Plate mixer

Abstract

To provide a plate-type mixer that enables mixing objects having flowability to be mixed continuously and also enables their mixing just after they merges with each other.SOLUTION: A plate-type mixer has: a mixer body having stacked plates; and supply channels that supply mixing objects having flowability into the mixer body, respectively. The plates form, in the mixer body, a mixing area that enables the mixing objects respectively supplied from the supply channels to pass through at least one or more plates, thus mixing the mixing objects. The mixer body has a merging area that enables the mixing objects respectively supplied from the supply channels to merge with each other, the merging area formed at a position adjacent to the mixing area. The mixing objects in the merging area are caused to flow into the mixing area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plate-type mixer including a plurality of superimposed plates, in which a plurality of mixable objects having fluidity are mixed by passing between the plates.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a mixing device for mixing a plurality of types of mixable objects having fluidity such as liquids and powders, a so-called batch-type mixing device is known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, this mixing device includes a mixing container 102 provided with stirring means 101 and the like, and a plurality of tanks 103, 104, 105 in which mixable objects having fluidity such as aqueous solutions, lubricating oils, and emulsifiers are stored. And a tank 106 in which the mixture of these mixable objects is stored. In this mixing device 100, a plurality of types of mixable objects supplied from each of the tanks 103, 104, 105 to the mixing container 102 are mixed by the stirring means 101 and the like, and then discharged to the tank 106.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Since the above-described mixing device 100 is a so-called batch type, the mixture cannot be continuously produced.

[0006] Also, when mixing powder and water (liquid), when the powder is put into water, the surface is instantaneously hydrated and easily forms so-called lumps, i.e., dams. Therefore, it is necessary to mix them almost simultaneously with the confluence of the powder and water (i.e., uniformly disperse the powder in water). However, in the batch-type mixing device 100 as described above, after each mixing object (powder and water) is supplied to the mixing container 102, since these multiple types of mixing objects are mixed in the mixing container 102, after the powder and water merge, they may not be mixed immediately. In this case, lumps are likely to occur, and it is difficult to ensure the quality of the mixture (the thing obtained by mixing multiple mixing objects).

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a plate-type mixer capable of continuously mixing fluidizable mixing objects with each other and capable of mixing them immediately after these mixing objects merge with each other.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] The plate-type mixer of the present invention includes a mixer body having a plurality of plates superposed in a predetermined direction, and a plurality of supply channels for respectively supplying fluidizable mixing objects into the mixer body. The plurality of plates form, in the mixer body, a mixing region in which the mixing objects supplied from the respective plurality of supply channels pass between at least one pair of plates, thereby mixing these mixing objects with each other. The mixer body has a confluence region for confluencing the mixing objects supplied from the respective plurality of supply channels, the confluence region being formed at a position adjacent to the mixing region, and causing the mixing objects in the confluence region to flow into the mixing region.

[0009] According to such a configuration, since the objects to be mixed supplied from each of the plurality of supply channels are mixed with each other by passing between at least one pair of plates, the objects to be mixed are continuously supplied to the confluence region through each supply channel, and the objects to be mixed supplied from each supply channel are continuously mixed with each other in the mixing region (between the at least one pair of plates). Moreover, since the mixing region is formed at a position (immediately downstream position) adjacent to the confluence region, each object to be mixed supplied to the confluence region immediately flows into the mixing region. Therefore, each object to be mixed supplied from the plurality of supply channels to the confluence region flows into the mixing region and is mixed immediately after merging with other objects to be mixed.

[0010] In the plate mixer, The confluence region is formed by a plurality of spaces between plates including the space between the at least one pair of plates, Corresponding spaces between the plurality of plates forming the confluence region may communicate with each other in the confluence region.

[0011] In this way, by configuring the corresponding spaces between plates to communicate with each other to merge the objects to be mixed supplied from each supply channel, that is, by using a part of the spaces between the plurality of plates in the mixer body as the confluence region, the size of the mixer body can be reduced.

[0012] Also, in the plate mixer, The confluence region is formed by a plurality of spaces between plates including the space between the at least one pair of plates and arranged continuously in the stacking direction, The plate partitioning two adjacent spaces among the plurality of spaces between plates may have a through hole communicating the two spaces between plates at a part corresponding to the confluence region.

[0013] In this way, by communicating between adjacent plates through the through-holes of the plate that partitions between two adjacent plates and merging the objects to be mixed supplied from each supply flow path, that is, by using a part between a plurality of plates in the mixer body as a merging region, the size of the mixer body can be reduced.

[0014] In this case, in the plate-type mixer, A convex portion that closes a part between one of the two plates may be formed at the position of the through-hole or at a position downstream of the through-hole between one of the two plates.

[0015] By forming a convex portion at such a position and adjusting the flow resistance at that position between the plates, the flow direction of the object to be mixed can be controlled, that is, the amount of movement of the object to be mixed through the through-hole from between one plate to between the other plate can be increased.

[0016] Also, in the plate-type mixer, The mixer body has a partition wall portion that partitions between one of the two plates at a position downstream of the through-hole between one of the two plates into an upstream region where the through-hole is disposed and that constitutes a part of the merging region, and a downstream region that overlaps with a region corresponding to the mixing region between the other of the two plates when viewed from the overlapping direction. The downstream region constitutes a flow path through which a fluid for temperature control can flow. In the plate that partitions between the two plates, at least a portion corresponding to the mixing region may be formed of a material having thermal conductivity.

[0017] In this way, by forming a flow path (downstream second region) through which a fluid for temperature control flows using the remaining region between one of the plates where the upstream region is formed, and enabling heat exchange between the object to be mixed flowing between the other plates and the fluid flowing through the downstream region, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the object to be mixed can be mixed while being temperature-controlled, and at the same time, the mixer body can be made more compact.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a plate type mixer capable of continuously mixing fluid objects to be mixed and capable of mixing the fluid objects immediately after they merge with each other.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

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Figure 18A

Figure 18B

Figure 19

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15.

[0021] The plate-type mixer according to this embodiment (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "mixer") includes a plurality of plates 3 superposed in a predetermined direction, and mixes a plurality of types of mixable objects having fluidity by passing them between at least one pair of plates. The mixable objects A and B that can be mixed by this mixer 1 are fluids such as liquids and gases, powders (aggregates of powders, grains, etc.), emulsified fluids, slurries, etc. in which liquids are mixed, mixtures of fluids and powders, and mixtures of liquids and gases (for example, carbonated water, foaming soap water), etc., and have fluidity. Further, hereinafter, the mixture of a plurality of types of mixable objects A and B (that is, the plurality of types of mixable objects in a mixed state) may also be referred to as "mixture C".

[0022] Specifically, the mixer 1 includes a mixer body 2 having a plurality of plates 3 stacked on top of each other, and a plurality (two in the example of this embodiment) of supply channels Ch1 and Ch2 for supplying the objects A and B to be mixed into the mixer body 2 respectively. In the mixer 1 of this embodiment, a part of the mixer body 2 forms the plurality of supply channels Ch1 and Ch2. Further, the mixer 1 includes at least one discharge channel Ch3 for discharging the mixture C to the outside of the mixer body 2. The mixer 1 of this embodiment also includes a pair of frames 5a and 5b that sandwich the mixer body 2 in the stacking direction of the plates 3, a guide portion 6 for guiding the mixer body 2 and the pair of frames 5a and 5b to their respective positions, and a plurality of tightening members 7 and the like that can tighten the pair of frames 5a and 5b in a direction in which the distance between them becomes smaller.

[0023] The mixer body 2 has a confluence region Ar1 where the objects A and B to be mixed supplied from each of the plurality of supply channels Ch1 and Ch2 merge, and a mixing region Ar2 where the objects A and B to be mixed supplied from each of the plurality of supply channels Ch1 and Ch2 are mixed. These confluence region Ar1 and mixing region Ar2 are adjacent to each other. In the mixer body 2 of this embodiment, the confluence region Ar1 and the mixing region Ar2 are adjacent when viewed from the stacking direction of the plates 3. Thereby, in this mixer body 2, the plurality of types of objects A and B to be mixed that merge in the confluence region Ar1 can flow into the mixing region Ar2 immediately after merging.

[0024] The mixer body 2 of this embodiment is arranged such that the stacking direction of the plates 3 coincides with the horizontal direction, and the objects A and B to be mixed supplied from each of the plurality of supply channels Ch1 and Ch2 are mixed by flowing downward in the mixer body 2 (mixing region Ar2). Further, the mixer body 2 of this embodiment has a discharge region Ar3 for discharging the objects A and B to be mixed after mixing (i.e., the mixture C) to the outside at a position below the mixing region Ar2.

[0025] Specifically, this mixer body 2 includes a plurality of plates 3 stacked in a predetermined direction, and at least one gasket 4 sandwiched between two adjacent plates 3 in the predetermined direction (hereinafter simply referred to as "between plates"). In the mixer body 2, a plurality of these plates 3 and at least one gasket 4 form flow paths (flow path spaces) R1 to R4 through which objects to be mixed A, B, etc. can flow between each plate. In this mixer body 2, rectangular plate-shaped plates 3 that are long in the vertical direction are stacked, and gaskets 4 are respectively sandwiched between each of these plurality of plates 3. That is, the mixer body 2 of the present embodiment has a plurality of plates 3 and a plurality of gaskets 4. In the following description, the stacking direction (predetermined direction) of the plates 3 is taken as the X-axis direction of the rectangular coordinate system, the short side direction of the plate 3 is taken as the Y-axis direction of the rectangular coordinate system, and the long side direction of the plate 3 is taken as the Z-axis direction of the rectangular coordinate system.

[0026] Each of the plurality of plates 3 has heat conductivity. Specifically, each of the plurality of plates 3 is formed by press-molding a metal plate (thin plate) such as stainless steel or titanium. Incidentally, each plate 3 may be made of resin, ceramic, etc. In this case, for example, the plate 3 is molded by an extrusion molding method or the like. The plurality of plates 3 of the present embodiment include two types of plates (first plate 3A, second plate 3B) as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and these two types of plates 3A and 3B are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction in the mixer body 2 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Incidentally, in the present embodiment, "having heat conductivity" means that the thermal conductivity is 0.2 W / m·K or more. This value is set based on the material having the lowest thermal conductivity among the materials of the plates 3 planned to be used in the mixer 1 of the present embodiment that mixes while temperature-controlling the objects to be mixed A and B (for example, fluororesin that can be used for chemical-resistant applications). In other words, in the mixer 1 of the present embodiment, the plates 3 are formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of a predetermined value (0.2 W / m·K) or more so that the objects to be mixed A and B can be mixed while exchanging heat with other fluids.

[0027] Specifically, each of the plurality of plates 3A and 3B is a rectangular plate shape that extends in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and is long in the Z-axis direction, and has one surface (first surface) S1 in the X-axis direction and a surface (second surface) S2 on the side opposite to the first surface S1 (i.e., the other side in the X-axis direction). In the mixer body 2, the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B face each other, and the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B and the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A face each other. The first plate 3A and the second plate 3B are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 3).

[0028] Each of the plurality of plates 3A and 3B has a confluence portion 31 and a mixing portion 32 in order from one end in the Z-axis direction (the upper end in the example of this embodiment) to the other end (the lower end in the example of this embodiment), that is, toward the downstream side. Further, each of the plurality of plates 3A and 3B has a discharge portion 33 on the lower side (downstream side) of the mixing portion 32. In addition, each of the plurality of plates 3A and 3B in this embodiment has a gasket arrangement portion 35 where the gasket 4 is arranged and a pair of guide engagement portions 36 formed at both ends in the Z-axis direction.

[0029] The confluence portion 31 is a portion corresponding to the confluence region Ar1 of the mixer body 2 in each of the plates 3A and 3B. This confluence portion 31 has a plurality of communication holes 311 and at least one first through hole 312, and is arranged at the upper end of the plates 3A and 3B. The number of the plurality of communication holes 311 is set according to the number (types) of the objects to be mixed for which mixing is planned in the mixer 1. In the mixer 1 of this embodiment, since two types of objects to be mixed (the first object to be mixed A and the second object to be mixed B) are mixed, the confluence portion 31 has two communication holes (the first communication hole 311a and the second communication hole 311b). In addition, the confluence portion 31 of this embodiment has one first through hole 312.

[0030] The first communication hole 311a is disposed at the central position in the Y-axis direction at the upper end portion of the confluence portion 31, and the second communication hole 311b is disposed at a position below the first communication hole 311a in the confluence portion 31 and displaced in the Y-axis direction. Each of the communication holes 311a, 311b in the present embodiment is a circular through hole, and the inner diameter of the first communication hole 311a is larger than the inner diameter of the second communication hole 311b. The size relationship between the inner diameter of the first communication hole 311a and the inner diameter of the second communication hole 311b is not limited.

[0031] The first through hole 312 is disposed at a position below each of the communication holes 311a, 311b. The first through hole 312 in the present embodiment is a long hole extending in the Y-axis direction and is disposed at the central position in the Y-axis direction in the confluence portion 31.

[0032] Further, the confluence portion 31 of the second plate 3B has a first convex portion (convex portion) 313 at a position below the first through hole 312 on the first surface S1. The first convex portion 313 closes a part between the second plate 3B having the first convex portion 313 and the first plate 3A facing the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, that is, a part between the plates. When a flow path (second flow path R2: see FIG. 4) is formed in a part between the plates as in the mixer body 2 of the present embodiment, the first convex portion 313 closes a part of the flow path R2. The first convex portion 313 in the present embodiment extends in the Y-axis direction and is disposed at the central position in the Y-axis direction in the confluence portion 31. Specifically, the dimension of the first convex portion 313 in the Y-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the first through hole 312 in the Y-axis direction, and the tip of the first convex portion 313 in the protruding direction (X-axis direction) abuts against the first plate 3A facing the second plate 3B having the first convex portion 313.

[0033] The mixing section 32 is a portion corresponding to the mixing region Ar2 of the mixer body 2 in each of the plates 3A and 3B. This mixing section 32 has, in order downward, a first portion 321 having at least one second through-hole 321a, a second portion 322 having at least a pair of third communication holes 322a and 322b, and a third portion 323 having at least one third through-hole 323a and at least one third convex portion 323b. In the mixing section 32 of the present embodiment, the first portion 321 has a plurality (four in the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) of second through-holes 321a, the second portion 322 has a pair of third communication holes 322a and 322b, and the third portion 323 has a plurality (five in the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) of third through-holes 323a and one third convex portion 323b.

[0034] The first portion 321 is a portion corresponding to the first region Ar21 (see FIG. 2) in the mixing region Ar2 of the mixer body 2. In this first portion 321, the plurality of second through-holes 321a each extend in the Y-axis direction and are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction at the central position of the first portion 321 in the Y-axis direction. In each of the plates 3A and 3B of the present embodiment, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the plurality of second through-holes 321a are arranged such that the first convex portion 313 is located between the first through-hole 312 of the confluence section 31 and the second through-hole 321a at the uppermost position in the mixing section 32. Further, the plurality of second through-holes 321a in the first portion 321 have the same shape as the first through-hole 312 of the confluence section 31 and are arranged in a line and at equal intervals in the Z-axis direction.

[0035] Further, the first portion 321 of the first plate 3A has at least one second convex portion 321b between two second through holes 321a adjacent to each other in the Z-axis direction on the first surface S1. The first portion 321 of the present embodiment has one second convex portion 321b. This second convex portion 321b closes a part between the first plate 3A having the second convex portion 321b and the second plate 3B facing the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, that is, closes a part between the plates. When a flow path (first flow path R1: see FIG. 4) is formed in a part between the plates as in the mixer body 2 of the present embodiment, the second convex portion 321b closes a part of the flow path R1. The second convex portion 321b of the present embodiment extends in the Y-axis direction and is disposed between the second second through hole 321a and the third second through hole 321a downward from the second through hole 321a at the uppermost position. Specifically, the dimension of the second convex portion 321b in the Y-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the second through hole 321a in the Y-axis direction, and the tip of the second convex portion 321b in the protruding direction (X-axis direction) abuts on the second plate 3B facing the first plate 3A having the second convex portion 321b. Note that the magnitude relationship between the dimension of the second convex portion 321b in the Y-axis direction and the dimension of the second through hole 321a in the Y-axis direction is not limited.

[0036] The second part 322 corresponds to a second region Ar22 (see FIG. 2) adjacent to the first region Ar21 on the lower (downstream) side of the first region Ar21 in the mixing region Ar2 of the mixer body 2. In this second part 322, a pair of third communication holes 322a, 322b are arranged at both ends in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the pair of third communication holes 322a, 322b are arranged on both sides in the Y-axis direction of a flow path (first flow path R1: see FIG. 4) formed from the first communication hole 311a toward the fourth communication hole 331 between the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A and the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B (between the plates). More specifically, one of the pair of third communication holes 322a, 322b, i.e., the third communication hole 322a, is arranged at one end in the Y-axis direction in the second part 322 and at a predetermined position in the Z-axis direction (in the example of this embodiment, the lower end of the second part 322), and the other third communication hole 322b is arranged at the other end in the Y-axis direction in the second part 322 and at a position above the one third communication hole 322a (in the example of this embodiment, the upper end of the second part 322).

[0037] Also, the second part 322 has at least one of at least one mixing convex portion 322c and at least one mixing concave portion 322d on the first surface S1. The second part 322 of this embodiment has a plurality of mixing convex portions 322c and a plurality of mixing concave portions 322d. These plurality of mixing convex portions 322c and plurality of mixing concave portions 322d cause turbulent flow or the like in the flow of the objects A, B to be mixed, the fluid D for temperature control, etc. between the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B, i.e., between the plates, thereby improving the mixing efficiency and heat exchange efficiency of the objects A, B, etc. flowing through the flow paths R1, R3. In the mixer body 2 of this embodiment, flow paths (first flow path R1, third flow path R3: see FIG. 4) are formed in a part between the plates, and the plurality of mixing convex portions 322c and the plurality of mixing concave portions 322d cause turbulent flow or the like in the flow of the objects A, B, etc. flowing through the flow paths R1, R3.

[0038] The convex portions 322c and concave portions 322d for mixing in the second part 322 of the present embodiment are arranged in a so-called herringbone pattern in which V-shaped convex and concave portions are alternately formed in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 13). In FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, etc., the number, shape, and arrangement of the convex portions 322c and concave portions 322d for mixing are schematically shown.

[0039] As described above, each of the plates 3A and 3B of the present embodiment is formed by press-molding a metal plate (thin plate). Therefore, on the second surface S2 of the second part 322, a concave portion 322d for mixing is formed at a position corresponding to the convex portion 322c for mixing on the first surface S1 (specifically, the back surface of the convex portion 322c), and a convex portion 322c for mixing is formed at a position corresponding to the concave portion 322d for mixing on the first surface S1 (specifically, the back surface of the concave portion 322d) (see FIG. 13). That is, in the second part 322 of each of the plates 3A and 3B, the convex portion 322c for mixing on the first surface S1 and the concave portion 322d for mixing on the second surface S2 corresponding to the convex portion 322c are in a front-back relationship, and the concave portion 322d for mixing on the first surface S1 and the convex portion 322c for mixing on the second surface S2 corresponding to the concave portion 322d are in a front-back relationship.

[0040] The third part 323 is a part corresponding to the third region Ar23 (see FIG. 2) adjacent to the second region Ar22 on the lower (downstream) side of the second region Ar22 in the mixing region Ar2 of the mixer body 2. In this third part 323, a plurality of third through-holes 323a each extend in the Y-axis direction and are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction at the central position of the third part 323 in the Y-axis direction. In the third part 323 of the present embodiment, each of the third through-holes 323a has the same shape and is arranged in a row and at equal intervals in the Z-axis direction. Also, each of the third through-holes 323a of the present embodiment has the same shape as the first through-hole 312 and the second through-hole 321a.

[0041] The third convex portion 323b is disposed between two third through-holes 323a adjacent to each other in the Z-axis direction on the first surface S1. This third convex portion 323b closes a part between the plates 3A, 3B having the third convex portion 323b and the plates 3B, 3A facing the first surface S1 of the plates 3A, 3B, that is, closes a part between the plates. When a flow path (the first flow path R1 or the fourth flow path R4: see FIG. 4) is formed in a part between the plates as in the mixer body 2 of the present embodiment, the third convex portion 323b closes a part of the flow paths R1, R4. The position of the third convex portion 323b in the third portion 323 of the first plate 3A and the position of the third convex portion 323b in the third portion 323 of the second plate 3B are different in the Z-axis direction (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0042] The third convex portion 323b in the third portion 323 of the first plate 3A of the present embodiment extends in the Y-axis direction and is disposed between the fourth third through-hole 323a and the fifth third through-hole 323a downward from the third through-hole 323a at the uppermost position. The dimension of the third convex portion 323b in the Y-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the third through-hole 323a in the Y-axis direction, and the tip of the third convex portion 323b in the protruding direction (X-axis direction) abuts on the second plate 3B facing the first plate 3A having the third convex portion 323b. Note that the size relationship between the dimension of the third convex portion 323b in the Y-axis direction and the dimension of the third through-hole 323a in the Y-axis direction is not limited.

[0043] Also, the third convex portion 323b in the third portion 323 of the second plate 3B of the present embodiment extends in the Y-axis direction and is disposed between the second third through-hole 323a and the third third through-hole 323a downward from the third through-hole 323a at the uppermost position. The dimension of the third convex portion 323b in the Y-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the third through-hole 323a in the Y-axis direction, and the tip of the third convex portion 323b in the protruding direction (X-axis direction) abuts on the first plate 3A facing the second plate 3B having the third convex portion 323b. Note that the size relationship between the dimension of the third convex portion 323b in the Y-axis direction and the dimension of the third through-hole 323a in the Y-axis direction is not limited.

[0044] The discharge part 33 is a part corresponding to the discharge area Ar3 of the mixer body 2 in each of the plates 3A and 3B. This discharge part 33 has at least one fourth communication hole 331 and is arranged at the lower ends of the plates 3A and 3B. This fourth communication hole 331 is arranged at the central position of the discharge part 33 in the Y-axis direction. The fourth communication hole 331 of the present embodiment is a circular through hole, and its inner diameter is the same as that of the first communication hole 311a.

[0045] The gasket placement part 35 is a part where the gaskets 4A and 4B are placed in each of the plates 3A and 3B. For example, when sandwiching the gaskets 4A and 4B between the plates, it prevents the displacement of the gaskets 4A and 4B with respect to the plates 3A and 3B. This gasket placement part 35 is constituted by grooves formed on the first surface S1, convex parts formed on both sides in the width direction of each part of the gaskets 4A and 4B, and the like.

[0046] The guide engagement part 36 is a part that engages with the guide part 6 when each of the plates 3A and 3B is arranged in the guide part 6. The guide engagement part 36 of the present embodiment is notches formed at the upper and lower ends of each of the plates 3A and 3B. Each guide engagement part 36 is arranged at the central position in the Y-axis direction on the upper and lower sides of each of the plates 3A and 3B.

[0047] The plurality of gaskets 4 are sealing members such as synthetic rubbers such as acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) and ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), and fluororesins. By being sandwiched between the plates, flow paths (flow path spaces) R1 to R4 and the like are formed between the plates. These plurality of gaskets 4 include two types of gaskets (the first gasket 4A and the second gasket 4B) as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7 to 10, and are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction in the mixer body 2. The contour shapes of the first gasket 4A and the second gasket 4B of the present embodiment as viewed from the X-axis direction are the same.

[0048] The first gasket 4A is sandwiched between the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B and the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A. Thereby, the first gasket 4A forms at least one flow path (in the example of this embodiment, the first flow path R1: refer to the range marked with smoke indicated by the reference numeral R1 in FIG. 8) between the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B and the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A. Specifically, in a state where the first gasket 4A is disposed on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A (see FIG. 8), the first gasket 4A includes a first flow path forming portion 41A that surrounds the region (the first flow path R1) through which the objects A and B to be mixed flow, and a plurality of first sealing portions 42A that surround the periphery of the predetermined communication holes 311b, 322a, and 322b. The first gasket 4A also has a plurality of connecting portions 43A that connect the first flow path forming portion 41A and each of the first sealing portions 42A.

[0049] The first flow path forming portion 41A is a portion that surrounds the first communication hole 311a and the fourth communication hole 331 on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, and forms a flow path (the first flow path R1) through which the objects A and B to be mixed can flow from the first communication hole 311a to the fourth communication hole 331 between the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B and the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A. More specifically, the first flow path forming portion 41A is a portion that surrounds the first communication hole 311a, the first through hole 312, the plurality of second through holes 321a, the second convex portion 321b, the plurality of mixing convex portions 322c and the plurality of mixing concave portions 322d, the plurality of third through holes 323a, the third convex portion 323b, and the fourth communication hole 331 on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A. The first flow path forming portion 41A of this embodiment is annular and extends in the Z-axis direction, and the width (dimension in the Y-axis direction) at each position in the Z-axis direction (the flow direction of the objects A and B to be mixed: refer to the arrow α in FIG. 8) is substantially constant, and the first communication hole 311a and the fourth communication hole 331 are located at both ends of the region (the first flow path R1) surrounded by the first flow path forming portion 41A.

[0050] Each of the plurality of first sealing portions 42A is a portion surrounding the second communication hole 311b and each of the pair of third communication holes 322a and 322b on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A. Each first sealing portion 42A of the present embodiment is annular with a shape (circular in the example of the present embodiment) corresponding to the shape of the surrounding communication holes 311b, 322a, and 322b.

[0051] Each of the plurality of connection portions 43A connects the first flow path forming portion 41A and each first sealing portion 42A at a position overlapping the corresponding portion of the second gasket 4B when viewed in the X-axis direction. Thereby, when a force is applied in a direction sandwiching the plurality of plates 3A and 3B (the mixer main body 2) from the outside in the X-axis direction with the gaskets 4A and 4B sandwiched between the plates, deformation and the like of each of the plates 3A and 3B can be prevented or suppressed.

[0052] The second gasket 4B is sandwiched between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. Thereby, the second gasket 4B forms at least one flow path (in the example of the present embodiment, the second flow path R2, the third flow path R3, the fourth flow path R4: refer to the range marked with smoke indicated by reference numerals R2 to R4 in FIG. 10) between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. Specifically, the second gasket 4B, in a state of being disposed on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B (refer to FIG. 10), includes a second flow path forming portion 41B surrounding the region (second flow path R2) through which the objects A and B to be mixed flow, a third flow path forming portion 42B surrounding the region (third flow path R3) through which the temperature control fluid D can flow, a fourth flow path forming portion 43B surrounding the region (fourth flow path R4) through which the objects A and B to be mixed flow, and a second sealing portion 44B surrounding the periphery of the first communication hole 311a. The second gasket 4B also has a plurality of connection portions 45B connecting the flow path forming portions 41B, 42B, and 43B to each other or connecting the second flow path forming portion 41B and the second sealing portion 44B.

[0053] The second flow path forming portion 41B is a portion that surrounds the second communication hole 311b and the first through hole 312 in a state of being disposed on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, and forms a flow path (second flow path R2) through which the objects A and B to be mixed can flow from the second communication hole 311b to the first through hole 312 between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. The second flow path forming portion 41B of the present embodiment is a portion that surrounds the second communication hole 311b to the lowermost second through hole 321a on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. More specifically, the second flow path forming portion 41B is a portion that surrounds the second communication hole 311b, the first through hole 312, the plurality of second through holes 321a, and the first convex portion 313 on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. The second flow path forming portion 41B of the present embodiment is annular with a substantially constant width at each position in the flow direction of the objects A and B to be mixed (see the arrow α in FIG. 10), and the second communication hole 311b and the lowermost second through hole 321a are located at both ends of the region surrounded by the second flow path forming portion 41B.

[0054] The third flow path forming portion 42B is a portion that surrounds one third communication hole 322a and the other third communication hole 322b in a state of being disposed on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, and forms a flow path (third flow path R3) through which the fluid D can flow from one third communication hole 322a to the other third communication hole 322b, or from the other third communication hole 322b to one third communication hole 322a between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. More specifically, the third flow path forming portion 42B is a portion that surrounds one third communication hole 322a, the plurality of mixing convex portions 322c and the plurality of mixing concave portions 322d, and the other third communication hole 322b on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B.

[0055] When viewed from the X-axis direction, the third flow path forming portion 42B is annular and surrounds a range that overlaps at least a part of the first flow path R1 on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. The third flow path R3 formed by the third flow path forming portion 42B of the present embodiment is formed at a position overlapping the first flow path R1 through the plates 3A and 3B, except for each third communication hole 322b and its periphery, when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0056] The fourth flow path forming portion 43B is a portion that surrounds the plurality of third through holes 323a and the fourth communication hole 331 in a state where it is disposed on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, and forms a flow path (fourth flow path R4) through which the objects A and B to be mixed can flow from the third through hole 323a at the uppermost position to the fourth communication hole 331 between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. More specifically, the fourth flow path forming portion 43B is a portion that surrounds the plurality of third through holes 323a, the third convex portions 323b, and the fourth communication hole 331 on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. The fourth flow path forming portion 43B of the present embodiment has an annular shape with a substantially constant width at each position in the flow direction of the objects A and B to be mixed (see the arrow γ in FIG. 10), and overlaps with the corresponding portion of the first flow path forming portion 41A when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0057] The second sealing portion 44B is a portion that surrounds the first communication hole 311a on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. The second sealing portion 44B of the present embodiment has an annular shape corresponding to the shape of the surrounded first communication hole 311a (circular in the example of the present embodiment).

[0058] Each of the plurality of connecting portions 45B connects the flow path forming portions 41B, 42B, and 43B to each other or the second flow path forming portion 41B and the second sealing portion 44B at a position overlapping with the corresponding portion of the first gasket 4A when viewed from the X-axis direction. Thereby, when a force is applied in a direction of sandwiching the plurality of plates 3A and 3B (mixer body 2) from the outside in the X-axis direction with the gaskets 4A and 4B sandwiched between the plates, deformation and the like of each of the plates 3A and 3B can be prevented or suppressed.

[0059] In the plate 3 and the gasket 4 configured as described above, the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction, and the first gasket 4A is sandwiched between the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B and the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, and the second gasket 4B is sandwiched between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, whereby the mixer body 2 is configured (see FIGS. 3 and 11). In FIG. 11, for easy understanding of the configuration, the shape of the second part 322 (the part corresponding to the second region Ar22) of each of the plates 3A and 3B is shown in a simplified manner.

[0060] At this time, in the mixer body 2, a first flow path R1 is formed inside the first flow path forming portion 41A of the first gasket 4A (the range surrounded by the first flow path forming portion 41A) when viewed from the X-axis direction between the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B and the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A (see FIGS. 8 and 11).

[0061] Also, in the mixer body 2, a second flow path R2 is formed inside the second flow path forming portion 41B of the second gasket 4B (the range surrounded by the second flow path forming portion 41B), a third flow path R3 is formed inside the third flow path forming portion 42B (the range surrounded by the third flow path forming portion 42B), and a fourth flow path R4 is formed inside the fourth flow path forming portion 43B (the range surrounded by the fourth flow path forming portion 43B) when viewed from the X-axis direction between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0062] In the mixer body 2, the first supply channel Ch1 is formed by the first through-holes 311a of the plates 3A and 3B being connected in the X-axis direction. The second supply channel Ch2 is formed by the second through-holes 311b of the plates 3A and 3B being connected in the X-axis direction. The inflow channel Ch4 is formed by one of the third through-holes 322a of the plates 3A and 3B being connected in the X-axis direction. The outflow channel Ch5 is formed by the other of the third through-holes 322b of the plates 3A and 3B being connected in the X-axis direction. The discharge channel Ch3 is formed by the fourth through-holes 331 of the plates 3A and 3B being connected in the X-axis direction (see Fig. 4).

[0063] This first supply channel Ch1 extends in the X-axis direction and communicates only with each first channel R1, allowing the first object A to be supplied from the outside to flow into (be supplied to) each first channel R1. The second supply channel Ch2 extends in the X-axis direction and communicates only with each second channel R2, allowing the second object B to be supplied from the outside to flow into (be supplied to) each second channel R2. The inflow channel Ch4 extends in the X-axis direction and communicates only with each third channel R3, allowing the temperature control fluid D to be supplied from the outside to flow into (be supplied to) each third channel R3. The outflow channel Ch5 communicates only with each third channel R3, allowing the temperature control fluid D that has flowed through each third channel R3 to flow out (be discharged) to the outside. The discharge channel Ch3 extends in the X-axis direction and communicates only with each first channel R1 and each fourth channel R4, allowing the objects A and B (mixture C) that have flowed through each first channel R1 and each fourth channel R4 to flow out (be discharged) to the outside.

[0064] Returning to Figs. 1 to 4, each of the pair of frames 5a and 5b is a thick plate-shaped member having a shape corresponding to the plates 3A and 3B when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0065] One of the pair of frames 5a and 5b, frame 5a, is a rectangular thick plate elongated in the Z-axis direction and has a plurality (five in the example of this embodiment) of through holes 51 that penetrate in the same direction at positions overlapping with the respective communication holes 311a, 311b, 322a, 322b, 331 (each supply channel Ch1, Ch2, inflow channel Ch4, outflow channel Ch5, discharge channel Ch3) when viewed from the X-axis direction. Also, one frame 5a has a plurality of notches 52 arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction at both ends in the Y-axis direction.

[0066] The other frame 5b of the pair of frames 5a and 5b is a rectangular thick plate elongated in the Z-axis direction and has a plurality of notches 53 arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction at both ends in the Y-axis direction. Each of these plurality of notches 53 is arranged at a position overlapping with each notch 52 of one frame 5a when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0067] The guide portion 6 has a pair of guide bars 61 each extending in the X-axis direction. Also, the guide portion 6 of this embodiment also has a support member 62 that maintains the interval between the ends of the pair of guide bars 61.

[0068] The pair of guide bars 61 extend parallel to each other from both ends in the Z-axis direction of one frame 5a. These pair of guide bars 61 guide the other frame 5b to be separable in the X-axis direction with respect to one frame 5a in a parallel state (posture). Also, each of the pair of guide bars 61 guides each of the plates 3A and 3B to their arranged positions by engaging with the guide engaging portions 36 at both ends in the Z-axis direction of the plates 3A and 3B. The guide engaging portion 36 of this embodiment is a notch, and each of the pair of guide bars 61 fits into the notches (guide engaging portions) 36 formed at both ends in the Z-axis direction of each of the plates 3A and 3B to guide each of the plates 3A and 3B to their arranged positions.

[0069] The support member 62 extends in the Z-axis direction and connects the ends of the pair of guide bars 61 (the ends opposite to the ends connected to one frame 5a) to maintain the interval in the Z-axis direction between these ends.

[0070] Each of the plurality of fastening members 7 has a bolt 71 extending in the X-axis direction and a nut 72 screwed with the bolt 71. Each fastening member 7 fastens the pair of frames 5a and 5b in a direction in which the interval in the X-axis direction becomes smaller while being fitted into the corresponding notches 52 and 53 (overlapping when viewed from the X-axis direction) of the pair of frames 5a and 5b. By tightening the pair of frames 5a and 5b with the plurality of fastening members 7, the gaskets 4A and 4B disposed between the respective plates are clamped with sufficient force, whereby the respective flow paths R1 to R4 formed between the respective plates are in a liquid-tight state.

[0071] In the mixer 1 configured as described above, when mixing the first mixing object A and the second mixing object B while controlling the temperature, the first mixing object A is supplied into the mixer main body 2 from the first supply flow path Ch1, and the second mixing object B is supplied into the mixer main body 2 from the second supply flow path Ch2, and a temperature control fluid (fluid at a predetermined temperature) D is supplied from the inflow path Ch4 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0072] At this time, as shown in FIGS. 4, 11, and 12, in the confluence region Ar1 of the mixer main body 2, the first mixing object A supplied from the first supply flow path Ch1 and the second mixing object B supplied from the second supply flow path Ch2 are combined.

[0073] Specifically, in the confluence region Ar1 of the mixer main body 2, while the first mixing object A flowing into each first flow path R1 from the first supply flow path Ch1 is flowing through the first flow path R1, a part of the second mixing object B flowing into each second flow path R2 from the second supply flow path Ch2 flows (moves) into the first flow path R1 adjacent to the second flow path R2 through the first through hole 312, so that the first mixing object A and the second mixing object B are combined.

[0074] At this time, since the first convex portions 313 are respectively formed at the positions immediately downstream of the first through holes 312 in each of the second flow paths R2 (between the second through holes 321a at the uppermost positions), the flow path cross-sectional area of each of the second flow paths R2 at the positions of the first convex portions 313 is reduced (that is, the flow resistance is increased). Therefore, most of the second objects B to be mixed flowing through each of the second flow paths R2 flow into the first flow paths R1 adjacent to the second flow paths R2 through the first through holes 312 respectively.

[0075] Further, in the confluence region Ar1, since the first flow paths R1 and the second flow paths R2 are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction, the first flow paths R1 are respectively formed on both sides of each of the second flow paths R2 except for the second flow paths R2 formed at the ends in the X-axis direction. Therefore, a part of the second object B to be mixed flowing through the second flow path R2 through each of the first through holes 312 of the plates 3A and 3B separating the first flow paths R1 flows into (confluences with) the first flow paths R1 on both sides of the second flow path R2 respectively.

[0076] In this way, the objects A and B to be mixed that have confluenced in the confluence region Ar1 flow into the mixing region Ar2 adjacent to the confluence region Ar1 immediately after the confluence, and are mixed by passing through the mixing region Ar2. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0077] The objects A and B to be mixed that have flowed into the mixing region Ar2 from the confluence region Ar1 move between the adjacent flow paths R1 and R2 through the second through holes 321a in the first region Ar21 (the region corresponding to the first part 321 of the mixing portion 32 of each of the plates 3A and 3B) formed immediately downstream of the confluence region Ar1 in the mixing region Ar2, whereby the objects A and B to be mixed are mixed (inter-channel mixing).

[0078] More specifically, at the position of the second convex portion 321b, the flow path cross-sectional area of each first flow path R1 is small (i.e., the flow resistance is large). Therefore, most of the mixing objects A and B flowing through each first flow path R1 flow into the respective second flow paths R2 adjacent to the first flow path R1 through the second through-hole 321a immediately upstream of the second convex portion 321b. Further, since the second flow path R2 is closed (blocked) at the downstream position of the lowermost second through-hole 321a, the mixing objects A and B flowing through the second flow path R2 flow into the respective first flow paths R1 adjacent to the second flow path R2 through the lowermost second through-hole 321a.

[0079] In this way, in the first region Ar21 (the region corresponding to the first part 321 of each plate 3A, 3B) in the mixer body 2, at least a part of the mixing objects A and B in the first flow path R1 flows into the respective second flow paths R2 adjacent to the first flow path R1, and at least a part of the mixing objects A and B in the second flow path R2 flows into at least one of the first flow paths R1 adjacent to the second flow path R2 at least once. By this, the mixing objects A and B flowing through the first flow path R1 and the mixing objects A and B flowing through the second flow path R2 are mixed (inter-channel mixing), that is, the mixing objects A and B flowing between different plates are mixed.

[0080] Subsequently, the mixing objects A and B (mixture C) mixed between channels in the first region Ar21 flow into the second region Ar22 (the region corresponding to the second part 322 of the mixing portion 32 of each plate 3A, 3B) formed immediately downstream of the first region Ar21 in the mixing region Ar2 as shown in FIGS. 4, 11, and 13, and are further mixed in the second region Ar22. In FIG. 13, for easy understanding of the configuration, the shapes of the second parts 322 (the parts corresponding to the second region Ar22) of each plate 3A, 3B are shown in a simplified manner.

[0081] At this time, since the second flow path R2 is closed at the downstream position of the second through hole 321a at the lowest position (see reference numeral 47B in FIG. 12), when the objects A and B to be mixed flow from the first region Ar21 to the second region Ar22, they flow only through the first flow path R1 (only between the plates in which the first flow path R1 is formed), and do not flow between the plates in which the second flow path R2 is formed. In this second region Ar22, the objects A and B to be mixed (mixture C) are mixed (mixed in the flow path) in each of the first flow paths R1, respectively.

[0082] Specifically, since a plurality of mixing convex portions 322c and a plurality of mixing concave portions 322d are formed on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A defining the first flow path R1 and the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B, respectively, when the objects A and B to be mixed flow through each of the first flow paths R1, disturbances and the like occur in the flows of the objects A and B, respectively. As a result, the objects A and B are mixed with each other (mixed in the flow path) in each of the first flow paths R1, that is, the objects A and B to be mixed are mixed between the common plates.

[0083] At this time, the fluid D for temperature control (fluid at a predetermined temperature) supplied from the inflow passage Ch4 flows in the third flow passage R3 (between the plates in which the second flow passage R2 is formed in the confluence region Ar1 and the first region Ar21). Since each of the plates 3A and 3B partitioning the first flow passage R1 and the third flow passage R3 has heat conductivity, the objects A and B to be mixed flowing in the first flow passage R1 in the second region Ar22 are mixed while exchanging heat with the fluid D flowing in the third flow passage R3 (that is, while being heated or cooled by the fluid D). In the second region Ar22 of the mixer 1 of the present embodiment, since the third flow passages R3 are respectively arranged on both sides in the X-axis direction of each first flow passage R1, the objects A and B to be mixed flowing in each first flow passage R1 are heated or cooled by the fluid D from both sides in the X-axis direction and mixed in the flow passage. Therefore, by adjusting the temperature of the fluid D supplied to the inflow passage Ch4 in the mixer 1, the objects A and B to be mixed can be mixed while being maintained at a predetermined temperature. That is, the mixer 1 can mix the objects A and B while controlling the temperature in the second region Ar22. Further, by adjusting (controlling) the temperature and flow rate of the fluid D for temperature adjustment, the temperature and viscosity of the objects A and B to be mixed in the second region Ar22 can be changed.

[0084] Subsequently, the objects A and B (mixture C) mixed in the flow passage in the second region Ar22 flow into a third region Ar23 (a region corresponding to the third part 323 of the mixing part 32 of each of the plates 3A and 3B) formed immediately downstream of the second region Ar22 in the mixing region Ar2, as shown in FIGS. 4, 11, and 14, and are mixed (inter-flow passage mixing) by moving between the adjacent flow passages R1 and R4 through each third through hole 323a in the third region Ar23.

[0085] Specifically, a part of the objects A and B to be mixed that has flowed to the position of the third through-hole 323a at the uppermost position in each first flow path R1 moves (flows in) into the fourth flow path R4 adjacent to the first flow path R1 through the third through-hole 323a. And since the flow path cross-sectional areas of the first flow path R1 and the fourth flow path R4 are reduced at the positions of the third convex portions 323b in each first flow path R1 and each fourth flow path R4 (that is, the flow resistance is increased), most of the objects A and B flowing through the first flow path R1 flow into the respective fourth flow paths R4 adjacent to the first flow path R1 through the third through-hole 323a immediately upstream of the third convex portion 323b, or most of the objects A and B flowing through the fourth flow path R4 flow into at least one first flow path R1 adjacent to the fourth flow path R4 through the third through-hole 323a immediately upstream of the third convex portion 323b.

[0086] In this way, in the third region Ar23 in the mixer body 2 (the region corresponding to the third part 323 of each plate 3A, 3B), at least a part of the objects A and B to be mixed in each first flow path R1 flows into the respective fourth flow paths R4 adjacent to the first flow path R1, and at least a part of the objects A and B to be mixed in each fourth flow path R4 flows into at least one first flow path R1 adjacent to the fourth flow path R4 at least once each. By this, the objects A and B flowing through the first flow path R1 and the objects A and B flowing through the fourth flow path R4 are mixed (inter-flow path mixing), that is, the objects A and B flowing between different plates are mixed.

[0087] At this time, if there are differences (variations) in temperature and mixing degree in the objects A and B flowing through each first flow path R1 in the second region Ar22, the differences (variations) in temperature and mixing degree between the objects A and B flowing through the flow paths R1 and R4 are suppressed by the inter-flow path mixing in the third region Ar23.

[0088] As described above, the objects A and B (mixture C) mixed (inter-flow path mixing and in-flow path mixing) in the mixing region Ar2 flow into the discharge flow path Ch3 from each first flow path R1 and each third flow path R3 and are discharged to the outside through the discharge flow path Ch3 as shown in FIGS. 4, 11, and 15.

[0089] According to the above-described mixer 1, the objects A and B to be mixed supplied from each of the plurality of supply channels Ch1 and Ch2 are mixed with each other by passing through at least one space between plates (specifically, a region corresponding to the mixing region Ar2). Therefore, by continuously supplying the objects A and B to be mixed through the respective supply channels Ch1 and Ch2 to the confluence region Ar1, the objects A and B to be mixed supplied from the respective supply channels Ch1 and Ch2 are continuously mixed with each other in the mixing region Ar2 (the space between the at least one plate).

[0090] Moreover, since the mixing region Ar2 is formed at a position (immediately downstream position) adjacent to the confluence region Ar1 in the mixer 1, the objects A and B to be mixed supplied to the confluence region Ar1 can immediately flow into the mixing region Ar2. Therefore, the objects A and B to be mixed supplied from the plurality of supply channels Ch1 and Ch2 to the confluence region Ar1 flow into and are mixed in the mixing region Ar2 immediately after merging with the other objects B and A to be mixed. Therefore, for example, even if the objects A and B to be mixed are such that they come into contact (merge) with each other and immediately start to react (such as hydration on the surface of the powder) like an aqueous solution and a powder slurry, and even if the powder slurry has insufficient mixing, they can be mixed without forming lumps. That is, when all of the objects A and B to be mixed for one batch are put into a mixing tank or the like like a batch-type mixer at once, if there is undissolved powder, it is not immediately mixed and lumps grow, so long-term mixing is required. However, in the mixer 1 of the present embodiment, since the objects A and B to be mixed come into contact (merge) with each other and immediately start to be mixed, the objects A and B to be mixed can be mixed. As a result, in this mixer 1, a uniform mixture C can be obtained continuously in a short time.

[0091] In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 according to the present embodiment, plate members 3A and 3B that partition between two adjacent plates among a plurality of plates have a first through-hole (through-hole) 312 that communicates between the two plates at the confluence portion 31 (a portion corresponding to the confluence region Ar1). In this way, by communicating between adjacent plates through the first through-hole 312 of the plate members 3A and 3B that partition between two adjacent plates, the objects A and B to be mixed supplied from the respective supply channels Ch1 and Ch2 are made to merge. That is, by using a part of the region between the plurality of plates as the confluence region Ar1 in the mixer body 2, a confluence region is provided separately from the region (portion) where the plurality of plate members 3A and 3B are stacked in the mixer body, and thus the mixer body 2 can be made smaller in size compared to a configuration in which a confluence region is provided separately from the region (portion) where the plurality of plate members 3A and 3B are stacked in the mixer body.

[0092] In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 according to the present embodiment, a first convex portion (convex portion) 313 that closes a part of one of the spaces between two adjacent plates (in the example of the present embodiment, the second flow path R2) may be formed at a downstream position of the first through-hole 312 in the space between one of the two adjacent plates. Since such a first convex portion 313 is formed in the space between one of the plates (the second flow path R2), it becomes difficult for the object B to flow through the space between one of the plates (the second flow path R2) on the downstream side of the first through-hole 312 (the flow resistance increases). Therefore, the amount of movement of the object B through the first through-hole 312 from the space between one of the plates (the second flow path R2) to the space between the other plates (in the example of the present embodiment, the first flow path R1) increases.

[0093] Further, in the mixer 1 of the present embodiment, in the mixer body 2, at a downstream position of the first through hole 312 between one of two adjacent plates, the space between the one of the plates is divided into a second flow path (upstream region) R2 in which the first through hole 312 is arranged and which constitutes a part of the confluence region Ar1, and a third flow path (downstream region) R3 that overlaps, when viewed from the X-axis direction, a region corresponding to the mixing region Ar2 in the other plate space (first flow path R1) between the two plates. The third flow path (downstream region) R3 forms a flow path through which the temperature control fluid D can flow, and at least a part corresponding to the mixing region Ar2 (specifically, the second region Ar22) in the plates 3A and 3B that partition the two plates has thermal conductivity. In this way, by forming the third flow path R3 through which the temperature control fluid D flows using the remaining region between the one of the plates in which the second flow path R2 is formed, and enabling heat exchange between the objects A and B to be mixed flowing between the other plates and the fluid D flowing through the third flow path R3, it is possible to realize a compact configuration of the mixer body 2 while enabling mixing while controlling the temperature (temperature control) of the objects A and B to be mixed. Further, in the mixer 1 of the present embodiment, by controlling the temperature (temperature control) of the objects A and B to be mixed, it is also possible to mix while controlling the pressure, flow rate, viscosity, or turbidity, etc. of these objects A and B to be mixed. As a result, in the mixer 1 of the present embodiment, the mixture C can be made uniform and the mixing time can be shortened.

[0094] Further, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the present embodiment, the second gasket 4B has a plurality (two in the example of the present embodiment) of partition walls 47B that separate the second flow path R2 and the third flow path R3 between the plates in which the second flow path R2 and the third flow path R3 are formed, and these plurality of partition walls 47B are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction. According to such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent the objects A and B to be mixed that have leaked from the second flow path R2 to the third flow path R3 side from entering the third flow path R3. That is, even if the objects A and B to be mixed flowing through the second flow path R2 leak from the partition wall 47B on the second flow path R2 side, there is at least one partition wall 47B on the third flow path R3 side from the partition wall 47B, so that the leaked objects A and B to be mixed are more reliably prevented from entering the third flow path R3 and mixing with the temperature control fluid D. Further, it is possible to more reliably prevent the temperature control fluid D that has leaked from the third flow path R3 to the second flow path R2 side from entering the second flow path R2. That is, even if the temperature control fluid D flowing through the third flow path R3 leaks from the partition wall 47B on the third flow path R3 side, there is at least one partition wall 47B on the second flow path R2 side from the partition wall 47B, so that the leaked temperature control fluid D is more reliably prevented from entering the second flow path R2 and mixing with the objects A and B to be mixed.

[0095] Further, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the present embodiment, the second gasket 4B has a plurality (two in the example of the present embodiment) of partition walls 48B that separate the third flow path R3 and the fourth flow path R4 between the plates in which the third flow path R3 and the fourth flow path R4 are formed, and these plurality of partition walls 48B are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction. According to such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent the temperature control fluid D leaking from the third flow path R3 to the fourth flow path R4 side from entering the fourth flow path R4. That is, even if the temperature control fluid D flowing through the third flow path R3 leaks from the partition wall 48B on the third flow path R3 side, since there is at least one partition wall 48B on the fourth flow path R4 side from the partition wall 47B, it is more reliably prevented that the leaked temperature control fluid D enters the fourth flow path R4 and mixes with the objects A and B to be mixed. Also, it is possible to more reliably prevent the objects A and B to be mixed that leak from the fourth flow path R4 to the third flow path R3 side from entering the third flow path R3. That is, even if the objects A and B to be mixed flowing through the fourth flow path R4 leak from the partition wall 48B on the fourth flow path R4 side, since there is at least one partition wall 48B on the third flow path R3 side from the partition wall 48B, it is more reliably prevented that the leaked objects A and B to be mixed enter the third flow path R3 and mix with the temperature control fluid D.

[0096] Note that the plate-type mixer of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of a certain embodiment, and a part of the configuration of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Further, a part of the configuration of a certain embodiment can be deleted.

[0097] The mixer 1 of the above-described embodiment includes two supply channels Ch1 and Ch2, that is, it mixes two types of objects A and B to be mixed, but is not limited to this configuration. The mixer 1 may be configured to include three or more supply channels Ch1, Ch2, ···, that is, to mix three or more types of objects to be mixed. In this case, two or more confluence regions Ar1 may be formed in the mixer body 2. That is, it may be configured such that all objects to be mixed are confluent in one confluence region Ar1, or a plurality of confluence regions Ar11, Ar12, ··· may be formed in series, and one or more objects to be mixed are confluent in each confluence region Ar11, Ar12, ··· in sequence for a predetermined object to be mixed. In the case of a configuration in which objects to be mixed are confluent in sequence, objects to be mixed that need to be mixed immediately after confluence are configured to be confluent in a confluence region formed at a position (immediate upstream position) adjacent to the mixing region Ar2.

[0098] Further, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above-described embodiment, the confluence region Ar1 is formed in the arrangement region of a plurality of stacked plates 3 (specifically, a part of the arrangement region of the plurality of plates 3), but is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, in the mixer body 2 having the case 8 and a plurality of plates 3 arranged in the case 8, only the mixing region Ar2 is formed in the arrangement region of the plates 3, and the confluence region Ar1 may be formed at a position immediately upstream of the mixing region Ar2 (that is, a region where the plates 3 are not arranged). That is, the confluence region Ar1 only needs to be adjacent to the mixing region Ar2 at a position immediately upstream of the mixing region Ar2 in the mixer body 2. Further, the confluence region Ar1 may be arranged between two mixing regions Ar2.

[0099] In addition, in the mixer 1 of the above-described embodiment, a plurality of types of objects A and B to be mixed are mixed by flowing downward between the plates, but the configuration is not limited to this. The mixer 1 may have a configuration in which a plurality of types of objects A and B to be mixed are mixed by flowing upward between the plates, or a configuration in which a plurality of types of objects A and B to be mixed are mixed by flowing horizontally or substantially horizontally between the plates. Further, the mixer 1 may have a configuration in which the flowing directions of the objects A and B to be mixed are different between the plates at different positions in the stacking direction of the plates 3.

[0100] Moreover, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above-described embodiment, two types of plates 3A and 3B are stacked, but the configuration is not limited to this. In the mixer body 2, a configuration in which three or more types of plates 3A, 3B,... are stacked may be used.

[0101] Also, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above-described embodiment, the gaskets 4 are sandwiched between the plates to form the respective flow paths R1 to R4, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the peripheral edges of the adjacent plates 3 in the stacking direction are sealed by brazing or the like, so that flow paths R1, R2,... through which the objects A and B to be mixed and the fluid D for temperature control can flow are formed between the respective plates.

[0102] Furthermore, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above-described embodiment, since each plate 3 is a metal plate, the entire plate 3 has heat conductivity, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, in the plate 3 that partitions between adjacent plates, a configuration may be adopted in which heat conductivity is provided only in a range necessary for heat exchange between the objects A and B to be mixed and the fluid D for temperature control flowing between the respective plates.

[0103] Further, since each plate 3 of the mixer 1 in the above-described embodiment is formed by press molding, on the second surface S2 of the plate 3, at positions corresponding to the convex portions 313, 321b, 322c, 323b on the first surface S1 (the back surfaces of the convex portions 313, 321b, 322c, 323b), concave portions having shapes corresponding to the convex portions 313, 321b, 322c, 323b are formed, and at a position corresponding to the concave portion 322d on the first surface S1 (the back surface of the concave portion 322d), a convex portion having a shape corresponding to the concave portion 322d is formed. That is, in each plate 3, the convex and concave portions are in a front-back relationship, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In each plate 3, the back surfaces S2, S1 of the convex portions 313, 321b, 322c, 323b (or the concave portion 322d) on one of the surfaces S1, S2 may be flat, or the back surfaces S2, S1 of the convex portions 313, 321b, 322c, 323b (or the concave portion 322d) on one of the surfaces S1, S2 may be convex portions (or concave portions).

[0104] Further, in the mixer 1 of the above-described embodiment, a plurality of mixing convex portions 322c and a plurality of mixing concave portions 322d arranged in a so-called herringbone pattern are respectively formed on the opposing surfaces S1, S2 of the two plates 3A, 3B constituting the flow path R1 in which in-channel mixing is performed, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, on the opposing surfaces S1, S2 of the two plates 3, only either one of at least one mixing convex portion 322c and at least one mixing concave portion 322d may be respectively formed (arranged). Also, a configuration in which at least one of at least one mixing convex portion 322c and at least one mixing concave portion 322d is formed only on one of the opposing surfaces S1, S2 of the two plates 3 may be adopted.

[0105] Moreover, the specific shapes of the mixing convex portion 322c and the mixing concave portion 322d are not limited. That is, the shapes (arrangement patterns) of the mixing convex portion 322c and the mixing concave portion 322d may be other than the herringbone shape. Also, depending on the type of the object to be mixed, etc., even if it only flows down between the flat two plates 3, it can be mixed. Therefore, the opposing surfaces S1 and S2 of the two plates 3 may each have a flat configuration, that is, a configuration in which neither the mixing convex portion 322c nor the mixing concave portion 322d is formed.

[0106] Also, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, a plurality of flow paths (in the example of the above embodiment, the first flow path R1) in which in-channel mixing is performed are formed, but the configuration is not limited to this. The number of flow paths in which in-channel mixing is performed in the mixer body 2 may be one.

[0107] Also, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, in the confluence region Ar1, a first through hole 312 is provided in the confluence portion 31 of the plates 3A and 3B that partition between adjacent plates (between the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2), and thereby, it is formed by communicating between the adjacent plates, but the configuration is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 17, the confluence region Ar1 may be formed by communicating corresponding plates among a plurality of plates formed in the X-axis direction with each other through a flow path Ch6 or the like. In this case, the plates that communicate with each other do not have to be adjacent. Also, a configuration in which three or more plates communicate with each other through a flow path or the like may be used. In this way, by configuring to communicate corresponding plates with each other to merge the objects A1, A2, A3, A4, ··· to be mixed supplied from the respective supply flow paths Ch1, Ch2, ···, that is, by using a part of the plurality of plates in the mixer body 2 as the confluence region Ar1, the miniaturization of the mixer body 2 can also be achieved.

[0108] In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, in the mixing region Ar2, three regions (first region Ar21, second region Ar22, third region Ar23) are formed such that regions with different mixing methods are adjacent to each other, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The mixing region Ar2 may be constituted by one region (a region with the same mixing method), and in the mixing region Ar2, two regions or four or more regions may be formed such that regions with different mixing methods are adjacent to each other.

[0109] In addition, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, each supply channel Ch1, Ch2 is formed by a part of the member constituting the mixer body 2 (in the example of the above embodiment, a part of each plate 3A, 3B (first communication hole 311a and second communication hole 311b)), but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Each supply channel Ch1, Ch2 may be configured as a separate body from the mixer body 2 (see FIG. 16).

[0110] In addition, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, each supply channel Ch1, Ch2 is formed inside the mixer body 2, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration either. In order to correspond to various objects to be mixed, each supply channel Ch1, Ch2 may be formed (arranged) outside the mixer body 2 (see FIG. 16).

[0111] In addition, in the first region Ar21 and the third region Ar23 (that is, the region where mixing between channels is performed) in the mixer body 2 of the above embodiment, at least one of the two adjacent channels R1, R2 (or R1, R4) via the plate 3 is provided with a first convex portion 313 or a second convex portion 321b (or a third convex portion 323b) to block a part of the channels R1, R2 (or R4) (that is, to have a configuration with a locally narrowed part of the channel), thereby increasing the inflow amount of the objects A, B to the other channel through the first through hole 312, the second through hole 321a (or the third through hole 323a) at the upstream position of the convex portions 313, 321b (or 323b), but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, both of the two adjacent channels R1, R2 (or R1, R4) via the plate 3 may have a configuration without convex portions (a configuration without a locally narrowed part of the channel).

[0112] Further, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the specific configurations of the convex portions 313, 321b, and 323b protruding into the respective flow paths R1, R2, and R3 are not limited. For example, although the convex portions 313, 321b, and 323b of the above embodiment extend straight in the Y-axis direction, they may be bent as a whole or at least at one location. Also, the convex portions 313, 321b, and 323b may not be in contact with the plates 3B and 3A facing the plates 3A and 3B having the convex portions 313, 321b, and 323b. Further, the convex portions 313, 321b, and 323b may protrude in a direction approaching each other from the opposing positions of the opposing surfaces S1 and S2 of the two plates 3A and 3B arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0113] Also, the convex portions 313, 321b, and 323b of the above embodiment are arranged at positions immediately downstream of the through holes 312, 321a, and 323a, but are not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the convex portion 313 may be arranged at the position of the through hole 312, that is, may be constituted by a part of the peripheral portion of the through hole 312. Even with such a configuration, a part between the plates (flow path) can be blocked (locally reducing the flow path cross-sectional area).

[0114] Also, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, although a flow path is formed in a part between the plates, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, in the mixer body 2, a configuration in which a plurality of overlapping plates 3 are housed in a case 8 or the like may be adopted, so that the entire area between the plates can be used as a flow path (a region through which the mixing objects A and B flow).

[0115] In the mixer 1 in which the plate 3 is not arranged in the confluence region Ar1 as shown in FIG. 16, the supply of the mixing objects A and B to the confluence region Ar1 may be performed so as to drop from above. According to such a configuration, even if the mixing objects A and B are powders or fluids containing powders, the mixing objects A and B can be easily supplied to the confluence region Ar1.

[0116] Also, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, a third flow path R3 through which the temperature control fluid D can flow is formed between the plates where in-channel mixing is performed (in the example of the above embodiment, the first flow path R1) and the adjacent plates, that is, it is configured to be able to mix while controlling the temperature of the objects A and B to be mixed, but is not limited to this configuration. A configuration in which the third flow path R3 is not formed in the mixer body 2 may also be used.

[0117] Further, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, a confluence region Ar1 is formed by the portion (confluence portion) 31 where the first through hole 312 is disposed in each plate 3, and a first region Ar21 is formed by the portion (first portion) 321 where the plurality of second through holes 321a are disposed in each plate 3, but is not limited to this configuration (classification). In the mixer body 2, the region formed by the portions 31 and 321 where the first through hole 312 and the plurality of second through holes 321a are disposed in each plate 3 may be defined as a confluence / mixing region that includes the region where the objects A and B to be mixed supplied by the respective supply channels Ch1 and Ch2 confluence and the region where mixing occurs between the flow paths.

[0118] Further, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1, the specific configurations of the plurality of second through holes 321a and the plurality of third through holes 323a disposed at the portions corresponding to the first region (inter-channel mixing region) Ar21 and the third region (inter-channel mixing region) Ar23 of each plate 3 are not limited. For example, each of the plurality of second through holes 321a and each of the plurality of third through holes 323a of each plate 3 included in the mixer body 2 of the above embodiment are elongated holes extending in the Y-axis direction, but holes of other shapes such as round holes and polygonal holes may also be used. Further, the plurality of through holes 321a and 323a disposed in the inter-channel mixing regions (first region Ar21, third region Ar23) may include holes having different shapes and different sizes from other holes. That is, any holes through which the objects A and B to be mixed can pass may be used. Further, the plurality of through holes 321a and 323a disposed in the inter-channel mixing regions (first region Ar21, third region Ar23) do not have to be arranged in a row along the Z-axis direction. Further, a plurality of the plurality of through holes 321a and 323a disposed in the inter-channel mixing regions (first region Ar21, third region Ar23) may be arranged at the same position in the Z-axis direction.

Explanation of Signs

[0119] 1… Plate type mixer, 2… Mixer body, 3… Plate, 3A… First plate (plate), 3B… Second plate (plate), 31… Confluence part, 311… Communication hole, 311a… First communication hole (communication hole), 311b… Second communication hole (communication hole), 312… First through hole (through hole), 313… First convex part (convex part), 32… Mixing part, 321… First part, 321a… Second through hole, 321b… Second convex part, 322… Second part, 322a, 322b… Third communication hole, 322c… Mixing convex part, 322d… Mixing concave part, 323… Third part, 323a… Third through hole, 323b… Third convex part, 33… Discharge part, 331… Fourth communication hole, 35… Gasket arrangement part, 36… Guide engagement part, 4… Gasket, 4A… First gasket (gasket), 41A… First flow path forming part, 42A… First sealing part, 43A… Connection part, 4B… Second gasket (gasket), 41B… Second flow path forming part, 42B… Third flow path forming part, 43B… Fourth flow path forming part, 44B… Second sealing part, 45B… Connection part, 47B, 48B… Partition part, 5a, 5b… Frame, 51… Through hole, 52, 53… Notch, 6… Guide part, 61… Guide bar, 62… Support member, 7… Fastening member, 71… Bolt, 72… Nut, 8… Case, 100… Mixing device, 101… Stirring means, 102… Mixing container, 103, 104, 105, 106… Tank, A… First object to be mixed (object to be mixed), A1, A2, A3, A4… Objects to be mixed, B… Second object to be mixed (object to be mixed), C… Mixture, D… Fluid for temperature management, Ar1, Ar11, Ar12… Confluence region, Ar2… Mixing region, Ar21… First region, Ar22… Second region, Ar23… Third region, Ar3… Discharge region, Ch1… First supply flow path (supply flow path), Ch2… Second supply flow path (supply flow path), Ch3… Discharge flow path, Ch4… Inflow path, Ch5… Outflow path, Ch6… Flow path, R1… First flow path, R2… Second flow path, R3… Third flow path, R4… Fourth flow path, S1… First surface, S2… Second surface, α, β, γ… Flow direction of the object to be mixed

Claims

1. A mixer body having a plurality of plates superposed in a predetermined direction, and a plurality of supply channels for respectively supplying a mixable object having fluidity into the mixer body, wherein the plurality of plates form, in the mixer body, a mixing region in which the mixable objects supplied from the respective plurality of supply channels pass between at least one pair of plates to mix the mixable objects with each other, the mixer body has a confluence region for confluencing the mixable objects supplied from the respective plurality of supply channels, the confluence region being formed at a position adjacent to the mixing region, and causing the mixable objects in the confluence region to flow into the mixing region, the mixing region includes a second region in which the mixable objects are mixed within a channel formed between the plates, in the second region, a plurality of mixing protrusions and a plurality of mixing recesses are formed on respective opposing surfaces of a pair of plates defining the channel, a plate-type mixer, wherein in each of the pair of plates defining the channel, a recess having a shape corresponding to the mixing protrusion is formed on the back side of the mixing protrusion, and a protrusion having a shape corresponding to the mixing recess is formed on the back side of the mixing recess.

2. the confluence region is formed by a plurality of plates including between at least one pair of plates, and corresponding pairs of plates among the plurality of plates forming the confluence region communicate with each other in the confluence region. The plate-type mixer according to claim 1.

3. the confluence region is formed by a plurality of plates including between at least one pair of plates and arranged continuously in the superposition direction, and the plate partitioning between two adjacent ones of the plurality of plates has a through hole communicating between the two plates at a portion corresponding to the confluence region. The plate-type mixer according to claim 1.

4. A convex portion for closing a part between one of the two plates is formed at a position of the through hole or a downstream position of the through hole between one of the two plates. The plate-type mixer according to claim 3.

5. The mixer body has a partition wall portion that partitions, at a downstream position of the through hole between one of the two plates, the space between the one of the two plates into an upstream region where the through hole is disposed and that constitutes a part of the confluence region, and a downstream region that overlaps, when viewed from the stacking direction, a region corresponding to the mixing region between the other of the two plates. The downstream region constitutes a flow path through which a fluid for temperature control can flow. The plate type mixer according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein at least a portion corresponding to the mixing region in the plate that partitions between the two plates is made of a material having thermal conductivity.

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