Mixing stirrer

Abstract

The present application suppresses a substance in a mixing and stirring section from leaking to the rear beyond a sealing member disposed in a non-mixing and stirring section located rearward of the mixing and stirring section. A mixer (1A) is provided with a mixing section (SC2) for conveying, mixing and stirring a material, and a non-mixing section (SC1) positioned rearward of the mixing section (SC2), and a rear gap (G1) that is a gap between a rotor shaft (2) and a housing (8) in the non-mixing section (SC1) and that is a gap that is adjacent to and communicates with the mixing section (SC2). A sealing member supported by the housing (8) is disposed, a pressure application space (SP) communicating with the rear gap (G1) is formed further to the rear than the sealing member, and a first gas supply line (L1) for supplying a first gas for adjusting the pressure in the pressure application space (SP) to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixing and stirring machine for mixing materials such as resins. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a resin sealing method for sealing resin leaking to the outside from a gap between a fixed part and a rotating body of a resin extruder, wherein the rotating body is inserted into the fixed part in a rotatable manner and the end thereof protrudes from the fixed part. In the resin sealing method, a main body connected to the fixed body is composed of a heating part on the fixed part side and a cooling part on the outside side, the resin is melted in the heating part, and the resin is solidified in the cooling part, and a resin with a high viscosity before the molten resin solidifies is formed at the boundary, and the resin leakage is sealed by cutting off the inside and the outside of the resin extruder with the help of the resin.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses a capping box structure of an extruder, which is used to prevent the leakage of monomer gas and the mixing of foreign matter into the product, and enables the extruder to operate continuously for a long time. The capping box structure of Patent document 2 aims to solve the following problem in the resin sealing method of Patent document 1: the capping lining is damaged due to the fixing of the polymer solidified in the cooling section to the capping lining. In the capping box structure of Patent document 2, a heating section and a nitrogen exhaust port are provided on the axial front end side of the capping box (the cylindrical fixing section on the rear end side) relative to the capping lining, the capping box is heated by the heating section, and nitrogen is blown from the nitrogen exhaust port into the gap between the capping box and the screw, thereby sealing the gap.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-337209

[0007] Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-201051. Summary of the invention

[0008] In the gland box structure of the extruder of Patent Document 2, a gap is sometimes formed between the gland lining and the rotor shaft due to the bending of the rotor shaft. In this case, the nitrogen supplied from the nitrogen outlet leaks to the rear of the gland lining through the gap formed between the gland lining and the rotor shaft, so there is a risk that materials (such as powder materials) and gas in the section for mixing and stirring materials will leak from the section to the rear of the gland lining.

[0009] The present application is an invention completed in view of the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of the present application is to provide a mixing machine which can effectively prevent the material in the mixing section from leaking to the rear beyond the sealing component arranged in the non-mixing section, wherein the non-mixing section is located further rearward than the mixing section.

[0010] The present application provides a mixing and blending machine, which comprises a rotor shaft and a shell that accommodates at least a portion of the rotor shaft, and comprises a mixing and blending section for conveying and mixing materials and a non-mixing and blending section located to the rear of the mixing and blending section. A sealing member supported by the shell is arranged in a rear gap, and the rear gap is a gap between the rotor shaft and the shell in the non-mixing and blending section and is adjacent to and connected to the mixing and blending section, forming a pressure application space and a first gas supply line, wherein the pressure application space is connected to the rear gap to the rear of the sealing member, and the first gas supply line supplies a first gas for adjusting the pressure of the pressure application space to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0011] In the mixer, in the non-mixing section, the sealing member is arranged in the rear gap, so that when the sealing member is, for example, a contact seal, the gap between the rotor shaft and the housing is blocked by the contact seal, and when the sealing member is, for example, a non-contact seal, the gap between the rotor shaft and the housing is narrowed by the non-contact seal, thereby suppressing the material in the mixing section from passing over the sealing member arranged in the non-mixing section and leaking to the rear. In addition, in any of the conditions such as the rotor shaft is bent to the extent that the leakage suppression effect based on the contact seal is reduced, and the sealing member is a non-contact seal so that there is a gap between the rotor shaft and the non-contact seal, an airflow toward the mixing section is formed in the gap between the rotor shaft and the sealing member by the pressure (positive pressure) applied to the pressure application space at the rear of the sealing member, thereby also suppressing the material in the mixing section from passing over the sealing member arranged in the non-mixing section and leaking to the rear.

[0012] Preferably, in the mixer, the sealing member is a contact seal, and a second gas supply line for supplying the second gas is connected to a portion of the rear gap located in front of the sealing member. Thus, the second gas supplied from the second gas supply line forms an airflow toward the mixing section in this portion, thereby more effectively preventing the substance in the mixing section from passing over the sealing member disposed in the non-mixing section and leaking to the rear.

[0013] Preferably, the second gas supply line includes a supply source side line connected to a gas supply source and a first branch line and a second branch line branched from the supply source side line, wherein the first branch line and the second branch line are formed at positions offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotor shaft. Thus, it is possible to suppress the supply amount of the second gas supplied to the rear gap from being uneven in the circumferential direction.

[0014] Preferably, the first gas supply line and the second gas supply line are connected to one gas supply source. This simplifies the structure of the mixer and its peripheral equipment.

[0015] Preferably, the mixer includes: a first flow regulating valve for regulating the flow of the first gas supplied through the first gas supply line; and a second flow regulating valve for regulating the flow of the second gas supplied through the second gas supply line. Thus, the flow of the first gas and the flow of the second gas can be regulated separately.

[0016] Preferably, the sealing member is a non-contact sealing member, and the size of the gap between the sealing member and the rotor shaft, that is, the sealing gap, is smaller than the size of the rear gap adjacent to the sealing gap. In this structure, the flow rate of the gas flowing from the pressure application space toward the mixing section is increased due to the gas passing through the sealing gap. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the leakage of the substance in the mixing section to the non-mixing section.

[0017] The housing may have a raised portion in the rear gap, the raised portion being a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the housing raised toward the rotor shaft over the entire circumference, and the gap between the raised portion and the rotor shaft being the smallest gap in the rear gap. In this structure, even if a non-contact seal forming the sealing gap as described above is not arranged in the rear gap, the flow rate of the gas flowing from the pressure application space toward the mixing and stirring section is increased because the gas passes near the raised portion, and thus it is possible to effectively suppress the leakage of the substance in the mixing and stirring section to the non-mixing and stirring section.

[0018] Preferably, the mixer includes a bearing that rotatably supports the rotor shaft at a position behind the pressure application space, and a bearing side gap is formed, the bearing side gap is a gap that communicates with the pressure application space at a position behind the pressure application space, and is a gap between the rotor shaft and the housing, and a contact seal is arranged at a portion of the bearing side gap between the bearing and the pressure application space. Thus, it is easy to maintain the pressure application space in a state of positive pressure.

[0019] The other mixing and stirring machine in the present application is a mixing and stirring machine having a rotor shaft and a shell for accommodating at least a part of the rotor shaft, and having a mixing and stirring section for conveying and mixing materials and a non-mixing and stirring section located behind the mixing and stirring section. A sealing member supported by the shell is arranged in a gap between the rotor shaft and the shell in the non-mixing and stirring section and in a gap adjacent to and connected to the mixing and stirring section. In the non-mixing and stirring section, a pressure application space and a first gas supply line are formed, and the pressure application space is supplied with gas through the first gas supply line, so that the pressure of the pressure application space is adjusted to a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the part of the gap between the pressure application space and the sealing member is filled with the gas.

[0020] In the mixer, a sealing member is arranged in the gap in the non-mixing section, so that when the sealing member is, for example, a contact seal, the gap between the rotor shaft and the housing is blocked by the contact seal, and when the sealing member is, for example, a non-contact seal, the gap between the rotor shaft and the housing is narrowed by the non-contact seal, thereby suppressing the substance in the mixing section from passing over the sealing member arranged in the non-mixing section and leaking to the rear. In addition, in any of the conditions that the rotor shaft is bent to the extent that the leakage suppression effect based on the contact seal is reduced, and the sealing member is a non-contact seal so that there is a gap between the rotor shaft and the non-contact seal, the pressure of the pressure application space is adjusted to a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the portion between the pressure application space and the sealing member in the gap is filled with the gas, thereby suppressing the substance in the mixing section from passing over the sealing member arranged in the non-mixing section and leaking to the rear.

[0021] The pressure of the pressure application space is preferably adjusted to be higher than the pressure at the rear end of the mixing and stirring section adjacent to the non-mixing and stirring section. Thus, an airflow from the pressure application space toward the mixing and stirring section is effectively formed in the gap between the rotor shaft and the sealing member, thereby effectively preventing the substance in the mixing and stirring section from passing over the sealing member disposed in the non-mixing and stirring section and leaking to the rear.

[0022] Preferably, the sealing member is a contact seal, and a second gas supply line is further formed in the non-mixing and stirring section, and the second gas supply line supplies a gas for adjusting the pressure of a portion of the gap located in front of the contact seal to a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. Thus, the gas supplied from the second gas supply line forms an airflow toward the mixing and stirring section, so that it is possible to more effectively suppress the substance in the mixing and stirring section from passing over the sealing member arranged in the non-mixing and stirring section and leaking to the rear.

[0023] Preferably, at least one of the pressure of the first gas supply line and the pressure of the second gas supply line is adjusted so that the pressure of the second gas supply line is relatively lower than the pressure of the first gas supply line. In this structure, the pressure of the portion of the gap located behind the contact seal can be greater than the pressure of the portion of the gap located in front of the contact seal. Thus, the flow of gas from the non-mixing and stirring section to the mixing and stirring section is more effectively formed by means of the first gas and the second gas, so that the substance in the mixing and stirring section can be more effectively suppressed from passing over the sealing member arranged in the non-mixing and stirring section and leaking to the rear.

[0024] Preferably, the second gas supply line includes a supply source side line connected to a gas supply source, and a first branch line and a second branch line branched from the supply source side line, wherein the first branch line and the second branch line are connected to a portion of the gap that is located forward of the sealing member at positions offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotor shaft. Thus, it is possible to suppress the supply amount of the second gas supplied to the gap from being uneven in the circumferential direction.

[0025] According to the present application, a mixing and stirring machine is provided, which can effectively prevent the material in the mixing and stirring section from leaking to the rear beyond the sealing member arranged in the non-mixing and stirring section, wherein the non-mixing and stirring section is located further rearward than the mixing and stirring section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of the mixing and stirring machine according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the front end side portion and the processor of the mixer according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mixing and stirring machine according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 is to expand Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the area enclosed by the single-dot chain line IV in FIG.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a pressure application space formed in a non-mixing section of the mixer according to the first embodiment, a first gas supply line, a second gas supply line, and their surroundings.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing a mixing and stirring machine according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the second gas supply line in the mixer according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing a mixing and stirring machine according to a second embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing a mixing and stirring machine according to a modified example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, a mixing and agitating machine according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0036] [First embodiment]

[0037] Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the continuous mixing device 1 provided with the mixing device 1A according to the first embodiment. The continuous mixing device 1 includes the mixing device 1A and the processing device 1B, and the mixing device 1A and the processing device 1B are arranged continuously. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a mixing and stirring machine 1A, Figure 2 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the front end side portion of the mixer 1A and the processor 1B. Figure 2 Equivalent to Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at cross-sectional position II-II.

[0038] The continuous mixing and stirring device 1 is suitable for mixing and stirring thermoplastic resin materials such as rubber and polyolefin resin. The mixing and stirring machine 1A mixes and stirs the resin materials while conveying them along a predetermined conveying route 1K, and the processing machine 1B receives the mixed and stirred resin materials from the mixing and stirring machine 1A and performs predetermined processing. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the mixture is transported in the direction of arrow DA in the mixing and stirring machine 1A. Figure 2 As shown, the raw material is conveyed in the direction of arrow DB at the front end portion of the mixer 1A and in the processor 1B.

[0039] In addition, Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 in Figure 1 In the mixing and blending machine 1A, the direction in which the resin material is conveyed is taken as the front, and the front-to-back direction, the up-down direction, and the left-to-right direction are illustrated, but these directions are marks shown for the sake of convenience in order to illustrate the mixing and blending machine 1A and the processing machine 1B involved in this embodiment, and do not limit the use scheme and structure of the mixing and blending machine involved in this application.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, the mixer 1A includes a non-mixing section SC1 and a mixing section SC2. The mixing section SC2 is a section for mixing and stirring the resin material while conveying. The non-mixing section SC1 is a section located behind the mixing section SC2. The non-mixing section SC1 and the mixing section SC2 are configured to be adjacent to each other front and back. The rear end of the mixing section SC2 is a portion corresponding to the rear end of the mixing shaft portion 2E of the rotor shaft 2 described later, specifically, a portion corresponding to the rear end of the feeding portion 2B of the mixing shaft portion 2E described later.

[0041] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the mixer 1A includes a housing 8 , a pair of rotor shafts 2 , a material input portion 3 , and a throttle portion 4 .

[0042] The housing 8 is along Figure 1 The housing 8 is a cylindrical member that is long and extends in the front-rear direction (the axial direction of the rotor shaft 2). An internal space for accommodating a pair of rotor shafts 2 is formed inside the housing 8. The internal space is defined by the inner circumferential surface of the housing 8.

[0043] The pair of rotor shafts 2 are housed in the internal space of the housing 8, and the resin material is mixed and stirred by the rotation of these rotor shafts 2. The pair of rotor shafts 2 are inserted into the internal space of the housing 8 in the axial direction. In the mixer 1A, the pair of rotor shafts 2 rotate in opposite directions to each other. That is, in the mixer 1A, the resin material is mixed and stirred by the shear force generated between each of the pair of rotor shafts 2 and the housing 8 as the pair of rotor shafts 2 rotate.

[0044] Each of the pair of rotor shafts 2 is rotatably supported by the housing 8 via a plurality of bearings. The plurality of bearings are arranged at intervals from each other in the front-rear direction. Figure 1 As shown, the rotor shaft 2 is connected to the drive device 9. The drive device 9 includes a motor (not shown) and transmits a rotational force to each of the pair of rotor shafts 2. The drive device 9 may further include a speed reducer interposed between the motor and the pair of rotor shafts 2.

[0045] Each of the pair of rotor shafts 2 includes a rear shaft portion 2A and a mixing shaft portion 2E. The mixing shaft portion 2E is disposed in the mixing section SC2 and is a portion for conveying and mixing the resin material forward. The rear shaft portion 2A is disposed in the non-mixing section SC1 and is a portion extending from the mixing shaft portion 2E toward the rear. The mixing shaft portion 2E includes a feeding portion 2B, a mixing portion 2C, and a conveying portion 2D. The feeding portion 2B conveys the resin material introduced from the material input portion 3 forward. The feeding portion 2B is a portion having an outer shape (e.g., a spiral outer shape) for conveying the resin material forward. The mixing portion 2C mixes the resin material between the mixing portion 2C and the outer shell 8. The mixing portion 2C is a portion having an outer shape (not a cylindrical shape) for mixing the resin material. The conveying portion 2D conveys the mixed resin material further forward. The conveying portion 2D is a portion having an outer shape (e.g., a spiral outer shape) for conveying the resin material forward.

[0046] The housing 8 includes: a mixing and stirring side housing 84, which accommodates a mixing and stirring shaft portion 2E of a pair of rotor shafts 2; and a rear adjacent housing 83, which is configured to be adjacent to the mixing and stirring side housing 84 and accommodate at least the front portion of the rear shaft portion 2A of a pair of rotor shafts 2.

[0047] The mixing and stirring side housing 84 includes a first portion for accommodating a feed portion 2B for accommodating a pair of rotor shafts 2 , a second portion for accommodating a mixing and stirring portion 2C for accommodating a pair of rotor shafts 2 , and a third portion for accommodating a conveying portion 2D for accommodating a pair of rotor shafts 2 .

[0048] The rear adjacent housing 83 may include, for example, an openable and closable side cover on its side. In the present embodiment, the first gas described later may be pressurized and supplied to the pressure application space SP described later through the side cover or the opening provided in the side cover. However, the structure for supplying the first gas to the pressure application space SP is not limited to the above-mentioned specific example, and may also be provided at other parts of the rear adjacent housing 83.

[0049] The housing 8 further includes a first rear housing 81 disposed between the drive device 9 and the rear adjacent housing 83, and a second rear housing 82 disposed between the first rear housing 81 and the rear adjacent housing 83. The first rear housing 81 is disposed rearward of the rear adjacent housing 83 with a gap therebetween.

[0050] Multiple bearings such as Figure 1As shown, it includes a pair of first bearings B1 arranged in the first rear housing 81, a pair of second bearings B2 arranged in the rear adjacent housing 83, and a pair of third bearings B3 arranged in the mixing side housing 84 at positions corresponding to the front ends of the pair of rotor shafts 2. One of the pair of rotor shafts 2 is rotatably supported by one of the pair of first bearings B1, one of the pair of second bearings B2, and one of the pair of third bearings B3. The other of the pair of rotor shafts 2 is rotatably supported by the other of the pair of first bearings B1, the other of the pair of second bearings B2, and the other of the pair of third bearings B3.

[0051] The material input portion 3 is a portion for supplying the resin material into the housing 8. The material input portion 3 is connected to a material input port on the upper wall of the mixing and stirring side housing 84 (specifically, the first portion of the mixing and stirring side housing 84) that vertically penetrates the housing 8. The material input portion 3 has an opening at its upper portion, and the material is supplied into the mixing and stirring side housing 84 of the housing 8 by inputting the resin material from the opening.

[0052] The throttle portion 4 is disposed in front of the mixing portion 2C of the rotor shaft 2, and changes the retention degree of the resin material in the mixing portion 2C to adjust the mixing degree of the material.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the processing machine 1B has a gear pump 5 , a screen changer 6 , and a granulator 7 .

[0054] Gear pump 5 Figure 2 As shown, it is arranged downstream of the pair of rotor shafts 2 on the conveying path 1K ( Figure 2 The gear pump 5 receives the resin material from the pair of rotor shafts 2 and delivers the resin material to a further downstream of the delivery path 1K. The gear pump 5 increases the pressure of the resin and delivers the resin downstream while changing its rotation speed to maintain the pressure in the discharge space 1S between the front end portions of the pair of rotor shafts 2 and the gear pump 5 at a predetermined pressure value.

[0055] The resin material delivered to the gear pump 5 from the pair of rotor shafts 2 through the discharge space 1S is pressure-fed to the screen changer 6 by the gear pump 5. The screen changer 6 removes foreign matter from the resin material. Then, the resin material from which foreign matter has been removed by the screen changer 6 is sent to the granulator 7. The granulator 7 produces granular pellets.

[0056] The overall structure of the continuous mixing and kneading device 1 is as described above. Hereinafter, the features of the mixing and kneading device 1A according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0057] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mixing and stirring machine 1A according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 is to expand Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the area enclosed by the single-dot chain line IV in FIG. Figure 5 It is to further expand Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion of.

[0058] In the non-mixing section SC1, the rear adjacent housing 83 is a stationary member, and the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2 accommodated in the rear adjacent housing 83 is a rotating member. Therefore, inevitably, a space such as Figure 5 The gap G is shown in FIG. 1 . The gap G is connected to the mixing section SC2. The portion of the gap G that is adjacent to the mixing section SC2 and connected to the mixing section SC2 behind the mixing section SC2 is called the rear gap G1. When the mixer 1A mixes the resin material, there is a possibility that the substance in the mixing section SC2 (specifically, substances such as gas generated from the resin material, powdered resin material, etc.) may leak from the mixing section SC2 to the non-mixing section SC1.

[0059] In view of this, in the mixer 1A according to the present embodiment, the contact seal 12 supported by the rear adjacent housing 83 is arranged in the rear gap G1. The contact seal 12 itself is in contact with the rear shaft portion 2A, and no gap is formed between the contact seal 12 and the rear shaft portion 2A, thereby preventing the substance in the mixer section SC2 from leaking to the rear of the contact seal 12. In addition, the mixer 1A is provided with: a pressure application space SP, which is connected to the rear gap G1 at the rear of the contact seal 12; and a first gas supply line L1, which supplies a first gas for adjusting the pressure of the pressure application space SP to a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. In the mixer 1A, the first gas is supplied to the pressure application space SP through the first gas supply line L1, so that the pressure of the pressure application space SP is adjusted to a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the portion between the pressure application space SP and the contact seal 12 in the rear gap G1 is filled with the first gas.

[0060] Furthermore, in the mixer 1A according to the present embodiment, a second gas supply line L2 is formed, which supplies the second gas to a portion of the rear gap G1 located forward of the contact seal 12. Preferably, the second gas is supplied from the second gas supply line L2 to the portion, so that the pressure of the portion is adjusted to a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure.

[0061] Furthermore, in the mixer 1A according to the present embodiment, a non-contact seal 11 is disposed in the rear gap G1 in front of the contact seal 12. The non-contact seal 11 is disposed in front of the gas outlet of the second gas supply line L2 (i.e., the portion where the second gas supply line L2 is connected to the rear gap G1).

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, the pressure application space SP is a space (closed space) surrounded by the inner surface of the rear adjacent housing 83 and the outer peripheral surface of the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2. In the present embodiment, the pressure application space SP is a ring-shaped (e.g., donut-shaped) space formed in a manner surrounding the periphery of the rotor shaft 2. The pressure application space SP (closed space) is not a completely closed space without gas inflow and outflow, and is connected to the rear gap G1 (the rear gap G1 adjacent to the pressure application space SP in front of the pressure application space SP) which is a part of the gap G. In addition, the pressure application space SP may also be connected to the bearing side gap G2 (a gap formed between the rear adjacent housing 83 and the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2 behind the pressure application space SP, and the bearing side gap G2 adjacent to the pressure application space SP) which is a part of the gap G.

[0063] The rear gap G1 and the bearing side gap G2 are each adjusted to a size such that when the first gas is supplied to the pressure application space SP through the first gas supply line L1, the gas in the pressure application space SP is suppressed to a certain extent from flowing out through the rear gap G1 and the bearing side gap G2, respectively, so that the pressure in the pressure application space SP can be maintained at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. In addition, the rear adjacent shell 83 surrounding the pressure application space SP may also have a smaller gap and / or hole connecting the pressure application space SP and the outside in addition to the rear gap G1 and the bearing side gap G2. The size of the smaller gap and / or hole is allowed as long as it is a size such that when the first gas is supplied to the pressure application space SP through the first gas supply line L1, the pressure in the pressure application space SP can be maintained at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure.

[0064] In the mixer 1A, when the curvature of the rotor shaft 2 is small or when the rotor shaft 2 is not substantially curved, the leakage suppression effect is obtained in the non-mixing section SC1 by the contact seal 12 disposed in the rear gap G1. Moreover, even if a gap is generated between the contact seal 12 and the rotor shaft 2 due to wear of the contact seal 12 or the like, the leakage suppression effect is obtained at a position behind the contact seal 12 by the pressure (positive pressure) applied to the pressure application space SP communicating with the rear gap G1. Specifically, when the curvature of the rotor shaft 2 is small or when the rotor shaft 2 is not substantially curved, the contact seal 12 itself contacts the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2 and no gap is generated between the contact seal 12 and the rear shaft portion 2A, thereby obtaining an effect of suppressing the leakage of the substance in the mixing section SC2 to a position behind the contact seal 12 disposed in the non-mixing section SC1. Moreover, no gap is generated between the contact seal 12 and the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2, and therefore the second gas supplied from the second gas supply line L2 does not flow toward the pressure application space SP, forming an airflow from the non-mixing and stirring section SC1 toward the mixing and stirring section SC2, thereby also being able to obtain the effect of suppressing the leakage of substances in the mixing and stirring section SC2 to the non-mixing and stirring section SC1.

[0065] Moreover, even if the rotor shaft 2 is bent to the extent that the leakage suppression effect based on the contact seal 12 is reduced, that is, when a gap is formed between the contact seal 12 and the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2 due to the bending of the rotor shaft 2, the following leakage suppression effect is obtained by applying pressure (positive pressure) to the pressure applying space SP at the rear of the contact seal 12. That is, if a gap is formed between the contact seal 12 and the rear shaft portion 2A due to the bending of the rotor shaft 2, there is a concern that the second gas supplied from the second gas supply line L2 will flow toward the pressure application space SP through the gap between the contact seal 12 and the rear shaft portion 2A, but in this embodiment, the pressure application space SP becomes positive pressure, thereby forming an airflow from the pressure application space SP toward the mixing and stirring section SC2, thereby weakening the flow of the second gas toward the pressure application space SP, restricting the flow of the second gas toward the pressure application space SP, or making the second gas merge with the flow of the first gas from the pressure application space SP toward the non-mixing and stirring section SC1, thereby suppressing the leakage of the substance in the mixing and stirring section SC2 to the non-mixing and stirring section SC1. Therefore, in this mixer 1A, even in any of the above-mentioned cases, it is possible to effectively suppress the substance in the mixing and stirring section SC2 from passing over the contact seal 12 arranged in the non-mixing and stirring section SC1 and leaking to the rear.

[0066] Furthermore, in the mixer 1A according to the present embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, a contact seal 13 is further arranged between the second bearing B2 and the pressure application space SP. The contact seal 13 is a member for sealing a portion of the bearing side gap G2 between the second bearing B2 and the pressure application space SP. The bearing side gap G2 is a gap between the rear adjacent housing 83 and the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2 in the rear of the pressure application space SP. The contact seal 13 is located at the rear relative to the pressure application space SP and is arranged at a position adjacent to the pressure application space SP. With the aid of the contact seal 13, the pressure in the pressure application space SP is further stabilized. In addition, the contact seal 13 is as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, it is arranged near the second bearing B2. In the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2, the portion supported by the second bearing B2 and the portion near it hardly bend the rotor shaft 2. Therefore, it is difficult for a gap to be generated between the contact seal 13 and the rear shaft portion 2A due to the bending of the rotor shaft 2.

[0067] exist Figure 5 In the specific example shown, each of the contact seal 12 and the contact seal 13 is an oil seal. Each of the oil seals constituting the contact seal 12 and the contact seal 13 has two lips 12A and 12B, and oil is supplied to these lips 12A and 12B from an oil supply line. Preferably, the two lips 12A and 12B are as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the lip 12A is arranged in front of the lip 12B.

[0068] By directing the lip 12A forward, the second gas supplied from the second gas supply line L2 can be prevented from flowing backward. Furthermore, even if the powdered resin material enters the vicinity of the lip 12A from the mixing section SC2, the resin material can be prevented from moving further backward than the lip 12A.

[0069] By facing the lip 12B backward, it is easy to adjust the pressure of the pressure application space SP to a positive pressure even if the flow rate of the first gas supplied from the first gas supply line L1 to the pressure application space SP is not greatly increased. As a result, the flow rate of the first gas can be reduced to save energy. Moreover, even if dust is contained in the first gas, the lip 12B facing backward can prevent the dust from passing through the rear gap G1 from the pressure application space SP to the mixing and stirring section SC2. It is preferred to arrange a collar between the lip 12A and the lip 12B, and regularly add oil for maintenance.

[0070] As the contact seals 12 and 13, for example, oil seals such as lip seals, molded gaskets such as V-type gaskets, gland gaskets, O-rings, seal rings, etc. can be used.

[0071] exist Figure 5 In the specific example shown, the non-contact seal 11 is a sealing ring. Figure 5 As shown, the seal gap G3, which is the gap between the non-contact seal 11 and the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2, is a part of the rear gap G1. The size of the seal gap G3 is larger than the portion of the rear gap G1 adjacent to the seal gap G3 ( Figure 5 The size of the middle gap G4) should be small. As a result, the flow rate of the first gas and / or the second gas when flowing toward the mixing and stirring section SC2 is increased due to passing through the sealing gap G3. Therefore, it is possible to further effectively prevent the substance in the mixing and stirring section SC2 from leaking to the rear beyond the contact seal 12 configured in the non-mixing and stirring section SC1. It is preferred that the flow rate of the gas increased by passing through the sealing gap G3 is, for example, 0.18 m / s or more.

[0072] The seal ring may be a member made of fluororesin such as PTFE, or a member made of metal coated with fluororesin. Even if the seal ring contacts the rotor shaft 2 with the fluororesin, defects such as seizure can be reduced. As the non-contact seal 11, in addition to the above-mentioned seal ring, a labyrinth seal, a mechanical seal, etc. may be used.

[0073] Alternatively, a method for increasing the flow rate of the gas may be used instead of using the non-contact seal 11, for example, Figure 6 As shown in the modified example, the gap between the inner surface of the rear adjacent housing 83 and the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2 is locally smaller than other parts in the rear gap G1. This locally smaller gap can increase the flow rate of the first gas and / or the second gas when it flows toward the mixing section SC2. It is preferred that the locally smaller gap is formed in front of the gas outlet of the second gas supply line L2. In addition, in the rear gap G1, the size of the gap other than the locally smaller gap is preferably less than 50 mm in order to suppress the supply amount of the first gas to be small.

[0074] Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a mixer 1A according to a modified example of the first embodiment. In this modified example, the rear adjacent housing 83 of the housing 8 has a raised portion 85 in the rear gap G1, and the raised portion 85 is a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the rear adjacent housing 83 that is raised toward the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2 over the entire circumference. The raised portion 85 has a shape that protrudes in an annular shape from a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the rear adjacent housing 83 that is adjacent to the raised portion 85 toward the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2. In addition, the inner circumferential surface of the rear adjacent housing 83 is a surface that faces the outer circumferential surface of the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2 in the radial direction of the rotor shaft 2.

[0075] The raised portion 85 is formed in a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the housing 8 adjacent to the rear housing 83, which is located forward of the contact seal 12. The raised portion 85 may be formed in a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the housing 8 adjacent to the rear housing 83, which is located forward of the gas outlet of the second gas supply line L2. The raised portion 85 may be formed in a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the housing 8 adjacent to the rear housing 83, which is located forward of the gas outlet of the second gas supply line L2 and the spiral seal 2S described later.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, the protrusion gap G5, which is the gap between the protrusion 85 and the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2, is a part of the rear gap G1. The size of the protrusion gap G5 is larger than the portion of the rear gap G1 adjacent to the protrusion gap G5 at the rear ( Figure 6 The size of the middle gap G4) should be smaller. Moreover, the ridge gap G5 can be the smallest gap in the rear gap G1. Figure 5 The non-contact seal 11 shown is arranged in the rear gap G1, and the flow rate of the gas (first gas and / or second gas) flowing from the pressure application space SP toward the mixing section SC2 is increased because the gas passes through the vicinity of the protrusion 85, that is, the protrusion gap G5. Thus, it is possible to effectively suppress the leakage of the substance in the mixing section SC2 to the non-mixing section SC1.

[0077] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , a spiral seal 2S is provided at the front end of the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2. The spiral seal 2S is located behind the rear end of the mixing shaft portion 2E of the rotor shaft 2 (the rear end of the feed portion 2B of the mixing shaft portion 2E). The spiral seal 2S has the following function: when the gap between the spiral seal 2S and the inner peripheral surface of the rear adjacent housing 83 disposed on the radially outer side of the spiral seal 2S is blocked by resin material (for example, molten resin material), the resin material is pressed out toward the mixing section SC2 by the pumping action of the spiral seal 2S.

[0078] The above are the main features of the mixer 1A according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the features of the mixer 1A will be described in more detail.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown, in the kneading machine 1A according to the first embodiment, the non-kneading section SC1 includes a bearing section SC11 , a first gas supply section SC12 , and a second gas supply section SC13 .

[0080] The bearing section SC11 is composed of Figure 1 The illustrated sections of the first bearing B1 and the second bearing B2 are located in front of the drive device 9 .

[0081] The first gas supply section SC12 is a section where the first gas is supplied from the gas supply source 23 to the pressure application space SP through the first gas supply line L1, and is located in front of the bearing section SC11. The first gas supply section SC12 includes the pressure application space SP and the first gas supply line L1.

[0082] The second gas supply section SC13 is a section for supplying the second gas from the gas supply source 23 to the rear gap G1 through the second gas supply line L2, and is located in front of the first gas supply section SC12. The second gas supply section SC13 includes the second gas supply line L2 and a portion of the rear gap G1 that is connected to the second gas supply line L2.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first gas and the second gas are nitrogen gases, and nitrogen gases are supplied to the first gas supply section SC12 and the second gas supply section SC13 from a gas supply source 23. In addition, the first gas and the second gas may be gases other than nitrogen gases (e.g., other inert gases). The first gas and the second gas may also be different gases.

[0084] A valve station 24 is interposed between the gas supply source 23 and the first and second gas supply sections SC12 and SC13. The valve station 24 includes, for example, equipment necessary for supplying nitrogen gas from the gas supply source 23 to the first and second gas supply sections SC12 and SC13.

[0085] A first flow rate regulating valve 21 is provided on a first gas supply line L1 connecting a gas supply source 23 and a pressure application space SP. Furthermore, a second flow rate regulating valve 22 is provided on a second gas supply line L2 connecting a gas supply source 23 and a rear gap G1. The first flow rate regulating valve 21 can regulate the flow rate of nitrogen gas (first gas) supplied to the pressure application space SP. The second flow rate regulating valve 22 can regulate the flow rate of nitrogen gas (second gas) supplied to the rear gap G1.

[0086] Each of the first flow regulating valve 21 and the second flow regulating valve can be, for example, a proportional valve. The adjustment of the opening of the first flow regulating valve 21 and the adjustment of the opening of the second flow regulating valve 22 can be performed by an operator or a controller. The controller is a device having a computer with a processing unit and a memory, and can be a part of the mixer 1A or a device separately provided from the mixer 1A. In the case where the controller adjusts the opening of the flow regulating valve of at least one of the first flow regulating valve 21 and the second flow regulating valve 22, the flow regulating valve can be, for example, composed of an electromagnetic proportional valve. In this case, the controller adjusts the opening of the flow regulating valve by inputting an instruction (instruction current) for adjusting the opening to the flow regulating valve.

[0087] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the mixer 1A further includes a first pressure sensor 41 and a second pressure sensor 42. The first pressure sensor 41 detects the pressure of the pressure application space SP or the pressure corresponding thereto. The first pressure sensor 41 can detect the pressure of the pressure application space SP, and can also detect the pressure of the first gas supply line L1. The second pressure sensor 42 detects the pressure of the portion of the rear gap G1 that is connected to the second gas supply line L2 or the pressure corresponding thereto. The second pressure sensor 42 can detect the pressure of the portion of the rear gap G1 that is connected to the second gas supply line L2 (for example, the pressure of the portion of the rear gap G1 that is located in front of the contact seal 12), and can also detect the pressure of the second gas supply line L2.

[0088] The operator can adjust the opening of the first flow control valve 21 so that the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 41 (the pressure of the pressure application space SP) is adjusted to a predetermined first pressure P α or is included in the prescribed first pressure range PR α Middle. First pressure P α The first pressure range PR is higher than atmospheric pressure. α The pressure in the pressure application space SP, that is, the first pressure P detected by the first pressure sensor 41, is preferably α The pressure is adjusted to be higher than the pressure at the rear end of the mixing section SC2 adjacent to the non-mixing section SC1. The pressure at the rear end of the mixing section SC2 may also be detected by a pressure sensor (not shown).

[0089] The operator can adjust the opening of the second flow control valve 22 so that the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 42 is adjusted to a predetermined second pressure P β or is included in the specified second pressure range PR β The second pressure P is preferably β The second pressure P is preferably higher than the atmospheric pressure. β is a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure and higher than the first pressure P α Low pressure. The second pressure range PR is preferred β The second pressure range PR is preferably β is a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and the second pressure range PR β The upper limit value is greater than the first pressure range PR α The upper limit value of is small.

[0090] When the controller adjusts the opening of the first flow control valve 21, the controller inputs a command (command current) for adjusting the opening to the first flow control valve 21, so that the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 41 (the pressure of the pressure application space SP) is adjusted to the prescribed first pressure P α or is included in the prescribed first pressure range PR α Similarly, when the controller adjusts the opening of the second flow control valve 22, the controller inputs a command (command current) for adjusting the opening to the second flow control valve 22, so that the pressure detected by the second pressure sensor 42 is adjusted to the specified second pressure P β or is included in the prescribed second pressure range PR β middle.

[0091] The operator can adjust at least one of the pressure of the first gas supply line L1 and the pressure of the second gas supply line L2 so that the pressure of the second gas supply line L2 is relatively lower than the pressure of the first gas supply line L1. In addition, the controller can adjust at least one of the pressure of the first gas supply line L1 and the pressure of the second gas supply line L2 by inputting a command to at least one of the first flow control valve 21 and the second flow control valve 22 so that the pressure of the second gas supply line L2 is relatively lower than the pressure of the first gas supply line L1.

[0092] In addition, Figure 3 In the specific example shown, the first pressure sensor 41 and the second pressure sensor 42 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this specific example. As other means for detecting the pressure difference between the pressure of the pressure application space SP and the pressure of the gap G4 supplied with the second gas, for example, a pressure transmitter, a pressure converter, a pressure transmitter, a pressure gauge, a differential pressure detector, etc. can be used.

[0093] Figure 7 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the second gas supply line L2 in the mixer 1A. The second gas supply line L2 includes Figure 3 The gas supply source 23 is connected to the supply source side line L20 (see Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 ), a first branch line L21 and a second branch line L22 branched from the supply source side line L20 (refer to Figure 7 The first branch line L21 and the second branch line L22 are connected to a portion (gap G4) located in front of the contact seal 12 in the rear gap G1 at positions offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotor shaft 2. Figure 7In the specific example shown, the first branch line L21 and the second branch line L22 are arranged at positions opposite to each other in the radial direction of the rotor shaft 2 via one rotor shaft 2. In other words, the first branch line L21 is arranged on the opposite side of the second branch line L22 in the radial direction via one rotor shaft 2. Thus, it is possible to suppress the supply amount of nitrogen gas (second gas) supplied to the portion between the non-contact seal 11 and the pressure application space SP in the rear gap G1 between the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2 and the rear adjacent housing 83 from being uneven in the circumferential direction.

[0094] Moreover, in Figure 7 In the specific example shown, the second gas supply line L2 includes a circumferential line L200 further extending in the circumferential direction from the first branch line L21, a plurality of connecting lines L201 connecting the circumferential line L200 with the rear gap G1, a circumferential line L200 further extending in the circumferential direction from the second branch line L22, and a plurality of connecting lines L201 connecting the circumferential line L200 with the rear gap G1. The plurality of connecting lines L201 are arranged at mutually staggered positions in the circumferential direction. As a result, the supply amount of nitrogen (second gas) supplied to the portion between the non-contact seal 11 and the pressure application space SP in the rear gap G1 between the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2 and the rear adjacent housing 83 becomes more uniform in the circumferential direction.

[0095] like Figure 7 As shown, the first branch line L21 and the second branch line L22 are also formed at positions offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the other rotor shaft 2. The first branch line L21 and the second branch line L22 formed around the other rotor shaft 2 have the same structure as the first branch line L21 and the second branch line L22 formed around the one rotor shaft 2, so detailed description is omitted.

[0096] (About pressure)

[0097] Next, the portion of the rear gap G1 adjacent to the seal gap G3 at the rear ( Figure 5 The pressure in the middle gap G4) is called gap pressure P1, the pressure in the pressure application space SP is called space pressure P2, and the pressure in the mixing and stirring section SC2 is called mixing and stirring section pressure P3.

[0098] The space pressure P2 is preferably adjusted to be greater than the mixing section pressure P3. If the pressure loss when the gas passes through the rear gap G1 between the pressure application space SP and the mixing section SC2 is taken as ΔP, the space pressure P2 is preferably adjusted to a pressure that is sufficiently higher than P3+ΔP, for example. Thus, an airflow from the non-mixing section SC1 to the mixing section SC2 can always be formed. Thus, substances such as powdered resin materials and gases generated in the mixing section SC2 can be prevented from leaking to the non-mixing section SC1.

[0099] As a means of obtaining the pressure difference between the space pressure P2 and the mixing and stirring section pressure P3, a pressure transmitter, a pressure converter, a pressure transmitter, a pressure gauge, a differential pressure detector, etc. can be exemplified. As a means of confirming the pressure difference between the space pressure P2 and the mixing and stirring section pressure P3, the flow rate of the gas at the part where the pressure loss ΔP occurs can also be detected. That is, a differential pressure flowmeter can be provided so as to detect the flow rate of the gas in the space or gap from the non-mixing and stirring section SC1 toward the mixing and stirring section SC2. The pressure difference can be obtained from the flow rate of the detected gas.

[0100] In order to maintain a state in which the relationship of “space pressure P2 > P3 + ΔP” holds, the flow rate or fluid pressure of the first gas supplied to the pressure applying space SP may be adjusted.

[0101] Furthermore, it is preferred to adjust the opening of the first flow regulating valve 21 and the opening of the second flow regulating valve 22 so that the space pressure P2 is greater than the gap pressure P1 (P2>P1). This adjustment can be performed by an operator or a controller. Thus, even if a gap is generated between the contact seal 12 and the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2, since an airflow is formed from the pressure application space SP toward the front, it is possible to more effectively suppress the material in the mixing and stirring section SC2 from passing over the contact seal 12 disposed in the non-mixing and stirring section SC1 and leaking to the rear.

[0102] However, the space pressure P2 may be lower than the gap pressure P1. Since the space pressure P2 is adjusted to a positive pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure, it is possible to suppress leakage of the substance in the mixing section SC2 to the non-mixing section SC1.

[0103] In order to efficiently maintain the positive pressure in the pressure application space SP, another sealing member (for example, a seal ring) may be further disposed in the gaps between the plurality of members surrounding the pressure application space SP.

[0104] The upper limit of the space pressure P2 is not particularly limited, but may be 0.6 MPa.

[0105] [Second embodiment]

[0106] Figure 8 1A is a cross-sectional view showing a mixer 1A according to a second embodiment. Figure 5 The mixer 1A according to the first embodiment shown is different from the mixer 1A according to the first embodiment in the second gas supply line L2 and the contact seal 12. The other structures of the mixer 1A according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the mixer 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0107] In the mixer 1A involved in the second embodiment, a non-contact seal 11 supported by a rear adjacent housing 83 is arranged in the rear gap G1, and a pressure application space SP connected to the rear gap G1 is formed at a position behind the non-contact seal 11, and a first gas supply line L1 for supplying a first gas is formed, and the first gas is used to adjust the pressure of the pressure application space SP to a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, in the mixer 1A involved in the second embodiment, the first gas supplied to the pressure application space SP forms an airflow from the non-mixing section SC1 toward the mixing section SC2, which can effectively suppress the leakage of the substance in the mixing section SC2 to the position behind the non-contact seal 11 arranged in the non-mixing section SC1.

[0108] In the mixer 1A according to the second embodiment, a contact seal 13 is further arranged between the second bearing B2 and the pressure application space SP. The contact seal 13 is a member for sealing a portion between the second bearing B2 and the pressure application space SP in the rear gap G1 between the rear adjacent housing 83 and the rear shaft portion 2A of the rotor shaft 2. The contact seal 13 is located at the rear relative to the pressure application space SP and is arranged at a position adjacent to the pressure application space SP. The pressure in the pressure application space SP is further stabilized by the contact seal 13.

[0109] Fig. 9 1A is a cross-sectional view showing a kneading machine 1A according to a modified example of the second embodiment. Figure 5 The mixing and blending machine 1A according to the first embodiment shown in the figure is different from the mixing and blending machine 1A according to the first embodiment in that the second gas supply line L2, the contact seal 12, and the contact seal 13 are not provided. Figure 8 The mixer 1A according to the second embodiment shown is different. The other structures of the mixer 1A according to the modification of the second embodiment are the same as those of the mixer 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0110] The mixer 1A according to the modification of the second embodiment does not include Figure 8 The contact seal 13 in the space SP is thus subjected to pressure compared to the pressure Figure 5 The mixer 1A according to the first embodiment shown and Figure 8 The mixing and stirring machine 1A involved in the second embodiment shown becomes slightly unstable. However, even in the modified example of the second embodiment, by adjusting the opening of the first flow control valve 21 as follows, it is possible to effectively suppress the leakage of the material in the mixing and stirring section SC2 to the rear of the non-contact seal 11 arranged in the non-mixing and stirring section SC1. That is, the operator adjusts the opening of the first flow control valve 21 so that the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 41 (the pressure of the pressure application space SP) is adjusted to the prescribed first pressure P α or is included in the prescribed first pressure range PR α In this way, the material in the mixing and stirring section SC2 can be effectively prevented from leaking to the rear of the non-contact seal 11 arranged in the non-mixing and stirring section SC1. Moreover, when the controller adjusts the opening of the first flow control valve 21, the controller inputs a command (command current) for adjusting the opening to the first flow control valve 21, so that the pressure detected by the first pressure sensor 41 (the pressure of the pressure application space SP) is adjusted to the prescribed first pressure P α or is included in the prescribed first pressure range PR α In this way, it is possible to effectively suppress the leakage of the substance in the mixing section SC2 to the rear of the non-contact seal 11 arranged in the non-mixing section SC1.

[0111] As mentioned above, the continuous mixing and stirring device 1 including the mixing and stirring machine 1A according to each embodiment of the present application has been described. However, the present application is not limited to these embodiments, and includes the following modified embodiments.

[0112] The continuous mixing device 1 may be a mixing device having a known single-screw extruder or a known twin-screw extruder instead of the mixing device 1A (resin mixing device).

[0113] Moreover, in Figure 1 to Figure 5 In the mixer 1A according to the first embodiment shown, the contact seal 12 and the non-contact seal 11 are arranged in the rear gap G1, but the contact seal 12 may be arranged in the rear gap G1 without arranging the non-contact seal 11. Figure 5 In the mixer 1A shown, of the contact seal 12 and the non-contact seal 11 disposed in the rear gap G1, the non-contact seal 11 may be omitted. Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 In the mixer 1A according to the second embodiment shown, the non-contact seal 11 is disposed in the rear gap G1 . However, the non-contact seal 11 may be omitted and the contact seal 12 may be disposed in the rear gap G1 .

[0114] Description of Reference Numerals

[0115] 1A: Mixing mixer

[0116] 2: Rotor shaft

[0117] 2A: Rear axle

[0118] 2E: Mixing and stirring shaft

[0119] 8: Shell

[0120] 11: Non-contact seal (an example of a sealing member arranged in the rear gap)

[0121] 12: Contact seal (an example of a sealing member arranged in the rear gap)

[0122] 13: Contact seal (an example of a contact seal arranged in the bearing side gap)

[0123] 21: First flow control valve

[0124] 22: Second flow control valve

[0125] 23: Gas supply source

[0126] 41: First pressure sensor

[0127] 42: Second pressure sensor

[0128] 83: Rear adjacent housing

[0129] 84: Mixing and stirring side shell

[0130] 85: Bump

[0131] B1: First bearing

[0132] B2: Second bearing

[0133] B3: The third bearing

[0134] G1: Rear clearance

[0135] G2: Bearing side clearance

[0136] L1: First gas supply line

[0137] L2: Second gas supply line

[0138] L20: Supply source side line

[0139] L21: First branch line

[0140] L22: Second branch line

[0141] SC1: Non-mixing stirring section

[0142] SC2: Mixing and stirring section

[0143] SP: Pressure applied space.

Claims

1. A mixing and stirring machine, comprising a rotor shaft and a housing for accommodating at least a portion of the rotor shaft, wherein: A mixing section for conveying and mixing materials and a non-mixing section located behind the mixing section are provided. A sealing member supported by the housing is arranged in a rear gap, the rear gap being a gap between the rotor shaft and the housing in the non-mixing section and being a gap adjacent to and communicating with the mixing section. A pressure application space and a first gas supply line are formed. The pressure application space is connected to the rear gap at a position behind the sealing member. The first gas supply line supplies a first gas for adjusting the pressure of the pressure application space to a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure.

2. The mixing and stirring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing member is a contact seal, A second gas supply line for supplying a second gas communicates with a portion of the rear gap located forward of the sealing member.

3. The mixing and stirring machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second gas supply line includes a supply source side line connected to a gas supply source, a first branch line branched from the supply source side line, and a second branch line. The first branch line and the second branch line are formed at positions offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotor shaft.

4. The mixing and stirring machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first gas supply line and the second gas supply line are connected to one gas supply source.

5. The mixing and stirring machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: have: a first flow regulating valve, the first flow regulating valve being used to regulate a flow rate of the first gas supplied through the first gas supply line; A second flow rate regulating valve is used to regulate the flow rate of the second gas supplied through the second gas supply line.

6. The mixing and stirring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing member is a non-contact seal, A seal gap, which is a gap between the seal member and the rotor shaft, is smaller in size than a rear gap adjacent to the seal gap at the rear.

7. The mixing and stirring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing has a raised portion, wherein the raised portion is a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the housing that is raised toward the rotor shaft over the entire circumference in the rear gap. The gap between the raised portion and the rotor shaft is the smallest gap among the rear gaps.

8. The mixing and stirring machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A bearing for rotatably supporting the rotor shaft is provided at a position rearward of the pressure application space. A bearing side gap is formed, the bearing side gap being a gap communicating with the pressure application space at a position behind the pressure application space and being a gap between the rotor shaft and the housing, A contact seal is arranged at a portion between the bearing and the pressure application space in the bearing side gap.

9. A mixing and stirring machine comprising a rotor shaft and a housing for accommodating at least a portion of the rotor shaft, wherein: A mixing section for conveying and mixing materials and a non-mixing section located behind the mixing section are provided. A sealing member supported by the housing is disposed in a gap which is a gap between the rotor shaft and the housing in the non-mixing section and is adjacent to and communicates with the mixing section. In the non-mixing and stirring section, a pressure application space and a first gas supply line are formed, The gas is supplied to the pressure application space through the first gas supply line, so that the pressure of the pressure application space is adjusted to a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, and a portion of the gap between the pressure application space and the sealing member is filled with the gas.

10. The mixing and stirring machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The pressure of the pressure applying space is adjusted to be higher than the pressure at the rear end of the mixing and agitating section adjacent to the non-mixing and agitating section.

11. The mixing and stirring machine according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The sealing member is a contact seal, In the non-mixing and stirring section, a second gas supply line is further formed, the second gas supply line supplying a gas for adjusting a pressure of a portion of the gap located forward of the contact seal to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

12. The mixing and stirring machine according to claim 11, characterized in that At least one of the pressure of the first gas supply line and the pressure of the second gas supply line is adjusted so that the pressure of the second gas supply line is relatively lower than the pressure of the first gas supply line.

13. The mixing and stirring machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The second gas supply line includes a supply source side line connected to a gas supply source, and a first branch line and a second branch line branched from the supply source side line. The first branch line and the second branch line communicate with a portion of the gap located forward of the sealing member at positions offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotor shaft.

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