Abstract:
Disclosed is a fluid mixer to mix different fluids, the fluid mixer that includes a top section and a holder section. The top section has a plurality of inlets and a mixing portion communicates with the plurality of inlets. The holder section has a discharge portion that communicates with the mixing portion through a passage and a mixing member to mix the different fluids in the middle of the passage.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present invention contains subject matter related to Japanese Patent Application JP 2006-299467 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Nov. 2, 2006, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a fluid mixer to mix, stir, emulsify, disperse, dissolve, diffuse, and chemically react different types of fluids. The present invention relates to a fluid mixer to mix fluids such as a main agent and a curing agent, for example. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Domestic Re-publication of PCT International Application 2000-24502 discloses a static fluid mixer of the related art to perform in-line mixing of different types of fluids, where a plurality of mixing elements are placed in a passage structure (casing) corresponding to a pipe, for example. 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid mixer of the related art. 
         [0007]    In a mixing mechanism of the fluid mixer  100 , when a fluid is caused to flow into a casing  120  from one inlet passage  122  formed in a cover  121 , the fluid reaches the inside of a mixing element  101  from a passage hole  105  of the mixing element  101  and radially flows from the center to the outside through mixing chambers  108  and  113  communicating with each other. The fluid having reached the inner periphery of the casing  120  enters the passage hole  105  of the mixing element  101  from a passage  115  through the mixing chambers  108  and  113  on the downstream side. Thereafter, the fluid sequentially flows in a plurality of the mixing elements and is discharged from an outlet  123 . 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    However, in the fluid mixer  100  of the related art, when different types of fluids are mixed in the mixing element  101 , it is necessary to previously mix the different types of fluids and then cause the mixture to flow into the casing  120  from the inlet  122 . Therefore, when a fast-curing fluid such as a curing agent is used, for example, the curing agent or the like is cured during flowing in the inlet passage  122  formed in the cover  121  and thus may not be mixed in the mixing element  101 , disadvantageously. 
         [0009]    In addition, since a fluid is cured in the inlet passage  122 , a fresh fluid may not be supplied and the fluid mixer may not be used, disadvantageously. 
         [0010]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fluid mixer and a mixing element member in which different types of fluids may be efficiently mixed. 
         [0011]    Attempts have been made to achieve the above object, and the object is achieved by the following inventions (1) to (11). 
         [0012]    (1) A fluid mixer to mix different fluids, the fluid mixer including:
       a top section and a holder section,   the top section having a plurality of inlets and a mixing portion communicating with the plurality of inlets, and   the holder section having a discharge portion communicating with the mixing portion through a passage and a mixing member to mix the different fluids in the middle of the passage.       
 
         [0016]    (2) The fluid mixer according to (1) above, where
       the mixing portion is provided near the mixing member.       
 
         [0018]    (3) The fluid mixer according to (1) above, where
       the top section is hemispherically formed.       
 
         [0020]    (4) The fluid mixer according to (1) above,
       where a universal joint member is detachably engaged with the inlet.       
 
         [0022]    (5) The fluid mixer according to (1) or (2) above, where
       a universal joint member is detachably engaged with the discharge portion.       
 
         [0024]    (6) The fluid mixer according to (1) above, where
       the mixing member is formed by a combination of a plurality of mixing element members having an identical structure.       
 
         [0026]    (7) The fluid mixer according to (6) above, where
       the mixing element members each have a passage hole through which the different fluids are allowed to pass and a divider having a spiral shape formed in the passage hole.       
 
         [0028]    (8) The fluid mixer according to (7) above, wherein
       the passage hole has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 10.0 mm.       
 
         [0030]    (9) A mixing element member that forms a mixing member used in a fluid mixer to mix different fluids, the mixing element member including:
       a passage hole through which the fluids are allowed to pass and a divider having a spiral shape formed in the passage hole.       
 
         [0032]    (10) The mixing element member according to (9) above, where
       the mixing element member has a recess and projection portion to fit the mixing element member with another mixing element member having an identical structure.       
 
         [0034]    (11) The mixing element member according to (9) above, where
       the passage hole has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 10.0 mm.       
 
         [0036]    According to the fluid mixer of an embodiment according to the present invention, since different types of fluids are supplied to the mixing member using separate passages, the fluids are not cured in the passages and may be efficiently mixed. 
         [0037]    According to the mixing element member of an embodiment of the present invention, since different types of fluids are efficiently mixed in the divider, the fluids passing through the mixing member may be mixed at an increased mixing rate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view showing a fluid mixer of the related art. 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is an oblique view of a fluid mixer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  is an exploded oblique view of a fluid mixer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a top section used in the present embodiment viewed from the side of a bottom surface. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of a holder section used in the present embodiment viewed from the side of a head portion. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  is an oblique cross-sectional view of a fluid mixer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  is an oblique view of a mixing element member that forms a mixing member used in the fluid mixer of the present embodiment. 
           [0045]      FIG. 8  is an oblique view of a fluid mixer according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 9  is an oblique view of a fluid mixer according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 10  is an oblique view of a fluid mixer according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    An embodiment of the fluid mixer of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings; however, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. The mixing element member of an embodiment according to the present invention will also be described together with the fluid mixer. 
         [0049]      FIG. 2  shows an oblique view of a fluid mixer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the fluid mixer  1  according to the present embodiment is formed by a top section  2  and a holder section  3 . 
         [0051]    The top section  2  has a shape in which a slope of a solid trapezoid member is cut at right angles to a bottom surface. In the top section  2  are formed an upper surface  2   a ; a bottom surface  2   b ; side surfaces  2   c  opposed to each other with respect to a center cutting-plane line between the upper surface  2   a  and the bottom surface  2   b ; and side surfaces  2   d  opposed to each other with respect to the center cutting-plane line between the upper surface  2   a  and the bottom surface  2   b.    
         [0052]    An inlet hole  4   b  is formed in the center of the upper surface  2   a . An inlet hole  4   a  (not shown) and an inlet hole  4   c  are formed in each of the side surfaces  2   c  connected to each other through the upper surface  2   a , respectively. A recess portion  2   e  is provided and an engaging portion  13  is formed in the bottom surface  2   b.    
         [0053]    The holder section  3  has an extending cylindrical body  3   b  and a head portion  3   a  fitted with the recess portion  2   e  of the top section  2 . A discharge portion  10  is formed at the end of the body  3   b.    
         [0054]    The top section  2  and the holder section  3  are engaged with each other by set screws  14 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 3  is an exploded oblique view of the fluid mixer  1  shown in  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 3 , portions corresponding to those of  FIG. 2  are indicated by the same symbols, and description of the portions is omitted. 
         [0056]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the recess portion  2   e  is formed in the bottom surface  2   b  of the top section  2  to engage the top section  2  with the holder section  3 . 
         [0057]    The holder section  3  is formed by the cubic head portion  3   a  and the cylindrical body  3   b  formed integrally with the head portion  3   a  to be extended from the center of the head portion  3   a . A fitting hole  12  into which a mixing element described later is to be inserted is formed in the center of the head portion  3   a , and screw holes  24  are formed to penetrate into four corners of the head portion  3   a.    
         [0058]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the top section  2  used in the present embodiment viewed from the side of the bottom surface  2   b.    
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the recess portion  2   e  is formed in a square shape corresponding to the shape of the head portion  3   a  of the holder section  3 . A hemispheric mixing portion  5  as a mixing portion  5  is formed in the center of the recess portion  2   e . A passage  6   b  communicating with the inlet hole  4   b  formed in the upper surface  2   a  of the top section  2  is formed in the center of the mixing portion  5 . Passages  6   a  and  6   c  are formed laterally to the passage  6   b  to communicate with the inlet holes  4   a  and  4   c  formed on each of the side surfaces  2   c , respectively. Screw holes  22  into which the tips of the set screws  14  are to be inserted are formed on four corners of the recess portion  2   e.    
         [0060]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the holder section  3  used in the present embodiment viewed from the side of the head portion  3   a.    
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the head portion  3   a  of the holder section  3  is formed in a square shape, and the fitting hole  12  into which a mixing element described later is to be inserted is formed in the center of the head portion  3   a . A passage  11  is formed in the center of the bottom of the fitting hole  12 . The screw holes  24  into which the set screws  14  are to be inserted are formed on four corners of the head portion  3   a.    
         [0062]    The top section  2  and the holder section  3  are engaged with each other by the set screws  14  so that the head portion  3   a  of the holder section  3  is fitted with the recess portion  2   e  of the top section  2 . The top section  2  and the holder section  3  are made of a fluororesin. 
         [0063]      FIG. 6  is an oblique cross-sectional view of a fluid mixer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0064]    In  FIG. 6 , portions corresponding to those of  FIG. 2  are indicated by the same symbols, and description of the portions is omitted. 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , a mixing portion  5  as a mixing portion is formed in a recess portion  2   e  formed in a bottom surface  2   d  of a top section  2 . In the present embodiment, the mixing portion  5  is formed to have a volume of approximately 0.1 cc. 
         [0066]    In the top section  2 , passages  6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c  are formed to allow the mixing portion  5  to communicate with inlet holes  4   a ,  4   b , and  4   c . In the present embodiment, each of the passages  6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c  is formed to have a diameter of 2.0 mm. 
         [0067]    A groove is formed in each of the inlet holes  4   a ,  4   b , and  4   c  to engage a universal joint member described later with the inlet hole, and the portions of the inlet holes  4   a ,  4   b , and  4   c  communicate with the passages  6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c , respectively. 
         [0068]    (1) It should be noted that the head portion may be formed by providing check valve  17  inside the passages  6   b . In this case, the check valves used as the universal joint members may not be engaged with the passages  6   b.    
         [0069]    A fitting hole  12  is formed in a holder section  3  to fit the holder section  3  with a mixing member  9 . A plurality of mixing elements  30  having right-twisted and left-twisted spiral blades are inserted into the fitting hole  12  to form the mixing member  9 . Specifically, the mixing member  9  is incorporated in the holder section  3 . A passage  9   a  through which a fluid passes is formed in the mixing member  9 . 
         [0070]    In a body  3   b  of the holder section  3 , a passage  11  is formed to communicate with a passage  9   a  and a discharge portion  10 . A groove  10   a  is formed in the discharge portion  10  to engage a universal joint member described later with the discharge portion  10 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 7  is an oblique view of a mixing element member that forms the mixing member used in the fluid mixer of the present embodiment. 
         [0072]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the mixing element  30  as a mixing element member is formed in a disc-like shape, where a plurality of grooves are formed along the outer periphery of the disc to form a recess and projection portion  33 . Since the mixing element  30  of the present embodiment may be simply fitted with another mixing element having right-twisted and left-twisted spiral blades using the recess and projection portion  33  formed by a plurality of grooves, the mixing member  9  may be easily produced. The size and length of the mixing member  9  may be appropriately controlled by increasing or decreasing the number of the mixing elements as required. 
         [0073]    A passage hole  31  through which a fluid is allowed to pass is formed in the center of the mixing element  30 . In the passage hole  31 , a divider  32  is formed by two blades, one right-twisted spiral blade and the other left-twisted spiral blade. The passage hole  31  preferably has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 10.0 mm. In the present embodiment, the passage hole is formed to have a diameter of 2.8 mm and an internal volume of about 0.02 ml. The mixing element  30  is made of a fluororesin. 
         [0074]    In the center of the mixing member  9  formed by fitting the plurality of mixing elements  30  having right-twisted and left-twisted spiral blades as described above, a passage  9   a  through which a fluid is allowed to pass is formed by the passage holes  31  included in the mixing elements. According to the mixing element  30  of the present embodiment, the divider  32  is provided in the passage hole  31 , so that a fluid shear force in an axial direction may be increased in a laminar flow region and efficiency in mixing different types of fluids may be improved. 
         [0075]    As described above, the fluid mixer  1  of the present embodiment is formed so that the inlet holes  4   a ,  4   b , and  4   c  of the top section  2  communicate with the discharge portion  10  of the holder section  3  through the passages  6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c , the mixing portion  5 , the passage  9   a , and the passage  11 . 
         [0076]    The mixing portion  5  formed in the top section  2  is placed near the mixing member  9 . Specifically, the mixing portion  5  of the present embodiment is placed near the passage hole  31  included in the uppermost element among the plurality of mixing elements  30  forming the mixing member  9 . 
         [0077]    A mechanism of the fluid mixer  1  of the present embodiment will be described. 
         [0078]    First, an epoxy resin as a fluid is injected into the inlet hole  4   a , and at the same time a curing agent as a fluid is injected into the inlet hole  4   c . The epoxy resin reaches the mixing portion through the passage  6   a . The curing agent also reaches the mixing portion  5  through the passage  6   c . The epoxy resin and the curing agent are mixed in the mixing portion  5  and then flow into the passage  9   a  formed in the mixing member  9 . A mixed fluid of the epoxy resin and the curing agent flowing into the passage  9   a  is further divided, moved, superposed, and sheared by the spiral blades provided in each of the mixing elements  30 , so that the mixed fluid is further mixed. The mixed fluid mixed in the mixing member  9  is discharged to the outside from the discharge portion  10  through the passage  11 . A urethane resin or acrylic resin may be used instead of the epoxy resin. 
         [0079]    A cleaning liquid may also be injected into the inlet hole  4   b . The cleaning liquid injected in this manner may wash out the mixed fluid of the epoxy resin and the curing agent before the mixed liquid is cured in the mixing portion  5  and passage  9   a.    
         [0080]    (2) It should be noted that the check valves  17  having an inverted-conical shape may be placed in the contact surface between the edge of the passage  6   b  and the mixing portion  5  by providing check valve  17  inside the passages  6   b . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a mixing problem which occurs when the cleaning liquid remained in the passage  6   b  flows into the mixing portion  5  and mixed with the mixed fluid. 
         [0081]    A fluid is not necessarily a liquid such as an epoxy resin or a curing agent and may be a gas or powdery particle. Different types of fluids include a combination of liquids of which properties differ from each other, as well as a combination of a liquid and a gas, a combination of a liquid and a powdery particle, and a combination of a gas and a gas. 
         [0082]    According to the fluid mixer  1  of the present embodiment, a fluid velocity distribution may be uniformly maintained and fluids may be homogeneously mixed without using stirring power. According to the fluid mixer  1  of the present embodiment, generation of a so-called ribbon or stripe mixing form may be reduced as compared with a fluid mixer of the related art. 
         [0083]    According to the fluid mixer of an embodiment according to the present invention, a plurality of passages are formed in the top section  2  and different fluids are respectively supplied to the passages, so that an accurate amount of a fluid may be supplied to each of the passages. Since the passages are separately formed, it is possible to separately control velocities of different types of fluids to be mixed, for example. Accordingly, curing of a fluid in the top section  2  may be prevented by increasing an injection velocity of a curing agent easily cured, for example. 
         [0084]    Since fluids may be separately transported through different passages just before the mixing portion  5 , the fluids may be mixed in the top section at a reduced distance. This may prevent curing of a fluid in the top section  2  before the fluid reaches the mixing member  9 . 
         [0085]    According to the fluid mixer of the present embodiment, the mixing portion  5  is placed just before the mixing member  9 , different fluids may be mixed in the mixing member  9  right after mixing the fluids in the mixing portion  5 , so that a homogeneous mixed fluid may be obtained. Since the mixing portion  5  has a volume of approximately 0.1 cc, a fluid may be resided in the mixing portion  5  in a short time to prevent curing of the fluid in the mixing portion  5 . 
         [0086]    In the fluid mixer of the present embodiment, all the portions in the fluid mixer to be brought into contact with a fluid (fluid contact portions) are made of a fluororesin. Since all fluids are mixed in the fluid mixer  1 , it is possible to prevent contamination of a fluid by inclusion of a floating substance or the like, and there will be no external contamination. 
         [0087]    Next, another embodiment of the fluid mixer of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
         [0088]    In  FIG. 8 , portions corresponding to those of  FIG. 2  are indicated by the same symbols, and description of the portions is omitted. 
         [0089]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , in the fluid mixer  1  of the present embodiment, check valves  17  as universal joint members are inserted into inlet holes  4   a  to  4   c  of a top section  2 . The check valves  17  are attached to the top section  2  by engaging grooves formed in the check valves with grooves formed in the inlet holes  4 . The check valve  17  has a body made of a fluororesin material such as PCTFE or PFA and a valve element made of Viton. A tube is inserted into the check valve  17  and fixed by screwing, and a specific fluid is injected into the fluid mixer  1 . An amount of a fluid injected into the fluid mixer may be controlled by controlling the check valve  17 . The check valve may be made of a perfluoro material. A flowmeter or flow control plate may be provided as an orifice member instead of the check valve. 
         [0090]    A connector  18  as a universal joint member is inserted into a discharge portion  10  of a holder section  3 . The connector  18  is attached to the holder section  3  by engaging a groove formed in the connector with a groove formed in the discharge portion  10 . The connector  18  is made of a fluororesin and has excellent chemical resistance. A tube may be inserted into and fixed in the connector  18  by a simple operation, and fluids mixed in the fluid mixer may be supplied to a predetermined place. A tube having various diameters may be connected to the connector by modifying a diameter of the connector. 
         [0091]    A device to fix the tube in the universal joint member is not limited to that of the present embodiment. An injection needle or a needle may be fixed on the universal joint member. 
         [0092]    Next, another embodiment of the fluid mixer of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
         [0093]    In  FIG. 9 , portions corresponding to those of  FIG. 2  are indicated by the same symbols, and description of the portions is omitted. 
         [0094]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the fluid mixer differs from the fluid mixer of  FIG. 2  in that an inlet hole is not formed in an upper surface  2   a  of a top section  2  and only inlet holes  4   a  and  4   c  are formed on each of side surfaces  2   c . A discharge portion  10  is formed in a holder section  3 , and a taper  3   c  is formed at the end of the holder section  3 . 
         [0095]    Next, another embodiment of the fluid mixer of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
         [0096]    In  FIG. 10 , portions corresponding to those of  FIG. 2  are indicated by the same symbols, and description of the portions is omitted. 
         [0097]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the fluid mixer differs from the fluid mixer of  FIG. 2  in that a top section  2  is hemispherically formed. The top section  2  has five inlet holes  4  formed so that five types of fluids may be supplied at the same time. The top section  2  is hemispherically formed in this manner, so that a plurality of inlet holes may be easily formed at equal intervals with the crown in the center. Five inlet holes are formed in the top section in the present embodiment; however, the number of inlet holes is not limited to five. Three inlet holes may be formed, or seven inlet holes may be formed. 
         [0098]    The top section  2  is not necessarily hemispheric and may have a point symmetrical shape with the crown in the center. The top section having a point symmetrical shape may be a polygon having a plurality of planes with inlet holes. 
         [0099]    The fluid mixer of an embodiment according to the present invention is not limited to the fluid mixer of each of the aforementioned embodiments, and it is to be understood that various changes and modifications could be effected without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention in terms of the material or structure, for example. In particular, the shape or material of the top section or holder section forming the fluid mixer is not limited to that of the aforementioned embodiment. 
         [0100]    Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications could be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.