Material processing device, material processing method and mixture application system

Abstract

The invention relates to a material handling device comprising a material container and a pump device. The material container is used for processing materials. The pump device has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the pump device is connected in fluid communication to the material container such that material can be introduced from the material container into the pump device. The pump device is used to supply material at an outlet of the pump device at a pressure of at least 15 bar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a material processing device, a material processing method, and a mixture application system. In addition, the present invention also relates to the use of the material processing device for processing polyurethane polymer materials. Background Art

[0002] When producing rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, for example, fire prevention measures are usually taken to reduce the damage to the vehicle caused by the rechargeable battery when generating a large amount of heat or catching fire. Similarly, the violent generation of heat or fire in a household rechargeable battery may cause damage to the building.

[0003] Polyurethane (PU) foam can be used as a fire prevention measure. The PU foam can absorb the heat of a violently heating rechargeable battery cell and prevent the violent heating of adjacent cells. The PU foam can also extinguish the fire of a rechargeable battery or a rechargeable battery cell.

[0004] Two monomers (polyol and polyisocyanate) are used to prepare (polymerize) polyurethane foam. Foaming can occur chemically or physically. In the case of physical foaming, the precise metering of the two components and the gas is often inaccurate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to be able to precisely meter materials, especially materials containing monomers for polyurethane polymerization. Another object of the present invention is to be able to convey materials with medium viscosity with high metering accuracy. Still another object of the present invention is to be able to convey materials with a high volume flow.

[0006] The subject matter of the independent claims achieves at least one object. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The present invention discloses a material processing device (hereinafter simply referred to as the device). The device includes a material container and a pump device. The material container is used for processing materials. The pump device has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the pump device is connected to the material container in a fluid communication manner such that the material can be introduced from the material container into the pump device. The pump device is used to supply the material at a pressure of at least 15 bar at the outlet of the pump device.

[0008] In addition, a material processing method is also disclosed. The method includes the following steps: processing the material in the material container; introducing the material from the material container into the inlet of the pump device; increasing the pressure of the material by the pump device; and discharging the material from the outlet of the pump device. The material has a pressure of at least 15 bar at the outlet of the pump device.

[0009] Any device disclosed herein is used for this method.

[0010] In addition, the use of the devices disclosed herein for processing polyurethane polymer materials is disclosed. The material can be a monomer for polyurethane polymerization.

[0011] In addition, the present invention discloses an application system for a mixture for polyurethane polymerization. The system includes a first device for material processing, the first device including a first material container and a first pump device. The first material container is for processing a first material. The first pump device has a first inlet and a first outlet. The first inlet of the first pump device is connected in fluid communication to the first material container such that the first material can be introduced from the first material container into the first pump device. The first pump device is for supplying the first material at a pressure of at least 15 bar at the first outlet of the first pump device. The system includes a second device for material processing, the second device including a second material container and a second pump device. The second material container is for processing a second material. The second pump device has a second inlet and a second outlet. The second inlet of the second pump device is connected in fluid communication to the second material container such that the second material can be introduced from the second material container into the second pump device. The second pump device is for supplying the second material at a pressure of at least 15 bar at the second outlet of the second pump device. The system includes an application device, wherein the application device is connected in fluid communication to the first outlet and the second outlet such that the first material and the second material can be introduced into the application device, and wherein the application device is for mixing the first material and the first material to form a mixture and applying the mixture to an object, the object being in particular a common battery or accumulator.

[0012] Any of the devices disclosed herein can be used as the first and / or second device for material processing in the system.

[0013] The pressure values disclosed herein are absolute pressure values. Thus, the pressure values are related to absolute vacuum. The ambient pressure is about 1 bar.

[0014] By processing each component, a constant state of the material can be achieved before providing a relatively high pressure to the material for further processing, thereby achieving high metering accuracy at a high volumetric flow rate. For example, materials are usually supplied in barrels, such as materials containing monomers for polyurethane polymerization. If the material is stirred to ensure a uniform distribution of substances in the material, air is introduced into the material. The amount of air introduced can vary, making it more difficult to accurately meter the material.

[0015] At the inlet of the pump device, the pressure of the material can be less than 1.0 bar. Preferably, the material has a pressure of less than 0.9 bar at the inlet of the pump device, more preferably less than 0.8 bar, more preferably less than 0.7 bar, and most preferably less than 0.6 bar. The pressure of the material at the inlet of the pump device may be lower than the ambient air pressure. There may be a vacuum at the inlet of the pump device.

[0016] The pump device can include or be a high-pressure pump. The pump device can include or be a piston pump. Preferably, the pump device includes or is a high-pressure piston pump.

[0017] The pump device may not include a diaphragm pump. That is, the diaphragm pump cannot be included in the pump device.

[0018] The pump device is used to supply materials at the outlet of the pump device at a pressure of at least 60 bar. Preferably, the pump device is used to supply materials at the outlet of the pump device at a pressure of at least 60 bar, more preferably at least 100 bar, further preferably at least 200 bar, and most preferably at least 300 bar.

[0019] The pump device is used to supply materials at the outlet of the pump device at a pressure between 15 bar and 350 bar, especially between 20 bar and 350 bar.

[0020] The pump device is used to increase the pressure of the material from the inlet to the outlet by at least 15 bar, preferably at least 60 bar, more preferably at least 100 bar, further preferably at least 200 bar, and most preferably at least 300 bar.

[0021] The pump device is used to control or regulate the volume flow or mass flow of the material at the outlet of the pump device.

[0022] The pump device can include a driver. The driver can be a hydraulic driver, especially a servo-hydraulic driver.

[0023] The material container can include at least one processing unit. The processing unit is used to process the material in the material container. In particular, the processing unit is used to heat, degas, vacuumize, stir, and / or mix the material in the material container.

[0024] The material container can be heatable. Preferably, the material container includes at least one heating element. The heating element can be an electric heating element. The heating element is used to heat the temperature of the material in the material container to at least 30 °C, preferably at least 40 °C, more preferably at least 50 °C, more preferably at least 60 °C, more preferably at least 70 °C, more preferably at least 80 °C, and even most preferably at least 100 °C.

[0025] A vacuum can exist in the material container. The pressure in the material container can be lower than the ambient air pressure. The pressure in the material container can be less than 1.0 bar, preferably less than 0.8 bar, more preferably less than 0.6 bar, further preferably less than 0.5 bar, and most preferably less than 0.4 bar.

[0026] The material container can include a vacuum unit. The vacuum unit is used to create a vacuum in the material container. The vacuum unit cannot be a part of the material container and can be connected to the material container, especially.

[0027] The material container is used to stir the material in the material container. Preferably, the material container includes a stirrer, and more preferably includes a movable stirrer. The stirrer can be driven by a driver.

[0028] The material can include monomers for polyurethane polymerization. The material can be mixed with another monomer for polyurethane polymerization downstream of the pump device. Polyurethane can be polymerized by the chemical reaction of the monomers.

[0029] Preferably, the material contains at most one monomer for polyurethane polymerization.

[0030] The material can include polyols. In particular, the material includes diols.

[0031] The material can include polyisocyanates. In particular, the material includes diisocyanates.

[0032] The material can be a liquid (at 20 °C and 1 bar).

[0033] The dynamic viscosity of the material, especially measured at 20 °C according to DIN EN ISO 2884, is between 0.5 mPa·s and 100000 mPa·s.

[0034] The system can include a first metering device, which is used to receive the material flow of the first material, set the mass flow and / or volume flow of the first material, and supply the material flow to the application device.

[0035] The system can include a second metering device, which is used to receive the material flow of the second material, set the mass flow and / or volume flow of the second substance, and supply the material flow to the application device.

[0036] The system can include a third metering device, which is used to receive the gas flow, set the mass flow and / or volume flow of the gas, and supply the gas flow to the application device.

[0037] The application device is used to mix the first material, the second material and the gas to form a mixture, and apply the mixture to an object, especially to a battery.

[0038] Generally, the first material can include a first monomer for polyurethane polymerization. The second material can include a second monomer for polyurethane polymerization. Polyurethane can be polymerized by the chemical reaction of the first monomer and the second monomer. Polyurethane can be foamed by gas, especially physical foaming.

[0039] In the context of the present invention, "suitable for an object" should be regarded as a synonym for "suitable for that object". Embodiments of the present invention relate to the application of a multi-component mixture to an object. This is also intended to cover the case of introducing a multi-component mixture into an object. In the context of the present invention, "battery" should be regarded as a synonym for "accumulator battery". The "application device" may also be abbreviated as "applicator" and constitutes a device for applying or for the application of a mixture. In the context of the present invention, "mixture" should be regarded as a synonym for "mixed substance". A multi-component mixture means a mixture of a first component and at least one other component, in particular a gas or a gas mixture, such as air. A foam is a multi-component mixture consisting of a first component and a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, as another component, and optionally other components. Unless otherwise specified, "component" means a material or a gas. Different materials are distinguished by using different component specifications. In the context of the present invention, a polymeric polyurethane may also be referred to as a multi-component mixture. Generally, terms such as "first", "second" and "third" are used to distinguish features and not for enumeration. For example, if there is a third component, it is not necessary for there to be a first and / or second component.

[0040] The application device may be an application device for mixing multiple components, for preparing a multi-component mixture and for introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture into and / or onto an object.

[0041] The application device may include a mixing tube having a first closed end and a second closed end for discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube, wherein, in particular, the mixing tube may include a mixing space between the first end and the second end. The mixing section may be defined by the mixing space extending from the first end to the second end.

[0042] The application device may further include a plurality of injection units, each injection unit for injecting a respective one of the multiple components into the mixing space at a respective position along the mixing section.

[0043] The injection unit may include at least one first injection unit for injecting a first component at a first position along the mixing section. The injection unit may include at least one third injection unit for injecting a third component at a second position, which is located at or after the first position along the mixing section.

[0044] The third component may be or include a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air.

[0045] The application device may further include a mixer disposed at least partially in the mixing space. The mixer is used to mix the injected components. The mixer is configured to mix the injected components based on the order in which they have been or are being injected at their respective positions along or relative to the mixing section or along the mixing space. Thus, the injected components can be mixed in this order. A multi-component mixture can be prepared by mixing the injected components. Subsequently, the multi-component mixture can be discharged from the mixing tube and the application device through the second end of the mixing tube, and the multi-component mixture can be applied to an object.

[0046] A method for mixing multiple components to prepare a multi-component mixture and introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture into and / or onto an object is provided.

[0047] The method includes the following steps: injecting a first component into a mixing space in a mixing tube having a first end and a second end through a first injection unit, wherein the mixing space defines a mixing section, and the injection is at a first position along the mixing section; injecting a third component, in particular a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air, into the mixing space through a third injection unit at a second position along the mixing section. Here, the second position is located after the first position along the mixing section. The method further includes mixing the first component with the third component by a mixer disposed in the mixing space to prepare a multi-component mixture. Preferably, the method includes discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube through the second end and applying the multi-component mixture to an object.

[0048] The application system can be an application system for mixing multiple components to prepare a multi-component mixture and for introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture into and / or onto an object. The application system can include the application device of aspects and embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] In addition, the application system can include at least one first device for material handling for supplying a material flow of the first component, and at least one second device for material handling for supplying a material flow of the second component.

[0050] In addition, the application system can include at least one first metering device for receiving the material flow of the first component, setting the mass flow and / or volume flow of the component, and supplying the material flow to at least one first injection unit of the application device.

[0051] In addition, the application system can include at least one third metering device for receiving the material flow of the third component, setting the mass flow and / or volume flow of the third component, and supplying the material flow to at least one third injection unit of the application device. According to a preferred embodiment, the third component is a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air, and the material flow of the third component is a gas flow or a mixed gas flow, preferably an air flow.

[0052] The application device or application system of an aspect or embodiment of the present invention is used to perform the method of the aspect or embodiment of the present invention. The method of an aspect or an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by the application device or application system of the aspect or embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present invention, the use of the application device or application system of the embodiment of the present invention in the method of the present invention is specified.

[0054] According to still another aspect of the present invention, the methods of the embodiments of the present invention using the application device or application system of the embodiments of the present invention are specified.

[0055] The aspects of the present invention may include one or more of the following features.

[0056] The closed first end can be sealed relative to the components injected into the mixing space. The unclosed second end is used to discharge the prepared multi-component mixture from the mixing tube. The mixing section can be defined as the route along which the central axis of the mixing tube extends from the first end to the second end. The corresponding positions along the mixing section can be defined as the projections of the corresponding injection points on the tube center line.

[0057] The injection unit can also be referred to as an injection unit. Each injection unit can have a nozzle, which is used to inject the corresponding component into the mixing space. The injection unit is used to receive the material flow of the corresponding component from the corresponding metering device. A plurality of injection units can be arranged on the mixing tube. The plurality of injection units can be provided on the tube wall of the mixing tube, especially on the outer side of the tube wall.

[0058] The plurality of injection units can further include at least one second injection unit, which is used to inject the second component at a third position. The third position can be arranged at or behind the second position along the mixing section. The application system can further include at least one second metering device, which is used to receive the material flow of the second component, set the mass flow and / or volume flow of the component, and supply the material flow to at least one second injection unit of the application device.

[0059] The mixer is used to first mix the first component and the third component with each other along the mixing section. The mixer is used to then mix the mixture of the first component and the third component with the second component. Therefore, the method can further include mixing the mixture of the first component and the third component with the second component through the mixer to prepare a multi-component mixture containing the second component.

[0060] By rotating the mixer, the mixing of the components can be achieved. The mixer can rotate around the rotation axis. The rotation axis can be substantially parallel to the central axis or center line of the mixing tube.

[0061] The injection unit may include at least one fourth injection unit for injecting a fourth component at a fourth position, which is provided in front of the third position along the mixing section, particularly between the second position and the third position.

[0062] The injection unit may include at least one fifth injection unit for injecting a fifth component at a fifth position, which is provided in front of the third position along the mixing section, particularly between the second position and the third position, and particularly behind the fourth position.

[0063] The mixer is used to first mix the first component and the third component along the mixing section, and then mix the mixture of the first component and the third component with the fourth component or the fifth component, or then mix the mixture of the first component and the third component with the fourth component, and then mix the mixture of the first component, the third component and the fourth component with the fifth component. The mixer is used to mix the mixture of the first component, the third component, the fourth component and / or the fifth component with the second component.

[0064] Each injection unit may be provided on the mixing pipe, particularly on the pipe wall of the mixing pipe. For example, the injection unit is provided on the outer side of the mixing pipe wall.

[0065] The mixing pipe may have a plurality of injection points for injecting a corresponding component. The injection points may be formed as holes or openings passing through the mixing pipe wall. Each injection unit may be provided on a corresponding injection point. Each injection unit may be attached to a corresponding injection point. Each injection point may correspond to a specific position along the mixing section defined by the mixing space.

[0066] At least one of the plurality of injection units may be formed to be detachable from the mixing pipe, particularly from the pipe wall of the mixing pipe, and / or may be formed to be displaceable along the mixing pipe. Therefore, the injection unit may be provided at different injection points on the mixing pipe. Therefore, the corresponding components may be injected into the mixing space at at least two different positions along the mixing section. Therefore, the injection and mixing order of the components can be made more flexible.

[0067] The plurality of injection units may include a plurality of first injection units, for example, two or three. Each of the plurality of first injection units may be configured to inject a respective one of a plurality of first components at a respective one of a plurality of first positions along the mixing section. The plurality of injection units may include a plurality of third injection units, for example, two or three. Each of the plurality of third injection units is configured to inject a respective one of a plurality of third components at a respective one of a plurality of second positions along the mixing section. In particular, each second position may be located after each first position along the mixing section. The plurality of injection units may include a plurality of second injection units, for example, two or three. Each of the plurality of second injection units may be configured to inject a respective one of a plurality of second components at a respective one of a plurality of third positions along the mixing section. In particular, each third position may be located after each second position along the mixing section. This also applies to the fourth and fifth injection units. Each of the at least one of the first to fifth components may also be injected multiple times.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of injection units may include a plurality of first injection units, wherein each of the plurality of first injection units is configured to inject a first component at a respective one of a plurality of first positions. The plurality of injection units may include a plurality of second injection units, wherein each of the plurality of second injection units is configured to inject a second component at a respective one of a plurality of third positions. This also applies to the third, fourth, and / or fifth components. On the one hand, the respective components may be injected multiple times. On the other hand, it may vary depending on the specific position of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth component or the specific unit used for injection into the mixing space. This is advantageous if one of the injection units has to be repaired. Then, for the same component, it is possible to deviate to another injection unit.

[0069] At least one of the first, third, fourth, and fifth components may be or include a fluid, and / or may be a liquid (at 20 °C and 1 bar). In particular, the first component and / or the second component may be a liquid. The dynamic viscosity of the component, in particular measured at 20 °C according to DIN EN ISO 2884, is between 0.5 mPa·s and 100,000 mPa·s.

[0070] Each of the at least first, third, fourth, and fifth components may be one of the following or include at least one of the following: water, initiator, inhibitor, accelerator, promoter, monomer, monomer for polyurethane polymerization, polyol, diol, polyisocyanate, isocyanate, diisocyanate, moist air. Preferably, each component contains at most one monomer for polyurethane polymerization. The at least third component may be one of the following or include at least one of the following: technical gas, N2, CO2, NO, a mixture of at least two of the gases.

[0071] Multicomponent mixtures can be prepared by mixing multiple components. In particular, foams can be prepared by mixing a gas or gas mixture with at least one other component. This can also be referred to as foaming, especially physical foaming. In particular, foams can be produced by mixing a first component and / or a second component with a gas or gas mixture.

[0072] The first component can include a first monomer for polyurethane polymerization. The second component can include a second monomer for polyurethane polymerization. Polyurethane can be polymerized by the chemical reaction of the first monomer with the second monomer. After the polyurethane is discharged from the mixing space, the polymerization can take place in and / or outside the mixing space. Polyurethane can be foamed by a gas or gas mixture, especially physical foaming.

[0073] The first component can be or include a polyol, especially a diol, and / or the second component can be or include a polyisocyanate, especially a diisocyanate. Alternatively, the first component can be or include a polyisocyanate, and / or the second component can be or include a polyol. The fourth component can in particular be or include an accelerator or intensifier for the second component and / or the first component. The fifth component can especially be water or include water. It is injected for flushing the mixer and / or the mixing tube.

[0074] The application device can include a flushing injection unit. The flushing injection unit is used to inject a flushing medium into the mixing space to flush the mixing space. The flushing medium can be or include a fluid, especially water. With respect to the first to fifth injection units, the flushing injection unit can inject the flushing medium into the mixing space at any position along the mixing section. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first to fifth injection units is used to inject the flushing medium.

[0075] The prepared multicomponent mixture can be discharged independently from the mixing tube and the application device at the second end, especially in the case where the mixing tube is vertically arranged. Then, the material of the multicomponent mixture has been discharged under the action of gravity. Since the first end of the mixing tube is closed and the components are injected into the mixing space, the material of the inflowing injected components will also extrude the material of the multicomponent mixture out of the mixing tube. Alternatively or additionally, the design of the mixer can cause the rotation of the mixer to discharge the material of the multicomponent mixture out of the mixing tube.

[0076] The prepared multicomponent mixture can be a foam, especially a PU foam. The discharged multicomponent mixture can be applied to an object or introduced into an object. In particular, the PU foam can be applied to or introduced into a lithium-ion battery.

[0077] The object can be a lithium-based battery or a battery cell, or it can be a lithium-ion battery or a battery pack. The multicomponent mixture can be or include a polyurethane foam.

[0078] Each metering device is also used to set the volume flow of the corresponding component. The first metering device is used to measure the mass flow and / or volume flow of the first component. The second metering device is used to measure the mass flow and / or volume flow of the second component. A simple conversion can be made between volume or volume flow and the mass or mass flow of the corresponding component based on pressure, temperature, and / or molar volume.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, the application system includes at least two first devices for material handling of the first component and / or at least two second devices for material handling of the second component. Here, each first device can supply a material flow to the first metering device. The first metering device is used to receive the material flow from one of the two first metering devices, or simultaneously receive the material flows from the two first devices for material handling. This also applies to the second devices for material handling and the second metering device for the second component. By supplying two material handling devices for each component, it can be ensured that the corresponding metering device continuously receives a material flow. Therefore, the continuous operation of the application system can be ensured.

[0080] The mixer can be entirely located in the mixing space. Preferably, the central part and the mixing elements of the mixer are located in the mixing space. The mixer is used to mix the injected components in the mixing space or mixing tube, preferably along the mixing tube from the first end to the second end.

[0081] The application device can also include a moving device, which is used to move the mixer along the central axis of the mixing tube and / or between the first end and the second end. The central axis can also be referred to as the longitudinal axis. The mixer can move along the rotation axis of the mixer.

[0082] This movement can be carried out in such a way that the mixing tube is sealed with respect to the material flow of the component and / or multi-component mixture flowing out of the second end of the mixing tube and / or injected towards the second end.

[0083] The mixer can move along the mixing tube between a first position and a second position. Along the mixing tube, especially along the central axis, the second position can be closer to the second end than the first position. On the other hand, along the mixing tube, the first position can be closer to the first end than the second position. The mixer can move from the first position in the direction of the second end to the second position.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, the mixer can move from the second position in the direction of the first end to the first position. This movement can also have the effect that the mixing tube is sealed with respect to the material flow of the component and / or multi-component mixture flowing out of the second end and / or injected towards the second end.

[0085] The mixing tube may include at least one sealing element. The mixing tube may include a plurality of sealing elements. The sealing element may be provided on or in the region of the second end of the mixing tube, or the sealing element may be formed by the second end of the mixing tube.

[0086] The sealing element may be arranged in an annular or substantially annular shape. The movement of the mixer towards or away from the second end can have the effect that the mixer, in particular the mixing element of the mixer, contacts the sealing element, thereby sealing the mixing tube.

[0087] The sealing element may also be conical or substantially conical. This may mean that the surface of the sealing element facing the central axis of the mixing tube is conical. In particular, the sealing element is for the conical seat at the end of the mixer.

[0088] The mixer may have a conical, frustoconical, conical, needle-shaped or pointed tip, opposite to the second end of the mixing tube. The movement of the mixer towards the second end can have the effect that the end of the mixer contacts the sealing element and thereby seals the mixing tube.

[0089] The sealing element and the first end of the mixer can form a needle valve.

[0090] The mixer can be moved such that the end of the mixer and the sealing element of the mixing tube overlap in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the mixing tube and / or the first end of the mixer contacts the sealing element of the mixing tube.

[0091] The application device may further include a rotating device, preferably an electric motor, particularly preferably a servo motor. The rotating device is used to rotate the mixer, preferably around a rotation axis substantially parallel to the central axis of the mixing tube. The central axis of the mixing tube and the rotation axis of the mixer may be substantially coincident or overlapping.

[0092] The mixer may have a plurality of parts along the rotation axis and / or along the central axis of the mixing tube, wherein at least two of the plurality of parts have different outer diameters from each other.

[0093] The mixer may have a first part and a second part. The first part may have a larger outer diameter than the second part, and vice versa. Relative to the central axis of the mixing tube, the first part may be closer to the first end than the second part. The first part may be arranged above the second part in the vertical direction.

[0094] The mixer may have a third part that is closer to the second end of the mixing tube relative to the central axis of the mixing tube than the first part and / or the second part of the mixer. The third part may have a different outer diameter from the first part and / or the second part. The third part may have a larger outer diameter than the first part and / or the second part. The third part may have a smaller outer diameter than the first part and / or the second part.

[0095] The mixing tube may have multiple sections along its central axis. The tube wall of the mixing tube may have a substantially constant inner diameter within each section. The tube wall of the mixing tube may have different inner diameters within or between at least two of the multiple sections. Among them, the inner diameter of the tube wall in one section may be greater than the inner diameter of the tube wall in at least one other section among the multiple sections. The inner diameter of the mixing tube may be defined as the inner diameter of the tube wall, where any mixing elements of the mixing tube are not considered.

[0096] The multiple sections may have a first section and a second section. The first section may be provided at or near the first end. The second section may be provided along the central axis between the first section and the second end. The tube wall in the first section may have a larger inner diameter than that in the second section, and vice versa. The first section may be closer to the first end of the mixing tube than the second section. The first section may be provided above the second section with respect to the vertical direction. The first section may also be referred to as the upper material chamber.

[0097] The multiple sections may further include a third section. The third section may be provided along the central axis between the second section and the second end. The inner diameter of the mixing tube wall in the third section may be different from that in the second section and / or the first section. The third section may be closer to the second end of the mixing tube than the second section. The tube wall in the third section may have a smaller inner diameter than the tube wall in the first section and / or the second section. The tube wall in the third section may have a larger inner diameter than the tube wall in the first section and / or the second section.

[0098] At least one first injection unit may be provided on the tube wall of the mixing tube in the first section of the mixing tube. The at least one first injection unit is used to inject a first component into the region adjacent to the first section of the mixing tube in the mixing space.

[0099] At least one third injection unit may be provided on the tube wall of the mixing tube in the second section of the mixing tube. The at least one third injection unit is used to inject a third component into the region adjacent to the second section of the mixing tube in the mixing space.

[0100] The at least one second injection unit may be provided on the tube wall of the mixing tube in the third section of the mixing tube. The at least one second injection unit is used to inject a second component into the region adjacent to the third section of the mixing tube in the mixing space.

[0101] The application device may include at least one pressure sensor. Preferably, at least one pressure sensor is provided for at least one of the multiple sections of the mixing tube, and the pressure sensor is used to measure the pressure in the region adjacent to the corresponding section in the mixing space.

[0102] The application device may include a first pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in a region adjacent to the first end of the mixing tube and / or adjacent to the first part of the mixing tube in the mixing space. The application device may include a second pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in a region adjacent to the second part of the mixing tube in the mixing space. The application device may include a third pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in a region adjacent to the second end of the mixing tube and / or adjacent to the third part in the mixing space.

[0103] The central axis of the mixer may extend substantially along the mixing tube, particularly along the central axis. The mixer may be generally rod-shaped or have a rod. The mixer may have a central member for substantially rotational symmetry and / or being generally rod-shaped or a rod. The central member may extend substantially along the central axis of the mixing tube. The axis of symmetry or the central axis of the central member may substantially coincide with the central axis of the mixing tube.

[0104] The mixer may include at least one mixing element. The mixing element is for effectively mixing the injected components by the mixer. The mixing element may extend in the radial direction of the mixer. The mixing element may be provided on the outer side of the central member and / or on the side surface of the central member, and / or extend radially along the central member. According to a preferred embodiment, the mixer includes a plurality of mixing elements. The plurality of mixing elements may be distributed along the central member and / or relative to the central axis. In addition, the plurality of mixing elements may be distributed circumferentially along the central member. Particularly preferably, the design and / or arrangement of the mixing element is such that no imbalance is formed when the mixer rotates about the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation of the mixer may coincide with the axis of symmetry.

[0105] The at least one mixing element is for a lamina, cusp, hook or rod. A ring of at least one mixing element around the central member may be used. The at least one mixing element is for a thread or helix, or includes the latter.

[0106] The application device may include at least one mixing element. The mixing element may be provided on the tube wall of the mixing tube, particularly on the inner side of the tube wall, and extend into the mixing space. The mixing element may extend towards the central axis of the mixing tube. The mixing element is for a ring. The mixing element may be provided as a lamina, cusp, hook or rod, or wherein at least one mixing element is configured as a regular or irregular structure.

[0107] The mixing tube may be substantially straight. This may mean that the center line of the mixing tube or the mixing space is also straight. The mixing tube may be arranged in a substantially vertical manner. The first end may be provided above the second end. The length of the mixing tube may be greater than the inner diameter of the mixing tube wall. The inner side of the mixing tube wall may be rotationally symmetric about the central axis.

[0108] A moving device can be used on the lifting cylinder, especially an electric lifting cylinder or an electro-hydraulic lifting cylinder, or includes the latter.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the application device includes a plurality of first injection units, and / or a plurality of second injection units and / or a plurality of third injection units. Correspondingly, the application system can include a plurality of first metering devices, a plurality of first devices for material handling, a plurality of third metering devices, a plurality of second devices for material handling, and a plurality of third metering devices.

[0110] The mixer can be particularly used to mix the injected components with each other in a mixing space, preferably along the mixing space and / or along the mixing pipe.

[0111] The method can further include at least one of the following steps: setting the mass flow and / or volume flow of the material flow of the first component and supplying the material flow to at least one first injection unit of the application device, setting the mass flow and / or volume flow of the raw material flow of the third component and supplying the material flow of the third component to the third injection unit of the application device, setting the mass flow and / or volume flow of the material flow of the second component and supplying the material flow to the first injection unit of the application device.

[0112] The method can further include supplying the material flow of the first component to the first metering device, supplying the material flow of the third component to the third metering device, and supplying the material flow of the second component to the second metering device.

[0113] The first component and / or the second component can be injected into the mixing space in a state without air and / or without gas.

[0114] The first pressure sensor is used to measure the pressure in the mixing space at a position along the mixing section in the region of the first position or at a position between the first position and the second position. The second pressure sensor is used to measure the pressure in the mixing space at a position along the mixing section in the region of the second position or at a position between the second position and the third position. The third pressure sensor is used to measure the pressure in the region of the third position in the mixing space, or the pressure at a position after the third position along the mixing section, and / or the pressure between the third position and the second end.

[0115] The application system is used to mix the first component and / or the second component with a gas or a gas mixture in the mixing space of the application device, especially only in the mixing space.

[0116] The application system is used to mix a first component with a gas or gas mixture in the direction of material flow of the first component or relative to the direction of material flow of the first component, rather than upstream of the first metering device or upstream of the application device. The application system is used to mix a second component with a gas or gas mixture in the direction of material flow of the second component or relative to the direction of material flow of the second component, rather than upstream of the second metering device or upstream of the application device.

[0117] The third metering device may include a measuring unit and an actuator. The measuring unit may be a gas mass sensor or a gas quantity sensor. The actuator may be a controlled or regulated gas valve, particularly a proportional gas valve. The measuring unit is used to receive a flow of gas or gas mixture from the gas supply device of the application system, measure the mass flow and / or volume flow, and supply the flow to the actuator. The actuator is used to receive the flow, set the mass flow and / or volume flow of the gas or gas mixture, and supply the flow to the third injection unit. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator is used to set the pressure in the pipeline guiding the flow of the gas or gas mixture, preferably the second pipeline. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring unit is used to set the quantity and / or volume flow and / or mass flow of the flow of the gas or gas mixture. In the case of air, the measuring unit may be an air quality sensor or an air quantity sensor, the gas valve may be an air valve, the gas supply device may be an air supply device for an air pump or including an air pump. The quantity sensor may also be referred to as a flow meter.

[0118] The application system may further include a first pipeline, preferably a channel, a hose or a conduit, located between the gas supply device and the third metering device. The application system may include a second pipeline, preferably a channel, a hose or a conduit, located between the third metering device and the application device for guiding the flow of the gas or gas mixture. The pipeline may also be referred to as a fluid guiding element.

[0119] The application system may further include a first pipeline pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the first pipeline, particularly the gas pressure or the air pressure. The application system may include a second pipeline pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the second pipeline, particularly the gas pressure or the air pressure.

[0120] The application system may further include a control unit. The control unit may include a computing unit, such as a microprocessor. The method may include a control step. The control unit is used to perform the control step. Control may be carried out using the control unit.

[0121] The control may include actuating the rotating device of the mixer and / or the first metering device and / or the third metering device and / or the second metering device and / or the gas supply device. The control unit is used to actuate the rotating device, the first metering device, the third metering device, the second metering device and / or the gas supply device accordingly.

[0122] Actuation of the rotation device is used to set the rotational speed of the mixer. Actuation of the first metering device is used to set the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the first component. Actuation of the third metering device is used to set the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the third component. Actuation of the third metering device may include actuation of an actuator and / or a measuring unit, which is used to set the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the third component and / or the pressure in a pipeline for guiding a gas or a gas mixture. Actuation of the second metering device is used to set the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the second component. Actuation of the gas supply device is used to set the flow pressure of the gas or the gas mixture and / or the pressure in a pipeline (such as the first or the second pipeline) for guiding the flow of the gas or the gas mixture material.

[0123] This control can be carried out based on a set value of the ratio between the mass flow rate of the third component and the mass flow rate of the first component, and / or a set value of the ratio between the mass flow rate of the third component and the volume flow rate of the second component, and / or the ratio between the mass flow rate of the first component and the mass flow rate of the second component, in particular the ratio of the corresponding mass flow rates injected into the mixing chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the control can also be carried out based on the ratio between the corresponding volume flow rates.

[0124] Alternatively or additionally, the control can be executed based on the value of the mass flow rate of the third component and / or the value of the mass flow rate of the first component and / or the value of the volume flow rate of the second component and / or the value of the rotational speed of the mixer and / or the pressure value in the mixing chamber and / or the pressure value in the first pipeline and / or the pressure value in the first or the second pipeline. The value can be a set value or a measured value of the corresponding variable. Alternatively or additionally, the control can also be carried out based on the value of the corresponding volume flow rate.

[0125] This control can include controlling the mixing ratio of multiple components in a multi-component mixture. This control can include controlling the ratio between the mass and / or volume of the third component and the mass and / or volume of at least one other component in a multi-component mixture. This control can include controlling the ratio between the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the third component and the mass flow rate or the volume flow rate of at least one of the other components. This control can include controlling the ratio between the mass and / or volume of the second component and the weight and / or volume of at least one other component in a multi-component mixture. This control can be similarly applied to each of the other components accordingly. The mass flow rate or the volume flow rate can be the flow of the material flow of the component injected into the mixing chamber.

[0126] The control can include controlling the ratio between the mass flow of the third component and the mass flow of the first component and / or controlling the ratio of the mass flow of the third component to the mass flow of the second component, and / or the ratio between the mass flow of the first component and the mass flow of the second component. Alternatively or additionally, the control can also be performed by controlling the ratio between the respective volume flows of the components. In particular, the control can be carried out by actuating the third metering device and / or by actuating the first metering device and / or by actuating the second metering device and / or by actuating the gas supply device and / or by actuating the rotating device. The setpoint value of the ratio can be predefined by the control unit or an external system or the user of the application device. The setpoint value can be predefined by a mathematical function.

[0127] The control can include controlling the mass flow and / or volume flow of the third component. In particular, the control is proportional to the mass flow and / or volume flow of the first component and / or is proportional to the volume flow of the second component and / or is proportional to the rotational speed of the mixer. In particular, the control can be carried out by actuating the third metering device and / or by actuating the first metering device and / or by actuating the second metering device and / or by actuating the gas supply device and / or by actuating the rotating device.

[0128] The control can include controlling the pressure of the third component, particularly in the pipeline for guiding the material flow of the third component, such as the first pipeline or the second pipeline, and / or controlling at the second injection point of the third component, resulting in the pressure being greater than the pressure in the mixing space, preferably greater than 1 bar, preferably at a position in the first position region along the mixing section. In particular, this control can be carried out by actuating the gas supply device and / or the third metering device.

[0129] The control can include controlling the pressure of the third component, particularly the pressure in the pipeline for guiding the material flow of the third component and / or at the second injection point of the third component, such that the third component is injected into the mixing space at a greater pressure than the first component and / or the second component. Preferably, the difference can be 1 bar or greater.

[0130] The control can include controlling the rotational speed of the mixer. In particular, the rotational speed is proportional to the mass flow and / or volume of the first component and / or is proportional to the volume flow of the second component. In particular, this control can be carried out by actuating the rotating device.

[0131] The first component and / or the second component can be injected into the mixing space in a state without air and / or without gas. The first component can pass through the first metering device in a state without air or without gas. The second component can pass through the second metering device in a state without air or without gas. The application system can be configured such that the first component and / or the second component are injected and / or pass through the corresponding metering devices in a state without air or without gas.

[0132] The application system may include a first device for material handling for supplying a material stream of a first component. The application system may include a second device for material handling for supplying a material stream of a second component. A first metering device is for receiving the material stream of the first component from the first device for material handling. A second metering device is for receiving the material stream of the second component from the second device for material handling.

[0133] In each case, the mixing tube may also have another transition section between two of the plurality of sections. The tube wall in each transition section may have a variable inner diameter along the central axis, preferably a linearly variable inner diameter.

[0134] The mixer may have a corresponding section for each section of the mixing tube, wherein each section of the mixing tube overlaps with the corresponding section of the mixer in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the mixing tube. This plane may include the radial direction of the mixing tube.

[0135] The inner diameter of the mixing tube may be greater than the outer diameter of the mixer along the central axis of the mixing tube between the first end and the second end. The inner diameter of the mixing tube may be defined as the inner diameter of the mixing tube wall, wherein any mixing elements of the mixing tube are not considered. The extent of the mixer in a plane including the radial direction of the mixing tube may be defined as the outer diameter of the mixer, wherein any mixing elements of the mixer are considered.

[0136] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an application device for mixing a plurality of components to prepare a multi-component mixture and introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture onto and / or into an object.

[0137] The application device includes a mixing tube having a first closed end and a second end for discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube, wherein the mixing tube includes a mixing space. The mixing space may be provided between the first end and the second end.

[0138] The application device includes a plurality of injection units, each injection unit for injecting a corresponding one of the plurality of components into the mixing space. The injection units may include at least one first injection unit for injecting a first component, at least one third injection unit for injecting a third component, in particular a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air, and a second injection unit for injecting a second component. A plurality of injection units may be arranged on the mixer.

[0139] The application device further includes a mixer at least partially provided in the mixing space, the mixer for mixing the injected components with each other. The mixer may be particularly for mixing the injected components with each other in the mixing space, preferably along the mixing space and / or along the mixing tube. The mixer may be completely provided in the mixing space.

[0140] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for mixing multiple components to prepare a multi-component mixture is provided. The method includes the following steps: injecting a first component into a mixing space in a mixing tube of an application device through a first injection unit of the application device, injecting a third component, particularly a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air, into the mixing space through a third injection unit in the application device, and mixing the first component and the third component through a mixer provided in the mixing space to prepare a multi-component mixture.

[0141] The method may further include injecting a second component into the mixing space through a second injection unit of the application device, and including mixing the mixture of the first component and the third component with the second component to produce a multi-component mixture containing the second component. The method may further include discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube, particularly the second open end of the mixer. The method may further include applying the multi-component mixture to an object or introducing the multi-component mixture into an object. Mixing may include rotating the mixer.

[0142] The first component may be injected at a first position along a mixing section defined by the mixing space, the third component may be injected at a first position along the mixing section or a second position behind it, and the second component may be injected at a second position along the mixing section or a third position behind it.

[0143] The method may further include at least one of the following steps: setting the mass flow and / or volume flow of the material flow of the first component and supplying the material flow to at least one first injection unit of the application device, setting the mass flow and / or volume flow of the material flow of the third component and supplying the material flow of the third component to the at least one third injection unit of the application device, setting the mass flow and / or volume flow of the material flow of the second component and supplying the material flow to the second injection unit of the application device. Description of the Drawings

[0144] Embodiments of the present invention are described based on examples, but not in a way that transfers or interprets the limitations in the drawings to the patent claims. The same reference signs in the drawings denote the same elements.

[0145] Figure 1A A schematic cross-sectional view of an application device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0146] Figure 1B A schematic cross-sectional view of an application device according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0147] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a part of an application device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0148] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3BSchematic cross-sectional views of the second end of the mixing tube and the mixer of the application device according to embodiments of the present invention at different positions;

[0149] Figure 4A , Figure 4B Schematic cross-sectional views of the mixing tube and the second end of the mixer of the application device according to further embodiments of the present invention at different positions;

[0150] Figure 5A , Figure 5B Schematic cross-sectional views of the second ends of the mixing tube and the mixer of the application device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention at different positions;

[0151] Figure 6 Schematic view of the mixing section according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0152] Figure 7 Schematic view of the material processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0153] Figure 8 Enlarged view of the material container of the material processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0154] Figure 9 Schematic view of the application system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0155] Figure 10 Flowchart of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0156] Figure 11 Flowchart of the method according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

[0157] Figure 12 Diagram for illustrating the control steps of the method for mixing multiple components to prepare a multi-component mixture and introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture to and / or onto an object according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0158] In the following, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding elements.

[0159] Figure 1A Schematic cross-sectional view of the application device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B Schematic cross-sectional view of the application device according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the application device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] The application device 1 is used for mixing multiple components to prepare a multi-component mixture and for introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture to and / or onto the object G. The multi-component mixture is, for example, a polyurethane foam.

[0161] The PU foam can be applied to or onto an object by means of the application device 1. For example, the object G is a lithium-ion battery or a battery cell. For example, the PU foam can be introduced into the interior space of the battery and / or the intermediate space between the battery cells of the battery. For example, polyurethane foam is used for fire protection.

[0162] The application device 1 includes a mixing tube 2 having a first end 3 and a second end 4. The first end 3 is closed. This means that this end is sealed with respect to the components of the multi-component mixture injected into the mixing tube 2. The second end 4 is open for discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube 2. The mixing tube 2 includes a mixing space 5 between the first end 3 and the second end 4. The mixing space 5 defines a mixing section 6 extending from the first end 3 towards the second end 4. The mixing space 5 is provided in the mixing tube 2. The mixing space 5 can also be referred to as a mixing chamber.

[0163] The mixing tube 2 can be substantially straight. This means that the center line 10 of the mixing tube 2 is straight. The center line 10 can also be referred to as the central axis. The mixing tube 2 has a tube wall 19. As shown, the inner side of the tube wall 19 can be substantially rotationally symmetric about the central axis 10. The inner side of the tube wall 19 is adjacent to the mixing space 5. The mixing tube 2 is substantially vertically oriented. This means that the central axis 10 extends substantially along the vertical spatial direction z.

[0164] As shown, the mixing tube 2 has a plurality of parts 2a, 2b, 2c along the central axis 10. In Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the embodiment of, the mixing tube has two parts 2a, 2b. In Figure 2 In the embodiment of, the mixing tube has three parts 2a, 2b, 2c. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first part 2a is provided at or near the first end 3, and the second part 2b is provided along the central axis 10 between the first part 2a and the second end 4. The third part 2c can be provided at or near the second end 4. The third part 2c is arranged along the central axis 10, for example, between the second part 2c and the second end 4.

[0165] The tube wall 19 of the mixing tube 2 has a substantially constant inner diameter within each part 2a, 2b, 2c. However, the tube wall 19 of the mixing tube 2 has different inner diameters between the parts 2a, 2b, 2c. Thus, the inner diameter of the tube wall 19 in the part 2a is different from the inner diameter in the part 2b. In addition, the inner diameter of the wall 19 in the part 2b is different from the inner diameter in the part 2c. In addition, the inner diameter of the tube wall 19 in the part 2a is different from the inner diameter in the part 2c. When considering the inner diameter, any mixing elements 16 can be disregarded, which will be described in detail below.

[0166] As Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the inner diameter of the pipe wall 19 in the first part 2a is larger than that in the second part 2b. The first part 2a can also be referred to as the upper material chamber of the mixing pipe 2, and the second part 2b can also be referred to as the lower material chamber.

[0167] As Figure 2 shown, the inner diameter of the pipe wall 19 in the third part 2a is larger than that in parts 2a and 2b. According to a further embodiment, the inner diameter of the third part 2c can also be smaller than that of parts 2a and 2b.

[0168] As shown in the figure, additional transition parts 2d and 2e of the mixing pipe 2 can be provided between the sections 2a, 2b, and 2c. In the transition parts 2d and 2e, the pipe wall 19 of the mixing pipe has a variable inner diameter. The inner diameter can vary linearly, for example, along the central axis 10. Thus, a transition can be created between the different inner diameters of the respective parts 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0169] The pipe wall 19 of the mixing pipe 2 has injection points 20a, 20b, and 20c for the respective injection units 7a, 7b, and 7c, which will be described in detail below. As shown in the figure, the injection points are provided on the pipe wall 19 of the mixing pipe 2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The injection points are only used to supply a passage for the injection units to enter the mixing chamber 5 to inject the components. The injection points can be formed as holes or openings passing through the pipe wall 19.

[0170] The application device 1 further includes a plurality of injection units 7a, 7b, and 7c. The application device is all used to inject the respective components into the mixing space 5. As shown in the figure, the injection units 7a, 7b, and 7c are provided on the pipe wall 19 of the mixing pipe 2, more precisely, on the outer side of the pipe wall 19, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Each injection unit 7a, 7b, and 7c is provided at the corresponding injection points 20, 20b, and 20c and is used to inject the respective components into the mixing space 5 via the injection points. Therefore, the injection units 7a, 7b, and 7c inject the respective components at the predefined positions Pa, Pb, and Pc along the mixing section 6 for the component.

[0171] As Figure 1A shown by the example of the injection units 7b and 7c, each injection unit 7a, 7b, and 7c can have a nozzle. Each injection unit is also used to stop the injection of the component. For this purpose, each injection unit 7a, 7b, and 7c can have a corresponding inlet valve, which is set as a needle valve, for example. The inlet valves 7a, 7b, and 7c are used for PWM valves. Thus, the injection of each component into the mixing space 5 can be completely stopped. For example, this is necessary when enough PU foam has been applied to the object G and a change is made to the next object G'. Then, the material flow of the corresponding component can be briefly interrupted by the inlet valve.

[0172] A first injection unit 7a is provided for injecting a first component at a first injection point 20a at a first position Pa along the mixing section 6. A third injection unit 7b is for injecting a third component at a second injection point 20b at a second position Pb along the mixing section 6. A second injection unit 7c is for injecting a second component at a third injection point 20c at a third position Pc along the mixing section 6. The second position Pb is provided behind the first position Pa along the mixing section 6, and the third position Pc is provided behind the second position Pb along the mixing section 6.

[0173] For cleaning and flushing the application device 1, in particular the mixing tube 2, the mixer 8 and the mixing space 5, only air or the first component is injected into the mixing space 5. According to an embodiment not shown, the application device 1 may further include a flushing injection unit. The flushing injection unit is for injecting a flushing medium into the mixing space 5 to flush the mixing space 5 from the first to the third components. The flushing medium may be water. The flushing injection unit may inject the flushing medium into the mixing space 5 at any position along the mixing section 6. Additionally or alternatively, one injection unit is for injecting the flushing medium.

[0174] In Figure 1B an embodiment of, there is a fourth injection unit 7d for injecting a fourth component. This is provided at an injection point 20d which is at the same height as the injection point 20c of the second injection unit 7c. The injection point 20d may be opposite to the injection point 20c on the tube wall 19 relative to the central axis 10. Thus, the fourth component is injected at the same position 20c as the second component along the mixing section 6. According to an embodiment not shown, the fourth injection unit 7d may be provided in front of the third position along the mixing section 6, in particular between the second and the third positions.

[0175] The injection unit may include a fifth injection unit (not shown) for injecting a fifth component at a fifth position which is in front of the third position along the mixing section 6, in particular between the second and the third positions, for example behind the fourth position. The fourth component may in particular be a booster for the second component. The fifth component may in particular be water. According to an embodiment, there may also be a plurality of first, second, third, fourth and / or fifth injection units.

[0176] The first to third injection units 7a, 7b, 7c are all for injecting fluids. According to an embodiment, the third injection unit 7b injects a gas or a gas mixture (such as air) as a component into the mixing space 5. The first component 7a injects a polyol as the third component, and the second injection unit 7b injects a polyisocyanate as a component, and vice versa.

[0177] At least one of the injection units 7a, 7b, 7c may be formed as a structure detachable from the tube wall 19, such as Figure 1AAs shown for the injection unit 7c. Thus, it can be removed and attached to another injection point, such as injection point 20c'. Thus, the second component can be flexibly injected at multiple positions Pc, Pc' along the mixing section 6.

[0178] The application device 1 also has a first pressure sensor (not shown) for measuring the pressure in the region of the mixing space 5 adjacent to the first part 2a of the mixing tube 2. Alternatively or additionally, the first pressure sensor is for measuring the pressure at a position along the mixing section 6 in the region of the first position Pa, or at a position between the first position Pa and the second position Pb.

[0179] Furthermore, the application device 1 may have a second pressure sensor (not shown) for measuring the pressure in the region of the mixing space 5 adjacent to the second part 2b of the mixing tube 2. Alternatively or additionally, the second pressure sensor is for measuring the pressure at a position along the mixing section 6 in the region of the second position Pb, or for measuring the pressure at a position between the second position Pb and the third position Pc. The application device 1 may further include a third pressure sensor (not shown) for measuring the pressure in the region of the mixing space 5 adjacent to the second end of the mixing tube 4 and / or adjacent to the third part 2c. Alternatively or additionally, the third pressure sensor is for measuring the pressure at a position along the mixing section 6 in the region of the third position Pc, or at a position after the third position Pc and / or at a position between the third position Pc and the second end 4.

[0180] The application device 1 further includes a mixer 8 at least partially disposed in the mixing space 5. The mixer 8 may be completely disposed in the mixing space 5. Preferably, the central member 12 and the mixing elements 13 of the mixer 8 may be disposed in the mixing space 5. The mixer 8 is for the rotor. The mixer 8 is for mixing the injected components. For this purpose, the mixer 8 rotates in the mixing space 5. The rotation axis of the mixer 8 is preferably parallel to or coincides with the central axis of the mixing tube 2. For the purpose of rotating the mixer, the application device 1 may include a rotating device 15, such as an electric motor. The mixer 8 and the mixing tube 2 can be produced by 3D printing.

[0181] The mixer 8 mixes the injected components along the mixing space 5 or along the mixing section 6. The mixer 8 mixes the injected components according to the order of injection at the corresponding positions along the mixing section 6. A multi-component mixture is produced by mixing the injected components. For example, polyurethane foam is made by mixing polyisocyanate with polyol and air.

[0182] The prepared multi-component mixture then exits the mixing tube 2 and the mixer independently at the second end 4. This occurs when the mixing tube 2 is arranged vertically and the material of the multi-component mixture exits due to gravity. Since the upper first end 3 of the mixing tube 4 is closed, and when the components are continuously injected into the mixing space 5, the material of the inflowing injected components extrudes the material of the multi-component mixture out of the mixing tube 5.

[0183] The mixer 8 first mixes the first component and air with each other along the mixing space 5 starting from the first end 3. After that, the mixer 8 mixes the mixture of the first component and air with the second component.

[0184] Since the injection point 20c of the second component is set to be lower than the injection point 20b of air, air has been added to or mixed with the first component in the upper part of the mixing tube 2, and the first component has not been mixed with the third component yet, thereby preventing clogging of the mixer 8.

[0185] The first end 3 of the mixing tube 2 can be particularly closed and sealed by a part of the mixer 8. Alternatively or additionally, a sealing element (not shown) can be provided to close the first end 3.

[0186] The mixer 8 includes a central member 12. The central member has a substantially rotationally symmetric design and preferably has as small a range as possible in the radial direction to minimize the centrifugal force. The central member 12 extends along the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 2. The symmetry axis of the central member 12 preferably coincides with the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 2. In addition, the symmetry axis of the central member 12 coincides with the rotation axis of the mixer. For example, the central member 12 is used for a circular or cylindrical rod.

[0187] In addition, the mixer 8 includes a plurality of mixing elements 13. The mixing elements 13 are used to effectively mix the injected components. The mixing elements 13 are provided on the outer side of the central member 12, for example, on its side surface. The mixing elements 13 extend in the radial direction of the central member 12. The mixing elements 13 are distributed along the central member 12 and / or relative to the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 2. In addition, a plurality of mixing elements can be distributed along the circumferential direction of the central member.

[0188] For example, as shown in the figure, the mixing elements 13 are all used for thin sheets provided on the side surface of the central member 12, wherein the mixing elements 13 each extend in the radial direction of the central member 12. The mixing elements 13 can be arranged in a star shape and / or regularly around the central member 12. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The mixing elements 13 are preferably configured and / or arranged in such a way that no imbalance is formed when the mixer 8 rotates.

[0189] In addition, a plurality of mixing elements 16 are provided, which are arranged on the inner side of the tube wall 19 of the mixing tube 2 and extend against the radial direction towards the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 8 into the mixing space 5. As shown in the figure, the mixing elements 16 are also used for the flakes. As shown in the figure, the mixing elements 16 are only arranged in the part 2a of the mixing tube 2, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0190] As Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown, the first injection unit 7a is arranged on the tube wall 19 in the first part 2a of the mixing tube 2. The first injection unit 7a is used to inject the first component into the region of the mixing space 5 adjacent to the first part 2a of the mixing tube 2. In addition, the third injection unit 7b is arranged on the tube wall 19 in the first part 2a of the mixing tube 2. The third injection unit 7a is used to inject the first component into the region of the mixing space 5 adjacent to the first part 2a of the mixing tube 2. The second injection unit 7c is arranged on the tube wall 19 in the second part 2b of the mixing tube 2. The second injection unit 7c is used to inject the second component into the region of the mixing space 5 adjacent to the second part 2b of the mixing tube 2.

[0191] As Figure 2 shown, the first injection unit 7a is arranged on the tube wall 19 in the first part 2a of the mixing tube 2. The third injection unit 7b is arranged on the tube wall 19 in the second part 2b of the mixing tube 2. The third injection unit 7c is arranged on the tube wall 19 in the third part 2c of the mixing tube 2.

[0192] The application device 1 further includes a moving device 9. The moving device 9 can drive the mixer 8 to move along and / or parallel to the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 2 and / or between the first end 3 and the second end 4, as shown by the vertical double arrow in the figure. The moving device 9 is used to move the mixer 8 up and down. For example, the moving device 9 can be a lifting cylinder, especially an electric lifting cylinder or an electro-hydraulic lifting cylinder, or a linear unit with a coil.

[0193] The mixer 8 has a plurality of parts 8a, 8b, 8c along the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 8 or along the symmetry axis of the central member 12, wherein at least two of the parts 8a, 8b, 8c have different outer diameters from each other. The (maximum) range of the mixer 8 in the plane including the radial direction of the mixing tube 2 can be regarded as the outer diameter of the mixer 8, wherein the range considering the use of the mixing element 13 for the mixer 8 is taken into account.

[0194] As Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown, the outer diameter of the mixer 8 in the first part 8a is larger than the outer diameter of the second part 8b. Along the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 2, the first part 8a is closer to the first end 3 than the second part 8b.

[0195] As Figure 2As shown, the mixer further comprises a third portion 8c, which is closer to the second end 4 of the mixing tube than the second portion 8b of the mixer along the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 2. The outer diameter of the third portion 8c is greater than the outer diameters of the first portion 8a and the second portion 8b. Different outer diameters can be achieved in a simple manner by extending the mixing element 13 in the radial direction with different lengths.

[0196] Reference Figures 3A to 5B The movement of the mixer 8 is described. Figures 3B to 5A Schematic cross-sectional views of the mixer 8 and the second end 4 of the mixing tube 2 at different positions of the application device of different embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0197] The mixer 8 can be moved between a first position and a second position along the mixing tube 2. Along the mixing tube 2, the second position can be closer to the second end 4 than the first position. On the other hand, along the mixing tube 2, the first position can be closer to the first end 3 than the second position.

[0198] According to the first embodiment, the mixer 8 for preparing the multi-component mixture and discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube 2 can be located in the first position. In order to close the second end 4 and prevent the multi-component mixture from accidentally leaking or dripping from the mixing tube 2, the mixer 8 can be located in the second position. For example, Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 as well as Figure 3A and Figure 4A The mixer 8 is shown in a first position. In this position, a material flow 14 of the multi-component mixture can flow out of the mixing tube 2 via the second end 4.

[0199] The mixer 8 can be moved from a first position to a second position in the direction of the second end 4 of the mixing tube 2. For example, Figure 3B and Figure 4B The mixer 8 is shown in a first position. The effect of this movement is that the mixing tube 2 is sealed with respect to the material flow 14 of the injection component and / or multi-component mixture flowing out of the second end 4.

[0200] The mixing tube 2 may include at least one sealing element 17. The sealing element 17 is provided in the region of the second end 4. The mixer 8 may also include a sealing element 18. After the mixer 8 has been moved to the second position towards the second end 4, the sealing element 18 of the mixer 8 comes into contact with the sealing element 17 of the mixing tube 2, thereby sealing the mixing tube 2.

[0201] like Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, the sealing element 17 is provided as a conical seat. Here, the sealing element 17 is formed by the second end 4 itself. The end 11 of the mixer 8 forms a sealing element 18 which is configured conically or frustoconically on its outer side. According to an embodiment not shown, the mixer 8 can have a needle-like or pointed tip 11. Thus, the second end 4 of the mixing tube 2 and the end 11 of the mixer 8 form a needle valve.

[0202] As Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown, the sealing element 17 serves for a ring which extends radially towards the central axis 10 from the inner side of the tube wall 19 of the mixing tube 2. The sealing element 24 of the mixer 8 likewise serves for a ring which extends radially of the mixer 8 from the side surface of the central part 12. In the radial direction, the sealing element 18 overlaps the sealing element 17.

[0203] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The construction of the illustrated embodiment of the application device is similar to Figure 4A and 4B but with the following difference: the positions of the sealing element 17 and the sealing element 18 relative to the second end 4 of the mixing tube 2 are reversed. Thus, the mixer 8 for preparing the multi-component mixture and discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube 2 is in a second position. The mixer 8 is in a first position to close the second end 4 and thus prevent the accidental leakage of the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube 2. For example, Figure 5B shows the mixer 8 in the second position. In this position, the material flow 14 of the multi-component mixture can flow from the mixing tube 2 via the second end 4.

[0204] The mixer 8 can be moved from the second position to the first position. For example, Figure 5A shows the mixer 8 in the first position. The effect of this movement is that the mixing tube 2 can be sealed relative to the injection components flowing out from the second end 4 and / or the material flow 14 of the multi-component mixture.

[0205] Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the mixing section of an embodiment of the invention.

[0206] As explained with reference to the foregoing figures, the injection units 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d inject the respective components into the mixing space 5 through the respective injection points 20a, 20b, 20c, 20c′, 20d. Along the mixing space 5, the mixer 8 mixes the respective components from the first end 3 of the mixing tube 2 towards the second end 4 of the mixing tube 2 in the order in which the respective components are injected into the mixing space 5. Thus, the mixing space 5 defines a mixing section 6 from the first end 3 of the mixing tube 2 towards the second end 4. Thus, the mixing section 6 serves for a logical or abstract description of the order in which the components are injected into the mixing space 5, independent of the detailed geometry of the mixing tube 2 and / or the mixer 5.

[0207] The mixing section 6 can be regarded as an arrow or vector with the first end 3 as the origin and the second end 4 as the tip. The mixing section 6 can be regarded as the route of the central axis 10 of the mixing tube from the first end 3 towards the second end 4. If the corresponding injection points 20a, 20b, 20c, 20c′, 20d are projected onto the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 2, then the corresponding positions Pa, Pb, Pc, Pc′ are generated along the mixing section 6, as Figure 6 shown, for Figure 1A , 1B and the embodiment of 2.

[0208] If the injection points are located at different positions along the central axis 10 or at different heights on the mixing tube wall 19, different positions are generated along the mixing section 6. For example, for the injection points 20a, 20b, 20c, 20c′ or the positions Pa, Pb, Pc, Pc′. On the other hand, if the injection points are located at the same position along the central axis 10 or at the same height on the mixing tube wall 19, the same position is generated along the mixing section 6. For example, for the injection points 20c, 20d and the position Pc. As Figure 1A shown, the injection points can be located at the same height along the tube wall 19, but at different positions along the circumference of the tube wall 19.

[0209] Figure 7 A material processing device 200 (also referred to as a material processing device herein) is shown. In FIG. 1, the material processing device is denoted by reference numerals 200a, b because there can be a first device 200a and a second device 200b. This also applies to all elements of the material processing device. Hereinafter, a material processing device 200 is described, where this description applies to the first material processing device 200a and the second material processing device 200b.

[0210] The material processing device 200 includes a material container 210 and a pump device 220. The material container 210 is used to process the material M. The material M can be one of the first, third, fourth, and fifth components. In order to process the material M, the material container 210 can be heated. For this purpose, the material container 210 can include a heating device (not shown in FIG. 1). The temperature in the material container 210 can be at least 10 °C higher than the ambient temperature of the material container 210, preferably at least 30 °C. Alternatively or additionally, there can be a pressure of less than 1.0 bar in the material container 210. The material container 210 can include a negative pressure unit to supply negative pressure. Alternatively or additionally, the material container 210 is used to stir or move the material M or degas the material M. For this purpose, the material container 210 can include a stirrer 11. The stirrer 11 can be moved or driven by a driver 215.

[0211] Material M can be a liquid (at 20 °C and 1 bar). Material M can be a suspension. Material M can include monomers for polyurethane polymerization. In particular, the material includes polyols or polyisocyanates.

[0212] Material M can be stored in and pre-treated in a material container 210. For example, Material M can be degassed in the material container 210, or can be set to a defined physical and / or chemical state. Thus, the material can be metered precisely and reproducibly.

[0213] A pump device 220 can be provided downstream of the material container 210. Material M can flow directly or via additional elements (such as fluid guiding elements like tubes or channels) into an inlet 221 of the pump device 220. The pressure at the inlet 221 of the pump device 220 can be less than 1.0 bar. That is, a vacuum can exist for Material M at the inlet 221 of the pump device 220.

[0214] The pressure of Material M can be increased by the pump device 220. In particular, the pressure can be increased from the inlet 221 of the pump device 220 to an outlet 222 of the pump device 220, for example, increased by at least 20 bar, at least 60 bar, at least 200 bar or even at least 300 bar. Material M can exist at the outlet 222 of the pump device 220 at a pressure of at least 20 bar, at least 60 bar, at least 200 bar or even at least 300 bar.

[0215] The pump device 220 can be a high-pressure pump. The pump device 220 can be a piston pump. In particular, the pump device 220 is a high-pressure piston pump.

[0216] The volume flow of the material (at the outlet 222 of the pump device 220) can be adjusted or controlled by the pump device 220.

[0217] The material processing device 200 can include a driver 225 for the pump device 220. The driver 225 can be a servo-hydraulic driver. The volume flow and / or mass flow of Material M can be adjusted or controlled by the driver 225.

[0218] The pump device 220 can be electrically controlled or adjustable.

[0219] Material M can be processed in the material processing device 200 in the material container 210 and introduced into the pump device 220. The pressure of Material M can be increased in the pump device 220 such that the material can be discharged from the outlet 222 of the pump device 220 at a pressure of at least 15 bar.

[0220] The material processing device 200 can be connected to or include a control unit 207. The control unit 207 can be connected to the device in a wired or wireless manner. The control unit 207 is used to control or adjust the material container 210 and / or the pump device 220. In particular, the control unit 207 is used to control or adjust the driver 215 of the stirrer 211 and / or the driver 225 of the pump device 220. The control unit can be Figure 7 the control unit 107 in

[0221] Figure 8 A detailed view of the material container 210 is shown. The material M is accommodated or stored in the material container 210. The material M is processed in the material container 210. For example, the material container 210 can supply a vacuum or negative pressure to the material M. Alternatively or additionally, the material M can be heated in the material container 210. Alternatively or additionally, the material M can be stirred or moved in the material container 210, in particular by the stirrer 211.

[0222] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of an application system according to an embodiment of the present invention for mixing multiple components to prepare a multi-component mixture and introducing or applying the multi-component mixture to an object is shown.

[0223] The application system 100 includes an application device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1A the application device in

[0224] In addition, the application system 100 can include at least one first material processing device 200a. The material processing device 200a is used to supply a material stream of the first component. In addition, the application system 100 can include a second material processing device 200b. The second material processing device 200b is used to supply a material stream of the second component.

[0225] The material processing device 200a can include a first material container 210a and a first pump device 220a. The first material container 210a is used to process the first component (corresponding to Figure 8 the material Ma in

[0226] The application system 100 may include a second material processing device 200b. The second material processing device 200b may include a second material container 210b and a second pump device 220b. The second material container 210b is for processing a second component (corresponding to Figure 8 the material Mb in). The second pump device 220b may have a second inlet 221b and a second outlet 222b. The second inlet 221b of the second pump device 220b may be connected to the second material container 210b in a fluid communication manner such that the second material Mb can be introduced from the second material container 210b into the second pump device 220b. The second pump device 220b is for supplying the second material Mb at a pressure of at least 15 bar at the second outlet 222b of the second pump device 220b.

[0227] The application device 1 may be connected to the first outlet 222a and the second outlet 222b in a fluid communication manner, so that the first component and the second component can be introduced into the application device 1.

[0228] In addition, the application system 100 includes a first metering device 101 for receiving a material flow of the first component from the material processing device 200a, setting the mass flow and / or volume flow of the component, and supplying the material flow to the first injection unit 7a of the application device 1.

[0229] In addition, the application system 100 includes a third metering device 102 for receiving a material flow of the third component, setting the mass flow and / or volume flow of the third component, and supplying the material flow to the third injection unit 7b of the application device 1. For example, the third component is a gas or a gas mixture, such as air, and the material flow is a gas flow or an air flow.

[0230] In addition, the application system includes a second metering device 103 for receiving a material flow of the second component from the second material processing device 200b, setting the volume flow of the component, and supplying the material flow to the second injection unit 7c of the application device 1.

[0231] The first metering device 101 and the second metering device 103 may preferably be included in the metering device 112 or form the metering device 112. The first metering device 101 and the second metering device 103 may be constructed identically or have the same function. The metering device 112 may be, for example, a series metering device DPL20012KT from Scheugenpflug.

[0232] Each metering device is also used to set the volume flow of the corresponding component. According to an embodiment not shown, the application system 100 may include other corresponding devices for material processing and metering devices for other components, such as a fourth and / or fifth component.

[0233] The third metering device 102 includes a measuring unit 104, such as an air quality sensor or an air quantity sensor. The third metering device 102 further includes an actuator 105, in particular an air valve, such as a proportional air valve. The measuring unit 104 is used to receive an air flow from the air supply device 106 of the application system 100 or from an external air supply device, measure the mass flow and / or volume flow of the air flow, and supply the air flow to the actuator 105. The actuator 105 is used to receive the air flow from the measuring unit 104, set the mass flow and / or volume flow of the air flow, and supply the air flow to the third injection unit 7b. Through the proportional air valve, an air flow with a variable volume flow and / or mass flow can be supplied.

[0234] The air supply device 106 can be, for example, an air pump. The air supply device 106 is used to supply an air flow at a predetermined pressure.

[0235] The application system 100 further includes a first pipeline 110 between the air supply device 106 and the third metering device 102 and a second pipeline 111 between the third metering device 102 and the third injection unit 7a. The pipelines 110, 111 can be, for example, hoses. The pipelines 110, 111 are used to guide the air flow between the air supply device 106, the third metering device 102, and the third injection unit 7a. Therefore, the third component flows from the air supply device 106 to the metering device 102 along the material flow direction, and then to the injection unit 7b.

[0236] The application system 100 further includes a measuring unit for measuring pressure. The application system 100 includes a first pipeline pressure sensor (not shown), which is used to measure the air pressure in the first pipeline 110. The application system 100 further includes a second pipeline pressure sensor (not shown), which is used to measure the air pressure in the second pipeline 111.

[0237] The application system 100 further includes corresponding fluid guiding elements or pipelines for transporting the first component from the first material processing device to the first metering device 101 and the first injection unit 7a, and pipelines for transporting the third component from the second material processing device 200b to the second metering device 103 and then to the second injection unit 7b. Therefore, the first component flows from the first material processing device 200a to the metering device 101 along the material flow direction, and then to the injection unit 7a. In addition, the second component flows from the second material processing device 200b to the metering device 103 along the material flow direction, and then to the injection unit 7b.

[0238] The first material processing device 200a, the first metering device 101, and the first injection unit 7a are connected to each other in a fluid communication manner. The second material processing device 200b, the second metering device 103, and the second injection unit 7c are connected to each other in a fluid communication manner. The air supply device 106, the third metering device 102, and the third injection unit 7b are connected to each other in a fluid communication manner.

[0239] Figure 9 In the figure, the pipelines and material flows of the first component, the third component, and the second component are shown by solid arrows.

[0240] The application system 100 is configured to mix the first component and the second component with air only in the mixing space 5 of the application device 1. The application system 100 does not pre-mix the first component or the second component with air. In particular, the application system does not mix the first component or the second component with air that is already in the corresponding material processing devices 200a, 200b or upstream of the corresponding metering devices 101, 103. Thus, in the material flow direction from the first material processing device 200a to the metering device 101 and then to the injection unit 7a, the first component is not mixed with air upstream of the injection unit 7a or in the injection unit 7a. Correspondingly, in the material flow direction from the material processing device 200b to the metering device 103 and then to the injection unit 7b, the second component is not mixed with air upstream of the injection unit 7b. Therefore, the first component and the second component are not mixed with gas or air upstream of the application device 1 and upstream of the corresponding injection units 7a, 7b.

[0241] Thus, the application system is configured to mix the first component with air in the material flow direction of the first component, rather than upstream of the first metering device 101 and upstream of the first injection unit 7a. The application system is configured to mix the second component with air in the material flow direction of the second component, rather than upstream of the second metering device 103 and also rather than upstream of the second injection unit 7b. Therefore, the first component and the second component are injected into the mixing space 5 in a state without air or without gas.

[0242] The application system further includes a control unit 107. The control unit 107 includes, for example, a computing unit, in particular a microprocessor. The control unit 107 is configured to control and / or regulate the operation of the application system 100. For this purpose, the control unit 107 is configured to receive measurement values or measurement signals from the measurement units of the application system, such as the measurement unit 104, the first to third pressure sensors for the mixing space 5, and the pipeline pressure sensors. In addition, the control unit 107 is configured to actuate the metering devices 101, 102, 103, the injection units 7a, 7b, 7c, the actuator 105, the air supply device 106, and the material processing devices 200a, 200b. The reception of the measurement values and the actuation of the respective units are carried out in Figure 9Shown in dashed single and double arrows in the middle.

[0243] System 100 may also be referred to as a system for applying a mixture, particularly for the polymerization of polyurethanes.

[0244] The control unit 107 is used to perform the control steps of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0245] Figure 10 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method is for mixing multiple components to prepare a multi-component mixture and introducing or applying the mixture to an object. The method can be implemented by an application device or an application system according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example Figure 1A the application device of Figure 9 the application system of. The method includes the following steps. These steps are carried out simultaneously.

[0246] The first component is injected into the mixing space 5 of a mixing tube having a first end and a second end through a first injection unit, S1. Here, the mixing space defines a mixing section. The first component is injected into the mixing space at a first injection point. Thus, the first component is injected into the mixing space at a first position corresponding to the first injection point along the mixing section.

[0247] The third component, such as a gas or a gas mixture, particularly air, is injected into the mixing space through a third injection unit, S2. The third component is injected into the mixing space at a second injection point. The third component is injected into the mixing space at a corresponding second position along the mixing section. Here, the second position is provided downstream of the first position along the mixing section.

[0248] The method includes injecting a second component into the mixing space by means of a second injection unit, S4. The second component is injected into the mixing space at a third injection point. The second component is injected into the mixing space at a corresponding third position along the mixing section. Here, the third position is provided downstream of the second position P along the mixing section.

[0249] The method includes mixing the first to third components along the mixing tube based on the order of injection of the components along the mixing section. Mixing is carried out by a mixer provided in the mixing space. Mixing includes mixing the first component with the third component, S3. The method includes S5, mixing the mixture of the first component and the third component with the second component to prepare a multi-component mixture containing the first, second, and third components.

[0250] The method further includes S6, discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube through the second end. In addition, the method includes applying the multi-component mixture to an object.

[0251] Figure 11A flowchart of a method for mixing multiple components to prepare a multi-component mixture and introducing or applying the multi-component mixture into or onto an object is shown. This method can be implemented by the application system of the embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 9 the application system. The method includes the following steps. These steps are carried out simultaneously.

[0252] A material flow of the first component is supplied to a first metering device through a first material processing device, S11. Through the first metering device, the mass flow and / or volume flow of the first component is set, S12, and the material flow is supplied to a first injection unit, S13.

[0253] An air flow is supplied to a third metering device through an air supply device, S21. Through the third metering device, the mass flow and / or volume flow of the air flow is set, S22, and the air flow is supplied to a third injection unit, S23.

[0254] A material flow of the second component is supplied to a second metering device through a second material processing device, S31. Through the second metering device, the mass flow and / or volume flow of the second component is set, S32, and the material flow is supplied to a second injection unit of the application device, S33.

[0255] Figure 11 The method shown further includes a method having steps S1 - S6 with Figure 10 of.

[0256] The method further includes control by means of a control unit, S7.

[0257] This control can include actuation of the mixer rotation device and / or the first metering device and / or the third metering device, in particular the measuring unit and the actuator, and / or the second metering device and / or the air supply device.

[0258] This control can include control of the air pressure, in particular the air pressure in the pipeline for guiding the air flow and / or at the second injection point of the air, such that the third component is injected into the mixing space at a greater pressure than the first component and / or the second component, or the air pressure is greater than the pressure in the mixing space. Preferably, this difference can be 1 bar or greater. For example, the air pressure can be generated by actuating the air supply device and / or the actuator of the third metering device.

[0259] This control can also include controlling the ratio of the mass flow of the air flow to the mass flow of the first component and / or controlling or setting the ratio of the mass flow of the air flow to the mass flow of the second component. Here, this preferably can be the mass flow of the material flow of the component injected into the mixing space.

[0260] The setpoint value of the ratio can be predefined by the control unit or an external system or the user of the application device. The setpoint value can be predefined by a mathematical function. Thereby, it is ensured that the same amount of air is always added to the material of the first component and the material of the second component. That is, it is ensured that the same predetermined amount of air is always added to the PU foam. For example, this ratio can be achieved by setting the mass flow of the first component by the first metering device and / or setting the volume flow of the second component by the second metering device and / or setting the mass flow or volume flow of air by the third metering device, and / or setting the rotational speed of the mixer by the rotational device of the mixer and / or setting the air pressure by means of the air supply device.

[0261] Figure 12 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the control steps of an embodiment of the present invention for illustrating a method of mixing multiple components to prepare a multi-component mixture and introducing or applying the multi-component mixture into or onto an object.

[0262] An air flow meter as a measuring unit measures the amount or mass flow of air injected into the mixer. In addition, the pressure in the mixing space is measured by a pressure sensor. Based on this, signal processing is performed, for example, by the control unit. Based on the signal processing, the actual value of the "air-to-material ratio", the actual value of the position controller of the first metering device of the first component and / or the positioning controller of the second metering device of the second component, the actual value of the rotational speed of the mixer, and the actual value of the PWM control of the inlet valve of the third injection unit for the air flow are predetermined. In addition, the setpoint value of the proportional valve of the third metering device for the air flow is predetermined based on the signal processing. The proportional valves can be of a similar design.

[0263] The "air-to-material ratio" describes, for example, the injection amount of air or the injection mass flow of air and the injection amount of the first component injected into the mixing space ( Figure 12 A in it, or the ratio to the mass flow of the first component.

[0264] The setpoint value of the position controller of the first or second metering device is derived from the setpoint value of the "air-to-material ratio". The setpoint value of the rotational speed of the mixer is further derived from the setpoint value of the "air-to-material ratio". The setpoint value of the intake valve actuation is further derived from the setpoint value of the "air-to-material ratio".

[0265] The position of the first or second metering device is adjusted according to the setpoint value and the actual value of the "air-to-material ratio". For example, this position can describe the opening angle of the metering unit of the metering device. However, this position can also be set according to the required amount of PU foam or the required material flow.

[0266] The rotational speed of the mixer is adjusted according to the setpoint value and the actual value of the rotational speed. For example, the rotational speed is adjusted proportionally to the difference between the setpoint value and the actual value.

[0267] In addition, the intake valve is actuated based on the set value and the actual value of the intake valve PWM control.

[0268] In addition, the proportional valve is actuated.

[0269] The air supply is adjusted proportionally to the material flow and the mixer speed to ensure that the same amount of air is always added to the material. The air quantity is determined by the proportional valve. The air flow meter serves as a measuring instrument. The supplied air pressure should always be at least 1 bar greater than the pressure in the mixing chamber. Thus, it is possible to prevent the material of the first component or the material of the second component from flowing into the injection unit and / or the air flow pipeline and prevent them from clogging or contaminating the latter. According to the embodiment, the air quantity is adjusted by the air flow meter. The air pressure is adjusted using the proportional valve.

[0270] List of reference numerals

[0271] 1 Application device

[0272] 2 Mixing tube

[0273] 2a, 2b, 2c Parts of the mixing tube

[0274] 2d, 2e Transition parts of the mixing tube

[0275] 3 First end of the mixing tube

[0276] 4 Second end of the mixing tube

[0277] 5 Mixing space

[0278] 6 Mixing section

[0279] 7a, 7b, 7c Injection devices

[0280] 8 Mixer

[0281] 8a, 8b, 8c Parts of the mixer

[0282] 9 Moving device

[0283] 10 Central axis of the mixing tube

[0284] 11 Mixer end

[0285] 12 Central part of the mixer

[0286] 13 Mixing element of the mixer

[0287] 14 Material flow

[0288] 15 Rotating device

[0289] 16 Mixing element of the application device

[0290] 17 Mixing tube sealing element

[0291] Sealing element of the mixer

[0292] Wall of the mixing tube

[0293] Injection points 20, 20b, 20c, 20c′, 20d

[0294] Application system 100

[0295] First metering device 101

[0296] Third metering device 102

[0297] Second metering device 103

[0298] Measuring unit 104

[0299] Actuator 105

[0300] Air supply device 106

[0301] Control unit 107

[0302] First pipeline 110

[0303] Second pipeline 111

[0304] Metering device 112

[0305] Drive for material handling 200a, b

[0306] Control device 207

[0307] Material containers 210a, b

[0308] Agitators 211a, b

[0309] Drives 215a, b

[0310] Pump devices 220a, b

[0311] Inlets 221a, b

[0312] Outlets 222a, b

[0313] Drives 225a, b

Claims

1. A material processing device (200), comprising a material container (210) and a pump device (220), wherein: - the material container (210) is used for processing material (M); - the pump device (220) has an inlet (221) and an outlet (222); - the inlet (221) of the pump device (220) is connected to the material container (210) in a fluid-communicating manner, so that the material (M) can be introduced into the pump device (220) from the material container (210); as well as - the pump device (220) is used to supply material (M) at an outlet (222) of the pump device (200) at a pressure of at least 15 bar.

2. The material processing device (200) according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure of the material (M) at the inlet (221) of the pump device (220) is less than 1.0 bar.

3. The material processing device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the pump device (220) comprises a piston pump or a piston pump, in particular a high-pressure piston pump; and / or the pump device (220) is adapted to supply material at an outlet (222) of the pump device (220) at a pressure of at least 60 bar, preferably at least 100 bar, more preferably at least 200 bar, further preferably at least 300 bar; and / or - the pump device (220) is used to control or regulate the volume flow of the material (M) at the outlet (222) of the pump device (220); and / or The pump device (220) comprises a drive (225), in particular a servo-hydraulic drive (225).

4. The material processing device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the material container (210) is heatable; and / or - the pressure in the material container (210) is less than 1.0 bar, preferably less than 0.8 bar, more preferably less than 0.6 bar; and / or The material container (210) is used for stirring the material (M), and in particular, the material container (210) comprises a movable stirrer (211).

5. The material processing device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - said material (M) comprises monomers for polyurethane polymerization; and / or - the material (M) comprises a polyol, in particular a diol, or the material comprises a polyisocyanate, in particular a diisocyanate; and / or The material (M) has a dynamic viscosity, measured at 20° C. in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2884, of between 0.5 mPa·s and 100,000 mPa·s.

6. A material processing method, wherein: In particular using the device (200) according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprises the following steps: - processing material (M) in a material container (210); - introducing the material (M) from the material container (210) into the inlet (221) of the pump device (220); - increasing the pressure of said material (M) by means of said pump means (220); and The material (M) is discharged from the outlet (222) of the pump device (220), wherein the material has a pressure of at least 15 bar at the outlet (222) of the pump device (220).

7. Use of the device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 for the treatment of materials, in particular monomers for polyurethane polymerization.

8. A system (100) for applying a mixture for polyurethane polymerization, wherein: The system comprises: - a first material processing device (200a), in particular a material processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a first material container (210a) and a first pump device (220a), wherein the first pump device (220a) has a first inlet (221a) and a first outlet (222a); the first inlet (221a) of the first pump device (220a) is connected to the first material container (210a) in a fluid-connected manner so that a first material (Ma) can be introduced into the first pump device (220a) from the first material container (210a); and the first pump device (220a) is used to supply the first material (Ma) at the first outlet (222a) of the first pump device (220a) at a pressure of at least 15 bar; - a second material processing device (200b), in particular a material processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a second material container (210b) and a second pump device (220b), wherein the second material container (210b) is used to process a second material (Mb); the second pump device (220b) has a second inlet (221b) and a second outlet (222b); the second inlet (221b) of the second pump device (220b) is connected to the second material container (210b) in a fluid-connected manner, so that the second material (Mb) can be introduced into the second pump device (220b) from the second material container (210b); and the second pump device (220b) is used to supply the second material (Mb) at the second outlet (222b) of the second pump device (220b) at a pressure of at least 15 bar; and - an application device (1), wherein the application device (1) is connected to the first outlet (222a) and the second outlet (222b) in a fluid-connected manner so that the first material (Ma) and the second material (Mb) can be introduced into the application device (1), and the application device (1) is used to mix the first material (Ma) and the second material (Mb) to form a mixture and apply the mixture to an object (G), in particular to a battery.

9. The system (100) according to claim 8, wherein: The system further comprises: a first metering device (101) for receiving a material flow of a first material (Ma), setting a mass flow and / or a volume flow of the first material (Ma), and supplying the material flow to the application device (1); and A second metering device (103) for receiving a material flow of the second material (Mb), setting a mass flow and / or a volume flow of the second material (Mb) and supplying the material flow to the application device (1).

10. The system (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The system further comprises: A third metering device (102) for receiving a gas flow, setting a mass flow and / or a volume flow of the gas, and supplying the gas flow to the application device (1).

11. The system (100) according to claim 10, wherein: The application device (1) is used to mix the first material (Ma), the second material (Mb) and the gas to form a mixture, and apply the mixture to an object (G), in particular to a battery.

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