EP4190436A1 - Industrial mixer - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an industrial mixing machine 1 for mixing material to be mixed in mixing containers that are open on the connection side and differ in at least one feature of their design, with one mixing container each being able to be connected to the mixing head of the mixing machine 1 for mixing the material to be mixed contained therein, and with at least two being connected at least in one Mixing tools 13, 13.1, 13a, 13b, 13b.1, 13c, 13c.1, 13c.2, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13f.1, 13g that differ in their design can be mounted on a mixing head 7 of the mixing machine 1. Special feature is that the mixing machine has:- a detection device which is set up to determine whether the mixing tool 13, 13.1, 13a, 13b, 13b.1, 13c, 13c.1, 13c.2, 13d , 13e, 13f, 13f.1, 13g fits to the mixing container to be connected to the mixing head, in which the material to be mixed is located, and- a safety device which communicates with the detection device and which prevents the mixing tool 13, 13.1, 13a, 13b, 13b.1, 13c, 13c.1, 13c.2, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13f.1, 13g and the mixing container opening are brought together when it is recognized by the detection device that the mixing head 7 mounted Mixing tool 13, 13.1, 13a, 13b, 13b.1, 13c, 13c.1, 13c.2, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13f.1, 13g does not match the mixing container.

Description

The invention relates to an industrial mixing machine having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Industrial mixing machines are mixers that are used for mixing in particular bulk material, typically powdered bulk material, such as is required for the production of plastic granulate mixtures or in the paint industry. Such mixing machines typically have a mixing head that can be pivoted relative to a frame, which in some configurations also serves to close a mixing container containing the mixed material, which is connected to the mixing head for the purpose of mixing a mixed material contained therein. After connecting the mixing container to the mixing head, a closed mixing container is formed from the mixing head and the mixing container containing the material to be mixed.

A mixing tool is also mounted on the mixing head or on a drive shaft for mixing the material to be mixed. This mixing tool is adapted according to the material to be mixed and/or the size of the container. The mixing tool is rotated by the drive shaft in order to mix the material to be mixed.

The mixing tool has a connection area for connecting a mixing tool to the drive shaft. In many cases, this is designed to complement the drive shaft, which in this case acts as a connection on the mixing machine side, and is fastened to it with screws, for example.

The mixing head itself is arranged pivotably relative to a machine frame of the mixing machine, so that mixing takes place in an overhead position in relation to the mixing head, in which the mixing head is arranged at the bottom and the mixing container connected to it is arranged at the top can. This overhead position is necessary so that the material to be mixed contained in the mixing container comes into contact with the mixing tool mounted on the mixing head. The rotationally driven mixing tool is used to generate a mix flow within the closed mixing chamber. Such an industrial mixer is, for example, from EP 0 225 495 A2 known.

It is problematic for such a mixing machine and in particular for the mixing tool when different containers, which differ in at least one feature of their design, and different mixes are to be mixed on one and the same mixing machine. If the containers are of different sizes and/or the material to be mixed is different in such a way that different mixing processes have to be carried out, different mixing tools that differ in at least one feature of their design are used. The fact that mixing containers and mixing tools differ in at least one feature of their design means that they differ, for example, in their diameter, their material, their intended use or another feature. It is common for mixing tools and mixing containers to be designed differently for different purposes. This fundamental problem also speaks DE 20 2021 101 371 U1 at.

If, for example, a mixing container is to be used whose opening diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the mixing tool currently installed, the mixing tool must be dismantled and a smaller mixing tool installed. It can happen that, although the mixing tool would have had to be replaced, this did not take place. If the mixing tool is then guided to the mixing container, the mixing tool can be damaged.

Proceeding from this problem, the object of the invention is to provide an industrial mixing machine in which possible damage to the mixing tool is prevented and with which the mixing result is improved.

This object is achieved by an industrial mixing machine of the type mentioned at the outset, preferably as described above, having the features of claim 1.

Advantageous configurations emerge from the dependent claims and the description.

According to the invention it is provided that the mixing machine has a detection device. This detection device is set up to check whether the mixing tool currently mounted on the mixing machine matches the mixing container provided, in which the material to be mixed is located, for example in terms of its diameter, if the mixing containers provided differ in their opening diameter. This provided mixing container is typically located in a container entrance as a staging area for the mixing tool. The container entrance is the place where a worker places the container so that the mixing container can be picked up by the mixing machine.

If the detection device determines that the mixing tool does not match the ready mixing container, it is set up to send a signal to a safety device via a communication path so that the safety device prevents the mixing tool, typically together with the mixing head, from being brought to the container. For this purpose, the safety device can in particular prevent a translational movement of the mixing container towards the mixing head. Corresponding error outputs can also be output on a display device, which informs the worker about the error status.

If the detection device determines that the mixing tool fits the ready mixing container, the safety device is not activated by the detection device.

By providing the detection device and the safety device communicating with it, overall safety is increased since damage to the mixing tool by a faulty configuration is avoided. In addition, a mixing quality that can only be achieved with a specific mixing tool suitable for the mixing container provided can be effectively ensured.

Provision is preferably made for the detection device to be set up to detect which mixing tool is mounted on the mixing head. In this embodiment, the detection device thus determines the mixing tool itself. For example, the blending tool may have an associated ID, such as a name, associated with one or more properties of the blending tool, such as its diameter. A comparison unit is assigned to the detection device, which uses the identified mixing tool to check whether it fits the available mixing container. This can be done in a look-up table, for example. This refinement is particularly advantageous if other parameters are to be checked in addition to crash safety.
To identify the mixing tool, it can also be provided that the mixing tool has an identifier attached to the mixing tool. This identifier can be determined by means of sensors in the detection device and then evaluated. For this purpose, the identifier can be determined by the sensors.

Provision can also be made for the detection device to be set up to evaluate signals resolved by the angle of rotation of the mixing tool. So that the detection device can identify the mixing tool, the mixing tool is rotated about its axis of rotation. This can be done by means of a drive or manually. The identifier is attached along the circumference of the mixing tool. Although only one locally measuring sensor or one locally measuring sensor unit is assigned to the detection device, rotating the mixing tool makes a large section available that can be used to identify the mixing tool.

The angle of rotation resolution can be determined using a rotary protractor. It is also conceivable that when the mixing tool is driven by a motor, its rotational speed is measured, whereupon the angle is determined as a function of time.

A possible identification of the mixing tool is its diameter. This is advantageous if no additional measures are to be taken to identify the mixing tool and the safety of the mixing machine is nevertheless to be increased. In this way, existing mixing tools can also be easily recognized without having to be retrofitted with an identifier. The diameter of the mixing tool is particularly relevant for crash safety, since this must be compared with the opening diameter of the mixing container in order to prevent the mixing tool from coming into contact with the mixing container.

In order to determine the diameter of the mixing tool, it can be provided that the detection device has at least one light barrier, which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the pivot point of the mixing tool. In addition, the measuring direction of the light barrier is aligned with the diameter of the mixing tool. By providing a light barrier, a cost-effective determination of the mixing tool can be provided. In addition, this is contactless and can be used over a certain distance from the mixing tool. This is advantageous because in many cases the area around the mixing head is not dust-free and could contaminate a sensor. The light barrier, on the other hand, can be arranged at a distance and protected by appropriate measures.

Provision is preferably made for at least two light barriers, which are aligned essentially parallel and are arranged eccentrically with respect to the pivot point of the mixing tool, to be arranged at a distance from one another and at a different distance from the pivot point. Furthermore, the first light barrier is arranged in such a way that it measures a first mixing tool diameter. The second light barrier is arranged in such a way that it measures a second mixing tool diameter that is different from the first. In this way, two tools with different diameters can be distinguished: A smaller mixing tool is only detected by the light barrier that measures the smaller diameter, while the second light barrier, which is geared towards a larger diameter for a larger blending tool that does not recognize small tools. If the larger mixing tool is used, this is recognized by both light barriers. In this way, conclusions can be drawn about the diameter of the mixing tool.

Provision is preferably made for the individual light barriers to be at such a distance from the pivot point that they measure a diameter which corresponds to the maximum permitted diameter for the different containers that may be provided. A safety margin is typically deducted from this.

In a further embodiment, it can be provided, which is particularly advantageous if the mixing tool has mixing blades, for example three mixing blades, that two opposite light barriers measure a diameter that is within the diameter of a larger mixing tool, but outside a smaller diameter of a smaller mixing tool . In some situations, due to the wings, the mixing tool may rotate, in which only one light barrier detects the mixing tool. The two opposing light barriers ensure that the mixing tool is correctly identified despite the presence of mixing tool wings.

Furthermore, it can be provided that, in order to detect the diameter of the mixing tool, it is rotated about its pivot point, so that the actual diameter of the mixing tool is determined via the angular section in which the light barrier is interrupted and the known distance between the measuring direction of the light barrier and the pivot point of the mixing tool . In this way, the exact diameter can be determined with a single light barrier, so that a large number of different mixing tools can be determined.

In another embodiment, it can be provided that the identifier is an identification contour. This detection contour can by contour sensors, such as tactile sensors, inductive sensors or Ultrasonic sensors are determined. The recognition contour reflects a coding that allows conclusions to be drawn about the mixing tool.

The identification contour can be distributed on the mixing tool in the circumferential direction and/or in the axial direction. A specific position, for example depending on the angle, which is known to the sensor of the detection device, can also be part of the detection strategy. Such a marker can be, for example, the keyway or the associated key.

Contour sensors can easily be inserted into the feather key. An electrical connection is possible via cable bushings or rotary contacts that are typically present anyway, typically slip ring contacts. This option can also be easily retrofitted: the feather key can be easily replaced as a retrofit kit on a mixing machine, with the retrofitted feather key having the appropriate sensors. Codes in the form of indentations or elevations can easily be introduced into the keyway (e.g. by milling or drilling). The base of the keyway is typically used for this. This is the least stressed part in the keyway, so breakage is counteracted.

Provision is preferably made to use indentations for coding. In terms of manufacturing technology, it is easier to make indentations in a component than to apply material to provide an increase.

The feather key also usually has a flat surface pointing radially outwards. The contour sensors can easily be introduced into this flat surface in a defined manner. In particular, it is possible to precisely adjust the distance between the key and the mixing tool, or the base of the keyway.

In a preferred embodiment, the contour sensors can be designed as fine proximity sensors which can detect an indentation, such as a bore, made in the base of the keyway.

As a result of this configuration, standard mixing tools in particular can be used and also retrofitted in a simple manner.

By providing an encapsulated system, in particular encapsulated against external influences such as liquids, the sensor system is safe and reliable.

Appropriate cabling can also be arranged eccentrically in the shaft, so that coolant can be passed through the shaft centrally.

Provision can also be made for the identifier to be provided by one or more magnets.

In this case, the detection device has at least one magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall probe. This magnetic field sensor and the at least one magnet attached to the mixing tool are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the field of the magnet can be measured by the magnetic field sensor. In this way, two different mixing tools can be distinguished from one another: one mixing tool has a magnet, the other does not. To increase the measurement reliability, it can also be provided that several magnets are arranged along the circumference.

Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one mixing tool has a large number of magnets at a predefined distance along its circumference. To detect the mixing tool, it is rotated about its center of rotation, whereupon signals that can be evaluated are generated in the magnetic field sensor according to the distribution of the magnets. On the basis of the chronological sequence or the determined angle of rotation, an identifier is determined which allows conclusions to be drawn about the mixing tool or at least certain parameters of the mixing tool.

Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one mixing tool has an RFID chip and the detection device has an RFID sensor, with the RFID sensor and the RFID chip being arranged in this way are that the RFID chip can be read by the RFID sensor. A large amount of different data can be stored in an RFID chip so that it can be determined whether the assembled mixing tool fits the mixing container provided. Not only can an identifier that can be assigned to the mixing tool be stored in the RFID chip, but also parameters that allow conclusions to be drawn as to whether the mixing tool fits the mixing container provided, such as its diameter. In this way, the information on the respective mixing tool can be managed decentrally on the respective mixing tool. In this way, new mixing tools do not have to be additionally read into the mixing machine or the recognition device.

Provision can also be made for the detection device to have at least one camera directed at a mixing tool and an image evaluation unit. The camera can be designed as a photo camera that photographically recognizes the mixing tool and/or can determine the diameter of the mixing tool. The camera can also be designed as a scanner, which is arranged approximately at the level of the mixing tool and in this way can determine the diameter of the mixing tool.

It can also be provided that the mixing tool is determined by means of its weight: typically, a mixing tool with a larger diameter has a higher weight than a smaller one.

Provision is preferably made for the detection device to be arranged in the area of the mixing head on the mixing machine, so that the sensor can detect the mounted mixing tool. In this way, a particularly high level of security is provided, since the mounted mixing tool, which must match the mixing container, is determined.

It can be provided that the sensor is arranged laterally to the mixing tool and is arranged outside the diameter of the mixing tool having the largest diameter. Such a sensor is typically an optical sensor, such as a light barrier, a scanner or a camera. It is possible that the measuring direction is not parallel to the mixing tool. Mixing tools of different heights can also be used be measured safely. Nevertheless, it is also conceivable that the sensor is arranged in one plane with the mixing tool. This applies in particular to a scanner or a light barrier, for example. Due to the arrangement outside the diameter of the mixing tool, the sensor is protected from any dust exposure caused by the mixing.

In another embodiment it can be provided that the sensor is arranged offset in the vertical direction to the mixing tool and is arranged within the diameter of the mixing tool having the largest diameter. Such a sensor is, for example, an ultrasonic, proximity, magnetic field or RFID sensor. Due to the small distance from the mixing tool, it is possible to determine the mixing tool more easily and more precisely, in particular also in the vertical direction.

In a further embodiment, it can be provided that, in order to detect whether the mixing tool currently mounted on the mixing machine fits the mixing container provided, at least one mixing tool to be differentiated has a detection section in its connection area, from which at least one characteristic feature of the mixing tool can be inferred , such as whether the mixing tool currently mounted on the mixing machine fits the container. According to the invention, this detection section interacts with a linkage when the mixing tool is connected to a connection on the mixing tool. The action of the mixing tool on the linkage causes the linkage to move into a different position or setting. For example, provision can be made for the linkage to be displaced in a translatory manner by the detection section. This other position of the linkage is detected by a measuring device, it being possible to conclude from the detection device, depending on the position of the linkage, whether the mixing tool mounted on the mixing head fits the mixing container provided or not.

In other words: In order for the detection device to recognize whether the mixing tool currently mounted on the mixing head fits the mixing container to be connected to the mixing head and in which the material to be mixed is located, at least one mixing tool has a connection pointing to a connection on the mixing machine side in its connection area Detection section and the mixing machine has a linkage reaching from the connection to a measuring device and the detection section of the mixing tool connected to the connection is designed in such a way and the linkage is mounted in such a way that the detection section acts on the linkage, moving it into a different position, which Adjustment movement of the linkage can be detected by a measuring device assigned to the detection device.

The linkage has a sensor portion for acting on the linkage to move the linkage by the sensing portion of the mixing tool. In another section, remote from the sensor section, the linkage is designed as a measuring section with which the movement of the linkage can be detected by the measuring device. Due to the mechanical linkage and the spatial separation between the sensor section and the measuring section that is possible as a result, the typically sensitive measuring device - often designed electronically and/or optically - can be arranged in an area on the mixing machine in which there is less contamination and/or better attachability of the measuring device given is. Typically, the distance between the sensor section and the measurement section is a few tens of centimeters. Provision can also be made for the measuring device and the measuring section to be sealed off from the environment in an approximately dust-tight manner.

The linkage may be in the form of a radially mounted, single rod that is translationally displaceable. One distal end, for example the end face, is typically the sensor section, the other the measuring section. The measurement of the magnitude of the translational displacement of the rod can be carried out by roller switches, proximity sensors and/or light barriers on the measuring section, with several sensors being arranged along the possible translational path of the rod, so that the magnitude of the shift can be deduced in this way. Typically, the sensors are arranged at an equidistant distance from one another. A further possibility for designing the sensor can be a camera with image processing connected to it, so that photographic conclusions can be drawn about the characteristic change in the linkage or a new position of the linkage.

The connection on the mixing machine for connecting the mixing tool typically has a cross section, with the mixing tool contacting the connection at least in sections with its connection area on its outer lateral surface. Provision is preferably made for the linkage, or its sensor section, to be accommodated within this cross section of the connection, with the sensor section being set back in relation to the material surrounding the sensor section, for example provided by the connection. The sensor section is protected from unwanted effects by the material surrounding it. Complementary to this, the detection section is designed as a protruding pin on the mixing tool, the pin engaging in a detection section receptacle, typically part of a radial bearing of the linkage if this is designed to be displaceable, and can act on the sensor section, for example displacing it. In this way, reliable detection is made possible.

If a distinction is only necessary between two mixing tools, there is the possibility that the measuring device is only equipped with one sensor that can only determine Boolean values (a position of the linkage detected vs. a specific position not detected) and also only one mixing tool to be differentiated has a detection section acting on the sensor section of the linkage in its connection area. If the position of the linkage that can be detected by the measuring device is not detected, a second mixing tool without a detection section is installed.

Provision is preferably made for the linkage to have an initial position which it occupies at least when no mixing tool is installed is. Provision is preferably made for the linkage to automatically return to this starting position when the mixing tool is removed from the connection of the mixing machine. For this purpose, the linkage is supported relative to the mixing machine by a return spring, the spring force returning the linkage to its initial position. If the mixing tool is installed, the return spring is pretensioned, if the mixing tool is removed, the return spring relaxes and brings the linkage back to its original position. In this way, the measurement result is secured.

In an alternative configuration, the configuration, for example the size of the identification section of the mixing tool, corresponds to a property of the mixing tool to be checked in relation to the mixing container, for example the diameter of the mixing tool. In this way, specific detection segment shapes can be defined for specific diameters. In this way, the diameter can be deduced from a movement introduced by the detection section--for example a certain displacement--of the linkage. In this way, a modular distribution of information related to the mixing tool is made possible.

In this way, already existing mixing tools can be easily recognized without having to be read into a mixing machine separately or retrofitted. The diameter of the mixing tool is particularly relevant for crash safety, since this must be compared with the opening diameter of the mixing container in order to prevent the mixing tool from coming into contact with the mixing container.

It is preferred that the connection of the mixing tool on the mixing machine side is the drive shaft on the mixing head. The linkage or the sensor section is then preferably arranged inside the drive shaft; the drive shaft can preferably be designed as a hollow shaft. As the driven shaft of the mixing machine, the mixing head is a part that rotates in relation to the mixing machine. The linkage, especially a single one Rod, can rotate with it without any problems. The measuring device, on the other hand, is typically stationary in relation to the mixing machine. The linkage preferably protrudes from the shaft with its measuring area, at least if the measuring device is to detect the linkage. Due to the mechanical transmission of the movement of the linkage through the shaft, no electrical transmission of the measurement signal via rotary sliding contacts is necessary, in contrast to a measuring unit that is connected directly to the mixing head or the drive shaft.

The linkage can be arranged centrically or eccentrically in the shaft. If the linkage is arranged eccentrically, it is provided for improved sensing on the part of the detection device that at least the measuring section, preferably also the sensor section, is mounted centrally. The translational movement can still be transferred accordingly. If the linkage is designed as a rod, it can be bent in a U-shape to provide the eccentricity, so that a first part of the rod is arranged eccentrically in the shaft and another part, namely the measuring section and possibly the sensor section, is arranged centrally and the respective adjacent ones Parts are connected by a leg.

The mixing machine may have a mixing tool storage area. In this mixing tool storage area, the mixing tool or tools that are currently not being used and are assigned to the mixing machine—thus the mixing tools that are not mounted on the mixing head—are stored on corresponding connections on the mixing machine side. The detection device is set up to monitor the mixing tool storage area in order to conclude from the occupancy of the mixing tool storage area which mixing tool is mounted on the mixing head. If more than two mixing tools are assigned to the mixing machine, the detection device typically has a corresponding memory in which it is stored which mixing tools are made available to the mixing machine. By monitoring the mixing tool storage area, the determination is significantly simplified because in the Mixing tool storage area no dirt or the like can falsify the determination result. The recognition then takes place in a manner indicated above.

Provision can also be made for the mixing tool storage area to have mixing tool storage locations which are unambiguous at least with regard to a specific parameter, for example the diameter, and which are typically provided for exactly one specific mixing tool. Unambiguousness can be provided, for example, by geometric contours that match the respective mixing tool, for example by pins protruding from the plane of the mixing tool storage area, which protrude between the wings and, for example, also at their end areas, so that a larger mixing tool is not placed in the place of a smaller mixing tool can be.

In principle, the mixing tool storage area can be monitored by means of a detection device described above, to which the corresponding sensors are assigned. In addition, there is the possibility that the detection device has a proximity sensor that is set up to determine whether part of a mixing tool is in its vicinity. This particularly simple sensor only checks whether a mixing tool is present. Together with the detection device and the knowledge of the occupied mixing tool storage location, it can be determined which mixing tool is mounted on the mixing head—namely the mixing tool that is not detected at the mixing tool storage location.

• Ermitteln des derzeitig an dem Mischkopf montierten Mischwerkzeuges,
• Ermitteln des bereitgestellten Mischcontainers,
• Prüfen, ob das ermittelte Mischwerkzeug zu dem bereitgestellten Container passt und
• wenn das ermittelte Mischwerkzeug nicht zu dem bereitgestellten Container passt: Aktivieren der Sicherheitsvorrichtung, damit das Mischwerkzeug und die Containeröffnungen nicht zueinander gebracht werden.

The method according to the invention, which can be carried out with an industrial mixing machine as described above, comprises the following steps:

• determining the mixing tool currently mounted on the mixing head,
• Determination of the provided mixing container,
• Check whether the identified mixing tool fits the provided container and
• if the identified mixing tool does not match the provided container: activating the safety device so that the mixing tool and the container openings are not brought together.

Provision is preferably made for the mixing machine to have at least one spindle drive outside the diameter of the mixing tool, with which the mixing container provided can be pulled toward the mixing tool or the mixing head so that the mixing tool dips into the container opening. Typically, mixing containers of different diameters also have different heights. It can then be provided that, in order to check whether the mixing container determined actually corresponds to the mixing container provided, the spindle drives move to the corresponding, expected height in order to capture the mixing container at a predefined point. If the driven height corresponds to the provided mixed container, in all probability the determined mixed container corresponds to the provided container, so that a high level of safety is guaranteed.

Fig. 1:

Eine industrielle Mischmaschine, aufweisend einen Mischkopf und einen Mischwerkzeugablagebereich,

Fig. 2:

Ausschnitte aus dem Mischwerkzeugablagebereich der in Figur 1 gezeigten Mischmaschine mit einer Erkennungsvorrichtung nach einer ersten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 3:

ein an dem Mischkopf der in Figur 1 gezeigten Mischmaschine montiertes Mischwerkzeug mit einer Erkennungsvorrichtung nach einer zweiten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 4:

ein an dem Mischkopf der in Figur 1 gezeigten Mischmaschine montiertes Mischwerkzeug mit einer Erkennungsvorrichtung nach einer dritten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 5:

ein an dem Mischkopf der in Figur 1 gezeigten Mischmaschine montiertes Mischwerkzeug mit einer Erkennungsvorrichtung nach einer vierten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 5a-c:

Möglichkeiten der Kodierung eines Mischwerkzeuges, für eine Erkennungsvorrichtung nach der in Figur 5 gezeigten vierten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 6:

ein an dem Mischkopf der in Figur 1 gezeigten Mischmaschine montiertes Mischwerkzeug mit einer Erkennungsvorrichtung nach einer fünften Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 7:

ein an dem Mischkopf der in Figur 1 gezeigten Mischmaschine montiertes Mischwerkzeug mit einer Erkennungsvorrichtung nach einer sechsten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 7a:

eine Detailansicht des Mischkopfschaftes der in Figur 7 gezeigten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 8:

ein an dem Mischkopf der in Figur 1 gezeigten Mischmaschine montiertes Mischwerkzeug mit einer Erkennungsvorrichtung nach einer siebten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 8a:

die in Figur 8 gezeigte Ausgestaltung in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 9:

ein an dem Mischkopf der in Figur 1 gezeigten Mischmaschine montiertes Mischwerkzeug mit einer Erkennungsvorrichtung nach einer achten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 10:

eine Schnittansicht eines Teils der Mischmaschine,

Fig. 11 - 12:

vergrößerte Darstellungen der Mischmaschine, an dessen Mischkopf ein erstes Mischwerkzeug montiert ist und

Fig. 11 - 14:

die Ansichten der Figuren 3 und 4, jedoch einer Mischmaschine, an der ein anderes Mischwerkzeug angeschlossen ist.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

Figure 1:

An industrial mixing machine comprising a mixing head and a mixing tool storage area,

Figure 2:

Cutouts from the blending tool tray area of the in figure 1 shown mixing machine with a detection device according to a first embodiment,

Figure 3:

one at the mixing head the in figure 1 shown mixing machine mounted mixing tool with a detection device according to a second embodiment,

Figure 4:

one at the mixing head the in figure 1 shown mixing machine mounted mixing tool with a detection device according to a third embodiment,

Figure 5:

one at the mixing head the in figure 1 shown mixing machine mounted mixing tool with a detection device according to a fourth embodiment,

Fig. 5a-c:

Possibilities of coding a mixing tool, for a recognition device according to the in figure 5 shown fourth embodiment,

Figure 6:

one at the mixing head the in figure 1 shown mixing machine mounted mixing tool with a detection device according to a fifth embodiment,

Figure 7:

one at the mixing head the in figure 1 shown mixing machine mounted mixing tool with a detection device according to a sixth embodiment,

Figure 7a:

a detailed view of the mixing head shaft in figure 7 shown configuration,

Figure 8:

one at the mixing head the in figure 1 shown mixing machine mounted mixing tool with a detection device according to a seventh embodiment,

Figure 8a:

in the figure 8 shown embodiment in a side view,

Figure 9:

one at the mixing head the in figure 1 shown mixing machine mounted mixing tool with a detection device according to an eighth embodiment,

Figure 10:

a sectional view of a part of the mixing machine,

Figures 11 - 12:

enlarged representations of the mixing machine, on the mixing head of which a first mixing tool is mounted and

Figures 11 - 14:

the views of Figures 3 and 4 , but a mixing machine to which another mixing tool is connected.

figure 1 shows an industrial mixing machine 1. The industrial mixing machine 1 has a frame 2, comprising a first support 3 and a second support 4, which are connected in their upper areas by a mixing traverse 5. The mixing traverse 5 has a mixing drive 6, with which an in figure 1 not recognizable because hidden mixing tool is driven. The mixing machine 1 has a container entrance 8 located under the mixing traverse 5. A mixing container, not shown here, containing the material to be mixed is moved into the container entrance 8 and positioned by a worker. Such a mixing container driven into the container entrance 8 is a ready mixing container, ready to be picked up by the mixing machine 1 in order to mix its contents. To pick up the mixing container, the mixing machine 1 has two laterally arranged spindle drives 9, 9.1 with lifting plates 10, 10.1 connected to them, which grip an outwardly projecting flange plate of the mixing container, so that the mixing container can be attached to the mixing head 7 and thus to it by means of the spindle drives 9, 9.1 the mixing tool 1 can be brought.

So that the mixing container is aligned with respect to the mixing tool 1, the container entrance 8 has lateral guide rods 11, 11.1 mounted near the ground.

If the mixing container is held on the mixing head 7 by means of the spindle drives 9, 9.1 or the lifting plates 10, 10.1, the mixing traverse 5 is tilted about its longitudinal axis, supported on the supports 3, 4, so that the mixing container is brought into an overhead position. The mixing drive 6 is activated, which mixes the material to be mixed in the mixing container by means of a mixing tool mounted on the mixing head 7 and not shown in detail here.

The mixing machine 1 has on one side support 4 a mixing tool storage area 12 in which mixing tools 13, 13.1 are stored at mixing tool storage locations 14, 14.1 when they are not mounted on the mixing head 7. For this purpose, the mixing tool storage locations 14, 14.1 have locating pins 15, 15.1, with which the mixing tools 13, 13.1 are held at their pivot point.

In order to ensure a specific mixing quality and/or to prevent the mixing tool from coming into contact with the mixing container and being damaged as a result, it is provided that the mixing machine 1 uses a detection device to determine which mixing tool is currently mounted on the mixing head 7 . To determine the mixing tool mounted on the mixing head 7, this can be determined directly on the mixing head 7 or it can be determined which mixing tool storage location 14, 14.1 is occupied in the mixing tool storage area 12 in order to draw conclusions from this as to which of the mixing tools 13, 13.1 is on which Mixing head 7 is mounted.

The Figures 2 to 9 show various configurations for detecting the mixing tool, whether on the mixing head 7 or in the mixing tool storage area 12. It goes without saying that, even if in the following explanations the determination is made on the mixing head 7 or in the mixing tool storage area 12, mutatis mutandis the Detection can also take place in the respective other area. Identical parts are denoted by the same reference symbols below. Only with regard to differently designed mixing tools is a separate letter used as a suffix with regard to the mixing tool for each design.

figure 2 shows a possible detection of mixing tools 13, 13.1, stored at mixing tool storage locations 14, 14.1 of the in figure 1 shown mixing tool storage area 12. The two mixing tools 13, 13.1 are stored at their mixing tool storage locations 14, 14.1 in this embodiment essentially in one plane. The distance between the receiving pins 15, 15.1 is smaller than the radius of the larger mixing tool 13 and larger than the radius of the smaller mixing tool 13.1. To this Way, the larger mixing tool 13 can only be placed on a mixing tool storage place 14 (here the upper one) if it is forced that a wing of the mixing tool 13, 13.1 is aligned with the receiving pins 15, 15.1. In order to force such an alignment, it can be provided that proximity sensors 16, 16.1 are aligned with the receiving pins 15, 15.1. If no mixing tool - or no wing of one of the two mixing tools - is detected by the proximity sensors 16, 16.1, an error message or the like is output. As here, the proximity sensors 16, 16.1 are preferably spaced far enough from the receiving pins 15, 15.1 that they are directed towards the end region of the respective mixing tool 13, 13.1. If the smaller mixing tool 14.1 were placed on the mixing tool storage location 14 actually assigned to the larger mixing tool 13, the proximity sensor 16 would not be triggered. In this way, mixing up the mixing tools 13, 13.1 with regard to their mixing tool storage locations 14, 14.1 is prevented by a clever combination of geometric factors and the arrangement of the sensors. This optimized configuration is a particularly cost-effective configuration that requires few additional parts. The proximity sensors 16, 16.1 can also—advantageously—be assigned to the detection device of the mixing machine 1, with the proximity sensors 16, 16.1 being used to determine whether the respective mixing tool 13, 13.1 is held at its mixing tool storage location 14, 14.1.

figure 3 1 shows the mixing machine 1 in a different configuration: Here the mixing tool 13a is mounted on the mixing head 7 or on the shaft of the mixing drive 6. Ultrasonic sensors 18, 18.1 are arranged in the flange plate 17 associated with the mixing head 7. These ultrasonic sensors 18, 18.1 are arranged at different diameters in relation to the shaft of the mixing drive 6, and therefore in relation to the pivot point of the mixing tool 13a mounted on the mixing head 7; a first ultrasonic sensor 18 is aligned to a wider diameter than a second ultrasonic sensor 18.1. Starting from the flange plate 17, the ultrasonic sensors measure downwards in the direction of the mixing tool 13a.

To measure the mixing tool 13a, the mixing tool 13a is rotated so that a wing 19 is arranged below the ultrasonic sensors 18, 18.1 and can be measured by them.

To rotate the mixing tool 13a, this can be done manually by a worker; it is also possible for the mixing tool 13a to be driven by means of the mixing drive 6 or a separate drive, which is not shown in detail here. A corresponding signal from the ultrasonic sensors 18, 18.1, which report whether a mixing tool 13a is detected among them, can be used to determine the diameter of the mixing tool 13a in order to check whether the mounted mixing tool 13a fits the mixing container provided.

Another embodiment shows figure 4 . In figure 4 two mixing tools 13b, 13b.1 arranged one above the other are drawn in to visualize the measurement method. The first mixing tool 13b has a larger diameter than the second mixing tool 13b.1. In order to measure the mixing tools 13b, 13b.1, three light barriers 20, 20.1, 20.2 are arranged in this embodiment in such a way that their measuring direction is aligned with the diameter of the two mixing tools 13b, 13b.1. Furthermore, the measurement directions are aligned in parallel and are at different distances from the pivot point 21 of the mixing tools 13b, 13b.1. The measuring directions of two light barriers 20, 20.2 are aligned oppositely with respect to the pivot point 21. With this configuration, it is possible to distinguish the mixing tools 13b, 13b.1 from one another without the mixing tools 13b, 13b.1 having to be rotated: If the mixing tool 13b is in a position as shown in figure 4 is shown, the wing 19 is recognized by the first light barrier 20 . The mixing tool 13b is not recognized by the light barrier 20.2. If the mixing tool 13b were in a different rotational position, compared to the rotated position shown, so that the wing 19 would not be recognized by the light barrier 20, the mixing tool 13b, or for example the wing 19.1, would be recognized by the opposite light barrier 20.2.

The two outer light barriers 20, 20.2 are at such a distance from the pivot point 21 that they never detect the smaller mixing tool 13b.1.

figure 5 shows a further embodiment of recognizing mixing tools by means of magnets. Different mixing tools 13c, 13c.1, 13c.2 have magnets 22, 22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4, 22.5 at different positions—resulting in a clear combination of distances. The detection device has Hall sensors 23, 23.1 which are arranged here on the flange plate 17 and which are directed towards the magnets 22.3, 22.5 of the mixing tool 13c.2 mounted here by way of example. By turning the mixing tool 13c.2, the individual magnets 22, 22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4, 22.5 are recognized one after the other depending on the angle of rotation of the mixing tool 13c.2. From this it can be concluded which mixing tool 13c.2 is involved, so that it can be determined whether the mounted mixing tool 13c.2 fits the mixing container provided.

figure 6 shows a further embodiment which is based on RFID technology. The flange plate 17 has an RFID sensor 24; the mixing tool 13d has an RFID chip 25 . If the mixing tool 13d is mounted on the mixing head 7, a sealing ring 26 presses, for example, against the flange plate 17 in order to seal off the area in which the RFID chip 25 is arranged and, in particular, to keep it free of dust. By reading the RFID chip with the RFID sensor, the corresponding information can be read in order to draw conclusions about the mounted mixing tool 13d.

figure 7 shows a further embodiment, in which the recognition of the mixing tool 13e mounted here on the mixing head 7 is achieved by a recognition contour inside the mixing tool 13e (in an enlarged view in Figure 7a marked with reference number 27) is recognized. In this case, the identification contour 27 is an indentation made in the material. In the feather key 28 of the drive shaft of the mixing drive 6, tactile sensors 29, 29.1, 29.2 are arranged. While the top two tactile sensors 29, 29.1 detect the indentation 27 of the detection contour, the bottom touch sensor 29.2 detects an increase in the detection contour in this case. This is used to identify the mixing tool 13e.

figure 8 shows an embodiment in which mixing tools 13f, 13f.1 (which are again shown simultaneously in this view) are recognized by a scanner 30. FIG. The scanner 30 scans an area 31 and determines the corresponding diameter of the mixing tool in this area (identified here with reference number 32, 32.1). A side view of this configuration is shown Figure 8a . It can be seen that the scanner 30 is at the same level as the mixing tools 13f, 13f.1, so that the scanner 30 can detect the mixing tools 13f, 13f.1.

figure 9 shows a configuration in which the mixing tool 13g mounted on the mixing head 7 is recognized by a camera system 33 using optical imaging methods.

If the mixing tool 13-13g, which is mounted on the mixing head 7, is recognized - for example according to one of the embodiments described above - it is determined whether the mixing tool 13-13g to the provided mixing container, which in this embodiment has entered the container entrance 8, fits. In particular, it is checked whether the diameter of the mixing tool 13-13g matches the container opening, so that contact between the mixing tool 13-13g and the mixing container is avoided. If the check is positive, meaning that the mounted mixing tool 13-13g fits the mixing container provided, the mixing container is moved up to the flange plate 17 so that the mixing tool 13-13g dips into the container opening. The mixing process then begins.

figure 10 shows a mixing tool 13.2 mounted on a connection of the mixing machine 1, namely on the drive shaft 34. The mixing tool 13.2 has a detection section E in the form of a pin, which protrudes from the material surrounding the detection section E. The detection section E penetrates the drive shaft 34, which is here as a hollow shaft is trained, a. The drive shaft 34 is mounted radially on the outside on a bearing arrangement 35 . In the center of the drive shaft 34 is a linkage 36, designed here as a rod, used. The linkage 36 penetrates the drive shaft 34. The linkage 36 is surrounded at least in sections in the radial direction by the drive shaft 34 and is thus supported and displaceable in a translatory manner.

The detection section E acts on a distal end of the linkage 36, on the so-called sensor section 37, configured here by the end face of the rod. By mounting the mixing tool 13.2 on the drive shaft 34, the linkage is displaced in a translatory manner, here in a vertical upward direction, into a different position. The displacement takes place against the spring force of a restoring spring 38, against which the linkage 36 is mounted relative to the mixing machine 1 in the direction of displacement. With the measuring device 39 designed as a proximity sensor, the detection device of the mixing machine 1 connected to the measuring device 39 detects whether the linkage 36 or the measuring section 40, i.e.: the distal end of the linkage 36 opposite the sensor section 37, protrudes so far from the drive shaft 34 that it can be concluded that the detection section E of the mixing tool 13.2 acts on the sensor section 37 of the linkage 36. In this way, the mounted mixing tool 13.2 can be inferred.

The Figures 11 to 14 show detail shots of two different mixing tools: a first mixing tool 13.2 ( Figures 11 and 12 ) and a different second mixing tool 13.3 (FIGS. 13 and 14), each connected to the mixing machine 1 Figures 11 and 13 the upper area of mixing machine 1 (which is also in figure 10 is shown), in the Figures 12 and 14 the lower area, namely the area to which the mixing tool 13.2, 13.3 is connected.

The two mixing tools 13.2 and 13.3 differ in their maximum diameter. Accordingly, they also differ in their Recognition section: While the first mixing tool 13.2 has a recognition section E, the second mixing tool 13.3 does not have this. Correspondingly, the linkage 36 is displaced translationally by the detection section E of the first mixing tool 13.2 in the drive shaft 34 (see figure 11 ), while it is not shifted with the second mixing tool 13.3 (see figure 13 ). If the first mixing tool 13.2 is installed, the measuring device 39 (designed as a proximity sensor) recognizes that the linkage 36 has been brought into its vicinity; exactly this is in the design of the Figures 13 and 14 (other mixing tool 13.3 mounted) is not the case. In this way, the two mixing tools 13.2 and 13.3 can be distinguished.

This distinction is supported by the restoring force of the return spring 38, which counteracts the translational displacement by the detection section E, the linkage 36 in its in the Figures 13 and 14 shown starting position offset when the detection section E no longer engages in the drive shaft 34 due to a mixing tool change.

Advantageously, the drive shaft 34 with the mixing tool 13.2, 13.3 mounted on it can be set in a rotary motion without any problems, without the measuring device 39 being impaired in its measurement or additional electrical contacts, for example via slip ring contacts, being routed from the connection of the mixing tool 13.2, 13.3 would have to be. Due to the central arrangement of the linkage 36 in the center of the drive shaft 34, it also does not act as an eccentric imbalance that negatively influences smooth operation of the mixing tool 13.2, 13.3.

The invention has been described using exemplary embodiments. Without departing from the scope of protection described by the claims, there are numerous further configurations for the person skilled in the art to realize the idea of the invention, without these having to be explained in more detail within the scope of these descriptions. <b>Reference List</b> 1 blender 30 scanner 2 frame 31 scan area 3 first support 32, 32.1 diameter 4 second support 33 camera system 5 mixing traverse 34 drive shaft 6 mixed drive 35 radial bearing 7 mixing head 36 linkage 8th Mixed container entrance 37 sensor section 9, 9.1 spindle drive 38 return spring 10, 10.1 lifting plate 39 measuring device 11, 11.1 guide rod 40 measurement section 12 Blend tool storage area 13, 13.1, 13a, 13b, blending tool E detection 13b.1, 13c, 13c.1, cut 13c.2, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13f.1, 13g 14, 14.1 Mixing tool storage place 15, 15.1 recording pen 16, 16.1 proximity sensor 17 flange plate 18, 18.1 ultrasonic sensors 19, 19.1 wing 20, 20.1, 20.2 Photoelectric barrier 21 pivot point 22, 22.1, 22.2, 22.3, magnet 22.4, 22.5 23:23.1 Hall sensor 24 RFID sensor 25 RFID chip 26 gamma ring 27 recognition contour 28 Adjusting spring 29, 29.1, 29.2 tactile sensor

Claims (14)

Industrial mixing machine (1) for mixing material to be mixed in mixing containers that are open on the connection side and differ in at least one feature of their design, one mixing container for mixing the material to be mixed contained therein being connectable to the mixing head of the mixing machine (1) and at least two being located at least in mixing tools (13, 13.1, 13a, 13b, 13b.1, 13c, 13c.1, 13c.2, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13f.1, 13g) on a mixing head (7) of the mixing machine ( 1) can be assembled, characterized in that the mixing machine (1) has: - a detection device which is set up to determine whether the mixing tool (13, 13.1, 13a, 13b, 13b.1, 13c, 13c.1, 13c.2, 13d, 13e, 13f , 13f.1, 13g) to the mixing container to be connected to the mixing head, in which the material to be mixed is located, and - a safety device in communication with the detection device, which prevents the mixing tool (13, 13.1, 13a, 13b, 13b.1, 13c, 13c.1, 13c.2, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13f.1, 13g ) and the mixing container opening are brought together when the detection device recognizes that the mixing tool (13, 13.1, 13a, 13b, 13b.1, 13c, 13c.1, 13c.2, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13f.1, 13g) does not match the mixing container. Industrial mixing machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that the detection device is set up to detect which mixing tool (13, 13.1, 13c, 13c.1, 13c.2, 13d, 13e, 13g) is mounted on the mixing head (7). . Industrial mixing machine according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the detection device has sensors and a mixing tool (13, 13.1, 13a, 13b, 13b.1, 13c, 13c.1, 13c.2, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13f.1, 13g) via a sensor detectable by the other mixing tool (13, 13.1, 13a, 13b, 13b.1, 13c, 13c. 1, 13c.2, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13f.1, 13g) has a distinguishable identifier. Industrial mixing machine according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the identifier is an identification contour (27). Industrial mixing machine according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a feather key (18) is arranged on the mixing head (7) or on the shaft driving the mixing tool (13e), which feather key (18) is used to transmit a torque from the shaft on the mixing tool (13e) in the assembled state abuts in a form-fitting manner in the circumferential direction on a feather key groove on the mixing tool side and which feather key (18) has at least one contour sensor (19, 19.1, 19.2). Industrial mixing machine according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the detection device is set up to evaluate signals resolved by the angle of rotation of the mixing tool. Industrial mixing machine according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the identifier is the diameter (32, 32.1) of the mixing tool (13, 13.1, 13a, 13b, 13b.1, 13f, 13f.1 13g). Industrial mixing machine according to Claim 7, characterized in that the detection device has at least one light barrier (20, 21.1, 20.2) which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the pivot point (21) of the mixing tool (13b, 13b.1) and whose measuring direction is within the diameter of the Mixing tool (13b, 13b.1) is aligned. Industrial mixing machine according to Claim 8, characterized in that at least two parallel aligned light barriers (20, 20.1, 20.2) are arranged eccentrically with respect to the pivot point (21) of the mixing tool (13b, 13b.1) at a distance from one another and at a different distance from are arranged at the pivot point (21), the first light barrier (20) measuring a first mixing tool diameter and the second light barrier (20.1) measuring a second mixing tool diameter which is different from the first. Industrial mixing machine according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sensors are tactile sensors (29, 29.1, 29.2), inductive sensors or ultrasonic sensors (18, 18.1). Industrial mixing machine according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the sensor of the detection device is arranged in the area of the mixing head (7) on the mixing machine (1). Industrial mixing machine according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the mixing machine (1) has a mixing tool storage area (12) on which at least one mixing tool (13 , 13.1) and the detection device is set up to monitor the mixing tool storage area (12) in order to conclude from the occupancy of the mixing tool storage area (12) which mixing tool (13, 13.1) is mounted on the mixing head (7). Industrial mixing machine according to Claim 12, characterized in that the mixing tool storage area (12) has mixing tool storage locations (14, 14.1) which are each provided for precisely one specific mixing tool (13, 13.1). Industrial mixing machine according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the detection device has a proximity sensor (16, 16.1) which is arranged to determine whether a part of a mixing tool (13, 13.1) is in its vicinity.

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