Application system for producing a multi-component mixture and introducing / applying the same in / on an article and method for producing a multi-component mixture and introducing / applying the same in /

Abstract

The invention relates to an application system for mixing a plurality of components for producing a multi-component mixture, in particular a polyurethane foam, and to an application system for introducing and / or applying a multi-component mixture into and / or onto an article, in particular a lithium-ion battery, the application system comprising an application device. Further, a method for mixing a plurality of components to produce a multi-component mixture and for introducing and / or applying a multi-component mixture into and / or onto an article is disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an application system for producing multi-component mixtures, in particular polyurethane foams, and for introducing / applying the multi-component mixtures into / onto an article, in particular during the production of batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, and to a method for producing multi-component mixtures and introducing / applying the multi-component mixtures into / onto an article. Background Art

[0002] For example, in the production of foams, one or more components are mixed with air. Here, the precise, reproducible and uniform mixing of the components themselves and of the components with air is important. This includes the fact that the mass or volume ratios of the components to each other in the foam, especially to air, can be precisely set to an optimum value and must be continuously maintained throughout the production of the foam. In addition, the mixture must be uniform throughout the foam volume. The foam must be capable of being reproduced in multiple production batches.

[0003] Foams with poor flammability are used for fire protection, such as in batteries, and for thermal insulation in the building sector. Fire protection also plays an important role in thermal insulation. In this case, the specific specifications for foam production are particularly important.

[0004] For example, lithium-based batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, are used in electric vehicles. It is particularly common for such lithium-ion batteries to be used for storing energy generated by photovoltaic systems. However, lithium-ion batteries are also used for storing energy in many other fields, especially because of their very long durability. However, the use of lithium-ion batteries is not without problems.

[0005] In the case of lithium-ion batteries, fire protection plays an extremely important role because lithium-ion batteries have a very destructive fire behavior and are difficult to extinguish. For the preventive fire protection of lithium-ion batteries, there are currently few viable and / or merely insufficiently functional solutions. These solutions include applying fire protection materials to the lid or housing of the battery, providing a honeycomb structure in the battery, or completely emptying the battery or the battery cells of the battery.

[0006] A new type of fire protection measure is the use of polyurethane (abbreviation: PU) foam. For this purpose, the battery is foamed with polyurethane foam. In this case, the battery cells are surrounded by polyurethane foam. If a defective battery cell catches fire or becomes thermally uncontrollable, the PU foam absorbs the heat generated during the process and prevents adjacent battery cells from overheating or starting to burn due to the melting of the PU foam. This prevents the occurrence or rapid spread of fire. The PU foam thus prevents the entire electric vehicle or the entire house from burning down due to a defective battery cell.

[0007] Two monomers (e.g., polyols and polyisocyanates) are used for the production (polymerization) of PU foams. Foaming can be carried out chemically and / or physically.

[0008] The disadvantages of traditional solutions for the production and application of foams, especially PU foams, are that it is impossible to continuously convey the components or continuously produce the foam. So far, each component has been pre-treated or prepared in a tank and, if appropriate, has been mixed with air in the tank. Then, multiple components are fed into a mixer and / or an applicator. The component tanks must be replaced or refilled with new materials regularly. Furthermore, it is impossible to precisely set the mixing ratio of each component in the foam because each component has been fed into the mixer or applicator in an air-displaced state. Therefore, the metering of the components is inaccurate, and the ratio between the components, especially the ratio between air and other components, cannot be set or is difficult to set. Furthermore, the mixer or applicator drips after the foam production stops.

[0009] Therefore, the unsolved problem is how to improve the material quality and mixing quality of the foam. In particular, it has not been solved how to produce and apply the foam in a clean, precise, repeatable, uniform, and efficient manner. Summary of the Invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to improve an application system for producing a multi-component mixture, especially a PU foam, and introducing / applying it to an article, especially into / onto a lithium-ion battery. Another object of the present invention is to improve a method for producing a multi-component mixture, especially a PU foam, and introducing / applying it to an article, especially into / onto a lithium-ion battery.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of the production and introduction / application of PU foams. In particular, an object of the present invention is to achieve uninterrupted production and introduction / application of PU foams.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to improve the uniformity, controllability, and precision in the production and introduction / application of PU foams. In particular, the object of the present invention is to improve the precision of the mixing ratio of the components of the PU foam including air.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to improve the cleanliness in the introduction / application of PU foams. In addition, an object of the present invention is to increase the flexibility in producing PU foams using different components.

[0014] Another object is to be able to precisely meter the components, especially the components including monomers for polyurethane polymerization. Another object is to be able to convey components with medium viscosity with high metering precision. Yet another object is to be able to convey components with a high volume flow rate.

[0015] These objects are illustrated by way of example with PU foam and its use in batteries. However, the invention is not limited thereto and can generally be used for the production and application of multicomponent mixtures and / or foams consisting of one or more components mixed with air. The use in batteries is also only mentioned here as an example. Such multicomponent mixtures and foams can be used in different fields, for example in the production of building materials.

[0016] At least one object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The subject matter of the dependent claims gives advantageous embodiments and developments.

[0017] In the context of the present disclosure, "applied to an article" is considered synonymous with "applied onto an article". Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the application of a multicomponent mixture onto an article. This is also intended to cover the case of introducing a multicomponent mixture into an article. In the context of the present disclosure, "battery" is considered a synonym for "accumulator". "Application device" may also be abbreviated as "applicator" and constitutes a device for applying or dispensing a mixture. In the context of the present disclosure, "mixture" should be understood as synonymous with "mixture". A multicomponent mixture means a mixture of a first component with at least one other component, in particular a gas or a gas mixture, such as air. A foam means a multicomponent mixture consisting of a first component and a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, as the second component, and optionally other components. Unless otherwise stated, "component" refers to a material. The specifications of different components are used to distinguish different materials. In the context of the present disclosure, polymeric polyurethane may also be referred to as a multicomponent mixture.

[0018] As a result of a particular invention, all components, if appropriate including gases or gas mixtures, are only mixed in an application device using a mixer.

[0019] By way of an embodiment of the invention, a mixing section is also defined along a mixing tube having a closed end and an open end. The mixing section defines an order based on which the various components for producing a multicomponent mixture are injected into the mixing space and mixed with one another. In this case, on the one hand, it is possible to ensure compliance with the order of component mixing.

[0020] Furthermore, by changing one or more positions at which one or more components are injected into the mixing space, this order can be made flexible. Furthermore, the type of component injected can be changed in a simple manner, and the components injected at the respective positions can be replaced. Thus, different multicomponent mixtures can be produced in a simple manner. Furthermore, by setting the material flow of the injected components, the mass or volume ratio of the injected or mixed components can be set in a simple manner. In particular, the ratio between the first component / third component and the gas or air can be precisely set, whereby the material quality and / or mixing quality of the multicomponent mixture can be improved.

[0021] In addition, the materials for the preparation or stirring of the first or third component can be provided by a device for material handling connected upstream of the mixer. Thus, the materials always have the same material properties before being injected into the mixing chamber. In particular, the uniformity of the injected components can be improved. As a result, the material quality and mixing quality of the multi-component mixture can also be improved. In addition, effects such as the so-called "dismissal" are prevented.

[0022] By means of an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is also achieved that by moving the mixer along the mixing tube, the second open end of the mixing tube can be closed in a quick and simple manner. As a result, the multi-component mixture can be effectively prevented from escaping from the mixing tube. This is particularly advantageous when it is intended to end the application of the multi-component mixture onto an article. In addition, the multi-component mixture can be prevented from dripping from the application device. Thus, a clean application of the multi-component mixture can be ensured.

[0023] By means of an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is also achieved that the first component and the third component are only mixed with a gas in the mixing chamber of the application device. Thus, these components can be metered and injected into the mixing chamber in a gas-free or air-free state. Therefore, the metering no longer depends on the amount or volume of gas contained in the components. In particular, the gas volume will highly depend on the pressure in the pipeline guiding the components. Thus, the accuracy in the metering process is significantly improved. As a result, in turn, the ratio between the first component or the third component and the gas, especially air, can be precisely set and adjusted. As a result, the material quality and mixing quality of the multi-component mixture can be improved.

[0024] By means of an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is also provided a mixing tube with different inner diameters. During the mixing of the components in the mixing space by the mixer, the different inner diameters result in different rotational speeds of the component materials along the mixing tube. This enables a more flexible mixing of the components and improves the mixing, especially the uniformity of the mixing.

[0025] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an application system for mixing multiple components to produce a multi-component mixture and introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture into and / or onto an article. According to aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, the application system includes an application device for mixing multiple components to produce a multi-component mixture and for introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture into and / or onto an article.

[0026] Furthermore, the application system may include at least one first device for material handling, which is configured to provide a material flow of the first component. Furthermore, the application system may include at least one second device for material handling, which is configured to provide a material flow of the third component.

[0027] Furthermore, the application system may include at least one first metering device configured to receive a material flow of a first component, set the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the component, and supply the material flow to at least one first injection unit of the application device.

[0028] Furthermore, the application system may include at least one second metering device configured to receive a material flow of a second component, set the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the second component, and supply the material flow to at least one second injection unit of the application device. According to a preferred embodiment, the second component is a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air, and the material flow of the second component is a flow of a gas or a gas mixture, preferably an air flow.

[0029] Furthermore, the application system may include at least one third metering device configured to receive a material flow of a third component, set the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of these components, and supply the material flow to at least one third injection unit of the application device.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for mixing multiple components to produce a multi-component mixture and for introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture into and / or onto an article is described. The method includes the following steps:

[0031] Set the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the material flow of the first component and supply the material flow to the first injection unit of the application device, set the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the material flow of the second component and supply the material flow of the second component to the second injection unit of the application device, inject the first component into the mixing space of the mixing tube of the application device, and inject the second component, preferably a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air, into the mixing space, mix the first component and the second component in the mixing space along a mixing section by rotating a mixer arranged in the mixing space to produce a mixture of the first component and the second component to produce a multi-component mixture, and inject a third component into the mixing space.

[0032] The method may further include: setting the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the material flow of the third component, and supplying the material flow to the third injection unit of the application device, and mixing the third component and the mixture of the first component and the second component by rotating the mixer to produce a multi-component mixture having the third component.

[0033] The method may include at least one of the following steps: supplying the material flow of the first component to the first metering device, supplying the material flow of the second component to the second metering device, and supplying the material flow of the third component to the third metering device.

[0034] The first component can be injected at a first position along a mixing section defined by a mixing space, the second component can be injected at a second position along the mixing section that is at or after the first position, and the third component can be injected at a third position along the mixing section that is at or after the second position. The first component can be injected through a first injection unit of an application device, the second component can be injected through a second injection unit of the application device, and the third component can be injected through a third injection unit of the application device.

[0035] Preferably, the method can include discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube through the second end and applying the multi-component mixture to an article.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an application device for mixing multiple components to produce a multi-component mixture and introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture into and / or onto an article.

[0037] The application device can include 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 between the first end and the second end. A mixing section can be defined by the mixing space from the first end towards the second end.

[0038] The application device can further include a plurality of injection units, each injection unit being configured to inject a respective one of the multiple components into the mixing space at a respective position along the mixing section.

[0039] The injection unit can include at least one first injection unit configured to inject a first component at a first position along the mixing section. The injection unit can include at least one second injection unit configured to inject a second component at a second position arranged along the mixing section at or after the first position. The second component can be or include a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air.

[0040] The application device can further include a mixer at least partially disposed in the mixing space. The mixer can be configured to mix the injected components with each other. The mixer can be configured to mix the injected components with each other based on the order in which the injected components have been or are being injected at respective positions along or relative to the mixing section or along the mixing space. Thus, the injected components can be mixed with each other based on this order. The multi-component mixture can be produced 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 article.

[0041] An application device or application system according to an aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to perform a method according to an aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure. The method according to an aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure may be performed by means of an application device or application system according to an aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided to use an application device or application system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that uses an application device or application system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following features.

[0045] The closed first end may be sealed relative to the components injected into the mixing space. The open second end is used to discharge the produced multi-component mixture from the mixing tube. The mixing section may be defined as the route of the central axis of the mixing tube starting from the first end towards the second end. Each position along the mixing section may be defined as the projection of each injection point on the central pipeline of the tube.

[0046] The injection unit may also be referred to as an injection unit. Each injection unit may have a nozzle configured to inject a corresponding component into the mixing space. The injection unit may be configured to receive a material flow of the corresponding component from a corresponding metering device. A plurality of injection units may be arranged on the mixing tube. A plurality of injection units may be arranged on the mixing tube wall, particularly on the outer side of the wall.

[0047] The plurality of injection units may further include at least one third injection unit configured to inject a third component at a third position. The third position may be arranged at or after the second position along the mixing section.

[0048] The mixer may be configured to first mix the first component and the second component with each other along the mixing section. The mixer may be configured to then mix the mixture of the first component and the second component with the third component. Thus, the method may further include mixing the mixture of the first component and the second component with the third component by the mixer to produce a multi-component mixture including the third component.

[0049] These components may be mixed by rotating the mixer. The mixer may rotate about a rotation axis. The rotation axis may be substantially parallel to the central axis or central pipeline of the mixing tube.

[0050] The injection unit may include at least one fourth injection unit for injecting a fourth component at a fourth position, which is arranged before the third position along the mixing section, particularly between the second position and the third position.

[0051] The injection unit may include at least one fifth injection unit for injecting a fifth component at a fifth position, which is arranged along the mixing section before the third position, in particular between the second and third positions, in particular after the fourth position.

[0052] The mixer may be configured to first mix the first and second components along the mixing section, and then mix the mixture of the first and second components with the fourth or fifth component, or then mix the mixture of the first and second components with the fourth component, and then mix the mixture of the first, second, and fourth components with the fifth component. The mixer may be configured to mix the mixture of the first, second, fourth, and / or fifth components with the third component.

[0053] Each injection unit may be arranged on the mixing tube, in particular on the mixing tube wall. For example, the injection unit is arranged on the outer side of the mixing tube wall.

[0054] The mixing tube may have a plurality of injection points for injecting a corresponding component. The injection points may be formed as holes or apertures passing through the mixing tube wall. Each injection unit may be arranged on a corresponding injection point. Each injection unit may be configured to 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.

[0055] At least one of the plurality of injection units may be formed to be removable from the mixing tube, in particular from the mixing tube wall, and / or may be formed to be displaceable along the mixing tube. Thus, the injection units may be arranged at different injection points on the mixing tube. Thus, the corresponding components may be injected into the mixing space at at least two different positions along the mixing section. As a result, the injection and mixing order of the components may become more flexible.

[0056] The plurality of injection units may include a plurality of first injection units, such as two or three. Each of the plurality of first injection units may be configured to inject a corresponding one of a plurality of first components at a corresponding one of a plurality of first positions along the mixing section. The plurality of injection units may include a plurality of second injection units, such as two or three. Each of the plurality of second injection units may be configured to inject a corresponding one of a plurality of second components at a corresponding one of a plurality of second positions along the mixing section. In particular, each second position may be arranged along the mixing section after each first position. The plurality of injection units may include a plurality of third injection units, such as two or three. Each of the plurality of third injection units may be configured to inject a corresponding one of a plurality of third components at a corresponding one of a plurality of third positions along the mixing section. In particular, each third position may be arranged along the mixing section after each second position. This also applies to fourth and fifth injection units for injection. Each of at least one of the first to fifth components may also be injected multiple times.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of injection units may have a plurality of first injection units, wherein each of the plurality of first injection units is configured to inject a first component at a corresponding one of a plurality of first positions. The plurality of injection units may have a plurality of third injection units, wherein each of the plurality of third injection units is configured to inject a third component at a corresponding one of a plurality of third positions. This also applies to the second, fourth, and / or fifth components. On the one hand, the respective components can thus be injected multiple times. On the other hand, it is thereby possible to vary at which position or with which injection unit the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth component is injected into the mixing space. This is advantageous when one of the injection units has to be repaired. Then different injection units for the same component can be dispensed with.

[0058] 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 third component may be a liquid. The dynamic viscosity of these components, in particular determined at 20 °C in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2884, is between 0.5 mPa s and 100,000 mPa s.

[0059] At least each of the first, third, fourth, and fifth components may be one of the following or include at least one of the following: water, initiator, inhibitor, accelerator, enhancer, monomer, monomer for polyurethane polymerization, polyol, diol, polyisocyanate, isocyanate, diisocyanate, moist air. Preferably, each component includes at most one monomer for polyurethane polymerization. The at least second component may be one of the following or include at least one of the following: industrial gas, N2, CO2, NO, mixture of at least two of the above gases.

[0060] Multicomponent mixtures can be produced by mixing multiple components. In particular, foams can be produced 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 the first component and / or the third component with a gas or gas mixture.

[0061] The first component can include a first monomer for polyurethane polymerization. The third component can include a second monomer for polyurethane polymerization. Polyurethane can be polymerized by the chemical reaction of the first monomer and the second monomer. After the polyurethane is discharged from the mixing space, the polymerization can be carried out in the mixing space and / or outside the mixing space. Polyurethane can be foamed by a gas or gas mixture, especially physical foaming.

[0062] The first component can be or include a polyol, especially a diol, and / or the third component can be or include a polyisocyanate, especially a diisocyanate. Alternatively, the first component can be or include a polyisocyanate, and / or the third component can be or include a polyol. The fourth component can especially be or include a promoter or enhancer for the third component and / or the first component. The fifth component can especially be or include water. The injection of water can be used to flush the mixer and / or the mixing pipe.

[0063] The application device can include a flushing injection unit. The flushing injection unit can be configured 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. Relative 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 can be used to inject the flushing medium.

[0064] The produced multicomponent mixture can escape independently from the mixing pipe and the application device at the second end. This can especially occur when the mixing pipe is vertically arranged. Then, the material of the multicomponent mixture has escaped due to the action of gravity. Since the first end of the mixing pipe is closed and the components are injected into the mixing space, the material of the multicomponent mixture is additionally pressed out of the mixing pipe by the material of the inflowing injection components. Alternatively or additionally, the mixer can be designed such that the rotation of the mixer presses the material of the multicomponent mixture out of the mixing pipe.

[0065] The produced multicomponent mixture can be a foam, especially a PU foam. The escaped multicomponent mixture can be applied to an article or introduced into an article. In particular, the PU foam can be applied to or introduced into a lithium-ion battery.

[0066] The article can be a lithium-based battery or battery cell, or a lithium-ion battery or battery cell. The multicomponent mixture can be or include a polyurethane foam.

[0067] Each metering device may also be configured to set the volume flow rate of the corresponding component. The first metering device may be configured to measure the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the first component. The third metering device may be configured to measure the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the third component. The conversion between the volume or volume flow rate and the mass or mass flow rate of each component can be carried out in a simple manner based on pressure, temperature and / or molar volume.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the application system includes at least two first devices for the material handling of the first component and / or at least two second devices for the material handling of the third component. Here, each first device may supply a material flow to the first metering device. The first metering device may be configured to receive the material flow from one of the two first metering devices, or simultaneously receive the material flow from the two first devices for material handling. This also applies to the second devices for material handling and the third metering device for the third component. By providing two devices for material handling for each component, it can be ensured that each metering device continuously receives a material flow. As a result, the continuous operation of the application system can be ensured.

[0069] The mixer may be entirely arranged in the mixing chamber. Preferably, the central part and the mixing elements of the mixer are arranged in the mixing chamber. The mixer may be configured to mix the injected components with each other in the mixing chamber or the mixing tube, preferably along the mixing tube from the first end towards the second end.

[0070] The application device may further include a moving device configured 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 may also be referred to as the longitudinal axis. The mixer may move along the rotation axis of the mixer.

[0071] This movement may be carried out in such a way that the mixing tube seals the material flow of the injected components and / or the multi-component mixture from the second end of the mixing tube and / or towards the second end.

[0072] The mixer may move along the mixing tube between a first position and a second position. The second position may be located along the mixing tube, particularly along the central axis, closer to the second end than the first position. On the other hand, the first position may be located along the mixing tube closer to the first end than the second position. The mixer may move from the first position in the direction of the second end to the second position.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, the mixer may move from the second position in the direction of the first end to the first position. This movement also has the effect that the mixing tube seals the material flow of the injected components and / or the multi-component mixture from the second end and / or towards the second end.

[0074] The mixing tube may include at least one sealing element. The mixing tube may have a plurality of sealing elements. The sealing element(s) may be arranged on or in the region of the second end of the mixing tube, or the sealing element(s) may be formed by the second end of the mixing tube.

[0075] The sealing element(s) may be configured as a ring or substantially annular. Movement of the mixer towards or away from the second end may have the effect that the mixer, in particular the mixing element(s) of the mixer, contacts the sealing element(s), thereby sealing the mixing tube.

[0076] The sealing element(s) may also be configured as conical or substantially conical. This means that the surface of the sealing element(s) facing the central axis of the mixing tube is conical. In particular, the sealing element(s) may be configured as a conical seat for the end of the mixer.

[0077] The mixer may have a conical, frusto-conical, conical, needle-shaped or pointed tip opposite the second end of the mixing tube. Movement of the mixer towards the second end may have the effect that the end of the mixer contacts the sealing element(s), thereby sealing the mixing tube.

[0078] The sealing element(s) and the first end of the mixer may form a needle valve.

[0079] The mixer may be moved in such a way that the end of the mixer and the sealing element(s) 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(s) of the mixing tube.

[0080] The application device may further include a rotating device, preferably an electric motor, particularly preferably a servo motor. The rotating device may be configured to rotate the mixer, preferably about 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.

[0081] The mixer may have a plurality of sections along the rotation axis and / or along the central axis of the mixing tube, where at least two of the plurality of sections have different outer diameters from each other.

[0082] The mixer may have a first section and a second section. The first section may have a larger outer diameter than the second section, or vice versa. Relative to the central axis of the mixing tube, the first section may be arranged closer to the first end than the second section. The first section may be arranged above the second section in the vertical direction.

[0083] The mixer may have a third section which, relative to the central axis of the mixing tube, is arranged closer to the second end of the mixing tube than the first section and / or the second section of the mixer. The third section may have an outer diameter different from that of the first section and / or the second section. The third section may have a larger outer diameter than the first section and / or the second section. The third section may have a smaller outer diameter than the first section and / or the second section.

[0084] The mixing tube may have a plurality of sections along the central axis. The inner diameter of the mixing tube wall may be substantially constant within each section. The inner diameter of the mixing tube wall may be different from each other in at least two of or between the plurality of sections. The wall in one of the sections may have an inner diameter different from that of the wall in at least one other section of the plurality of sections. The inner diameter of the mixing tube may be defined as the inner diameter of the tube wall, without considering any mixing elements of the mixing tube.

[0085] The plurality of sections may have a first section and a second section. The first section may be arranged at or adjacent to the first end. The second section may be arranged along the central axis between the first section and the second end. The wall in the first section may have a larger inner diameter than the second section, and vice versa. The first section may be arranged closer to the first end of the mixing tube than the second section. The first section may be arranged above the second section relative to the vertical direction. The first section may also be referred to as the upper material chamber.

[0086] The plurality of sections may further include a third section. The third section may be arranged 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 arranged closer to the second end of the mixing tube than the second section. The wall in the third section may have a smaller inner diameter than that in the first section and / or the second section. The wall in the third section may have a larger inner diameter than that in the first section and / or the second section.

[0087] At least one first injection unit may be arranged on the mixing tube wall in the first section of the mixing tube. The at least one first injection unit may be configured to inject a first component into the region of the mixing chamber adjacent to the first section of the mixing tube.

[0088] At least one second injection unit may be arranged on the mixing tube wall in the second section of the mixing tube. The at least one second injection unit may be configured to inject a second component into the region of the mixing chamber adjacent to the second section of the mixing tube.

[0089] At least one third injection unit may be arranged on the mixing tube wall in the third section of the mixing tube. The at least one third injection unit may be configured to inject a third component into the region of the mixing chamber adjacent to the third section of the mixing tube.

[0090] The application device may include at least one pressure sensor. Preferably, for at least one of a plurality of sections of the mixing tube, at least one pressure sensor is provided, which is configured to measure the pressure in the mixing chamber region adjacent to each section.

[0091] The application device may include a first pressure sensor, which is configured to measure the pressure in the mixing chamber region adjacent to the first end of the mixing tube and / or adjacent to the first section of the mixing tube. The application device may include a second pressure sensor, which is configured to measure the pressure in the mixing chamber region adjacent to the second section of the mixing tube. The application device may include a third pressure sensor, which is configured to measure the pressure in the mixing chamber region adjacent to the second end of the mixing tube and / or adjacent to the third section.

[0092] The central axis of the mixer may extend substantially along the mixing tube, particularly along the central axis. The mixer may be configured to be substantially rod-shaped or include a rod. The mixer may include a central member, which is configured to be substantially rotationally symmetric and / or configured to be substantially rod-shaped or is 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.

[0093] The mixer may include at least one mixing element. The mixing element is used to effectively mix the injected components through the mixer. The mixing element may extend in the radial direction of the mixer. The mixing element may be arranged on the outer side of the central member and / or on the side surface of the central member, and / or extend in the radial direction of 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 along the circumferential direction of the central member. Particularly preferably, the mixing element is designed and / or arranged such that no imbalance is formed when the mixer rotates around the rotation axis. The rotation axis of the mixer may coincide with the axis of symmetry.

[0094] At least one mixing element may be configured as a thin plate, a pointed tooth, a hook or a rod. At least one mixing element may be configured as a ring around the central member. At least one mixing element may be configured as a thread or a helix, or include the latter.

[0095] The application device may include at least one mixing element. The mixing element may be arranged on the mixing tube wall, particularly on the inner side of the wall, and extend into the mixing chamber. The mixing element may extend towards the central axis of the mixing tube. The mixing element may be configured as a ring. The mixing element may be configured as a thin plate, a pointed tooth, a hook or a rod, or wherein at least one mixing element is configured as a regular or irregular structure.

[0096] The mixing tube can be configured to be substantially straight. This can mean that the central line of the mixing tube or the mixing chamber is straight. The mixing tube can be oriented substantially vertically. The first end can be arranged above the second end. The length of the mixing tube can be greater than the inner diameter of the mixing tube wall. The inner side of the mixing tube wall can be rotationally symmetric about the central axis.

[0097] The moving device can be configured as a lifting cylinder, in particular an electric lifting cylinder or an electro-hydraulic lifting cylinder, or includes an electric lifting cylinder.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the applying device includes a plurality of first injection units and / or a plurality of second injection units and / or a plurality of third injection units. Thus, the applying system can include a plurality of first metering devices, a plurality of first devices for material handling, a plurality of second metering devices, a plurality of second devices for material handling, and a plurality of third metering devices.

[0099] The mixer can be particularly configured to mix the injected components with each other in the mixing space, preferably along the mixing space and / or along the mixing tube.

[0100] The method can further include at least one of the following steps: setting the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the material flow of the first component and supplying the material flow to at least one first injection unit of the applying device, setting the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the material flow of the second component and supplying the material flow of the second component to at least one second injection unit of the applying device, setting the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the material flow of the third component, and supplying the material flow to at least one third injection unit of the applying device.

[0101] The method can further include supplying the material flow of the first component to the first metering device, supplying the material flow of the second component to the second metering device, and supplying the material flow of the third component to the third metering device.

[0102] The first component and / or the third component can be injected into the mixing space in a state without air and / or in a state without gas.

[0103] The first pressure sensor can be configured to measure the pressure in the mixing space in the region of the first position or at a position along the mixing section between the first position and the second position. The second pressure sensor can be configured to measure the pressure in the mixing space in the region of the second position or at a position along the mixing section between the second position and the third position. The third pressure sensor can be configured to measure the pressure in the mixing space in the region of the third position or at a position along the mixing section after the third position and / or between the third position and the second end.

[0104] The application system can be configured to mix the first component and / or the third component with a gas or a gas mixture in the mixing chamber of the application device, in particular only in the mixing chamber.

[0105] The application system can be configured to mix the first component with a gas or a gas mixture in the direction of the material flow of the first component that is not upstream of the first metering device or the application device or relative to the material flow direction of the first component. The application system can be configured to mix the third component with a gas or a gas mixture in the direction of the material flow of the third component that is not upstream of the third metering device or the application device or relative to the material flow direction of the third component.

[0106] The second metering device can include a measuring unit and an actuator. The measuring unit can be a gas mass sensor or a gas quantity sensor. The actuator can be a controlled or regulated gas valve, in particular a proportional gas valve. The measuring unit can be configured to receive the flow of the gas or gas mixture from the gas supply device of the application system, measure the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate, and supply the flow to the actuator. The actuator can be configured to receive the flow, set the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the flow of the gas or gas mixture, and supply the flow to the second injection unit. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator can be configured to set the pressure in the pipeline that guides the flow of the gas or gas mixture, preferably the second pipeline. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring unit can be configured to set the quantity and / or the volume flow rate and / or the mass flow rate of the flow of the gas or gas mixture. For air, the measuring unit can be an air quality sensor or an air quantity sensor, the gas valve can be an air valve, and the gas supply device can be an air supply device, configured as an air pump or including an air pump. The quantity sensor can also be called a flow meter.

[0107] The application system can further include a first pipeline between the gas supply device and the second metering device, preferably a channel, a hose or a tube. The application system can include a second pipeline between the second metering device and the application device, preferably a channel, a hose or a tube, for guiding the flow of the gas or gas mixture. The pipeline can also be called a fluid conducting element.

[0108] The application system can further include a first pipeline pressure sensor, which is configured to measure the pressure in the first pipeline, in particular the gas pressure or the air pressure. The application system can include a second pipeline pressure sensor, which is configured to measure the pressure in the second pipeline, in particular the gas pressure or the air pressure.

[0109] The application system can further include a control unit. The control unit can include a computing unit, such as a microprocessor. The method can include a control step. The control unit can be configured to perform the control step. Control can be performed using the control unit.

[0110] The control may include actuating a rotary device of the mixer and / or a first metering device and / or a second metering device and / or a third metering device and / or a gas supply device. The control unit may be configured to actuate the rotary device, the first metering device, the second metering device, the third metering device and / or the gas supply device accordingly.

[0111] Actuation of the rotary device may be used to adjust the rotational speed of the mixer. Actuation of the first metering device may be used to set the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the first component. Actuation of the second metering device may be used to set the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the second component. Actuation of the second metering device may include actuating an actuator and / or a measuring unit, which may be used to set the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the second component and / or the pressure in a pipeline for guiding a gas or a gas mixture. 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 gas supply device may be used to set the pressure of the flow of the gas or the gas mixture and / or the pressure in a pipeline for guiding a gas or a gas mixture, such as the pressure in the first or the second pipeline.

[0112] The control may be carried out based on a set value of the ratio between the mass flow rate of the second 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 second component and the mass flow rate of the third component, and / or the ratio between the mass flow rate of the first component and the mass flow rate of the third component, in particular the ratio of the respective mass flow rates injected into the mixing chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the control may also be carried out based on the ratio between the corresponding volume flow rates.

[0113] Alternatively or additionally, the control may be carried out based on the mass flow rate value of the second component and / or the mass flow rate value of the first component and / or the mass flow rate value of the third component and / or the rotational speed value 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 specified value may be a set value or a measured value of the corresponding specified variable. Alternatively or additionally, the control may also be carried out based on the corresponding volume flow rate values.

[0114] The control may include controlling the mixing ratio of multiple components in a multi-component mixture. The control may include controlling the ratio between the mass and / or volume of the second component and the mass and / or volume of at least one other component in a multi-component mixture. The control may include controlling the ratio between the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the second component and the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of at least one other component. The control may include controlling the ratio between the mass and / or volume of the second component and the mass and / or volume of at least one other component in a multi-component mixture. This may also apply correspondingly to each other component. The mass flow rate or the volume flow rate may be the flow rate of the material flow of the component injected into the mixing chamber.

[0115] The control can include controlling the ratio between the mass flow rate of the second component and the mass flow rate of the first component, and / or controlling the ratio between the mass flow rate of the second component and the mass flow rate of the third component, and / or the ratio between the mass flow rate of the first component and the mass flow rate of the third component. Alternatively or additionally, the control can also be carried out by controlling the ratio between the respective volume flow rates of the components. The control can in particular be carried out by actuating the second metering device and / or by actuating the first metering device and / or by actuating the third metering device and / or by actuating the gas supply device and / or by actuating the rotating device. The setpoint of the ratio can be predefined by the control unit or an external system or the user of the application device. The setpoint can be predefined by a mathematical function.

[0116] The control can include controlling the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the second component, in particular in such a way that it is proportional to the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the first component and / or the mass flow rate and / or the volume flow rate of the third component and / or proportional to the rotational speed of the mixer. The control can in particular be carried out by actuating the second metering device and / or by actuating the first metering device and / or by actuating the third metering device and / or by actuating the gas supply device and / or by actuating the rotating device.

[0117] The control can include controlling the pressure of the second component, in particular in the pipeline for guiding the material flow of the second component, such as in the first pipeline or the second pipeline, and / or at the second injection point of the second component, such that the pressure is greater than the pressure in the mixing space, preferably at a position in the region of the first position along the mixing section, preferably by 1 bar. The control can in particular be achieved by actuating the gas supply device and / or the second metering device.

[0118] The control can include controlling the pressure of the second component, in particular the pressure in the pipeline for guiding the material flow of the second component and / or at the second injection point for the second component, such that the second component is injected into the mixing space at a greater pressure than the first component and / or the third component. Preferably, the difference can be 1 bar or greater.

[0119] The control can include controlling the rotational speed of the mixer, in particular in such a way that the rotational speed is proportional to the mass flow rate and / or the volume of the first component, and / or proportional to the mass flow rate and / or the volume of the third component. In particular, the control can be carried out by actuating the rotating device.

[0120] The first component and / or the third component can be injected into the mixing space in an air-free and / or gas-free state. The first component can pass through the first metering device in an air-free or gas-free state. The third component can pass through the third metering device in an air-free or gas-free state. The application system can be configured such that the first component and / or the third component are injected and / or pass through the respective metering devices in an air-free or gas-free state.

[0121] The application system can include a first device for material handling, which is configured to provide a material stream of the first component. The application system can include a second device for material handling, which is configured to provide a material stream of the third component. The first metering device can be configured to receive the material stream of the first component from the first device for material handling. The third metering device can be configured to receive the material stream of the third component from the second device for material handling.

[0122] The mixing tube can further have another transition section between two of the plurality of sections in each case. The wall in each transition section can have a variable, preferably linearly variable, inner diameter along the central axis.

[0123] The mixer can have respective sections for each section of the mixing tube, wherein each section of the mixing tube overlaps with the respective sections of the mixer in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the mixing tube. This plane can include the radial direction of the mixing tube.

[0124] Along the central axis of the mixing tube between the first end and the second end, the inner diameter of the mixing tube can be greater than the outer diameter of the mixer. The inner diameter of the mixing tube can be defined as the inner diameter of the mixing tube wall, where any mixing elements of the mixing tube are not taken into account. The extent of the mixer in a plane including the radial direction of the mixing tube can be defined as the outer diameter of the mixer, where any mixing elements of the mixer are taken into account in the extent of the mixer.

[0125] The device for material handling (hereinafter also simply referred to as the material handling device), in particular the first device for material handling and / or the third device for material handling, can include a material container and a pump device. The material container can be configured to handle the respective components. The pump device can have an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the pump device can be fluidly connected to the material container such that the component can be introduced from the material container into the pump device. The pump device can be configured to provide a pressure of at least 15 bar for the component at the outlet of the pump device.

[0126] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for material handling is provided. The method may include the following steps: processing components, particularly a first component or a third component, in a material container; introducing the components from the material container into an inlet of a pump device; increasing the pressure of the components by the pump device; and discharging the components from an outlet of the pump device. The components may have a pressure of at least 15 bar at the outlet of the pump device.

[0127] Any material handling device disclosed herein can be used in the method for material handling.

[0128] Furthermore, the use of the material handling device disclosed herein for processing components for polyurethane polymerization is disclosed. The component may be a monomer for polyurethane polymerization.

[0129] An application device, particularly a first injection unit, may be connected in fluid communication to an outlet of a first device for material handling. An application device, particularly a third injection unit, may be connected in fluid communication to an outlet of a second device for material handling. As a result, the first component and the third component may be introduced into the application device, particularly into a mixing space. The application device may be configured to mix the first component and the third component to form a mixture or a multi-component mixture and apply the mixture to an article, particularly to a battery or a storage battery.

[0130] The pressure values disclosed herein are absolute pressure values. Therefore, the pressure values are based on absolute vacuum. The ambient pressure is approximately 1 bar.

[0131] By processing the individual components, a steady state of the components can be achieved before the components are provided for further processing at a relatively high pressure, with the result that high metering accuracy with a high volume flow rate is achieved. For example, components, such as components including monomers for polyurethane polymerization, are typically provided in barrels. If the components are stirred to ensure a uniform distribution of the substances in the components, air is introduced into the components. The amount of introduced air can vary, making it more difficult to accurately meter the components.

[0132] At the inlet of the pump device, the components may have a pressure of less than 1.0 bar. Preferably, the components have 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, more preferably less than 0.6 bar. The components may have a pressure below the ambient air pressure at the inlet of the pump device. There may be a vacuum at the inlet of the pump device.

[0133] The pump device may include or be a high-pressure pump. The pump device may include or be a piston pump. Preferably, the pump device includes or is a high-pressure piston pump.

[0134] The pump device may not include a diaphragm pump. In other words, a diaphragm pump cannot be included in the pump device.

[0135] The pump device can be configured to provide a pressure of at least 60 bar for the component at the outlet of the pump device. Preferably, the pump device is configured to provide a pressure of at least 60 bar for the component at the outlet of the pump device, more preferably at least 100 bar, more preferably at least 200 bar, more preferably at least 300 bar.

[0136] The pump device can be configured to provide a pressure between 15 bar and 350 bar, in particular between 20 bar and 350 bar, for the component at the outlet of the pump device.

[0137] The pump device can be configured to increase the material pressure from the inlet to the outlet by at least 15 bar, preferably at least 60 bar, more preferably at least 100 bar, more preferably at least 200 bar, more preferably at least 300 bar.

[0138] The pump device can be configured to control or regulate or set the volume flow rate or mass flow rate of the component at the outlet of the pump device.

[0139] The pump device can include a driver. The driver can be a hydraulic driver, in particular a servo-hydraulic driver.

[0140] The material container can include at least one processing unit. The processing unit can be configured to process the corresponding component in the material container. In particular, the processing unit is configured to heat, degas, place under vacuum, stir and / or mix the components in the material container.

[0141] 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 can be configured to heat the temperature of the corresponding component 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, more preferably at least 100 °C.

[0142] 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, more preferably less than 0.5 bar, more preferably less than 0.4 bar.

[0143] The material container can include a vacuum unit. The vacuum unit can be configured to provide a vacuum in the material container. The vacuum unit cannot be part of the material container, in particular cannot be connected to the material container.

[0144] The material container can be configured to stir the components in the material container. Preferably, the material container includes a stirrer, more preferably a movable stirrer. The stirrer can be driven by a driver.

[0145] The component may include monomers for polyurethane polymerization. This component may be mixed with another monomer for polyurethane polymerization downstream of the pump device. Polyurethane may be polymerized by the chemical reaction of the monomers.

[0146] Preferably, the component includes at most one monomer for polyurethane polymerization. This component may include a polyol. In particular, this component includes a diol. This component may include a polyisocyanate. In particular, this component includes a diisocyanate. This component may be a liquid (at 20 °C and 1 bar).

[0147] The component may have a dynamic viscosity of 0.5 mPa s to 100000 mPa s, particularly measured at 20 °C according to DIN EN ISO 2884.

[0148] Generally, the first component may include a first monomer for polyurethane polymerization. The third component may include a second monomer for polyurethane polymerization. Polyurethane may be polymerized by the chemical reaction of the first monomer and the second monomer. Polyurethane may be foamed with a gas, particularly physically foamed.

[0149] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an application device is provided for mixing multiple components to produce a multi-component mixture and introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture into and / or onto an article.

[0150] 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 arranged between the first end and the second end.

[0151] The application device includes a plurality of injection units, each injection unit being configured to inject a corresponding one of the multiple components into the mixing space. The injection unit may include at least one first injection unit for injecting the first component, at least one second injection unit for injecting the second component, particularly a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air, and at least one third injection unit for injecting the third component. The plurality of injection units may be arranged on the mixer.

[0152] The application device further includes a mixer at least partially arranged in the mixing space, the mixer being configured to mix the injected components with each other. The mixer may be particularly configured to mix 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 arranged in the mixing space.

[0153] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for mixing multiple components to produce 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 by means of a first injection unit of the application device, injecting a second component, in particular a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air, into the mixing space by means of a second injection unit of the application device, and mixing the first component with the second component by means of a mixer arranged in the mixing space to produce a multi-component mixture.

[0154] The method may further include injecting a third component into the mixing space by means of a third injection unit of the application device and mixing the mixture of the first component and the second component with the third component to produce a multi-component mixture including the third component. The method may further include discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube, in particular from a second open end of the mixer. The method may further include applying the multi-component mixture to an article or introducing the multi-component mixture into an article. Mixing may include rotating the mixer.

[0155] The first component may be injected at a first position along a mixing section defined by the mixing space, the second component may be injected at a second position along the mixing section at or after the first position, and the third component may be injected at a third position along the mixing section at or after the second position.

[0156] The method may further include at least one of the following steps: setting a mass flow rate and / or a volume flow rate of a material flow of the first component and supplying the material flow to at least one first injection unit of the application device, setting a mass flow rate and / or a volume flow rate of a material flow of the second component and supplying the material flow of the second component to at least one second injection unit of the application device, setting a mass flow rate and / or a volume flow rate of a material flow of the third component, and supplying the material flow to at least one third injection unit of the application device.

[0157] According to another aspect, an application system including an application device according to the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The application system may include at least one device for material handling according to the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0158] Aspects of the present disclosure are explained below based on the drawings. In the drawings:

[0159] Figure 1A A schematic cross-sectional view of an application device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0160] Figure 1B A schematic cross-sectional view of an application device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0161] Figure 2Schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an application device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0162] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Schematic cross-sectional view showing the second end of a mixing tube and a mixer at different positions of an application device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0163] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Schematic cross-sectional view showing the second end of a mixing tube and a mixer at different positions of an application device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0164] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Schematic cross-sectional view showing the second end of a mixing tube and a mixer at different positions of an application device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0165] Figure 6 Schematic view showing a mixing section according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0166] Figure 7 Device for material processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0167] Figure 8 Enlarged view of a material container of a device for material processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0168] Figure 9 Schematic view showing an application system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0169] Figure 10 Flowchart showing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0170] Figure 11 Flowchart showing a method according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0171] Figure 12 Diagram showing control steps of a method for explaining mixing multiple components to produce a multi-component mixture and introducing / applying the multi-component mixture onto / into an article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0172] Hereinafter, the same reference numerals refer to the same or corresponding elements.

[0173] Figure 1A Schematic cross-sectional view showing an application device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B Schematic cross-sectional view showing an application device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of an application device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0174] The application device 1 is configured to mix a plurality of components to produce a multi-component mixture and to introduce and / or apply the multi-component mixture into or onto an article G. The multi-component mixture is, for example, a polyurethane foam.

[0175] The PU foam can be applied to the article by means of the application device 1. The article G is, for example, a lithium-ion battery or a battery cell. For example, the PU foam can be introduced into the intermediate space inside the battery and / or between the battery cells of the battery. The PU foam is used, for example, for fire protection.

[0176] The application device 1 comprises 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 relative 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. Between the first end 3 and the second end 4, the mixing tube 2 comprises a mixing space 5. The mixing space 5 defines a mixing section 6 starting from the first end 3 towards the second end 4. The mixing space 5 is arranged in the mixing tube 2. The mixing space 5 can also be referred to as a mixing chamber.

[0177] The mixing tube 2 is configured to be substantially straight. This means that the central line 10 of the mixing tube 2 is straight. The central line 10 can also be referred to as the central axis. The mixing tube 2 comprises a wall 19. As shown, the inner side of the wall 19 can be substantially rotationally symmetric about the central axis 10. The inner side of the wall 19 adjoins the mixing space 5. The mixing tube 2 is oriented substantially vertically. This means that the central axis 10 extends substantially along the vertical spatial direction z.

[0178] As shown, the mixing tube 2 has a plurality of sections 2a, 2b, 2c along the central axis 10. In Figure 1A and 1B the embodiment of, the mixing tube has two sections 2a, 2b. In Figure 2 the embodiment of, the mixing tube has three sections 2a, 2b, 2c. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first section 2a is arranged at or near the first end 3, the second section 2b is arranged along the central axis 10 between the first section 2a and the second end 4. The third section 2c can be arranged at or near the second end 4. The third section 2c is arranged along the central axis 10, for example, between the second section 2c and the second end 4.

[0179] The wall 19 of the mixing tube 2 has a substantially constant inner diameter within each section 2a, 2b, 2c. However, the wall 19 of the mixing tube 2 has different inner diameters between the sections 2a, 2b, 2c. Thus, the inner diameter of the wall 19 in section 2a is different from that in section 2b. In addition, the inner diameter of the wall 19 in section 2b is different from that in section 2c. Further, the inner diameter of the wall 19 in section 2a is different from that in section 2c. When considering the inner diameter, any mixing element 16 may not be taken into account, which will be described in detail later.

[0180] As Figure 1A and 1B shown, the inner diameter of the wall 19 in the first section 2a is larger than that in the second section 2b. The first section 2a may also be referred to as the upper material chamber of the mixing tube 2, and the second section 2b may also be referred to as the lower material chamber.

[0181] As Figure 2 shown, the wall 19 has a larger inner diameter in the third section 2c than in the sections 2a, 2b. According to a further embodiment, the inner diameter of the third section 2c may also be smaller than the inner diameters of the sections 2a, 2b.

[0182] As shown in the figure, additional transition sections 2d, 2e of the mixing tube 2 may be arranged between the sections 2a, 2b, 2c, where the wall 19 of the mixing tube 2 has a variable inner diameter. The inner diameter may vary linearly, for example, along the central axis 10. Thus, a transition can be created between the different inner diameters of the respective sections 2a, 2b, 2c.

[0183] The wall 19 of the mixing tube 2 includes injection points 20a, 20b, 20c for the respective injection units 7a, 7b, 7c, which will be described in detail below. As shown in the figure, the injection points are arranged on the wall 19 of the mixing tube 2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The injection points are only used to provide an inlet for the injection units to enter the mixing space 5 to inject components. The injection points may be formed as holes or openings passing through the wall 19.

[0184] The application device 1 further includes a plurality of injection units 7a, 7b, 7c. These are all configured to inject respective components into the mixing space 5. As shown in the figure, the injection units 7a, 7b, 7c are arranged on the wall 19 of the mixing tube 2, more precisely, on the outer side of the wall 19, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Each injection unit 7a, 7b, 7c is arranged at the respective injection points 20, 20b, 20c and is configured to inject the respective components into the mixing space 5 via the injection points. Thus, the injection units 7a, 7b, 7c inject the respective components at the predetermined positions Pa, Pb, Pc of the components along the mixing section 6.

[0185] As Figure 1AAs shown in the example of the middle injection units 7b and 7c, each injection unit 7a, 7b, 7c may have a nozzle. Each injection unit is further configured to stop the injection of the components. For this purpose, each injection unit 7a, 7b, 7c may have a corresponding inlet valve, which is configured as a needle valve, for example. The inlet valves 7a, 7b, 7c may be configured as PWM valves. Thus, the injection of the respective components into the mixing chamber 5 can be completely stopped. This is necessary, for example, when sufficient PU foam has been applied to the article G and the next article G' is replaced. Then, the material flow of the respective components can be temporarily interrupted by the inlet valves.

[0186] The first injection unit 7a is arranged to inject a first component via a first injection point 20a at a first position Pa along the mixing section 6. The second injection unit 7b is arranged to inject a second component via a second injection point 20b at a second position Pb along the mixing section 6. The third injection unit 7c is arranged to inject a third component via a third injection point 20c at a third position Pc along the mixing section 6. The second position Pb is arranged after the first position Pa along the mixing section 6, and the third position Pc is arranged after the second position Pb along the mixing section 6.

[0187] To clean and flush 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 may be configured to inject 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 may be used to inject the flushing medium.

[0188] In Figure 1B the embodiment, there is a fourth injection unit 7d for injecting a fourth component. This is arranged at an injection point 20d at the same height as the injection point 20c of the third injection unit 7c. The injection point 20d may be opposite to the injection point 20c on the wall 19 with respect to the central axis 10. Thus, the fourth component is injected at the same position 20c as the third component along the mixing section 6. According to an embodiment not shown, the fourth injection unit 7d may be arranged along the mixing section 6 before the third position, in particular between the second and the third positions.

[0189] The injection unit may include a fifth injection unit (not shown) for injecting a fifth component at a fifth position, which is arranged along the mixing section before the third position, in particular between the second and third positions, for example after the fourth position. The fourth component may in particular be a booster for the third component. The fifth component may in particular be water. According to an embodiment, a plurality of first, second, third, fourth and / or fifth injection units may also be present.

[0190] The first to third injection units 7a, 7b, 7c are each configured to inject a fluid. According to an embodiment, the second injection unit 7b injects a gas or a gas mixture, such as air, as a component into the mixing chamber 5. The first component 7a injects a polyol as the second component, and the third injection unit 7b injects a polyisocyanate as a component, and vice versa.

[0191] At least one of the injection units 7a, 7b, 7c may be formed to be removable from the wall 19. This is shown in the case of the injection unit 7c. Figure 1A Thus, it can be offset and connected to another injection point, such as the injection point 20c'. As a result, the third component can be flexibly injected at a plurality of positions Pc, Pc' along the mixing section 6.

[0192] The application device 1 further includes a first pressure sensor (not shown) for measuring the pressure in the region of the mixing chamber 5 adjacent to the first section 2a of the mixing tube 2. The first pressure sensor may alternatively or additionally be configured to measure 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.

[0193] Furthermore, the application device 1 may include a second pressure sensor (not shown) for measuring the pressure in the region of the mixing chamber 5 adjacent to the second section 2b of the mixing tube 2. The second pressure sensor may alternatively or additionally be configured to measure the pressure at a position along the mixing section 6 in the region of the second position Pb or 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 chamber 5 adjacent to the second end of the mixing tube 4 and / or adjacent to the third section 2c. The third pressure sensor may alternatively or additionally be configured to measure 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 between the third position Pc and the second end 4.

[0194] The application device 1 further comprises a mixer 8 which is at least partially arranged in the mixing chamber 5. The mixer 8 can be completely arranged in the mixing chamber 5. Preferably, the central part 12 and the mixing elements 13 of the mixer 8 can be arranged in the mixing chamber 5. The mixer 8 can be configured as a rotor. The mixer 8 is configured to mix the injected components. For this purpose, the mixer 8 rotates in the mixing chamber 5. The rotation axis of the mixer 8 is preferably parallel to or coincides with the central axis of the mixing tube 2. In order to rotate the mixer, the application device 1 can comprise a rotating device 15, such as an electric motor. The mixer 8 and the mixing tube 2 can be produced by 3D printing.

[0195] 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 based on the order in which the components are injected at the respective positions along the mixing section 6. A multi-component mixture is produced by mixing the injected components. For example, a PU foam is produced by mixing a polyisocyanate with a polyol and air.

[0196] The produced multi-component mixture then escapes independently from the mixing tube 2 and the mixer at the second end 4. This occurs when the mixing tube 2 is vertically arranged and the material of the multi-component mixture escapes 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 multi-component mixture is additionally pressed out of the mixing tube 5 by the material of the inflowing injected components.

[0197] The mixer 8 first mixes the first component and air with each other along the mixing space 5 starting from the first end 3. Then, the mixer 8 mixes the mixture of the first component and air with the third component.

[0198] Since the injection point 20c for the third component is set lower than the injection point 20b for air, air has been added to or mixed with the first component in the upper part of the mixing tube 2 while the first component has not yet been mixed with the second component. Clogging of the mixer 8 is prevented.

[0199] The first end 3 of the mixing tube 2 can in particular be closed and sealed by a part of the mixer 8. Alternatively or additionally, a seal (not shown) can be provided for closing the first end 3.

[0200] The mixer 8 comprises a central part 12. The central part is configured to be substantially rotationally symmetric and preferably has as small a range as possible in the radial direction in order to minimize the centrifugal force. The central part 12 extends along the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 2. The symmetry axis of the central part 12 preferably coincides with the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 2. In addition, the symmetry axis of the central part 12 coincides with the rotation axis of the mixer. For example, the central part 12 is configured as a circular or cylindrical rod.

[0201] In addition, the mixer 8 includes a plurality of mixing elements 13. The mixing elements 13 are used for the effective mixing of the injected components. The mixing elements 13 are arranged outside the central member 12, such as on its side surface. The mixing elements 13 extend in the radial direction of the central member 12. The mixing elements 13 can be distributed along the central member 12 and / or relative to the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 2. In addition, the plurality of mixing elements can be distributed along the circumferential direction of the central member.

[0202] For example, as shown, the mixing elements 13 are each configured as flakes arranged 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 disclosure is not limited thereto. The mixing elements 13 are preferably designed and / or arranged such that no imbalance occurs when the mixer 8 rotates.

[0203] In addition, a plurality of mixing elements 16 are provided, which are arranged on the inner side of the wall 19 of the mixing tube 2 and extend into the mixing space 5 in the direction opposite to the radial direction towards the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 8. As shown, the mixing elements 16 are also configured as flakes. As shown, the mixing elements 16 are only arranged in the section 2a of the mixing tube 2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0204] As Figure 1A and 1B shown, the first injection unit 7a is arranged on the wall 19 in the first section 2a of the mixing tube 2. The first injection unit 7a is configured to inject the first component into the region of the mixing chamber 5 adjacent to the first section 2a of the mixing tube 2. In addition, the second injection unit 7b is arranged on the wall 19 in the first section 2a of the mixing tube 2. The second injection unit 7a is configured to inject the first component into the region of the mixing chamber 5 adjacent to the first section 2a of the mixing tube 2. The third injection unit 7c is arranged on the wall 19 in the second section 2b of the mixing tube 2. The third injection unit 7c is configured to inject the third component into the region of the mixing chamber 5 adjacent to the second section 2b of the mixing tube 2.

[0205] As Figure 2 shown, the first injection unit 7a is arranged on the wall 19 in the first section 2a of the mixing tube 2. The second injection unit 7b is arranged on the wall 19 in the second section 2b of the mixing tube 2. The second injection unit 7c is arranged on the wall 19 in the third section 2c of the mixing tube 2.

[0206] The application device 1 further includes a moving device 9. The moving device 9 can move the mixer 8 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, which is shown in the figure by the vertical double arrow. The moving device 9 is configured to move the mixer 8 up and down. The moving device 9 can be, for example, a lifting cylinder, especially an electric lifting cylinder or an electro-hydraulic lifting cylinder, or a linear unit with a coil.

[0207] The mixer 8 has a plurality of sections 8a, 8b, 8c along the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 8 or along the symmetry axis of the central member 12, where at least two of the sections 8a, 8b, 8c have different outer diameters from each other. The (maximum) extent of the mixer 8 in a plane including the radial direction of the mixing tube 2 can be regarded as the outer diameter of the mixer 8, where the mixing element 13 is considered for the extent of the mixer 8.

[0208] As Figure 1A and 1B shown, the outer diameter of the first section 8a of the mixer 8 is larger than the outer diameter of the second section 8b. Along the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 2, the first section 8a is arranged closer to the first end 3 than the second section 8b.

[0209] As Figure 2 shown, the mixer further includes a third section 8c, which is closer to the second end 4 of the mixing tube 2 than the second section 8b of the mixer along the central axis 10 of the mixing tube 2. The third section 8c has a larger outer diameter than the first section 8a and the second section 8b. The different outer diameters can be achieved by the mixing element 13 simply extending different distances radially.

[0210] Referring to Figures 3A to 5B describe the movement of the mixer 8. Figures 3B to 5A Schematic cross-sectional views of the second end 3 of the mixing tube 2 and the different positions of the mixer 8 in the application device of different embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0211] The mixer 8 can move along the mixing tube 2 between a first position and a second position. The second position can be located along the mixing tube 2 closer to the second end 3 than the first position. On the other hand, the first position can be located along the mixing tube 2 closer to the first end 3 than the second position.

[0212] According to the first embodiment, the mixer 8 for producing a multi-component mixture and for discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube 2 can be in the first position. 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 in the second position. For example, Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 2 as well as Figure 3A and Figure 4AThe mixer 8 is shown in a first position. In this position, the material flow 14 of the multicomponent mixture can flow out of the mixing tube 2 via the second end 4.

[0213] The mixer 8 can be moved from the 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 relative to the injected component from the second end 4 and / or the material flow 14 of the multicomponent mixture.

[0214] The mixing tube 2 can include at least one sealing element 17. The sealing element 17 is arranged in the region of the second end 4. The mixer 8 can likewise include a sealing element 18. The effect of the mixer 8 moving towards the second end 4 to the second position is that 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.

[0215] As Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, the sealing element 17 is configured 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 the sealing element 18, which is configured in a conical or frustoconical shape on its outer side. According to an embodiment not shown, the mixer 8 can have a needle-shaped or pointed tip 11. The second end 4 of the mixing tube 2 and the end 11 of the mixer 8 thus form a needle valve.

[0216] As Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown, the sealing element 17 is configured as a ring extending radially towards the central axis 10 from the inner side of the wall 19 of the mixing tube 2. The sealing element 24 of the mixer 8 is likewise configured as a ring extending radially of the mixer 8 from the side surface of the central member 12. In the radial direction, the sealing element 18 overlaps with the sealing element 17.

[0217] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The construction of the embodiment of the application device shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B is similar to the embodiment shown, 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 producing the multicomponent mixture and for discharging the multicomponent mixture from the mixing tube 2 is in the second position. To close the second end 4 and prevent the accidental leakage of the multicomponent mixture from the mixing tube 2, the mixer 8 is in the first position. For example, Figure 5B The mixer 8 is shown in a second position. In this position, the material flow 14 of the multicomponent mixture can flow out of the mixing tube 2 via the second end 4.

[0218] The mixer 8 can be moved from a second position to a first position. For example, Figure 5A FIG. shows the mixer 8 in the first position. The effect of this movement is that the mixing tube 2 is sealed relative to the material flow 14 of the injection components and / or multi-component mixture from the second end 4.

[0219] Figure 6 FIG. shows a schematic view of a mixing section of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0220] As explained with reference to the foregoing figures, the injection units 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d inject the respective components into the mixing space 5 via the respective injection points 20a, 20b, 20c, 20c′, 20d. Along the mixing space 5, the mixer 8 mixes the respective components starting from the first end 3 of the mixing tube 2 towards the second end 4 of the mixing tube 2, and the order of mixing is the order in which they are injected into the mixing space 5. Thus, the mixing space 5 defines a mixing section 6 starting from the first end 3 of the mixing tube 2 towards the second end 4 of the mixing tube 2. Thus, the mixing section 6 is used to logically or abstractly describe the order in which the components are injected into the mixing space 5, regardless of the detailed geometry of the mixing tube 2 and / or the mixer 5.

[0221] The mixing section 6 can be regarded as an arrow or a vector, with the first end 3 as the starting point 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 respective 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 the Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 embodiments.

[0222] If the injection points are located at different positions along the central axis 10, or at different heights on the mixing tube wall 19, then different positions are generated along the mixing section 6. For example, this is the case for the injection points 20a, 20b, 20c, 20c’ or the positions Pa, Pb, Pc, Pc’. However, 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, then the same position is generated along the mixing section 6. For example, this is the case 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.

[0223] Figure 7A device 200 for material handling is shown (also referred to herein as a material handling device). In FIG. 1, the material handling device is denoted by reference numerals 200a, b because there can be a first device 200a and a second device 200b. This applies equally to all elements of the material handling device. The material handling device 200 is described below, where this description is valid for the first material handling device 200a and the second material handling device 200b.

[0224] The material handling device 200 includes a material container 210 and a pumping device 220. The material container 210 is configured to process a 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. To this end, 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, a pressure of less than 1.0 bar can prevail in the material container 210. To provide a negative pressure, the material container 210 can include a negative pressure unit. Alternatively or additionally, the material container 210 can be configured to stir or move or degas the material M. To this end, the material container 210 can include a stirrer 11. The stirrer 11 can be moved or driven by a driver 215.

[0225] The material M can be a liquid (at 20 °C and 1 bar). The material M can be a suspension. The material M can include monomers for polyurethane polymerization. In particular, the material includes polyols or polyisocyanates.

[0226] The material M can be stored in the material container 210 and pre-treated in the material container 210. For example, the 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.

[0227] The pumping device 220 can be arranged downstream of the material container 210. The material M can flow directly or through additional elements, such as fluid conducting elements like tubes or channels, into the inlet 221 of the pumping device 220. A pressure of less than 1.0 bar can exist at the inlet 221 of the pumping device 220. In other words, the material M can have a vacuum at the inlet 221 of the pumping device 220.

[0228] The pressure of the material M can be increased by the pumping device 220. In particular, the pressure can be increased from the inlet 221 of the pumping device 220 to the outlet 222 of the pumping device 220, for example by at least 20 bar, at least 60 bar, at least 200 bar or even at least 300 bar. The material M can exist at the outlet 222 of the pumping device 220 at a pressure of at least 20 bar, at least 60 bar, at least 200 bar or even at least 300 bar.

[0229] The pumping device 220 can be a high-pressure pump. The pumping device 220 can be a piston pump. In particular, the pumping device 220 is a high-pressure piston pump.

[0230] The volume flow rate of the material (at the outlet 222 of the pumping device 220) can be adjusted or controlled by the pumping device 220.

[0231] The material processing device 200 can include a driver 225 for the pumping device 220. The driver 225 can be a servo-hydraulic driver. The volume flow rate and / or mass flow rate of the material M can be adjusted or controlled by the driver 225.

[0232] The pumping device 220 can be electrically controlled or adjustable.

[0233] The material M can be processed in the material container 210 of the material processing device 200 and introduced into the pumping device 220. The pressure of the material M can be increased in the pumping device 220 so that the material can be discharged at a pressure of at least 15 bar at the outlet 222 of the pumping device 220.

[0234] The material processing device 200 can be coupled to or include a control unit 207. The control unit 207 can be coupled to the device in a wired or wireless manner. The control unit 207 can be configured to control or adjust the material container 210 and / or the pumping device 220. In particular, the control unit 207 is configured to control or adjust the driver 215 of the stirrer 211 and / or the driver 225 of the pumping device 220. The control unit can be Figure 7 the control unit 107.

[0235] Figure 8 A detailed view of the material container 210 is shown. The material M is contained or stored in the material container 210. The material M is processed in the material container 210. For example, a vacuum or negative pressure of the material M can be provided by the material container 210. 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.

[0236] Figure 9 A schematic view of an application system is shown, which is used for mixing multiple components to produce a multi-component mixture and for introducing or applying the multi-component mixture into or onto an article of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0237] The application system 100 includes an application device 1 of an embodiment of the present disclosure, such as Figure 1A the application device 1.

[0238] Furthermore, the application system 100 may include at least one first material handling device 200a. The material handling device 200a is configured to provide a material flow of a first component. Furthermore, the application system 100 may include a second material handling device 200b. The second material handling device 200b is configured to provide a material flow of a third component.

[0239] The material handling device 200a may include a first material container 210a and a first pumping device 220a. The first material container 210a may be configured to handle the first component (corresponding to the material Ma in Figure 8 . The first pumping device 220a may have a first inlet 221a and a first outlet 222a. The first inlet 221a of the first pumping device 220a may be connected to the first material container 210a in a fluid communication manner such that the first material Ma can be introduced from the first material container 210a into the first pumping device 20a. The first pumping device 220a may be configured to provide a pressure of at least 15 bar for the first material Ma at the first outlet 222a of the first pumping device 220a.

[0240] The application system 100 may include a second material handling device 200b. The second material handling device 200b may include a second material container 210b and a second pumping device 220b. The second material container 210b may be configured to handle the third component (corresponding to the material Mb in Figure 8 . The second pumping device 220b may have a second inlet 221b and a second outlet 222b. The second inlet 221b of the second pumping 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 pumping device 220b. The second pumping device 220b may be configured to provide a pressure of at least 15 bar for the second material Mb at the second outlet 222b of the second pumping device 220b.

[0241] The application device 1 may be connected to the first outlet 222a and the second outlet 222b in a fluid communication manner such that the first component and the third component can be introduced into the application device 1.

[0242] Furthermore, the application system 100 includes a first metering device 101, which is configured to receive the material flow of the first component from the material handling device 200a, set the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the component, and provide the material flow to the first injection unit 7a of the application device 1.

[0243] In addition, the application system 100 includes a second metering device 102 configured to receive a material flow of a second component, set the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the second component, and supply the material flow to the second injection unit 7b of the application device 1. For example, the second component is a gas or a gas mixture, such as air, and the material flow is an air flow or an air stream.

[0244] Furthermore, the application system includes a third metering device 103 configured to receive a material flow of a third component from the second material processing device 200b, set the volume flow rate of these components, and supply the material flow to the third injection unit 7c of the application device 1.

[0245] The first metering device 101 and the third metering device 103 may preferably be included in or form the metering device 112. The first metering device 101 and the third metering device 103 may be constructed identically or have the same function. The metering device 112 may be, for example, the series metering gauge DPL 20012KT from Scheugenpflug.

[0246] Each metering device may also be configured to set the volume flow rate of the respective component. According to an embodiment not shown, the application system 100 may include additional corresponding devices for material processing and metering devices for additional components, such as a fourth and / or fifth component.

[0247] The second metering device 102 includes a measuring unit 104, such as an air quality sensor or an air quantity sensor. The second metering device 102 further includes an actuator 105, in particular an air valve, such as a proportional air valve. The measuring unit 104 is configured to receive an air flow from the air supply device 106 of the application system 100 or from an external air supply device 106, measure the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the air flow, and supply the air flow to the actuator 105. The actuator 105 is configured to receive the air flow from the measuring unit 104, set the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the air flow, and supply the air flow to the second injection unit 7b. The variable volume flow rate and / or mass flow rate of the air flow may be provided by a proportional air valve.

[0248] The air supply device 106 may be, for example, an air pump. The air supply device 106 is configured to provide an air flow with a predetermined pressure.

[0249] The application system 100 further includes a first pipeline 110 between the air supply device 106 and the second metering device 102, and a second pipeline 111 between the second metering device 102 and the second 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 second metering device 102, and the second injection unit 7a. Therefore, the second component flows from the air supply device 106 to the metering device 102, and then to the injection unit 7b in the material flow direction.

[0250] The application system 100 further includes a measurement unit for measuring pressure. The application system 100 includes a first pipeline pressure sensor (not shown), which is configured 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 configured to measure the air pressure in the second pipeline 111.

[0251] The application system 100 further includes corresponding fluid conducting 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 second component from the second material processing device 200b to the third metering device 103 and the third injection unit 7b. Therefore, the first component flows from the first material processing device 200a to the metering device 101 in the material flow direction, and then to the injection unit 7a. In addition, the third component flows from the second material processing device 200b to the metering device 103 in the material flow direction, and then to the injection unit 7b.

[0252] 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 third metering device 103, and the third injection unit 7c are connected to each other in a fluid communication manner. The air supply device 106, the second metering device 102, and the second injection unit 7b are connected to each other in a fluid communication manner.

[0253] The pipelines and material flows of the first component, the second component, and the third component are shown by solid arrows in Figure 9 in.

[0254] The application system 100 is configured to mix the first component and the third component with air only in the mixing chamber 5 of the application device 1. The application system 100 does not mix the first component or the third component with air beforehand. In particular, the application system does not mix the first component or the third 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 third component is not mixed with air upstream of the injection unit 7b. Therefore, the first component and the third component are not mixed with gas or air upstream of the application device 1 and upstream of the corresponding injection units 7a, 7b.

[0255] The application system is thus configured not to mix the first component with air upstream of the first metering device 101 and upstream of the first injection unit 7a in the material flow direction of the first component. The application system is configured not to mix the third component with air upstream of the third metering device 103 and upstream of the third injection unit 7b in the material flow direction of the third component. Therefore, the first component and the third component are injected into the mixing space 5 in an air - free or gas - free state.

[0256] 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 measurement units of the application system, such as measurement unit 104, the first to third pressure sensors for the mixing space 5, and the pipeline pressure sensor. 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 shown by the single - arrow and double - arrow dotted lines in Figure 9 which.

[0257] The system 100 can also be referred to as a system for applying a mixture, in particular for the polymerization of polyurethane.

[0258] The control unit 107 is configured to perform the control steps of the method of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0259] Figure 10A flowchart of a method for mixing multiple components to produce a multi-component mixture and for introducing or applying the multi-component mixture into or onto an article of an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method can be carried out by means of an application device or an application system of an embodiment of the present disclosure, such as Figure 1A the application device of Figure 9 and the application system of

[0260] Injecting a first component into a 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.

[0261] A second component, such as a gas or a gas mixture, especially air, is injected into the mixing space through a second injection unit, S2. The second component is injected into the mixing space at a second injection point. The second component is injected into the mixing space at a corresponding second position along the mixing section. Here, the second position is arranged after the first position along the mixing section.

[0262] The method includes S4, injecting a third component into the mixing space through a third injection unit. The third component is injected into the mixing space at a third injection point. The third component is injected into the mixing space at a corresponding third position along the mixing section. Here, the third position is arranged after the second position P along the mixing section.

[0263] The method includes mixing the first to third components along the mixing tube based on the order of injecting the components along the mixing section. The mixing is carried out by a mixer arranged in the mixing space. The mixing includes S3, mixing the first component with the second component. The method includes S5, mixing the mixture of the first component and the second component with the third component to produce a multi-component mixture including the first, second, and third components.

[0264] The method further includes S6, discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube through the second end. Further, the method includes applying the multi-component mixture to an article.

[0265] Figure 11 A flowchart of a method for mixing multiple components to produce a multi-component mixture and for introducing or applying the multi-component mixture into or onto an article of other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The method can be carried out by means of an application system of an embodiment of the present disclosure, such as Figure 9 the application system of

[0266] A material stream of a first component is supplied to a first metering device, S11, by a first device for material handling. The mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the first component is set by means of the first metering device, S12, and the material stream is supplied to a first injection unit, S13.

[0267] An air stream is supplied to a second metering device, S21, by means of an air supply device. The mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the air stream is set by means of the second metering device, S22, and the air stream is supplied to a second injection unit, S23.

[0268] A material stream of a third component is supplied to a third metering device, S31, by a second device for material handling. The mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of the third component is set by means of the third metering device, S32, and the material stream is supplied to a third injection unit of an application device, S33.

[0269] Figure 11 The method further comprises a method having steps S1 - S6 Figure 10 The method further comprises steps S7, under the control of a control unit.

[0270] The control can include actuating a rotating device for a mixer and / or a first metering device and / or a second metering device, in particular a measuring unit and an actuator, and / or a third metering device and / or an air supply device.

[0271] The control can include controlling the air pressure, in particular in a pipeline for guiding the air stream and / or at a second injection point for air, such that the second component is injected into the mixing space at a greater pressure than the first component and / or the third component, or the air pressure is greater than the pressure in the mixing space. Preferably, the difference can be 1 bar or greater. The air pressure can be achieved, for example, by adjusting the air pressure by means of the air supply device and / or by means of an actuator of the second metering device.

[0272] The control can further include controlling the ratio of the mass flow rate of the air stream to the mass flow rate of the first component and / or controlling or setting the ratio of the mass flow rate of the air stream to the mass flow rate of the third component. Here, these can preferably be the mass flow rates of the material streams of the components injected into the mixing chamber.

[0273]

[0274] ​The set value of the ratio can be predefined by the control unit or an external system or the user of the application device. The set value can be predefined by a mathematical function. As a result, it is ensured that the same amount of air is always added to the material of the first component and the material of the third component. In other words, it is ensured that the same predetermined amount of air is always added to the PU foam. This ratio can be achieved, for example, by adjusting the mass flow rate of the first component by means of the first metering device and / or by adjusting the mass flow rate of the third component by means of the third metering device and / or by adjusting the mass flow rate and / or volume flow rate of air by means of the second metering device, and / or by adjusting the rotational speed of the mixer by means of the rotational device of the mixer, and / or by adjusting the air pressure by means of the air supply device.

[0275] Figure 12 FIG. shows control steps for illustrating a method of mixing multiple components to produce a multi-component mixture and introducing or applying the multi-component mixture into or onto an article of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0276] An air flow meter as a measuring unit measures the amount or mass flow rate of air injected into the mixer. In addition, the pressure in the mixing chamber is measured by a pressure sensor. On this basis, signal processing is performed, for example, by the control unit. Based on the signal processing, the actual value of the "air-material ratio", the actual value of the position controller of the first metering device for the first component and / or the position controller of the third metering device for the third 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 second injection unit for the air flow are predefined. In addition, the set value of the proportional valve of the second metering device for the air flow is predefined based on the signal processing. The proportional valve can be similar.

[0277] The "air-material ratio" describes, for example, the ratio of the injection amount of air or the injection mass flow rate of air to the injection amount of the first component ( Figure 12 A in) or the injection mass flow rate of the first component entering the mixing chamber.

[0278] The set value of the position controller of the first or third metering device is generated from the set value of the "air-material ratio". Further, the set value of the rotational speed of the mixer is generated from the set value of the "air-material ratio". Further, the set value of the actuation of the intake valve is generated from the set value of the "air-material ratio".

[0279] The position of the first or third metering device is controlled based on the set value and the actual value of the "air-material ratio". This position can describe, for example, the opening angle of the metering unit of the metering device. However, this position can also be set as a function of the desired amount of PU foam or the desired material flow.

[0280] The rotational speed of the mixer is controlled based on the set value and the actual value of the rotational speed. For example, the rotational speed is controlled to be proportional to the difference between the set value and the actual value.

[0281] Furthermore, the intake valve is actuated based on the setpoint and the actual value of the PWM control of the intake valve.

[0282] In addition, the proportional valve is actuated.

[0283] The air supply is controlled in proportion to the material flow and the mixer speed, thus ensuring that the same amount of air is always added to the material. The amount of air is determined by the proportional valve. An air flow meter is used as the 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 third component from flowing into the injection unit and / or the pipeline for the air flow and clogging or contaminating them. According to the embodiment, the amount of air is controlled by the air flow meter. The proportional valve controls the air pressure.

[0284] List of reference numerals:

[0285] 1 Application device

[0286] 2 Mixing tube

[0287] 2a, 2b, 2c Sections of the mixing tube

[0288] 2d, 2e Transition sections of the mixing tube

[0289] 3 First end of the mixing tube

[0290] 4 Second end of the mixing tube

[0291] 5 Mixing space

[0292] 6 Mixing section

[0293] 7a, 7b, 7c Injection units

[0294] 8 Mixer

[0295] 8a, 8b, 8c Sections of the mixer

[0296] 9 Moving device

[0297] 10 Central axis of the mixing tube

[0298] 11 End of the mixer

[0299] 12 Central part of the mixer

[0300] 13 Mixing element of the mixer

[0301] 14 Material flow

[0302] 15 Rotating device

[0303] 16 Mixing element of the application device

[0304] 17 Seal of the mixing tube

[0305] Sealing element of the mixer 18

[0306] Wall of the mixing tube 19

[0307] Injection points 20, 20b, 20c, 20c’, 20d

[0308] Application system 100

[0309] First metering device 101

[0310] Second metering device 102

[0311] Third metering device 103

[0312] Measuring unit 104

[0313] Actuator 105

[0314] Air supply device 106

[0315] Control unit 107

[0316] First pipeline 110

[0317] Second pipeline 111

[0318] Metering device 112

[0319] Material handling devices 200a, b

[0320] Control device 207

[0321] Material containers 210a, b

[0322] Agitators 211a, b

[0323] Drives 215a, b

[0324] Pumping devices 220a, b

[0325] Inlets 221a, b

[0326] Outlets 222a, b

[0327] Drives 225a, b

Claims

1. An application system (100) for mixing a plurality of components to produce a multi-component mixture, in particular a polyurethane foam, and for introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture into and / or onto an article (G), in particular a lithium-ion battery, comprising: an application device (1) configured for mixing the plurality of components to produce the multi-component mixture and for introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture into and / or onto the article (G), The application system preferably further comprises one or more of the following devices: - a first device (200a) for material processing, said first device (200a) being configured to provide a material flow of a first component, and / or - a second device (200b) for material processing, said second device (200b) being configured to provide a material flow of a third component, and / or a first metering device (101) configured to receive the material flow of the first component, to set a mass flow rate and / or a volume flow rate of the first component, and to supply the material flow to a first injection unit (7a) of the application device (1), and / or a second metering device (102) configured to receive a material flow of a second component, in particular a gas flow, preferably an air flow, to set a mass flow and / or a volume flow of the second component and to supply the material flow to a second injection unit (7b) of the application device, and / or - a third metering device (103), which is configured to receive a material flow of the third component, set a mass flow rate and / or a volume flow rate of the third component, and provide the material flow to a third injection unit (7b) of the application device (1).

2. The application system according to claim 1, wherein: The first device (200a) for material processing and / or the second device (200b) for material processing comprises: A material container (210) and a pumping device (220), wherein: - the material container (210) is configured to process the corresponding component (M); - the pumping device (220) has an inlet (221) and an outlet (222); - the inlet (221) of the pumping device (220) is connected to the material container (210) in a fluid-communicating manner so that the component (M) can be introduced from the material container (210) into the pumping device (220); and - said pumping device (220) is configured to provide said component (M) with a pressure of at least 15 bar at said outlet (222) of said pumping device (220).

3. The application system of claim 2, wherein: - the pumping device (220) comprises or is a piston pump, in particular a high-pressure piston pump; and / or - the pumping device (220) is configured to provide the components with a pressure of at least 60 bar, preferably at least 100 bar, more preferably at least 200 bar, more preferably at least 300 bar at the outlet (222) of the pumping device (220); and / or - the pumping device (220) is configured to control or regulate the volume flow of the component (M) at the outlet (222) of the pumping device (220); and / or The pumping device (220) comprises a drive (225), in particular a servo-hydraulic drive (225).

4. An application system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The applying device (1) comprises: a mixing tube (2) having a first closed end (3) and a second end (4), for discharging the multi-component mixture from the mixing tube (2), wherein the mixing tube (2) comprises a mixing space (5) between the first end (3) and the second end (4), a plurality of injection units (7a, 7b, 7c), preferably arranged on the mixing tube (2), each injection unit being configured to inject a respective one of the plurality of components into the mixing space (5), - wherein the application device further comprises a mixer (8) arranged in the mixing space (5), the mixer (8) being configured to mix the injected components with one another, in particular along the mixing tube (2).

5. An application system according to claim 4, wherein: The mixing space (5) defines a mixing section (6) starting from a first end, wherein each of the plurality of injection units (7a, 7b, 7c) is configured to inject a corresponding one of the plurality of components at a corresponding position (Pa, Pb, Pc) along the mixing section (6), Wherein, the plurality of injection units (7a, 7b, 7c) include: - at least one first injection unit (7a) for injecting the first component, preferably at a first position (Pa) along the mixing section (6); and at least one second injection unit (7b) for injecting the second component, in particular a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air, preferably at a second position (Pb) arranged along the mixing section (6) at or after the first position (Pa); Wherein, the mixer (8) is configured to mix the injected components with each other based on the order in which the injected components are injected at the corresponding positions (Pa, Pb, Pc) along the mixing section (6).

6. An application system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The second injection unit (7b) is configured to inject a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air, as the second component, and / or Wherein, the plurality of injection units include a third injection unit (7c) for injecting the third component, preferably at a third position (Pc) arranged along the mixing section (6) at or after the second position (Pb).

7. The application system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the application device further comprises: - a moving device (9) configured to move the mixer (8) along the central axis (10) of the mixing tube (2) and / or between the first end (3) and the second end (4).

8. An application system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: The mixing tube (2) has a plurality of sections (2a, 2b, 2c), wherein walls (19) of at least two sections of the plurality of sections (2a, 2b, 2c) of the mixing tube (2) have inner diameters different from each other.

9. The application system of claim 8, further comprising at least one pressure sensor, wherein Preferably, at least one pressure sensor is provided for at least one of the multiple sections (2a, 2b, 2c) of the mixing tube (2), and the pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure in the area of ​​the mixing chamber (5) adjacent to each section (2a, 2b, 2c).

10. An application system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first component and / or the third component are fluid or include fluid and / or are liquid, in particular: wherein the first component is or includes a polyol, and / or the third component is or includes a polyisocyanate, or wherein the first component is or includes a polyisocyanate, and / or the third component is or includes a polyol, and / or The second component is or includes a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air.

11. An application system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first component and / or the third component are injected into the mixing chamber (5) of the application device (1) in an air-free state and / or a gas-free state.

12. The application system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to mix the first component and / or the third component with the second component only in the mixing chamber (5) of the application device (1), and / or in, The application system (100) is configured not to mix the first component with the second component upstream of the first metering device (101) or upstream of the application device (1), and / or wherein the application system (100) is configured not to mix the third component with the second component upstream of the third metering device (103) or upstream of the application device (1).

13. The application system (100) according to claim 12, comprising a control unit (107) configured to controlling the ratio between the mass flow rate of the second component and the mass flow rate of the first component and / or the ratio between the mass flow rate of the second component and the mass flow rate of the third component and / or the ratio between the mass flow rate of the first component and the mass flow rate of the third component, and / or The ratio between the volume flow of the second component and the volume flow of the first component and / or the ratio between the volume flow of the second component and the volume flow of the third component and / or the ratio between the volume flow of the first component and the volume flow of the third component is controlled.

14. A method for mixing a plurality of components to produce a multi-component mixture and for introducing and / or applying the multi-component mixture into and / or onto an article (G), in particular using an application system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - S11: providing a material flow of a first component by means of a first device for material processing, S12: setting a mass flow rate of the first component by means of a first metering device (101), and S13: providing the material flow to a first injection unit (7a) of an application device (1), - S21: providing a material flow of a second component, in particular a gas or a gas mixture, preferably air, S22: setting a mass flow of the second component by means of a second metering device (102), and S23: providing the material flow to a second injection unit (7b) of the application device (1), - S31: providing a material flow of a third component by means of a second device for material processing, S32: setting a mass flow rate of the third component by means of a third metering device (103), and S33: providing the material flow to a third injection unit (7c) of the application device (1), - S1: injecting the first component into the mixing space (5) of the mixing tube (2) of the application device (1) at a first position along the mixing section (6) defined by the mixing space (5) by means of the first injection unit (7a), and S2: injecting the second component into the mixing space (5) at a second position (Pb) located at or after the first position (Pa) along the mixing section (6) by means of the second injection unit (7a), - S3: mixing the first component and the second component along the mixing section (6) in the mixing space (5) by rotating a mixer (8) arranged in the mixing space (5) to produce a mixture of the first component and the second component, - S4: injecting the third component into the mixing space (5) at a third position located at or after the second position along the mixing section (6) by means of the third injection unit (7c), and - S5: Mixing the third component with the mixture of the first component and the second component by rotating the mixer (5) to produce the multi-component mixture.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The first component and / or the third component are injected into the mixing space (5) in an airless state and / or a gasless state, and / or wherein the first component passes through the first metering device (101) in the absence of air or gas, and / or wherein the third component passes through the third metering device (103) in the absence of air or gas.

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