JP7706262B2 - Plate Mixer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a plate mixer that has multiple overlapping plates and mixes multiple fluid objects by passing them between the plates.

Conventionally, so-called batch-type mixers have been known as mixers for mixing multiple types of fluid objects such as liquids and powders (see Patent Document 1).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, this mixing device includes a mixing vessel 102 equipped with stirring means 101 and the like, a plurality of tanks 103, 104, 105 in which fluid mixing objects such as aqueous solutions, lubricating oils, and emulsifiers are stored, and a tank 106 in which a mixture of these mixing objects is stored. In this mixing device 100, a plurality of types of mixing objects 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.

JP 2006-28215 A

The above-mentioned mixing device 100 is a so-called batch type, so the mixture cannot be produced continuously.

In addition, when mixing powder and water (liquid), the surface of the powder hydrates instantly when it is added to the water, and it is easy for the powder to form lumps, so-called lumps. For this reason, it is necessary to mix the powder and water at approximately the same time as they join (i.e., to disperse the powder evenly in the water). However, in the batch-type mixing device 100 as described above, each of the objects to be mixed (powder and water) is supplied to the mixing container 102, and then these multiple objects to be mixed are mixed in the mixing container 102. Therefore, after the powder and water join, they may not be mixed immediately. In this case, lumps are easily formed, and it is difficult to ensure the quality of the mixture (a mixture of multiple objects to be mixed).

The present invention aims to provide a plate-type mixer that can continuously mix fluid materials and can mix the materials immediately after they join together.

The plate mixer of the present invention comprises:
A mixer body having a plurality of plates stacked in a predetermined direction;
A plurality of supply flow paths each supplying a fluid mixture to be mixed into the mixer body,
the plurality of plates form a mixing region in the mixer body in which the materials to be mixed supplied from each of the plurality of supply flow paths pass between at least one of the plates to mix the materials to be mixed;
The mixer body has a confluence region that merges the materials to be mixed supplied from each of the multiple supply flow paths, and is formed at a position adjacent to the mixing region, and causes the materials to be mixed in the confluence region to flow into the mixing region.

According to this configuration, the objects to be mixed supplied from each of the multiple supply flow paths pass between at least one plate, and are mixed together. As the objects to be mixed are continuously supplied to the junction area through each supply flow path, the objects to be mixed supplied from each supply flow path are continuously mixed together in the mixing area (between the at least one plate). Furthermore, as the mixing area is formed at a position adjacent to the junction area (directly downstream), each object to be mixed supplied to the junction area flows into the mixing area immediately after junction with the other objects to be mixed.

In the plate mixer,
the joining region is formed by a plurality of gaps between the plates including the at least one gap between the plates,
Corresponding plates among the plurality of plates forming the joining region may be in communication with each other at the joining region.

In this way, the corresponding plates are connected to each other to merge the materials to be mixed supplied from each supply flow path, that is, by using a portion of the space between the multiple plates in the mixer body as a merging area, the mixer body can be made smaller.

In addition, in the plate type mixer,
the joining region is formed by a plurality of spaces between the plates including the at least one space between the plates and arranged continuously in the overlapping direction,
The plate separating two adjacent plates among the plurality of plates may have a through hole at a position corresponding to the joining region, the through hole communicating between the two plates.

In this way, the adjacent plates are connected to each other through the through holes in the plate that separates the adjacent plates, and the materials to be mixed supplied from each supply flow path are merged. In other words, by using a portion of the space between the multiple plates in the mixer body as a merging area, the mixer body can be made smaller.

In this case, in the plate type mixer,
A protrusion that closes a part of the space between one of the two plates may be formed at a position of the through hole between the one of the two plates or at a downstream position of the through hole.

By forming a protrusion at such a position and adjusting the flow resistance at that position between the plates, the flow direction of the mixed material can be controlled, i.e., the amount of mixed material moving through the through holes from one plate to the other can be increased.

In addition, in the plate type mixer,
the mixer body has a partition wall portion, located at a downstream position of the through hole between one of the two plates, dividing the one of the plates into an upstream region in which the through hole is arranged and which constitutes a part of the joining region, and a downstream region overlapping with a region corresponding to the mixing region between the other of the two plates as viewed from the overlapping direction,
the downstream region constitutes a flow path through which a temperature control fluid can flow,
At least a portion of the plate separating the two plates, which corresponds to the mixing region, may be made of a thermally conductive material.

In this way, the remaining area between one of the plates where the upstream area is formed is used to form a flow path (second downstream area) through which the temperature-controlled fluid flows, and heat exchange is possible between the materials to be mixed flowing between the other plate and the fluid flowing in the downstream area, thereby realizing a configuration that can mix the materials to be mixed while controlling their temperature, while also making the mixer body more compact.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a plate-type mixer that can continuously mix fluid materials and mix them immediately after they join together.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plate mixer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the plate mixer. 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. 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 mixer. FIG. 5 is a view of a first plate of the mixer body as viewed from a first surface side. FIG. 6 is a view of the second plate of the mixer body as viewed from the first surface side. FIG. 7 is a front view of a first gasket included in the mixer body. 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. FIG. 9 is a front view of a second gasket included in the mixer body. 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. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the mixer body at the central vertical cross-sectional position. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of position XII in FIG. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of position XIII in FIG. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of position XIV in FIG. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view at position XV in FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mixer body and a supply flow channel according to another embodiment. FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of a joining region according to another embodiment. FIG. 18A is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a first through hole and a first convex portion of a plate according to another embodiment. FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 18A. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of a conventional mixer.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 15.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the plate-type mixer according to this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as "mixer") has multiple plates 3 stacked in a predetermined direction, and mixes multiple types of mixture objects having fluidity by passing them between at least one of the plates. The mixture objects A and B that can be mixed by this mixer 1 are fluids such as liquids and gases, powders (collections of powders, grains, 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 soapy water), and the like, and have fluidity. In the following, a mixture of multiple types of mixture objects A and B (i.e., multiple types of mixture objects in a mixed state) may also be referred to as "mixture C".

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

The mixer body 2 has a junction area Ar1 where the objects A and B to be mixed supplied from each of the multiple supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2 join together, and a mixing area Ar2 where the objects A and B to be mixed supplied from each of the multiple supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2 are mixed together. The junction area Ar1 and the mixing area Ar2 are adjacent to each other. In the mixer body 2 of this embodiment, the junction area Ar1 and the mixing area Ar2 are adjacent to each other when viewed from the overlapping direction of the plates 3. As a result, in this mixer body 2, the multiple objects A and B to be mixed that join in the junction area Ar1 can flow into the mixing area Ar2 immediately after joining.

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 objects A and B to be mixed supplied from each of the multiple supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2 are mixed by flowing downward within the mixer body 2 (mixing area Ar2). In addition, the mixer body 2 of this embodiment has a discharge area Ar3 below the mixing area Ar2 that discharges the objects A and B to be mixed (i.e., mixture C) to the outside after mixing.

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

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

Specifically, each of the multiple plates 3A, 3B is a rectangular plate 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 the first surface S1 (i.e., the other surface in the X-axis direction). In the mixer body 2, the first plate 3A and the second plate 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).

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

The confluence section 31 is a portion of each plate 3A, 3B that corresponds to the confluence area 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 disposed at the upper end of the plate 3A, 3B. The number of the plurality of communication holes 311 is set according to the number (type) of the mixture objects to be mixed in the mixer 1. The mixer 1 of this embodiment mixes two types of mixture objects (first mixture object A and second mixture object B), so the confluence section 31 has two communication holes (first communication hole 311a and second communication hole 311b). The confluence section 31 of this embodiment also has one first through hole 312.

The first communication hole 311a is located at the center in the Y-axis direction at the upper end of the junction 31, and the second communication hole 311b is located below the first communication hole 311a at the junction 31 and shifted in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, each communication hole 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. The size relationship between the inner diameter of the first communication hole 311a and the inner diameter of the second communication hole 311b is not limited.

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

The junction 31 of the second plate 3B has a first convex portion (convex portion) 313 at a position below the first through hole 312 on the first surface S1. This first convex portion 313 blocks a portion between the second plate 3B having the first convex portion 313 and the first plate 3A facing the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, that is, a portion between the plates. When a flow path (second flow path R2: see FIG. 4) is formed in a portion 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 position in the Y-axis direction at the junction 31. In detail, the dimension of the first convex portion 313 in the Y-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the first through hole 312 in the Y-axis direction, and the tip of the first convex portion 313 in the protruding direction (X-axis direction) abuts against the first plate 3A facing the second plate 3B having the first convex portion 313.

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

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

In addition, the first portion 321 of the first plate 3A has at least one second convex portion 321b between two second through holes 321a adjacent to each other in the Z-axis direction on the first surface S1. The first portion 321 of this embodiment has one second convex portion 321b. This second convex portion 321b blocks a portion between the first plate 3A having the second convex portion 321b and the second plate 3B facing the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, that is, a portion between the plates. When a flow path (first flow path R1: see FIG. 4) is formed in a portion between the plates as in the mixer body 2 of this embodiment, the second convex portion 321b blocks a portion of the flow path R1. The second convex portion 321b of this embodiment extends in the Y-axis direction and is disposed between the second second through hole 321a and the third second through hole 321a downward from the second through hole 321a at the uppermost position. Specifically, the dimension of the second 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 against the second plate 3B that faces the first plate 3A having the second protrusion 321b. Note that the size relationship 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.

The second portion 322 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 the mixing region Ar2 of the mixer body 2. In this second portion 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 the flow path (first flow path R1: see FIG. 4) 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) when viewed from the X-axis direction. More specifically, of the pair of third communication holes 322a, 322b, one third communication hole 322a is located at one end of the 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 the second portion 322), and the other third communication hole 322b is located at the other end of the second portion 322 in the Y-axis direction and at a position above the one third communication hole 322a (in this embodiment, the upper end of the second portion 322).

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 multiple mixing convex portions 322c and multiple mixing concave portions 322d. These multiple mixing convex portions 322c and multiple mixing concave portions 322d generate turbulence in the flow of the objects A, B, etc. to be mixed between the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B, i.e., between the plates, by the objects A, B, the temperature control fluid D, etc., flowing, thereby improving the mixing efficiency and heat exchange efficiency of the objects A, B, etc. to be mixed 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 a portion 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 to be mixed A, B, etc. flowing through the flow paths R1, R3.

In this embodiment, the mixing convex portion 322c and the mixing concave portion 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 FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 8, FIG. 10, etc., the number, shape, and arrangement of the mixing convex portions 322c and the mixing concave portions 322d are shown diagrammatically.

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

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

The third convex portion 323b is disposed between two third through holes 323a adjacent in the Z-axis direction on the first surface S1. This third convex portion 323b blocks a portion between the plate 3A, 3B having the third convex portion 323b and the plate 3B, 3A facing the first surface S1 of the plate 3A, 3B, that is, a portion between the plates. When a flow path (first flow path R1 or fourth flow path R4: see FIG. 4) is formed in a portion 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).

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 between the fourth and fifth third through holes 323a downward from the uppermost third through hole 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 second plate 3B that faces the first plate 3A having the third protrusion 323b. The size 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.

The third protrusion 323b in the third portion 323 of the second plate 3B in this embodiment extends in the Y-axis direction and is disposed downward from the uppermost third through hole 323a between the second third through hole 323a and the third third through hole 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 size 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.

The discharge section 33 is a portion of each plate 3A, 3B that corresponds to the discharge area Ar3 of the mixer body 2. This discharge section 33 has at least one fourth communication hole 331 and is disposed at the lower end of the plate 3A, 3B. This fourth communication hole 331 is disposed 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 the inner diameter is the same as that of the first communication hole 311a.

The gasket placement portion 35 is a portion of each plate 3A, 3B where the gaskets 4A, 4B are placed, and prevents the gaskets 4A, 4B from shifting relative to the plates 3A, 3B when, for example, the gaskets 4A, 4B are sandwiched between the plates. The gasket placement portion 35 is configured by a groove formed in the first surface S1, a protrusion formed on both sides of each portion of the gaskets 4A, 4B in the width direction, etc.

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

The gaskets 4 are sealing members made of synthetic rubbers such as acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), fluororesin, etc., 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, 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 contour shapes of the first gasket 4A and the second gasket 4B when viewed from the X-axis direction are the same.

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. As a result, the first gasket 4A forms at least one flow path (in this embodiment, the first flow path R1: see the smoked 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 placed on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A (see FIG. 8), it has a first flow path forming portion 41A that surrounds the area (first flow path R1) through which the mixed objects A and B 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 and each of the first sealing portions 42A.

The first flow path forming portion 41A is a portion surrounding the first communication hole 311a and the fourth communication hole 331 on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, and forms a flow path (first flow path R1) through which the mixed objects A and B can flow from the first communication hole 311a to the fourth communication hole 331 between the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B and the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A. More specifically, the first flow path forming portion 41A is a portion surrounding the first communication hole 311a, the first through hole 312, the multiple second through holes 321a, the second convex portion 321b, the multiple mixing convex portions 322c and the multiple mixing concave portions 322d, the multiple third through holes 323a, the third convex portion 323b, and the fourth communication hole 331 on the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A. In this embodiment, the first flow path forming portion 41A extends in the Z-axis direction and has a generally 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 FIG. 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 portion 41A.

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 first sealing portion 42A is annular in shape (circular in this embodiment) corresponding to the shape of the communication holes 311b, 322a, 322b that it surrounds.

Each of the multiple connection parts 43A connects the first flow path forming part 41A and each of the first sealing parts 42A at a position that overlaps with a corresponding part 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 the multiple plates 3A, 3B (mixer body 2) in a clamping direction from the outside in the X-axis direction with the gaskets 4A, 4B sandwiched between the plates.

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, the second flow path R2, the third flow path R3, and the 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 surrounding the area (second flow path R2) through which the objects A and B to be mixed flow, a third flow path forming portion 42B surrounding the area (third flow path R3) through which the temperature control fluid D can flow, a fourth flow path forming portion 43B surrounding the area (fourth flow path R4) through which the objects A and B to be mixed flow, and a second sealing portion 44B surrounding 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, and 43B to each other or between the second flow path forming portion 41B and the second sealing portion 44B.

The second flow path forming portion 41B is a portion surrounding the second communication hole 311b and the first through hole 312 when arranged on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, and forms a flow path (second flow path R2) through which the mixed objects A and B can flow from the second communication hole 311b to the first through hole 312 between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. The second flow path forming portion 41B of this embodiment is a portion surrounding the second communication hole 311b to the second through hole 321a at the lowest position on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. More specifically, the second flow path forming portion 41B is a portion surrounding the second communication hole 311b, the first through hole 312, the multiple second through holes 321a, and the first convex portion 313 on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B. In this embodiment, the second flow path forming portion 41B is annular 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 FIG. 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 portion 41B.

When the third flow path forming portion 42B is disposed on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, it is a portion that surrounds one of the third communication holes 322a and the other of the third communication holes 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 of the third communication holes 322a to the other of the third communication holes 322b, or from the other of the third communication holes 322b to one of the third communication holes 322a. More specifically, the third flow path forming portion 42B is a portion that surrounds one of the third communication holes 322a, the multiple mixing convex portions 322c and the multiple mixing concave portions 322d, and the other of the third communication holes 322b on the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B.

When viewed from the X-axis direction, the third flow path forming portion 42B is annular and 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 in this embodiment is formed at a position that overlaps with the first flow path R1 via the plates 3A and 3B, except for each third communication hole 322b and its surroundings.

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

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. In this embodiment, the second sealing portion 44B is annular in shape (circular in this embodiment) that corresponds to the shape of the first communication hole 311a that it surrounds.

Each of the multiple connection parts 45B connects the flow path forming parts 41B, 42B, 43B to each other, or the second flow path forming part 41B to the second sealing part 44B, at a position that overlaps with a corresponding part of the first gasket 4A when viewed from the X-axis direction. This makes it possible to prevent or suppress deformation of each plate 3A, 3B when a force is applied to the multiple plates 3A, 3B (mixer body 2) in a clamping direction from the outside in the X-axis direction with the gaskets 4A, 4B sandwiched between the plates.

In the plates 3 and gaskets 4 configured as described above, the first plate 3A and the second plate 3B are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction, the first gasket 4A is sandwiched between the second surface S2 of the second plate 3B and the first surface S1 of the first plate 3A, and the second gasket 4B is sandwiched between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, thereby forming the mixer body 2 (see Figures 3 and 11). Note that in Figure 11, the shape of the second portion 322 (the portion corresponding to the second region Ar22) of each plate 3A, 3B is simplified to make the configuration easier to understand.

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).

In addition, in the mixer body 2, a second flow path R2 is formed inside the second flow path forming portion 41B of the second gasket 4B (the area surrounded by the second flow path forming portion 41B) when viewed from the X-axis direction between the second surface S2 of the first plate 3A and the first surface S1 of the second plate 3B, 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).

In the mixer 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 an outlet flow path Ch3 (see FIG. 4).

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 the first mixture A supplied from the outside to flow into 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 the second mixture B supplied from the outside to flow into 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 the temperature control fluid D supplied from the outside to flow into 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 the mixed objects A and B (mixture C) that flow through each of the first flow paths R1 and each of the fourth flow paths R4 to flow out (discharge) to the outside.

Returning to Figures 1 to 4, each of the pair of frames 5a, 5b is a thick plate-like member that corresponds in shape to plates 3A, 3B when viewed from the X-axis direction.

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

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 multiple notches 53 spaced apart in the Z-axis direction at both ends in the Y-axis direction. Each of these multiple notches 53 is positioned so as to overlap with each notch 52 of the other frame 5a when viewed in the X-axis direction.

The guide section 6 has a pair of guide bars 61 each extending in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the guide section 6 also has a support member 62 that maintains the distance between the ends of the pair of guide bars 61.

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 in a parallel state (posture) relative to the one frame 5a so that it can be moved toward and away from the other frame 5a in the X-axis direction. Each of the pair of guide bars 61 engages with the guide engagement parts 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 placement positions. In this embodiment, the guide engagement parts 36 are notches, and each of the pair of guide bars 61 fits into the notches (guide engagement parts) 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 placement positions.

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) together, thereby maintaining the distance between the ends in the Z-axis direction.

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 notches 52, 53 (which overlap when viewed from 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 in the X-axis direction. Fastening the pair of frames 5a, 5b with the multiple fastening members 7 clamps 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.

In the mixer 1 configured as described above, when the first mixing object A and the second mixing object B are mixed while controlling the temperature, the first mixing object A is supplied from the first supply flow path Ch1 into the mixer body 2, the second mixing object 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 path Ch4 (see Figures 1 and 2).

At this time, as shown in Figures 4, 11, and 12, the first mixture A supplied from the first supply flow path Ch1 and the second mixture B supplied from the second supply flow path Ch2 are mixed in the confluence area Ar1 of the mixer body 2.

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

At this time, since the first convex portion 313 is formed immediately downstream of the first through hole 312 in each second flow path R2 (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), so that most of the second mixture 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.

In addition, 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 paths R2 formed at the ends in the X-axis direction. Therefore, a portion of the second mixture object B flowing through the second flow paths R2 through each of the first through holes 312 of the plates 3A and 3B that separate the second flow paths R2 from the first flow paths R1 flows into (confluences with) the first flow paths R1 on both sides of the second flow paths R2.

In this way, the objects A and B to be mixed that meet in the meeting area Ar1 flow into the mixing area Ar2 adjacent to the meeting area Ar1 immediately after the meeting, and are mixed by passing through the mixing area Ar2. The details are as follows.

The objects A and B to be mixed that flow from the junction area Ar1 into the mixing area Ar2 move between the adjacent flow paths R1 and R2 through the second through holes 321a in the first area Ar21 (the area corresponding to the first portion 321 of the mixing section 32 of each plate 3A and 3B) formed immediately downstream of the junction area Ar1 in the mixing area Ar2, where the objects A and B are mixed (inter-flow path mixing).

More specifically, since the cross-sectional area of each first flow path R1 is smaller at the position of the second convex portion 321b (i.e., the flow resistance is larger), most of the objects 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, since the second flow path R2 is closed (blocked) downstream of the second through hole 321a at the lowest position, the objects 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 at the lowest position.

In this way, in the first region Ar21 (the region corresponding to the first portion 321 of each plate 3A, 3B) in the mixer body 2, at least a portion of the objects 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 objects 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 at least once each, so that the objects A and B to be mixed flowing in the first flow path R1 and the objects A and B to be mixed flowing in the second flow path R2 are mixed (inter-flow path mixing), i.e., the objects A and B to be mixed flowing between different plates are mixed.

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

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

In more 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. As a result, when the objects A and B to be mixed flow through each first flow path R1, disturbances or the like are generated in the flow of the objects A and B to be mixed, and as a result, the objects A and B to be mixed are mixed together in each first flow path R1 (internal mixing), i.e., the objects A and B are mixed between the common plates.

At this time, the temperature control fluid (fluid at a predetermined temperature) D supplied from the inflow channel Ch4 flows in the third flow channel R3 (between the plates in which the second flow channel R2 is formed in the confluence region Ar1 and the first region Ar21), and since each plate 3A, 3B separating the first flow channel R1 and the third flow channel R3 has heat conductivity, the objects A and B flowing through the first flow channel R1 in the second region Ar22 are mixed while exchanging heat with the fluid D flowing through the third flow channel R3 (i.e., while being heated or cooled by the fluid D). In the second region Ar22 of the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the third flow channels R3 are arranged on both sides of each first flow channel R1 in the X-axis direction, so that the objects A and B flowing through each first flow channel R1 are mixed in the flow channel 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 objects A and B can be mixed while being kept at a predetermined temperature. That is, the mixer 1 can mix the objects A and B in the second area Ar22 while controlling the temperature. In addition, by adjusting (controlling) the temperature and flow rate of the temperature-adjusting fluid D, the temperature and viscosity of the objects A and B being mixed in the second area Ar22 can be changed.

Then, the objects A and B (mixture C) mixed in the flow path in the second region Ar22 flow into the third region Ar23 (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 the adjacent flow paths R1 and R4 through each third through hole 323a in the third region Ar23.

In detail, a part of the objects A and B to be mixed that flow up to the position of the third through hole 323a at the uppermost position in each first flow path R1 moves (flows 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 area of each first flow path R1 and each fourth flow path R4 is small at the position of the third convex portion 323b in each first flow path R1 and each fourth flow path R4 (i.e., the flow resistance is large), most of the objects A and B to be mixed flowing through each first flow path R1 flows 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 objects A and B to be mixed flowing through the fourth flow path R4 flows 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.

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

At this time, if there is a difference (variation) in temperature or degree of mixing between the objects 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 objects 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.

The objects A and B (mixture C) mixed in the mixing area Ar2 (inter-flow path mixing and intra-flow path mixing) in the above manner 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.

According to the above mixer 1, the objects A and B to be mixed supplied from each of the multiple supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2 pass between at least one plate (more specifically, the area corresponding to the mixing area Ar2), thereby mixing the objects A and B together. Therefore, the objects A and B to be mixed are continuously supplied to the junction area Ar1 through each of the supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2, and the objects A and B to be mixed supplied from each of the supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2 are continuously mixed in the mixing area Ar2 (between the at least one plate).

Moreover, by forming the mixing area Ar2 at a position adjacent to the confluence area Ar1 (directly downstream position) in the mixer 1, each of the objects A and B to be mixed supplied to the confluence area Ar1 can immediately flow into the mixing area Ar2. Therefore, each of the objects A and B to be mixed supplied to the confluence area Ar1 from the multiple supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2 flows into the mixing area Ar2 immediately after merging with the other objects B and A to be mixed. Therefore, even if the objects A and B to be mixed start reacting (hydration of the powder surface, etc.) immediately after coming into contact (merging) with each other, such as an aqueous solution and a powder slurry, even if the powder slurry is insufficiently mixed, it can be mixed without growing lumps. In other words, if all of the materials to be mixed for one batch are put into a mixing tank such as a batch mixer at once, if there is any undissolved powder, it will not be mixed immediately and lumps will grow, requiring a long time for mixing. However, with the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the materials to be mixed A and B come into contact (converge) and begin to mix immediately, so that the materials to be mixed A and B can be mixed. As a result, with this mixer 1, a uniform mixture C can be obtained continuously in a short time.

In the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the plates 3A and 3B that separate two adjacent plates among the multiple plates have a first through hole (through hole) 312 that communicates between the two plates at the confluence section 31 (the portion corresponding to the confluence area Ar1). In this way, the adjacent plates are communicated with each other through the first through hole 312 of the plates 3A and 3B that separate the two adjacent plates, and the objects to be mixed A and B supplied from each supply flow path Ch1 and Ch2 are merged. In other words, by using a part of the space between the multiple plates in the mixer body 2 as the confluence area Ar1, the mixer body 2 can be made smaller than a configuration in which a confluence area is provided separately from the area (portion) where the multiple plates 3A and 3B are overlapped in the mixer body.

In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of this embodiment, a first convex portion (convex portion) 313 that blocks a part of one of the plates (in this embodiment, the second flow path R2) may be formed downstream of the first through hole 312 between two adjacent plates. By forming such a first convex portion 313 between one of the plates (second flow path R2), it becomes difficult for the mixed object B to flow between the one of the plates (second flow path R2) downstream of the first through hole 312 (flow resistance becomes large), so that the amount of movement of the mixed object B through the first through hole 312 from one of the plates (second flow path R2) to the other plate (in this embodiment, the first flow path R1) increases.

In the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the mixer body 2 has a partition wall (part 47B of the second gasket 4B: see Figures 9 and 11) that divides one of the adjacent plates into a second flow path (upstream region) R2 in which the first through hole 312 is arranged and which constitutes a part of the merging region Ar1, and a third flow path (downstream region) R3 that overlaps with the region corresponding to the mixing region Ar2 in the other of the two plates (first flow path R1) when viewed from the X-axis direction. The third flow path (downstream region) R3 constitutes a flow path through which the temperature control fluid D can flow, and at least the portion of the plates 3A and 3B that divide the two plates and correspond to the mixing region Ar2 (more specifically, the second region Ar22) has thermal conductivity. In this way, the remaining area between one of the plates where the second flow path R2 is formed is used to form the third flow path R3 through which the temperature-controlled fluid D flows, and heat exchange is made possible between the objects A and B to be mixed flowing between the other plate and the fluid D flowing through the third flow path R3, thereby realizing a configuration in which the objects A and B to be mixed can be mixed while being temperature-controlled (temperature-controlled), while also making the mixer body 2 compact. In addition, in the mixer 1 of this embodiment, by controlling the temperature of the objects A and B to be mixed, it is also possible to mix the objects A and B while controlling their pressure, flow rate, viscosity, turbidity, etc. In this way, the mixer 1 of this embodiment can homogenize the mixture C and shorten the mixing time.

In the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the second gasket 4B has a plurality of partitions 47B (two in this embodiment) separating the second flow path R2 and the third flow path R3 between the plates on which the second flow path R2 and the third flow path R3 are formed, and these partitions 47B are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction. With this configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent the objects A and B to be mixed that have leaked from the second flow path R2 to the third flow path R3 side from entering the third flow path R3. That is, even if the objects A and B to be mixed flowing through the second flow path R2 leak from the partitions 47B on the second flow path R2 side, the presence of at least one partition 47B on the third flow path R3 side from the partitions 47B more reliably prevents the leaked objects A and B to be mixed into the third flow path R3 and mix with the temperature control fluid D. In addition, the temperature control fluid D that leaks from the third flow path R3 to the second flow path R2 side can be more reliably prevented from entering the second flow path R2. That is, even if the temperature control fluid D flowing through the third flow path R3 leaks from the partition 47B on the third flow path R3 side, the presence of at least one partition 47B on the second flow path R2 side of the partition 47B more reliably prevents the leaked temperature control fluid D from entering the second flow path R2 and mixing with the objects A and B to be mixed.

In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of this embodiment, the second gasket 4B has a plurality of partitions 48B (two in this embodiment) that separate the third flow path R3 and the fourth flow path R4 between the plates on which the third flow path R3 and the fourth flow path R4 are formed, and these plurality of partitions 48B are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction. With this configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent the temperature control fluid D that has leaked from the third flow path R3 to the fourth flow path R4 side from penetrating into the fourth flow path R4. That is, even if the temperature control fluid D flowing through the third flow path R3 leaks from the partition 48B on the third flow path R3 side, the presence of at least one partition 48B on the fourth flow path R4 side from the partition 47B more reliably prevents the leaked temperature control fluid D from penetrating into the fourth flow path R4 and mixing with the objects A and B to be mixed. In addition, the objects A and B to be mixed that have leaked from the fourth flow path R4 to the third flow path R3 side can be more reliably prevented from entering the third flow path R3. That is, even if the objects A and B to be mixed flowing through the fourth flow path R4 leak from the partition 48B on the fourth flow path R4 side, the presence of at least one partition 48B on the third flow path R3 side of the partition 48B more reliably prevents the leaked objects A and B to be mixed into the third flow path R3 and mix with the temperature control fluid D.

The plate mixer of the present invention is not limited to the above 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, and 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.

The mixer 1 of the above embodiment has two supply flow paths Ch1 and Ch2, that is, it mixes two types of mixing objects A and B, but is not limited to this configuration. The mixer 1 may have three or more supply flow paths Ch1, Ch2, ..., that is, it may be configured to mix three or more types of mixing objects. In this case, two or more confluence areas Ar1 may be formed in the mixer body 2. That is, it may be configured to confluence all the mixing objects in one confluence area Ar1, or it may be configured to confluence one or more mixing objects for a given mixing object in each confluence area Ar11, Ar12, ... in series. In the case of a configuration in which the mixing objects are confluenced in sequence, the mixing objects that need to be mixed immediately after confluence are configured to confluence in a confluence area formed at a position adjacent to the mixing area Ar2 (directly upstream position).

In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the confluence area Ar1 is formed in the arrangement area of the overlapping plates 3 (more specifically, a part of the arrangement area of the multiple plates 3), but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, in a mixer body 2 having a case 8 and multiple plates 3 arranged in the case 8, only the mixing area Ar2 is formed in the arrangement area of the plates 3, and the confluence area Ar1 may be formed immediately upstream of the mixing area Ar2 (the area where the plates 3 are arranged) (i.e., the area where the plates 3 are not arranged). That is, the confluence area Ar1 may be adjacent to the mixing area Ar2 immediately upstream of the mixing area Ar2 in the mixer body 2. The confluence area Ar1 may also be arranged between two mixing areas Ar2.

In the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the multiple types of objects 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 objects A and B to be mixed are mixed by flowing upward between the plates, or so that the multiple types of objects A and B to be mixed are mixed by flowing horizontally or approximately horizontally between the plates. The mixer 1 may also be configured so that the flow directions of the objects A and B to be mixed are different between plates at different positions in the overlapping direction of the plates 3.

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

In the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 in 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, the peripheral portions of the plates 3 adjacent to each other in the overlapping direction may be sealed by brazing welding or the like to form flow paths R1, R2, ... between the plates through which the objects to be mixed A, B and the temperature control fluid D can flow.

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

In addition, 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 having shapes corresponding to the protrusions 313, 321b, 322c, 323b of the first surface S1 are formed at positions (the back surfaces of the protrusions 313, 321b, 322c, 323b) and a convex portion having a shape corresponding to the recess 322d is formed at a position (the back surface of the recess 322d) on the first surface S1. In other words, the convex portion and the recess are in a front-back relationship on each plate 3, but are not limited to this configuration. In each plate 3, the back surface S2, S1 of the convex portion 313, 321b, 322c, 323b (or the concave portion 322d) on one side S1, S2 may be flat, or the back surface S2, S1 of the convex portion 313, 321b, 322c, 323b (or the concave portion 322d) on one side S1, S2 may be a convex portion (or a concave portion).

In the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the opposing surfaces S1, S2 of the two plates 3A, 3B constituting the flow path R1 where in-flow path mixing is performed are each formed with a plurality of mixing convex portions 322c and a plurality of mixing concave portions 322d arranged in a so-called herringbone pattern, 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. Also, at least one of at least one mixing convex portion 322c and at least one mixing concave portion 322d may be formed on only one of the opposing surfaces S1, S2 of the two plates 3.

The specific shapes of the mixing convex portion 322c and the mixing concave portion 322d are not limited. That is, the shape (arrangement pattern) of the mixing convex portion 322c and the mixing concave portion 322d may be other than a herringbone shape. Also, depending on the type of material to be mixed, the materials may be mixed simply by flowing down between the two flat plates 3, so the opposing surfaces S1 and S2 of the two plates 3 may each be flat, that is, neither the mixing convex portion 322c nor the mixing concave portion 322d may be formed.

In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 in the above embodiment, multiple flow paths (first flow path R1 in the above embodiment) are formed in which in-flow path mixing is performed, but this configuration is not limited. There may be only one flow path in the mixer body 2 in which in-flow path mixing is performed.

In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the confluence area Ar1 is formed by providing a first through hole 312 in the confluence portion 31 of the plates 3A and 3B that separate the adjacent plates (the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2), thereby communicating the adjacent plates, but is not limited to this configuration. The confluence area Ar1 may be formed by communicating corresponding plates among the multiple plates formed in the X-axis direction with each other through a flow path Ch6, etc., as shown in FIG. 17. In this case, the plates that communicate with each other do not have to be adjacent. In addition, a configuration in which three or more plates communicate with each other through a flow path, etc. is also possible. In this way, the configuration in which corresponding plates are communicated with each other to merge the objects to be mixed A1, A2, A3, A4, ... supplied from each supply flow path Ch1, Ch2, ..., i.e., by using a part of the spaces between the multiple plates in the mixer body 2 as the confluence area Ar1, the mixer body 2 can be made smaller.

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

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

In addition, in the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, each supply flow path Ch1, Ch2 is formed inside the mixer body 2, but this configuration is not limited to this. In order to accommodate various objects to be mixed, each supply flow path Ch1, Ch2 may be formed (placed) outside the mixer body 2 (see FIG. 16).

In the first region Ar21 and the third region Ar23 (i.e., the region where inter-flow channel mixing is performed) 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 flow channels R1, R2 (or R1, R4) adjacent to each other through the plate 3 to block a part of the flow channel R1, R2 (or R4) (i.e., the flow channel has a locally narrowed portion), thereby increasing the inflow amount of the mixed objects A and B into the other flow channel through the first through hole 312 and the second through hole 321a (or the third through hole 323a) upstream of the convex portion 313, 321b (or 323b), but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, any of the two flow channels R1, R2 (or R1, R4) adjacent to each other through the plate 3 may have no convex portion (no locally narrowed portion of the flow channel).

In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the specific configuration of each of the convex parts 313, 321b, 323b protruding into each of the flow paths R1, R2, R3 is not limited. For example, each of the convex parts 313, 321b, 323b in the above embodiment extends straight in the Y-axis direction, but may be curved entirely or at least in one place. In addition, each of the convex parts 313, 321b, 323b may not be in contact with the plates 3B, 3A that face the plates 3A, 3B having the convex parts 313, 321b, 323b. In addition, each of the convex parts 313, 321b, 323b may protrude in a direction approaching each other from the opposing positions of the opposing surfaces S1, S2 of the two plates 3A, 3B arranged in the X-axis direction.

In addition, although the convex portions 313, 321b, and 323b in the above embodiment are disposed immediately downstream of the through holes 312, 321a, and 323a, this configuration is not limiting. For example, as shown in Figures 18A and 18B, the convex portion 313 may be disposed at the position of the through hole 312, that is, may be formed by a part of the periphery of the through hole 312. With such a configuration, it is possible to block a part of the space between the plates (the flow path) (locally reduce the cross-sectional area of the flow path).

In addition, 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 this configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the mixer body 2 may be configured such that multiple overlapping 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).

In a mixer 1 in which the plate 3 is not disposed in the confluence area Ar1 as shown in FIG. 16, the objects A and B to be mixed may be supplied to the confluence area Ar1 by dropping them from above. With this configuration, even if the objects A and B to be mixed are powder or a fluid containing powder, the objects A and B to be mixed can be easily supplied to the confluence area Ar1.

In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 in the above embodiment, a third flow path R3 is formed between the plates where in-flow mixing is performed (in the example of the above embodiment, the first flow path R1) and the adjacent plate, allowing the temperature-control fluid D to flow. In other words, the configuration allows the objects A and B to be mixed while being temperature-controlled, but is not limited to this configuration. The mixer body 2 may also be configured so that the third flow path R3 is not formed.

In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1 of the above embodiment, the confluence area Ar1 is formed by the portion (confluence section) 31 where the first through hole 312 is arranged in each plate 3, and the first area Ar21 is formed by the portion (first portion) 321 where the multiple second through holes 321a are arranged in each plate 3, but this configuration (division) is not limited to this. In the mixer body 2, the area formed by the portions 31, 321 where the first through hole 312 and the multiple second through holes 321a are arranged in each plate 3 may be a confluence/mixing area including an area where the objects A and B to be mixed supplied by each supply flow path Ch1, Ch2 confluence and an area where the objects are mixed between the flow paths.

In addition, in the mixer body 2 of the mixer 1, the specific configuration of the multiple second through holes 321a and multiple third through holes 323a arranged in the parts corresponding to the first region (inter-flow channel mixing region) Ar21 and the third region (inter-flow channel mixing region) Ar23 of each plate 3 is 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 of the above embodiment is a long hole extending in the Y-axis direction, but may be a hole of other shape such as a round hole or a polygonal hole. In addition, the multiple through holes 321a, 323a arranged in the inter-flow 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 are holes through which the objects to be mixed A and B can pass. In addition, the multiple through holes 321a, 323a arranged in the inter-flow channel mixing region (first region Ar21, third region Ar23) do not have to be aligned in a row along the Z-axis direction. In addition, some of the multiple through holes 321a, 323a arranged in the inter-flow channel mixing region (first region Ar21, third region Ar23) may be arranged at the same position in the Z-axis direction.

1...plate type mixer, 2...mixer body, 3...plate, 3A...first plate (plate), 3B...second plate (plate), 31...junction, 311...communicating hole, 311a...first communicating hole (communicating hole), 311b...second communicating hole (communicating hole), 312...first through hole (through hole), 313...first convex portion (convex portion), 32...mixing portion, 321...first portion, 321a...second through hole, 321b...second convex portion, 322...second portion, 322a, 322b...third communicating hole, 322c...mixing convex portion, 322d...mixing recess, 323...third portion, 323a...third through hole, 323b...third 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, 44B...second sealing portion, 45 B...connection 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 mixed object (mixed object), A1, A2, A3, A4...mixed object, B...second mixed object (mixed 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 channel (supply channel), Ch2... Second supply Channel (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 (5)

A mixer body having a plurality of plates stacked in a predetermined direction;
A plurality of supply flow paths each supplying a fluid mixture to be mixed into the mixer body,
the plurality of plates form a mixing region in the mixer body in which the materials to be mixed supplied from each of the plurality of supply flow paths pass between at least one of the plates to mix the materials to be mixed;
the mixer body has a confluence region that causes the materials to be mixed supplied from each of the plurality of supply flow paths to merge with each other, the confluence region being formed at a position adjacent to the mixing region, and the materials to be mixed in the confluence region are caused to flow into the mixing region ,
The mixing region includes a second region in which the objects to be mixed are mixed in a flow path formed between the plates,
In the second region, a plurality of mixing protrusions and a plurality of mixing recesses are formed on each of the opposing surfaces of a pair of plates that define the flow path,
A plate-type mixer, in which a recess having a shape corresponding to the mixing convex portion is formed on the back side of the mixing convex portion, and a convex portion having a shape corresponding to the mixing concave portion is formed on the back side of the mixing concave portion, the joining region is formed by a plurality of gaps between the plates including the at least one gap between the plates,
2. The plate mixer according to claim 1, wherein corresponding spaces between the plurality of plates forming the joining region communicate with each other in the joining region. the joining region is formed by a plurality of spaces between the plates including the at least one space between the plates and arranged continuously in the overlapping direction,
2. The plate-type mixer according to claim 1, wherein the plate separating two adjacent plates among the plurality of plates has a through hole communicating between the two plates at a position corresponding to the joining region. The plate mixer according to claim 3, in which a protrusion is formed at the position of the through hole between one of the two plates or downstream of the through hole to block a portion of the gap between the one of the plates. the mixer body has a partition wall portion, located at a downstream position of the through hole between one of the two plates, dividing the one of the plates into an upstream region in which the through hole is arranged and which constitutes a part of the joining region, and a downstream region overlapping with a region corresponding to the mixing region between the other of the two plates as viewed from the overlapping direction,
the downstream region constitutes a flow path through which a temperature control fluid can flow,
5. The plate type mixer according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the plate separating the two plates, which corresponds to the mixing region, is made of a material having thermal conductivity.