90 phr, the method additionally comprising the following steps:
   • Y) mixing a further rubber premix in the first mixing chamber, wherein at least one third process parameter is controlled as a function of a first or second process parameter during the mixing of the further rubber premix in the first mixing chamber,
   • Z) Ejection of the further rubber premix mixed in step Y) from the first mixing chamber, resulting in a further mixed rubber premix,
   wherein all of the at least one third process parameter controlled during step Y) are selected from the group consisting of
   • - the temperature of the further rubber premix during step Y),
   • - the speed of rotation of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during step Y),
   • - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during step Y),
   • - the duration of the mixing of the further rubber premix in step Y),
   • - the temperature of the temperature control means of the first mixing chamber during step Y),
   • - the height position of the ram in the feed chute of the first mixing chamber during step Y),
   • - the pressure exerted on the plunger in the feed chute during step D) from the first mixing chamber,
   • - the timing of adding further rubber compound ingredients to the first mixing chamber during step Y) and
   • - the amount of additional rubber compound components added at the respective point in time at which additional rubber compound components were added,

whereby

• - The two mixing chambers of the mixing device are arranged spatially one above the other and thus form an upper mixer with a first mixing chamber and a lower mixer with a second mixing chamber and
• - one or at least one or all of the first process parameters measured in step A) and in step D) and in step Y) are measured several times or continuously during the respective step.

The advantageous aspects described above of a method according to the invention for producing rubber mixtures in a mixing device comprising at least two mixing chambers also apply to all aspects of a device described below and the advantageous aspects of devices according to the invention discussed below apply correspondingly to all aspects of a method according to the invention for producing rubber mixtures in a mixing device comprising at least two mixing chambers.

• - mindestens eine erste und eine zweite Mischkammer jeweils mit einem oder zwei Rotoren zum Mischen einer Kautschukmischung, wobei jede Mischkammer von einem Kammergehäuse, einer Einfüllöffnung und einer Auswurföffnung begrenzt wird,
• - einen oder mehrere Sensoren, wobei die Sensoren dazu eingerichtet sind,
  • - die Temperatur einer Kautschukmischung beim Mischen einer Kautschukmischung in der ersten oder zweiten der Mischkammern,
  • - die Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren beim Mischen in der ersten oder zweiten der Mischkammern,
  • - die Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren beim Mischen einer Kautschukmischung in der ersten oder zweiten der Mischkammern,
  • - die Konzentration an einem Alkohol in der Gasphase der ersten Mischkammer beim Mischen einer Kautschukmischung in der ersten oder zweiten der Mischkammern,
  • - die elektrische Leitfähigkeit einer Kautschukmischung beim Mischen in der ersten oder zweiten der Mischkammern und/oder
  • - die zeitliche Dauer des Mischens in der ersten oder zweiten der Mischkammern
  der Vorrichtung zu messen,
• - eine Steuerungseinheit, welche dazu eingerichtet ist,
  • - die Temperatur einer Kautschukmischung beim Mischen in der ersten oder zweiten der Mischkammern,
  • - die Drehgeschwindigkeit der Mischrotoren beim Mischen einer Kautschukmischung in der ersten oder zweiten der Mischkammern,
  • - die Umdrehungsanzahl der Mischrotoren beim Mischen einer Kautschukmischung in der ersten oder zweiten der Mischkammern und/oder
  • - die zeitliche Dauer des Mischens einer Kautschukmischung in der ersten oder zweiten der Mischkammern,
  in Abhängigkeit der Messsignale des besagten einen oder des besagten mindestens einen Sensors zu steuern.

The invention also relates to a device for carrying out a method as described above or as described above as being preferred, comprising

• - at least one first and one second mixing chamber, each with one or two rotors for mixing a rubber mixture, each mixing chamber being delimited by a chamber housing, a filling opening and an ejection opening,
• - one or more sensors, the sensors being set up to
  • - the temperature of a rubber compound when mixing a rubber compound in the first or second of the mixing chambers,
  • - the speed of rotation of the mixing rotors when mixing in the first or second of the mixing chambers,
  • - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors when mixing a rubber mixture in the first or second of the mixing chambers,
  • - the concentration of an alcohol in the gas phase of the first mixing chamber when mixing a rubber compound in the first or second of the mixing chambers,
  • - the electrical conductivity of a rubber compound when mixed in the first or second of the mixing chambers and/or
  • - the duration of the mixing in the first or second of the mixing chambers
  of the device to measure
• - a control unit which is set up to
  • - the temperature of a rubber compound when mixed in the first or second of the mixing chambers,
  • - the rotational speed of the mixing rotors when mixing a rubber mixture in the first or second of the mixing chambers,
  • - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors when mixing a rubber mixture in the first or second of the mixing chambers and/or
  • - the duration of the mixing of a rubber mixture in the first or second of the mixing chambers,
  to control depending on the measurement signals of said one or said at least one sensor.

• - mindestens eine Zuführeinheit zum Wiegen und zum automatisierten Zuführen von abgewogenen Mengen an Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu der ersten Mischkammer und/oder
• - mindestens eine Zuführeinheit zum Wiegen und zum automatisierten Zuführen von abgewogenen Mengen an Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu der zweiten Mischkammer aufweist, wobei
  • - einer oder mehrere des mindestens einen Sensors dazu eingerichtet sind,
    • - den Zeitpunkt der Zugabe von Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu der ersten oder zweiten Mischkammer und/oder
    • - die Menge an zugegebenen Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu dem jeweiligen Zeitpunkt der Zugabe zu der ersten oder zweiten Mischkammer
    zu messen, und
  • - die Steuerungseinheit dazu eingerichtet ist,
    • - den Zeitpunkt der Zugabe von Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu der ersten oder zweiten Mischkammer und/oder
    • - die Menge an zuzugebenden Kautschukmischungsbestandteilen zu einem Zeitpunkt der Zugabe zu einer ersten oder zweiten Mischkammer
    in Abhängigkeit der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors wie vorstehend beschrieben oder wie vorstehend als bevorzugt beschrieben und/oder in Abhängigkeit der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors zur Bestimmung des Zeitpunktes einer Zugabe oder der Menge einer Zugabe zu steuern

A device as described above or as described above as being preferred is preferred, the device

• - At least one feeding unit for weighing and for the automated feeding of weighed quantities of rubber mixture tand parts to the first mixing chamber and / or
• - Has at least one feeding unit for weighing and for the automated feeding of weighed amounts of rubber compound ingredients to the second mixing chamber, wherein
  • - one or more of the at least one sensor are set up to
    • - the timing of adding rubber compound ingredients to the first or second mixing chamber and/or
    • - the amount of added rubber compound ingredients at the respective time of addition to the first or second mixing chamber
    to measure, and
  • - the control unit is set up to
    • - the timing of adding rubber compound ingredients to the first or second mixing chamber and/or
    • - the amount of rubber compound ingredients to be added at a time of addition to a first or second mixing chamber
    depending on the measurement signals of the one or the at least one sensor as described above or as described above as preferred and/or depending on the measurement signals of the one or the at least one sensor for determining the time of an addition or the amount of an addition

• - beim anschließenden Mischen in der zweiten Mischkammer bzw.
• - beim anschließenden Mischen der nächsten Kautschukmischung in der ersten Mischkammer

berücksichtigt werden können. Dies ermöglicht es, die Homogenität von Kautschukmischungen, welche mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung wie vorstehend als bevorzugt beschrieben hergestellt werden, im Gegensatz zu einer mittels einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung wie vorstehend beschrieben hergestellten Kautschukmischungen noch weiter zu erhöhen.An advantage of the above aspect of the present invention is that the supply of rubber compound ingredients to the first or second mixing chamber can be controlled individually such that variations occurring individually in the first and second mixing chambers are as described above

• - during subsequent mixing in the second mixing chamber or
• - during the subsequent mixing of the next rubber mixture in the first mixing chamber

can be taken into account. This makes it possible to further increase the homogeneity of rubber mixtures which are produced with a device according to the invention as described above as being preferred, in contrast to a rubber mixture produced by means of a device according to the invention as described above.

• - einer oder mehrere des mindestens einen Sensors dazu eingerichtet sind,
  • - die Höhenposition des Stempels im Beschickungsschacht der ersten Mischkammer und/oder
  • - der auf die Unterseite des Stempels im Beschickungsschacht ausgeübte Druck
  zu messen, und
• - die Steuerungseinheit dazu eingerichtet ist,
  • - die Höhenposition des Stempels im Beschickungsschacht der ersten Mischkammer
  und/oder
  • - der auf die Unterseite des Stempels im Beschickungsschacht ausgeübte Druck
  in Abhängigkeit
  • - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors wie vorstehend beschrieben oder wie vorstehend als bevorzugt beschrieben und/oder
  • - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors zur Bestimmung der Höhenposition des Stempels und/oder
  • - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors zur Bestimmung des auf die Unterseite des Stempels im Beschickungsschacht ausgeübten Drucks zu steuern.

Preference is given to a device as described above or as described above as being preferred, the device having a feed chute for feeding the first mixing chamber, the feed chute having a plunger for closing the first mixing chamber, wherein

• - one or more of the at least one sensor are set up to
  • - the height position of the ram in the feed chute of the first mixing chamber and/or
  • - the pressure exerted on the underside of the ram in the feed chute
  to measure, and
• - the control unit is set up to
  • - the height position of the ram in the feed chute of the first mixing chamber
  and or
  • - the pressure exerted on the underside of the ram in the feed chute
  dependent on
  • - the measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor as described above or as described above as preferred and/or
  • - The measurement signals of the one or at least one sensor for determining the height position of the stamp and/or
  • - to control the measurement signals of the one or at least one sensor for determining the pressure exerted on the underside of the ram in the loading chute.

An advantage of the aspect of the present invention described above is that the ram in the feed chute can be controlled individually so that individually occurring deviations as described above from the second mixing chamber can be taken into account during the subsequent mixing of the next rubber mixture in the first mixing chamber. This makes it possible to ensure the homogeneity of rubber mixtures, which are described as being preferred with a device according to the invention as described above ben are produced, in contrast to a rubber mixture produced by means of a device according to the invention as described above, to be increased even further.

• - einer oder mehrere des mindestens einen Sensors dazu eingerichtet sind, die Temperatur des Zirkulationsmittels in den Temperierelementen und/oder die Temperatur einer Kautschukmischung in der ersten und/oder zweiten Mischkammer zu messen, und
• - die Steuerungseinheit dazu eingerichtet ist, die Temperatur des Zirkulationsmittels und/oder die Temperatur einer Kautschukmischung in der ersten und/oder zweiten Mischkammer in Abhängigkeit
  • - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors wie vorstehend beschrieben oder wie vorstehend als bevorzugt beschrieben
  und/oder
  • - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors zur Bestimmung der Temperatur des Zirkulationsmittels in den Temperierelementen der ersten und/oder zweiten Mischkammer
  zu steuern.

Preference is given to a device as described above or as described above as preferred, wherein the first and/or second mixing chamber of the device comprises temperature control elements with liquid circulating medium for cooling or heating the inner wall of the chamber housing of the first and/or second mixing chamber, wherein

• - one or more of the at least one sensor are set up to measure the temperature of the circulating medium in the temperature control elements and/or the temperature of a rubber mixture in the first and/or second mixing chamber, and
• - the control unit is set up to determine the temperature of the circulation medium and/or the temperature of a rubber mixture in the first and/or second mixing chamber as a function
  • - the measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor as described above or as described above as being preferred
  and or
  • - The measurement signals of the one or at least one sensor for determining the temperature of the circulating medium in the temperature control elements of the first and/or second mixing chamber
  to control.

• Besonders bevorzugt ist eine Vorrichtung wie vorstehend beschrieben oder wie vorstehend als bevorzugt beschrieben, die Steuerungseinheit dazu eingerichtet ist, die Temperatur des Zirkulationsmittels oder die Temperatur einer Kautschukmischung in der ersten und/oder zweiten Mischkammer in Abhängigkeit
  • - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors wie vorstehend beschrieben oder wie vorstehend als bevorzugt beschrieben
  oder
  • - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors zur Bestimmung der Temperatur des Zirkulationsmittels in den Temperierelementen der ersten oder zweiten Mischkammer
  zu steuern.

One advantage of the aspect of the present invention described above is described above with regard to the temperature control elements in a method according to the invention. This applies in particular to the specific control units of a device according to the invention described below:

• A device as described above or as described above as preferred is particularly preferred, the control unit being set up to depend on the temperature of the circulation medium or the temperature of a rubber mixture in the first and/or second mixing chamber
  • - the measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor as described above or as described above as being preferred
  or
  • - The measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor for determining the temperature of the circulating medium in the temperature control elements of the first or second mixing chamber
  to control.

• - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors wie vorstehend beschrieben oder wie vorstehend als bevorzugt beschrieben

und

• - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors zur Bestimmung der Temperatur des Zirkulationsmittels in den Temperierelementen der ersten oder zweiten Mischkammer

zu steuern.A device as described above or as described above as preferred is particularly preferred, the control unit being set up to determine the temperature of the circulation medium and the temperature of a rubber mixture in the first and/or second mixing chamber as a function

• - the measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor as described above or as described above as being preferred

and

• - The measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor for determining the temperature of the circulating medium in the temperature control elements of the first or second mixing chamber

to control.

• - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors wie vorstehend beschrieben oder wie vorstehend als bevorzugt beschrieben

oder

• - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors zur Bestimmung der Temperatur des Zirkulationsmittels in den Temperierelementen der ersten und zweiten Mischkammer

zu steuern.A device as described above or as described above as preferred is particularly preferred, the control unit being set up to depend on the temperature of the circulation medium or the temperature of a rubber mixture in the first and/or second mixing chamber

• - the measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor as described above or as described above as being preferred

or

• - The measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor for determining the temperature of the circulating medium in the temperature control elements of the first and second mixing chamber

to control.

• - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors wie vorstehend beschrieben oder wie vorstehend als bevorzugt beschrieben

und

• - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors zur Bestimmung der Temperatur des Zirkulationsmittels in den Temperierelementen der ersten und zweiten Mischkammer

zu steuern.A device as described above or as described above as preferred is particularly preferred, the control unit being set up to determine the temperature of the circulation medium and the temperature of a rubber mixture in the first and/or second mixing chamber as a function

• - the measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor as described above or as described above as being preferred

and

• - The measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor for determining the temperature of the circulating medium in the temperature control elements of the first and second mixing chamber

to control.

• - einer oder mehrere des mindestens einen Sensors dazu eingerichtet sind, die Temperatur des Zirkulationsmittels in den Temperierelementen und/oder die Temperatur einer Kautschukmischung in der ersten und/oder zweiten Mischkammer zu messen, und
• - die Steuerungseinheit dazu eingerichtet ist, die Temperatur des Zirkulationsmittels und die Temperatur einer Kautschukmischung in der ersten und zweiten Mischkammer in Abhängigkeit
  • - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors wie vorstehend beschrieben oder wie vorstehend als bevorzugt beschrieben
  und
  • - der Messsignale des einen oder des mindestens einen Sensors zur Bestimmung der Temperatur des Zirkulationsmittels in den Temperierelementen der ersten und zweiten Mischkammer
  zu steuern.

A device as described above or as described above as preferred is very particularly preferred, wherein the first and/or second mixing chamber of the device comprises temperature control elements with liquid circulating medium for cooling or heating the inner wall of the chamber housing of the first and/or second mixing chamber, wherein

• - one or more of the at least one sensor are set up to measure the temperature of the circulating medium in the temperature control elements and/or the temperature of a rubber mixture in the first and/or second mixing chamber, and
• - the control unit is set up to determine the temperature of the circulating medium and the temperature of a rubber mixture in the first and second mixing chamber as a function
  • - the measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor as described above or as described above as being preferred
  and
  • - The measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor for determining the temperature of the circulating medium in the temperature control elements of the first and second mixing chamber
  to control.

Within the scope of the present invention, a control unit of a device according to the invention can reach the temperature of the liquid circulating medium, for example, by cooling or heating the liquid circulating medium in the above-described reservoir of the circulation system. For this purpose, heating or cooling elements known from the prior art could be used. Within the scope of the present invention, the temperature of the circulating medium is advantageously measured directly when the circulating medium enters and leaves the temperature control elements.

The advantageous aspects described above of a device according to the invention for carrying out a method according to the invention and a method according to the invention for producing rubber mixtures in a mixing device comprising at least two mixing chambers also apply to all aspects of a use described below, and the advantageous aspects of uses according to the invention discussed below apply accordingly to all aspects a device according to the invention for carrying out a method according to the invention and a method according to the invention for producing rubber mixtures in a mixing device comprising at least two mixing chambers.

The invention also relates to the use of a device as described above or as preferred above for producing a rubber base compound or a finished rubber compound, the rubber base compound or the finished rubber compound preferably being produced according to a method as described above or as described above as preferred.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 4309451 A1 [0002]

Claims (15)

Method for producing rubber mixtures in a mixing device comprising at least two mixing chambers, each of the at least two mixing chambers having at least two mixing rotors, comprising the following steps: A) Adding and mixing rubber compound ingredients comprising at least one rubber and at least one other compound ingredient, preferably a filler, in the first of the two mixing chambers, so that a rubber premix is formed, wherein during the mixing in the first mixing chamber of the at least two mixing chambers of the mixing device at least a first process parameter is measured, B) ejection of the rubber premix mixed in step A) from the first mixing chamber of the mixing device, resulting in a mixed rubber premix, C) feeding the mixed rubber premix into the second mixing chamber of the mixing device, D) mixing the rubber premix fed into the second mixing chamber in step C) in the second mixing chamber of the mixing device based on the one first or the at least one first process parameter measured in step A), E) Ejecting the rubber premix mixed in step D) in the second mixing chamber, resulting in a mixed base rubber compound or a mixed finished rubber compound. procedure after claim 1 , wherein the method comprises steps A), B), C) and E) and step D) of the method is: mixing the rubber premix fed into the second mixing chamber in step C) in the second mixing chamber of the mixing device, wherein during mixing in the second mixing chamber, at least one second process parameter is controlled as a function of the one or the at least one first process parameter measured in step A), wherein one or each of the at least one second process parameter controlled during the mixing in step D) as a function of the at least one first process parameter Process parameter is preferably selected from the group consisting of - the temperature of the rubber premix during step D), - the rotational speed of the mixing rotors of the second mixing chamber during step D), - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the second mixing chamber during step D), and - the duration from feeding the mixed rubber masterbatch into S step C) to the ejection of the rubber premix in step E). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or each of the at least one first process parameter measured during the mixing in step A) is measured by means of one or more sensors and is selected from the group consisting of - the temperature of the rubber premix during mixing in step A), - the speed of rotation of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during the mixing in step A), - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during the mixing in step A), - the time from adding the rubber compound ingredients in step A) to ejecting the rubber premix in step B), - the electrical conductivity of the rubber masterbatch during mixing in step A) and - the concentration of alcohol in the gas phase of the first mixing chamber of the rubber premix during the mixing in step A). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second mixing chamber comprises temperature control elements with liquid circulating medium for cooling or heating the inner wall of the chamber housing of the first and/or second mixing chamber, wherein - one of the second process parameters controlled during the mixing in step D) as a function of the at least one first process parameter is the temperature of the liquid circulating medium of the second mixing chamber and or - One of the first process parameters measured during the mixing in step A) is the temperature of the liquid circulating medium of the first mixing chamber, the temperature preferably being measured by means of temperature sensors and particularly preferably the temperature of that part of the liquid circulating medium being measured which is already heated by the temperature control elements of the first mixing chamber is circulated. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first mixing chamber comprises a loading chute with a ram for closing the first mixing chamber, wherein - one of the first process parameters measured during the mixing in step A) is the height position of the ram in the loading chute of the first mixing chamber, and/ or - one of the first process parameters measured during the mixing in step A) on the pressure exerted on the underside of the ram in the feed chute. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one of the at least one further mixture component added in step A) is a filler, wherein the filler is preferably carbon black and/or silica and the total concentration of fillers is more preferably between 10 and 150 phr. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second mixing chamber comprises feed units for feeding further rubber compound ingredients to the second mixing chamber, wherein - One of the second process parameters controlled as a function of the at least one first process parameter during the mixing in step D) is the point in time at which the further rubber mixture components are added to the second mixing chamber and or - one of the second process parameters controlled as a function of the at least one first process parameter during the mixing in step D) is the amount of the added additional rubber mixture components at the respective point in time of the addition of the additional rubber mixture component. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method additionally comprises the following steps: Y) mixing a further rubber premix in the first mixing chamber, wherein at least one third process parameter is controlled as a function of a first and/or second process parameter during the mixing of the further rubber premix in the first mixing chamber, Z) Ejection of the further rubber premix mixed in step Y) from the first mixing chamber, with a further mixed rubber premix being produced. The method of the preceding claim, wherein the third process parameter controlled during step Y) is selected from the group consisting of - the temperature of the further rubber premix during step Y), - the speed of rotation of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during step Y), - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors of the first mixing chamber during step Y), - the duration of the mixing of the further rubber premix in step Y), - the temperature of the temperature control means of the first mixing chamber during step Y), - the height position of the ram in the feed chute of the first mixing chamber during step Y), - the pressure exerted on the plunger in the feed chute during step D) from the first mixing chamber, - the time of adding further rubber compound ingredients to the first mixing chamber during step Y) and - the amount of additional rubber compound ingredients added at the respective time of addition of additional rubber compound ingredients. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein - The two mixing chambers of the mixing device are arranged spatially one above the other and thus form an upper mixer with a first mixing chamber and a lower mixer with a second mixing chamber and or - one or at least one or all of the first process parameters measured in step A) and/or in step D) and/or in step Y) are measured once, several times or continuously during the respective step. Device for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising - at least a first and a second mixing chamber, each with one or two rotors for mixing a rubber mixture, each mixing chamber being delimited by a chamber housing, a filling opening and an ejection opening, - one or more Sensors, the sensors being set up to: - the temperature of a rubber mixture when mixing a rubber mixture in one of the mixing chambers, - the rotational speed of the mixing rotors when mixing in one of the mixing chambers, - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors when mixing a rubber mixture in one of the mixing chambers, - the concentration of an alcohol in the gas phase of the first mixing chamber when mixing a rubber mixture in one of the mixing chambers, - the electrical conductivity of a rubber mixture when mixing in one of the mixing chambers and/or - the duration of mixing in one of the mixing chambers to measure in the device, - a control unit which is set up to measure - the temperature of a rubber mixture during mixing in one of the mixing chambers, - the rotational speed of the mixing rotors when mixing a rubber mixture in one of the mixing chambers, - the number of revolutions of the mixing rotors when mixing a rubber mixture in one of the mixing chambers and/or - the duration of the mixing of a rubber mixture in one of the mixing chambers, depending on the measurement signals of said one or to control said at least one sensor. device after claim 11 , wherein the device has - at least one feed unit for weighing and for the automated feeding of weighed quantities of rubber compound components to the first mixing chamber and/or - at least one feed unit for weighing and for the automated feeding of weighed quantities of rubber compound components to the second mixing chamber, wherein - one or several of the at least one sensor are set up to - measure the time at which rubber mixture components are added to the first or second mixing chamber and/or - measure the amount of rubber mixture components added at the respective time of addition to the first or second mixing chamber, and - the control unit is set up to determine - the point in time at which rubber mixture components are added to the first or second mixing chamber and/or - the quantity of rubber compound components to be added at a time of addition to a first or second mixing chamber in A Dependence of the measurement signals of one or the at least one sensor as in claim 11 defined and/or to be controlled as a function of the measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor for determining the point in time of an addition or the amount of an addition. Device according to one of Claims 11 until 12 , wherein the device has a feed chute for feeding the first mixing chamber, wherein the feed chute has a plunger for closing the first mixing chamber, wherein - one or more of the at least one sensors are set up for this purpose, - the height position of the plunger in the feed chute of the first mixing chamber and/or - to measure the pressure exerted on the underside of the ram in the loading chute, and - the control unit is set up to measure - the height position of the ram in the loading chute of the first mixing chamber and/or - the pressure exerted on the underside of the ram in the loading chute as a function of - the Measurement signals of the one or at least one sensor as in claim 11 defined and/or - the measurement signals of the one or at least one sensor for determining the height position of the ram and/or - the measurement signals of the one or at least one sensor for determining the pressure exerted on the underside of the ram in the loading shaft. Device according to one of Claims 11 until 13 , wherein the first and/or second mixing chamber of the device comprises temperature control elements with liquid circulating medium for cooling or heating the inner wall of the chamber housing of the first and/or second mixing chamber, wherein - one or more of the at least one sensors are set up to measure the temperature of the circulating medium and /or to measure the temperature of a rubber mixture in the first and/or second mixing chamber, and - the control unit is set up to measure the temperature of the circulation medium and/or the temperature of a rubber mixture in the first and/or second mixing chamber as a function of i. the measurement signals of the one or at least one sensor as in claim 11 defined and/or ii. of the measurement signals of the one or of the at least one sensor for determining the temperature of the circulation medium in the temperature control elements of the first and/or second mixing chamber. Use of a device according to any one of Claims 11 until 14 for the production of a rubber base compound or a rubber compound compound, wherein the rubber base compound or the rubber compound compound is preferably produced according to a method according to any one of the preceding ones Claims 1 until 10 will be produced.