mixer

Abstract

A mixer comprises: a first rotating shaft provided in a housing transverse to a first end and a second end of the housing in one direction; and a first rotating body mounted on the first rotating shaft within the housing, the first rotating body conveying material fed from a feed port to an outlet port while mixing the material as the first rotating shaft rotates. The first rotating body comprises: a first main body with a first recessed section that is spirally recessed; and a plurality of first scrapers provided in and arranged along the first recessed section. Each first scraper has a first inclined surface inclined such that it pushes the material toward the outlet port as the first rotating shaft rotates.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present revelation concerns a mixer. BACKGROUND

[0002] A mixer is known in which a mortar wheel rotates in a mixing container to mix a material (see, for example, the unexamined Japanese utility model application with publication number JP 57-103125 A). In the mixer described in the unexamined Japanese utility model application with publication number JP 57-103125 A, several external forces are exerted on the material and mixing is carried out by kneading (compressive force), rubbing (shear force), and troweling (troweling force), which are referred to as the three grinding processes. SUMMARY

[0003] The mixer described in the unexamined Japanese utility model application with publication number JP 57-103125 A performs a batch process in which the material fed into the mixing vessel is mixed and the mixed product is discharged from the mixing vessel. In this technical field, there is a desire to improve the efficiency of the mixing process.

[0004] The present disclosure describes a mixer that can improve the efficiency of the mixing process.

[0005] A mixer according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a housing extending in one direction, the housing comprising a feed opening provided at a first end section in one direction and an outlet opening provided at a second end section in one direction; a first rotating shaft provided in the housing transverse to a first end and a second end of the housing in one direction; and a first rotating body mounted on the first rotating shaft inside the housing, the first rotating body conveying material supplied from the feed opening towards the outlet opening while mixing the material as the first rotating shaft rotates.The first rotating body comprises: a first main body having a cylindrical shape extending in one direction, the first main body having a first recessed section recessed in a spiral shape, the spiral shape advancing in a direction in which the material is conveyed through the first rotating body as the spiral shape rotates in a direction of rotation of the first rotating shaft; and a plurality of first scrapers provided in and arranged along the first recessed section. Each of the plurality of first scrapers has a first inclined surface inclined such that it pushes the material toward the outlet opening as the first rotating shaft rotates.

[0006] According to each aspect and embodiment of the present disclosure, the efficiency of the mixing process can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a side view schematically showing a mixer according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a top view of the in Fig. 1 mixer shown. Fig. 3 is a sectional view along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a top view of a mixer with a rotary mechanism according to a modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The following section describes embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Each figure may show an XYZ coordinate system. The Y-axis direction is a direction that intersects the X-axis and Z-axis directions (e.g., orthogonal to them). The Z-axis direction is a direction that intersects the X-axis and Y-axis directions (e.g., orthogonal to them). In the following description, for example, the X-axis direction is defined as the front-back direction (one direction), the Y-axis direction as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction (vertical direction). The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are not limited to the directions described above.

[0008] A mixer according to one embodiment is described with reference to the Fig. 1 to 3 described. Fig. Figure 1 is a side view schematically showing a mixer according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a top view of the in Fig. 1 mixer shown. Fig. 3 is a sectional view along line III-III in Fig. 2. One in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Mixer 1, as shown in Figure 2, is a device for continuously mixing a material. Examples of materials to be mixed include battery materials, ceramic materials, and chemical materials. A material is fed to mixer 1 by a feed device 2, which is provided above a feed opening 11d described later. The feed device 2 can supply the material in a fixed quantity. Materials can be fed to mixer 1 by two or more feed devices 2.

[0009] The mixer 1 comprises a housing 11, a rotary mechanism 12, a rotating body 13 (first rotating body), and a rotating body 14 (second rotating body). Although the internal structure of the housing 11 is actually covered by the housing 11, for the sake of simplicity, the internal structure of the housing 11 is shown in the following. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown.

[0010] The housing 11 extends in a front-to-back direction. The housing 11 comprises a top plate 11a, a bottom plate 11b, and a pair of side walls 11c, which define an interior space S in which the material fed by the feeder 2 is conveyed and mixed. The bottom plate 11b has a shape corresponding to the outer shapes of the rotating bodies 13 and 14. The cross-section of the bottom plate 11b, taken along a plane intersecting the front-to-back direction, has a shape in which two downwardly convex arcs are joined side by side in the left-to-right direction. The feed opening 11d for feeding material into the interior space S is provided at the rear end section (first end section) of the housing 11. The feed opening 11d is located below the feeder 2 and is open upwards. An outlet opening 11e for venting the mixed product from the interior S is provided at the front end section (second end section) of the housing 11.The outlet opening 11e is open downwards.

[0011] The rotary mechanism 12 is a mechanism for rotating the rotating body 13 and the rotating body 14. The rotary mechanism 12 comprises a rotating shaft 21 (first rotating shaft), a rotating shaft 22 (second rotating shaft), a bearing 23, a bearing 24, a coupling 25, a drive device 26, a gear 27 and a gear 28.

[0012] The pivot shaft 21 and the pivot shaft 22 extend in the front-to-back direction and are provided in the housing 11 over one end (first end) and the other end (second end) of the housing 11 in the front-to-back direction. The pivot shaft 21 and the pivot shaft 22 are arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction. The pivot shaft 21 and the pivot shaft 22 penetrate the housing 11 in the front-to-back direction. The bearing 23 is an element for holding the pivot shaft 21 and is provided outside the housing 11. In the present embodiment, a pair of bearings 23 is provided at both the front and rear end sections of the pivot shaft 21. The bearing 24 is an element for holding the pivot shaft 22 and is provided outside the housing 11. In the present embodiment, a pair of bearings 24 is provided at both the front and rear end sections of the pivot shaft 22.

[0013] The drive shaft of the drive device 26 is connected to the rear end of the rotary shaft 21 via the coupling 25. The drive device 26 is, for example, a motor. The gear 27, which is a drive gear, is located at the rear end of the rotary shaft 21. The gear 27 is attached to the rotary shaft 21 and rotates about its axis when the rotary shaft 21 rotates. The gear 28, which is a driven gear, is located at the rear end of the rotary shaft 22. The gear 28 is attached to the rotary shaft 22 and rotates about its axis when the rotary shaft 22 rotates. The gears 27 and 28 mesh with each other.

[0014] The rotation of the rotating shaft 21 by the drive device 26 causes the gear 28 to rotate through the gear 27, and the rotating shaft 22 to rotate. The number of teeth of the gear 27 can be the same as or different from the number of teeth of the gear 28. This means that the rotational speed (number of revolutions) of the rotating shaft 21 can be the same as or different from the rotational speed (number of revolutions) of the rotating shaft 22. The direction of rotation C1 of the rotating shaft 21 is opposite to the direction of rotation C2 of the rotating shaft 22. In the present embodiment, viewed from the rear, the direction of rotation C1 is counterclockwise and the direction of rotation C2 is clockwise.

[0015] The rotating body 13 is an element attached to the rotating shaft 21 within the housing 11 and conveys the material supplied by the feeding device 2 to the outlet opening 11e while being mixed by the rotation of the rotating shaft 21. The rotating body 13 is attached to the rotating shaft 21 and rotates with the rotating shaft 21 about the axis of the rotating shaft 21. In particular, the rotating body 13 comprises a main body 31 (first main body) and a plurality of scrapers 32 (first scrapers).

[0016] The main body 31 has a cylindrical shape extending in a front-to-back direction. The main body 31 includes a recessed section 31a (first recessed section). The recessed section 31a is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder and is recessed in a helical shape extending in the direction (forward direction) in which the material is conveyed through the rotating body 13 when the helical shape on the outer circumferential surface rotates in the direction of rotation C1. That is, the winding direction of the recessed section 31a is the same as the direction of rotation C1. In the present embodiment, the recessed section 31a is recessed in a left-handed helical shape that moves forward when the helical shape on the outer circumferential surface rotates counterclockwise.

[0017] More specifically, the main body 31 comprises a plurality of split rollers 33 (first split rollers). Each split roller 33 is a cylindrical roller with a central axis oriented in the front-back direction. Each split roller 33 includes a missing section 33a, where the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder is absent along the entire length of the split roller 33 in the front-back direction. The missing section 33a is, for example, a section where the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder is shallowly recessed along the central axis of the cylinder. The plurality of split rollers 33 are arranged coaxially in the front-back direction and are attached to the rotating shaft 21. They rotate about the axis of the rotating shaft 21 when the rotating shaft 21 rotates. The outer circumferential surface of each split roller 33 is spaced from the base plate 11b by a predetermined distance.A region R1 is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33 and the base plate 11b of the housing 11.

[0018] The plurality of split rollers 33 are arranged such that, for any two split rollers 33 lying side by side in the front-back direction, the missing section 33a of the front split roller 33 is offset relative to the missing section 33a of the rear split roller 33 by a predetermined angle (15° in the present embodiment) in the direction of rotation C1. Viewed from the front-back direction, the position on the circumference (outer circumference) of the front split roller 33 where the missing section 33a is provided and the position on the circumference (outer circumference) of the rear split roller 33 where the missing section 33a is provided partially overlap. In this way, the main body 31 is formed by arranging the plurality of divided rollers 33 in the front-back direction without gaps, and the spiral recessed section 31a is formed by the missing sections 33a of the plurality of divided rollers 33.

[0019] The multiple scrapers 32 are provided in the recessed section 31a and arranged along this section. Specifically, the scraper 32 is provided in the missing section 33a of the split roller 33. A single scraper 32 is provided in each missing section 33a. Each scraper 32 has an inclined surface 32a (first inclined surface). The inclined surface 32a is inclined such that it pushes the material towards the discharge opening 11e as the rotating shaft 21 rotates.

[0020] Specifically, the inclined surface 32a is inclined with respect to the conveying direction and with respect to the tangential direction of rotation C1 at the location where the scraper 32 is provided. The inclined surface 32a is aligned with both the direction of rotation C1 and the conveying direction. In other words, the inclined surface 32a is oriented in a direction determined by the conveying direction and the tangential direction of rotation C1 at the location where the scraper 32 is provided. The angles of inclination of the inclined surfaces 32a of the scraper 32 can be the same or different from each other.

[0021] In the present embodiment, each wiper 32 has a plate-like shape and is mounted on the missing section 33a. Each wiper 32 projects from the missing section 33a, such that the corner sections at both ends of the wiper 32 are positioned concentrically to the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33. When two wipers 32 are adjacent in the front-to-back direction, the rear end of the front wiper 32 is positioned forward in the direction of rotation C1 relative to the front end of the rear wiper 32. The rear end of the front wiper 32 is located in essentially the same position in the front-to-back direction as the front end of the rear wiper 32. The front end of the rear wiper 32 may be positioned in front of the rear end of the front wiper 32.

[0022] In this configuration, as the rear scraper 32 moves along the base plate 11b, the material behind the front scraper 32 (on the side opposite the inclined surface 32a) is fed through the inclined surface 32a into the space between the missing section 33a of the front split roller 33 and the base plate 11b. As long as the scraper 32 has the inclined surface 32a, the shape of the scraper 32 is not limited to a plate-like form.

[0023] The rotating body 14 is an element attached to the rotating shaft 22 within the housing 11 and conveys the material supplied by the feeding device 2 to the outlet opening 11e while being mixed by the rotation of the rotating shaft 22. The rotating body 14 is attached to the rotating shaft 22 and rotates about the axis of the rotating shaft 22 as the shaft rotates. Specifically, the rotating body 14 comprises a main body 41 (secondary main body) and a plurality of scrapers 42 (secondary scrapers).

[0024] The main body 41 has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-back direction. The main body 41 includes a recessed section 41a (second recessed section). The recessed section 41a is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder and is recessed in a helical shape that moves forward in the direction (forward direction) in which the material is conveyed through the rotating body 14 when the helical shape rotates on the outer circumferential surface in the direction of rotation C2. That is, the winding direction of the recessed section 41a is the same as the direction of rotation C2. In the present embodiment, the recessed section 41a is recessed in a right-handed helical shape that moves forward when the helical shape rotates clockwise on the outer circumferential surface.

[0025] More specifically, the main body 41 includes a plurality of split rollers 43 (secondary split rollers). Each split roller 43 is a cylindrical roller with a central axis oriented in the front-back direction. Each split roller 43 includes a missing section 43a, where the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder is absent along the entire length of the split roller 43 in the front-back direction. The missing section 43a is, for example, a section where the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder is shallowly recessed along the central axis of the cylinder. The plurality of split rollers 43 are arranged coaxially in the front-back direction and are attached to the rotating shaft 22. They rotate about the axis of the rotating shaft 22 when the rotating shaft 22 rotates. The outer circumferential surface of each split roller 43 is spaced from the base plate 11b by a predetermined distance.A region R2 is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 43 and the base plate 11b of the housing 11.

[0026] The plurality of split rollers 43 are arranged such that in any two split rollers 43 lying side by side in the front-back direction, the missing section 43a of the front split roller 43 is offset relative to the missing section 43a of the rear split roller 43 by a predetermined angle (15° in the present embodiment) in the direction of rotation C2. Viewed from the front-back direction, the position on the circumference (outer circumference) of the front split roller 43 where the missing section 43a is provided and the position on the circumference (outer circumference) of the rear split roller 43 where the missing section 43a is provided partially overlap. In this way, the main body 41 is formed by arranging the plurality of divided rollers 43 in the front-back direction without gaps, and the spirally recessed section 41a is formed by the missing sections 43a of the plurality of divided rollers 43.

[0027] The multiple scrapers 42 are provided in the recessed section 41a and arranged along this section. Specifically, the scraper 42 is provided in the missing section 43a of the split roller 43. A single scraper 42 is provided in each missing section 43a. Each scraper 42 has an inclined surface 42a (second inclined surface). The inclined surface 42a is inclined such that it pushes the material towards the discharge opening 11e as the rotating shaft 22 rotates.

[0028] Specifically, the inclined surface 42a is inclined with respect to the conveying direction and with respect to the tangential direction of rotation C2 at the location where the scraper 42 is provided. The inclined surface 42a is aligned with both the direction of rotation C2 and the conveying direction. In other words, the inclined surface 42a is oriented in a direction resulting from the combination of the conveying direction and the tangential direction of rotation C2 at the location where the scraper 42 is provided. The angles of inclination of the inclined surfaces 42a of the scraper 42 can be the same or different from each other.

[0029] In the present embodiment, each wiper 42 has a plate-like shape and is mounted on the missing section 43a. Each wiper 42 projects from the missing section 43a such that the corner sections at both ends of the wiper 42 are positioned concentrically to the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 43. For any two wipers 42 adjacent in the front-to-back direction, the rear end of the front wiper 42 is positioned forward in the direction of rotation C2 relative to the front end of the rear wiper 42. The rear end of the front wiper 42 is located in the front-to-back direction essentially in the same position as the front end of the rear wiper 42. The front end of the rear wiper 42 may be positioned in front of the rear end of the front wiper 42.

[0030] In this configuration, as the rear scraper 42 moves along the base plate 11b, the material behind the front scraper 42 (on the side opposite the inclined surface 42a) is fed into the space between the missing section 43a of the front split roller 43 and the base plate 11b through the inclined surface 42a. As long as the scraper 42 has the inclined surface 42a, the shape of the scraper 42 is not limited to a plate-like form.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the rotating body 13 and the rotating body 14 are symmetrically designed. That is, the rotating bodies 13 and 14 are symmetrical about a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the left-right direction, which lies between the rotating bodies 13 and 14. The rotating bodies 13 and 14 can also be asymmetrically designed. The outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33 and the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 43 are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction by a distance sufficient to allow the material to pass through. A region R3 is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33 and the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 43, which are opposite each other in the left-right direction.

[0032] The mixer 1 further comprises a suction device 15, a double damper 16, and a double damper 17. The suction device 15 is connected to the housing 11 and draws gas from the interior of the housing 11 (interior S), thereby creating a vacuum in the interior S. The suction device 15 is, for example, a vacuum pump.

[0033] The double damper 16 is provided at the feed opening 11d. The double damper 16 comprises a valve body 16a and a valve body 16b, which are arranged in an up-down direction. The double damper 16 supplies the interior space S with the material supplied by the feed device 2, while maintaining the airtightness of the interior space S by alternately opening and closing the valve body 16a and the valve body 16b.

[0034] The double damper 17 is provided at the outlet opening 11e. The double damper 17 comprises a valve body 17a and a valve body 17b, which are arranged in an up-down direction. The double damper 17 discharges the mixed product from the interior S while maintaining the airtightness of the interior S by alternately opening and closing the valve body 17a and the valve body 17b.

[0035] Next, the operation of mixer 1 will be described with reference to the Fig. Sections 1 to 3 describe the vacuum mixing process. First, the suction device 15 is activated and the interior space S is depressurized to create a vacuum. Valve body 16a is opened and valve body 16b is closed. Valve body 17a is opened and valve body 17b is closed.

[0036] Then the drive device 26 is activated. As the drive device 26 rotates the rotary shaft 21, the gear 28 is rotated by the gear 27, and the rotary shaft 22 is rotated. Consequently, the rotary shaft 21 and the rotary shaft 22 rotate in opposite directions to each other. Specifically, the rotary shaft 21 rotates in the direction of rotation C1, and the rotary shaft 22 rotates in the direction of rotation C2.

[0037] Subsequently, the feeder 2 delivers the material in a defined quantity. Since, at this point, the valve body 16a is in the open position and the valve body 16b is in the closed position, the material delivered by the feeder 2 is received in the double damper 16 while the negative pressure of the interior S is maintained. By moving the valve body 16a to the closed position and the valve body 16b to the open position, the material received in the double damper 16 is fed from the feed opening 11d into the interior S while the negative pressure of the interior S is maintained.

[0038] The material supplied to the interior S then flows between the split roller 33 and the split roller 43, which are located below the feed opening 11d, and moves towards the bottom area of ​​the housing 11. The rotating body 13 and the rotating body 14 exert a compressive force, a shear force and a spatula force on the material deposited on the bottom section of the housing 11, thereby mixing (mulling) the material.

[0039] Specifically, since the material is clamped between the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33 and the base plate 11b of the housing 11 (region R1), a compressive force is exerted on the material in region R1. Because the housing 11 is stationary at this point and the split roller 33 is rotating, a velocity difference arises between the base plate 11b and the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33. Due to this velocity difference, a shear force is exerted on the material in region R1. Similarly, since the material is clamped between the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 43 and the base plate 11b (region R2), a compressive force is exerted on the material in region R2. At this point, a shear force is exerted on the material in region R2 due to a velocity difference between the base plate 11b and the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 43.

[0040] Since the material is also clamped between the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33 and the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 43, which are opposite each other in the left-right direction (region R3), a compressive force is exerted on the material in region R3. If, at this time, the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 21 and the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 22 differ from each other, a speed difference arises between the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33 and the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 43. Due to this speed difference, a shear force is exerted on the material in region R3.

[0041] As the material is pushed forward toward the discharge opening 11e by the inclined surface 32a of each scraper 32, it is clamped between the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33 and the base plate 11b as it is conveyed forward in region R1. At this point, the material and the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33 are moving relative to each other in a forward-backward direction. That is, the split roller 33 is sliding relative to the material. This exerts a spatula force on the material in region R1. As the material is pushed forward toward the discharge opening 11e by the inclined surface 42a of each scraper 42, it is similarly clamped between the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 43 and the base plate 11b as it is conveyed forward in region R2.Since the split roller 43 slides relative to the material at this time, a spatula force is exerted on the material in region R2.

[0042] The material is then scraped off between the split roller 33 and the base plate 11b by the scraper 32 and, during the crushing process, conveyed by the scraper 32 into the space between the missing section 33a of the preceding split roller 33 and the base plate 11b. Since the multiple scrapers 32 are arranged in a spiral configuration that moves forward with rotation in the direction of rotation C1, the material scraped off by the scraper 32 is fed behind the preceding scraper 32 (onto the side opposite the inclined surface 32a). This causes the material to be moved by the split roller 33 to the next split roller 33 under the influence of a compressive force, a shear force, and a spatula force.

[0043] Similarly, the material between the split roller 43 and the base plate 11b is scraped off by the scraper 42 and, during the comminution process, fed by the scraper 42 into the space between the missing section 43a of the preceding split roller 43 and the base plate 11b. Since the plurality of scrapers 42 are arranged in a spiral configuration that moves forward with rotation in the direction of rotation C2, the material scraped off by the scraper 42 is fed behind the preceding scraper 42 (onto the side opposite the inclined surface 42a). This causes the material to be moved by the split roller 43 to the next split roller 43 under the influence of a compressive force, a shear force, and a spatula force.

[0044] As the aforementioned processes are repeated, the material is conveyed forward under mixing conditions, resulting in a mixture. The mixture, having reached the foremost split roller 33 and the foremost split roller 43, is discharged from the outlet opening 11e. Since, at this point, valve body 17a is in the open position and valve body 17b is in the closed position, the mixture discharged from outlet opening 11e is received in the double damper 17, while the negative pressure of the interior S is maintained. By moving valve body 17a to the closed position and valve body 17b to the open position, the mixture received in the double damper 17 is discharged outwards from the mixer 1, while the negative pressure of the interior S is maintained.

[0045] In the mixer 1 described above, the material fed from the feed opening 11d into the interior S of the housing 11 is mixed by the rotating body 13 while the rotating shaft 21 rotates and conveyed towards the outlet opening 11e. As the rotating body 13 rotates with the rotation of the rotating shaft 21, the material is clamped between the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical section of the main body 31 and the housing 11, exerting a compressive force on the material. Since a velocity difference arises at this time between the stationary housing 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating main body 31, a shear force is exerted on the material between the outer circumferential surface of the main body 31 and the housing 11.Since the material is also pressed towards the outlet opening 11e by the inclined surface 32a of the scraper 32, the material is clamped between the outer circumferential surface of the main body 31 and the housing 11 as it moves towards the outlet opening 11e. At this point, a spatula force is exerted on the material.

[0046] In the mixer 1, a multitude of scrapers 32 are provided along the recessed section 31a, which is spirally recessed and moves forward in the conveying direction as the spiral rotates in the direction of rotation C1. Therefore, as the rotating shaft 21 turns, the material is fed behind the preceding scraper 32 by the inclined surface 32a of the scraper 32. This conveys the material towards the discharge opening 11e under the influence of a compressive force, a shear force, and a spatula force, and discharges it from the discharge opening 11e. Thus, the mixing process can be carried out continuously while the three grinding processes are maintained. As a result, the efficiency of the mixing process can be improved.

[0047] Similarly, the material fed from the feed opening 11d into the interior S of the housing 11 is conveyed towards the outlet opening 11e as it is mixed by the rotating body 14 when the rotating shaft 22 rotates. As the rotating body 14 rotates with the rotation of the rotating shaft 22, the material is clamped between the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical section of the main body 41 and the housing 11, exerting a compressive force on the material. Since a velocity difference arises at this time between the stationary housing 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating main body 41, a shear force is exerted on the material between the outer circumferential surface of the main body 41 and the housing 11.Since the material is also pressed towards the outlet opening 11e by the inclined surface 42a of the scraper 42, it is clamped between the outer circumferential surface of the main body 41 and the housing 11 as it moves towards the outlet opening 11e. At this point, a spatula force is exerted on the material. Furthermore, a compressive force is also exerted on the material between the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body 13 (split roller 33) and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body 14 (split roller 43), which are opposite each other in a left-right direction.

[0048] In the mixer 1, a plurality of scrapers 42 are provided along the recessed section 41a, which is spirally recessed and moves forward in the conveying direction as the spiral rotates in the direction of rotation C2. Therefore, as the rotating shaft 22 turns, the material is fed behind the preceding scraper 42 by the inclined surface 42a of the scraper 42. This conveys the material to the discharge opening 11e under the influence of a compressive force, a shear force, and a spatula force, and discharges it from the discharge opening 11e. Thus, the mixing process can be carried out continuously while maintaining the three grinding processes. As described above, the efficiency of the mixing process can be further improved by the adjacent rotating elements 13 and 14.

[0049] The rotary body 13 is easily manufactured by arranging the plurality of split rollers 33, each equipped with a scraper 32, in a front-back direction. Similarly, the rotary body 14 is manufactured by arranging the plurality of split rollers 43, each equipped with a scraper 42, in a front-back direction. Therefore, the manufacture of the mixer 1 can be simplified.

[0050] As the scraper 32 moves along the base plate 11b, the material is fed by the inclined surface 32a behind the next scraper 32 into the space between the missing section 33a of the next split roller 33 and the base plate 11b. Therefore, after being subjected to a compressive force, a shear force, and a spreading force by the split roller 33, the material is moved to the next split roller 33. Accordingly, the material is not conveyed without sufficient mixing, and the material can be conveyed with uniform mixing. Similarly, as the scraper 42 moves along the base plate 11b, the material behind the next scraper 42 is fed by the inclined surface 42a into the space between the missing section 43a of the next split roller 43 and the base plate 11b.Therefore, after the application of a compressive force, a shear force, and a spatula force, the material is moved by the divided roller 43 to the next divided roller 43. Accordingly, the material can be conveyed with uniform mixing.

[0051] If the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 21 differs from the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 22, a speed difference arises between the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33 and the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 43, which are opposite each other in the left-right direction. Therefore, a shear force is also exerted on the material between the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33 and the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 43, which are opposite each other (region R3). This can improve the shearing effect.

[0052] In the mixer 1, part of the rotary mechanism 12, with the exception of the rotary shaft 21 and the rotary shaft 22, is located outside the housing 11. Since the structure of the mixer 1 is relatively simple, cleaning and maintenance can be easily performed. Consequently, the maintainability of the mixer 1 can be improved. In other words, the time and costs associated with maintaining the mixer 1 can be reduced.

[0053] In the mixer 1, the bearings 23 and 24 are located outside the housing 11. This reduces the possibility of contamination, where foreign substances, such as grease applied to the bearings 23 and 24 and metal abrasion particles that may form in the bearings 23 and 24, enter the material in the interior S.

[0054] When a material with a low bulk density, such as a powder, is fed from the feed device 2, it may happen that the material is not enclosed between the inner surface of the housing 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33. Similarly, it may happen that the material is not enclosed between the inner surface of the housing 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 43. On the other hand, in the mixer 1, the material adheres to the inner surface of the housing 11 by means of the suction device 15, so that the material is easily clamped between the inner surface of the housing 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the split roller 33 (or the split roller 43). This allows a compressive force, a shear force, and a spatula force to be applied to the material more reliably, thus further improving the efficiency of the mixing process.

[0055] The mixer according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments mentioned above.

[0056] The main body 31 can be formed by a single roller instead of the plurality of divided rollers 33. Likewise, the main body 41 can be formed by a single roller instead of the plurality of divided rollers 43.

[0057] The mixer 1 does not need to include the rotating body 14. In this case, the rotary mechanism 12 does not need to include the rotating shaft 22, the bearing 24, the gear 27, and the gear 28.

[0058] As long as no vacuum mixing is performed, the mixer 1 does not need to have a suction device 15, double damping 16 and double damping 17.

[0059] The rotary mechanism 12 can drive the rotating body 13 and the rotating body 14 to rotation independently of each other. For example, the rotary mechanism 12 comprises, as in Fig.Figure 4 shows a coupling 29 and a drive device 30 instead of gears 27 and 28. The drive shaft of the drive device 30 is connected to the rear end of the rotating shaft 22 via the coupling 29. The drive device 30 is, for example, a motor.

[0060] In this case, the rotating shaft 21 is rotated by the drive device 26, and the rotating shaft 22 is rotated by the drive device 30. This means that the rotating shaft 21 (the rotating body 13) and the rotating shaft 22 (the rotating body 14) are set into rotation independently of each other. Therefore, the rotating shaft 21 and the rotating shaft 22 can be set to the same or different speeds. Furthermore, the direction of rotation C1 and the direction of rotation C2 can be set to the same or different directions. This allows for the creation of various mixing patterns. By repeatedly and alternately setting the direction of rotation of each rotating shaft to clockwise and counterclockwise, the material in the interior S can be retained, and the mixing time can be extended.

[0061] Any reference to elements using designations such as "first" and "second," as used in this revelation, does not generally limit the number or order of these elements. These designations may be used in this revelation as a convenient way of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, references to the first and second element do not mean that only two elements may be used, or that the first element must in any way precede the second element. The presence of the second element is not implied when the first element is used alone, nor is the presence of the first element implied when the second element is used alone.

[0062] Finally, an overview of embodiments of the present disclosure is given. [Clause 1]

[0063] A mixer, comprehensive: a housing extending in one direction, the housing comprising an inlet opening provided at a first end section in one direction and an outlet opening provided at a second end section in one direction; a first rotating shaft which is provided in the housing transversely to a first end and a second end of the housing in one direction; and a first rotating body mounted on the first rotating shaft inside the housing, wherein the first rotating body is configured to convey material supplied from the feed opening towards the outlet opening, while the material is mixed by the rotation of the first rotating shaft, the first body of revolution comprises: a first main body having a cylindrical shape extending in one direction, wherein the first main body has a first recessed section which is spirally recessed, the spiral shape advancing in a direction in which the material is conveyed through the first rotating body when the spiral shape rotates in a direction of rotation of the first rotating shaft; and a multitude of first scrapers provided in and arranged along the first recessed section, and wherein each of the plurality of first scrapers has a first inclined surface which is inclined such that it pushes the material towards the outlet opening by rotating the first rotating shaft. [Clause 2]

[0064] Mixer according to clause 1, wherein the first main body comprises a plurality of first divided rollers arranged in one direction, and wherein the plurality of first scrapers are provided on the plurality of first divided rollers. [Clause 3]

[0065] Mixer according to clause 1 or 2, which further comprises: a second rotating shaft provided in the housing transverse to the first end and the second end of the housing in one direction and arranged next to the first rotating shaft; and a second rotating body mounted on the second rotating shaft inside the housing, the second rotating body being configured to convey the material towards the outlet opening while mixing the material as the second rotating shaft rotates, the second body of revolution comprises: a second main body having a cylindrical shape extending in one direction, wherein the second main body has a second recessed section that is spirally recessed, the spiral shape advancing in a direction in which the material is conveyed through the second rotating body when the spiral shape rotates in a direction of rotation of the second rotating shaft; and a multitude of second scrapers provided in and arranged along the second recessed section, and wherein each of the multiple second scrapers has a second inclined surface which is inclined in such a way as to push the material towards the outlet opening by rotating the second rotating shaft. [Clause 4]

[0066] Mixer according to clause 3, wherein the second main body comprises a plurality of second divided rollers arranged in one direction, and wherein the plurality of second scrapers are each provided on the plurality of second divided rollers. [Clause 5]

[0067] Mixer according to clause 3 or 4, wherein a rotational speed of the first rotating shaft differs from a rotational speed of the second rotating shaft. [Clause 6]

[0068] The mixer according to one of clauses 1 to 5, which further comprises a bearing provided outside the housing and supporting the first rotating shaft.

[0069] In the mixer according to clause 1, the material fed from the feed opening is mixed by the first rotating body while the first rotating shaft rotates and conveyed to the outlet opening. As the first rotating body rotates with the rotation of the first rotating shaft, the material is clamped between the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical section of the first main body and the housing, exerting a compressive force on the material. Since a velocity differential arises at this time between the stationary housing and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating first main body, a shear force is exerted on the material between the outer circumferential surface of the first main body and the housing.Furthermore, as the material is pressed towards the outlet opening by the first inclined surface of the first scraper, it becomes trapped between the outer circumferential surface of the first main body and the housing as it moves towards the outlet opening. At this point, a spatula force is exerted on the material.

[0070] In the aforementioned mixer, multiple first scrapers are arranged along the recessed, spirally shaped section. This section advances in the conveying direction of the first rotating body as the spiral rotates in the direction of the first rotating shaft. Therefore, as the first rotating shaft turns, the material is fed by the first inclined surface of the first scraper behind the adjacent first scraper in the conveying direction. As a result, the material is successively conveyed towards the discharge opening and discharged from it under the influence of compressive, shear, and scraping forces. Thus, the mixing process can be carried out continuously while maintaining these three grinding processes. Consequently, the efficiency of the mixing process can be improved.

[0071] In the mixer according to clause 2, the first rotating body is produced by simply arranging the plurality of first divided rollers, each equipped with the first scraper, in one direction. This simplifies the manufacture of the mixer.

[0072] In the mixer according to clause 3, the material fed from the feed opening is mixed by the second rotating body during the rotation of the second rotating shaft and conveyed to the outlet opening. Therefore, the mixing process can be carried out continuously by both the second and the first rotating body, maintaining the three grinding actions. This further improves the efficiency of the mixing process.

[0073] In the mixer according to clause 4, the second rotating body is produced by simply arranging the plurality of second divided rollers, each equipped with the second scraper, in one direction. This simplifies the manufacture of the mixer.

[0074] In the mixer according to clause 5, a velocity difference is generated between the outer circumferential surface of the first main body and the outer circumferential surface of the second main body, which are opposite each other. Therefore, a shear force is also exerted on the material between the outer circumferential surface of the first main body and the outer circumferential surface of the second main body, which are opposite each other. Therefore, the shear force can be improved.

[0075] Since the bearing in the mixer according to clause 6 is provided outside the housing, the possibility of foreign substances, such as grease applied to the bearing and metal abrasion particles that may form in the bearing, entering the material can be reduced. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 57-103125 A [0002, 0003]

Claims

[1] Mixer, comprising: a housing extending in one direction, the housing comprising an inlet opening provided at a first end section in one direction and an outlet opening provided at a second end section in one direction; a first rotating shaft which is provided in the housing transversely to a first end and a second end of the housing in one direction; and a first rotating body mounted on the first rotating shaft inside the housing, wherein the first rotating body is configured to convey material supplied from the feed opening towards the outlet opening, while the material is mixed by the rotation of the first rotating shaft, the first body of revolution comprises: a first main body having a cylindrical shape extending in one direction, wherein the first main body has a first recessed section which is spirally recessed, the spiral shape advancing in a direction in which the material is conveyed through the first rotating body when the spiral shape rotates in a direction of rotation of the first rotating shaft; and a multitude of first scrapers provided in and arranged along the first recessed section, and wherein each of the plurality of first scrapers has a first inclined surface which is inclined such that it pushes the material towards the outlet opening by rotating the first rotating shaft. [2] Mixer according to claim 1, wherein the first main body comprises a plurality of first split rollers arranged in one direction, and wherein the plurality of first scrapers are provided on each of the plurality of first split rollers. [3] Mixer according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a second rotating shaft, which is provided in the housing transversely to the first end and the second end of the housing in one direction and is arranged next to the first rotating shaft; and a second rotating body mounted on the second rotating shaft inside the housing, wherein the second rotating body is configured to convey the material towards the outlet opening while mixing the material as the second rotating shaft rotates, the second body of revolution comprises: a second main body having a cylindrical shape extending in one direction, wherein the second main body has a second recessed section which is spirally recessed, the spiral shape moving forward in a direction in which the material is conveyed through the second rotating body when the spiral shape rotates in a direction of rotation of the second rotating shaft; and a plurality of second scrapers provided in the second recessed section and arranged along the second recessed section, and wherein each of the multiple second scrapers has a second inclined surface which is inclined such that it pushes the material towards the outlet opening by rotating the second rotating shaft. [4] Mixer according to claim 3, wherein the second main body comprises a plurality of second split rollers arranged in one direction, and wherein the plurality of second scrapers are provided on each of the plurality of second split rollers. [5] Mixer according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a rotational speed of the first rotating shaft differs from a rotational speed of the second rotating shaft. [6] Mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a bearing provided outside the housing and supporting the first rotating shaft.

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