EP2986365A1 - Paddle, paddle rail, mixer shaft for a mixer, mixer and a method for mixing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a paddle (30), a paddle rail (20), a mixer shaft (10) for a mixer (1), a mixer (1) and a method for mixing a product to be conditioned in a mixer (1) wherein, as the mixer (1) starts up, a product to be mixed is retained in a starting region of the mixer shaft (10), for instance, until the desired mixing or conditioning is achieved, so that loss-free start-up is made possible, that is to say disposal or recycling of the product when the mixer starts up becomes unnecessary.

Description

Paddle, paddle bar, mixer shaft of a mixer, mixer and a method of mixing

The present invention relates to a paddle, a

Paddle rail and a mixer shaft of a mixer, one

Mixer and a method of mixing according to the preambles of the independent claims.

Various mixers are known from the prior art, which are used in particular in feed processing.

For example, EP 1 990 085 B1 discloses a mixer which essentially consists of a cylindrical housing and has an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end. In the cylindrical housing is a mixer shaft

arranged having a plurality of paddles for mixing the introduced into the mixer product. In particular, when starting the mixer an insufficient mixing or

To prevent conditioning with, for example, steam, the mixer shaft becomes involved in an initial phase of operation

operated closed outlet so that the

blending material in the area of the closed outlet. As soon as the resulting dynamic pressure has a certain value

exceeds, the mixer shaft is in opposite

Operated direction, so that the material to be mixed again mixed, conditioned and conveyed towards the inlet. As soon as a certain back pressure is reached again at the entrance, the mixer shaft is back in

Transport direction driven and opened the outlet.

Such a method is problematic in that it can not be ensured by the increased dynamic pressure that the entire material is uniformly mixed and conditioned. Furthermore, the mixer and the to be mixed

Material undesirably loaded with pressure.

Other prior art mixers become simple

started, the product is initially insufficient mixed and / or conditioned. The until the achievement of the

desired process conditions or properties required amount of product is usually disposed of or

recycled.

It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a paddle, a

Paddle rail, a mixer shaft and a mixer and a

Methods are provided for mixing, which enable a lossless starting, that is, the disposal or recycling of the product at startup of the mixer is unnecessary.

This task is carried out by the independent

 Claims defined defined methods and devices. Other embodiments will be apparent from the dependent

Claims.

Here and below, the term mixer is understood as meaning both a mixer for mixing different materials and a conditioner.

A paddle according to the invention for a mixer comprises a planar element with a working surface and a rear surface. In normal use, the paddle is substantially on a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of a

Mixer shaft arranged. The paddle has a fastener for attaching the paddle to the mixer shaft. The working surface is inclined by one working angle on one side and the rear surface by a rear angle on the other side of the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the mixer shaft. The rear angle is smaller than the working angle. The fact that the rear angle of the rear surface is smaller than that

Working angle of the work surface, it is ensured that upon rotation of the paddle or the mixer shaft in the direction of the incoming working and rear surface of a material to be mixed is not only mixed by the paddle but also conveyed away from the working surface to an outlet. The inclination of the working surface to the rear surface allows the paddle to rotate in the direction of rotation at its leading edge, a cutting edge

which, with little force through the to be mixed

Material can be moved.

Alternatively, the rear angle of the rear surface equal to

Working angle of the work surface be. This is particularly advantageous if an orientation of the paddle is adjustable, so that the rear angle or working angle can be changed.

It goes without saying that the working surface and / or the rear surface can also be formed as a curved surface. The corresponding working angle and return angle is then understood as an angle between the vertical plane and an imaginary line through the end points of the corresponding surface in a cross section of the paddle. The same applies to a paddle, which is formed from a folded sheet metal.

The rear angle can be greater than or equal to 0 °, preferably exactly 0 °. The fact that the return angle is greater than or equal to 0 °, the product to be mixed is not conveyed backwards in a reverse rotation of the mixer shaft but only mixed. Under a reverse rotation is here and below understood a rotation in which the paddle is not in the direction of the cutting edge but in the

opposite direction moves. Accordingly

For example, when starting a mixer, the mixer shaft are first rotated backwards, so that the material filled in the mixer only mixed and possibly conditioned, but not in a direction parallel to

Mixer shaft is promoted. In such a reverse rotation of the mixer shaft no back pressure is generated in the input region of the mixer and the material to be mixed is

spared accordingly. After reaching the required mixing or conditioning, the direction of rotation of the mixer shaft can be reversed, the material to be mixed is further mixed and promoted simultaneously.

The sum of working angle and rear angle can be between 4 ° and 50 °, preferably between 6 ° and 30 °, particularly preferably between 7 ° and 15 °. It has been shown that such a

Angle between the working surface and the rear surface is an optimum both for conveying the product to be mixed and for mixing, especially in reverse rotation of the mixer shaft represents.

The paddle may have a cutting edge or a cutting surface which, when used as intended, extends from an area adjacent to the mixer shaft to an essentially outermost dimension of the paddle. In this case, a cutting edge is understood to mean that edge on which the working surface and the rear surface intersect. Such a cutting edge does not necessarily have to be of sharp-edged design but can also have a certain radius or be blunted, so that a

Cutting surface forms. It is also conceivable that the Cutting edge, or possibly the cutting surface, in

Area of the paddle, which is close to the mixer shaft, is wider or narrower than in the area of the extreme dimension of the paddle. Because of that

Cutting edge or cutting surface extends to the outermost dimension of the paddle, it is ensured that the paddle as possible with little effort through the material to be mixed can be performed.

The cutting edge may lie opposite a mixing surface, which, when used as intended, starting from one of

Mixer shaft adjacent region extends to a substantially outermost dimension of the paddle. Such

Mixing surface causes optimal mixing of the mixer to be mixed in particular in a reverse rotation of the mixer shaft

Material. It is true that such a mixing surface contributes

 Reverse rotation of the mixer shaft increased resistance when passing through the material to be mixed,

On the other hand, it allows optimal mixing.

The cutting edge and / or the mixing surface can at

intended use to a rotation axis of

Mixer shaft to be arranged substantially radially. Such a radial alignment of the cutting edge and / or the mixing surface ensures that the working surface in the outermost end of the paddle is made wider and correspondingly unfolds a larger conveying effect and / or mixing effect.

The mixing surface may include with the rear surface a mixing angle between 40 ° and 86 °, preferably between 60 ° and 84 °, more preferably between 75 ° and 83 °. Such

Mixing surface, which is a slight inclination to one

Having a rotation axis of a mixing shaft reduces the Resistance when the paddle is guided through the product to be mixed in reverse rotation of the mixer shaft.

The paddle can be made from a square profile with a

welded, in cross-section v-shaped angled sheet are formed. The tip of the V-shaped sheet forms the cutting edge while the mixing surface is formed by a surface of the square profile opposite the cutting edge. Instead of the angled sheet can alternatively two

Sheet metal plates are connected to each other at an angle to each other. It is advantageous that on standard components

can be used.

Alternatively, the paddle may be formed as a simple baffle, which, however, is rotatably mounted, so that working angle and rear angle are adjustable. Thus, the paddle, depending on the direction of rotation, be aligned so that a

Promotion and / or a mixture takes place.

As a further alternative, it is possible to make the paddle of a flexible material and to arrange such that the paddle is substantially rigid when moving in the direction of rotation and causes a promotion, while in a reverse rotation, the paddle is yielding and deformed by the product to be mixed and therefore no promotion but only a mixture causes.

Such operation can also be achieved by instead of the flexible material, the paddle is articulated to the mixer shaft, that this in motion in

Direction of rotation through the product to be mixed in one

Working position is maintained and causes a promotion, while in a reverse rotation, the paddle through the mixing product is pivoted out of the working position and therefore causes no promotion but only a mixture. The linkage can be radial, tangential or in any

Orientation with respect to the mixer shaft done. It can also be provided that stop elements are present, which limit the pivoting movement of the paddle, wherein the boundary is more preferably adjustable.

For example, here paddles from a rubbery

Material find application, which work in the manner of a dough scraper.

The paddle may also at least partially consist of articulated or rotatably mounted elements in the manner of a blind, which are adjusted depending on the direction of rotation in position to effect a promotion or mixture.

The paddle can also have at least partially pneumatically or hydraulically operable areas for setting the desired effect in the direction of rotation, which allow a change in the working angle and / or the Rückwinkeis. The paddle can also be formed overall from an inflatable element.

The paddle may have an opening extending from the working surface to the rear surface. Such an opening through the working or rear surface allows a flow through the

mixing product, allowing optimal mixing

he follows .

The paddle can alternatively consist of two elongated elements

are formed, which are arranged radially on the mixer shaft and at its end facing away from the shaft with each other an arcuate connecting element are connected. The connecting element can simultaneously serve as a strainer.

As already described above with regard to the paddle, the opening can also be provided with rotatable and / or hinged elements

be provided, which the opening only at certain

Direction of rotation (direction of rotation or reverse rotation)

release.

The paddle may also be used as a brush, i. are formed from a plurality of preferably radially with respect to the mixer shaft arranged bristles or bristle-like elements.

An inventive paddle bar for a mixer comprises a paddle holder and one or more paddles as described above. Such paddle rail allows easy mounting of multiple paddles simultaneously on a mixer shaft of a mixer.

The paddle holder may have receiving positions for receiving the attachment means of the paddles. Such

Recording positions are, for example, simple holes into which a suitably designed fastening means of the paddle can be inserted. For example, the

Welded paddle in paddle holder. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the attachment is ensured by means of press fit or by means of a screw connection.

The paddle bar may have a plurality of attachment means for attaching the paddle bar to a mixer shaft.

For example, the paddle rail can be screwed onto the mixer shaft. The attachment means would preferably be through holes in such a manner of attachment which the paddle rail can be fixed by means of a corresponding screw on the mixer shaft. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the Paddelschiene engages in corresponding latching hooks of the mixer shaft and is secured only with a securing means, for example in the form of a pin or a screw. A simple releasable attachment allows in particular a quick replacement of worn

Paddle rails or worn paddles. In addition, you can

different paddles are used depending on the product to be mixed and quickly replaced accordingly.

The paddle holder is preferably designed as a cross-sectionally U-shaped profile and dimensioned such that in each case two paddle holders can engage around the mixer shaft. For better transmission of the torque, the mixer shaft may be formed substantially square in cross-section. Both paddle holders, when connected together, also form an im

Essentially square profile arrangement with an interior whose dimension substantially corresponds to the outer dimensions of the mixer shaft. Alternatively, the mixer shaft may be e.g. be designed as a splined or toothed shaft. A frictional connection with the mixer shaft is also conceivable.

On the working surface or on the rear surface of the paddles can each be arranged a stripper for stripping a material to be mixed in intended use of a housing wall of a mixer. Depending on the product to be mixed different Einreifreifer can be used, so that a distance between the strainer and the housing wall of the mixer can be adjusted individually.

The Einreifer may have the shape of a ring segment. The strainer can be used on its intended use in Direction of rotation arranged ends each have a connecting means with which the Einreifer a paddle with the Einreifer a subsequent rotation direction and / or previous paddle is connectable. Because of that

If the individual paddles of the individual paddles can be connected to one another, the strapping elements can be designed correspondingly filigree, but without losing the required stability.

Alternatively, the Einreifer may be formed as a separate component for retrofitting and in particular have connecting means, which at the same time both for connecting the

Einreifer with the paddle and to connect the

To serve each other. This creates a cheaper and easy to retrofit alternative.

A mixer shaft according to the invention of a mixer has several at least in an initial region of the mixer shaft

Paddle or several paddle rails as described above. Correspondingly, such a mixer shaft is suitable for simultaneously conveying and mixing the product to be mixed in one direction of rotation, while the mixer shaft merely mixes the product to be mixed in the other direction of rotation.

The intended use in the direction of rotation successively arranged paddles can be interconnected by means of Einreifern. Serve such Einreifer

on the one hand the stripping of an adhering to the housing wall of the mixer material and on the other hand increase the Einreifer the stability of the individual paddles and the Einreifer with each other.

The Einreifer can alternatively be formed as a wire rope, which along the mixer shaft in corresponding Receiving sections of the paddle is attached or guided. Also, this is a simpler and cheaper option for

Training a striker created.

The pitch of the helical structure formed by the interconnected straps may be selected as required. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that not every paddle arranged in the direction of rotation is connected to the subsequent or preceding paddle by means of straighteners, so that a larger gradient arises. Furthermore, the strainer can so

be connected to each other

helical structures arise.

It is also possible that the helical structure has a direction of rotation opposite to the direction of rotation of the paddles. This means that paddles arranged in the direction of rotation, e.g. along an imaginary right turn

Helix are arranged during the

helical structure is left-handed.

The paddles or the paddle rails can be arranged exclusively in the initial region of the mixer shaft. Such a mixer shaft is correspondingly equipped with different conveying and mixing means. Because the correspondingly shaped paddles are arranged only in the initial region, various mixing and conveying operations can be implemented with one and the same mixer shaft. In particular, it is still possible when starting the mixer to

mixing product to ensure the need

Keep mixing in the beginning of the mixer shaft. However, the paddles and the Paddelschiene can also be arranged arbitrarily along the mixer shaft.

A mixer according to the invention has a mixer shaft as previously described. Such a mixer allows easy starting without the product required for starting the mixer being disposed of or recycled.

In particular, in the region of the mixer in which the paddles are arranged, in particular an initial region of the mixer shaft, substantially no delivery of the product is effected when the mixer shaft is in the first

Rotation direction rotates. For the purposes of the present invention, "substantially no promotion" means that the product remains in the area where it is possibly circulated, in which the paddles are arranged, but this does not rule out that within the area the product may be in the area a direction parallel to the mixer shaft is conveyed back and forth, without, however, a total promotion of product takes place in the direction of an outlet of the mixer and from the area in which the paddles are arranged, when the mixer shaft rotates in the first rotational direction.

In addition, in an area adjacent to the area of the mixer, other elements may be attached to the mixer shaft, which may be either non-conveyance or non-conveyance

Backward conveying, which means a promotion in the direction of the inlet of the mixer, cause.

To improve mixing and conditioning during

Startup, the mixer can be arranged with a slope. This means, for example, that the mixer shaft is not arranged substantially horizontally but slightly inclined downwards. Here is the starting area of the mixer shaft arranged lower than an outlet area, so that when

Start the mixer gravity to hold it closed

mixing product is used in the beginning of the mixer. Conversely, an outlet area lower than the

Initial area are arranged. By reverse rotation of the mixer shaft, the product to be mixed is conveyed "upwards" in the direction of the inlet and falls through, however

Gravity back towards the outlet. Preferably, the inclination of the mixer is adjustable so that e.g. after starting up the mixer is aligned horizontally again.

In addition, paddles or paddle-like elements may be disposed on the inner surface of the shell of the mixer to further enhance mixing.

 Further preferably, storage means can be arranged in the mixer, which mixes the product to be mixed in the initial region of the

Hold mixer shaft when starting. One possible embodiment of the storage means is a pneumatic baffle plate, which

circumferentially on the inner surface of the shell of the mixer

is arranged and can be inflated if necessary. Also, a baffle plate can be realized in the manner of an iris diaphragm.

The storage means can also be arranged on the mixer shaft, for example as hinged elements, which can be opened and closed in the manner of an umbrella.

In general, come as materials for the mixer, in addition to the usual metal materials and carbon fiber reinforced and / or glass fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP and / or GRP) and / or plastics and ceramic materials in question. A method according to the invention for mixing a product to be conditioned in a mixer as described above comprises the steps

 - Filling the mixer with a to be conditioned

 Product,

 - Rotate the mixer shaft in a first

 Rotation direction, so that the paddles essentially do not convey the material in the direction parallel to

 Cause mixer shaft,

 - Rotate the mixer shaft in a second

 Rotation direction, so that the paddles cause a promotion of the material in the direction parallel to the mixer shaft.

As already described, such a method allows, in particular when starting a mixer, that too

mixing material is mixed and conditioned and is promoted only when reaching the required mixing or conditioning by the mixer to the outlet of the mixer.

The steps of rotating in the first direction of rotation and in the second direction of rotation can be repeated several times. The repeated change of the direction of rotation can even during operation of the mixer still influence the mixing or

Conditioning be taken.

A preconditioning or premixing can the

preceded by the process according to the invention.

When moving paddles are used, the mixing area along the shaft can be changed by changing the orientation of the paddles. For example, the mixing area can be made shorter or longer depending on the throughput. A further alternative or supplementary possibility is to mix (and additionally heat) the product to be mixed with compressed air and / or steam while the mixer shaft is stationary or rotating. The nozzles can for

Introducing compressed air and / or steam both at the

Inner surface of the jacket of the mixer as well as on the

Mixer shaft are arranged.

To improve mixing, rotating nozzles, which are rotated by the outflow of compressed air and / or steam, may be present.

Another way to hold and mix the material to be mixed in an initial region of the mixer shaft is to orient the nozzles such that a

Counterflow of compressed air and / or steam to the actual

Conveying direction is generated. Based on figures, which

represent only exemplary embodiments, the invention is explained in more detail below. Show it:

1a shows a view of a paddle according to the invention, FIG.

Figure lb: a perspective view of the paddle according to

 Figure la,

FIG. 1c shows a cross section through the paddle according to FIG. 1a along the line A-A,

FIG. 1 d shows a cross section through a second embodiment of a paddle,

FIG. 1e shows a cross section through a third embodiment of a paddle, Figure lf: a schematic cross section through a fourth

 Embodiment of a paddle in rotation in

 Rotation,

FIG. 1 g: a schematic cross section of the paddle of FIG. 1 f upon reverse rotation;

Figure lh: a schematic perspective view of a

 fifth embodiment of a paddle with closed paddle flap,

FIG. 1 i: the paddle of FIG. 1 h with the paddle flap open,

FIG. 1 shows a cross section through a sixth embodiment of a paddle,

Figure 2a: a view of an inventive

 Paddle rail

FIG. 2b shows a perspective view of the paddle rail according to FIG. 2a,

FIG. 2c shows a side view of the paddle rail according to FIG

 2a,

Figure 2d: a schematic cross section of another

 Embodiment of a paddle rail,

Figure 2e: a schematic cross section of a third

Embodiment of a paddle rail, Figure 2f: a schematic side view of a paddle with

 straighteners attached thereto,

FIG. 3a shows a view of a mixer shaft according to the invention,

Figure 3b: a perspective view of the mixer shaft

 according to FIG. 3a,

4a shows a view of a mixer according to the invention, and

FIG. 4b: a perspective view of the mixer according to FIG

 FIG. 4a.

FIGS. 1 a to 1 c show a paddle 30 according to the invention. The paddle 30 is shown in a view in FIG. 1 b, in a perspective view in FIG. 1 b and in a cross section along the line A-A according to FIG. The paddle 30 is essentially a planar element, which is wedge-shaped.

On the leading edge in the direction of rotation R side, the paddle 30 has a cutting edge 37, which, however, in the

illustrated embodiment to a cutting surface

is ground down. This cutting edge 37 is a cutting line of the working surface 33 and the rear surface 34, which in a

Angle to each other, formed. On the cutting edge 37 opposite side, ie in opposite

Rotation direction R ', a mixing surface 38 is formed.

The paddle 30 further includes a through opening 35 between the work surface 33 and the back surface 34. In addition, the paddle 30 on the intended use of a Mixed shaft associated side attachment means 32 in the form of a pin. The side facing the fastening means 32 is arched, wherein the curvature of a housing wall 2 (see Figure 4b) corresponds to a mixer.

In normal use, the paddle 30 is in

Essentially on a rotation axis of a mixer shaft

vertical plane 13 is arranged. However, the rear surface 34 is inclined to this vertical plane 13 and includes with its plane a rear angle 43 a. The work surface 33 is also inclined relative to the vertical plane 13 and

includes a working angle 42. However, it is the

Working angle 42 always greater than the rear angle 43.

The cutting edge 37 is not sharp, but has an average radius of about 2 mm. This radius can be adjusted according to the planned application. Alternatively, instead of a radius, a sharp cutting edge 37 or a truncated cutting edge 37 may be formed with a cutting surface. The mixing surface 38 lying opposite the cutting edge 37 projects from the rear surface 34 at a mixing angle 39.

It goes without saying that all surfaces, namely the working surface 33, the rear surface 34 and the mixing surface 38 can also be formed as curved surfaces. The corresponding angles, working angle 42, return angle 43 and mixing angle 39 are then to be defined by means of an imaginary straight line through the end points of the corresponding surfaces.

Both the cutting edge 37 and the mixing surface 38

extend under normal use, starting from a mixer shaft 10 (see Figures 3a and 3b) to outer dimension of the paddle 30. This outer dimension of the paddle 30 extends when used as intended substantially to an inner side of a housing wall 2 (see Figure 4b). It goes without saying that there is always a certain gap in the order of magnitude of 1 mm to 10 mm between the housing wall 2 and the paddle 30.

In the figure ld is a possible embodiment of the paddle 30 of a square profile 50 with it attached, in

Cross-section V-shaped plate 51 shown.

The figure le shows a paddle 30, which is formed from a single, folded sheet 52. In this case, the imaginary work surface 33 and rear surface 34 are represented by the dashed two-dot line, which in each case by the

extend corresponding edge of the mixing surface 38 to the cutting edge. The other components are the same as those of

Figures la to lc.

In the figures lf and lg is shown schematically the operation of a paddle 30 made of a flexible material. In

Rotation direction R of the mixer shaft 10 is the working surface 33, which is arranged with a working angle 42 to the plane 13, not yielding. In the direction of rotation R ', however, the paddle 30 is deformed by the product to be mixed, so that a rear surface 34 with a rear angle 43 is smaller than that

Working angle 42 to level 13 arises.

In the figures lh and Ii, a paddle 30 is shown, which consists of a paddle frame 54, on which a paddle flap 55, which is part of the work surface 33, by means of a

Hinge 56 is hinged. The paddle frame 54 and the

Paddle flap 55 are arranged on a mixer shaft such in the direction of rotation R, the paddle flap 55 remains closed by the pressure generated by the product on the paddle flap 55. In the direction of rotation R 'the product exerts a pressure on the invisible rear surface of the paddle 30, which causes the opening of the paddle flap 55, so that no

Promotion of the product takes place. In addition, means for holding the paddle flap 55 in the closed position, e.g.

Magnets be present, which allow the opening of the paddle flap only from a definable pressure threshold. Also, means for closing the paddle flap 55, e.g. a spring, be present, which support a closing of the paddle flap 55.

Alternatively, the entire paddle can be articulated to the mixer shaft and limited by stop elements in the movement, wherein the position of the stop elements is preferably adjustable.

The figure lj shows a paddle 30, in which the working angle by means of a pneumatic element 57 is adjustable.

Alternatively, the rear angle can be adjusted in a similar manner. It is also conceivable that both working angle 42 and the rear angle 43 or the orientation of the paddle 30th

are adjustable.

In the figures 2a to 2c is an inventive

Paddle rail 20 shown. FIG. 2 a shows a view, FIG. 2 b shows a perspective view and FIG. 2 c shows a side view of the paddle rail 20. The paddle rail 20 comprises a

Paddle holder 21, on which in the illustrated embodiment, three wedge-shaped paddles 30, as described previously to the figures la to lc, are arranged. The paddle holder 21 has four fasteners 23 designed as bores, by means of which the paddle rail 20 is fastened, for example, to a Mixer shaft 10 (see Figure 3a) can be attached. At each of the three paddles 30 is arranged one each Einreifer 40, which is configured at both ends depending on a connecting means 41. The Einreifer 40 is mounted on the rear surface 34 (see Figure lc) on the paddle 30. It goes without saying that the Einreifer 40 can be designed differently depending on the application. In particular, the breaker 40 can at their ends in the region of the connecting means 41 also

be designed differently. For example, these can also be formed straight and bent only in the end by an angle of about 90 °. The paddles 30 are with their

Fixing means 32 (see Figure la) in corresponding

Picking positions (not shown) of the paddle holder 21 inserted and welded there accordingly. In this case, the paddles 30 are arranged such that the paddles 30 at

intended use of the paddle rail 20 with its rear surface 34 or with the Einreifer 40 on a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 11 of a mixer shaft 10 (see Figure 3a) are arranged. Each of the paddles 30 is provided with an opening 35 which extends from the working surface 33 to the rear surface 34 (see FIG. 1).

In FIG. 2d, two paddle rails 20 are schematic

shown, each comprising a paddle holder 21 and paddle 30. The paddle holders 21 are each provided with an im

Essentially U-shaped cross section formed to a

Mixer shaft 10 is arranged and connected together.

Friction is used to transmit the torque.

Alternatively, the mixer shaft 10 as a square profile

be formed, as shown in Figure 2e. The paddle holders 21 are formed with a corresponding cross section. In this case, the torque transmission takes place by means of positive locking. FIG. 2f shows a paddle 30 with two straps 40, which are connected to one another and to the paddle 30 by means of connecting means 41. Thus, only one connecting means 41 is necessary in order to attach the strapping 40 to the paddle 30.

In the figures 3a and 3b is a view of a

Mixer shaft 10 according to the invention or a perspective view of mixer shaft 10 is shown. On the mixer shaft 10 a plurality of paddles 30 (as described above) are arranged. These paddles 30 are located in an initial region 12 of the mixer shaft 10. Following this initial region 12, further mixing paddles 14 are arranged, which have different configurations. The paddles 30 are each connected to the corresponding Einreifern 40 with each other.

In addition, the individual paddles 30 are each arranged on a paddle holder 21. The Paddles 30, the Einstreifer 40 and the

Paddle holder 21 together form a Paddelschiene 20, which can be easily replaced if necessary. The mixer shaft 10 rotates in intended use about the axis of rotation eleventh

FIGS. 4a and 4b show a mixer 1 according to the invention, FIG. 4a being a view and FIG. 4b a

perspective view of the mixer 1 with an open housing wall 2 shows. The mixer 1 has an inlet 15 and an outlet 16. In an initial region 12 of the mixer 1, the mixer shaft 10 arranged in the interior of the mixer 1 is provided with wedge-shaped paddles 30, as described above. These wedge-shaped paddles 30 ensure that in one

Rotation direction R (see FIG. 1 a) the product introduced into the mixer 1 is mixed and conveyed, while the product is rotated in opposite directions when the mixer shaft 10 rotates Direction R 'is merely mixed. The individual paddles 30 are each connected to each other via strainer 40. The paddles 30 are each arranged on a paddle holder 21. The breakers 40 have at their ends connecting means 41, which allow the connection with a subsequent Einreifer 40. It can also be seen in FIG. 4 a that the wedge-shaped paddles 30 on the side opposite to the

Rotation direction R (see Figure la) a mixing surface 38th

have, while on the other side a cutting edge 37 is arranged.

Such a mixer 1 can now be filled, for example, when starting up with a product to be mixed via the inlet 15 at least partially. Subsequently, the mixer shaft 10 can be rotated in such a way that the mixing surfaces 38 of the paddles 30 mix the product to be mixed. Only if that's too

mixing product has reached the desired consistency, for example by charging with steam and / or by heating, the direction of rotation of the mixer shaft 10 can be changed so that the individual paddles 30 with their working surface 33 mix the product to be mixed and at the same time in the direction of the outlet 16 promote. If necessary, the direction of rotation of the mixer shaft 10 can be changed again, if that too

mixing and conditioning product has not yet met the required conditions.

Claims

claims A method of mixing a product to be conditioned in a mixer (1) comprising the steps Filling the mixer (1) with the product to be conditioned, Rotating a mixer shaft (10) of the mixer (1) in a first rotational direction (R ') so that at least one paddle (30) disposed on the mixer shaft (10) substantially does not convey the product in a direction parallel to the mixer shaft (10) causes Rotating the mixer shaft (10) in a second  Rotation direction (R), so that the at least one paddle (30) conveying the material into a  Direction parallel to the mixer shaft (10) causes. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the steps of rotating in the first direction of rotation (R ') and in the second direction of rotation (R) are repeated several times. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that before or instead of or during the step of rotating in the first direction of rotation (R ') the product is mixed by means of compressed air and / or steam. 4. mixer (1), in particular for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 3 with at least one  Mixer shaft (10) on which at least in one Starting region (12) of the mixer shaft (10) at least one paddle (30) or at least one paddle rail (20) is arranged, characterized in that the mixer (1), the mixer shaft (10), the at least one paddle (30) and / or the paddle rail (20) configured in such a way is / are that: during rotation of the mixer shaft (10) in a first rotational direction (R '), in particular at least  within the initial region (12) of the mixer shaft (10), essentially no promotion of one to  conditioning and in the mixer (1) located in a direction parallel to the mixer shaft (10) is effected, and that upon rotation of the mixer shaft (10) in a second direction of rotation (R) conveying the product in a direction parallel to the mixer shaft (10 ) is effected. Mixer (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that an inclination of the mixer is adjustable. A paddle (30) for a mixer (1) according to claim 4, wherein the paddle (30) comprises a sheet member having a Working surface (33) and a rear surface (34) which in normal use substantially on a plane perpendicular to a rotation axis (11) of the mixer shaft (10) and a fastening means (32) for securing the paddle (30) on the mixer shaft (10), wherein the working surface (33) around a Working angle (42) on the one side and the rear surface (34) by a rear angle (43) on the other side of the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (11) of the mixer shaft (10) are inclined, characterized in that the  Rear angle (43) is smaller than the working angle (42). 7. paddle (30) according to claim 6, characterized in that the sum of working angle (42) and rear angle (43) between 4 ° and 50 °, preferably between 6 ° and 30 °,  more preferably between 7 ° and 15 °. 8. paddle (30) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the paddle (30) in particular a mixing surface (38) opposite the cutting edge (37) or  Cutting surface, which when used as intended starting from one of the mixer shaft (10)  adjacent area up to a substantially  outermost dimension of the paddle (30), wherein the cutting edge or cutting surface (37) and / or the  Blending surface (38) when used as intended to a mixer shaft (10) is arranged substantially radially. 9. paddle (30) according to claim 8, characterized in that the mixing surface (38) with the rear surface (34) a  Mixing angle (39) between 40 ° and 86 °, preferably between 60 ° and 84 °, more preferably between 75 ° and 83 ° includes. 10. Paddle rail (20) for a mixer (1) according to claim 4, comprising a paddle holder (21) and one or more paddles (30) according to one of claims 6 to 9. 11. paddle rail (20) according to claim 10, characterized characterized in that on the working surface (33) or the rear surface (34) of the paddle (30) each have a Einreifer (40) for stripping the when used as intended mixing product of a housing wall (2) of a  Mixer (1) is arranged. 12. paddle rail (20) according to claim 11, characterized  characterized in that the Einreifer (40) at its intended use in the direction of rotation (R) arranged ends each having a connecting means (41), with which the Einreifer (40) of a paddle (30) with the Einreifer (40 ') one in the direction of rotation subsequent and / or previous paddle (30 ') is connectable. 13. mixer shaft (10) for a mixer according to claim 4,  characterized in that several at  intended use in the direction of rotation (R) in particular successively arranged paddles (30) by means of Einreifern (40) are interconnected. 14. mixer shaft (10) for a mixer according to claim 4,  in particular mixer shaft (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that only in the initial region (12) paddles (30) according to one of claims 6 to 9 or paddle rails (20) are arranged according to one of claims 10 to 12. 15 mixer shaft (10) for a mixer according to claim 4,  in particular mixer shaft according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a working angle (42) and / or  Rear angle (43) of at least one arranged on the mixer shaft paddle (30) is variable.