Mixer having closing cover

Abstract

To provide a mixer in which a discharge opening can be easily opened and closed, and in which the risk of contamination of a drive unit of a closing cover is significantly reduced.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a mixer, comprising: a mixing container, which is retained in a machine stand, and has an outlet opening arranged in a bottom of the mixing container; and a closure cover which can reciprocate between a closed position where the closing cover closes the outlet opening, and an open position where the closing cover does not close the outlet opening. In order to provide a mixer in which the outlet opening can be easily opened and closed, and a risk of contamination of a drive unit of the closing cover is significantly reduced, the closing cover is connected to the machine stand by a four-bar linkage mechanism having four rotary joints. A first rotary joint and a second rotary joint of the four-bar linkage mechanism are disposed on the closing cover, and a third rotary joint and a fourth rotary joint of the four-bar linkage mechanism are disposed on the machine stand.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixer comprising a mixing container held on a machine base, the mixing container having a discharge port at its bottom, and a closing cover provided which is reciprocally movable between a closed position where the closing cover closes the discharge port and an open position where the closing cover does not close the discharge port.

Background Art

[0002] Such mixing devices are known. In many cases, these have a container that is rotatable about the axis of the container. Further, inside the container, a rotatable mixing tool is usually arranged. In such an arrangement, the mixing tool is rotatable about a mixer shaft arranged parallel to the axis of rotation of the container, and is characterized in that, for example, a mixing blade is fixed to the mixer shaft.

[0003] Such mixing devices are known, for example, from Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a mixer device substantially corresponding to the mixer device known from Patent Document 1. In this arrangement, FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the mixing container, while FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view along the mixer device.

[0004] The cylindrical mixing container 101 has a cantilever-mounted mixing tool 102 arranged on a central shaft 103 having an eccentric, laterally arranged mixing blade 104 inside the mixing container, and a fixed wall portion / bottom scraper 105 vertically mounted in a cantilever manner from above. A bottom blade 106 protruding vertically downward and operating at a slight interval with respect to the surface of the container bottom is fixed to the lowermost blade surface of the mixing tool 102.

[0005] At the center of the mixing container 101, a discharge opening 107 is arranged. The discharge opening 107 can be closed by a closing cover 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the closing cover 108 is connected to the carrier arm 110 using a mounting fork and a mounting pin 109, and thus is rotatable about the tilt axis of the mounting pin 109. The carrier arm 110 is rotatably attached using a rotation axis 111. A return element (not shown) provides that the closing cover 108 takes a predetermined position with respect to the carrier arm 110 without an external force acting thereon.

[0006] When the discharge opening 107 is closed, that is, when the closing cover 108 is arranged within the discharge opening 107, the closing cover 108 partitions a plane identical to the bottom surface of the container. As a result, a flat bottom surface is formed, and the material to be mixed thereon moves. Thereby, since there is no dead space where the bottom blade 106 does not reach above the closing cover, efficient mixing of all the materials to be mixed is ensured.

[0007] The requirement that the closing cover be arranged at the same height as the bottom surface of the container causes difficulties regarding the configuration and guidance of the design of the closing cover.

[0008] Basically, in order to open the discharge opening, it is necessary to linearly move the closing cover downward. However, due to the arrangement of the discharge opening at the bottom of the container, the mixed material may flow over all end faces of the closing cover, possibly soiling the drive part of the closing cover. Furthermore, the residual deposits of the material to be mixed remain lying on the flat closing cover and do not flow out together with the remaining part of the material to be mixed. However, since the contact surface between the closing cover and the discharge opening is substantially cylindrical or conical, it is impossible for the closing cover to rotate outward from the discharge opening.

[0009] In the case of a mixing container and a closing cover provided with an exchangeable wear coating, particularly in the case of a mixing container additionally hermetically sealed, it is known that the cylindrical contact surfaces of the closing cover and the discharge opening are particularly well sealed. However, due to the thickness of the bottom of the mixing container and the wear coating fixed thereon, when the closing cover is opened, before shifting to the rotational movement, it must be moved along the cylindrical contact surface a long distance as parallel as possible to the inside of the discharge opening. Preferably, in such a case, the upper side of the closing cover rotates downward in the direction of the axis of the discharge opening in order to allow the mixed material disposed thereon to completely flow away. For this reason, the drive part of the closing cover shown in Fig. 2 allows both rotation around axis 111 and rotation around axis 109 interlocked with a return element. For example, a known closing cover provided with a return element as shown in Patent Document 2 has a high manufacturing cost and cannot be easily cleaned. Due to the rotational movement of the closing cover, the closing cover needs to have a certain clearance within the discharge opening so as to be rotatable from the discharge opening. Due to the gap formed as a result, even when the discharge opening is closed, the components of the material to be mixed may leak from the container. Furthermore, in order to place it again on the opening and ensure sealing, after the emptying operation, the closing cover must be thoroughly cleaned. Furthermore, the material to be mixed accumulates in the region of the rotation axis 109 on the lower side of the closing cover and may hinder the rotation operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] In view of the above-described state of the art, an object of the present invention is to provide a mixer capable of easily opening and closing a discharge opening and having a significantly reduced risk of contamination of the drive unit of the closing cover.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0012] According to the present invention, the object is achieved by connecting a closing cover to a machine base by a four-bar link mechanism having four rotary joints, with the first rotary joint and the second rotary joint of the four-bar link mechanism arranged on the machine base and the third rotary joint and the fourth rotary joint of the four-bar link mechanism arranged on the closing cover.

[0013] Therefore, the movement of the closing cover relative to the machine base, and thus relative to the mixing container, can be individually adapted by the four-bar link mechanism. In this case, the third rotary joint and the fourth rotary joint can be arranged directly on the closing cover. Alternatively, further elements can be fixed to the closing cover, on which the third rotary joint and the fourth rotary joint are arranged.

[0014] In this regard, it is advantageous if all the joint axes of the four-bar link mechanism are arranged parallel to each other.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the first joint of the four-bar linkage mechanism is connected to the fourth joint of the four-bar linkage mechanism using a crank element. The joint axis of the first joint and the joint axis of the fourth joint are spaced apart from each other by a distance c. The second joint of the four-bar linkage mechanism is connected to the third joint of the four-bar linkage mechanism using a lever element. The joint axis of the second joint and the joint axis of the third joint are spaced apart from each other by a distance a. The third joint of the four-bar linkage mechanism is connected to the fourth joint of the four-bar linkage mechanism using a connecting element of length f, and the joint axis of the third joint and the joint axis of the fourth joint are spaced apart from each other by a distance b. Therefore, the connecting element may be longer than the distance b. The joint axes of the first joint and the second joint are spaced apart from each other by a distance g.

[0016] Furthermore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a closing cover is fixed to the connecting element. In this case, the connecting element may extend not only between the third joint and the fourth joint but also up to the closing cover. The third joint may be arranged at the end of the connecting element, i.e., on the opposite side of the closing cover.

[0017] To provide the driving movement of the closing cover that enters and exits the discharge opening, in a preferred embodiment, the joint axis of the second joint is in the form of a shaft, a driving device for rotating the shaft is provided, and the lever element is fixed to the shaft such that the lever element rotates around the joint axis of the joint when the shaft rotates. Alternatively, preferably, the joint axis of the first joint is in the form of a shaft, a driving device for rotating the shaft is provided, and the crank element is fixed to the shaft such that the crank element rotates around the joint axis of the joint when the shaft rotates.

[0018] Therefore, in order to open and close the closing cover, in order to realize the desired movement of the closing cover, it is only necessary to drive the shaft.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting element is arranged substantially perpendicular to the closing cover.

[0020] Generally, the closing cover has a flat inner surface facing the inside of the mixing cover in the closed position, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and an end surface extending on the outer periphery connecting the inner surface and the outer surface together. Arranging the connecting element perpendicular to the closing cover means that the connecting element is arranged perpendicular to the inner surface of the closing cover and does not extend into the interior of the mixing container in this regard.

[0021] By way of example, the joint axes of the third joint and the fourth joint, and the connection points where the connecting element is connected to the closing cover are in a common plane extending perpendicular to the outer surface and / or the inner surface of the closing cover.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the length a is shorter than the length c. Due to the fact that the lever element is shorter than the crank element, this results in a movement that is initially substantially linear to move the closing cover from the closing opening and then transitions to a rotational movement.

[0023] In this case, it is advantageous if the length c approximately corresponds to the sum of the length a and the distance e, such as 0.9 ≦ (a + e) / c ≦ 1.1, preferably 0.95 ≦ (a + e) / c ≦ 1.05, and particularly preferably c = a + e. In this case, e is the distance between the first joint axis and the second joint axis in a direction perpendicular to the straight line connecting the third joint axis and the fourth joint axis. The distance b is the distance between the first joint axis and the second joint axis in a direction parallel to the straight line connecting the third joint axis and the fourth joint axis. Therefore, the distance g is derived from the formula: e2 + d2 = g2.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, the first joint is closer to the plane in which the discharge port is arranged than the second joint.

[0025] It is even more advantageous if the fourth joint is closer to the closing cover than the third joint.

[0026] Furthermore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, in the closed position of the closing cover, the crank element and the lever element extend substantially parallel to each other. In the closed position of the closing cover, it is even more preferable that the crank element and the lever element having the connecting element form an angle between 80 degrees and 100 degrees. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the ratio of the length f of the connecting element to the distance b between the third joint axis and the fourth joint axis is between 2 and 10.

[0027] In an even more preferred embodiment, 0.75 ≦ d / b ≦ 1.5, and particularly preferably, 0.85 ≦ d / b ≦ 1.2.

[0028] Advantageously, the crank element and the lever element are rod-shaped. Preferably, the connecting element is also rod-shaped.

[0029] In an even more preferred embodiment, in the movement of the closing cover from the closed position to the open position, the lengths of the crank element, the connecting element, and the lever element are coordinated in the same way as the positions of the four joints so that the protrusion of the end of the closing cover on the bottom of the container towards the shaft does not enter the region of the discharge port.

[0030] With this design configuration, the material to be mixed is prevented from falling from the discharge port when the closing cover is opened, so that it does not fall onto the crank element, the lever element, the third joint, and the fourth joint and contaminate them to the extent that it severely affects the movement of the four-bar linkage mechanism. Basically, the closing cover protects the four-bar linkage mechanism from the falling of the material to be mixed and significantly extends the service life of the linkage mechanism. Furthermore, since the joints are generally not contaminated by the material to be mixed, the cleaning effort is reduced.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, the closing cover is circular with a radius r, and preferably, the connecting element is connected at the same position as the center point of the closing cover.

[0032] If a≦c, and preferably 0.1≦r / a≦1.2, it is even more advantageous.

[0033] In a further preferred configuration, the ratio a / e is set to 0.9≦a / e≦20, and particularly preferably 1.0≦a / e≦10. This is particularly advantageous especially when c approximately corresponds to the sum of a and e.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, the mixing container is rotatable about the axis of the mixing container, and the four-bar linkage mechanism is arranged so as not to rotate about the axis of the mixing container together with the mixing container. In an even more particularly preferred embodiment, the straight line extends through the third joint axis and the fourth joint axis of the axis of the mixing container and through the center point of the closing cover.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] Further advantages, features and possible uses will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0036]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0037] Figures 1 and 2 show the prior art mixers already described in this specification.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a perspective view from below of an embodiment of a mixer according to the present invention. The figure shows the bottom of a cylindrical mixing vessel 1 rotatably mounted on a machine base 2. At the lower surface of the mixing vessel 1, a closed opening is shown where a closing cover 3 is arranged. The closing cover 3 is fixed to a connecting element 4 on which a third joint shaft 10 and a fourth joint shaft 11 are arranged in sequence thereon.

[0039] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a mixer according to the present invention with the closing cover in a (partially) open position. The closing cover 3 has an end face 13. The connecting element 4 is connected to the closing cover 3 which is not exactly in the closed position at the position shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the closing cover is circular and the connecting element is connected to the central point 12 of the circular shape of the closing cover 3. The discharge port 5 is arranged at the bottom of the mixing vessel 1. The connecting element 4 is connected to the machine base 2 using both a crank element 7 and a lever element 6.

[0040] A first rotary joint 8 engaged by the crank element and a second rotary joint 9 engaged by the lever element are fixed to the machine base.

[0041] In order to reciprocate the closing cover 3 between the closed position and the open position, the crank element is driven by a corresponding drive device (not shown) via a shaft through the rotary joint 8 so that the crank element can rotate about the joint shaft of the shaft. Also, a connecting element 4 can be found in which an axis for the third rotary joint 10 and an axis for the fourth rotary joint 11 are arranged.

[0042] Figure 5 shows a side view of the mixer according to the present invention shown in Figure 4 with the closing cover in a (partially) open position.

[0043] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the mechanism. The four-bar linkage mechanism has a first rotary joint and second rotary joints 8 and 9 fixed to the machine base 2. The third rotary joint 10 and the fourth rotary joint 11 are fixed to the connecting element 4.

[0044] The first rotary joint 8 is connected to the fourth rotary joint 11 using the crank element 7. The second rotary joint 9 is connected to the third rotary joint 10 using the lever element 6.

[0045] The connecting element 4 not only connects the third rotary joint 10 and the fourth rotary joint 11, but also extends to the closing cover 3 and engages with the center point 12 of the closing cover there. The connecting element is arranged perpendicular to the closing cover. The third rotary joint 10 is at the end of the connecting element 4 on the side opposite to the closing cover 3.

[0046] In order to ensure that the material to be mixed does not fall onto the first rotary joint 8 or the second rotary joint 9, when moving from the closed position to the open position in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the mixing container, the point on the end face 13 of the closing cover 3 facing the first rotary joint and the second rotary joints 8 and 9 should be kept as far as possible from the first rotary joint 8. In this case, the closing cover 3 also covers the rotary joints 10 and 11 at the same time to prevent contamination by the material to be mixed.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the lever element 6 has a length of 500 mm. The length c of the crank element is 600 mm. The connecting element 4 has an overall length of 350 mm, and the third rotary joint and the fourth rotary joint are spaced apart from each other by a distance b of 60 mm. The distance d between the first rotary joint and the second rotary joint is also 60 mm, the same as the distance b. The closing cover has a radius r of 250 mm.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0048] 1 Mixing container 2 Machine base 3. Closed Cover 4. Connecting Element 5. Outlet 6. Lever Element 7. Crank Element 8, 9, 10, 11. Rotating Joint 12. Center Point of the Closed Cover 13. End Face 101. Mixing Container 102. Mixing Tool 103. Central Shaft 104. Mixing Blade 105. Wall / Bottom Scraper 106. Bottom Blade 107. Discharge Opening 108. Closed Cover 109. Mounting Pin 110. Carrier Arm 111. Rotating Axis 112. Transfer Box

Claims

1. A mixer comprising a mixing container held by a machine table, the mixing container having a discharge port at the bottom thereof, and a closing cover that is reciprocally movable between a closed position where the closing cover closes the discharge port and an open position where the closing cover does not close the discharge port. The closing cover is connected to the machine table by using a four-bar link mechanism having four rotary joints, the first rotary joint and the second rotary joint of the four-bar link mechanism being arranged on the closing cover, and the third rotary joint and the fourth rotary joint of the four-bar link mechanism being arranged on the machine table. A mixer characterized by this.

2. The mixer according to claim 1, wherein all joint axes of the four-bar link mechanism are arranged parallel to each other.

3. The first joint of the four-bar link mechanism is connected to the fourth joint of the four-bar link mechanism by using a crank element of length c, the second joint of the four-bar link mechanism is connected to the third joint of the four-bar link mechanism by using a lever element of length a, and the third joint of the four-bar link mechanism is connected to the fourth joint of the four-bar link mechanism by using a connecting element of length b. The joint axis of the first joint and the joint axis of the second joint are arranged at an interval g from each other. The interval between the first joint axis and the second joint axis in a direction perpendicular to the straight line connecting the third joint axis and the fourth joint axis is e, and the interval between the first joint axis and the second joint axis in a direction parallel to the straight line connecting the third joint axis and the fourth joint axis is d. Preferably, a) the first joint is arranged in a plane where the discharge port is arranged, closer to the discharge port than the second joint, and / or b) the fourth joint is positioned closer to the closing cover than the third joint. The mixer according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by this.

4. The mixer according to claim 3, wherein 0.9 ≦ (a + e) / c ≦ 1.1, preferably 0.95 ≦ (a + e) / c ≦ 1.05, and particularly preferably c = a + e.

5. The mixer according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that the closing cover is fixed to the connecting element.

6. The joint axis of the second joint is in the form of a shaft, a drive device for rotating the shaft is provided, and the lever element rotates around the joint axis of the joint when the shaft rotates. The lever element is fixed to the shaft, or preferably, the joint axis of the first joint is in the form of a shaft, a drive device for rotating the shaft is provided, and the crank element rotates around the joint axis of the joint when the shaft rotates. The crank element is fixed to the shaft. The mixer according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by any one of the above.

7. The mixer according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the connecting element is arranged substantially perpendicular to the closing cover.

8. The mixer according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the ratio of the length f of the connecting element to the interval b between the third joint axis and the fourth joint axis is 2 ≤ f / b ≤ 10.

9. The mixer according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the ratio of the interval d to the interval b is 0.75 ≤ d / b ≤ 1.5, and preferably 0.85 ≤ d / b ≤ 1.

2.

10. The mixer according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the crank element and the lever element extend substantially parallel to each other in the closed position of the closing cover.

11. In the movement of the closing cover from the closed position to the open position, the lengths of the crank element, the connecting element and the lever element are coordinated so that the protrusion of the end of the closing cover on the bottom towards the shaft does not enter the region of the discharge port, similar to the positions of the four joints. The mixer according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized by the above.

12. The closing cover is circular with a radius r, and preferably, the connecting element is connected to the closing cover at its center point. The mixer according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that.

13. The mixer according to claim 12, characterized in that a ≤ c, and preferably, 0.1 ≤ r / a ≤ 1.

2.

14. The mixing container is rotatable about the axis of the mixing container, and the four-bar linkage mechanism is arranged so as not to rotate about the axis of the mixing container together with the mixing container. The mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that.

15. The straight line extending through the third joint axis and the fourth joint axis is on the axis of the mixing container and extends through the center point of the closing cover. The mixer according to any one of claims 3 to 14, characterized in that.

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