WO2009148295A1

WO2009148295A1 - Liquid mixing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009148295A1
Application number: PCT/MY2008/000050
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kean Lee Tan
Original assignee: Kean Lee Tan
Priority date: 2008-06-03
Filing date: 2008-06-03
Publication date: 2009-12-10

Abstract

Disclosed is a liquid mixing apparatus (100) that is capable of performing thawing, degassing, mixing and kneading processes within one operation, depending on the mixing parameter that is needed for the particular liquid. This liquid mixer is well suited for stirring liquids such as industrial epoxy, solder paste, paints, printing inks, food stuffs, medicines and cosmetics. The liquid mixing apparatus has a main rotary shaft (101) that is driven by a DC motor M1 (106) to create centrifugal forces while a secondary assembly (102) that is driven by a DC motor M2 (107), spinning the secondary rotary shafts (104) at their axis through bevel gears (103) coupling. The spinning of the secondary rotary shafts (104) at their axes creates trapezoidal forces to the mixing receptacles (105) connected at an angled position. The mixing receptacles (105) have hollow housings (111) that is suitable for holding a cylindrical liquid container for example, a syringe (109) that is usually used for storing industrial epoxy. The centrifugal and trapezoidal spinning forces are capable of causing intense mixing to the liquid stored within. The centrifugal forces are utilized to create stirring effect of the mixture in the container with the additional trapezoidal spinning forces, the mixing effect is greatly enhanced.

Description

Liquid Mixing Apparatus

Field of Invention

This invention relates to a mixer for mixing industrial epoxy, solder paste, the ingredients of paints, printing inks, foodstuffs, medicines and cosmetics. In particular, this invention relates to an industrial epoxy or solder pastes mixing apparatus; it is used to prepare a predetermined volume mixture batch whose constituents will be mixed to the desired predetermined parameters per manufacturer concentration and viscosity.

Background of the Invention

Arrangements are known for mixing liquids such as chemical suspensions and solutions in seeking to form a mixture in which the liquid parameters and the volumes of the liquids are in a predetermined ratio. The respective liquids are normally mixed in a uniform rotational movement depending only on the centrifugal force to mix the liquid. This has limitation because liquid of different viscosity and density will not be mixed uniformly with only rotational force under static condition. In another prior art, more particularly the general practice for mixing industrial solder paste, the bottle container is put in between the two revolving solid bars for mixing process, however the limitation of such practice is that liquid will not be uniformly mixed if the viscosity of the liquid is very high. The liquid will stick on the wall of the bottle and the liquid will not be perfectly mixed because of low rotational speed; 5 rpm -6 rpm on a conveyor, in addition the long process time might altered the liquid properties due to the long exposure in undesired environment temperature.

The present invention, however, is capable of performing thawing, degassing, mixing and kneading processes within one operation, depending on the mixing parameter that is needed for the particular liquid. It is a one stop solution for all mixing operation, more particularly for industry that use epoxy and solder paste during manufacturing process. Two or more operations can be performed simultaneously for this novel invention. This invention has a mechanism for generating a centrifugal forces and trapezoidal spinning that is at an angle, preferably around 45 degree, such combination of spinning forces is capable of causing intense mixing to the liquid stored within. The centrifugal forces are utilized to create stirring effect of the mixture in the container with the additional spinning effect has been greatly enhanced. The liquid will be converged and mixed create a thorough mixing effect.

Besides, this invention is portable, user friendly and the maintenance is low for this novel design. There is no limitation in the number of this units allowed for the operation of this machine at one time.

Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned restrictive limitations of the mixer of said prior arts by providing all in one mixer that is capable of performing thawing, degassing, mixing and kneading processes within one operation, depending on the mixing parameter that is needed for the particular liquid.

Another object of this invention is to enable two or more operations to be performed simultaneously, for example, liquid that is stored in different sizes of syringe, can be mixed simultaneously as all the liquid that is to be mixed are housed separately in different mixing receptacle.

Another object is to provide a mixer that has a mechanism for generating centrifugal forces and trapezoidal spinning forces that is capable of causing intense mixing to the liquid stored within. The centrifugal forces are utilized to create stirring effect of the mixture in the container and with the additional trapezoidal spinning forces the said liquid will converge and mixed, the mixing effect has been greatly enhanced under such mixing parameters. The total effect of the two forces will caused the liquid that is in the container to in the bottle to be pushed to one end of the bottle and backward to cause the liquid to converge and create a homogeneous mixing effect to reach resultant parameters that will meet the requirement. Still another object is to provide a variable speed of spinning whereby the mixer is powered by DC motors that offer variable speed. Another optional feature, a set of gearing system can be employed to control the speed of the spinning on own diagonal axis of the mixing receptacle. This is a critical feature because different liquid might require different mixing parameter in order to produce the required final product liquid viscosity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of the embodiment.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic of the mixing receptacle.

FIGURE 3 is a plan describing the centrifugal and trapezoidal spinning forces.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic describing the mixing effect of the trapezoidal spinning force of the mixing receptacle.

FIGURE 5 is the process flow describing thawing, degassing, mixing and kneading.

Detail Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the Figures, like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

Referring to FIGURE 1, liquid mixing apparatus (100) comprises a main rotary shaft (101) which is extended to link with other mechanical components and to act as the main spinning element for the mixing apparatus. Said main rotary shaft is directly linked to motor Ml (106). for example a DC motor that is capable of generating spinning force that is needed for said mixer. Generally, in order to generate an effective spinning force for effective mixing process, the desirable revolution has to be more than 3000 rpm. Said motor Ml (106) can be of any industrial motor that has variable speed control, that can be used to drive said main rotary shaft (101) as well as other gearing components such as pulleys that are linked, in order to create the necessary controllable speed for mixing.

In another preferred embodiment, a secondary assembly (102) to cause perpendicular spinning of the secondary rotary shafts (104) is coupled to said main rotary shaft (101). Said secondary assembly (102) is linked to motor M2 (107) via pulley. Said motor M2 (107) rotates in the opposite direction of said motor Ml (106), driving said secondary assembly (102) to rotate in the opposite direction of said main rotary shaft (101). The opposite rotating action of said secondary assembly (102) thus spin said secondary rotary shafts (104) through bevel gearing (103) systems. In order to generate an effective spinning force for effective mixing process, the desirable revolution of said secondary rotary shafts has to be adjustable. Said motor M2 (107) can be of any industrial motor that has variable speed control, that can be used to drive said secondary rotary shafts (104) as well as other gearing components such as pulleys that are linked, in order to create the necessary controllable speed for mixing.

In another preferred embodiment, a mixing receptacle (105) comprises of a hollow housing (1 1 1) compartment with end caps (108) at each end to house cylindrical liquid container, for example a syringe (109) that is usually used for industrial epoxy in position to ensure effective mixing. Said mixing receptacle (105) is connected to one end of said secondary rotary shaft (104) at a skewed angle, say in range of between 1 degree to 89 degrees, however the most effective angle is within 45 degrees. Said mixing receptacle (105) can be either be welded on said secondary rotary shaft (104) in a rigid position or be connected using screws on said secondary rotary shaft (104) in a detachable form. By connecting the mixing receptacle (105) in an angled position, preferably 45 degrees, will create a mechanism for generating a centrifugal force and trapezoidal spinning, such combination of spinning forces is capable of causing intense mixing to the liquid stored within. The centrifugal forces are utilized to create stirring effect of the mixture in the container with the additional trapezoidal spinning, this will cause the liquid to converge; hence the mixing effect has been greatly enhanced. The liquid will be converged and mixed to create a thorough mixing effect.

In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGURE 2, a detachable mixing receptacle (105), has a hollow housing (111) with end cap (108) at both ends to house steadily a cylindrical liquid container for example a syringe (109) that is usually used for industrial epoxy in position to ensure effective mixing. One of the embodiments of the invention is that the mixing receptacle (105) is designed to house cylindrical liquid container of various sizes securely within its hollow compartment. The liquid that is to be processed can be directly fixed unto the mixer without being removed from its original container in the original form.

This is to ensure that the liquid that is to be mixed to maintain its properties without any influence from the external factor. The mixing receptacle (105) has other securing means, such as ball plunger (1 10) with screws at side wall, to secure cylindrical liquid container of various sizes in its position. With this feature, the mixing receptacle (105) can be used for liquid container of various sizes as well as liquid container of various sizes can be mixed at one operation as said container is stored in different mixing receptacle (105).

FIGURE 3 is a plan describing the centrifugal and trapezoidal forces of said liquid mixing apparatus. The rotation of said main rotary shaft (101) causes the whole assembly to rotate therefore creating the centrifugal force. The rotation of said secondary rotary shafts (104) causes the mixing receptacles (105) to rotate trapezoidally, as said mixing receptacles (105) are connected to said secondary rotary shafts (104) at an angled position. Hence such combination of the centrifugal and trapezoidal spinning forces will create an intense mixing to the liquid stored within.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic describing the mixing effect of the trapezoidal spinning force of the mixing receptacle, wherein said apparatus spins at 45 degrees (1 11) cyclic action, this will cause the liquid to converge in a opposite direction to produce an effective mixing effect. As shown in the diagram, the liquid inside the container will be pushed from one end to another when it is spinning upwards and downwardly in cyclic. Such spinning effect will create a mechanism for generating a centrifugal forces and trapezoidal spinning force, such combination of spinning forces is capable of causing intense mixing to the liquid stored within. The centrifugal forces are utilized to create stirring effect of the mixture in the container with the additional trapezoidal spinning will cause the liquid to converge; hence the mixing effect has been greatly enhanced. The liquid inside the container will be converged and mixed thoroughly.

FIGURE 5 is the process flow describing thawing, degassing, mixing and kneading processes. The liquid that is to be mixed initially goes through an accelerated thawing process. The liquid, for example the solder paste which is originally stored in freezer before usage, when in a normal process, the thawing process will generally require more than 2 hours thawing time. For this invention, the thawing process time can be reduced significantly due to the spinning process. In the mean time, the spinning processes will also be carrying out the degassing task; the centrifugal force of the spinning will eliminate the bubbles that are trapped inside the liquid. The G force will always assist in the mixing process. In addition to the mixing process, this invention also does the kneading in between, it can soften the liquid that is to be mixed, for example the solder paste can be knead effectively using this invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. A liquid mixing apparatus (100), comprising; a main rotary shaft (101) connected to a primary drive source; a secondary assembly (102) connected to a secondary drive source, wherein said secondary drive source spins in the opposite direction to said primary drive source; a plurality of secondary rotary shafts (104) connected perpendicularly to said secondary assembly (102), wherein said secondary rotary shafts (104) are coupled to said secondary assembly (102) through bevel gears (103) system, to spin at their own axes; a plurality of mixing receptacles , to contain the liquid that is to be mixed, comprising a plurality of end caps (108) and connected to the secondary rotary shafts (104) at a predetermined skew angle; wherein said mixer receptacle is able to spin centrifugally to said main rotary shaft (101) and trapezoidally to said secondary rotary shaft (104).

2. A liquid mixing apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein said mixing receptacle is connected to the secondary rotary shaft (104) at an skew angle range of between 1 degree to 89 degrees, however the most effective angle is within 45 degrees.

3. A liquid mixing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said mixing receptacle has a hollow housing (1 1 1) with end cap (108) at each end to house a cylindrical liquid container of various sizes for example a syringe (109) that is usually used for industrial epoxy in position to ensure effective mixing.

4. A liquid mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mixing receptacle has securing means, such as ball plunger (110) with screws at side wall, to secure cylindrical liquid container of various sizes in its position.

5. A liquid mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the said mixing receptacle is detachable from said secondary rotary shaft (104).

6. A liquid mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive sources are electric motors (106, 107) with speed controller and timer to control the speed and timing of the mixing process that is accordance to the mixing parameters.

7. A liquid mixing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is capable of performing thawing, degassing, mixing and kneading processes within one operation, depending on the mixing parameter that is needed for the particular liquid.

8. A liquid mixing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said apparatus spins at 45 degrees cyclic action which causes the liquid to converge in an opposite direction to produce an effective mixing effect.