Batch mixer and method to change one or more seal and / or end-seal-device of a batch mixer

Abstract

The invention provides a batch mixer and a method where said batch mixer (1) comprises a mixing drum (2), where said mixing drum (2) comprises a mixing chamber (3), where an outlet (5) is provided at said batch mixer (1), where said batch mixer (1) comprises at least one gate (6) to close said outlet (5), where said batch mixer (1) comprises at least two seals (7) and at least two end-seal-devices (15), where said at least two seals (7) and said at least two end-seal-devices (15) seal said at least one gate (6) versus said mixing drum (2), where said batch mixer (1) is configured such that said at least two seals (7) are slide-in-able from outside of said batch mixer (1), and where said batch mixer (1) is configured such that said at least two end-seal-devices (15) are changeable from outside of said batch mixer (10).

Description

[0001] The invention concerns a batch mixer and a method according to the preambles of the independent patent claims.

[0002] Batch mixers are well known in the art and for instance disclosed in EP 3200906 A1. As such a batch mixer allows for mixing of materials such as corn, maize, soybeans and other materials. Batch mixers are for instance part of a process for production of animal feeds, but also to produce pellets made from these materials.

[0003] A state-of-the-art batch mixer comprises a preferably cylindrical mixing chamber for mixing the material, where the inlet for the material to be mixed is arranged in an upper area of the batch mixer. Typically, a batch mixer also comprises a number of nozzle arrangements for injecting fluid - such as water, steam, oils, molasses or other fluids - to the mixing chamber.

[0004] For mixing, the batch mixer comprises a drivable mixer shaft arranged in the mixing chamber and mixing means for mixing the materials in the mixing chamber, where the mixing means are connected with the mixer shaft and are preferably configured in the form of paddles connected with and radially extending from the mixer shaft. Finally, the material mixed is removed from the batch mixer to a bin via an outlet at the bottom of the batch mixer.

[0005] This outlet is closed by a gate during operation of the batch mixer. The gate is sealed by seals versus said mixing drum, so that the mixing chamber is, particularly dust-tight, sealed, particularly against the outside / environment, when said at least one gate is closed. Over time the seals will wear out, so that the seals need to be replaced. According to the state of the art, a person needs to climb in the batch mixer, particularly the surge bin, and replace all seals from inside the batch mixer, particularly from inside the surge bin. However, the disadvantage of this conventional method is that the person is in a confined space during the replacement, which is unpleasant for most people. Furthermore, the air quality inside the batch mixer is of bad quality due to chemical residues from the process and therefore the downtime of the batch mixer to replace the seals is quite long, since the batch mixer, particularly the surge bin, has to be ventilated properly before the replacement. Also regulations regarding working in confined spaces are getting more strict and thus costly and time consuming.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a batch mixer and a method to minimize the effort for replacing the seals of the gate. In particular, it is the purpose of the invention to decrease the time needed for the replacement of the seals and therefore the downtime of the batch mixer.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the invention is solved in particular by the features of the independent patent claims.

[0008] The invention relates in particular to a batch mixer, particularly a mixing device, particularly preferred for mixing different components, where said batch mixer comprises a mixing drum and said mixing drum comprises and / or encloses a mixing chamber. The mixing drum, particularly the mixing chamber, can be substantially horizontal oriented to the floor on which said batch mixer is arranged and / or cylindrical.

[0009] Preferably it can be provided, that in said mixing chamber a drivable mixer shaft with mixing means is arranged, so that said mixing means mix said components located in said mixing chamber during operation of said batch mixer, where said mixing means are connected with said mixer shaft and are preferably configured in the form of paddles connected with and optionally radially extending from said mixer shaft to mix said different components. Optionally said mixer shaft is parallel oriented to the floor on which said batch mixer is arranged.

[0010] Preferably it can be provided, that an outlet is provided at said batch mixer, particularly at said mixing drum, particularly preferred at a jacket surface of said mixing chamber, for emptying said mixing chamber. Optionally said outlet extends over the entire axial length of the mixing chamber for emptying the mixing chamber, particularly in said bin.

[0011] Preferably it can be provided, that said batch mixer comprises at least one gate to close said outlet during operation of said batch mixer. Said at least one gate, particularly said outlet, may have four sides, whereby each two sides of said at least one gate are arranged opposite to each other. Optionally said at least one gate, particularly said outlet, is rectangular and has four sides.

[0012] Optionally said at least one gate can comprise one or more gates, particularly one on said mixing drum pivotable mounted flap or two on said mixing drum pivotable mounted flaps, where said flaps can be swiveled against each other to open and close the outlet.

[0013] Preferably it can be provided, that said batch mixer comprises at least two seals, where said at least two seals are arranged, particularly extend, along, particularly extend parallel to, the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum, particularly preferred parallel to said mixer shaft, optionally particularly preferred along two opposite sides of said at least one, particularly closed, gate and / or said outlet, and along the length of said at least one gate, particularly at least over the entire length of said at least one gate, particularly preferred along the length of said outlet, optionally particularly preferred along the entire length of said mixing drum.

[0014] Preferably it can be provided, that said batch mixer comprises at least two end-seal-devices, where said at least two end-seal-devices are arranged, particularly extend, intersecting with, particularly rectangular to, the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum, particularly intersecting with said mixer chamber and / or said mixer shaft, particularly preferred rectangular to said mixer shaft, optionally particularly preferred along two other opposite sides of said at least one, particularly closed, gate and / or said outlet, and along the width of said at least one gate, particularly at least over the entire width of said at least one gate, particularly preferred along the length of said outlet. Said at least two end-seal-devices may be plate-shaped.

[0015] Preferably it can be provided, that said at least two seals and said at least two end-seal-devices seal said at least one gate versus said mixing drum, particularly dust-tight, particularly preferred when said at least one gate is closed, so that said mixing chamber is, particularly dust-tight, sealed, particularly against the outside, particularly preferred against the environment, optionally particularly preferred against said bin.

[0016] Said at least two seals and said at least two end-seal-devices seal may be configured to and / or arranged such at said batch mixer, that said at least two seals and said at least two end-seal-devices seal said at least one gate versus said mixing drum, particularly dust-tight, particularly preferred when said at least one gate is closed.

[0017] Said at least two seals and said at least two end-seal-devices may be in contact with and / or may be compressed by said at least one gate and said mixing drum, when said at least one gate is closed. Optionally said at least two seals, particularly the end zones of said at least two seals, may be in contact with and / or are compressed by said at least two end-seal-devices. Said at least two seals and said at least two end-seal-devices may be arranged sealingly and / or caulking around said at least one gate.

[0018] In context of the present invention outside, particularly outside of said batch mixer, can be understood as a place outside the batch mixer, particularly a place outside said bin of said batch mixer, particularly preferred the environment.

[0019] Preferably it can be provided, that said batch mixer is configured such that said at least two seals are slide-in-able and / or are slid in and / or slide in and / or slide-out-able and / or are slid out and / or slide out along, particularly parallel to, the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum, particularly parallel to said mixer shaft, particularly preferred by a tool, from one side of said batch mixer, particularly from outside of said batch mixer, so that said at least two seals are changeable and / or are changed and / or are adjustable from one side of said batch mixer, particularly from outside of said batch mixer, particularly preferred when said at least one gate is open.

[0020] Preferably it can be provided, that said batch mixer is configured such that said at least two end-seal-devices are changeable and / or are changed and / or are adjustable and / or are adjusted from outside of said batch mixer, particularly when said at least one gate is closed. Optionally at least one of the two end-seal-devices is changeable and / or is changed and / or is adjustable and / or is adjusted from one side of said batch mixer, particularly when said at least one gate is closed.

[0021] Optionally said batch mixer is configured such that said at least two seals and said at least two end-seal-devices are changed are changeable and / or are changed and / or adjustable and / or are adjusted from outside of said batch mixer, particularly from one side of said batch mixer. Particularly said at least two seals and said at least two end-seal-devices can be changed and / or can be adjusted from outside of said batch mixer, particularly from one side of said batch mixer. Due to that, said at least two seals and said at least two end-seal-devices can be changed and / or adjusted from outside of the batch mixer, particularly from one side of said batch mixer, and there is no need for a person to enter the batch mixer, particularly said bin.

[0022] In context of the present invention changeable can also mean replaceable.

[0023] It can be provided that said batch mixer comprises two on opposite sides of said batch mixer arranged seal access devices, particularly two cover plates.

[0024] It can be provided that said seal access devices each cover a seal access, particularly said at least two seals and said at least two end-seal-devices, towards the outside, particularly the environment. Optionally said at least two seals and at least one of said at least two end-seal-devices can be changed and / or adjusted, particularly accessed, through one of said seal accesses, particularly from one side of said batch mixer, particularly preferred from outside of said batch mixer.

[0025] It can be provided that said two seal access devices are openable and / or removeable, so that said at least two seals and said at least two end-seal-devices are changeable and / or adjustable from outside of said batch mixer, particularly said at least two seals can be pulled out and / or slid in via said opened and / or removed seal access device, particularly via said seal access.

[0026] It can be provided that said batch mixer comprises guiding devices, particularly rails. Said guiding devices may be configured to guide said at least two seals.

[0027] Optionally said guiding device are fastened, particularly solely, to said mixing drum.

[0028] Preferably said guiding devices are arranged, particularly extend, along the entire length of said at least one gate, particularly along the entire length of said mixing chamber.

[0029] It can be provided that said guiding devices are arranged on two opposite sides, particularly along the length, of said at least one gate, particularly said outlet. Said at least two seals can be arranged in the guiding devices.

[0030] Preferably said guiding devices are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of said mixing chamber, particularly parallel to said mixer shaft.

[0031] Optionally said at least two seals are slide-in-able and / or are slid in and / or slide in, particularly by a tool, guided by said guiding devices.

[0032] It can be provided that said mixing chamber comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, particularly two end walls, and said jacket surface.

[0033] Preferably said at least two seals are fastened, particularly solely, at said mixing drum, particularly said guiding devices.

[0034] Optionally said at least two seals are arranged between said mixing drum and said at least one gate. It can be provided that said at least two seals are arranged on two opposite sides of said at least one gate, particularly on two opposite sides of said outlet.

[0035] Preferably said at least two seals are, particularly solely, in contact with said mixing drum, particularly said guiding devices, and said at least one gate, particularly when said at least one gate is closed.

[0036] It can be provided that said guiding devices comprise two grooves each.

[0037] Optionally said at least two seals each comprise two engagement devices, particularly two tongues.

[0038] Preferably said at least two seals are slide-in-able and / or are slid in and / or slide in, particularly are connected to said mixing drum, particularly preferred solely, through said two in said grooves of said guiding devices engaged and / or guided engagement devices, particularly said two tongues, of said at least two seals.

[0039] It can be provided that said guiding devices each comprise each two engagement devices, particularly two tongues, and particularly a groove.

[0040] Optionally said at least two seals each comprise each two grooves and particularly an engagement device, particularly preferred a tongue.

[0041] Preferably said at least two seals are slid in and / or slide in, particularly are connected to said mixing drum, particularly preferred solely, through said two in said engagement devices, particularly said two tongues, of said guiding devices engaged grooves of said at least two seals and particularly through said one in said grooves of said guiding devices engaged engagement devices, particularly said one tongue, of said at least two seals.

[0042] It can be provided that said at least two seals are arranged outside of said mixing chamber.

[0043] Optionally at least one of said at least two seals is inflatable.

[0044] Preferably at least one of said at least two seals comprises polyethylene or silicone.

[0045] It can be provided that at least one of said at least two seals is one-piece, particularly hose-like and / or at least one of said at least two seals comprises different seal parts.

[0046] Optionally said at least two end-seal-devices are arranged outside of said mixing chamber.

[0047] Preferably said at least two end-seal-devices are arranged between said mixing drum and said at least one gate,

[0048] It can be provided that said at least two end-seal-devices are fastened and / or connected, particularly solely, to said at least one gate, particularly to two opposite sides of said at least one gate. It can be provided that said at least two end-seal-devices are arranged on two opposite sides of said at least one gate, particularly on two opposite sides of said outlet.

[0049] It can be provided that said at least two end-seal-devices each comprise a plastic part and an excentric.

[0050] Optionally said plastic part is in contact with said at least two seals, particularly end zones of said at least two seals, when said end-seal-devices are mounted to said at least one gate, so that said at least one gate is sealed versus said mixing drum, particularly dust-tight, particularly preferred when said at least one gate is closed, so that said mixing chamber may be, particularly dust-tight, sealed, particularly against the outside, particularly the environment, particularly preferred against said bin.

[0051] Preferably said plastic part is connected to said excentric.

[0052] It can be provided that said excentric is movable connected, particularly connected by bolts, to said at least one gate, so that the position, particularly the tightness, of each end-seal-device can be adjusted by moving said excentric.

[0053] It can be provided that said batch mixer comprises a bin and preferably that by opening said at least one gate, particularly said outlet, the content of said batch mixer is emptied via said outlet into said bin. In context of the present invention said bin, can be understood as a surge bin.

[0054] It can be provided that said bin comprises an inspection and / or cleaning opening.

[0055] Optionally said batch mixer comprises, particularly in said top surface or in said bottom surface, an inspection and / or cleaning opening, where said inspection and / or cleaning opening may be arranged on one side of said mixing chamber.

[0056] In particular, the invention may relate to a method to change, particularly adjust, one or more, particularly damaged, seal and / or to change, particularly adjust one or more, particularly damaged, end-seal-device of a batch mixer, particularly a batch mixer according to the invention, where said seals and said end-seal-devices seal said at least one gate versus said mixing drum, particularly when said at least one gate is closed, so that said mixing chamber is, particularly dust-tight, sealed, particularly against the outside, particularly preferred the environment, optionally particularly preferred said bin.

[0057] Said method can comprise the following steps: Stop the operation of said batch mixer, particularly due to practical and safety reasons.

[0058] Open, particularly remove, said seal access device, particularly said cover plate, so that said at least two seals and said end-seal-device are accessible and changeable and / or adjustable from outside of said batch mixer, particularly via said seal access. Remove said end-seal-device by disconnecting said end-seal-device from said at least one gate, particularly by removing said bolts.

[0059] Open said at least one gate of said batch mixer.

[0060] Slide out, particularly with a tool, or pull out said, particularly damaged, seal or seals along, particularly parallel to, the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum, particularly parallel to said mixer shaft, from one side of said batch mixer, particularly from outside of said batch mixer, so that said seal or seals can be removed from outside of said batch mixer, particularly via said seal access.

[0061] Slide in, particularly with a tool, said, particularly new and / or undamaged, seal or seals along, particularly parallel to, the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum, particularly parallel to said mixer shaft, from one side of said batch mixer, particularly from outside of said batch mixer, so that said seal or seals is slid in from outside of said batch mixer, particularly via said seal access.

[0062] Close said at least one gate of said batch mixer.

[0063] Connect, particularly adjust, said end-seal-device, particularly a new and / or undamaged end-seal-device, by connecting said end-seal-device to said at least one gate, particularly by screwing in said bolts, so that said end-seal-device is in contact with said at least two seals, particularly end zones of said at least two seals, so that said at least one gate is sealed versus said mixing drum, particularly dust-tight, particularly preferred when said at least one gate is closed.

[0064] Close said seal access device, particularly said cover plate, so that seals and said end-seal-device, particularly said seal access, are covered by said seal access device.

[0065] Particularly start the operation of said batch mixer.

[0066] Preferably said at least one gate has to be open to change, adjust, slide in and / or slide out said seals and has to be closed to change, mount and / or adjust said end-seal-devices.

[0067] It can be provided that said, particularly new and / or undamaged, seal is slid in in said batch mixer with said tool, particularly along said guiding devices.

[0068] Optionally said tool comprises a rod and at least one tool part.

[0069] Preferably said at least one tool part is connected to said seal before sliding in and said at least one tool part is removed after sliding in.

[0070] It can be provided that said, particularly new and / or undamaged, seal is slid in in said batch mixer with said tool, particularly along said guiding devices.

[0071] In particular, the invention may relate to a tool and / or the use of a tool to change, particularly adjust, one or more, particularly damaged, seal and / or end-seal-device of a batch mixer, particularly a batch mixer according to the invention, where said tool may comprises a rod and two tool parts, particularly a first tool part and a second tool part, where said first tool part may be connected to said rod and said second tool part may be slidable connected to said first tool part, so that the distance between the external surfaces of said tool parts can be adjusted by sliding.

[0072] Optionally said tool parts are moveable, particular slidable, from a first position into a second position, where in said first position said both tool parts may be undisplaced, particularly aligned to each other, and in said second position both tool parts may be displaced, particularly unaligned to each other.

[0073] It can be provided that said distance of said external surfaces of said tool parts is bigger in said first position than it is in said second position.

[0074] Preferably said external surfaces of said tool parts have friction enhancement devices, particularly are ribbed.

[0075] Optionally said tool is inserted with said rod ahead in said seal through one open side of said seal, so that said tool parts slide against each other and are in said second position and said rod protrudes the second open side of said seal.

[0076] It may be provided that said rod is pushed in the direction of said two tool parts, so that said tool parts are moved to said first position and said seal is held by said two tool parts.

[0077] Optionally said seal and said connected tool parts in said seal are slid in from one side of said batch mixer, particularly from outside of said batch mixer, by pushing said rod in said batch mixer, particularly as long as said seal is in the correct and / or planned position.

[0078] In context of the present invention the correct position of said least one seal can also mean the planned or predetermined position.

[0079] Preferably said rod is moved, particularly pushed, away from said two tool parts, particularly in the direction of said rod, so that said tool parts are moved in said second position and release said seal, so that said tool can be removed from said seal and said seal remains, particularly in the correct and / or planned position, in said batch mixer.

[0080] It can be provided that said, particularly new and / or undamaged, seal is slid in in said batch mixer with said tool, particularly along said guiding devices.

[0081] In particular, the invention may relate to a tool and / or the use of a tool to change one or more, particularly damaged, seal and / or end-seal-device of a batch mixer, particularly a batch mixer according to the invention, where said tool may comprises a rod and two tool parts, particularly a first tool part and a second tool part, where an external surface of said first tool part and an internal surface of said second tool part may have friction enhancement devices, particularly are ribbed.

[0082] Preferably said first tool part is at least partly inserted in said seal through one open side of said seal.

[0083] It can be provided that said second tool part is connected with said first tool part through a fastening device, particularly through two screw-nuts screwed on two screws of said first tool part, so that said seal may be held by said first tool part arranged inside said seal and said second tool part arranged outside said seal, particularly clamped between said tool parts.

[0084] Optionally said rod is inserted in said seal through the open side of said seal, which is opposite to said tool parts.

[0085] Preferably said seal and said connected tool parts on said seal are slid in from one side of said batch mixer with said connected tool parts ahead, particularly from outside of said batch mixer, by pushing said rod in said batch mixer, particularly as long as said seal is in the correct and / or planned position.

[0086] It can be provided that both tool parts are removed from said seal by disengaging said at least one fastening device, particularly said two screw-nuts, particularly preferred on the side of said batch mixer on which said seal emerges from said batch mixer, so that said tool parts can be removed from said seal and said seal remains in said batch mixer, and that said rod may be removed from said seal, so that said rod can be removed out of said seal and said seal remains, particularly in the correct and / or plannend position, in said batch mixer.

[0087] It can be provided that said first tool part comprises two engagement devices, particularly said two tongues, and that said two engagement devices, particularly said two tongues, may engage in said grooves of said guiding devices, so that said grooves of said guiding devices can be cleaned during the slide in of said tool in said batch mixer.

[0088] Further features of the invention may be derived from the claims, the description of the examples and the figures.

[0089] The invention will now be further explained using exemplary, non-exclusive and / or non-limiting examples.

[0090] It should be noted that in the different figures and / or embodiments, the same parts may be provided with the same reference signs and / or the same designations. The disclosures contained in the entire description and / or claims can be applied mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference signs and / or the same designations. Also, the position information chosen in the description, such as for example above, below, from the right, from the left, laterally and the like, can be related to the figure that is directly described and illustrated. Fig. 1 shows a schematic graphical representation of a first embodiment of the batch mixer according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows a schematic graphical representation of a part of a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the batch mixer according to the invention along a sectional plane, Fig. 3 shows a schematic graphical representation of a part of a second embodiment of the batch mixer according to the invention, where the seal access device is removed, Fig. 4 shows a schematic graphical representation of a part of a third embodiment of the batch mixer according to the invention, where the seal access device isn't removed, Fig. 5 shows a schematic graphical representation of a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the seal access device of the batch mixer according to the invention, Fig. 6 shows a schematic graphical representation of a fourth embodiment of the batch mixer according to the invention, where the seal is slid in with a tool, Fig. 7 and 8 show a schematic graphical representation of a second and a third embodiment a batch mixer according to the invention, Fig. 9 shows a schematic graphical representation of a first embodiment of a tool according to the invention, Fig. 10 shows a schematic graphical representation of a second embodiment of a tool according to the invention.

[0091] Unless otherwise indicated, the reference signs correspond to the following parts: Batch mixer 1, mixing drum 2, mixing chamber 3, mixing means 4, outlet 5, gate 6, seal 7, mixer shaft 8, longitudinal direction of said mixing drum 9, outside of the batch mixer 10, guiding device 11, groove 12, engagement device 13, seal access device 14, end-seal-device 15, plastic part 16, excentric 17, bin 18, cleaning opening 19, tool 20, first tool part 21, second tool part 22, rod 23, seal access 24 and sectional plane 25.

[0092] Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 show schematic graphical representations of different embodiments or parts of embodiments of the batch mixer 1 according to the invention.

[0093] As shown in figure 1 the batch mixer 1 comprises a mixing drum 2, where said mixing drum 2 comprises a mixing chamber 3, wherein said mixing chamber 3 a drivable mixer shaft 8 with mixing means 4 is arranged, so that said mixing means 4 mix said components located in said mixing chamber 3 during operation of said batch mixer 1.

[0094] Said mixing means 4 are connected with said mixer shaft 8 and are preferably configured in the form of paddles connected with and radially extending from said mixer shaft 8.

[0095] Furthermore, said batch mixer 1 comprises a bin 18. As shown in the figures an outlet 5 is provided at said batch mixer 1, particularly at said mixing drum 2, for emptying said mixing chamber 3 in said bin 18.

[0096] Said batch mixer 1 comprises one gate 6 to close said outlet 5, which is for example shown in figure 6 and that by opening said gate 6 the content of said batch mixer 1 is emptied into said bin 18.

[0097] As shown in figure 2 said batch mixer 1 comprises two seals 7, where said two seals 7 extend along the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum 9 and along the length of said gate 6 on two opposite sides of said gate 6.

[0098] Said batch mixer 1 comprises two end-seal-devices 15, where said two end-seal-devices 15 extend intersecting with the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum 9 and along the width of said gate 6 on two opposite sides of said gate 6. Said two end-seal-devices 15 are fastened, particularly solely, to said gate 6.

[0099] Said two seals 7 and said two end-seal-devices 15 seal said gate 6 versus said mixing drum 2 dust-tight when said gate 6 is closed, so that said mixing chamber 3 is dust-tight sealed against the outside / environment, particularly said bin 18.

[0100] Said batch mixer 1 is configured such that said two seals 7 are slide-in-able and / or are slid in and / or slide in along the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum 9, particularly parallel to said mixer shaft 8, by a tool 20, from outside of said batch mixer 10, particularly from one side of said batch mixer 1, so that said two seals 7 are changeable and / or adjustable from said side of said batch mixer 1, from outside of said batch mixer 10.

[0101] Furthermore said gate 6 has to be open to change and slide in and / or slide out said seals 7 and has to be closed to mount and adjust said end-seal-device 15.

[0102] Said batch mixer 1 is configured such that said two end-seal-devices 15 are changeable and / or are changed from outside of said batch mixer 10.

[0103] As for example shown in the figures 1 and 4 said batch mixer 1 comprises two on opposite sides of said batch mixer 1 arranged seal access devices 14, where that said seal access devices 14 each cover a seal access 24, particularly said two seals 7 and said two end-seal-devices 15, towards the outside, particularly the environment.

[0104] Said two seal access devices 14 are openable and / or removeable, so that said two seals 7 and said two end-seal-devices 15 are changeable and / or adjustable from outside of said batch mixer 10, particularly said two seals 7 can be pulled out via said opened and / or removed seal access device 14, namely via said seal access 24.

[0105] As shown for example in figure 2, said batch mixer 1 comprises guiding devices 11, particularly rails, where said guiding devices 11 are fastened to said mixing drum 2, and where said guiding devices 11 extend along the entire length of said gate 6, particularly along the entire length of said mixing chamber 3.

[0106] Furthermore, said guiding devices 11 are arranged on two opposite sides of said gate 6, particularly said outlet 5, and are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of said mixing chamber 3. Said two seals 7 are slide-in-able and / or are slid in and / or slide in, particularly by said tool 20, guided by said guiding devices 11.

[0107] As shown in figure 2, said two seals 7 are fastened at said mixing drum 2 via said guiding devices 11 and said two seals 7 are arranged between said mixing drum 2 and said gate 6. Furthermore, said two seals 7 are in contact with said mixing drum 2, particularly said guiding devices 11, and said one gate 6, when said one gate 6 is closed.

[0108] As shown for example in figure 2, said guiding devices 11 comprise two grooves 12 each, and that said two seals 7 each comprise two engagement devices 13, namely two tongues, and that said two seals 7 are slid in and / or slide in through said two in said grooves 12 of said guiding devices 11 engaged and guided engagement devices 13, namely said two tongues, of said two seals 7.

[0109] According to the embodiment shown in figure 6, said two seals 7 are one-piece, particularly hose-like. Said two seals 7 and said two end-seal-devices 15 are arranged outside of said mixing chamber 3.

[0110] As shown in figure 5, said batch mixer 1 comprises said two end-seal-devices 15 each comprises a plastic part 16 and an excentric 17, where said plastic part 16 is in contact with said two seals 7, particularly end zones of said two seals, when said gate is closed. Furthermore, said plastic part 16 is connected to said excentric 17 and that said excentric 17 is moveable connected by bolts to said gate 6, so that the position of each end-seal-device 15 can be adjusted by moving said excentric 17.

[0111] According to one embodiment of the method to change one or more, particularly damaged, seal 7 and / or end-seal-device 15 of a batch mixer 1 according to the invention, said method comprises the following steps: Stop the operation of said batch mixer 1. Open said seal access device 14, so that said two seals 7 and said end-seal-device 15 are accessible and changeable from outside of said batch mixer 10. Remove said end-seal-device 15 by disconnecting said end-seal-device 15 from said gate 6 by removing said bolts. Open said gate 6 of said batch mixer 1. Slide out with said tool 20 said, particularly damaged, seal 7 along the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum 9 from outside of said batch mixer 10, so that said seal 7 can be removed from outside of said batch mixer 10. Slide in with said tool 20 said, particularly new and / or undamaged, seal 7 along the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum 9 from said side of said batch mixer 1, namely from outside of said batch mixer 10, so that said seal 7 is slid in from outside of said batch mixer 10. Close said gate 6 of said batch mixer 1. Connect and adjust said end-seal-device 15, particularly a new and / or undamaged end-seal-device 15, by connecting said end-seal-device 15 to said at least one gate 6 by screwing in said bolts. Close said seal access device 14, particularly said cover plate, so that seals 7 and said end-seal-device 15, particularly said seal access 24, are covered by said seal access device 14. Start the operation of said batch mixer 1.

[0112] Fig. 7 and 8 show a schematic graphical representation of a second and a third embodiment of the batch mixer 1 according to the invention.

[0113] As shown in figure 7 each guiding device 11 comprises each two engagement devices 13, namely two tongues, and a groove 12, where said two seals 7 each comprise each two grooves 12 and an engagement device 13, namely a tongue, and that said two seals 7 are slid in and / or slide in through said two in said engagement devices, namely said two tongues, of said guiding devices 11 engaged grooves 12 of said two seals 7 and through said one in said grooves 12 of said guiding devices 11 engaged engagement devices 13, namely said one tongue, of said two seals 7.

[0114] As shown in figure 8 each guiding device 11 comprises each two engagement devices 13, namely two tongues, where said two seals 7 each comprise each two grooves 12 and that said two seals 7 are slid in and / or slide in through said two in said engagement devices 13, namely said two tongues, of said guiding devices 11 engaged grooves 12 of said two seals 7.

[0115] Fig. 9 shows a schematic graphical representation of a first embodiment of said tool 20 according to the invention.

[0116] Said tool 20 comprises a rod 23 and two tool parts, namely a first tool part 21 and a second tool part 22, where said first tool part 21 is connected to said rod 23 and where said second tool part 22 is slidable connected to said first tool part 21, so that the distance between the external surfaces of said tool 20 parts is adjusted by sliding. Said tool parts 21, 22 are moveable from a first position into a second position, where in said first position said both tool parts 21, 22 are undisplaced, namely aligned to each other, and where in said second position both tool parts 21 ,22 are displaced, namely unaligned to each other. Due to that, said distance of said external surfaces of said tool parts 21, 22 is bigger in said first position than it is in said second position. Furthermore said external surfaces of said tool parts 21, 22 have friction enhancement devices, namely are ribbed.

[0117] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention said tool 20 according to figure 9 is inserted with said rod 23 ahead in said seal 7 through one open side of said seal 7, so that said tool parts 21, 22 slide against each other and are in said second position and said rod 23 protrudes the second open side of said seal 7. Then said rod 23 is pushed in the direction of said two tool parts 21, 22, so that said tool parts 21 ,22 are moved to said first position and said seal 7 is held by said two tool parts 21, 22 and said seal 7 and said connected tool parts 21, 22 in said seal 7 are slid in from said side of said batch mixer 1 with said connected tool parts 21, 22 ahead, particularly from outside of said batch mixer 10, by pushing said rod 23 in said batch mixer 1, as long as said seal 7 is in the correct position. Afterwards said rod 23 is moved, particularly pushed, away from said two tool parts 21, 22, so that said tool parts 21, 22 are moved in said second position and release said seal 7, so that said tool 10 can be removed from said seal 7 and said seal 7 remains, particularly in the correct position, in said batch mixer 1.

[0118] Fig. 10 shows a schematic graphical representation of a second embodiment of said tool 20 according to the invention.

[0119] Said tool 20 comprises a rod 23 and two tool parts 21, 22, particularly a first tool part 21 and a second tool part 22, and the external surface of said first tool part 21 and the internal surface of said second tool part 22 are ribbed. Furthermore, said first tool part 21 can be at least partly inserted in said seal 7 through one open side of said seal 7. Said second tool 22 part is connected with said first tool part 21 through two screw-nuts screwed on two screws of said first tool part 21, so that said seal 7 is held by said first tool part 21 arranged inside said seal 7 and said second tool part 22 arranged outside said seal 7, particularly clamped between said tool parts 21, 22. In addition said first tool part 21 comprises two engagement devices 13, namely two tongues, and that said two engagement devices 13, particularly said two tongues, engage in said grooves 12 of said guiding devices 11, so that said grooves 12 of said guiding devices 11 are cleaned during the slide in of said tool 20 in said batch mixer 1.

[0120] According to a second embodiment of the method according to the invention said rod 23 of said tool 20 according to figure 10 is inserted in said seal 7 through the open side of said seal 7, which is opposite to said tool parts 21, 22, and that said seal 7 and said connected tool parts 21, 22 on said seal 7 are slid in from said side of said batch mixer 1, namely from outside of said batch mixer 10, by pushing said rod 23 in said batch mixer 1, as long as said seal 7 is in the correct position. Afterwards both tool parts 21, 22 are removed from said seal 7 by disengaging said two screw-nuts, namely on the side on which said seal 7 emerges from said batch mixer 1, so that said tool parts 21, 22 can be removed from said seal 7 and said seal 7 remains in said batch mixer 1. Then said rod 23 is removed from said seal 7, so that said rod 23 can be removed out of said seal 7 and said seal 7 remains, particularly in the correct position, in said batch mixer 1.

[0121] The effects of the invention can be achieved by this exemplary configuration. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but includes any batch mixer 1 and any method according to the following patent claims.

Claims

1. Batch mixer (1), particularly mixing device for mixing different components, where said batch mixer (1) comprises a mixing drum (2), where said mixing drum (2) comprises a mixing chamber (3), wherein said mixing chamber (3) a drivable mixer shaft (8) with mixing means (4) is arranged, so that said mixing means (4) mix said components located in said mixing chamber (3) during operation of said batch mixer (1), where said mixing means (4) are connected with said mixer shaft (8) and are preferably configured in the form of paddles connected with and radially extending from said mixer shaft (8), where an outlet (5) is provided at said batch mixer (1), particularly at said mixing drum (2), particularly preferred at a jacket surface of said mixing chamber (3), for emptying said mixing chamber (3), where said batch mixer (1) comprises at least one gate (6) to close said outlet (5), where said batch mixer (1) comprises at least two seals (7), where said at least two seals (7) extend along, particularly extend parallel to, the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum (9), particularly preferred parallel to said mixer shaft (8), along the length of said at least one gate (6) on two opposite sides of said at least one gate (6), particularly at least over the entire length of said at least one gate (6), where said batch mixer (1) comprises at least two end-seal-devices (15), where said at least two end-seal-devices (15) extend intersecting with, particularly rectangular to, the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum (9), particularly intersecting with said mixer chamber and / or said mixer shaft (8), along the width of said at least one gate (6) on two opposite sides of said at least one gate (6), particularly at least over the entire width of said at least one gate (6), and where said at least two seals (7) and said at least two end-seal-devices (15) seal said at least one gate (6) versus said mixing drum (2), particularly dust-tight, when said at least one gate (6) is closed, so that said mixing chamber (3) is, particularly dust-tight, sealed, particularly against the outside, characterized in, - that said batch mixer (1) is configured such that said at least two seals (7) are slide-in-able and / or are slide-out-able along, particularly parallel to, the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum (9), particularly parallel to said mixer shaft (8), particularly preferred by a tool (20), from outside of said batch mixer (10), so that said at least two seals (7) are changeable and / or adjustable from outside of said batch mixer (10), - and that said batch mixer (1) is configured such that said at least two end-seal-devices (15) are changeable and / or adjustable from outside of said batch mixer (10).

2. Batch mixer (1) according to claim 1, characterized in - that said batch mixer (1) comprises two on opposite sides of said batch mixer (1) arranged seal access devices (14), particularly two cover plates, - that said seal access devices (14) each cover a seal access (24), particularly said at least two seals (7) and said at least two end-seal-devices (15), towards the outside, - and that said two seal access devices (14) are openable and / or removeable, so that said at least two seals (7) and said at least two end-seal-devices (15) are changeable and / or adjustable from outside of said batch mixer (10), particularly said at least two seals (7) can be pulled out via said opened and / or removed seal access device (14), particularly via said seal access (24).

3. Batch mixer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in, - that said batch mixer (1) comprises guiding devices (11), particularly rails, - that said guiding devices (11) are fastened, particularly solely, to said mixing drum (2), - that said guiding devices (11) extend along the entire length of said at least one gate (6), particularly along the entire length of said mixing chamber (3), - that said guiding devices (11) are arranged on two opposite sides of said outlet (5), particularly said at least one gate (6), - where particularly said guiding devices (11) are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of said mixing chamber (3), particularly parallel to said mixer shaft (8), - and that said at least two seals (7) are slide-in-able and / or are slid in, particularly by a tool (20), guided by said guiding devices (11).

4. Batch mixer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in, - that said mixing chamber (3) comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, particularly two end walls, and said jacket surface, - and / or that said at least two seals (7) are fastened, particularly solely, at said mixing drum (2), particularly said guiding devices (11), - and / or that said at least two seals (7) are arranged between said mixing drum (2) and said at least one gate (6), - and / or that said at least two seals (7) are, particularly solely, in contact with said mixing drum (2), particularly said guiding devices (11), and said at least one gate (6), when said at least one gate (6) is closed.

5. Batch mixer (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, - that said guiding devices (11) comprise two grooves (12) each, - that said at least two seals (7) each comprise two engagement devices (13), particularly two tongues, - and that said at least two seals (7) are slid in and / or slide in, particularly are connected to said mixing drum (2), particularly preferred solely, through said two in said grooves (12) of said guiding devices (11) engaged and / or guided engagement devices (13), particularly said two tongues, of said at least two seals (7).

6. Batch mixer (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, - that said guiding devices (11) each comprise each two engagement devices (13), particularly two tongues, and particularly a groove (12), - that said at least two seals (7) each comprise each two grooves (12) and particularly an engagement device (13), particularly preferred a tongue, - and that said at least two seals (7) are slid in and / or slide in, particularly are connected to said mixing drum (2), particularly preferred solely, through said two in said engagement devices (13), particularly said two tongues, of said guiding devices (11) engaged grooves (12) of said at least two seals (7) and particularly through said one in said grooves (12) of said guiding devices (11) engaged engagement devices (13), particularly said one tongue, of said at least two seals (7).

7. Batch mixer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in - that said at least two seals (7) are arranged outside of said mixing chamber (3), - and / or that at least one of said at least two seals (7) is inflatable, - and / or that at least one of said at least two seals (7) comprises polyethylene or silicone, - and / or that at least one of said at least two seals (7) is one-piece, particularly hose-like, - and / or that at least one of said at least two seals (7) comprises different seal parts, - and / or that said at least two end-seal-devices (15) are arranged outside of said mixing chamber (3), - and / or that said at least two end-seal-devices (15) are arranged between said mixing drum (2) and said at least one gate (6), - and / or that said at least two end-seal-devices (15) are fastened, particularly solely, to said at least one gate (6).

8. Batch mixer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in - that said batch mixer (1) comprises said at least two end-seal-devices (15), - that said at least two end-seal-devices (15) each comprise a plastic part (16) and an excentric (17), - that said plastic part (16) is in contact with said at least two seals (7), particularly end zones of said at least two seals (7), when said at least one gate is closed, - that said plastic part (16) is connected to said excentric (17), - and that said excentric (17) is moveable connected, particularly connected by bolts, to said at least one gate (6), so that the position of each end-seal-device (15) can be adjusted by moving said excentric (17).

9. Batch mixer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that said batch mixer (1) comprises a bin (18), - and that by opening said at least one gate (6) the content of said batch mixer (1) is emptied into said bin (18).

10. Batch mixer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - that said bin (18) comprises an inspection and / or cleaning opening (19), - and / or that said batch mixer (1) comprises, particularly in said top surface or in said bottom surface, an inspection and / or cleaning opening (19), - where said inspection and / or cleaning opening (19) is arranged on one side of said mixing chamber (3).

11. Method to change one or more, particularly damaged, seal (7) and / or end-seal-device (15) of a batch mixer (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 10, where said seals (7) and said end-seal-devices (15) seal said at least one gate (6) versus said mixing drum (2), when said at least one gate (6) is closed, so that said mixing chamber (3) is, particularly dust-tight, sealed, particularly against the outside, where said method comprises the following steps: - Stop the operation of said batch mixer, - Open, particularly remove, said seal access device (14), so that said at least two seals (7) and said end-seal-device (15), particularly said seal access (24), are accessible and changeable from outside of said batch mixer (10), - Remove said end-seal-device (15) by disconnecting said end-seal-device (15) from said at least one gate (6), particularly by removing said bolts, - Open said at least one gate (6) of said batch mixer (1), - Slide out, particularly with a tool (20), or pull out said, particularly damaged, seal (7) along, particularly parallel to, the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum (9), particularly parallel to said mixer shaft (8), from outside of said batch mixer (10), so that said seal (7) can be removed from outside of said batch mixer (10), - Slide in, particularly with said tool (20), said, particularly new and / or undamaged, seal (7) along, particularly parallel to, the longitudinal direction of said mixing drum (9), particularly parallel to said mixer shaft (8), from outside of said batch mixer (10), so that said seal (7) is slid in from outside of said batch mixer (10), - Close said at least one gate (6) of said batch mixer (1), - Connect said end-seal-device (15), particularly a new and / or undamaged end-seal-device (15), by connecting said end-seal-device (15) to said at least one gate (6), particularly by screwing in said bolts, - Close said seal access device (14), so that seals (7) and said end-seal-device (15), particularly said seal access (24), are covered by said seal access device (14).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in - that said, particularly new and / or undamaged, seal (7) is slid in in said batch mixer (1) with said tool (20), particularly along said guiding devices (11), - and / or that said tool (20) comprises a rod (23) and at least one tool part (21, 22), - and where said at least one tool part (21, 22) is connected to said seal (7) before sliding in and removed after sliding in.

13. Method according to claim 11, characterized in - that said, particularly new and / or undamaged, seal (7) is slid in in said batch mixer (1) with said tool (20), particularly along said guiding devices (11), - that said tool (20) comprises a rod (23) and two tool parts (21, 22), particularly a first tool part (21) and a second tool part (22), - that said first tool part is connected to said rod (23), - that said second tool part (22) is slidable connected to said first tool part (21), so that the distance between the external surfaces of said tool parts (21, 22) is adjusted by sliding, - that said tool parts (21, 22) are moveable from a first position into a second position, - that in said first position said both tool parts (21, 22) are undisplaced, particularly aligned to each other, - that in said second position both tool parts (21, 22) are displaced, particularly unaligned to each other, - that said distance of said external surfaces of said tool parts (21, 22) is bigger in said first position than it is in said second position, - that said external surfaces of said tool parts (21, 22) have friction enhancement devices, particularly are ribbed, - that said tool (20) is inserted with said rod (23) ahead in said seal (7) through one open side of said seal (7), so that said tool parts (21, 22) slide against each other and are in said second position and said rod (23) protrudes the second open side of said seal (7), - that said rod (23) is pushed in the direction of said two tool parts (21, 22), so that said tool parts (21, 22) are moved to said first position and said seal (7) is held by said two tool parts (21, 22), - that said seal (7) and said connected tool parts (21, 22) in said seal (7) are slid in from one side of said batch mixer (1) with said connected tool parts (21, 22) ahead, particularly from outside of said batch mixer (10), by pushing said rod (23) in said batch mixer (1), as long as said seal (7) is in the correct position, - and that said rod (23) is moved, particularly pushed, away from said two tool parts (21, 22), so that said tool parts (21, 22) are moved in said second position and release said seal (7), so that said tool (10) can be removed from said seal (7) and said seal (7) remains, particularly in the correct position, in said batch mixer (1).

14. Method according to claim 11, characterized in - that said, particularly new and / or undamaged, seal (7) is slid in in said batch mixer (1) with said tool (20), particularly along said guiding devices (11), - that said tool (20) comprises a rod (23) and two tool parts (21, 22), particularly a first tool part (21) and a second tool part (22), - that an external surface of said first tool part (21) and an internal surface of said second tool part (22) have friction enhancement devices, particularly are ribbed, - that said first tool part (21) is at least partly inserted in said seal (7) through one open side of said seal (7), - that said second tool (22) part is connected with said first tool part (21) through a fastening device, particularly through two screw-nuts screwed on two screws of said first tool part (21), so that said seal (7) is held by said first tool part (21) arranged inside said seal (7) and said second tool part (22) arranged outside said seal (7), particularly clamped between said tool parts (21, 22), - that said rod (23) is inserted in said seal (7) through the open side of said seal (7), which is opposite to said tool parts (21, 22), - that said seal (7) and said connected tool parts (21, 22) on said seal (7) are slid in from one side of said batch mixer (1), particularly from outside of said batch mixer (10), by pushing said rod (23) in said batch mixer (1), as long as said seal (7) is in the correct position, - and that both tool parts (21, 22) are removed from said seal (7) by disengaging said at least one fastening device, particularly said two screw-nuts, particularly preferred on the side of said batch mixer (1) on which said seal (7) emerges from said batch mixer (1), so that said tool parts (21, 22) can be removed from said seal (7) and said seal (7) remains in said batch mixer (1), - and that said rod (23) is removed from said seal (7), so that said rod (23) can be removed out of said seal (7) and said seal (7) remains, particularly in the correct position, in said batch mixer (1).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in - that said first tool part (21) comprises two engagement devices (13), particularly said two tongues, - and that said two engagement devices (13), particularly said two tongues, engage in said grooves (12) of said guiding devices (11), so that said grooves (12) of said guiding devices (11) are cleaned during the slide in of said tool (20) in said batch mixer (1).

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