Mixed Ejection Device

Abstract

To provide a mixing discharge device with a simple and inexpensive structure that can suppress dripping at a discharge port in a form adopting a disposable type dynamic mixer.SOLUTION: A mixing discharge device 1 comprises a body 2 having a rotatable mixing shaft 5, and a mixer 3 detachably attached to the body. The mixer has a case 21 and a rotor 22, an insertion hole 31 is formed in the rotor, and the insertion hole is provided with an engaged part 32 with which an engagement part 12 provided on the mixing shaft can be engaged by insertion of the mixing shaft. The rotor can rotate integrally with the mixing shaft by engagement between the engagement part and the engaged part. A valve body 11 is provided at a tip of the mixing shaft, a valve seat 25 is provided at a bottom of the case, and the mixing shaft is so provided as to be movable in an axial direction between an open position A where the valve body is separated from the valve seat to open a discharge port 24 and a closed position B where the valve body is seated on the valve seat to close the discharge port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixing ejection device, and more particularly to a mixing ejection device that mixes and ejects a plurality of types of liquid materials.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional mixing ejection device, a device that mixes and ejects a plurality of types of liquid materials is generally known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In these Patent Documents 1 and 2, a valve mechanism for opening and closing a discharge port is provided at the bottom of a dynamic mixer (rotary mixer), and when the operation of the mixer is stopped, the discharge port is closed by the valve mechanism to prevent the liquid material in the mixer from falling from the discharge port (i.e., dripping).

[0003] Here, as a mixer, a disposable type that is detachably attached to a main body provided with a mixing shaft or the like may be adopted (see, for example, Patent Document 3). According to this disposable type of mixer, the maintenance property can be improved by eliminating the need for cleaning the mixer after use. However, if a dynamic mixer provided with the above-described dripping prevention valve mechanism is of a disposable type, the number of parts increases, the structure becomes complicated and expensive. In particular, the valve mechanism (valve body and valve seat) is discarded every time the mixer is replaced, resulting in high running costs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a simple and inexpensive mixing and dispensing device that can suppress liquid dripping at the discharge port when using a disposable type dynamic mixer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is as follows: 1. A mixing and dispensing device that mixes and dispenses multiple types of liquid materials, A main body having a rotatable mixing shaft, The main body is equipped with a mixer that can be detachably attached to the main body, The mixer comprises a case with a discharge port formed at its bottom, and a rotor housed within the case. The rotor has a through hole through which the mixing shaft can be inserted. The insertion hole is provided with an engaging portion that can be engaged with an engaging portion provided on the mixing shaft when the mixing shaft is inserted. The rotor is rotatable integrally with the mixing shaft by the engagement of the engaging portion and the engaged portion. A valve body is provided at the tip of the mixing shaft. The bottom of the case is provided with a valve seat on which the valve body can be seated. The mixing and discharging device is characterized in that the mixing shaft is provided to be movable in the axial direction between an open position in which the valve body is separated from the valve seat and opens the discharge port, and a closed position in which the valve body is seated on the valve seat and closes the discharge port. 2. The mixing and discharging device according to 1. above, wherein the rotor is movable in the axial direction integrally with the mixing shaft by the engagement of the engaging portion and the engaged portion. 3. The mixer has a closing member that closes the upper opening of the case, The mixing and discharging device according to 1. or 2. above, wherein the outer periphery of the case is provided with an inlet for introducing liquid material into a mixing chamber surrounded by the case and the sealing member. 4. The mixing and discharging device described in 3. above, wherein the case, rotor, and sealing member are made of synthetic resin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The mixing and dispensing device of the present invention employs a mixer having a rotor that is detachably attached to the main body and rotates integrally with the mixing shaft, i.e., a disposable type dynamic mixer. This eliminates the need for cleaning the mixer after use, improving maintainability, and also prevents the generation of cleaning wastewater and the deterioration of the working environment due to organic solvent fumes. Furthermore, when the mixer stops operating, the mixing shaft is moved from the open position to the closed position, causing the valve body to seat on the valve seat and the discharge port to close, thereby suppressing dripping at the discharge port. In addition, by providing the valve body at the tip of the mixing shaft and the valve seat at the bottom of the mixer case, the valve body can be reused when replacing the mixer, thus reducing the number of parts in the mixer and making it a simple and inexpensive structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] The present invention will be further described in the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, which refer to several drawings, with the same reference numerals indicating the same parts in several of the drawings. [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of a mixing and dispensing device according to an embodiment, where (a) shows an overall perspective view and (b) shows an exploded perspective view of the main parts. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing a cross-section of a part of the mixing and dispensing device. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram of a mixer according to an embodiment, where (a) shows a cross-sectional view with the mixing shaft inserted, and (b) shows the disassembled state of (a). [Figure 4]This is a cross-sectional view of the mixer (with the mixing shaft inserted), where (b) is a perspective view of (a) seen from below, and (c) is a perspective view of (a) seen from above. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the mixer (with the mixing shaft not inserted), where (b) is a perspective view of (a) seen from below, and (c) is a perspective view of (a) seen from above. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the mixing and dispensing device. (a) shows the mixer in operation, (b) shows the mixer in a stopped state, and (c) shows the mixer in the process of being removed from the main body. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a mixer relating to another form. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The matters presented herein are illustrative and illustrative to illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and are intended to provide what is considered to be the most effective and readily understandable explanation of the principles and conceptual features of the present invention. In this regard, it is not intended to show structural details of the present invention beyond what is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, and the description, in conjunction with the drawings, will make it clear to those skilled in the art how some forms of the present invention are actually embodied.

[0010] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to embodiments using the drawings. In this embodiment, the "mixing and dispensing device" according to the present invention is exemplified as a mixing and dispensing device (coating machine) that mixes two types of liquid materials, a main agent and a curing agent, to dispense a two-component adhesive (urethane, epoxy, silicone, etc.).

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mixing ejection device 1 according to this embodiment includes a main body 2 having a rotatable mixing shaft 5 and a mixer 3 detachably attached to the main body 2. This main body 2 has a mixing shaft 5, a motor 6 that rotates the mixing shaft 5 about its axis, and a moving mechanism 7 that moves the mixing shaft 5 in the axial direction. Further, the main body 2 has a base 8 that supports the motor 6 and the moving mechanism 7 (see FIG. 2). This base 8 has a lower base 8a and an upper base 8b disposed above the lower base 8a via a support column 9.

[0012] The mixing shaft 5 is made of metal. A valve body 11 that can be seated on a valve seat 25 described later is provided at the tip of the mixing shaft 5. This valve body 11 is formed in a needle shape. Further, an engaging portion 12 that engages with an engaged portion 32 described later is provided on the mixing shaft 5. This engaging portion 12 is formed in a regular polygon (specifically, a regular hexagon) in a cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the axial direction of the mixing shaft 5. Further, a portion of the mixing shaft 5 that is axially continuous with the engaging portion 12 is formed in a circular cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the axial direction. The material of the mixing shaft 5 is not particularly limited, and it may be made of ceramic, for example. Further, as the valve body 11, one formed in a hemispherical shape or the like in addition to the needle shape may be adopted.

[0013] The motor 6 is mounted on the upper base 8b. The drive shaft 6a of the motor 6 is connected to the mixing shaft 5 via a coupling 13 that allows movement of the mixing shaft 5 in the axial direction. This coupling 13 has a rotating body 13a attached to the drive shaft 6a and a rotating body 13b attached to the mixing shaft 5. A plurality of slide shafts 14 are provided on one of these rotating bodies 13a, 13b, and a bush 15 through which the slide shafts 14 can be inserted is provided on the other.

[0014] The moving mechanism 7 moves the mixing shaft 5 axially between an open position A (see Fig. 6(a)) where the valve body 11 is separated from the valve seat 25 to open the discharge port 24 and a closed position B (see Fig. 6(b)) where the valve body 11 seats on the valve seat 25 to close the discharge port 24. This moving mechanism 7 has a bearing 17 (specifically, a deep groove ball bearing) that is provided immovably in the axial direction of the mixing shaft 5 and supports the mixing shaft 5 rotatably, and a cylinder device 18 (specifically, an air cylinder device) that moves the bearing 17 axially. This cylinder device 18 is mounted on the upper base 8b. Further, a clamping portion 19 that clamps the bearing 17 from the axial direction is provided on the piston rod 18a of the cylinder device 18.

[0015] Note that as the moving mechanism 7, a device having a ball screw device or the like instead of the cylinder device 18 may be adopted. Also, a device having a plurality of cylinder devices 18 may be adopted. Further, a device having a plurality of bearings 17 may be adopted.

[0016] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the mixer 3 has a case 21 with a discharge port 24 formed at the bottom and a rotor 22 housed in the case 21. Further, the mixer 3 has a closing member 23 that closes the upper opening of the case 21.

[0017] The case 21 is made of synthetic resin. This case 21 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper end. A nozzle-shaped discharge port 24 projects downward at the center of the bottom of this case 21. Also, a valve seat 25 (valve sheet) on which the valve body 11 of the mixing shaft 5 can seat is provided at the bottom of the case 21 (specifically, the portion directly above the discharge port 24).

[0018] An inlet 26 is provided on the outer circumference of the case 21 for introducing liquid material into the mixing chamber S, which is surrounded by the case 21 and the sealing member 23. The inlet 27a of the valve 27 is inserted into and removed from this inlet 26, thereby detachably attaching the case 21 (i.e., the mixer 3) to the main body 2 (i.e., the base 8) (see Figure 2). However, the case 21 may be one which can be detachably attached to the main body 2 by locking, screwing, press-fitting, etc.

[0019] Furthermore, liquid material is supplied to valve 27 by a mechanism that pressurizes the liquid, also known as a dispenser system (for example, a type that pushes out liquid with pressurized air, or a type that uses a pump), and the supply of liquid material to the inlet 26 is stopped by the opening and closing operation of valve 27. In addition, the inlet 27a is provided so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the mixing shaft 5 (horizontal direction) relative to the body of valve 27 by an actuator (not shown) (see Figure 6). However, a valve 27 that is provided so as a whole, including the inlet 27a, is movable in the horizontal direction may also be used.

[0020] The rotor 22 is made of synthetic resin. The rotor 22 is housed in the mixing chamber of the case such that its axis substantially coincides with the axis of the case. The rotor 22 also has a through hole 31 (central hole) through which the mixing shaft 5 can be inserted. The through hole 31 is provided with an engaged portion 32 through which the engaging portion 12 can engage when the mixing shaft 5 is inserted. The engaged portion 32 has a cross-sectional shape that is a regular polygon (specifically a regular hexagon) perpendicular to the axial direction of the mixing shaft 5, corresponding to the engaging portion 12. The through hole 31 is also provided with a support portion 33 that supports the portion of the mixing shaft 5 between the engaging portion 12 and the valve body 11. The support portion 33 has a cross-sectional shape that is circular perpendicular to the axial direction of the mixing shaft 5. Furthermore, the rotor 22 is provided with multiple stirring blades 34 that spread radially along the axial direction. In addition to the configuration in which the entire cross-section of the engaging portion 12 and the engaged portion 32 is polygonal, a configuration in which at least a part of the cross-section is polygonal may also be adopted, such as a spline connection or a key connection.

[0021] Here, the rotor 22 is rotatable together with the mixing shaft 5 by the engagement of the engaging portion 12 and the engaged portion 32. Furthermore, the rotor 22 is axially movable together with the mixing shaft 5 by the engagement of the engaging portion 12 and the engaged portion 32. In addition, the engagement of the engaging portion 12 and the engaged portion 32 restricts the passage of liquid material between the insertion hole 31 of the rotor 22 and the outer circumferential surface of the mixing shaft 5.

[0022] The rotor 22 and mixing shaft 5 may be configured to move together axially regardless of the viscosity of the liquid material, or they may be configured to move together axially when the viscosity of the liquid material is below a predetermined value and not move together axially when the viscosity of the liquid material is greater than a predetermined value. Furthermore, a configuration in which they do not move together axially regardless of the viscosity of the liquid material may also be adopted.

[0023] The sealing member 23 is made of synthetic resin. This sealing member 23 is inserted into the case 21 so as to close the upper opening of the case 21. In addition, a through hole 37 through which the mixing shaft 5 can be inserted is formed in the center of the sealing member 23. This through hole 37 is provided with a recess 39 into which a sealing member 38 that seals the space between the mixing shaft 5 and the sealing member is fitted. The sealing member 23 is attached to the case 21 by locking, screwing, press-fitting, adhesive, etc. Furthermore, the shape of the sealing member 23 is not particularly limited, and it may have a complex shape (upper surface shape) to assist the function of the shaft sealing means, for example.

[0024] Next, the operation and effects of the mixing and discharging device 1 with the above configuration will be explained. When the mixer 3 is in operation (i.e., when the motor 6 is driven), as shown in Figure 6(a), the mixing shaft 5 is in the open position A, the valve body 11 is separated from the valve seat 25, and the discharge port 24 is open. Then, the liquid material flowing in from the inlet 26 into the mixing chamber S is mixed by the integrated rotation of the mixing shaft 5 and the rotor 22 and discharged from the discharge port 24.

[0025] On the other hand, when the mixer 3 stops operating (i.e., when the motor 6 stops driving), as shown in Figure 6(b), the moving mechanism 7 moves (lowers) the mixing shaft 5 from the open position A to the closed position B, and the valve body 11 seats on the valve seat 25, closing the discharge port 24. Subsequently, when restarting the mixer, the moving mechanism 7 moves (rises) the mixing shaft 5 from the closed position B to the open position A, opening the discharge port 24.

[0026] Furthermore, when replacing mixer 3, as shown in Figure 6(c), the inlet 27a is moved horizontally to remove the inlet 27 from the inlet 26, and from that state, mixer 3 is removed from the main body 2. At this time, the rotor 22 is removed from the mixing shaft 5 on the main body 2 side, and the valve body 11 is left on the main body 2 side and reused.

[0027] As described above, the mixing and discharging device 1 of this embodiment comprises a main body 2 having a rotatable mixing shaft 5, and a mixer 3 that is detachably attached to the main body 2. The mixer 3 comprises a case 21 with a discharge port 24 formed at its bottom, and a rotor 22 housed within the case 21. The rotor 22 has an insertion hole 31 through which the mixing shaft 5 can be inserted, and the insertion hole 31 is provided with an engaged portion 32 through which an engaging portion 12 provided on the mixing shaft 5 can engage when the mixing shaft 5 is inserted. The rotor 22 can rotate integrally with the mixing shaft 5 by the engagement of the engaging portion 12 and the engaged portion 32. Furthermore, a valve body 11 is provided at the tip of the mixing shaft 5, and a valve seat 25 on which the valve body 11 can be seated is provided at the bottom of the case 21. The mixing shaft 5 is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction between an open position A, where the valve body 11 is separated from the valve seat 25 and the discharge port 24 is open, and a closed position B, where the valve body 11 is seated on the valve seat 25 and the discharge port 24 is closed. As a result, by adopting a mixer 3 having a rotor 22 that is detachably attached to the main body 2 and can rotate integrally with the mixing shaft 5, i.e., a disposable type dynamic mixer 3, the cleaning of the mixer 3 after use is eliminated, improving maintainability, and there is no deterioration of the working environment due to cleaning wastewater and organic solvent fumes. In addition, when the operation of the mixer 3 is stopped, the mixing shaft 5 is moved from the open position A to the closed position B, causing the valve body 11 to seat on the valve seat 25 and the discharge port 24 to close, thereby suppressing dripping at the discharge port 24. Furthermore, by providing the valve body 11 at the tip of the mixing shaft 5 and the valve seat 25 at the bottom of the case 21 of the mixer 3, the valve body 11 can be reused when the mixer 3 is replaced, thus reducing the number of parts in the mixer 3 and making it a simple and inexpensive structure.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotor 22 is movable axially in conjunction with the mixing shaft 5 by the engagement of the engaging portion 12 and the engaged portion 32. This prevents wear due to sliding between the insertion hole 31 of the rotor 22 and the outer surface of the mixing shaft 5, and restricts the passage of liquid material between the two 31 and 5 even during long-term use of the mixer 3.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mixer 3 has a sealing member 23 that closes the upper opening of the case 21, and an inlet 26 is provided on the outer periphery of the case 21 for introducing liquid material into the mixing chamber S surrounded by the case 21 and the sealing member 23. This simplifies the injection path of the liquid material, making the mixer 3 even simpler and less expensive. In particular, in this embodiment, the case 21 (i.e., the mixer 3) can be attached to and detached from the main body 2 by inserting and removing the inlet 27a into the inlet 26, making the mixer 3 even simpler and less expensive.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case 21, rotor 22, and sealing member 23 are made of synthetic resin. This allows the mixer 3 to have an even simpler and less expensive structure.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention depending on the purpose and application. That is, in the above embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 7, a sealing member 41 may be provided in the insertion hole 31 of the rotor 22 to seal the space between it and the outer circumferential surface of the mixing shaft 5. In this case, the rotor 22 can move axially together with the mixing shaft 5 due to the engagement of the engaging portion 12 and the engaged portion 32, as well as the pressing force of the sealing member 41.

[0032] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the inlet 26 is provided in the case 21, it is not limited to this, and for example, the inlet 26 may be provided in the blocking member 23.

[0033] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a mixing and dispensing device 1 that mixes and dispenses two types of liquid materials, it is not limited to this, and for example, a mixing and dispensing device 1 that mixes and dispenses three or more types of liquid materials may also be used.

[0034] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments detailed above, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0035] This invention is widely used as a technology for mixing and dispensing multiple types of liquid materials in the production processes of automotive parts, various sensors, home appliance circuit boards, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1; Mixing and discharging device, 2; Main body, 3; Mixer, 5; Mixing shaft, 11; Valve body, 12; Engaging part, 21; Case, 22; Rotor, 23; Blocking member, 24; Discharge port, 25; Valve seat, 26; Inlet, 31; Through hole, 32; Engaged part, A; Open position, B; Closed position, S; Mixing chamber.

Claims

1. A mixing and dispensing device that dispenses multiple types of liquid materials while mixing them, A main body having a mixing shaft that is rotatable around an axis and movable in the axial direction, The main body is equipped with a mixer that can be detachably attached to the main body, The mixer comprises a case with a discharge port formed at its bottom, and a rotor housed within the case. The rotor has a through hole through which the mixing shaft can be inserted. The insertion hole is provided with an engaging portion that can be engaged with an engaging portion provided on the mixing shaft when the mixing shaft is inserted. The rotor is rotatable integrally with the mixing shaft by the engagement of the engaging portion and the engaged portion. A valve body is provided at the tip of the mixing shaft. The bottom of the case is provided with a valve seat on which the valve body can be seated. The mixing and discharging device is characterized in that the mixing shaft is provided to be movable in the axial direction between an open position in which the valve body is separated from the valve seat and opens the discharge port, and a closed position in which the valve body is seated on the valve seat and closes the discharge port.

2. The case is detachably attached to the main body, The mixer has a closing member that closes the upper opening of the case, The blocking member has an insertion hole through which the mixing shaft can be inserted. The mixing and discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the rotor and the blocking member are removed from the mixing shaft by removing the case from the main body.

3. The mixer has a closing member that closes the upper opening of the case, The outer periphery of the case is provided with an inlet for introducing liquid material into the mixing chamber, which is surrounded by the case and the sealing member. The inlet is provided with an inlet that can move horizontally to be inserted into and removed from the aforementioned inlet, The mixing and discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the case is detachably attached to the main body by inserting the inlet into the inlet.

4. The mixing and discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the insertion hole of the rotor is provided with a sealing member that seals the space between it and the outer surface of the mixing shaft.

5. The mixing and dispensing device according to claim 1, which mixes two types of liquid materials, a main agent and a hardener, to dispense a two-component adhesive.

6. The mixing and discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the rotor is movable in the axial direction integrally with the mixing shaft by the engagement of the engaging portion and the engaged portion.

7. The mixer has a closing member that closes the upper opening of the case, The mixing and discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the outer periphery of the case is provided with an inlet for introducing liquid material into the mixing chamber surrounded by the case and the sealing member.

8. The mixing and discharging device according to claim 7, wherein the case, rotor, and sealing member are made of synthetic resin.

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