EP2158960A1 - Method for mixing a mixture in a mixture container and mixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves delivering a mixture in a mixing container (17) i.e. bulk good container, under formation of a mixture flow in a mixing motion. The container is uniaxially or multiaxially rotated about swivel axles during a mixing process, where the swivel axles run angular to a longitudinal axis of the container for implementing mixing container movement. The swivel axles are perpendicular to each other, and the rotation of the container is carried out based on inner geometry of the container and/or the mixture according to a preset movement protocol. An independent claim is also included for a mixer comprising a mixture flow generating device.

Description

The invention relates to a method for mixing a solid mixture in a mixing container, in which mixing method, the mixing material in the mixing container is brought into a mixing movement to form a Mischgutstromes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a mixing device with a device for generating a Mischgutstromes within a connectable to the device, a mixed solids containing mixing container, which Mischgutstrom-generating means connecting means for connecting a mixing container, wherein for the process of the mixing process of Mischgutstromgenerator and mixing container formed Unit is held about an axis arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the shaft pivotally relative to a base frame of the mixing device.

Such mixing devices are industrial mixers which are used for mixing bulk material, in particular pulverulent bulk material, for producing plastic granulate mixtures. Such a mixer is for example off DE 197 08 075 C1 known. This previously known mixing device has a Mischgutstrom-generating device with which the mixing material located within the mixing container is set to form a Mischgutstromes in motion. The mixing container of this mixing device consists of two parts, one of the mixing container part containing the mixing material to be mixed and the other mixing container part of the Mischgutstrom-generating device is assigned. Both mixing container parts are designed to be cylindrical, at least in their adjoining region. The Mischbehälterteil assigned to the Mischgutstromgenerator has a projecting outwardly flange, to the top opening of the other Mischbehälterteils is connected by pneumatic screw caps. The other mixing container part carries rollers on the underside and, if not connected to the Mischbehälgengenerator associated Mischbehälterteil be moved over this. The associated with the Mischgutstrom-generating device Mixing container part is rotatably driven to generate a Mischgutstromes by acting on the rear outside of this Mischbehälterteils friction wheel. A thorough mixing of the mixed container composed of the two mixing container parts is thus effected by the rotary drive of the mixed material on the mixing container wall. In addition, motor-driven dispersing tools can be arranged within the mixing container part associated with the mixed material flow generating device. The Mischgutstrom-generating device of this prior art mixing device is tiltable about a horizontal pivot axis relative to a base frame to bring the mixing container for the purpose of mixing in an inclined over inclined head. In this mixed layer, a larger inner surface of the mixing container composed of the two container parts is brought into contact with the material to be mixed therein for producing a mixed material flow.

At the DE 197 08 075 C1 become known mixer, the unit formed from mixing container and Mischgutstrom-generating device is brought into a relation to the vertical tilted mixing position and left for the duration of the mixing process in this spatial position. This takes place against the background that in this known mixing device, the mixed material in the mixing container is mixed in a mixing movement by the wall friction of the mixed material on the inner wall of the mixing container. Thus, this known mixer works on the same principle as a cement or concrete mixer.

In addition to mixing devices, like these from the DE 197 08 075 C1 have become known, even those are known in which the Mischgutstrom is not generated by rotation of the mixing container about its longitudinal axis, but by within the otherwise stationary mixing container by rotating within the mixing container mixing tools. In the operation of such a mixing device, a thrombus-like mixture stream typically results within the mixing container. When carrying out the mixing process, in order to avoid a change of the mixed material, it must be ensured that the mix material subjected to mixing in the mixing tank does not overheat. Therefore, the energy input into the mix flow through a typically as Mixed propeller trained mixing tool limits. This means that a mixing tool can not be driven at arbitrarily high speed to improve the mixing process. To address this disadvantage, mixing devices have become known in which the mixing container is cooled from the outside. However, such measures are expensive.

Based on this discussed prior art, the invention has the object, a method mentioned above and a mixing device mentioned above in such a way that the executed mixing method is improved with respect to at least some of the above-identified disadvantages of the prior art.

The method-related object is achieved by an aforementioned generic method in which to improve the mixing process of the mixing container during the mixing process or mehraxial is pivoted, the axes extend to perform this mixing container movement at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the mixing container.

The mixing device-related object is achieved by a mixing device with the features of claim 7.

For improving the conventional mixing method, in the above method, the mixed material flow is generated by a mixed flow generating means. This can be done for example by a rotating mixing container and / or by one or more engaging in the mixing container mixing tools. However, in the process of mixing, this is not the only movement that affects the generated mix stream. During the mixing process, the mixing container is also moved in one or more than one axis and thus changed with respect to its spatial position. For this purpose, the unit formed from Mischgutstrom-generating device and mixing container is pivotally mounted relative to a base frame of the mixing device. If this unit can only be pivoted about a pivot axis, this can be brought into a pendulum motion superimposed on the mixture flow generating material. This means for the mixed material flow that depending from the pendulum layer and thus the respective spatial position of the mixing vessel, the mixed material flow of gravity is exposed in different ways. This has the consequence that such a commuting intensifies the mixing process. As a result, with this method, a similar mixing result as with previously known mixing method, however, can be achieved for gentle mixing with a lower speed of the mixing container or the mixing tool located in such a mixing container, resulting in a lowering of the resulting temperature during mixing within the mix.

However, an embodiment is preferred in which during the mixing process, the mixing container is pivoted about two, preferably at right angles to each other and also preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mixing container extending axes of movement. In such an embodiment, the mixing container is gimballed at least in the preferred embodiment, so that according to a predetermined movement protocol during the mixing process, the mixing container can be moved to change its spatial position. This can be realized by different pendulum movements and / or by moving the mixing container on a predetermined trajectory. In such an embodiment, the movement protocol is expediently programmed in such a way that each interior wall section of the mixing container is brought into a position at time intervals, so that due to gravity accumulated on this inner wall section accumulated material falls back into the mixed material flow generated by the mixing movement. With this method, containers can be used as mixing containers, which could not be used in conventional mixing processes due to Mischtodzonen or because of unfavorable diameter-height ratios. The mix to be mixed can thus be mixed in its transport container. These typically have a square cross-sectional geometry. These may also be other containers, such as barrels with beads.

Fig. 1:

Eine Mischvorrichtung in einer perspektivischen Ansicht mit ei- nem als Mischbehälter vorgesehenen, in Position gebrachten Schüttgutbehälter,

Fig. 2:

Eine schematisierte Schnittdarstellung durch den oberen Ab- schlussbereich des Schüttgutbehälters nach Anschließen des- selben an die Mischvorrichtung der Figur 1 und nach Ver- schwenken desselben in seine Mischstellung,

Fig.°3:

Eine alternative Darstellung entsprechend derjenigen der Figur 2 mit einem anderen Verschlusselement und

Fig. 4:

Die Mischvorrichtung der Figur 1 mit dem daran angeschlosse- nen Schüttgutbehälter in einer perspektivischen Ansicht wäh- rend des Mischvorganges.

The invention is described below with reference to an embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

Fig. 1:

A mixing device in a perspective view with a bulk container provided in the form of a mixing container and placed in position,

Fig. 2:

A schematic sectional view through the upper end region of the bulk goods container after connecting the same to the mixing device of FIG. 1 and after pivoting it into its mixing position,

Fig °. 3:

An alternative representation corresponding to that of FIG. 2 with another closure element and

4:

The mixing device of FIG. 1 with the bulk goods container connected thereto in a perspective view during the mixing process.

A mixing device 1 has a base frame 2, on which by means of a pivoting frame 3, a mixed material flow generating device, indicated generally by the reference numeral 4, is pivotally mounted. The Mischgutstrom-generating device 4 is in turn pivotally mounted within the swing frame 3. The pivot axis of the Mischgutstrom-generating device 4 within the swing frame 3 is marked with the reference numeral 5. The pivot axis of the swing frame 3 relative to the base frame 2 is marked with the reference numeral 6. Both pivot axes 5, 6 are arranged at right angles to each other in a horizontally extending plane. Consequently, the Mischgutstrom-generating device 4 is gimballed relative to the base frame 2. The base frame 2 has two stands 7, 8, which are each designed as U-shaped profiles. In the stator 7, a gear motor 9 is arranged, through which the swing frame 3 can be pivoted about its pivot axis 6. Another geared motor 10 serves to pivot the Mischgutstrom-generating device 4 about the pivot axis 5 within the swing frame 3. By the motors 9, 10, the Mischgutstrom-generating device 4 can be pivoted due to their gimbal storage within the respective range of motion in any spatial position.

The mixed material flow generating device 4 has an electric motor 11, on whose drive shaft 12 a propeller-like designed mixing tool 13 is arranged. The wings 14, 14.1 of the mixing tool 13 are opposite the Mischwerkzeugnabe 15 hinged. In FIG. 1 The wings 14, 14. 1 are located in their position folded down relative to the mixing tool hub 15, in which the longitudinal axes of the wings 14, 14. 1 run parallel or approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 12. The radial extent of the mixing tool 13 is in the in FIG. 1 shown position of its wings 14, 14.1 therefore much lower than in the use position in which the wings 14, 14.1 are swung. The hinged design of the wings 14, 14.1 of the mixing tool 13 allows insertion of the mixing tool 13 in a mixing container with a relatively small diameter upper opening, which may be designed, for example, as a manhole.

The Mischgutstrom-generating device 4 is assigned in the illustrated embodiment, two connecting arms 16, 16.1 designed as a lifting device connecting device. The connecting arms 16, 16. 1 serve to connect a mixing container 17 to the mixing device 1 FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment, a conventional bulk container provided with angular peripheral geometry. The mixing container 17 has on the upper side an opening 18 designed as a filling and cleaning opening. This container serves to fill the mixing container 17 with the bulk material to be mixed, which may be plastic granules, for example. The mixing container 17 further includes a non-illustrated lower side, provided with a closure exhaust port through which the mixing container 17 can be emptied. The mixing container 17 has a frame-like designed mixing container frame 19. The mixing container frame 19 may be designed to be stackable. Part of the mixing container frame 19 are two mutually spaced, forming the lower end in the illustrated embodiment struts 20, 20.1. These are arranged on all four sides of the mixing container frame 19. The struts 20, 20.1 are arranged at a distance from each other and define by their distance in each case a receptacle 21, 21.1. The receptacles 21, 21.1 serve to receive one, each connecting arm 16 or 16.1 associated coupling member 22, 22.1. Of the Mixing container 17 has been inserted with its mixing container frame 19 and its struts 20, 20.1 between the two connecting arms 16, 16.1 with their coupling members 22, 22.1 arranged therein. The coupling members 22, 22.1 are each connected to a tension rod 23, 23.1, with which they can be moved translationally with the tension rods 23, 23.1. The tension rods 23, 23.1 are each driven by a geared geared electric motor 24, 24.1. The tension rods 23, 23.1 are held and guided in the U-shaped connecting arms 16, 16.1, which are designed to be open to each other. With the connecting device designed as a lifting device, mixing containers or mixing container racks, containers or other containers in which the material to be mixed is located can be connected to the mixed material flow generating device 4 of different height.

The coupling members 22, 22.1 thus engage behind the mixing container 17 in a form-fitting manner in its direction of movement on a shoulder formed by the respective upper strut 20. If the tension rods 23, 23.1 are moved toward the mixing device 1 or the mixed material flow generating device 4 for connecting the mixing container 17, the mixing container 17 is raised in the direction of the mixed material flow generating device 4. In the course of this movement, the mixing tool 13 is inserted through the upper-side opening 18 into the interior of the mixing container 17. For closing the opening 18 of the mixing container 17, the mixed material flow generating device 4 has a plate-like closure element 25 which rests on the upper, flange-shaped closure 26 of the opening 18 when the mixing container 17 is intended connected to the Mischgutstrom-generating device 4. The closure element 25 is then, under a certain bias standing at the end 26 of the opening 18 at. In the illustrated embodiment, a sealing ring 27 is inserted into the closure element 25 (see. FIG. 2 ). The mixing tool 13 is provided protruding from the side facing the mixing container 17 side closure plate 25.

To carry out the actual mixing process is after connecting the mixing container 17 to the Mischgutstrom-generating device 4 of Swinging frame 3 pivots, so that the unit, formed from Mischgutstrom-generating device 4 and mixing container 17, is located in an overhead assembly. Typically, the mixing process is started in the mixing device 1, when the swing frame 3 has been pivoted by 180 °.

This overhead arrangement is schematized in a cutout in FIG FIG. 2 shown. Due to the overhead arrangement, the mixture to be mixed contained in the mixing container 17 has fallen to the previously upper and now lower end of the mixing container 17, so that the mixing tool 13 is surrounded by mix. Due to the swung by 180 ° arrangement, the wings 14, 14.1 unfolded by gravity and are in this, in FIG. 2 shown position, held by a arranged on the Mischwerkzeugnabe 13 stop. The mixing container 17 is under the bias provided by the connecting device in the in FIG. 2 shown position with the end 26 of its mouth 18 against the plate-like closure member 25 and the inserted therein seal 27 acting.

To start the mixing process, the electric motor 11 is energized, so that the mixing tool designed as a propeller 13 is set in rotation. It is provided to drive the mixing tool 13 at such a speed that the mixing material contained within the mixing container 17 is moved to form a Mischgutstromes. When using a mixing tool, as shown in the figures, a Mischthrombus forms.

FIG. 3 shows the mixing container 17 in its overhead arrangement and thus in its mixing position connected to the Mischgutstrom-generating device 4, but in contrast to the representation of FIG. 2 with an alternative closure element 25 '. In contrast to the closure element 25, the closure element 25 'is designed to engage in the opening 18 of the mixing container 17 in such a way that the closure of the closure element 25' engaging in the container 17 terminates flush with the interior of the container. The closure element 25 'carries at its pointing into the container interior end acting in the radial direction of a sealing ring 27'. This works against the inside In order to facilitate the insertion of the closure element 25 'into the opening 18 of the mixing container 17, the sealing ring 27' is a seal which can be activated with respect to its sealing action, for example a pneumatically or hydraulically activatable sealing ring, as provided in this figure. The activation device for activating (filling or emptying) of the sealing ring 27 are not shown in the figure. At the in FIG. 3 shown conception of death spaces is avoided.

With regard to the closure element 25 'is to be noted that this is only in relation to its the lower end of the mixing container 17 in his FIG. 3 shown position to clean side is because all other portions of this closure element 25 'are not in contact with the mixture in the mixing container 17 are.

Since the mixing container 17 is a bulk material container which has a square cross-sectional geometry, the inner contour of this mixing container 17 is correspondingly square. This means that the mixing container 17 in the region of its corners has areas in which mix can accumulate. This circumstance is used in the mixing process to improve it. The cardanic suspension of the mixed material flow generating device 4 and the mixing container 17 connected thereto for carrying out the mixing process, allows the mixing container 17 to be pivoted about the pivot axes 5, 6 during the mixing process. In this way, the mixing container 17, such as in FIG. 3 shown to be placed in different spatial positions. The generation of the thrombus-like mixed flow in the interior of the mixing container 17 is maintained by the rotation of the mixing tool 13. The pivoting of the mixing container 17 has the result that, depending on its spatial position in the corners so-called Mischtodzonen arise in which accumulates and initially no longer participates in the mixing process, at least not until the mixing container 17 brought into a spatial position has been that the accumulated in such a range mix falls by gravity. This dropping of mixed material accumulated in such a dead zone results in the generation of transverse turbulence within the mix stream, which in turn supports the process of mixing. Utilizing this advantage, effective thorough mixing can take place even at lower rotational speeds of the mixing tool 13, which in turn has a favorable effect on undesirable heating and gentle mixing of the mixed material during the mixing process.

FIG. 4 shows the mixing device 1 with the mixing container 17 connected thereto in a about the axes 5, 6 pivoted and inclined relative to the vertical space position. The mixing container 17 is, as in FIG. 3 characterized schematically by the motion paths 28 exemplified in all directions pivotally. A movement of the mixing container 17 with the mixed material flow generating device 4 connected thereto is effected as a function of the internal geometry of the mixing container 17 and / or the mixed material contained therein. An adjustability of the spatial position of the unit formed from Mischgutstrom-generating device 4 and mixing container 17 is carried out according to a predetermined movement protocol. The movement protocol may be designed so that the mixing container 17 has a constant inclination and is moved around the intersection of the pivot axes 5, 6. Likewise, it is possible with the mixing device 1 to move the mixing container 17 along a plane in a three-dimensionally provided pendulum movement. The cardanic suspension allows the motion log to be designed to meet the requirements of each, and to associate pendulum motion in any direction with straight and / or circular path motions, if desired.

After completion of the mixing process, the mixing container 17 is pivoted back to its original position and separated from the Mischgutstrom-generating device 4 by loosening the connection means.

If a mixture having a different composition is subsequently mixed with the mixing device 1, only the closure element 25 and the mixing tool 13 need to be cleaned. The other mix is introduced in its transport container, mixed in this as described above and then supplied for further use.

The above-described suspension of the Mischgutstrom-generating device makes it clear that this basically every container in which a bulk material to be mixed is contained, can be connected to the Mischgutstrom-generating device 4. In particular, it does not necessarily require refilling of the mixture to be mixed in a specially designed mixing container. These may also be bags or the like. These are hung for the process of mixing on a suitably designed mixing vessel rack.

It is understood that the mixing tool described can also be used independently of the application specifically described in these embodiments.

Without departing from the scope of the claims, numerous other design possibilities for the claimed method and the claimed mixing device will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example, centering means can be provided, with which the top-side opening of a mixing container can be connected to the Mischgutstrom-generating device. Such centering means may, for example, also be those which have a conical taper and reach into the opening of the mixing container.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

mixing device

2

base frame

3

swivel arm

4

Mischgutstrom generator

5

swivel axis

6

swivel axis

7

stand

8th

stand

9

gearmotor

10

gearmotor

11

electric motor

12

drive shaft

13

mixing propeller

14, 14.1

wing

15

Mischpropellernabe

16, 16.1

connector arm

17

mixing tank

18

opening

19

Mixing container frame

20, 20.1

strut

21, 21.1

admission

22, 22.1

coupling member

23, 23.1

tension rod

24, 24.1

electric motor

25, 25 '

closure element

26

graduation

27, 27 '

seal

28

trajectory

Claims (15)

A method for mixing a mixed solid material in a mixing container (17), in which mixing method the mixing material contained in the mixing container (17) is mixed to form a Mischgutstromes, characterized in that to improve the mixing process of the mixing container (17) during the Mixing one or is pivoted mehraxial, the axes (5, 6) for performing this mixing container movement at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the mixing container (17). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the mixing container (17) is pivoted during the mixing process by two at right angles to each other and at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the mixing container (17) extending axes (5, 6). A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pivoting of the mixing container (17) during the mixing process in dependence on the interior geometry of the mixing container (17) and / or in the mixing container (17) located mix is carried out according to a predetermined movement protocol, wherein the movement protocol is carried out such that each interior wall portion of the mixing container (17) is brought into a position at intervals in time that due to gravity due to this inner wall portion accumulated mix falls back into the Mischgutstrom generated by the mixing movement. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that coupled and accumulated during the mixing process from the within the mixing container (17) Mischgutstroms Mischgutstroms, so after accumulation of a certain coupled out of the Mischgutstrom Mischgutmenge this Mischgutmenge in the Mischgutstrom for generating turbulence within the same can fall behind. A method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that for carrying out the mixing process, a mixing container (17) is used with a circumferentially structured, for example, angular or convex inner contour. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the Mischgutstrom with a in the mixing vessel (17) arranged for the operation of the mixing process motor-driven mixing tool (13) is generated. Mixing device with a device (4) for generating a Mischgutstromes within a connectable to the device, a solid state mixture containing mixing container (17), which Mischgutstrom-generating means (4) connecting means for connecting a mixing container (17), wherein for the operation of the mixing process from mixing material flow generating means (4) and mixing container (17) formed unit about an axis (6) is pivotally mounted relative to a base frame of the mixing device (1), characterized in that the mixing container (17) and Mischgutstrom-generating means (4) formed Unit about a second, angular, preferably rectangular, to the first axis (6) arranged axis (5) is pivotable and the pivoting is designed such that a pivotability about both axes (5, 6) is allowed during the mixing process. Mixing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the unit, formed from mixing container (17) and Mischgutstrom-generating means (4), gimbaled relative to a base frame (2) of the mixing device (1) is mounted. Mixing device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that for pivoting the unit about its one or both axes (5, 6) each having a motor drive (9, 10) is associated. Mixing device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the connection means for connecting a mixing container to the Mischgutstrom-generating device two connecting arms (16, 16.1) each having at least one by a clamping device (23, 23.1) movable coupling member (22, 22.1) comprises, wherein each coupling member (22, 22.1) in the direction of movement of the clamping device (23, 23.1) is positively connected to the mixing container (17). Mixing device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the one or more connection means for connecting the mixing container (17) to the Mischgutstrom-generating means (4) are arranged functionally separated from the closure element (25) and for this purpose the Mischgutstrom-generating device (4) has a connecting device having at least one coupling member (22, 22.1), wherein the at least one coupling member (22, 22.1) can be connected to the mixing container (17) at a distance from the top opening region of the mixing container (17). Mixing device according to claim 11, characterized in that the Mischgutstrom-generating means (4) via a seated on a drive shaft (12) mixing tool (13), wherein the drive shaft (12) passes through the closure element (25) and in the direction of the mixing container (17 ) is arranged projecting from this. Mixing device according to one of Claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the mixing container (17) which can be connected to the mixed material flow generating device (4) has one or more container regions in which mixed material can accumulate during the mixing process. Mixing device according to claim 13, characterized in that the mixing container (17) has a polygonal inner contour. Mixing device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized that the mixing container (17) is a bulk container.

Images