Plate Mixer

Abstract

To provide a plate-type mixer that enables mixing objects having flowability to be mixed continuously.SOLUTION: A plate-type mixer enables mixing objects having flowability to be mixed continuously. The plate-type mixer has three or more plates stacked in a predetermined direction. Out of the three or more plates, one is a predetermined plate that allows the passage of the mixing objects and divides between the adjacent two plates in a first direction, the predetermined plate having through-holes penetrating the two plates adjacent through the predetermined plate. The through-holes are disposed at intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction when seen from the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plate mixer having three or more overlapping plates in which a plurality of fluid materials to be mixed are mixed by passing between the plates. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a so-called batch type mixer has been known as a mixer for mixing a plurality of fluid materials such as liquids and powders (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] 19, this mixing apparatus includes a mixing vessel 102 equipped with stirring means 101 and the like, a plurality of tanks 103, 104, 105 storing fluid materials to be mixed such as aqueous solutions, lubricating oils, emulsifiers, etc., and a tank 106 storing a mixture of these materials to be mixed. In this mixing apparatus 100, a plurality of materials to be mixed supplied from the respective tanks 103, 104, 105 to the mixing vessel 102 are mixed by the stirring means 101 and the like, and then discharged into the tank 106. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-28215 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The above-mentioned mixing device 100 is a so-called batch type, and therefore cannot continuously produce the mixture.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a plate-type mixer that can continuously mix a plurality of fluid materials to be mixed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The plate mixer of the present invention comprises: A plate-type mixer for mixing a plurality of fluid materials, Three or more plates stacked in a first direction; A predetermined plate among the three or more plates, through which the materials to be mixed can flow and which separates two plates adjacent to each other in the first direction, has a plurality of through holes that communicate between the two adjacent plates via the plate, The plurality of through holes are arranged at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from the first direction.

[0008] According to this configuration, by continuing to flow the material to be mixed between predetermined plates of three or more overlapping plates in the second direction, the material to be mixed flowing through one of two adjacent plates merges with the material to be mixed flowing through the other plate through each through-hole, and the material to be mixed flowing through one plate merges with the material to be mixed flowing through the other plate, and this is repeated, so that the materials to be mixed flowing between the plates that are connected through the through-holes continue to be continuously mixed.

[0009] Further, the plate type mixer of the present invention is A plate-type mixer for mixing a plurality of fluid materials, Three or more plates stacked in a first direction; the three or more plates have a plurality of communication portions that communicate with each other and allow the material to be mixed to flow through; The plurality of communication portions are arranged at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from the first direction.

[0010] According to this configuration, by continuing to flow the material to be mixed between predetermined plates of three or more overlapping plates in the second direction, the material to be mixed flowing between predetermined plates through each communication part is repeatedly merged with the material to be mixed flowing between other plates, or the material to be mixed flowing between predetermined plates is repeatedly merged with the material to be mixed flowing between other plates, thereby continuously mixing the materials to be mixed flowing between each plate that is connected through the communication part.

[0011] In the plate mixer, In the three or more plates, an inter-channel mixing region in which the plurality of through holes or the plurality of communicating portions are arranged may be arranged in a part of the second direction when viewed from the first direction.

[0012] According to this configuration, in three or more stacked plates, the area in which the materials to be mixed flowing between different plates are mixed is limited to a part of the second direction, so that other areas between each plate (areas other than the inter-flow path mixing area) can be used for different purposes.

[0013] In this case, in the plate type mixer, the three or more plates have a mixing region in the flow path including a predetermined gap between the plates through which the plurality of materials to be mixed can be mixed; The inter-channel mixing region may be located upstream of the in-channel mixing region in the three or more plates.

[0014] According to this configuration, after the materials to be mixed flowing between different plates in the inter-channel mixing region are mixed (inter-channel mixing), this inter-channel mixed mixture (multiple types of materials to be mixed) can be further mixed (intra-channel mixing) between common plates (intra-channel mixing region).

[0015] In addition, in the plate type mixer, the three or more plates have a mixing region in the flow path including a predetermined gap between the plates through which the plurality of materials to be mixed can be mixed; The inter-channel mixing region may be located downstream of the in-channel mixing region in the three or more plates.

[0016] According to this configuration, after the materials to be mixed flowing between the common plates in the in-channel mixing region are mixed together (in-channel mixing), this in-channel mixed mixture (multiple types of materials to be mixed) can be further mixed with materials to be mixed flowing between different plates (inter-channel mixing).

[0017] In addition, in the plate type mixer, Between at least one of the multiple plates that are connected to each other by the through hole or the communicating portion, a convex portion that blocks a portion of the space between the plates may be formed at the position of the through hole or the communicating portion, or at a downstream position of the through hole or the communicating portion.

[0018] 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 material to be mixed can be controlled, that is, the amount of material to be mixed flowing into other spaces between the plates through the through-holes or communicating portions can be increased. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, a plate-type mixer capable of continuously mixing a plurality of fluid materials to be mixed can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plate-type mixer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the plate mixer. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the plate-type mixer, with a pair of frames and a part of the mixer body omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of the materials to be mixed and the fluid for temperature control in the plate-type mixer. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view of the first plate of the mixer body as seen from the first surface side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view of the second plate of the mixer body as seen from the first surface side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of a first gasket included in the mixer body. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view of the first plate viewed from the first surface side in a state in which the first gasket is disposed on the first surface. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of a second gasket included in the mixer body. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view of the second plate viewed from the first surface side in a state in which the second gasket is disposed on the first surface. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the mixer body at the central vertical cross section. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of position XII in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the position XIII in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the XIV position in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view at position XV in FIG. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a diagram for explaining the configurations of a first through-hole and a first convex portion of a plate according to another embodiment. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI in FIG. 16A. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an inter-channel mixing region in a mixer according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a mixer body according to another embodiment. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of a conventional mixer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the plate-type mixer (hereinafter also referred to simply as the “mixer”) according to this embodiment includes three or more plates 3 stacked in a predetermined direction. When multiple fluid materials A and B are passed between at least two plates, a portion of the materials A and B flowing between one plate repeatedly moves (flows) between the other plates, thereby mixing the multiple materials A and B. Materials A and B that can be mixed by this mixer 1 include fluids such as liquids and gases, powders (collections of powders, particles, etc.), mixtures of liquids such as emulsion fluids and slurry fluids, mixtures of fluids and powders, and mixtures of liquids and gases (e.g., carbonated water, foaming soap). Hereinafter, a mixture of multiple materials A and B (i.e., multiple materials in a mixed state) may also be referred to as a “mixture C.”

[0023] Specifically, the mixer 1 includes a mixer body 2 having three or more overlapping plates 3. The mixer 1 also includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2 that supply the materials A and B to be mixed into the mixer body 2, respectively, and at least one discharge flow path Ch3 that discharges the mixture C to the outside of the mixer body 2. In the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the plurality of supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2 and at least one discharge flow path Ch3 are formed by parts 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 overlapping direction of the plates 3, a guide unit 6 that guides the mixer body 2 and the pair of frames 5a and 5b to their respective positions, and a plurality of fastening members 7 that can fasten the pair of frames 5a and 5b in a direction that reduces the distance between them.

[0024] The mixer body 2 has a confluence region Ar1 where materials A and B to be mixed supplied from each of the multiple supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2 converge. The mixer body 2 also has a mixing region Ar2 where materials A and B to be mixed supplied from each of the multiple supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2 are mixed. In the mixer body 2 of this embodiment, the confluence region Ar1 and the mixing region Ar2 are adjacent to each other. More specifically, in the mixer body 2, the confluence region Ar1 and the mixing region Ar2 are adjacent to each other when viewed from the overlapping direction of the plates 3. This allows the multiple materials A and B to be mixed that converge in the confluence region Ar1 to flow into the mixing region Ar2 immediately after merging.

[0025] The mixer body 2 of this embodiment is arranged so that the overlapping direction of the plates 3 coincides with the horizontal direction, and the materials A and B to be mixed supplied from each of the plurality of supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2 are mixed by flowing downward within the mixer body 2 (mixing region Ar2). The mixer body 2 of this embodiment also has a discharge region Ar3 below the mixing region Ar2 that discharges the materials A and B to be mixed (i.e., mixture C) to the outside after being mixed.

[0026] Specifically, this mixer body 2 has three or more plates 3 stacked in a predetermined direction and a plurality of gaskets 4 sandwiched between two plates 3 adjacent to each other in the predetermined direction (hereinafter simply referred to as "between the plates"). In the mixer body 2, these three or more plates 3 and the plurality of gaskets 4 form flow paths (flow path spaces) R1 to R4 between the plates, through which the materials A, B, etc. to be mixed can flow. In this mixer body 2, rectangular plates 3 that are long in the vertical direction are stacked, and a gasket 4 is sandwiched between each of these three or more plates 3. In the following description, the stacking direction (predetermined direction) of the plates 3 is defined as the X-axis direction of a Cartesian coordinate system, the short side direction of the plates 3 is defined as the Y-axis direction of the Cartesian coordinate system, and the long side direction of the plates 3 is defined as the Z-axis direction of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0027] Each of the three or more plates 3 has thermal conductivity. Specifically, each plate 3 is formed by press-molding a metal plate (thin plate) such as stainless steel or titanium. Each plate 3 may also be made of resin, ceramic, or the like. In this case, the plates 3 are molded, for example, by extrusion molding. The three or more plates 3 of this embodiment include two types of plates (first plate 3A and second plate 3B) as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 . 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 ). In this embodiment, “having thermal conductivity” refers to a thermal conductivity of 0.2 W / m·K or higher. This value is determined based on the lowest thermal conductivity material (e.g., a fluororesin that can be used for chemical-resistant applications) among the materials of the plates 3 intended for use in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, which mixes the materials A and B to be mixed while controlling their temperature. In other words, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the plate 3 is formed from a material with a thermal conductivity of a predetermined value (0.2 W / m K) or more so that the objects A and B to be mixed can be mixed while exchanging heat with other fluids.

[0028] Specifically, each of the plates 3A and 3B has a rectangular plate shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and is elongated in the Z-axis direction, and has one surface (first surface) S1 in the X-axis direction and a surface (second surface) S2 opposite to the first surface S1 (i.e., the other surface in the X-axis direction). In the mixer body 2 of this embodiment, the first plates 3A and the second plates 3B are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction so that the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A faces the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B and the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B faces the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A (see FIG. 3).

[0029] Each of the plates 3A, 3B has a confluence section 31 and a mixing section 32, which are arranged in this order from one end (the upper end in this embodiment) to the other end (the lower end in this embodiment) in the Z-axis direction, i.e., toward the downstream side. Each of the plates 3A, 3B also has a discharge section 33 below (downstream of) the mixing section 32. Each of the plates 3A, 3B in this embodiment also has a gasket arrangement section 35 in which a gasket 4 is arranged, and a pair of guide engagement sections 36 formed on both ends in the Z-axis direction.

[0030] The confluence section 31 is a portion of each plate 3A, 3B that corresponds to the confluence region Ar1 of the mixer body 2. The confluence section 31 has a plurality of communication holes 311 and at least one first through hole 312, and is located at the upper end of the plate 3A, 3B. The number of the plurality of communication holes 311 is set according to the number (types) of mixing targets to be mixed in the mixer 1. The mixer 1 of this embodiment mixes two types of mixing targets (a first mixing target A and a second mixing target B), so the confluence section 31 has two communication holes (a first communication hole 311a and a second communication hole 311b). The confluence section 31 of this embodiment also has one first through hole 312.

[0031] The first communication hole 311a is disposed in the center of the upper end of the confluence 31 in the Y-axis direction, and the second communication hole 311b is disposed below the first communication hole 311a in the confluence 31 and shifted in the Y-axis direction relative to the first communication hole 311a. In this embodiment, each of the communication holes 311a, 311b 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. There are no particular limitations on the relationship in size between the inner diameters of the first communication hole 311a and the second communication hole 311b.

[0032] The first through hole 312 is disposed below the communication holes 311a and 311b. The first through hole 312 in this embodiment is an elongated hole extending in the Y-axis direction, and is disposed at the center of the junction 31 in the Y-axis direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the confluence 31 of the second plate 3B has a first convex portion (convex portion) 313 below the first through-hole 312 on the first surface S1. This first convex portion 313 blocks the space 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, i.e., a portion of the space between the plates. When a flow path (second flow path R2: see FIG. 4) is formed in a portion of the space between the plates, as in the mixer body 2 of this embodiment, the first convex portion 313 blocks a portion of the flow path R2. The first convex portion 313 of this embodiment extends in the Y-axis direction and is disposed at the center of the confluence 31 in the Y-axis direction. 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 the first plate 3A facing the second plate 3B having the first convex portion 313.

[0034] The mixing section 32 is a portion of each plate 3A, 3B corresponding to the mixing region Ar2 of the mixer body 2. The mixing section 32 has, in order downward, a first portion 321 having a plurality of second through holes (through holes) 321a, a second portion 322 having at least one pair of third communication holes 322a, 322b, and a third portion 323 having a plurality of third through holes (through holes) 323a and at least one third convex portion (convex portion) 323b. In the mixing section 32 of this embodiment, the first portion 321 has four second through holes 321a (see FIGS. 5 and 6), the second portion 322 has the pair of third communication holes 322a, 322b, and the third portion 323 has five third through holes 323a and one third convex portion 323b (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0035] The first region 321 is a region corresponding to the first region Ar21 (see FIG. 2) in the mixing region Ar2 of the mixer body 2. In this first region 321, the multiple second through holes 321a each extend in the Y-axis direction and are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction at the center position of the first region 321 in the Y-axis direction. In each of the plates 3A and 3B of this embodiment, the multiple second through holes 321a are arranged so that, as viewed from the X-axis direction, the first convex portion 313 is located between the first through hole 312 in the confluence section 31 and the uppermost second through hole 321a in the mixing section 32. Furthermore, the multiple second through holes 321a in the first region 321 have the same shape as the first through holes 312 in the confluence section 31 and are arranged in a row at equal intervals in the Z-axis direction.

[0036] Furthermore, the first portion 321 of the first plate 3A has at least one second protrusion 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 protrusion 321b.

[0037] This second convex portion 321b locally reduces the cross-sectional area (flow path cross-sectional area) of the region (flow path) through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow between the plates, thereby controlling the movement (amount of inflow and outflow) of the materials A and B to be mixed through the second through holes 321a between the plates on which the second convex portion 321b is formed and the plates adjacent to those plates in the X-axis direction.

[0038] Specifically, the second protrusion 321b blocks the space between the first plate 3A having the second protrusion 321b and the second plate 3B facing the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, i.e., a portion of the space between the plates. When a flow path (first flow path R1: see FIG. 4) is formed in a portion of the space between the plates, as in the mixer body 2 of this embodiment, the second protrusion 321b blocks a portion of the flow path R1. The second protrusion 321b of this embodiment extends in the Y-axis direction and is disposed downward from the uppermost second through hole 321a between the second and third second through holes 321a. Specifically, the dimension of the second protrusion 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 protrusion 321b in the protruding direction (X-axis direction) abuts the second plate 3B facing the first plate 3A having the second protrusion 321b. The relationship in size between the dimension of the second protrusion 321b in the Y-axis direction and the dimension of the second through-hole 321a in the Y-axis direction is not limited.

[0039] The second region 322 is a region in the mixing region Ar2 of the mixer body 2 that corresponds to the second region Ar22 (see FIG. 2) adjacent to the first region Ar21 on the lower (downstream) side of the first region Ar21. In this second region 322, the pair of third communication holes 322a, 322b are arranged at both ends in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, 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) that is formed from the first communication hole 311a to 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), as viewed in the X-axis direction. More specifically, one of the pair of third communication holes 322a, 322b, third communication hole 322a, is positioned at one end of second portion 322 in the Y-axis direction and at a predetermined position in the Z-axis direction (in this embodiment, the lower end of second portion 322), and the other third communication hole 322b is positioned at the other end of second portion 322 in the Y-axis direction and at a position above one third communication hole 322a (in this embodiment, the upper end of second portion 322).

[0040] Furthermore, the second portion 322 has at least one mixing convex portion 322c and at least one mixing concave portion 322d on the first surface S1. The second portion 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 generate turbulence in the flow of the materials A, B, etc., when the materials A, B, temperature control fluid D, etc., flow 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 materials A, B, etc., flowing through the flow paths R1 and R3. In the mixer body 2 of this embodiment, flow paths (first flow path R1, third flow path R3: see Figure 4) are formed in part of the spaces between the plates, and the multiple mixing convex portions 322c and the multiple mixing concave portions 322d generate turbulence in the flow of the objects A, B, etc. to be mixed flowing through the flow paths R1, R3.

[0041] In this embodiment, the mixing convex portions 322c and mixing concave portions 322d of the second portion 322 are arranged in a so-called herringbone pattern, in which V-shaped convex portions and concave portions are alternately formed in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 13). Note that in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, etc., the number, shape, and arrangement of the mixing convex portions 322c and mixing concave portions 322d are shown schematically.

[0042] As described above, each of the plates 3A and 3B of this embodiment is formed by press-molding a metal plate (thin sheet). Therefore, on the second surface S2 of the second portion 322, a mixing recess 322d is formed at a position corresponding to the mixing protrusion 322c on the first surface S1 (specifically, on the back surface of the mixing protrusion 322c), and a mixing protrusion 322c is formed at a position corresponding to the mixing recess 322d on the first surface S1 (specifically, on the back surface of the mixing recess 322d) (see FIG. 13). That is, in the second portion 322 of each of the plates 3A and 3B, the mixing protrusion 322c on the first surface S1 and the mixing recess 322d on the second surface S2 corresponding to the mixing protrusion 322c are in a front-back relationship, and the mixing recess 322d on the first surface S1 and the mixing protrusion 322c on the second surface S2 corresponding to the mixing recess 322d are in a front-back relationship.

[0043] The third region 323 is a region in the mixing region Ar2 of the mixer body 2 that corresponds to a third region Ar23 (see FIG. 2) adjacent to the second region Ar22 on the lower (downstream) side of the second region Ar22. In this third region 323, the multiple third through holes 323a each extend in the Y-axis direction and are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction at the center position of the third region 323 in the Y-axis direction. In the third region 323 of this embodiment, the multiple third through holes 323a each have the same shape and are arranged in a line at equal intervals in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, each third through hole 323a in this embodiment has the same shape as the first through hole 312 and the second through hole 321a.

[0044] Similar to the second convex portion 321b, the third convex portion 323b locally reduces the cross-sectional area (channel cross-sectional area) of the region (channel) through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow between the plates, thereby controlling the movement (amount of inflow and outflow) of the materials A and B to be mixed through the third through-holes 323a between the plates on which the third convex portion 323b is formed and the plates adjacent to those plates in the X-axis direction.

[0045] Specifically, 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. The third convex portion 323b blocks the space between the plates 3A, 3B having the third convex portion 323b and the plates 3B, 3A facing the first surfaces S1 of the plates 3A, 3B, i.e., a portion of the space between the plates. When a flow path (first flow path R1 or fourth flow path R4: see FIG. 4) is formed in a portion of the space between the plates, as in the mixer body 2 of this embodiment, the third convex portion 323b blocks a portion of the flow path 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 differ in the Z-axis direction (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0046] In this embodiment, the third protrusion 323b in the third portion 323 of the first plate 3A extends in the Y-axis direction and is disposed downward from the uppermost third through hole 323a between the fourth and fifth third through holes 323a. The dimension of this third protrusion 323b in the Y-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the third through holes 323a in the Y-axis direction, and the tip of the third protrusion 323b in the protruding direction (X-axis direction) abuts against the second plate 3B that faces the first plate 3A having the third protrusion 323b. The magnitude relationship between the dimension of the third protrusion 323b in the Y-axis direction and the dimension of the third through holes 323a in the Y-axis direction is not limited.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third protrusion 323b in the third portion 323 of the second plate 3B extends in the Y-axis direction and is disposed downward from the uppermost third through hole 323a between the second and third third through holes 323a. The dimension of this third protrusion 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 protrusion 323b in the protruding direction (X-axis direction) abuts against the first plate 3A that faces the second plate 3B having the third protrusion 323b. The magnitude relationship between the dimension of the third protrusion 323b in the Y-axis direction and the dimension of the third through hole 323a in the Y-axis direction is not limited.

[0048] The discharge section 33 is a portion of each plate 3A, 3B that corresponds to the discharge region Ar3 of the mixer body 2. This discharge section 33 has at least one fourth communication hole 331, and is located at the lower end of the plate 3A, 3B. This fourth communication hole 331 is located at the center of the discharge section 33 in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the fourth communication hole 331 is a circular through-hole, and its inner diameter is the same as that of the first communication hole 311a.

[0049] Gasket placement portions 35 are portions of plates 3A, 3B where gaskets 4A, 4B are placed, and prevent the gaskets 4A, 4B from shifting relative to plates 3A, 3B when the gaskets 4A, 4B are sandwiched between the plates, for example. Gasket placement portions 35 are configured by grooves formed in first surface S1, protrusions formed on both sides of each portion of gaskets 4A, 4B in the width direction, and the like.

[0050] The guide engagement portions 36 are portions that engage with the guide portions 6 when each of the plates 3A, 3B is placed in the guide portions 6. In this embodiment, the guide engagement portions 36 are notches formed in the upper and lower ends of each of the plates 3A, 3B. Each of the guide engagement portions 36 is located at the center in the Y-axis direction of the upper and lower edges of each of the plates 3A, 3B.

[0051] The gaskets 4 are sealing members made of synthetic rubber such as acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) or ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), fluororesin, or the like, and are sandwiched between plates to form flow paths (flow path spaces) R1 to R4 between the plates. These gaskets 4 include two types of gaskets (first gasket 4A and second gasket 4B) as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7 to 10, and are arranged alternately in the X-axis direction in the mixer body 2. In this embodiment, the first gasket 4A and the second gasket 4B have the same outline shape when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0052] 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. This allows the first gasket 4A to form at least one flow path (in this embodiment, the first flow path R1: see the shaded area indicated by the symbol 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, when the first gasket 4A is disposed on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A (see FIG. 8), the first gasket 4A has a first flow path forming portion 41A that surrounds the area (first flow path R1) through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow, and a plurality of first sealing portions 42A that surround 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 to each of the first sealing portions 42A.

[0053] The first flow path forming section 41A is a section on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A that surrounds the first communication hole 311a and the fourth communication hole 331, and forms, between the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B and the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, a flow path (first flow path R1) through which the materials A and B to be mixed can flow from the first communication hole 311a to the fourth communication hole 331. More specifically, the first flow path forming section 41A is a section on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A 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. The first flow path forming section 41A of this embodiment extends in the Z-axis direction and is annular in shape with a substantially constant width (dimension in the Y-axis direction) at each position in the Z-axis direction (flow direction of the objects A and B to be mixed: see arrow α in Figure 8), and the first communication hole 311a and the fourth communication hole 331 are located at both ends of the area (first flow path R1) surrounded by the first flow path forming section 41A.

[0054] Each of the multiple first sealing portions 42A is a portion on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A that surrounds the second communication hole 311b and each of the pair of third communication holes 322a, 322b. In this embodiment, each of the first sealing portions 42A is annular in shape (circular in this embodiment) corresponding to the shape of the communication holes 311b, 322a, 322b that it surrounds.

[0055] Each of the multiple connection portions 43A connects the first flow path forming portion 41A to each of the first sealing portions 42A at a position that overlaps a corresponding portion of the second gasket 4B when viewed from the X-axis direction. This makes it possible to prevent or suppress deformation of each of the plates 3A, 3B when a force is applied to three or more plates 3A, 3B (mixer body 2) in a sandwiching direction from outside in the X-axis direction with the gaskets 4A, 4B sandwiched between the plates.

[0056] 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. As a result, the second gasket 4B forms at least one flow path (in this embodiment, a second flow path R2, a third flow path R3, and a fourth flow path R4: see the smoked areas indicated by the symbols 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, when the second gasket 4B is disposed on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B (see FIG. 10), it has a second flow path forming portion 41B that surrounds the periphery of the region (second flow path R2) through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow, a third flow path forming portion 42B that surrounds the periphery of the region (third flow path R3) through which the temperature control fluid D can flow, a fourth flow path forming portion 43B that surrounds the periphery of the region (fourth flow path R4) through which the materials A and B to be mixed flow, and a second sealing portion 44B that surrounds the periphery of the first communication hole 311a. The second gasket 4B also has a plurality of connecting portions 45B that connect the flow path forming portions 41B, 42B, 43B to each other or that connect the second flow path forming portion 41B to the second sealing portion 44B.

[0057] The second flow path forming portion 41B is a portion that surrounds the second communication hole 311b and the first through hole 312 when the second plate 3B is placed on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, and forms a flow path (second flow path R2) between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, through which the materials A and B to be mixed can flow from the second communication hole 311b to the first through hole 312. The second flow path forming portion 41B of this embodiment is a portion that surrounds the area from the second communication hole 311b to the lowest 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 section 41B of this embodiment is annular in shape with a substantially constant width at each position in the flow direction of the objects A and B to be mixed (see arrow α in Figure 10), and the second communication hole 311b and the second through hole 321a at the lowest position are located at both ends of the area surrounded by the second flow path forming section 41B.

[0058] When the third flow path forming section 42B is disposed on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, it is a section that surrounds one third communication hole 322a and the other third communication hole 322b, and forms a flow path (third flow path R3) between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B 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 the one third communication hole 322a. More specifically, the third flow path forming section 42B is a section on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B 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.

[0059] When viewed from the X-axis direction, the third flow path forming portion 42B has an annular shape that surrounds an area that overlaps with at least a portion of the first flow path R1 on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. When viewed from the X-axis direction, the third flow path R3 formed by the third flow path forming portion 42B of this embodiment is formed at a position that overlaps with the first flow path R1 via the plates 3A and 3B, excluding each third communication hole 322b and its surroundings.

[0060] The fourth flow path forming portion 43B, when disposed on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, is a portion that surrounds the plurality of third through holes 323a and the fourth communication hole 331, and forms a flow path (fourth flow path R4) between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, through which the materials A and B to be mixed can flow from the uppermost third through hole 323a to the fourth communication hole 331. More specifically, the fourth flow path forming portion 43B is a portion on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B that surrounds the plurality of third through holes 323a, the third convex portion 323b, and the fourth communication hole 331. The fourth flow path forming portion 43B of this embodiment is annular in shape with a substantially constant width at each position in the flow direction of the materials A and B to be mixed (see arrow γ in FIG. 10 ), and overlaps with a corresponding portion of the first flow path forming portion 41A when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0061] The second sealing portion 44B is a portion on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B that surrounds the first communication hole 311a. The second sealing portion 44B in this embodiment has an annular shape (circular in this embodiment) that corresponds to the shape of the surrounding first communication hole 311a.

[0062] Each of the multiple connection portions 45B connects flow path forming portions 41B, 42B, and 43B to one another or connects second flow path forming portion 41B to second sealing portion 44B at a position that overlaps a corresponding portion of first gasket 4A when viewed from the X-axis direction. This makes it possible to prevent or suppress deformation of each of plates 3A and 3B when a force is applied to three or more plates 3A and 3B (mixer body 2) in a sandwiching direction from outside in the X-axis direction with gaskets 4A and 4B sandwiched between the plates.

[0063] In the plates 3 and gaskets 4 configured as described above, the first plates 3A and the second plates 3B are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction, and the first gaskets 4A are sandwiched between the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B and the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, and the second gaskets 4B are sandwiched between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, thereby configuring the mixer body 2 (see FIGS. 3 and 11). Note that in FIG. 11, the shape of the second portions 322 (portions corresponding to the second regions Ar22) of the plates 3A and 3B is shown in a simplified form to make the configuration easier to understand.

[0064] 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 area 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 Figures 8 and 11).

[0065] Furthermore, in the mixer body 2, between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, a second flow path R2 is formed inside the second flow path forming portion 41B of the second gasket 4B (the area surrounded by the second flow path forming portion 41B) when viewed from the X-axis direction, a third flow path R3 is formed inside the third flow path forming portion 42B (the area 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 area surrounded by the fourth flow path forming portion 43B) (see Figures 10 and 11).

[0066] In the mixer main body 2, the first communication holes 311a of each plate 3A, 3B are connected in the X-axis direction to form a first supply flow path Ch1, the second communication holes 311b of each plate 3A, 3B are connected in the X-axis direction to form a second supply flow path Ch2, the third communication holes 322a of one of the plates 3A, 3B are connected in the X-axis direction to form an inlet flow path Ch4, the third communication holes 322b of the other plate 3A, 3B are connected in the X-axis direction to form an outlet flow path Ch5, and the fourth communication holes 331 of each plate 3A, 3B are connected in the X-axis direction to form a discharge flow path Ch3 (see Figure 4).

[0067] The first supply flow path Ch1 extends in the X-axis direction and is connected only to each of the first flow paths R1, and allows a first mixing object A supplied from the outside to flow into (supply) each of the first flow paths R1. The second supply flow path Ch2 extends in the X-axis direction and is connected only to each of the second flow paths R2, and allows a second mixing object B supplied from the outside to flow into (supply) each of the second flow paths R2. The inflow path Ch4 extends in the X-axis direction and is connected only to each of the third flow paths R3, and allows a temperature control fluid D supplied from the outside to flow into (supply) each of the third flow paths R3. The outflow path Ch5 is connected only to each of the third flow paths R3, and allows the temperature control fluid D that has flowed through each of the third flow paths R3 to flow out (discharge) to the outside. In addition, the discharge flow path Ch3 extends in the X-axis direction and is connected only to each of the first flow paths R1 and each of the fourth flow paths R4, and causes (discharges) the mixed materials A and B (mixture C) that have flowed through each of the first flow paths R1 and each of the fourth flow paths R4 to flow out (discharge) to the outside.

[0068] Returning to FIGS. 1 to 4, each of the pair of frames 5a and 5b is a thick plate-like member having a shape corresponding to the plates 3A and 3B when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0069] One frame 5a of the pair of frames 5a, 5b is a rectangular thick plate that is long in the Z-axis direction and has a plurality of (five in this embodiment) through-holes 51 that penetrate in the X-axis direction at positions that overlap with the communication holes 311a, 311b, 322a, 322b, 331 (each of the supply flow paths Ch1, Ch2, inflow path Ch4, outflow path Ch5, and discharge path Ch3) of plates 3A and 3B when viewed in the X-axis direction. In addition, one frame 5a has a plurality of notches 52 that are lined up at intervals in the Z-axis direction on both ends in the Y-axis direction.

[0070] The other frame 5b of the pair of frames 5a, 5b is a rectangular thick plate that is long in the Z-axis direction and has a plurality of notches 53 spaced apart in the Z-axis direction at both ends in the Y-axis direction. Each of these notches 53 is positioned so as to overlap with a corresponding notch 52 of the other frame 5a when viewed in the X-axis direction.

[0071] The guide unit 6 has a pair of guide bars 61 each extending in the X-axis direction. The guide unit 6 of this embodiment also has support members 62 that maintain the distance between the ends of the pair of guide bars 61.

[0072] The pair of guide bars 61 extend parallel to each other from both ends of one frame 5a in the Z-axis direction. The pair of guide bars 61 guide the other frame 5b so that it can move toward and away from the one frame 5a in the X-axis direction while maintaining a parallel state (posture) relative to the one frame 5a. Each of the pair of guide bars 61 engages with a guide engagement portion 36 at both ends of the plates 3A and 3B in the Z-axis direction, thereby guiding each of the plates 3A and 3B to their respective placement positions. The guide engagement portions 36 in this embodiment are notches, and each of the pair of guide bars 61 fits into the notches (guide engagement portions) 36 formed at both ends of the plates 3A and 3B in the Z-axis direction, thereby guiding each of the plates 3A and 3B to their respective placement positions.

[0073] The support member 62 extends in the Z-axis direction and connects the ends of a pair of guide bars 61 (the ends opposite the ends connected to one frame 5a) to each other, thereby maintaining the distance between the ends in the Z-axis direction.

[0074] Each of the multiple fastening members 7 has a bolt 71 extending in the X-axis direction and a nut 72 that screws onto the bolt 71. Each fastening member 7 fits into the corresponding notch 52, 53 (which overlap when viewed in the X-axis direction) of the pair of frames 5a, 5b and fastens the pair of frames 5a, 5b in a direction that reduces the distance between them in the X-axis direction. Fastening the pair of frames 5a, 5b with the multiple fastening members 7 sandwiches the gaskets 4A, 4B arranged between the plates with sufficient force, thereby making each of the flow paths R1 to R4 formed between the plates liquid-tight.

[0075] In the mixer 1 configured as described above, when the first mixing material A and the second mixing material B are mixed while controlling the temperature, the first mixing material A is supplied from the first supply flow path Ch1 into the mixer body 2, and the second mixing material B is supplied from the second supply flow path Ch2 into the mixer body 2, and a temperature control fluid (fluid at a predetermined temperature) D is supplied from the inlet channel Ch4 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0076] At this time, as shown in Figures 4, 11, and 12, the first material to be mixed A supplied from the first supply flow path Ch1 and the second material to be mixed B supplied from the second supply flow path Ch2 are joined in the joining area Ar1 of the mixer body 2.

[0077] In detail, in the confluence area Ar1 of the mixer body 2, while the first mixing material A that has flowed from the first supply flow path Ch1 into each first flow path R1 is flowing through the first flow path R1, a portion of the second mixing material B that has flowed from the second supply flow path Ch2 into each second flow path R2 flows (moves) through the first through hole 312 into each first flow path R1 adjacent to the second flow path R2, and the first mixing material A and the second mixing material B are thereby merged.

[0078] At this time, since a first convex portion 313 is formed in each second flow path R2 at a position immediately downstream of the first through hole 312 (between the uppermost second through hole 321a), the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​each second flow path R2 at the position of this first convex portion 313 is reduced (i.e., the flow resistance is increased), and therefore most of the second mixing target B flowing through each second flow path R2 flows into the first flow path R1 adjacent to the second flow path R2 through the first through hole 312.

[0079] Furthermore, in the confluence region Ar1, the first flow paths R1 and the second flow paths R2 are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction, so that the first flow paths R1 are formed on both sides of each second flow path R2 except for the second flow path R2 formed at the end in the X-axis direction. Therefore, a part of the second material to be mixed B flowing through the second flow path R2 through each of the first through-holes 312 of the plates 3A and 3B separating the second flow path R2 from the first flow path R1 flows into (confluences with) the first flow paths R1 on both sides of the second flow path R2.

[0080] The materials A and B to be mixed that have joined together in the joining area Ar1 in this way flow into the mixing area Ar2 adjacent to the joining area Ar1 immediately after joining, and are mixed by passing through the mixing area Ar2.

[0081] The materials A and B to be mixed that flow from the confluence region Ar1 into the mixing region Ar2 move between adjacent flow paths R1 and R2 through each second through hole 321a in a first region Ar21 (a region corresponding to the first portion 321 of the mixing section 32 of each plate 3A and 3B) formed immediately downstream of the confluence region Ar1 in the mixing region Ar2, whereby the materials A and B to be mixed are mixed (inter-flow path mixing).

[0082] More specifically, because the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​each first flow path R1 is smaller at the position of the second convex portion 321b (i.e., flow resistance is larger), most of the materials A and B to be mixed flowing through each first flow path R1 flow into each second flow path R2 adjacent to the first flow path R1 through the second through-hole 321a immediately upstream of the second convex portion 321b. Also, because the second flow path R2 is closed (blocked) at a position downstream of the second through-hole 321a located at the lowest position, the materials A and B to be mixed flowing through the second flow path R2 flow into each first flow path R1 adjacent to the second flow path R2 through the second through-hole 321a located at the lowest position.

[0083] In this way, in the first region Ar21 in the mixer body 2 (the region corresponding to the first portion 321 of each plate 3A, 3B), at least a portion of the materials A and B to be mixed in the first flow path R1 flows into each of the second flow paths R2 adjacent to the first flow path R1, and at least a portion of the materials A and B to be mixed in the second flow path R2 flows into at least one first flow path R1 adjacent to the second flow path R2, and this is done at least once each, so that the materials A and B to be mixed flowing in the first flow path R1 and the materials A and B to be mixed flowing in the second flow path R2 are mixed (inter-flow path mixing), that is, the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between different plates are mixed.

[0084] Subsequently, the materials A and B to be mixed (mixture C) that have been mixed between the flow paths in the first region Ar21 flow into a second region Ar22 (a region corresponding to the second region 322 of the mixing section 32 of each plate 3A, 3B) that is formed immediately downstream of the first region Ar21 in the mixing region Ar2, and are further mixed in the second region Ar22, as shown in Figures 4, 11, and 13. Note that in Figure 13, the shape of the second region 322 (a region corresponding to the second region Ar22) of each plate 3A, 3B is shown in a simplified form to make the configuration easier to understand.

[0085] At this time, because the second flow passage R2 is closed at a position downstream of the second through-hole 321a at the lowest position (see reference numeral 47B in FIG. 12), when the materials A and B to be mixed flow from the first region Ar21 to the second region Ar22, they flow only through the first flow passage R1 (only between the plates where the first flow passage R1 is formed) and do not flow between the plates where the second flow passage R2 is formed. In this second region Ar22, the materials A and B to be mixed (mixture C) are mixed in each of the first flow passages R1 (intra-flow passage mixing).

[0086] In detail, 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 and the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B, which define the first flow path R1, respectively, so that when the objects A and B to be mixed flow through each first flow path R1, turbulence occurs in the flow of the objects A and B to be mixed, respectively, and as a result, the objects A and B to be mixed are mixed with each other within each first flow path R1 (intra-flow path mixing), that is, the objects A and B to be mixed are mixed between the common plates.

[0087] At this time, a temperature-control fluid (fluid at a predetermined temperature) D supplied from the inflow channel Ch4 flows through the third flow path R3 (between the plates on which the second flow paths R2 are formed in the confluence region Ar1 and the first region Ar21). Because the plates 3A and 3B separating the first flow path R1 and the third flow path R3 are heat conductive, the materials A and B flowing through the first flow path R1 in the second region Ar22 are mixed while exchanging heat with the fluid D flowing through the third flow path R3 (i.e., being heated or cooled by the fluid D). In the second region Ar22 of the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the third flow paths R3 are disposed on both sides of each first flow path R1 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the materials A and B flowing through each first flow path R1 are mixed within the flow path while being heated or cooled by the fluid D from both sides in the X-axis direction. Therefore, by adjusting the temperature of the fluid D supplied to the inflow channel Ch4 in the mixer 1, the materials A and B can be mixed while being maintained at a predetermined temperature. That is, the mixer 1 can mix the materials A and B to be mixed in the second area Ar22 while controlling the temperature of the materials. In addition, by adjusting (controlling) the temperature and flow rate of the temperature-adjusting fluid D, the temperature and viscosity of the materials A and B to be mixed in the second area Ar22 can be changed.

[0088] Next, the materials A and B to be mixed (mixture C) mixed within the flow path in the second region Ar22 flow into the third region Ar23 (a region corresponding to the third portion 323 of the mixing section 32 of each plate 3A, 3B) formed immediately downstream of the second region Ar22 in the mixing region Ar2, as shown in Figures 4, 11, and 14, and are mixed (inter-flow path mixing) by moving between adjacent flow paths R1 and R4 through each third through hole 323a in the third region Ar23.

[0089] Specifically, some of the materials A and B to be mixed that have flowed in each first flow path R1 up to the position of the uppermost third through hole 323a move (flow into) the fourth flow path R4 adjacent to the first flow path R1 through the third through hole 323a. Then, since the flow path cross-sectional areas of the first flow paths R1 and the fourth flow paths R4 are reduced (i.e., the flow resistance is increased) at the positions of the third convex portions 323b in each first flow path R1 and each fourth flow path R4, most of the materials A and B to be mixed flowing in each first flow path R1 flow into each fourth flow path 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 materials A and B to be mixed flowing in 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.

[0090] In this way, in the third region Ar23 in the mixer body 2 (the region corresponding to the third portion 323 of each plate 3A, 3B), at least a portion of the materials A and B to be mixed in each first flow path R1 flows into each fourth flow path R4 adjacent to the first flow path R1, and at least a portion of the materials 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, and this is done at least once each, so that the materials A and B to be mixed flowing in the first flow path R1 and the materials A and B to be mixed flowing in the fourth flow path R4 are mixed (inter-flow path mixing), that is, the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between different plates are mixed.

[0091] At this time, if there is a difference (variation) in temperature or degree of mixing between the materials A and B to be mixed flowing through each of the first flow paths R1 in the second region Ar22, the difference (variation) in temperature and degree of mixing between the materials A and B to be mixed flowing through each of the flow paths R1 and R4 is suppressed by inter-flow path mixing in the third region Ar23.

[0092] The materials A and B (mixture C) mixed in the mixing area Ar2 (inter-flow path mixing and intra-flow path mixing) as described above flow from each of the first flow paths R1 and each of the third flow paths R3 into the discharge flow path Ch3, and are discharged to the outside through the discharge flow path Ch3, as shown in Figures 4, 11, and 15.

[0093] According to the mixer 1 described above, by continuously flowing the materials A and B to be mixed in the Z-axis direction between predetermined plates in the mixer body 2 (three or more overlapping plates 3A, 3B), in the first region Ar21, the materials A and B to be mixed flowing through one of two adjacent plates merge with the materials B and A to be mixed flowing through the other plate through each of the second through holes 321a, and the materials A and B to be mixed flowing through one plate merge with the materials B and A to be mixed flowing through the other plate, and this process is repeated. As a result, in the first region Ar21 of the mixer body 2, the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between the plates that communicate through the second through holes 321a continue to be continuously mixed.

[0094] Furthermore, by continuing to flow the materials A and B to be mixed in the Z-axis direction between predetermined plates in the mixer body 2 (three or more overlapping plates 3A, 3B), in the third area Ar23, the materials A and B to be mixed flowing through one of two adjacent plates merge with the materials B and A to be mixed flowing through the other through each of the third through holes 323a, or the materials A and B to be mixed flowing through one of the plates merge with the materials B and A to be mixed flowing through the other. As a result, in the third area Ar23 of the mixer body 2, the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between the plates that are connected through the third through holes 323a are continuously mixed.

[0095] Specifically, in the third region Ar23 of this embodiment, the materials A and B to be mixed (more specifically, the material (mixture C) mixed between the channels in the first region Ar21) that have flowed through the region corresponding to the second portion 322 of the plate 2 in the first channel R1 flow (diverge) between the plates where the third channel R3 is formed through the first third through hole 323a, and then the materials (mixture C) to be mixed that flow between the different plates join together through the third through holes 323a located downstream of the first third through hole 323a, i.e., are mixed between the channels.

[0096] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the regions in the mixer body 2 where the plurality of through-holes 321a, 323a are arranged (inter-flow path mixing regions: in the example of this embodiment, the first region Ar21 and the third region Ar23) are arranged in part of the Z-axis direction when viewed from the X-axis direction. In this way, in the mixer body 2, by limiting the regions Ar21, Ar23 that mix the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between different plates to part of the Z-axis direction, other parts between the plates (regions other than the first region Ar21 and the third region Ar23) can be used for different purposes.

[0097] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the mixer body 2 has a second region (intra-channel mixing region: second region Ar22 in the example of this embodiment) including a predetermined gap between plates through which multiple types of materials A and B to be mixed can be mixed, and the first region Ar21 in which the multiple second through-holes 321a are arranged in the mixer body 2 is arranged upstream of the second region (intra-channel mixing region) Ar22. With this configuration, after the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between different plates in the first region (inter-channel mixing region) Ar21 are mixed (inter-channel mixing), this inter-channel mixed mixture C (multiple types of materials A and B to be mixed) can be further mixed (intra-channel mixing) between the common plates (a region corresponding to the second region Ar22 of the first flow channel R1).

[0098] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the mixer body 2 has a second region (intra-flow path mixing region: in the example of this embodiment, the second region Ar22) that includes a predetermined space between plates through which multiple types of materials A and B to be mixed can be mixed, and in the mixer body 2, the third region Ar23 in which multiple third through holes 323a are arranged is arranged downstream of the second region (intra-flow path mixing region) Ar22.

[0099] According to this configuration, after the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between common plates (a region corresponding to the second region Ar22 of the first flow path R1) are mixed with each other (intra-flow path mixing) in the second region (intra-flow path mixing region) Ar22, this intra-flow path mixed mixture C (multiple types of materials A and B to be mixed) can be further mixed with the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between different plates in the third region Ar23 (inter-flow path mixing).

[0100] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, convex portions 321b, 323b that partially block the gap between at least one of the plates that communicate with each other via the through holes 321a, 323a are formed downstream of the through holes 321a, 323a. The formation of the convex portions 321b, 323b makes it difficult for the materials A, B to be mixed to flow between the plates downstream of the through holes 321a, 323a between the at least one of the plates (in this embodiment, the first flow path R1 and the fourth flow path R4) (flow resistance increases). This increases the amount of materials A, B to be mixed flowing into other gaps between the plates via the through holes 321a, 323a.

[0101] The plate-type mixer of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, or part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted.

[0102] The mixer 1 in the above embodiment includes two supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2, i.e., mixes two types of materials A and B to be mixed, but is not limited to this configuration. The mixer 1 may also include three or more supply flow paths Ch1, Ch2, ..., i.e., mixes three or more types of materials to be mixed. In this case, two or more confluence regions Ar1 may be formed in the mixer body 2. That is, all of the materials to be mixed may be confluenced in one confluence region Ar1, or multiple confluence regions Ar11, Ar12, ... may be formed in series, and one or more materials to be mixed may be confluenced in each confluence region Ar11, Ar12, ... for a given material to be mixed. In the case where the materials to be mixed are confluenced in sequence, materials that need to be mixed immediately after confluence are configured to confluence in a confluence region formed adjacent to (directly upstream of) the mixing region Ar2.

[0103] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the multiple types of materials A and B to be mixed are mixed by flowing downward between the plates, but this configuration is not limited to this. The mixer 1 may be configured so that the multiple types of materials A and B to be mixed are mixed by flowing upward between the plates, or so that the multiple types of materials A and B to be mixed are mixed by flowing horizontally or approximately horizontally between the plates. Furthermore, the mixer 1 may be configured so that the flow directions of the materials A and B to be mixed are different between plates at different positions in the overlapping direction of the plates 3.

[0104] In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, two types of plates 3A and 3B are stacked on top of each other, but this configuration is not limited to this. The mixer body 2 may also be configured so that three or more types of plates 3A, 3B, etc. are stacked on top of each other.

[0105] Furthermore, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the flow paths R1 to R4 are formed by sandwiching the gasket 4 between the plates, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, a configuration is also possible in which the peripheral edges of the plates 3 adjacent to each other in the overlapping direction are sealed by brazing welding or the like to form flow paths R1, R2, ... between the plates through which the materials A and B to be mixed and the temperature control fluid D can flow.

[0106] Furthermore, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, each plate 3 is made of metal, and therefore the entire plate 3 has heat conductivity, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the plates 3 separating adjacent plates may have heat conductivity only in the range necessary for heat exchange between the materials A and B to be mixed and the temperature control fluid D flowing between the plates.

[0107] Furthermore, since each plate 3 of the mixer 1 in the above embodiment is formed by press molding, on the second surface S2 of the plate 3, recesses of shapes corresponding to the protrusions 313, 321b, 322c, 323b on the first surface S1 are formed at positions (the back surfaces of the protrusions 313, 321b, 322c, 323b) corresponding to the protrusions 313, 321b, 322c, 323b, and a protrusion of a shape corresponding to the recess 322d is formed at a position (the back surface of the recess 322d) corresponding to the recess 322d.In other words, the protrusions and recesses on each plate 3 are in a front-back relationship, but this configuration is not limited to this. In each plate 3, the back surfaces S2, S1 of the convex portions 313, 321b, 322c, 323b (or the concave portions 322d) on one surface S1, S2 may be flat, or the back surfaces S2, S1 of the convex portions 313, 321b, 322c, 323b (or the concave portions 322d) on one surface S1, S2 may be convex portions (or concave portions).

[0108] Furthermore, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, a plurality of mixing convex portions 322c and a plurality of mixing concave portions 322d arranged in a so-called herringbone pattern are formed on the opposing surfaces S1, S2 of the two plates 3A, 3B that constitute the flow path R1 where in-path mixing occurs, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, only one of at least one mixing convex portion 322c and at least one mixing concave portion 322d may be formed (arranged) on each of the opposing surfaces S1, S2 of the two plates 3. Furthermore, a configuration may be possible in which at least one of at least one mixing convex portion 322c and at least one mixing concave portion 322d is formed on only one of the opposing surfaces S1, S2 of the two plates 3.

[0109] Furthermore, the specific shapes of mixing convex portion 322c and mixing recess portion 322d are not limited. That is, the shape (arrangement pattern) of mixing convex portion 322c and mixing recess portion 322d may be a shape other than a herringbone pattern. Furthermore, depending on the type of materials to be mixed, mixing may occur simply by flowing down between two flat plates 3. Therefore, the opposing surfaces S1 and S2 of the two plates 3 may each be flat, that is, a configuration in which neither mixing convex portion 322c nor mixing recess portion 322d is formed may be used.

[0110] In the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, three regions (first region Ar21, second region Ar22, and third region Ar23) are formed in the mixing region Ar2 so that regions with different mixing methods are adjacent to each other, but this configuration is not limited to this. The mixing region Ar2 may be composed of only the second region Ar22 (one region with the same mixing method), or two regions or four or more regions may be formed in the mixing region Ar2 so that regions with different mixing methods are adjacent to each other.

[0111] Furthermore, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1, the specific configurations of the multiple second through holes 321a and multiple third through holes 323a arranged in the regions 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 multiple second through holes 321a and each of the multiple third through holes 323a of each plate 3 included in the mixer body 2 in the above embodiment is an elongated hole extending in the Y-axis direction, but they may also be holes of other shapes, such as round holes or polygonal holes. Furthermore, the multiple through holes 321a, 323a arranged in the inter-channel mixing region (first region Ar21, third region Ar23) may include holes of different shapes or sizes from the other holes. In other words, it is sufficient that the holes allow the materials A and B to be mixed to pass through. Furthermore, the multiple through holes 321a, 323a arranged in the inter-channel mixing region (first region Ar21, third region Ar23) do not have to be aligned in a row along the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, some of the through-holes 321a, 323a arranged in the inter-channel mixing region (first region Ar21, third region Ar23) may be arranged at the same position in the Z-axis direction.

[0112] Furthermore, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, in the inter-channel mixing region (first region Ar21, third region Ar23), the multiple through-holes 321a, 323a are arranged in all of the three or more plates 3A, 3B stacked in the X-axis direction, but this configuration is not limited to this. In the inter-channel mixing region (first region Ar21, third region Ar23), the multiple through-holes 321a, 323a may be arranged in only some of the plates 3A, 3B of the three or more plates 3A, 3B stacked in the X-axis direction.

[0113] Furthermore, in the first region Ar21 and the third region Ar23 (i.e., the region where inter-channel mixing occurs) in the mixer body 2 of the above embodiment, the first convex portion 313 or the second convex portion 321b (or the third convex portion 323b) is provided in at least one of the two channels R1, R2 (or R1, R4) adjacent to each other via the plate 3 to block a portion of the channel R1, R2 (or R1, R4) (i.e., the channel has a locally narrowed portion), thereby increasing the amount of the materials A and B to be mixed flowing into the other channel through the first through-hole 312 or the second through-hole 321a (or the third through-hole 323a) located upstream of the convex portion 313, 321b (or 323b). However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, neither of the two channels R1, R2 (or R1, R4) adjacent to each other via the plate 3 may have a convex portion (a configuration in which the channel does not have a locally narrowed portion).

[0114] Furthermore, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the amount (flow rate) of the materials A and B to be mixed passing through the through holes 312, 321a, 323a and the direction of passage through the through holes 312, 321a, 323a (the flow of the materials A and B to be mixed from one gap between adjacent plates to the other gap between the other plates, or the flow of the materials A and B to be mixed from the other gap between the one plates) are controlled by the shape, number, arrangement, etc. of the convex portions 313, 321b, 323b, but are not limited to this configuration. For example, in each of the flow paths R1, R2, R4 in which a plurality of through holes 312, 321a, 323a are arranged, the flow path width (dimension in the Y-axis direction) may be reduced partially (locally) or the flow path height (distance between the opposing surfaces S1, S2 of the plates 3A, 3B) may be reduced to adjust the flow path cross-sectional area (flow path resistance), thereby controlling the amount (flow rate) of the materials A and B to be mixed passing through each of the through holes 312, 321a, 323a and the passing direction of the materials A and B to be mixed through each of the through holes 312, 321a, 323a.

[0115] Furthermore, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the specific configuration of each of the convex portions 313, 321b, and 323b protruding into each of the flow paths R1, R2, and R4 is not limited. For example, although each of the convex portions 313, 321b, and 323b in the above embodiment extends straight in the Y-axis direction, they may be curved entirely or at least in one location. Furthermore, each of the convex portions 313, 321b, and 323b does not have to abut against the plate 3B, 3A that faces the plate 3A, 3B having the convex portion 313, 321b, and 323b. Furthermore, each of the convex portions 313, 321b, and 323b may protrude toward each other from opposing positions on the opposing surfaces S1 and S2 of two plates 3A and 3B aligned in the X-axis direction.

[0116] Furthermore, although the protrusions 313, 321b, and 323b in the above-described embodiments are disposed immediately downstream of the through-holes 312, 321a, and 323a, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the protrusions 313 may be disposed at the positions of the through-holes 312, i.e., may be formed by part of the periphery of the through-holes 312. This configuration also makes it possible to block part of the gap between the plates (flow path) (locally reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path).

[0117] Furthermore, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the first region Ar21 and the third region Ar23 are configured such that a plurality of through holes 321a, 323a are provided in portions 321, 323 of plates 3A, 3B that separate adjacent plates (the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2, or the first flow path R1 and the fourth flow path R4), thereby enabling inter-flow mixing of the objects A and B to be mixed by communicating between the adjacent plates, but this configuration is not limited to this.

[0118] 17, for example, the mixer body 2 may have, in the first region Ar21 or the third region Ar23, a plurality of communication parts Ch6 that communicate between a plurality of plates through which the materials A and B to be mixed can flow, and the plurality of communication parts Ch6 may be arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction. In this case, the plates that communicate with each other do not have to be adjacent in the X-axis direction. Also, a configuration in which three or more plates communicate with each other through communication parts Ch6, etc. may be used. In other words, a configuration in which corresponding plates are communicated with each other through a plurality of communication parts Ch6, and the materials A and B to be mixed move (flow) from one plate to another plate through the communication parts Ch6 multiple times may be used. Even with this configuration, by continuing to flow the materials A and B to be mixed in the Z-axis direction between predetermined plates, the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between one plate through each communication part Ch6 will merge with the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between other plates, or the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between one plate will merge with the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between other plates, and this is repeated. As a result, the materials A and B to be mixed flowing between each plate that is connected through the communication part Ch6 will continue to be mixed continuously.

[0119] In this case, the mixer body 2 may be configured so that a temperature control fluid D flows between the plates (flow paths) where the materials A and B to be mixed do not flow. With this configuration, even in the inter-flow path mixing, the materials A and B to be mixed can be mixed while controlling (managing) the temperatures of the materials A and B to be mixed (see FIG. 17).

[0120] Furthermore, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, a flow path is formed in a portion between the plates, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 18, the mixer body 2 may be configured such that three or more stacked plates 3 are housed in a case 8 or the like, so that the entire area between the plates is used as a flow path (area through which the objects A and B to be mixed flow).

[0121] Furthermore, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the confluence region Ar1 is formed by the portion (confluence section) 31 where the first through holes 312 are arranged in each plate 3, and the first region Ar21 is formed by the portion (first portion) 321 where the plurality of second through holes 321a are arranged in each plate 3, but this configuration (division) is not limiting. In the mixer body 2, the region formed by the portions 31, 321 where the first through holes 312 and the plurality of second through holes 321a are arranged in each plate 3 may be a confluence / mixing region including a region where the materials A and B to be mixed supplied by each supply flow path Ch1, Ch2 converge and a region where mixing occurs between the flow paths. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1...plate type mixer, 2...mixer body, 3...plate, 3A...first plate (plate), 3B...second plate (plate), 31...junction section, 311...communicating hole, 311a...first communicating hole (communicating hole), 311b...second communicating hole (communicating hole), 312...first through hole (through hole), 313...first convex section (convex section), 32...mixing section, 321...first section, 321a...second through hole (through hole), 321b...second convex section (convex section), 322...second section, 322a, 322b...third communicating hole, 322c ...mixing convex portion, 322d...mixing concave portion, 323...third portion, 323a...third through hole (through hole), 323b...third convex portion (convex portion), 33...discharge portion, 331...fourth communication hole, 35...gasket arrangement portion, 36...guide engagement portion, 4...gasket, 4A...first gasket (gasket), 41A...first flow path forming portion, 42A...first sealing portion, 43A...connection portion, 4B...second gasket (gasket), 41B...second flow path forming portion, 42B...third flow path forming portion, 43B...fourth flow path forming portion, 44 B...second sealing portion, 45B...connecting portion, 47B, 48B...partition portion, 5a, 5b...frame, 51...through hole, 52, 53...notch portion, 6...guide portion, 61...guide bar, 62...support member, 7...fastening member, 71...bolt, 72...nut, 8...case, 100...mixing device, 101...agitating means, 102...mixing container, 103, 104, 105, 106...tank, A...first mixing object (mixing object), A1, A2, A3, A4...mixing object, B...second mixing object (mixing object), C ...Mixture, D...Fluid for temperature control, Ar1, Ar11, Ar12...merging area, Ar2...mixing area, Ar21...first area, Ar22...second area, Ar23...third area, Ar3...discharge area, Ch1...first supply flow path (supply flow path), Ch2...second 2 supply channels (supply channel), Ch3...discharge channel, Ch4...inflow channel, Ch5...outflow channel, Ch6...channel, R1...first channel, R2...second channel, R3...third channel, R4...fourth channel, S1...first surface, S2...second surface, α, β, γ...flow direction of the mixed object

Claims

1. A plate-type mixer for mixing a plurality of fluid materials, Three or more plates stacked in a first direction; A predetermined plate among the three or more plates, through which the materials to be mixed can flow and which separates two adjacent plates in the first direction, has a plurality of through holes that communicate between the two adjacent plates via the plate, the plurality of through holes are arranged at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from the first direction, When the three or more plates are viewed from the first direction, the material to be mixed flows along the second direction, In the three or more plates, an inter-channel mixing region in which the plurality of through holes are arranged is arranged in a part of the second direction when viewed from the first direction, the three or more plates have an in-flow path mixing region, which is located at a position different from the inter-flow path mixing region in the second direction, and which is between one of the two plates separated by the partition plate, and includes a space between the plates through which the plurality of materials to be mixed can be mixed; a plate mixer, wherein the inter-channel mixing region is disposed on the upstream side of the intra-channel mixing region in the second direction in the three or more plates;

2. A plate-type mixer for mixing a plurality of fluid materials, Three or more plates stacked in a first direction; the three or more plates have a plurality of communication portions that communicate with each other and allow the material to be mixed to flow through; the plurality of communication portions are arranged at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from the first direction, When the three or more plates are viewed from the first direction, the material to be mixed flows along the second direction, In the three or more plates, an inter-channel mixing region in which the plurality of communicating portions are arranged is arranged in a part of the second direction when viewed from the first direction, the three or more plates have an in-channel mixing region, which is located at a position different from the inter-channel mixing region in the second direction and includes a predetermined gap between the plates through which the plurality of materials to be mixed can be mixed, a plate mixer, wherein the inter-channel mixing region is disposed on the upstream side of the intra-channel mixing region in the second direction in the three or more plates;

3. 3. The plate-type mixer according to claim 1, wherein a convex portion that blocks a portion of the space between the plates is formed at the position of the through hole or the communicating portion or at a downstream position of the through hole or the communicating portion between at least one of the plurality of plates that are connected to each other by the through hole or the communicating portion.

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