Rotary paddle for kneader and kneader

Abstract

To suppress the breakage of granular materials in a paste during kneading.SOLUTION: In a kneader 1, rotary paddles 40 are stored in the kneading chamber 12 of a case 10. The rotary paddles 40 for the kneader are provided with a base part 42 formed with a fitting hole 43 inserted with a long shaft body 20, a protrusion 44 protruded from the base part 42 toward outside in a radial direction and a paste flow channel 46 penetrating the protrusion 44 along a circumferential direction. In the kneader 1, the flow of the paste is divided into a shear point C1 being a gap between the protrusion 44 and the inside wall 12w of the kneading chamber 12 and the paste flow channel 46. Then, the paste inflow amount to the shear point C1 can be reduced, impact onto a granular material is reduced and the breakage of the granular material can be suppressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rotating paddle for a kneader and a kneader equipped with the rotating paddle for the kneader.

Background Art

[0002] Paste materials such as electrode composite materials for secondary batteries are prepared by kneading granular materials and a dispersion medium. For this kneading process, a continuous kneader equipped with a plurality of rotating paddles is used. For example, in the kneader described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-296066, both ends of a plurality of parallel main shafts penetrating a kneading chamber are rotatably supported. And, a large number of paddles are attached to the portion of each main shaft inside the kneading chamber. And, the tip of the paddle moves while maintaining a minute interval from the wall surface of the kneading chamber (or a paddle attached to another main shaft). According to such a configuration, it is said that the deflection of the main shaft is suppressed. Further, this document discloses a hollow paddle. This hollow paddle is said to be able to further suppress the deflection of the main shaft.

[0003] Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-106532 discloses a rotating paddle used in a continuous kneader for kneading an electrode binder paste. This rotating paddle includes a main body portion rotatable about the axis of the continuous kneader, a first blade for flowing the electrode binder paste in the same direction as the conveying direction of the electrode binder paste, a second blade for flowing the electrode binder paste in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, and a protrusion disposed between the first blade and the second blade. According to the rotating paddle having such a configuration, it is said that the temperature rise of the electrode binder paste during kneading can be suppressed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in recent years, in paste materials in various fields, it has been proposed to use granular materials having specific shapes and particle sizes. However, due to a rapid increase in the shearing force during kneading, there is a risk that the granular materials in the paste are damaged. In this case, it becomes difficult to maintain the shape and particle size of the granular materials in the paste after kneading.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The rotary paddle for a kneader disclosed herein (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "rotary paddle") has been made to solve the above problems.

[0007] The rotary paddle for a kneader disclosed herein includes a base portion in which a mounting hole through which a long shaft body is inserted is formed, a convex portion protruding radially outward from the base portion, and a paste flow path penetrating the convex portion along the circumferential direction.

[0008] According to the rotary paddle having the above configuration, breakage of the granular materials during kneading can be prevented. Specifically, a normal rotary paddle is housed inside the kneading chamber. And a part of the paste in the kneading chamber passes through the gap (shearing point) between the tip of the convex portion of the rotary paddle and the inner wall of the kneading chamber. Since a strong shearing force is applied to the paste passing through this shearing point, the degree of kneading progresses greatly. On the other hand, if a large amount of paste suddenly flows into the shearing point, a change in the shear stress applied to the granular materials may occur or a large impact may be applied to the granular materials, so there is a risk that the granular materials are damaged. In contrast, the rotary paddle disclosed herein includes a paste flow path penetrating the convex portion along the circumferential direction. As a result, the flow of the paste in the circumferential direction is divided into the shearing point and the paste flow path, so that the amount of paste flowing into the shearing point can be reduced. As a result, the change in the shear stress and the impact on the granular materials can be reduced, so that breakage of the granular materials can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology disclosed herein will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that matters other than those specifically mentioned in this specification and necessary for the implementation of the technology disclosed herein can be grasped as design matters of those skilled in the art based on the prior art in the relevant field. The technology disclosed herein can be implemented based on the content disclosed in this specification and common general knowledge in the relevant field.

[0011] <Material to be kneaded> First, the paste to be kneaded will be described. The paste refers to a mixture in which granular materials are dispersed in a dispersion medium. Therefore, the "paste" in this specification includes slurries, inks, and the like. Note that the "granular materials" is a term that widely includes granular solids and is not particularly limited to specific materials. Also, the "dispersion medium" is a term that widely includes materials that can be mixed with granular materials. That is, the "dispersion medium" here includes, in addition to liquid media such as aqueous dispersion media and non-aqueous dispersion media, viscous materials (such as resin materials) having a kneadable viscosity. Further, the paste may contain materials other than granular materials and the dispersion medium (such as binders). Note that the technology disclosed here is not limited to the kneading target. That is, the kneader disclosed here can be widely used for the production of various pastes.

[0012] As an example of the kneading target (paste) of the kneader disclosed here, an electrode mixture paste can be mentioned. The electrode mixture paste is a precursor of the electrode active material layer of a secondary battery. This electrode mixture paste contains an electrode active material as a granular material. For example, as the electrode active material for the positive electrode (positive electrode active material), lithium transition metal composite oxides and the like can be mentioned. Also, as the electrode active material for the negative electrode (negative electrode active material), carbon materials such as graphite can be mentioned. Among these, graphite used as the negative electrode active material has a layered structure and is thus easily peeled (damaged) by the impact during kneading. However, according to the kneader disclosed here, the peeling of graphite can also be preferably suppressed.

[0013] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the kneader disclosed herein will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the kneader according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional arrow view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rotary paddle according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view of the rotary paddle according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional arrow view taken along line V-V in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional arrow view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4. In each figure, reference numerals X, Y, and Z represent the width direction, the depth direction, and the height direction, respectively. Also, reference numerals L, R, F, Rr, U, and D represent left, right, front, rear, upper, and lower, respectively. However, these are merely directions defined for convenience of explanation and do not limit the usage mode of the kneader disclosed herein.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the kneader 1 according to the present embodiment includes a case 10, a shaft body 20, a drive mechanism 30, and a rotary paddle 40. Hereinafter, each component will be specifically described.

[0015] 1. Case 10 The case 10 is a container having a kneading chamber 12 to which paste is supplied. The case 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a rectangular parallelepiped box extending in the depth direction Y. The kneader 1 according to the present embodiment is a twin-screw kneader having a first shaft body 20A and a second shaft body 20B (see FIG. 2). The case 10 of this twin-screw kneader includes a first kneading chamber 12A that houses the first shaft body 20A and a second kneading chamber 12B that houses the second shaft body 20B. The first kneading chamber 12A and the second kneading chamber 12B are columnar spaces extending substantially parallel along the depth direction (the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2). And the first kneading chamber 12A and the second kneading chamber 12B communicate with each other at the central portion in the width direction X of the case 10. Note that the dimensions of the case 10 and the kneading chamber 12 can be appropriately changed according to the kneading target and the like, so detailed description thereof is omitted. Also, for the case 10, a material having a certain strength can be used without particular limitation. Examples of the material of the case 10 include metals such as iron, aluminum, and zirconia and their alloys.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, a supply port 14 is provided at the rear Rr-side end of the case 10. This supply port 14 is an opening that communicates with the upper part of the kneading chamber 12. The paste to be kneaded is supplied into the kneading chamber 12 through the supply port 14. Although not shown, the case 10 may be provided with a plurality of supply ports. In this case, the paste materials (granular materials, dispersion media, binders, etc.) can be individually supplied to the kneading chamber 12. On the other hand, a discharge port 16 is provided at the front F-side end of the case 10. This discharge port 16 is an opening that communicates with the lower part of the kneading chamber 12. By opening this discharge port 16, the kneaded paste can be dropped by its own weight. Further, a pedestal 18 for supporting the case 10 is attached to this kneader 1.

[0017] 2. Shaft body 20 The shaft body 20 is a long rod-shaped member that penetrates the case 10. The shaft body 20 shown in FIG. 1 is a columnar member extending in the depth direction Y. The rear end 20r and the front end 20f of the shaft body 20 respectively project outside the case 10. The rear end 20r and the front end 20f are rotatably supported by bearings 25. Further, the central portion 20c of the shaft body 20 is accommodated in the kneading chamber 12. A plurality of rotating paddles 40 are attached to the central portion 20c of this shaft body 20. Also, as described above, the kneader 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first shaft body 20A and a second shaft body 20B. As shown in FIG. 2, the first shaft body 20A is arranged so that the center of the first shaft body 20A and the center of the first kneading chamber 12A overlap. Similarly, the second shaft body 20B is arranged so that the center of the second shaft body 20B and the center of the second kneading chamber 12B overlap. Note that the dimensions (diameter, length) of the shaft body 20 can be changed as appropriate, so detailed description is omitted. Also, for the shaft body 20, a material having a certain strength can be used without particular limitation. Examples of the material of the shaft body 20 include metals such as iron, aluminum, and zirconia, and alloys thereof.

[0018] 3. Drive mechanism 30 The drive mechanism 30 is a device that rotates the shaft body 20. The drive mechanism 30 shown in FIG. 1 is attached to the rear end 20r of the shaft body 20. The rear end 20r of the shaft body 20 is close to the supply port 14. Therefore, by attaching the drive mechanism 30 to the rear end 20r, the material introduced into the case 10 can be kneaded more appropriately. And, as shown in FIG. 2, the drive mechanism 30 in the present embodiment rotates both the first shaft body 20A and the second shaft body 20B counterclockwise (see arrows R1 and R2 in FIG. 2). Note that the drive mechanism can use any conventionally known device that can be used for rotating the shaft body without particular limitation, and does not limit the technology disclosed herein. Therefore, the description of the detailed structure of the drive mechanism is omitted.

[0019] 4. Rotating paddle 40 As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of rotating paddles 40 are attached to the shaft body 20. Each rotating paddle 40 is configured to rotate as the shaft body 20 rotates. Thereby, the paste in the kneading chamber 12 is kneaded while being transferred forward F. In the kneader 1 shown in FIG. 1, 16 rotating paddles 40 are attached to one shaft body 20. However, the number of rotating paddles 40 attached to one shaft body 20 can be appropriately changed according to the kneading target and the like. For example, the number of rotating paddles 40 may be 3 to 40, may be 4 to 35, or may be 5 to 30. Also, similar to the case 10 and the shaft body 20, the rotating paddle 40 can use a material having a certain strength (for example, metals such as iron, aluminum, zirconia and their alloys) without particular limitation.

[0020] The kneader 1 according to the present embodiment includes a rotating paddle 40 having the configuration shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. This rotating paddle 40 includes a base portion 42, a convex portion 44, and a paste flow path 46. Hereinafter, the rotating paddle 40 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described.

[0021] (1) Base portion 42 The base 42 is the portion where a mounting hole 43 through which the long shaft body 20 is inserted is formed. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the base 42 in this embodiment is a cylindrical portion having the mounting hole 43. Note that the thickness T (the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter) of the base 42 in FIG. 5 may be 12 mm or more, or may be 15 mm or more. Thereby, the strength of the rotary paddle 40 can be ensured. On the other hand, the thickness T of the base 42 may be 25 mm or less, may be 22 mm or less, or may be 20 mm or less. Thereby, a sufficient paste flow path 46 described later can be ensured.

[0022] Also, the mounting hole 43 is a columnar opening that penetrates the rotary paddle 40 in the depth direction Y. As described above, the shaft body 20 is inserted into this mounting hole 43. Although not shown, a plurality of long concave stripes extending in the axial direction (depth direction Y) are formed on the inner wall 43a of the mounting hole 43. On the other hand, a plurality of long convex stripes extending in the axial direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body 20. And the concave stripes of the mounting hole 43 are fitted with the convex stripes of the shaft body 20. Thereby, the rotary paddle 40 can be rotated following the rotation of the shaft body 20.

[0023] (2) Convex portion 44 The convex portion 44 is a portion that protrudes radially outward from the base 42. Note that the "radial direction" in this specification is based on the center of the shaft body 20 (mounting hole 43). As shown in FIG. 2, when the rotary paddle 40 is housed in the kneading chamber 12, the tip 44a of the convex portion 44 is close to the inner wall 12w of the kneading chamber 12. And a part of the paste during kneading is sheared at the gap between the tip 44a of the convex portion 44 and the inner wall 12w of the kneading chamber 12 (hereinafter referred to as "first shear point C" 1 "). Specifically, in the kneading chamber 12 shown in FIG. 2, a flow space A surrounded by the side edge 40e of the rotary paddle 40 and the inner wall 12w of the kneading chamber 12 is formed. Most of the paste during kneading is transferred forward (in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2) in the flow space A while swirling. At this time, a part of the paste during kneading flows into the first shear point C 1 This first shear point C 1The paste that has flowed in is sheared between the tip 44a of the convex portion 44 that moves in the circumferential direction and the inner wall 12w of the fixed kneading chamber 12. Due to the strong shearing force at this time, the degree of kneading of the paste progresses significantly. Note that the first shear point C 1 The dimension h1 may be 10 mm or less, or may be 8 mm or less. As the first shear point C 1 becomes narrower, the shearing force becomes stronger, so the degree of kneading of the paste tends to progress. On the other hand, the dimension h1 of the first shear point C 1 may be 1 mm or more, or may be 5 mm or more. As the first shear point C 1 becomes wider, the shearing force becomes weaker, so damage to the granular material can be suppressed.

[0024] Also, as described above, the kneader 1 according to the present embodiment is a twin-screw kneader in which two shaft bodies 20A and 20B are arranged substantially in parallel. In this twin-screw kneader, a first rotating paddle 40A is attached to the first shaft body 20A, and a second rotating paddle 40B is attached to the second shaft body 20B. As a result, a minute gap (hereinafter referred to as the "second shear point C 2 ") is also formed between the tip 44a of the convex portion 44 of the first rotating paddle 40A and the tip 44a of the convex portion 44 of the second rotating paddle 40B. The paste being kneaded is also sheared at the second shear point C 2 . Thus, in the twin-screw kneader, many shear points are generated in the kneading chamber 12, so it has excellent kneading efficiency. Note that the dimension of the second shear point C 2 is preferably made approximately the same as the dimension h1 of the first shear point C 1 . This can prevent the paste flow in the kneading chamber 12 from being biased.

[0025] As shown by the arrows R1 and R2 in FIG. 2, at the second shear point C 2 , the tip 44a of the first rotating paddle 40A rotates from below D toward above U, and the tip 44a of the second rotating paddle 40B rotates from above U toward below D. Thus, at the second shear point C 2 , the paste is sheared between two members rotating in opposite directions. As a result, the second shear point C 2In this case, since a particularly strong shearing force is applied to the paste, the granular material is likely to be damaged. On the other hand, although it will be described in detail later, according to the technique disclosed herein, since the paste flow path 46 is provided in the convex portion 44, the paste inflow rate to the second shearing point C 2 can be reduced. As a result, the damage to the granular material at the second shearing point C 2 can be particularly preferably prevented.

[0026] In the rotating paddle 40 according to the present embodiment, a plurality (three in FIGS. 2 to 5) of convex portions 44 are formed. As a result, a plurality of shearing points C 1 , C 2 are generated in the kneading chamber 12, so that more excellent kneading performance can be exhibited. Further, the three convex portions 44 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical base portion 42. And the three convex portions 44 form a substantially triangular shape circumscribing the cylindrical base portion 42. That is, the front shape of the rotating paddle 40 according to the present embodiment is substantially triangular due to the three convex portions 44. Note that the "substantially triangular shape" in this specification refers to a triangle in which each vertex (that is, the tip of the convex portion) is rounded. Further, the rotating paddle 40 shown in FIG. 2 is a substantially equilateral triangle in which the lengths of the three side edges 40e are equal. For this reason, the distances from the tips 44a of the three convex portions 44 to the center of the mounting hole 43 are substantially equal. As a result, the inflow amounts of the paste to the respective shearing points C 1 , C 2 become uniform, so that the deviation of the paste flow can be prevented.

[0027] (3) Paste flow path 46 The paste flow path 46 is an opening penetrating the convex portion 44 along the circumferential direction. Note that the "circumferential direction" in this specification is a direction along the rotation direction of the shaft body 20 (see the arrows R1 and R2 in FIG. 2). In the kneading machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the rotating paddle 40 rotates, a part of the paste existing in the flow space A passes through the paste flow path 46 (see the arrows F 1 ~F 3 in FIG. 2). As a result, the flow of the paste in the circumferential direction is the first shearing point C 1 (or the second shearing point C 2) and is divided into the paste flow path 46. As a result, the inflow amount of the paste to the first shear point C 1 (or the second shear point C 2 ) is reduced, so that the shearing force applied to the granular material in the paste can be weakened. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the granular material from being damaged during the kneading of the paste.

[0028] In addition, in the present embodiment, the paste being kneaded passes through the paste flow path 46. As a result, different from the case where the rotating paddle is miniaturized and the shear point is widened, it is possible to prevent damage to the granular material while maintaining high stirring performance. Specifically, when the rotating paddle is miniaturized and the shear point is widened, the shearing force applied to the paste becomes weak, so that while damage to the granular material can be prevented, there is a possibility that the stirring performance will be greatly reduced. On the other hand, in the case of the present embodiment, a part of the paste is supplied to the shear points C 1 ~C 3 and is sufficiently stirred. The paste passing through the shear points C 1 ~C 3 causes a swirling flow by the tip 44a of the convex portion 44. By the swirling paste merging with other paste, the stirring of the other paste can also proceed. Then, the paste after merging is again divided into the shear points C 1 ~C 3 and the paste flow path 46. As described above, the kneader 1 according to the present embodiment can maintain high stirring performance despite preventing damage to the granular material by repeating the division and merging of the paste.

[0029] Note that the width w (see FIG. 4) of the paste flow path 46 is preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 20 mm or more, and particularly preferably 30 mm or more. Thereby, since the paste flow rate to the first shear point C 1 (or the second shear point C 2 ) can be further reduced, damage to the granular material can be more suitably suppressed. On the other hand, the width w of the paste flow path 46 is preferably 150 mm or less, more preferably 120 mm or less, still more preferably 100 mm or less, and particularly preferably 80 mm or less. Thereby, the first shear point C 1(or the second shearing point C 2 ), sufficient kneading performance can be ensured because sufficient paste flow rate to (the second shearing point C

[0030] ) can be secured. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the paste flow path 46 in the present embodiment forms a linear flow path in the depth direction Y. In other words, in the rotary paddle 40 according to the present embodiment, the width w of the paste flow path 46 does not change while going from the inlet 46a to the outlet 46b. Further, the side walls of the paste flow path 46 do not change in position in the depth direction Y while going from the inlet 46a to the outlet 46b. By forming such a linear paste flow path 46, the flow of the paste can be stabilized.

[0031] Also, the height h2 (see FIG. 4) of the paste flow path 46 is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, and particularly preferably 8 mm or more. Thereby, the paste flow rate to the first shearing point C 1 (or the second shearing point C 2 ) can be further reduced, so that breakage of the granular material can be more suitably suppressed. On the other hand, the height h2 of the paste flow path 46 is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 13 mm or less, and particularly preferably 10 mm or less. Thereby, sufficient kneading performance can be ensured because sufficient paste flow rate to the first shearing point C 1 (or the second shearing point C 2 ) can be secured.

[0032] Also, the height h2 of the paste flow path 46 is preferably set in consideration of the relationship with the dimension h1 of the shearing points C 1 , C 2 (see FIG. 2). Thereby, the flow of the paste in the circumferential direction during kneading can be appropriately divided into each of the paste flow path 46 and the shearing points C 1 , C 2 . Specifically, the shearing points C 1 , C 2The ratio h2 / h1 of the height h2 of the paste flow path 46 to the dimension h1 is preferably 5 times or more, more preferably 7.5 times or more, and particularly preferably 10 times or more. As a result, the amount of paste flowing into the paste flow path 46 increases, so that the pulverization of the granular material can be more suitably suppressed. On the other hand, the upper limit value of the ratio h2 / h1 is preferably 20 times or less, more preferably 15 times or less, and particularly preferably 12.5 times or less. As a result, the amount of paste flowing into the shear points C 1 , C 2 increases, so that the kneading performance is improved.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the paste flow path 46 in the present embodiment is formed in each of the plurality (three) of convex portions 44. As a result, excessive paste inflow can be suppressed for all of the plurality of shear points C 1 , C 2 . As a result, breakage of the granular material can be more appropriately suppressed. Further, the three paste flow paths 46 are formed on the same circumference. In other words, each paste flow path 46 is curved along the circumferential direction so that the formation positions in the radial direction (the distance from the center of the rotary paddle 40) are substantially the same. As a result, the paste passing through the three paste flow paths 46 forms an annular flow F 1 ~F 3 . As a result, bias in the paste flow is less likely to occur, so that the degree of kneading of the paste can be made uniform.

[0034] (4) Guide groove 48 The rotating paddle 40 according to this embodiment is provided with a guide groove 48 for allowing paste to flow into the paste flow path 46. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide groove 48 is a concave portion that is recessed radially inward from the side surface of the rotating paddle 40. And, as shown in FIG. 3, the guide groove 48 extends toward the paste flow path 46. As a result, a part of the paste flowing through the flow space A can easily flow into the paste flow path 46. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the guide groove 48 in this embodiment extends from the outlet of one paste flow path 46 toward the inlet of the other paste flow path 46. That is, in the rotating paddle 40 according to this embodiment, two adjacent paste flow paths 46 in the circumferential direction are connected via the guide groove 48. As a result, an annular paste flow F 1 ~F 3 (see FIG. 2) is more likely to be formed, so that the kneading performance can be further improved. Further, the guide groove 48 shown in FIG. 2 is inclined radially inward as it approaches the paste flow path 46. Specifically, in this embodiment, the guide groove 48 is formed to become deeper as it approaches the paste flow path 46. As a result, the inflow and outflow of the paste to and from the paste flow path 46 become smoother.

[0035] 5. Effects of this embodiment As described above, according to the rotating paddle 40 according to this embodiment, damage to the granular material in the paste can be suppressed. Specifically, a part of the paste during kneading passes through the first shear point C 1 and the second shear point C 2 . The paste passing through these shear points C 1 , C 2 is subjected to a strong shearing force, so that while the degree of kneading progresses greatly, the granular material is likely to be damaged. On the other hand, the rotating paddle 40 according to this embodiment is provided with a paste flow path 46 that penetrates the convex portion 44 along the circumferential direction. As a result, the flow of the paste in the circumferential direction is divided into the paste flow path 46 and the shear points C 1 , C 2 , so that the amount of paste flowing into the shear points C 1 , C 2 is reduced. As a result, the amount of paste flowing into the shear points C 1, C 2 Since the shearing force in C is small, damage to the granular material can be suppressed.

[0036] As described above, one embodiment of the technology disclosed herein has been described. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, other embodiments of the technology disclosed herein will be described.

[0037] <Second Embodiment> As shown in FIG. 4, in the first embodiment, the tip 44a of the convex portion 44 is formed over the entire rotation paddle 40 in the depth direction Y. As a result, the tip 44a of the convex portion 44 separates the paste flow path 46 from the outside (shearing point) of the rotation paddle 40. According to such a configuration, sufficient strength of the tip 44a of the convex portion 44 can be ensured. However, the shape of the paste flow path 46 is not limited to such a form. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the rotation paddle 40 may have a bypass groove 47 that connects the paste flow path 46 and the outside of the paddle. This bypass groove 47 penetrates a part of the tip 44a of the convex portion 44 and communicates the paste flow path 46 and the outside of the paddle. In the rotation paddle 40 having such a configuration, through the bypass groove 47, the paste can move between the shearing point (C 1 , C 2 ) and the paste flow path 46. As a result, the paste with increased pressure at the shearing point and the low-pressure paste passing through the paste flow path 46 merge. As a result, vortices are generated in the flow of the paste during kneading, and thus more suitable kneading may be possible depending on the material to be kneaded.

[0038] <Third Embodiment> The rotary paddle 40 according to the first to second embodiments has each part (such as the base 42 and the convex part 44) integrally formed. This rotary paddle is formed by casting a metal material or cutting a ingot. Such an integrally formed rotary paddle has the advantage of having excellent strength. On the other hand, the rotary paddle disclosed herein is not limited to the integrally formed rotary paddle. For example, the rotary paddle may be constructed by assembling a plurality of parts. Hereinafter, an example of an assembled rotary paddle will be described.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a rotary paddle according to the third embodiment. FIGS. 9 to 12 are perspective views showing the parts of the rotary paddle shown in FIG. 8. This rotary paddle 40 is formed by assembling a plurality of parts. Specifically, the rotary paddle 40 shown in FIG. 8 has a front plate 51, a back plate 52, a first spacer 53, a second spacer 54, and fastening members 55a and 55b. Hereinafter, each member will be described.

[0040] The front plate 51 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is a substantially triangular plate-like member having a first opening 51a at the center. The front plate 51 constitutes the front surface of the assembled rotary paddle 40 (see FIG. 8).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 8, the back plate 52 is a substantially triangular plate-like member facing the front plate 51. The back plate 52 has a second opening 52a that overlaps the first opening 51a in the axial direction (the depth direction Y in FIG. 8). The back plate 52 constitutes the back surface of the assembled rotary paddle 40. Note that, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the front plate 51 and the back plate 52 can use plate-like members having the same configuration.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 11, the first spacer 53 is a cylindrical member having a third opening 53a. Specifically, the third opening 53a of the first spacer 53 is an opening having a diameter substantially equal to that of the above-described first opening 51a and second opening 52a. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the first spacer 53, which is a cylindrical member, becomes a surface forming one side wall of the paste flow path 46. As shown in FIG. 8, the first spacer 53 is sandwiched between the front plate 51 and the back plate 52 so that the third opening 53a overlaps the first opening 51a and the second opening 52a. At this time, the portion where the first opening 51a, the second opening 52a, and the third opening 53a communicate becomes the mounting hole 43. Further, the portion where the front plate 51, the first spacer 53, and the back plate 52 are laminated becomes the base portion 42.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 12, the second spacer 54 is a substantially triangular prism-shaped member. Specifically, the second spacer 54 includes a top portion 54a corresponding to the tip 44a of the convex portion 44 of the rotary paddle 40 and a curved surface 54b forming the other side wall of the paste flow path 46. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when assembling the rotary paddle 40, three second spacers 54 are used. These three second spacers 54 are respectively sandwiched between the vertex 51b of the substantially triangular front plate 51 and the vertex 52b of the substantially triangular back plate 52. At this time, the top portion 54a of each second spacer 54 is directed outward in the radial direction, and the curved surface 54b is directed outward in the radial direction. As a result, the portions where the front plate 51, the second spacer 54, and the back plate 52 are laminated respectively become the convex portions 44. Further, the space surrounded by the front plate 51, the back plate 52, the first spacer 53, and the second spacer 54 becomes the paste flow path 46.

[0044] Next, the fastening members 55a and 55b in Fig. 8 are screw-shaped members for fastening the front plate 51, the back plate 52, the first spacer 53, and the second spacer 54. As shown in Fig. 9, the front plate 51 is provided with screw holes 51c penetrating the front plate 51 along the axial direction (depth direction Y). Also, as shown in Figs. 10 to 12, the other members (back plate 52, first spacer 53, second spacer 54) are also provided with similar screw holes 52c, 53c, and 54c. When the members are arranged as described above, the respective screw holes 51c to 54c are arranged so as to overlap. In this state, the rotation paddle 40 can be assembled by screwing the fastening members 55a and 55b into the respective screw holes 51c to 54c. The fastening member 55a tightened at each vertex of the substantially triangular rotation paddle 40 fastens the front plate 51, the back plate 52, and the second spacer 54. Also, the fastening member 55b tightened at the middle position of each side edge of the rotation paddle 40 fastens the front plate 51, the back plate 52, and the first spacer 53. Note that the number of fastening members is not limited to the number shown in Fig. 8. For example, in Fig. 8, when fastening one second spacer 54, the front plate 51, and the back plate 52, one fastening member 55a is used. However, by using a plurality (typically two or more) of fastening members in the combination of these parts, the parts can be connected more firmly.

[0045] As described above, the rotation paddle 40 shown in Fig. 8 is constructed by assembling a plurality of parts. This assembled rotation paddle 40 has the advantage that it can be reused by replacing the damaged part even if some parts are damaged. Also, the assembled rotation paddle 40 has the advantage that the dimensions of the paste flow path 46 can be adjusted by replacing the first spacer 53 or the second spacer 54. Thereby, it is possible to cope with changes in the kneader and the kneading target at low cost.

[0046] In addition, in the rotating paddle 40 shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, each component of the front plate 51 to the second spacer 54 is configured to be separable. However, in the case of an assembled rotating paddle, some components may be integrated. For example, the first spacer 53 and the second spacer 54 may be integrally connected to the opposing surface 51d of the front plate 51 in FIG. 8. In this case, the rotating paddle can be constructed simply by combining the front plate having two spacers and the flat back plate. According to such a configuration, the assembly work can be simplified and the component strength can be improved. Note that the member for integrally connecting the first spacer 53 and the second spacer 54 is not limited to the front plate 51. For example, the first spacer 53 may be integrally connected to the opposing surface 51d of the front plate 51, and the second spacer 54 may be integrally connected to the opposing surface 52d of the back plate 52. Even when such a configuration is adopted, a rotating paddle having a desired shape can be constructed.

[0047] Also, each component constituting the rotating paddle 40 may have a concave-convex structure that fits with each other. Thereby, each component can be more firmly connected and displacement during connection can be suppressed. For example, when concave grooves are formed on the opposing surface 51d of the front plate 51 and the opposing surface 52d of the back plate 52, protrusions having dimensions corresponding to the concave grooves may be formed on the first spacer 53 and the second spacer 54. Thereby, the concave-convex structures of the components can be suitably fitted.

[0048] <Fourth Embodiment> The rotating paddle 40 according to the first to third embodiments includes three convex portions 44 that form a substantially triangular shape circumscribing the cylindrical base portion 42. However, in the technology disclosed herein, the shape and number of the convex portions are not particularly limited.

[0049] For example, the rotary paddle 40 according to the fourth embodiment includes two convex portions 44 (see FIG. 13). Specifically, the rotary paddle 40 according to the fourth embodiment includes a cylindrical base portion 42, similar to the rotary paddle 40 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 3). Here, the rotary paddle 40 shown in FIG. 13 includes a convex portion 44 protruding upward U from the cylindrical base portion 42 and a convex portion 44 protruding downward U from the cylindrical base portion 42. And these two convex portions 44 form an elliptical (almond-shaped) rotary paddle 40 circumscribing the cylindrical base portion 42. And the paste flow path 46 is formed so as to penetrate each of the two convex portions 44 in the circumferential direction. Also in the rotary paddle 40 having such a configuration, since the flow of the paste during kneading can be divided into the paste flow path 46 and the shear point (the gap between the tip 44a of the convex portion 44 and the inner wall of the kneading chamber), damage to the granular material can be suppressed.

[0050] <Fifth Embodiment> Also, as another example of a rotary paddle having convex portions of different shapes, the rotary paddle 40 shown in FIG. 14 is cited. The rotary paddle 40 according to this fifth embodiment includes a cylindrical base portion 42. And the convex portion 44 in the fifth embodiment is a plate-like member protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical base portion 42. This plate-like convex portion 44 is twisted so that the formation position in the circumferential direction changes as it goes toward the rear Rr in the axial direction (depth direction Y). Also in the rotary paddle 40 having such a configuration, if the paste flow path 46 is formed so as to penetrate the plate-like convex portion, the flow of the paste during kneading can be divided and damage to the granular material can be suppressed.

[0051] <Sixth Embodiment> As described above, in the first embodiment, a linear paste flow path 46 is formed in which the width w (see FIG. 6) does not change while going from the inlet 46a to the outlet 46b. However, such a configuration does not limit the technology disclosed herein. For example, the rotary paddle 40 according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 15 has a different structure of the paste flow path 46 from that of the first embodiment. This FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view when the rotary paddle is cut in a plane including the width direction and the depth direction so as to pass through the paste flow path. As shown in FIG. 15, in the sixth embodiment, the width w2 of the paste flow path 46 at the outlet 46b is narrower than the width w1 of the paste flow path 46 at the inlet 46a. That is, in the rotary paddle 40 according to the sixth embodiment, the paste flow path 46 converges from the inlet 46a toward the outlet 46b. Thereby, since the flow of the paste is accelerated in the paste flow path 46, it can contribute to the improvement of the stirring efficiency.

[0052] <Seventh Embodiment> Also, as another example of the structure of the paste flow path, the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 16 can be cited. The paste flow path 46 in this seventh embodiment advances obliquely from the rear Rr to the front F in the depth direction Y while maintaining a constant width w1 as it goes from the inlet 46a to the outlet 46b. According to such a configuration, the paste flowing out from the outlet 46b of the paste flow path 46 can be made to flow in two directions, the circumferential direction and the axial direction (depth direction Y). Thereby, it can contribute to the improvement of the stirring efficiency.

[0053] <Other Embodiments> As described above, the rotary paddle disclosed herein is characterized by having a paste flow path that penetrates the convex portion along the circumferential direction. However, the shape and number of formed paste flow paths do not limit the technology disclosed herein. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, paste flow paths 46 are formed in all of the plurality of convex portions 44 (see FIGS. 3, 7, 8, 13, 14, etc.). However, the paste flow path may be formed in at least a part of the plurality of convex portions and does not necessarily have to be formed in all of the convex portions. Even in this case, breakage of the granular material can be sufficiently suppressed. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, a plurality of paste flow paths 46 are formed on the same circumference (that is, the formation positions of each paste flow path 46 in the radial direction coincide). However, the formation positions of the plurality of paste flow paths in the radial direction do not have to coincide. Even in this case, breakage of the granular material can be sufficiently suppressed. Further, a guide groove 48 is connected to the paste flow path 46 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 3, etc.). However, even if the guide groove is not formed, if the paste flow path is formed in the convex portion, breakage of the granular material at the shearing point can be suppressed.

[0054] The technology disclosed herein has been described in detail above. However, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples exemplified above. That is, the technology disclosed herein includes the forms described in Items 1 to 11 below.

[0055] [Item 1] A base portion in which a mounting hole through which a long shaft body is inserted is formed, A convex portion protruding radially outward from the base portion, A paste flow path that penetrates the convex portion along the circumferential direction, and A rotary paddle for a kneader, comprising:

[0056] [Item 2] The rotary paddle for a kneader according to Item 1, wherein a plurality of the convex portions are formed.

[0057] [Item 3] The rotary paddle for a kneader according to item 2, wherein the paste flow path is formed in each of the plurality of convex portions.

[0058] [Item 4] The rotary paddle for a kneader according to item 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of paste flow paths are formed on the same circumference.

[0059] [Item 5] The base portion is a cylindrical portion formed around the mounting hole, The plurality of convex portions are three convex portions formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical base portion, The three convex portions form a substantially triangular shape circumscribing the cylindrical base portion. The rotary paddle for a kneader according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

[0060] [Item 6] A front plate which is a substantially triangular plate member having a first opening at the center, A rear plate which is a substantially triangular plate member facing the front plate and having a second opening overlapping the first opening in the axial direction, A cylindrical member having a third opening, and a first spacer sandwiched between the front plate and the rear plate so that the third opening overlaps the first opening and the second opening, A substantially triangular prism-shaped member, and three second spacers each sandwiched between the apex of the substantially triangular front plate and the apex of the substantially triangular rear plate, A fastening member for fastening the front plate, the rear plate, the first spacer, and the second spacer are provided, The mounting hole is formed by the communication of the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening, The base portion is formed by the lamination of the front plate, the first spacer, and the rear plate, The convex portion is formed by the lamination of the front plate, the second spacer, and the rear plate, The paste flow path is a space surrounded by the front plate, the back plate, the first spacer, and the second spacer, and is the rotary paddle for a kneader according to item 5.

[0061] [Item 7] The first spacer protrudes from one of the plate-like members of the front plate and the back plate toward the other plate-like member. The second spacer protrudes from one of the plate-like members of the front plate and the back plate toward the other plate-like member, and is the rotary paddle for a kneader according to item 6.

[0062] [Item 8] On the side surface of the convex portion, a guide groove extending toward the paste flow path is formed, and it is the rotary paddle for a kneader according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0063] [Item 9] The guide groove is inclined toward the inside in the radial direction as it approaches the paste flow path, and it is the rotary paddle for a kneader according to item 8.

[0064] [Item 10] A case having a kneading chamber to which paste is supplied; A long shaft body penetrating the case; A drive mechanism for rotating the shaft body; A plurality of rotary paddles attached to the shaft body and is provided with At least one of the plurality of rotary paddles is the rotary paddle for a kneader according to any one of items 1 to 9, and it is a kneader.

[0065] [Item 11] It is a twin-screw kneader in which the two shaft bodies are arranged substantially in parallel, and it is the kneader according to item 10.

Explanation of Signs

[0066] 1 Kneader 10 Case 12 Kneading Chamber 20 Shaft Body 25 bearings 30 drive mechanism 40 rotating paddle 42 base 43 mounting hole 44 convex part 46 paste flow path 47 bypass groove 48 guide groove 51 front panel 52 back panel 53 first spacer 54 second spacer

Claims

1. A base portion formed with a mounting hole through which a long shaft body is inserted, a convex portion protruding radially outward from the base portion, and a paste flow path penetrating the convex portion along the circumferential direction and comprising a rotary paddle for a kneader.

2. The rotary paddle for a kneader according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the convex portions are formed.

3. The rotary paddle for a kneader according to claim 2, wherein the paste flow path is formed in each of the plurality of convex portions.

4. The rotary paddle for a kneader according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of paste flow paths are formed on the same circumference.

5. The base portion is a cylindrical portion formed with the mounting hole at the center, the plurality of convex portions are three convex portions formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical base portion, and the three convex portions form a substantially triangular shape circumscribing the cylindrical base portion. The rotary paddle for a kneader according to claim 2.

6. A front plate which is a substantially triangular plate-like member having a first opening at the center, a back plate which is a substantially triangular plate-like member facing the front plate and having a second opening overlapping the first opening in the axial direction, a cylindrical member having a third opening, and a first spacer sandwiched between the front plate and the back plate so that the third opening overlaps the first opening and the second opening, a substantially triangular prism-shaped member, and three second spacers each sandwiched between the apex of the substantially triangular front plate and the apex of the substantially triangular back plate, and a fastening member for fastening the front plate, the back plate, the first spacer, and the second spacer. and comprising the mounting hole is configured by the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening communicating with each other, the base portion is configured by laminating the front plate, the first spacer, and the back plate, the convex portion is configured by laminating the front plate, the second spacer, and the back plate, and the paste flow path is a space surrounded by the front plate, the back plate, the first spacer, and the second spacer. The rotary paddle for a kneader according to claim 5.

7. The first spacer protrudes from one of the plate-like members of the front plate and the back plate toward the other plate-like member, and the second spacer protrudes from one of the plate-like members of the front plate and the back plate toward the other plate-like member. The rotary paddle for a kneader according to claim 6.

8. The rotary paddle for a kneader according to claim 1, wherein a guide groove extending toward the paste flow path is formed on a side surface of the convex portion.

9. The rotary paddle for a kneader according to claim 8, wherein the guide groove is inclined toward the inner side in the radial direction as it approaches the paste flow path.

10. A case having a kneading chamber to which paste is supplied, A long shaft body penetrating the case, A drive mechanism for rotating the shaft body, And a plurality of rotary paddles attached to the shaft body are provided, The kneader, wherein at least one of the plurality of rotary paddles is a rotary paddle for a kneader according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The kneader according to claim 10, which is a twin-screw kneader in which the two shaft bodies are arranged substantially in parallel.

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