EP3315191B1 - Mixing device, in particular bulk material mixing device, and method - Google Patents

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a mixing device, in particular a bulk material mixing device.

It is already a mixing device, in particular a bulk material mixing device, with at least one mixing container, which has a receiving area for receiving a mixed material, with at least one mixing unit mounted on one side, which is provided for mixing the mixed material in the mixing container, and with at least one lump breaking unit , which has at least one cutter element protruding into the mixing container, has been proposed.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide a device of the generic type with improved properties in terms of a mixing result and in terms of ease of maintenance. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, while advantageous configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

A mixing device according to the preamble of claim 1 is from WO 2015/169458 A1 disclosed.

Advantages of the invention

The invention is based on a mixing device, in particular a bulk material mixing device, with at least one mixing container, which has a receiving area for receiving a mixed material, with at least one mixing unit, which is provided for mixing the mixed material in the mixing container, and with at least one Lump breaking unit, which has at least one cutter element protruding into the mixing container.

The at least one lump breaking unit is arranged in an end region of the mixing container. The Lump breaking unit is arranged in an end region of the mixing vessel. The cutter element preferably protrudes into an end region of the mixing container. The mixing unit is mounted on one side. The mixing unit is mounted in an end wall opposite the end area in which the lump breaking unit is arranged. Various mixing devices that appear sensible to a person skilled in the art, in particular bulk material mixing devices, are conceivable, such as, for example, shaft mixers, such as in particular twin-shaft mixers. In this context, a “mixing container” is to be understood in particular as a container in which a mixing process of the mixing device is carried out at least partially. Preferably, this is to be understood in particular as a container which has a receiving area for receiving a mixed material. The mix is received in the container in particular for a mixing process. A mixing unit, which is provided for mixing the material to be mixed, is particularly preferably arranged in the mixing container. The mixing container preferably has an at least substantially cylindrical basic shape. Furthermore, in this context a “mixing unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit which is provided for mixing the material to be mixed located in the mixing container. Various mixing units that appear useful to a person skilled in the art are provided for mixing the material to be mixed. The mixing unit preferably has at least one mixer shaft, in particular at least two mixer shafts. A “mixer shaft” is to be understood in particular as a mixing element of the mixing unit which has at least one shaft and at least one mixing means, in particular at least one paddle, arranged on a circumference of the shaft. During a mixing process, the mixer shaft is driven in particular to rotate.

Furthermore, in this context, a “lump breaking unit” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a unit which is provided for comminuting lumps formed in the material to be mixed during operation of the mixing device. Preferably, this should be understood to mean, in particular, a unit with at least one cutter element, which protrudes into the mixing container and is provided for the direct crushing of clumps. Especially with von Mixing material formed in bulk material can form clumps, for example due to the presence or introduced moisture, which can be loosened by means of the clump breaking unit. In this context, a “cutter element” is to be understood in particular as a tool of the lump breaking unit. The cutter element preferably has at least one, in particular rotationally driven, blade which is provided for breaking up clumps during operation. The cutter element preferably has a plurality of blades which are arranged offset from one another, in particular driven in rotation. In principle, however, another configuration of the cutter element that appears useful to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. In this context, a “front area” should be understood to mean, in particular, an area of the mixing container which faces an end face of the mixing container. Preferably, this should be understood to mean, in particular, an area adjoining an end inner wall of the mixing container. In particular, viewed along a mixer shaft of the mixing unit, this should preferably be understood to mean an end region of the receiving region of the mixing container. The receiving area of the mixing container preferably has a central area and two end areas arranged on opposite sides of the central area. The areas are each separated by imaginary planes extending perpendicularly to an axis of rotation of the mixer shaft of the mixer unit. The end areas preferably each take up a maximum of 30%, preferably a maximum of 20% and particularly preferably a maximum of 10% of a volume of the receiving area of the mixing container. The mixing container particularly preferably has an essentially cylindrical basic shape, on the base side of which the end region is arranged. “Provided” is to be understood in particular as specifically designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

The design of the mixing device according to the invention enables, in particular, an advantageous arrangement of the lump breaking unit to be achieved. In particular, an arrangement can be achieved in which the mixing unit can advantageously be made large and is only slightly impaired by the lump breaking unit. In particular, it can refer to a central recess in the mixing unit be waived. In this way, an advantageously homogeneous mixing result can be achieved. Furthermore, good accessibility of the lump breaking unit can preferably be achieved. This makes it possible to achieve an advantageously high level of maintenance convenience.

The at least one mixing unit is mounted on one side. The mixing unit is mounted on one side on a side opposite the end region in which the lump breaking unit is arranged. In this context, “mounted on one side” is to be understood in particular to mean that only one side of the mixing unit is held via a mounting. It should preferably be understood in particular that only one end of a shaft, in particular a mixer shaft, is supported. In this way, in particular, an arrangement can be achieved in which the mixing unit can advantageously be made large and is only slightly impaired by the lump breaking unit. This makes it possible to achieve an advantageously high level of maintenance convenience.

Furthermore, the at least one lump breaking unit is arranged in an end wall of the mixing container. In this context, an “end wall” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a wall of the mixing container which delimits an end area of the receiving area. Preferably, this is to be understood in particular as an outer wall of the mixing container, which forms a base side of the mixing container that differs from a jacket surface. Depending on an orientation of the mixing container, the end wall can be oriented both vertically and horizontally. Preferably the end wall extends substantially vertically. An end wall is preferably to be understood as meaning, in particular, a wall of the mixing container that differs from a side wall. The mixing container particularly preferably has two end walls and a circumferential side wall, the side wall being able to form two sides as well as a ceiling and / or a floor of the receiving area of the mixing container when the mixing container is horizontally aligned. An end wall is preferably to be understood as meaning, in particular, a wall of the mixing container which is intersected by an axis of rotation of the mixing unit, in particular a mixer shaft of the mixing unit. In this way, in particular, a particularly advantageous arrangement of the lump breaking unit can be achieved. In particular, the lump breaking unit can be arranged at one end of the receiving area of the mixing container. This can be advantageous reliably and easily a collision between the mixing unit and the lump breaking unit can be avoided. In particular, a collision between the mixing unit and the lump breaking unit can also be avoided when the mixing unit is pulled out.

It is also proposed that the at least one mixing unit have at least one mixer shaft. The mixer shaft preferably extends essentially parallel to a main direction of extent of the mixing container. An axis of rotation of the mixer shaft preferably extends essentially parallel to a main direction of extent of the mixing container. Particularly preferably, an axis of rotation of the mixer shaft extends essentially parallel to a central axis of the essentially cylindrical mixing container. In this context, “at least essentially parallel” is to be understood in particular to mean that an angular deviation from parallel is less than 30 °, preferably less than 15 ° and particularly preferably less than 5 °. A “main direction of extent” of an object is to be understood in particular as a direction which runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid which just completely surrounds the object. In this way, in particular, an advantageous mixing device can be provided. In particular, a mixing device can preferably be provided, by means of which, in particular, an advantageous mixing result can be achieved.

It is further proposed that an axis of rotation of the cutter element of the at least one lump breaking unit extends at least substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the at least one mixer shaft of the mixing unit. An axis of rotation of the cutter element preferably extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the mixer shaft of the mixing unit during operation. The axis of rotation of the cutter element and the axis of rotation of the mixer shaft of the mixing unit are preferably arranged offset to one another. In this way, in particular, a particularly advantageous arrangement of the lump breaking unit can be achieved. A collision between the mixing unit and the lump breaking unit can advantageously be reliably and simply avoided. In particular, a collision between the mixing unit and the lump breaking unit can also be avoided when the mixing unit is pulled out.

It is further proposed that the mixing container has a pivoting door in a region of an end wall, in which the at least one lump breaking unit is arranged. The pivoting door is preferably arranged in the end wall. The end wall of the mixing container is preferably formed at least essentially completely by the pivoting door. The pivot door is used in particular to make the receiving area of the mixing container accessible. This can be used for maintenance and / or cleaning purposes, for example. The lump breaking unit, in particular the cutter element of the lump breaking unit, is preferably pivoted out of the receiving area of the mixing container when the pivoting door is opened. As a result, the lump area unit in particular can advantageously be made easily accessible. In this way, maintenance work can advantageously be carried out in a simple manner. An advantageously high level of maintenance convenience can be achieved.

It is further proposed that the at least one mixing unit has at least two mixer shafts which extend essentially parallel to one another. The mixer shafts preferably extend completely parallel to one another. The mixing device is preferably formed into a twin-shaft mixer, in particular a horizontally positioned twin-shaft mixer. An axis of rotation of the cutter element preferably extends parallel to the axes of rotation of the mixer shafts of the mixing unit during operation. In this way, in particular, an advantageous mixing device can be provided. In particular, an advantageously homogeneous mixing result can be achieved.

It is further proposed that the at least one cutter element of the lump breaking unit is at least partially arranged between the at least two mixer shafts of the at least one mixing unit. It should preferably be understood in particular that, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the mixer shafts, at least a partial area of the cutter element of the lump breaking unit is arranged between the at least two mixer shafts of the at least one mixer unit. It should preferably be understood in particular that, at least when viewed two-dimensionally in a plane perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the mixer shafts, there is at least one connecting line between a point of a first mixer shaft and a point of a second mixer shaft which intersects the cutter element of the lump area unit.

In this way, in particular, an advantageous arrangement of the lump breaking unit can be achieved. In particular, an arrangement can be achieved in which the mixing unit can advantageously be made large. In particular, an arrangement can preferably be achieved in which both mixer shafts can feed mixed material to the lump breaking unit during operation. In this way, an advantageously homogeneous mixing result can be achieved.

It is further proposed that the at least one cutter element of the lump breaking unit intersects an axis of rotation of the mixer shaft of the at least one mixing unit. The at least one cutter element of the lump breaking unit preferably intersects an axis of rotation of the mixer shaft of the at least one mixing unit in at least one operating state, in particular in at least one rotational position of the cutter element. The mixer shaft preferably has a recess in the region of the cutter element, so that the cutter element can intersect the axis of rotation of the mixer shaft of the at least one mixing unit. A mixer shaft of the mixing unit is particularly preferably shortened and does not protrude as far as the end wall of the mixing container. An axis of rotation of the at least one cutter element of the lump breaking unit is preferably offset from the axis of rotation of the mixer shaft, the blades of the cutter element intersecting the axis of rotation of the mixer shaft in at least one operating state, in particular in at least one rotational position. In this way, in particular, an advantageous arrangement of the lump breaking unit can be achieved. In particular, an advantageously compact arrangement can be achieved.

It is further proposed that the receiving area of the at least one mixing container has at least one bulge lying outside a mixing area of the at least one mixer shaft, into which the at least one cutter element of the lump breaking unit protrudes. In this context, a “mixing area” should be understood to mean, in particular, a, preferably circular cylindrical, area of the receiving area in which direct mixing takes place by the mixer shaft. The mixing area preferably defines a range of the mixer shaft, in particular a range of the paddles of the mixer shaft. The bulge is preferably partially arranged between a mixing area of a first mixer shaft and a mixing area of a second mixer shaft. In this way, in particular, a particularly advantageous arrangement of the lump breaking unit can be achieved become. In this way, in particular, an advantageous arrangement of the lump breaking unit can be achieved without restricting the size of the mixing area. It can be avoided that the lump breaking unit protrudes into an actual mixing area of the at least one mixer shaft.

It is further proposed that the at least one cutter element of the lump breaking unit, viewed in a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the at least one cutter element, has an effective cutter area, the area value of which is at least 2% of an area value of a wall area of an end wall of the mixing container. A proportion of the effective area of the cutter compared to the wall area is preferably at least 2%. The at least one cutter element of the lump breaking unit is preferably arranged in the end wall of the mixing container. The area value of the effective cutter area is preferably at least 3%, preferably at least 5% and particularly preferably at least 10% of the area value of the wall surface of the end wall. However, the area value of the effective cutter area is particularly preferably a maximum of 35%, preferably a maximum of 30% and particularly preferably a maximum of 25% of the area value of the wall surface of the end wall. In the case of a small mixing device in particular, the area value of the effective cutter area is preferably approximately 13% of the area value of the wall area of the end wall. In the case of a large mixer, the area value of the effective cutter area is preferably approximately 2% of the area value of the wall area of the end wall. When using two cutter elements in a small mixing device, the area value of the effective cutter area is preferably approximately 26% of the area value of the wall area of the end wall, while the area value of the effective cutter area in a large mixing device with two cutter elements is preferably approximately 7% of the area value of the wall area of the end wall. In this context, a “cutter effective surface” is to be understood in particular as an imaginary surface which, viewed in a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the at least one cutter element, is swept over by the cutter element during operation of the lump breaking unit. The surface is preferably formed by a circular surface, the radius of which corresponds to a radius of the cutter element. The effective cutter surface preferably extends parallel to a main plane of extent of the cutter element. A “main plane of extent” of a structural unit is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a plane which is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely encloses the structural unit, and in particular runs through the center of the cuboid. In this context, a “wall surface” is to be understood in particular as a surface of the end wall facing the receiving area of the mixing container. In this way, in particular, an advantageously efficient lump breaking unit can be provided. An advantageously homogeneous mixing result can be achieved. In particular, due to the arrangement of the lump breaking unit, an advantageously large dimensioning of the at least one cutter element of the lump breaking unit can be achieved.

The invention is also based on a method for operating a mixing device. It is proposed that, in at least a first method step, mixed material is transported to a cutter element of at least one lump breaking unit of the mixing device by means of a mixer shaft of a mixing unit of the mixing device. For this purpose, the paddles of the mixer shaft are preferably positioned in such a way that mix which is located in the mixing area of the mixer shaft is transported by means of the paddles to the cutter element of the at least one lump breaking unit of the mixing device. This can reliably ensure that clumps in the mix are reliably destroyed by the clump breaking unit.

It is further proposed that, in at least one further method step, mixed material is transported away from the cutter element of the at least one lump breaking unit by means of a mixer shaft of the mixing unit of the mixing device. For this purpose, the paddles of the mixer shaft are preferably positioned in such a way that mix which is conveyed into the mixing area of the mixer shaft by the cutter element of the at least one lump breaking unit is transported away from the cutter element of the at least one lump breaking unit by means of the paddles. In this way, it can reliably be achieved that clumps in the mix are reliably destroyed by the lump breaking unit and an advantageous circulation of the mix in the mixing container is achieved.

The mixing device according to the invention and the method are not intended to be restricted to the application and embodiment described above.

drawings

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawings. In the drawings, five exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Mischvorrichtung mit einem Mischbehälter, mit einer einseitig gelagerten Mischeinheit und mit einer Klumpenbrecheinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung in einem Betriebszustand,

Fig. 2

die erfindungsgemäße Mischvorrichtung mit dem Mischbehälter, mit der einseitig gelagerten Mischeinheit und mit der Klumpenbrecheinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung in einem geöffneten Zustand,

Fig. 3

die erfindungsgemäße Mischvorrichtung mit dem Mischbehälter, mit der einseitig gelagerten Mischeinheit und mit der Klumpenbrecheinheit, welche ein Cutterelement aufweist, in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie III-III,

Fig. 4

die erfindungsgemäße Mischvorrichtung mit dem Mischbehälter, mit der einseitig gelagerten Mischeinheit und mit der Klumpenbrecheinheit, welche das Cutterelement aufweist, in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung entlang der Schnittlinie IV-IV,

Fig. 5

ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zu einem Betrieb der Mischvorrichtung,

Fig. 6

eine alternative erfindungsgemäße Mischvorrichtung mit einem Mischbehälter, mit einer einseitig gelagerten Mischeinheit und mit einer Klumpenbrecheinheit in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung senkrecht zu einer Drehachse der Mischeinheit,

Fig. 7

eine weitere alternative erfindungsgemäße Mischvorrichtung mit einem Mischbehälter, mit einer beidseitig gelagerten Mischeinheit und mit einer Klumpenbrecheinheit in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung parallel zu einer Drehachse der Mischeinheit,

Fig. 8

eine weitere alternative erfindungsgemäße Mischvorrichtung mit einem Mischbehälter, mit einer Mischeinheit und mit einer Klumpenbrecheinheit in einer schematischen Darstellung in einem Betriebszustand und

Fig. 9

eine weitere alternative erfindungsgemäße Mischvorrichtung mit einem Mischbehälter, mit einer beidseitig gelagerten Mischeinheit und mit einer Klumpenbrecheinheit in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung parallel zu einer Drehachse der Mischeinheit.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a mixing device according to the invention with a mixing container, with a mixing unit mounted on one side and with a lump breaking unit in a schematic representation in an operating state,

Fig. 2

the mixing device according to the invention with the mixing container, with the mixing unit mounted on one side and with the lump breaking unit in a schematic representation in an open state,

Fig. 3

the mixing device according to the invention with the mixing container, with the mixing unit mounted on one side and with the lump breaking unit, which has a cutter element, in a schematic sectional view along the section line III-III,

Fig. 4

the mixing device according to the invention with the mixing container, with the mixing unit mounted on one side and with the lump breaking unit, which has the cutter element, in a schematic sectional view along the section line IV-IV,

Fig. 5

a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the mixing device,

Fig. 6

an alternative mixing device according to the invention with a mixing container, with a mixing unit mounted on one side and with a lump breaking unit in a schematic sectional view perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the mixing unit,

Fig. 7

a further alternative mixing device according to the invention with a mixing container, with a mixing unit mounted on both sides and with a lump breaking unit in a schematic sectional view parallel to an axis of rotation of the mixing unit,

Fig. 8

a further alternative mixing device according to the invention with a mixing container, with a mixing unit and with a lump breaking unit in a schematic representation in an operating state and

Fig. 9

a further alternative mixing device according to the invention with a mixing container, with a mixing unit mounted on both sides and with a lump breaking unit in a schematic sectional illustration parallel to an axis of rotation of the mixing unit.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

Figure 1 and 2 show a mixing device 10a. The mixing device 10a is formed by a bulk material mixing device. The mixing device 10a is formed by a batch-bulk material mixing device. The mixing device 10a is formed by a two-shaft mixer. The mixing device 10a is formed by a horizontally lying twin-shaft mixer. The mixing device 10a can preferably be provided for both batch or continuous mixing processes. In principle, however, another configuration of the mixing device 10a that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. A corresponding structure can in principle also be applied to a single-shaft mixer. By means of the mixing device 10a, a homogeneous mixture of different materials to be mixed is achieved through the random exchange of particles, in particular through dispersion, and targeted dividing and mixing, in particular through convection. The mixing device 10a is provided for mixing solids and solids with liquids. In principle, however, another application that appears useful to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable.

The mixing device 10a has a mixing container 12a. The mixing container 12a has a cylindrical basic shape. A main direction of extent 50a of the mixing container 12a extends essentially horizontally during operation. The mixing container 12a therefore has a lying cylindrical basic shape. The mixing container 12a also forms a housing of the mixing device 10a. The mixing container 12a has an outer shell 48a. The outer shell 48a has several feet which support the mixing container 12a. The mixing container 12a is preferably mounted on a frame, not shown in detail, via the feet of the outer shell 48a. The outer shell 48a consists essentially of metal. In principle, however, another material design that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. Further the mixing container 12a has a receiving area 14a for receiving a mixed material. The receiving portion 14a has a cylindrical shape. The receiving region 14a has a constant cross section along a central axis, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The central axis of the receiving area 14a extends parallel to the main direction of extent 50a of the mixing container 12a. The receiving area 14a is partially delimited by the outer shell 48a of the mixing container 12a. The receiving area 14a is delimited on a jacket surface by the outer shell 48a of the mixing container 12a. The mixing container 12a also has two end walls 24a, 52a. The end walls 24a, 52a close the mixing container 12a at two opposite ends of the outer shell 48a. The end walls 24a, 52a delimit the receiving area 14a at opposite ends along the central axis of the receiving area 14a. The end walls 24a, 52a each extend in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the receiving area 14a. The mixing container 12a has a pivoting door 36a in the region of an end wall 24a. The pivot door 36a is arranged in the end wall 24a. The end wall 24a of the mixing container 12a is essentially completely formed by the pivoting door 36a. The pivoting door 36a is used in particular to make the receiving area 14a of the mixing container 12a accessible. The pivot door 36a is formed by a front door. Figure 2 shows the swing door 36a in an open state.

The mixing device 10a also has a mixing unit 16a mounted on one side. The mixing unit 16a mounted on one side is provided for mixing the material to be mixed located in the mixing container 12a. The mixing unit 16a is mounted on one side in an end wall 52a of the mixing container 12a. The mixing unit 16a is formed by a shaft mixing unit. The mixing unit 16a mounted on one side has at least one mixer shaft 26a, 28a. The mixing unit 16a mounted on one side has two mixer shafts 26a, 28a. The mixer shafts 26a, 28a extend essentially parallel to one another. The two mixer shafts 26a, 28a of the mixing unit 16a have parallel axes of rotation 32a, 34a. The axes of rotation 32a, 34a of the mixer shafts 26a, 28a each extend parallel to the main direction of extent 50a of the mixing container 12a. The mixer shafts 26a, 28a are each supported on one side. The mixer shafts 26a, 28a are formed by free-running mixing tools mounted on one side. The mixer shafts 26a, 28a are each supported in the end wall 52a of the mixing container 12a. For this purpose, a bearing for mixer shafts 26a, 28a is located in the end wall 52a arranged. The mixer shafts 26a, 28a each consist of a shaft 54a, 56a and a plurality of mixing means 58a, 60a arranged on a circumference of the shaft 54a, 56a. The shafts 54a, 56a of the mixer shafts 26a, 28a are each formed by a circular cylindrical solid shaft. In principle, however, another embodiment of the shafts 54a, 56a that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable, for example as a hollow shaft. If the shaft 54a, 56a is designed as a hollow shaft, it would be fundamentally conceivable that fluids, in particular liquids, can be supplied to the shaft 54a, 56a via a cavity. In particular, liquids could be introduced into the receiving area 14a via the shaft. The mixing means 58a, 60a are each formed by paddles. In principle, however, another configuration of the mixing means 58a, 60a that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The mixer shafts 26a, 28a are arranged essentially in the receiving area 14a of the mixing container 12a during operation. The mixer shafts 26a, 28a protrude into the receiving area 14a. The mixer shafts 26a, 28a each define a circular-cylindrical mixing region in the receiving region 14a, in which a direct mixing takes place by the respective mixer shaft 26a, 28a. The shafts 54a, 56a of the mixer shafts 26a, 28a protrude at one end through the end wall 52a from the receiving area 14a and are driven there by a drive unit 62a. The drive unit 62a drives the two mixer shafts 26a, 28a via a gear which is not further visible. The drive unit 62a drives the two mixer shafts 26a, 28a in a rotational manner. The drive unit 62a is formed by a motor. The drive unit 62a is formed by an electric motor. The mixing unit 16a is designed to be completely extendable from the mixing container 12a. Pulling out takes place via a pull-out carriage, not shown in detail, on which the mixing unit 16a is mounted and which is guided on pull-out rails, not shown in detail. When it is pulled out, the drive unit 62a and the end wall 52a are also moved along. By pulling out the mixing unit 16a, the mixer shafts 26a, 28a can be easily and completely pulled out of the mixer. The entire mixing container 12a is advantageously accessible for cleaning.

Furthermore, the mixing device 10a has a lump breaking unit 18a. The lump breaking unit 18a is provided during operation of the mixing device 10a for comminuting lumps formed in the material to be mixed. The lump breaking unit 18a is in an end region 22a of the mixing container 12a arranged. The lump breaking unit 18a is arranged on a side of the receiving area 14a opposite the bearing point of the mixing unit 16a in an end area 22a of the mixing container 12a. The lump breaking unit 18a is arranged in an end region of the mixing container 12a. The lump breaking unit 18a is disposed in the end wall 24a of the mixing vessel 12a. The lump breaking unit 18a is arranged in the end wall 24a of the mixing container 12a opposite the end wall 52a in which the mixing unit 16a is mounted. The end wall 24a is arranged on a base side of the cylindrical mixing container 12a. The lump breaking unit 18a is arranged in the pivoting door 36a of the mixing container 12a. The lump breaking unit 18a is arranged in the pivoting door 36a of the end wall 24a of the mixing container 12a. The lump breaking unit 18a can be pivoted out of the receiving area 14a of the mixing container 12a via the pivoting door 36a. The lump breaking unit 18a is also pivoted when the pivoting door 36a is opened ( Figure 2 ). The lump breaking unit 18a has a cutter element 20a protruding into the mixing container 12a. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the lump breaking unit 18a to have several cutter elements 20a, which are arranged, for example, next to one another. The cutter element 20a protrudes into the mixing container 12a for a direct crushing of clumps. The cutter element 20a forms a tool of the lump breaking unit 18a. The cutter element 20a has a shaft 64a which protrudes through the pivoting door 36a of the end wall 24a. A bearing 66a for the shaft 64a is received in the pivoting door 36a. A drive unit 68a of the lump breaking unit 18a is arranged on an outside of the pivoting door 36a and is provided to drive the cutter element 20a during operation. The drive unit 68a drives the shaft 64a of the cutter element 20a in rotation. Furthermore, the cutter element 20a has a plurality of blades 70a. The cutter element 20a has two blades 70a. The blades 70a are each formed by a double blade which each form a cutting edge on both sides of an axis of rotation. In principle, however, a different number and / or design of the blades 70a that appears reasonable to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The blades 70a are each arranged on a free side of the shaft 64a facing away from the drive unit 68a. The blades 70a are each arranged on an end of the shaft 64a that protrudes into the receiving area 14a. The blades 70a are arranged offset from one another by 90 °. In principle, however, another configuration of the cutter element 20a that appears useful to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The cutter element 20a is mounted on one side. The cutter element 20a is on one of the Bearing point of the mixer shafts 26a, 28a of the mixing unit 16a on the opposite side of the receiving area 14a ( Figure 1 , 3 ).

An axis of rotation 30a of the cutter element 20a of the lump breaking unit 18a extends essentially parallel to the axes of rotation 32a, 34a of the mixer shafts 26a, 28a of the mixing unit 16a mounted on one side. The axis of rotation 30a of the cutter element 20a of the lump breaking unit 18a is arranged offset to the axes of rotation 32a, 34a of the mixer shafts 26a, 28a. Furthermore, the cutter element 20a of the lump breaking unit 18a is partially arranged between the two mixer shafts 26a, 28a of the mixing unit 16a. The cutter element 20a, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axes of rotation 32a, 34a of the mixer shafts 26a, 28a, is arranged at least with a partial area between the at least two mixer shafts 26a, 28a. Furthermore, the cutter element 20a of the lump breaking unit 18a intersects an axis of rotation 30a of the first mixer shaft 26a of the mixing unit 16a. The cutter element 20a of the lump breaking unit 18a intersects the axis of rotation 30a of the first mixer shaft 26a of the mixing unit 16a during operation in at least one rotational position of the cutter element 20a. The axis of rotation 30a of the cutter element 20a of the lump breaking unit 18a is offset from the axis of rotation 32a of the first mixer shaft 26a, the blades 70a of the cutter element 20a intersecting the axis of rotation 32a of the first mixer shaft 26a during operation depending on the rotational position. The first mixer shaft 26a has a recess in the area of the cutter element 20a, so that the cutter element 20a can intersect the axis of rotation 32a of the first mixer shaft 26a of the mixing unit 16a. The first mixer shaft 26a of the mixing unit 16a is shortened and does not protrude as far as the end wall 24a of the mixing container 12a, in which the lump breaking unit 18a is arranged. The first mixer shaft 26a of the mixing unit 16a is shortened compared to the second mixer shaft 28a. The cutter element 20a is arranged at least partially below an imaginary plane running through the axes of rotation 32a, 34a of the mixer shafts 26a, 28a. The axis of rotation 30a of the cutter element 20a is arranged below an imaginary plane running through the axes of rotation 32a, 34a of the mixer shafts 26a, 28a ( Figure 3 ).

The cutter element 20a of the lump breaking unit 18a has, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 30a of the cutter element 20a, an effective cutter surface A ₁ . The _{effective cutter surface A 1} extends parallel to a main extension plane of the cutter element 20a. Furthermore, the effective cutter surface A ₁ extends parallel to one Main plane of extent of the end wall 24a of the mixing container 12a. The _{effective cutter surface A 1} is formed by a circular surface, the radius of which corresponds to a radius of the cutter element 20a. An area _{value of the cutter effective area A 1} is at least 2% of an area _{value of a wall area A 2 of} the end wall 24a of the mixing container 12a. The area _{value of the cutter effective area A 1} is approximately 4% of the area _{value of the wall area A 2 of} the end wall 24a of the mixing container 12a. In principle, however, another area ratio that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The wall surface A _{2 of} the end wall 24a extends parallel to a main extension plane of the end wall 24a. The wall surface A ₂ is arranged on a side of the end wall facing the receiving area 14a of the mixing container 12a ( Figure 4 ).

Figure 5 shows a flow chart of a method for operating the mixing device 10a. Figure 5 Figure 3 shows a flow chart of a mixing process. During the process, mixing of a material to be mixed fed to the mixing device 10a takes place. There is a mixing of solids and solids with liquids. For this purpose, an addition of liquid takes place during a process, which is not visible any further. For this purpose, one or more nozzles, for example, spray liquid into the receiving area 14a. Furthermore, during the process, in a first process step 44a, mixed material is transported by means of the first mixer shaft 26a of the mixing unit 16a of the mixing device 10a to the cutter element 20a of the lump breaking unit 18a of the mixing device 10a. The mixing means 58a of the first mixer shaft 26a, which are designed as paddles, are aligned for this purpose in such a way that mixes located in the mixing area of the first mixer shaft 26a are transported by the mixing means 58a to the cutter element 20a of the lump breaking unit 18a of the mixing device 10a. The mix is transported along the axis of rotation 32 of the first mixer shaft 26a to the cutter element 20a. Then, in a second method step 72a, clumps in the mix are destroyed by means of the cutter element 20a of the clump breaking unit 18a. Furthermore, the mix is partially conveyed, in particular spun, by the cutter element 20a into the mixing region of the second mixer shaft 28a. Subsequently, in a further method step 46a, mixed material is transported away from the cutter element 20a of the lump breaking unit 18a by means of the second mixer shaft 28a of the mixing unit 16a of the mixing device 10a. The mixing means 60a of the second mixer shaft 28a, which are designed as paddles, are such aligned that mix which is conveyed by the cutter element 20a of the lump breaking unit 18a into the mixing area of the second mixer shaft 28a is transported away from the cutter element 20a of the one lump breaking unit 18a by means of the mixing means 60a. The mixed material is transported away from the cutter element 20a along the axis of rotation 34a of the second mixer shaft 28a. The first method step 44a is then repeated. The mixed material is therefore partly conveyed cyclically through the mixing container 12b.

In the Figures 6 to 9 four further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with the same components, features and functions being restricted to the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular the Figures 1 to 5 , can be referenced. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment is Figures 1 to 5 by the letters b to e in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments of Figures 6 to 9 replaced. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numbers, the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular the Figures 1 to 5 , to get expelled.

Figure 6 shows a mixing device 10b with a mixing container 12b, with a mixing unit 16b mounted on one side and with a lump breaking unit 18b. The mixing unit 16b mounted on one side is provided for mixing the material to be mixed located in the mixing container 12b. The mixing unit 16b is formed by a shaft mixing unit. The mixing unit 16b mounted on one side has two mixer shafts 26b, 28b. The mixer shafts 26b, 28b extend essentially parallel to one another. The two mixer shafts 26b, 28b of the mixing unit 16b have parallel axes of rotation 32b, 34b. The mixer shafts 26b, 28b each define a circular cylindrical mixing region 38b, 40b in a receiving region 14b of the mixing container 12b, in which a direct mixing takes place by the respective mixer shaft 26b, 28b. The mixer shafts 26b, 28b protrude along a main direction of extent of the mixing container 12b through the entire receiving area 14b. The mixer shafts 26b, 28b protrude with a free end until just before an end wall 24b of the mixing container 12b.

Furthermore, the mixing container 12b has the receiving area 14b for receiving mixed material. The receiving area 14b has a substantially cylindrical shape. The receiving area 14b of the mixing container 12b has a bulge 42b lying outside the mixing areas 38b, 40b of the mixer shafts 26b, 28b. The bulge 42b is formed by a partially circular cylindrical bulge. The bulge 42b is only provided in an end region 22b of the mixing container 12b. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable for the bulge 42b to extend over the entire length of the mixing container 12b. The bulge 42b adjoins an end wall 24b of the mixing container 12b. The bulge 42b is arranged below the axes of rotation 32b, 34b of the mixer shafts 26b, 28b.

Furthermore, the lump breaking unit 18b is provided for comminuting lumps formed in the material to be mixed during operation of the mixing device 10b. The lump breaking unit 18b is arranged in an end region 22b of the mixing container 12b. The lump breaking unit 18b is arranged on a side of the receiving area 14b opposite the bearing point of the mixing unit 16b in an end area 22b of the mixing container 12b. The lump breaking unit 18b is disposed in the end wall 24b of the mixing vessel 12b. The lump breaking unit 18b is arranged in a pivoting door 36b of the end wall 24b of the mixing container 12b. The lump breaking unit 18b has a cutter element 20b projecting into the mixing container 12b. An axis of rotation 30b of the cutter element 20b of the lump breaking unit 18b extends essentially parallel to the axes of rotation 32b, 34b of the mixer shafts 26b, 28b of the mixing unit 16b mounted on one side. The axis of rotation 30b of the cutter element 20b of the lump breaking unit 18b is arranged offset to the axes of rotation 32b, 34b of the mixer shafts 26b, 28b. Furthermore, the cutter element 20b of the lump breaking unit 18b is partially arranged between the two mixer shafts 26b, 28b of the mixing unit 16b. The cutter element 20b is arranged essentially outside the mixing regions 38b, 40b of the mixer shafts 26b, 28b. The cutter element 20b is arranged essentially in the bulge 42b. The cutter element 20b of the lump breaking unit 18b protrudes into the bulge 42b.

Figure 7 shows a mixing device 10c with a mixing container 12c, with a mixing unit 16c mounted on both sides and with a lump breaking unit 18c. The mixing unit 16c mounted on both sides is for mixing the in the mixing container 12c existing mix provided. The mixing unit 16c is formed by a shaft mixing unit. The mixing unit 16c has two mixer shafts 26c. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable for the mixing unit 16c to have only one mixer shaft 26c. A corresponding structure can in principle also be applied to a single-shaft mixer. The mixer shafts 26c extend essentially parallel to one another. The two mixer shafts 26c of the mixing unit 16c have parallel axes of rotation 32c, 34c. The mixer shafts 26c protrude along a main direction of extent of the mixing container 12c through the entire receiving area 14c. The mixer shafts 26c are supported at both ends.

Furthermore, the mixing container 12c has the receiving area 14c for receiving a mixture. The receiving portion 14c has a cylindrical shape. The receiving area 14c of the mixing container 12c has a bulge 42c lying outside a mixing area of the mixer shafts 26c. The bulge 42c is formed by a partially circular cylindrical bulge. In principle, however, a rectangular configuration of the bulge 42c would also be conceivable, for example. The bulge 42c extends over the entire length of the mixing container 12c. The bulge 42c adjoins an end wall 24c of the mixing container 12c. The bulge 42c is arranged below the axes of rotation 32c, 34c of the mixer shafts 26c. An outlet opening 74c of the mixing device 10c is arranged on an underside of the bulge 42c.

Furthermore, the lump breaking unit 18c is provided during operation of the mixing device 10c for comminuting lumps formed in the material to be mixed. The lump breaking unit 18c is arranged in an end region 22c of the mixing container 12c. The lump breaking unit 18c is arranged on a side of the receiving area 14c opposite the bearing point of the mixing unit 16c in an end area 22c of the mixing container 12c. The lump breaking unit 18c is disposed in the end wall 24c of the mixing vessel 12c. The lump breaking unit 18c has at least one cutter element 20c protruding into the mixing container 12c. The lump breaking unit 18c has a plurality of cutter elements 20c protruding into the mixing container 12c. The cutter elements 20c have a common shaft 64c which protrudes through the end wall 24c. A bearing for the shaft 64c is received in the end wall 24c. A drive unit 68c of the lump breaking unit 18c is arranged on an outside of the end wall 24c, which is provided to drive the cutter elements 20c during operation. The drive unit 68c drives the shaft 64c of the cutter elements 20c in a rotational manner. The shaft 64c of the cutter elements 20c is supported on both sides. The shaft 64c of the cutter elements 20c is mounted on both end walls 24c, 52a of the mixing container 12c. An axis of rotation 30c of the cutter elements 20c of the lump breaking unit 18c extends essentially parallel to the axes of rotation 32c, 34c of the mixer shafts 26c of the mixing unit 16c. The axis of rotation 30c of the cutter elements 20c of the lump breaking unit 18c is arranged offset to the axes of rotation 32c, 34c of the mixer shafts 26c. Furthermore, the cutter elements 20c of the lump breaking unit 18c are partially arranged between the two mixer shafts 26c of the mixing unit 16c. The cutter elements 20c are arranged essentially outside the mixing areas of the mixer shafts 26c. The cutter elements 20c are arranged essentially in the bulge 42c.

Figure 8 shows a mixing device 10d with a mixing container 12d, with a mixing unit 16d and with a lump breaking unit 18d. The mixing unit 16d is provided for mixing the material to be mixed located in the mixing container 12d. The mixing unit 16d is formed by a shaft mixing unit. The mixing unit 16d has two mixer shafts 28d. The mixer shafts 28d extend substantially parallel to one another. The two mixer shafts 28d of the mixing unit 16d have parallel axes of rotation 32d, 34d. The mixer shafts 28d each consist of a shaft 56d and a plurality of mixing means 60d arranged on a circumference of the shaft 56d. The shafts 56d of the mixer shafts 28d protrude at one end through an end wall 52d of the mixing container 12d from a receiving area 14d and are driven there by a drive unit 62d. The drive unit 62d drives the two mixer shafts 28d via a gear which is not further visible. The drive unit 62d drives the two mixer shafts 28d in rotation.

Furthermore, the lump breaking unit 18d is provided for comminuting lumps formed in the mix during operation of the mixing device 10d. The lump breaking unit 18d is arranged in an end region 22d of the mixing container 12d. The lump breaking unit 18d is arranged on a side of the receiving area 14d facing the bearing point of the mixing unit 16d in an end area 22d of the mixing container 12d. The lump breaking unit 18d is arranged in the end wall 52d of the mixing container 12d, in which the mixing unit 16d is also mounted.

The lump breaking unit 18d has a cutter element 20d projecting into the mixing container 12d. An axis of rotation of the cutter element 20d of the lump breaking unit 18d extends essentially parallel to the axes of rotation of the mixer shafts 28d of the mixing unit 16d mounted on one side. The axis of rotation of the cutter element 20d of the lump breaking unit 18d is arranged offset to the axes of rotation of the mixer shafts 28d. Furthermore, the cutter element 20d of the lump breaking unit 18d is partially arranged between the two mixer shafts 28d of the mixing unit 16d.

Figure 7 shows a mixing device 10e with a mixing container 12e, with a mixing unit 16e mounted on both sides and with a lump breaking unit 18e. The mixing device 10e is formed by a continuous bulk material mixing device. The mixing unit 16e mounted on both sides is provided for mixing the material to be mixed located in the mixing container 12e. The mixing unit 16e is formed by a shaft mixing unit. The mixing unit 16e has a mixer shaft 26e. In principle, however, it would also be conceivable for the mixing unit 16e to have two mixer shafts 26e, for example. The mixer shaft 26e of the mixing unit 16e has a turning axis 32e. The axis of rotation 32e extends parallel to a main direction of extent 50e of the mixing container 12e. The mixer shaft 26e protrudes along the main direction of extent 50e of the mixing container 12e through an entire receiving area 14e. The mixer shaft 26e is supported at both ends.

The mixing container 12e has an essentially cylindrical basic shape. A main direction of extent 50e of the mixing container 12e extends essentially horizontally during operation. Furthermore, the mixing container 12e forms a housing of the mixing device 10e. The mixing container 12e has an outer shell 48e. Furthermore, the mixing container 12e has the receiving area 14e for receiving a mixture. The receiving area 14e has a substantially cylindrical shape. The receiving area 14e is partially delimited by the outer shell 48e of the mixing container 12e. The receiving area 14e is delimited on a jacket surface by the outer shell 48e of the mixing container 12e. The mixing container 12e also has two end walls 24e, 52e. The end walls 24e, 52e close the mixing container 12e at two opposite ends of the outer shell 48e. The end walls 24e, 52e delimit the receiving area 14e at opposite ends along the central axis of the receiving area 14e. The end walls 24e, 52e extend, respectively substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the receiving area 14e. The end walls 24e, 52e are each inclined with respect to the axis of rotation 32e of the mixer shaft 26e by a smallest angle of 70 °. In principle, however, another angle that appears reasonable to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. The end walls 24e, 52e slope away from one another on one side. The end walls 24e, 52e conically converge towards one another at the top. The end walls 24e, 52e are each inclined at 40 ° to one another.

Furthermore, the lump breaking unit 18e is provided during operation of the mixing device 10e for comminuting lumps formed in the material to be mixed. The lump breaking unit 18e is arranged in an end region 22e of the mixing container 12e. The lump breaking unit 18e is arranged on a side of the receiving area 14e opposite the bearing point of the mixing unit 16e in an end area 22e of the mixing container 12e. The lump breaking unit 18e is disposed in the end wall 24e of the mixing vessel 12e. The lump breaking unit 18e has a cutter element 20e projecting into the mixing container 12e. The cutter element 20e has a shaft 64e which protrudes through the end wall 24e. A bearing for the shaft 64e is received in the end wall 24e. A drive unit 68e of the lump breaking unit 18e is arranged on an outside of the end wall 24e and is provided to drive the cutter element 20e during operation. The drive unit 68e drives the shaft 64e of the cutter element 20e in rotation. An axis of rotation 30e of the cutter element 20e of the lump breaking unit 18e extends essentially parallel to the axis of rotation 32e of the mixer shaft 26e of the mixing unit 16e. The axis of rotation 30e of the cutter element 20e of the lump breaking unit 18e is inclined by at least 5 ° with respect to the axis of rotation 32e of the mixer shaft 26e of the mixing unit 16e. The axis of rotation 30e of the cutter element 20e of the lump breaking unit 18e is inclined by at least 15 ° with respect to the axis of rotation 32e of the mixer shaft 26e of the mixing unit 16e. The axis of rotation 30e of the cutter element 20e of the lump breaking unit 18e is inclined by a maximum of 30 ° with respect to the axis of rotation 32e of the mixer shaft 26e of the mixing unit 16e. The axis of rotation 30e of the cutter element 20e of the lump breaking unit 18e is inclined by 20 ° with respect to the axis of rotation 32e of the mixer shaft 26e of the mixing unit 16e.

Claims (9)

1. Mixing device, in particular bulk material mixing device,
   with at least one mixing container (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e) comprising a receiving region (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) for receiving a material that is to be mixed,
   with at least one mixing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e), which is configured for mixing the material that is to be mixed situated in the mixing container (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e), and with at least one lump-breaker unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) comprising at least one cutter element (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e) which protrudes into the mixing container (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e),
   wherein the at least one lump-breaker unit (18a; 18b, 18c; 18d; 18e) is arranged in a front region (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e) of the mixing container (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e),
   wherein a front region (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d; 22e) is a region of the mixing container (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e) that faces towards a front face of the mixing container (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e), and
   wherein the at least one mixing unit (16a; 16b; 16d) is supported one-sidedly and the at least one mixing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e) comprises at least one mixer shaft (26a, 28a; 26b, 28b; 26c; 28d; 26e),
   wherein the mixing container (12a; 12b; 12c; 12e) comprises in a region of an end wall (24a; 24b; 24c; 24e) a pivoting door (36a; 36b; 36c; 36e) which the at least one lump-breaker unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18e) is arranged in,
   characterised in that the pivoting door (36a) is implemented by a front door.
2. Mixing device according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the at least one lump-breaker unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) is arranged in an end wall (24a; 24b; 24c; 52d; 24e) of the mixing container (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e).
3. Mixing device according to claim 1,
   characterised in that a rotary axis (30a; 30b; 30c; 30e) of the cutter element (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e) of the at least one lump-breaker unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) extends at least substantially parallel to a rotary axis (32a, 34a; 32b, 34b; 32c; 32e) of the at least one mixer shaft (26a, 28a; 26b; 28b; 26c; 28d; 26e) of the mixing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e) that is supported one-sidedly.
4. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the at least one mixing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) comprises at least two mixer shafts (26a, 28a; 26b, 28b; 26c; 28d) extending substantially parallel to one another.
5. Mixing device according to claim 4,
   characterised in that the at least one cutter element (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) of the lump-breaker unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) is arranged at least partly between the at least two mixer shafts (26a, 28a; 26b, 28b; 26c; 28d) of the at least one mixing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d).
6. Mixing device at least according to claim 1 or 4,
   characterised in that the at least one cutter element (20a) of the lump-breaker unit (18a) intersects with a rotary axis (30a) of the mixer shaft (26a) of the at least one mixing unit (16a).
7. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that the receiving region (14b; 14c) of the at least one mixing container (12b; 12c) has at least one bulge (42b; 42c) which is situated outside a mixing region (38b, 40b) and in which the at least one cutter element (20b; 20c) of the lump-breaker unit (18b; 18c) protrudes.
8. Mixing device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that viewed in a plane that is perpendicular to a rotary axis (30a; 30b; 30c; 30e) of the at least one cutter element (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e), the at least one cutter element (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e) of the lump-breaker unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) has an effective cutter surface (A₁) whose area value is at least 2 % of an area value of a wall surface (A₂) of an end wall (24a; 24b; 24c; 52d; 24e) of the mixing container (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e).
9. Method for operating a mixing device (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e) according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein in at least one first method step (44a) a material that is to be mixed is transported to a cutter element (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e) of at least one lump-breaker unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) of the mixing device (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e) by means of a mixer shaft (26a; 26b; 26c; 26e) of a mixing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e) of the mixing device (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e),
   wherein in at least one further method step (46a) a material that is to be mixed is transported away from the cutter element (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) of the at least one lump-breaker unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) by means of a mixer shaft (28a; 28b; 28d) of the mixing unit (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) of the mixing device (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d).

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