Agitator device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an agitator device (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e) having at least one carrier unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e) that comprises at least one connection element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) for connecting to a driveshaft (16a; 16c) and at least one strut element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) for securing at least one agitator blade (20a, 20b; 20c; 20d). According to the invention, said strut element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) and connection element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) are connected to one another as a single piece.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a stirring device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Agitators with a hub and support beams welded to the hub, each with an agitator blade attached to the support beam, are known from the prior art. The hub is attached to a drive shaft of the agitator. Furthermore, agitators are known in which the agitator blades are welded directly to a hub.

[0003] Furthermore, a stirring device is known from the publication EP 2 364 770 A1, which, in order to prevent material from sticking together and to improve the mixing effect, is achieved by means of struts which connect stirring blades with a connecting element, wherein the struts also function as a stirring blade in their own right.

[0004] Furthermore, publication CH 690 835 A5 discloses a stirrer comprising a shaft and a support unit with two beams, wherein the beams are attached to the shaft part in a radial direction.

[0005] Furthermore, a method similar to that defined in claim 8 is already known from US 1,506,937 A. This document discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a stirring device of the generic type with improved properties with regard to its design. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 8, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a stirring device with at least one carrier unit, which has at least one connecting element for detachable connection to a drive shaft and at least one frame element for attaching at least one stirring blade, wherein the frame element and the connecting element are integrally connected.

[0008] According to the invention, the spar element has at least one section with a cross-section that is at least substantially quadrangular, advantageously at least substantially rectangular.

[0009] The design according to the invention allows for an advantageous construction. Furthermore, a cost-effective and / or easy-to-manufacture stirring device can be provided. Additionally, a stirring device can be provided that can be cut from a single sheet of metal, thereby reducing the number of necessary welding operations and / or increasing strength. In particular, the hub and arms of a stirring device can be manufactured from a single workpiece, and the stirring device is advantageously seamless. Moreover, a high degree of flexibility regarding the attachment of a stirring blade can be achieved. In particular, a stirring blade can be easily attached to a support arm. Advantageously, milling operations can be almost entirely dispensed with during manufacturing.Furthermore, a beam with an advantageous geometry can be provided, particularly with regard to simple manufacturing and / or flexible and / or simple attachment of a stirring blade.

[0010] The term "stirring device" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a functional component, especially a structural and / or functional component, of a stirring device, for example, a mixer and / or agitator, particularly for a fluid, especially with a maximum rotational speed of 500 rpm, advantageously 200 rpm, particularly advantageously 100 rpm, preferably 50 rpm. In particular, the stirring device may also comprise the entire stirring device. Advantageously, the stirring device is a component of a stirring element or is designed as a stirring element. It is particularly advantageous that the stirring device is designed to be rotated about an axis of rotation, especially during stirring. Preferably, the stirring device is point-symmetrical, especially with respect to the center point of the connecting element.Particularly preferably, in a mounted state, the axis of rotation of the stirring device runs through the center point of the connecting element. Advantageously, in a mounted state, the axis of rotation runs parallel to a vertical direction, especially in a normal operating state of the stirring device, wherein the vertical direction preferably runs perpendicular to a surface.

[0011] Preferably, the support unit is formed in one piece. Particularly preferably, the support unit is made at least predominantly, and especially entirely, of a metal, for example, steel and / or stainless steel and / or an alloy and / or any other metal such as aluminum and / or titanium. However, it is also conceivable that the stirring unit is made at least predominantly of a plastic. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the stirring unit has a coating, particularly an additional one, at least partially, for example, with a metal oxide and / or a polymer, particularly a corrosion-resistant one, and / or is rubberized. The term "at least predominantly" is understood to mean, in particular, at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, and particularly advantageously at least 95%.Preferably, the connecting element or all connecting elements of the support unit and the spar element or all spar elements of the support unit form the support unit.

[0012] Advantageously, the connecting element forms part, in particular an upper part, of a hub. It is particularly advantageous that the connecting element is made at least largely, and in particular entirely, of a metal, for example, steel and / or stainless steel, and / or of the same material as the support unit. It is conceivable that the support unit has several connecting elements advantageously arranged one above the other, in particular with corresponding cross-sections, which together form the hub. Advantageously, the link element is made at least largely, and in particular entirely, of a metal, for example, steel and / or stainless steel, and / or of the same material as the support unit. In particular, the link element is elongated. Preferably, the link element is straight. According to the invention, the link element is rod-shaped.In particular, the tie bar element, especially its longitudinal direction, extends from a center point of the connecting element, preferably straight in a radial direction of the stirring device. Preferably, the tie bar element runs in a plane, especially in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In particular, the tie bar element has a longitudinal extent that corresponds to at least 5%, advantageously at least 10%, particularly advantageously at least 20%, and preferably at least 30% of a maximum extent, especially a diameter, of the stirring device. It is also conceivable that the tie bar element is curved, and that the tie bar element can be curved within the plane and / or out of the plane.Advantageously, the frame element has at least one connection area for the agitator blade, wherein the connection area is particularly advantageously designed for welding, bolting, riveting, one-piece joining, and / or other connection to the agitator blade. Preferably, the frame element forms a frame to which an agitator blade can be attached or is attached. In particular, the frame corresponds to the frame element. It is also conceivable that the support unit has a plurality of frame elements advantageously arranged one above the other, in particular with corresponding cross-sections, which together form a frame. The support unit can have a plurality of frames, each of which is formed by several frame elements, preferably arranged one above the other. "Provided for" is to be understood in particular as specifically designed and / or equipped.The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0013] The term "one-piece" is understood to mean, in particular, formed in a single piece. Preferably, this single piece is manufactured from a single workpiece and / or a single blank and / or a single batch and / or a casting, or by an injection molding process, especially a single- and / or multi-component injection molding process. For example, it is conceivable that the support unit could be manufactured as a single forging. It is also conceivable that the support unit could be manufactured as a single casting.

[0014] The term "at least substantially quadrilateral / rectangular cross-section" of an object shall be understood to mean in particular that for at least 60%, advantageously for at least 70%, particularly advantageously for at least 80% and preferably for at least 90% of all cross-sections of the object along at least one direction, the area of ​​a difference area of ​​the cross-section and of a smallest quadrilateral / rectangle surrounding the cross-section, advantageously not overlapping, is at most 30%, advantageously at most 20%, particularly advantageously at most 10%, preferably at most 5% and particularly advantageously at most 3% of the area of ​​the quadrilateral / rectangle.

[0015] Preferably, the section is cuboid in shape. Particularly preferably, the section comprises at least a large part of the spar element and, in particular, the entire spar element. Advantageously, the spar element is rectangular. "Rectangular" here is intended to include geometric shapes that correspond to rectangles with rounded and / or chamfered corners. A cuboid shape is particularly advantageous, and rounded and / or chamfered edges are also conceivable. A notch effect can be reduced, in particular, by rounding or chamfering.

[0016] The spar element can also have a cross-section other than a rectangle. In particular, the cross-section can be a quadrilateral other than a rectangle, such as a parallelogram with interior angles other than 90°, a trapezoid, or any quadrilateral, preferably not a cross-section.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the spar element and the connecting element have at least substantially identical material thicknesses in a common connection area, particularly when viewed perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Specifically, in the connection area, the material thickness of the spar element corresponds to the material thickness of the connecting element. Advantageously, the spar element and the connecting element have at least substantially identical extensions along the axis of rotation in the connection area. Advantageously, the connecting element transitions seamlessly into the spar element. Particularly advantageously, the connecting element has at least substantially constant material thicknesses, especially when viewed perpendicular to the axis of rotation.Preferably, the material thickness of the connecting element corresponds to the material thickness of the section of the spar element that has an at least substantially rectangular cross-section. In this context, "at least substantially" means, in particular, that a deviation from a predetermined value is less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, and most preferably less than 5% of the predetermined value. This allows for a geometry that is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, this enables high load-bearing capacity, especially in the connection between a hub and a spar.

[0018] The connecting element and the tie element are made from a common plate-like workpiece, in particular a sheet or plate, advantageously a metal sheet or plate. The plate-like workpiece is made of the same material as the support unit and can, for example, be made at least partially, and in particular completely, of a plastic or a composite material. Advantageously, the entire support unit is made from the plate-like workpiece. Particularly advantageous are the tie element and the connecting element, and advantageously the entire support unit or at least a corresponding blank, designed as a single flat part, for example, as a cut flat part or a stamped flat part. This advantageously allows for cost-effective manufacturing.Furthermore, this allows for a high degree of flexibility regarding usable manufacturing processes and / or usable materials.

[0019] The connecting element forms at least one connecting flange, which is designed for detachable connection to a shaft flange, in particular a shaft flange of the drive shaft. According to the invention, the connecting flange is designed to be screwed onto a shaft flange. Advantageously, the connecting element has a recess, in particular a cylindrical one, which the connecting flange advantageously surrounds. Particularly advantageously, in a mounted state, the axis of rotation passes through the recess. This allows for advantageous properties with regard to ease of assembly, simple maintenance, and / or the possibility of flexible modification.

[0020] It is conceivable that the connection between the connecting element and the drive shaft comprises at least one bolt and / or at least one keyway connection. It is also conceivable that the connecting element is designed to be connected to the drive shaft by means of at least one clamping connection. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the connecting element is bonded to the drive shaft. Furthermore, other connection options that would appear suitable to a person skilled in the art are, of course, conceivable.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the spar element has a tapered cross-section in at least one direction. In particular, the cross-section of the spar element tapers in an advantageously radial direction away from the connecting element. Advantageously, the spar element has at least a first section with a constant, in particular at least substantially rectangular, cross-section, which is particularly advantageously adjacent to the connecting element. Particularly advantageously, the spar element has at least a second section with a tapered cross-section, in particular at least substantially rectangular. It is conceivable that the first section and the second section are adjacent to each other.Preferably, the spar element has at least a third section with a constant cross-section, particularly one that is at least substantially rectangular and smaller than the cross-section of the first section. It is conceivable that the second and third sections are adjacent to each other. This allows the geometry to be advantageously adapted to a load. In particular, this provides a geometry that can be flexibly adapted to a specific requirement.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that the tie bar element be twisted, at least in sections, for example by an angle of at least 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or a larger angle. In particular, the tie bar element is twisted inwards, at least in sections. Advantageously, the tie bar element has at least a first section that is aligned straight with respect to the connecting element. Particularly advantageously, the tie bar element has at least a second section that is tilted with respect to the connecting element. Preferably, the second, tilted section is provided for attaching the agitator blade, so that the blade is advantageously angled towards a stirring direction during stirring.Particularly preferred is a further beam element of the support unit arranged opposite the beam element, twisted in the opposite direction, especially by the same angle. Preferably, the beam can be manufactured by cutting / punching it out of the plate-like workpiece and then twisting it. This advantageously allows the angle of attack of a stirring blade to be adjusted in a simple, cost-effective, and / or variable manner.

[0023] It is further proposed that the stirring device comprises at least one stirring blade connected to the frame element. Particularly preferably, the support unit comprises at least one second frame element, preferably arranged opposite the first. Advantageously, the stirring device comprises at least one further stirring blade attached to the second frame element. Preferably, the stirring device comprises at least one, and advantageously exactly one, stirring blade attached to each frame element. Particularly preferably, the support unit comprises exactly two frame elements and the stirring device comprises exactly two stirring blades, each advantageously attached to one of the frame elements. It is conceivable that the stirring device has a plurality of support units, preferably arranged one above the other.A stirring device with a total of N agitator blades can advantageously comprise a number of N / 2 support units, each with two agitator blades, which are particularly advantageously arranged at equal angles to one another, for example at angles of 720° / N, wherein, in this case, the agitator blades are preferably arranged at regular intervals on a circle when viewed parallel to the axis of rotation. Particularly in the case of a stack of several support units, lower support units are designed such that they are attached and / or attachable in a central area, particularly in an area of ​​their respective connecting element, to a support unit arranged above them and / or to the drive shaft. However, it is also conceivable that the support unit comprises three, four, five, six, or more frame elements and advantageously a corresponding number of agitator blades.This allows for a geometry that is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, it allows the stirring properties to be adapted to specific requirements.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the agitator blade is connected to the frame element along one longitudinal side. In particular, the agitator blade is connected to the frame element along its leading longitudinal side. The agitator element can be welded, screwed, glued, or otherwise connected to the frame element. Preferably, the agitator blade has at least one outer contour, in particular an L-shaped one, in the region of which it is connected to the frame element. It is particularly conceivable that the outer contour is L-shaped, with legs of the imaginary "L" enclosing an angle other than 90°, for example, a smaller angle, particularly a considerably smaller one, such as 75°, 60°, or 45°, or a larger angle, particularly a considerably larger one, such as 105°, 120°, or 150°.It is particularly advantageous if a longer section of the outer contour runs at least substantially parallel to a principal direction of extension of the spar element. In particular, the longer section of the outer contour, preferably along its entire length, abuts the longitudinal side of the spar element. "At least substantially parallel" here refers in particular to an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. A "principal direction of extension" of an object is understood in particular to be a direction that runs parallel to the longest edge of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the object. This advantageously allows for a high load-bearing capacity of the agitator blade connection.

[0025] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that a leading edge of the agitator blade terminates at least partially flush with at least one edge of the frame element. Preferably, the leading edge extends from an end face of the frame element in a direction away from the connecting element and, in particular, parallel to a main extension direction of the frame element. Most preferably, the leading edge of the agitator blade forms an extension of the edge of the frame element. Advantageously, the leading edge is positioned at the front during stirring in the direction of movement. This advantageously results in favorable stirring performance.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the agitator blade and the frame element are connected to each other at an end face of the frame element. In particular, the agitator blade rests against the end face of the frame element with a shorter section of its outer contour, preferably L-shaped, preferably along its entire length. Preferably, the agitator blade is connected to the frame element along its outer contour. Particularly preferably, the agitator blade is welded to the frame element along its outer contour, especially along the entire length of the outer contour. This advantageously results in high bending stiffness of the agitator blade connection.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that the frame element and the agitator blade are joined in one piece. In particular, the frame element and the agitator blade are manufactured from a common, preferably plate-like, workpiece, wherein the agitator blade is advantageously bent out of a plane relative to the frame element. Advantageously, the material thickness of the agitator blade corresponds at least substantially to the material thickness of the frame element. It is conceivable that the support unit advantageously has plate-like and / or flat reinforcing elements above and / or below the frame element, which are arranged, in particular, parallel to a principal extension direction of the frame element and / or connected to it.Furthermore, it is conceivable that the entire stirring device is manufactured from a single plate-like workpiece, from which, in particular, the connecting element, the frame element, and the stirring blade, or all frame elements and all stirring blades of the stirring device, are cut or stamped. This can advantageously achieve simple, fast, and / or cost-effective manufacturing.

[0028] Preferably, at least part of the support unit, and in particular the entire support unit, is formed by a layered structure with at least two sheets. For example, several sheets can be arranged one above the other and, in particular, connected to each other, forming the entire support unit. For example, the support unit can comprise a central sheet that forms the beam element and the connection element. Furthermore, the support unit can comprise at least one reinforcing sheet that reinforces the central sheet, preferably in a region of the connection element and / or in a region of the beam element, and in particular lying flat on the central sheet and / or being arranged above and / or below it. In principle, several central sheets and / or several reinforcing sheets are also conceivable.For example, it is conceivable that the support unit, similar to a plywood panel, could be constructed from a number of parallel sheets. Any edges could be rounded or chamfered. Furthermore, inclined surfaces could be formed by several sheets arranged diagonally one above the other, with beveled edges in particular. This allows for a high degree of flexibility in terms of design. Moreover, it enables the use of simple and / or cost-effective manufacturing processes for producing a stirring device.

[0029] Advantageous properties with regard to design and, in particular, cost-effective manufacturing can be achieved with a stirring device with at least one stirring device according to the invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a stirring device, namely the aforementioned stirring device, with at least one carrier unit, which has at least one connecting element for connection to a drive shaft and at least one tie element for fastening at least one stirring blade, wherein the connecting element and the tie element are made from a common plate-like workpiece, and wherein the connecting element is designed at least as a connecting flange, which is provided for connection to a shaft flange.

[0031] An inventive method enables the achievement of advantageous properties with regard to manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, a cost-effective and / or easy-to-manufacture stirring device can be provided. Additionally, a stirring device can be provided that can be cut from a single sheet of metal, thereby reducing the number of necessary welding operations and / or increasing strength. In particular, the hub and arms of a stirring device can be manufactured from a single workpiece, and the stirring device is advantageously seamless. Moreover, a high degree of flexibility regarding the attachment of a stirring blade can be achieved. In particular, a stirring blade can be easily attached to a support arm. Advantageously, milling operations can be almost entirely dispensed with during manufacturing.Furthermore, a beam with an advantageous geometry can be provided, particularly with regard to simple manufacturing and / or flexible and / or simple attachment of a stirring blade.

[0032] Preferably, the entire support unit is manufactured from the plate-like workpiece. Particularly preferably, a support unit blank is cut or punched out from the plate-like workpiece and advantageously subsequently machined, for example by chamfering and / or rounding the edges. Furthermore, for example, the recess in the area of ​​the connecting flange of the connecting element is cut or punched out. Advantageously, cutting is carried out by means of a burnout process, which in particular eliminates the need for edge processing and / or milling, at least partially and advantageously completely. Advantageously, any agitator blades of the mixing device are then welded to the corresponding frame elements.It is also conceivable that at least one central plate is cut or punched out, forming a blank for the connecting element, the frame element, and the agitator blade, and in particular for the entire support unit and all agitator blades. Advantageously, the central plate is bent in certain areas to shape the agitator blades. It is conceivable that reinforcing plates are subsequently cut and / or punched out and connected to the central plate and / or to each other.

[0033] In particular, the inventive method may include special process steps in which at least one of the features of the inventive stirring device and / or the inventive stirring apparatus described above is produced and / or added and / or implemented, in particular by a suitable manufacturing method.

[0034] The stirring device and the method according to the invention are not to be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the stirring device and the method according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements and / or components and / or units and / or process steps than that specified herein.

[0035] Furthermore, values ​​within the specified ranges of values ​​in this disclosure shall also be considered disclosed and freely usable. Drawings

[0036] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate five exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0037] They show: Fig. 1 a mixing device with a first mixing device in a schematic representation, Fig. 2 a top view of the first mixing device in a perspective view, Fig. 3 a bottom view of the first mixing device in a perspective view, Fig. 4 the first mixing device in a schematic top view, Fig. 5 the first mixing device in a schematic front view, Fig. 6 the first mixing device in a schematic side view, Fig. 7 a top view of a second mixing device in a perspective view, Fig. 8 a bottom view of the second mixing device in a perspective view, Fig. 9 a third mixing device in a perspective view, Fig. 10 a fourth mixing device in a perspective view, Fig. 11 the fourth mixing device in a schematic front view, Fig. 12 a top view of a fifth mixing device in a perspective view, Fig.Fig. 13 shows an underside of the fifth stirring device in a perspective view, Fig. 14 shows the fifth stirring device in a schematic front view, Fig. 15 shows the fifth stirring device in a schematic side view, and Fig. 16 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing a stirring device. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0038] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a mixer 44a with a first mixing device 10a in a schematic representation. In this case, the first mixing device 10a is designed as a stirring element. The first mixing device 10a is attached to a drive shaft 16a of the mixer 44a. The first mixing device 10a is attached to a shaft flange 28a of the drive shaft 16a. The first mixing device 10a is designed to rotate about an axis of rotation 46a. In particular, the mixing device 10a is designed to rotate about the axis of rotation 46a during stirring. The axis of rotation 46a passes through a center point 48a of the first mixing device 10a. The axis of rotation 46a runs parallel to a longitudinal direction of the drive shaft 16a.

[0039] The Figure 2 shows a top view of the stirring device 10a in perspective. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the underside of the first stirring device 10a. Figures 4 to 6Figure 1 shows additional schematic representations of the first stirring device 10a. The first stirring device 10a has a support unit 12a. The support unit 12a includes a connecting element 14a for attaching it to the drive shaft 16a. Furthermore, the support unit 12a includes a frame element 18a for attaching at least one stirring blade 20a. The frame element 18a forms a frame for the stirring blade 20a. The frame element 18a and the connecting element 14a are joined together as a single piece. In this case, the support unit 12a is formed as a single piece. Furthermore, the support unit 12a is made of stainless steel. However, other materials and / or material combinations are also conceivable.

[0040] The spar element 18a has a section 22a with a cross-section that is at least substantially quadrilateral. In the present case, section 22a has a rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, in the present case, the entire spar element 18a has a substantially quadrilateral, in particular rectangular, cross-section. At least in some sections, the edges of the spar element 18a are chamfered.

[0041] In the present case, the support unit 12a comprises a further tie bar element 50a. The further tie bar element 50a is point-symmetrical to the tie bar element 18a with respect to the center point 48a of the agitator 10a. The first agitator 10a has the agitator blade 20a. The agitator blade 20a is attached to the tie bar element 18a. Furthermore, in the present case, the first agitator 10a has a further agitator blade 52a. The further agitator blade 52a is attached to the further tie bar element 50a. The further agitator blade 52a is point-symmetrical to the agitator blade 20a with respect to the center point 48a of the first agitator 10a. The tie bar element 18a, the further tie bar element 50a, and the connecting element 14a together form the support unit 12a. The carrier unit 12a, the stirring blade 20a and the further stirring blade 52a together form the stirring device 10a.

[0042] The first stirring device 10a has a longitudinal extent of approximately 4 m in the present case. This longitudinal extent corresponds to the diameter of the stirring device 10a. However, other dimensions of a stirring device are also conceivable, in particular other ratios of length, width, and height. For example, the longitudinal extent of a stirring device could be 0.1 m, 0.5 m, 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, 5 m, 6 m, or even more. Furthermore, in the present case, the frame element 18a has a longitudinal extent of approximately 1 m. However, other longitudinal extents of a frame element are also conceivable, particularly in a similar length ratio relative to the longitudinal extent of the stirring device 10a as in the present case, or even in a different length ratio.

[0043] The connecting element 14a and the tie element 18a are manufactured from a common plate-like workpiece. In this case, the common workpiece is a stainless steel plate. Of course, other suitable materials are also conceivable. Furthermore, the thickness of the workpiece is approximately 7 cm in this case. However, other thicknesses are also conceivable, such as 0.1 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 4 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, or thicknesses more or less, or any thicknesses between the specified values. In this case, the additional tie element 50a is also manufactured from the common plate-like workpiece. The support unit 12a is manufactured from the common plate-like workpiece, in particular by cutting or punching it out.

[0044] The tie element 18a and the connecting element 14a have at least substantially the same material thickness in a common connection area 24a. In this case, the material thickness is approximately 7 cm. The material thickness corresponds at least substantially to the thickness of the common plate-like workpiece. The connecting element 14a transitions into the tie element 18a in the connection area 24a. Furthermore, the connecting element 14a and the tie element 18a have at least substantially the same width in the connection area 24a. Additionally, the connecting element 14a and the tie element 18a have at least substantially the same cross-section in the connection area 24a.

[0045] The connecting element 14a forms a connecting flange 26a, which is intended for connection to the shaft flange 28a. In an assembled state, the connecting flange 26a is bolted to the shaft flange 28a.

[0046] The spar element 18a has a tapered cross-section in at least one direction 54a. In the present case, direction 54a corresponds to a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation 46a. Furthermore, the spar element 18a in the present case has a first section 56a with a constant rectangular cross-section and an adjacent second section 58a with a tapered rectangular cross-section.

[0047] The agitator blade 20a is connected to the frame element 18a along one longitudinal side 30a. The agitator blade 20a is welded to the frame element 18a. However, other connection methods are also conceivable, as described above. The agitator blade 20a has an L-shaped outer contour 60a, which is connected to the frame element 18a. The L-shaped outer contour 60a is adapted to an outer contour of the frame element 18a. A long leg section of the outer contour 60a rests against the longitudinal side 30a of the frame element 18a.

[0048] The agitator blade 20a and the frame element 18a are connected to each other at an end face 36a of the frame element 18a. In this case, the agitator blade 20a is welded to the end face 36a of the frame element 18a. A short leg section of the outer contour 60a of the agitator blade 20a rests against the end face 36a of the frame element 18a. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that a frame element forms a slot, particularly at one end face, into which at least part of the agitator blade is inserted. The agitator blade can then be clamped and / or welded to the frame element.

[0049] A leading edge 32a of the agitator blade 20a is at least partially flush with an edge 34a of the frame element 18a. The edge 34a is a leading edge of the frame element 18a. In this case, the leading edge 32a of the agitator blade 20a forms an extension of the edge 34a of the frame element 18a.

[0050] In the Figures 7 to 15Four further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to identically designated components, in particular components with the same reference numerals, reference is also generally made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Figures 1 to 6 , can be referenced. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is used in the reference numerals for the embodiments in the Figures 1 to 6 recreated. In the exemplary embodiments of the Figures 7 to 15 The letter a is replaced by the letters b to f.

[0051] The Figures 7 and 8The figures show perspective views of a second stirring device 10b. The second stirring device 10b has a support unit 12b. The support unit 12b includes a connecting element 14b for connection to a drive shaft (not shown). Furthermore, the support unit 12b includes a frame element 18b for attaching at least one stirring blade 20b. The second stirring device 10b has the stirring blade 20b. The frame element 18b and the connecting element 14b are integrally connected. In this case, the support unit 12b is formed in one piece.

[0052] The spar element 18b has a section 22b with a cross-section that is at least substantially quadrilateral. In the present case, section 22b has a rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, in the present case, the entire spar element 18b has a substantially quadrilateral, in particular rectangular, cross-section. At least in some sections, the edges of the spar element 18b are chamfered.

[0053] In this case, the stirring blade 20b is rubberized. The stirring blade 20b is essentially analogous to the stirring blade 20a from the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 1 to 6 formed and attached to the frame element 18b. In this case, however, a rubber coating 62b is drawn over a metallic base body of the agitator blade 20b. The material and thickness of the rubber coating 62b, as well as its size, can be easily and / or cost-effectively adapted to a specific application.

[0054] The Figure 9Figure 1 shows a third stirring device 10c in a perspective view. The third stirring device 10c has a support unit 12c. The support unit 12c includes a connecting element 14c for connection to a drive shaft 16c. Furthermore, the support unit 12c includes a frame element 18c for attaching at least one stirring blade 20c. The third stirring device 10c has the stirring blade 20c. The frame element 18c and the connecting element 14c are joined together as a single piece. In this case, the support unit 12c is formed in one piece.

[0055] The spar element 18c has a section 22c with a cross-section that is at least substantially quadrilateral. In the present case, section 22c has a rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, in the present case, the entire spar element 18c has a substantially quadrilateral, in particular rectangular, cross-section. At least in some sections, the edges of the spar element 18c are chamfered.

[0056] In the present case, the spar element 18c is cuboid in shape. A cross-section of the spar element 18c is constant. The cross-section of the spar element 18c is unchanged along a longitudinal direction 64c of the spar element 18c. The longitudinal direction 64c of the spar element 18c corresponds to a radial direction. Such a design is particularly easy to manufacture. In particular, the support unit 12c can be cut or punched out of a plate-like workpiece, advantageously without the need for chamfering at specific points.

[0057] The Figures 10 and 11Figures 1 and 2 show different representations of a fourth stirring device 10d. The fourth stirring device 10d has a support unit 12d. The support unit 12d includes a connecting element 14d for connection to a drive shaft (not shown). Furthermore, the support unit 12d includes a frame element 18d for attaching at least one stirring blade 20d. The fourth stirring device 10d has the stirring blade 20d. The frame element 18d and the connecting element 14d are integrally connected. In this case, the support unit 12d is formed in one piece.

[0058] The spar element 18d has a section 22d with a cross-section that is at least substantially quadrilateral. In the present case, section 22d has a rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, in the present case, the entire spar element 18d has a substantially quadrilateral, in particular rectangular, cross-section. At least in some sections, the edges of the spar element 18d are chamfered.

[0059] At least part of the support unit 12d is formed by a layered structure 38d with at least two sheets 40d, 42d, 43d. In the present case, the entire support unit 12d is formed by the layered structure 38d. Furthermore, in the present case, the layered structure 38d comprises a first sheet 40d, a second sheet 42d, and a third sheet 43d. The sheets 40d, 42d, 43d are made of stainless steel. The second sheet 42d is designed as a central sheet. The second sheet 42d has the connecting element 14d and the spar element 18d.

[0060] The first sheet 40d is designed as an upper reinforcing sheet. The third sheet 43d is designed as a lower reinforcing sheet. The first sheet 40d and the third sheet 43d each have further spar elements 66d, 68d and further connecting elements 70d, 72d. The spar elements 18d, 66d, 68d together form a spar 74d of the support unit 12d. The connecting elements 14d, 70d, 72d together form a shaft connecting unit 76d of the support unit 12d for connection to the drive shaft. The support unit 12d is constructed from the sheets 40d, 42d, 43d in the manner of a plywood panel.

[0061] The frame element 18d and the agitator blade 20d are joined together as a single piece. The agitator blade 20d is part of the second sheet 42d. To manufacture the fourth agitator 10d, the first sheet 40d, the second sheet 42d, and the third sheet 43d are cut or punched from a single base sheet. Corners can be rounded or chamfered as needed. The sheets 40d, 42d, and 43d are then stacked on top of each other and bonded, welded, screwed, and / or riveted together. The second sheet 42d is specifically deformed to form the agitator blade 20d. The agitator blade 20d is curved out of a plane formed by the frame element 18d and the connecting element 14d.

[0062] The Figures 12 to 15Figures 1 and 12 show different representations of a fifth stirring device 10e. The fifth stirring device 10e has a support unit 12e. The support unit 12e includes a connecting element 14e for connection to a drive shaft (not shown). Furthermore, the support unit 12e includes a frame element 18e for attaching at least one stirring blade (not shown). The frame element 18e and the connecting element 14e are integrally connected. In the present case, the support unit 12e is formed in one piece.

[0063] The spar element 18e has a section 22e with a cross-section that is at least substantially quadrilateral. In the present case, section 22e has a rectangular cross-section.

[0064] The tie bar element 18e is twisted, at least in sections. In this case, the tie bar element 18e is twisted in a connection area 78e to the connecting element 14e. The connection area 78e corresponds to a torsion zone. A straight section 80e of the tie bar element 18e borders the connection area 78e. The straight section 80e of the tie bar element 18e is twisted by approximately 20° relative to the connecting element 14e. As mentioned above, other angles are also conceivable. Due to the torsion zone of the support unit 12e, an attached agitator blade is angled during stirring. An angled agitator blade can be easily achieved by adjusting the torsion angle. The support unit 12e can be manufactured, for example, by cutting or punching a blank from a plate-like workpiece and then selectively twisting parts of the blank.

[0065] The Figure 16Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing a stirring device, for example, one of the stirring devices from the preceding embodiments. The stirring device has a support unit which includes a connecting element for attaching it to a drive shaft and at least one tie element for attaching at least one stirring blade. In a first process step 82f, a common plate-like workpiece, for example, a sheet of suitable thickness, is provided. In a second process step 84f, the connecting element and the tie element are manufactured from the common plate-like workpiece. In the present case, a support unit blank is cut from the workpiece in the second process step 84f. In a third process step 86f, the support unit blank is machined to manufacture the support unit and, in particular, the stirring device.For example, in the third process step 86f, edges of the support unit can be rounded and / or chamfered. Furthermore, it is conceivable that in the third process step 86f, agitator blades are welded to the support unit and / or agitator blades are manufactured by bending a sheet of metal. Of course, it is also conceivable that the third process step 86f comprises a plurality of corresponding sub-steps. Reference sign

[0066] 10 Stirring device 12 Carrier unit 14 Connecting element 16 Drive shaft 18 Beam element 20 Stirring blade 22 Section 24 Connection area 26 Connecting flange 28 Shaft flange 30 Longitudinal side 32 Front edge 34 Edge 36 End face 38 Layer structure 40 Sheet metal 42 Sheet metal 43 Sheet metal 44 Stirring device 46 Rotation axis 48 Center point 50 Beam element 52 Stirring blade 54 Direction 56 Section 58 Section 60 Outer contour 62 Rubber coating 64 Longitudinal direction 66 Beam element 68 Beam element 70 Connecting element 72 Connecting element 74 Beam 76 Shaft connection unit 78 Connection area 80 Area 82 Process step 84 Process step 86th process step

Claims

1. Agitator device (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e) having at least one agitator blade (20a, 20b; 20c; 20d) and having at least one carrier unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e) which has at least one connection element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) for a connection to a drive shaft (16a; 16c) and at least one beam element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) for the fastening of at least one agitator blade (20a, 20b; 20c; 20d), wherein the beam element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) and the connection element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) are connected to one another in a one-part implementation and the connection element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) forms at least one connection flange (26a) which is configured for a releasable connection to a shaft flange (28a), wherein the beam element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) has at least one portion (22a) with an at least substantially quadrilateral cross section, wherein the connection element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) and the beam element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) are produced from a common plate-like workpiece, wherein the beam element is of rod-like design, and wherein the at least one agitator blade (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) is connected to the beam element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d), characterized in that the connection flange (26a) is configured to be screwed onto the shaft flange (28a).

2. Agitator device (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e) according to claim 1, characterized in that the beam element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) and the connection element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) have an at least substantially identical material thickness in a common connection region (24a).

3. Agitator device (10e) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam element (18e) is realized so as to be twisted at least section-wise.

4. Agitator device (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the agitator blade (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) is connected to the beam element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) along a longitudinal side (30a) of said beam element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d).

5. Agitator device (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the agitator blade (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) and the beam element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) are connected to one another on a front side (36a) of the beam element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d).

6. Agitator device (10d) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beam element (18d) and the agitator blade (20d) are connected to one another in a one-part implementation.

7. Agitator appliance having at least one agitator device (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. Method for producing an agitator device (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, having at least one carrier unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e) which has at least one connection element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) for a connection to a drive shaft (16a; 16c) and at least one beam element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) for the fastening of at least one agitator blade (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d), wherein the connection element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) and the beam element (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e) are produced from a common plate-like workpiece, wherein the connection element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) is realized at least as a connection flange (26a) which is configured for a connection to a shaft flange (28a).

Images