Method and device for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part.

[0002] Methods and devices for producing particle foam moldings by processing expandable or expanded particle foam materials are known from the prior art in a variety of different embodiments.

[0003] Within the scope of corresponding methods or the operation of corresponding devices, it is known to generate a process fluid flow flowing through a mold cavity defined by a plurality of tool elements, which process fluid flow flows into the mold cavity via at least one nozzle-like or -shaped opening of a first tool element and flows out of the mold cavity via at least one nozzle-like or -shaped opening of a second tool element.

[0004] This principle, also known as transverse vapor deposition, allows a process fluid, such as superheated steam, to flow through the mold cavity filled with particle foam material to be processed into a particle foam molded part. The particle foam material, which is typically in particulate form before the process fluid flows through the mold cavity, is bonded together by the energy input caused by the process fluid flow, forming a particle foam molded part.

[0005] Although the principle generally leads to satisfactory results with regard to the particle foam molded parts that can be produced with it, there is a need for further development or improvement of the principle, for example with regard to aspects such as the efficiency of the energy input or the energy input during the bonding process of the respective particle foam materials to form particle foam molded parts and the associated reduction of cycle times, etc.

[0006] DE 31 51 775 A1 discloses a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and a device for processing particle foam material.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved method for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part. Similarly, a correspondingly improved device for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part is to be provided.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for processing particle foam material to produce at least one particle foam molded part. The method is accordingly directed to the processing of particle foam materials, i.e. expandable or expanded plastic particles ("plastic particles") made of at least one expandable or expanded plastic particle material ("plastic particle material") to produce one or more particle foam molded parts. According to the method, for example, expandable or expanded plastic particles based on polypropylene (PP or EPP), expanded and / or expandable polyamide (PA or EPA), expanded and / or expandable polystyrene (PS or EPS), and expanded and / or expandable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), in particular expanded and / or expandable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), can be processed to produce a particle foam molded part.Similarly, particle foam materials based on so-called bio-materials, i.e. expandable or expanded plastic particles based on plants, such as polysaccharide-based materials, i.e. starch or sugar-based materials, can be processed to produce a particle foam molded part.

[0010] The process therefore generally involves the execution of one or more work processes for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part. The term "work process" generally includes any process that can be carried out or is carried out within the scope of the process and that is directly or indirectly related to the processing of particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part.

[0011] Therefore, work processes that can be carried out or are carried out according to the method are, in particular, processing processes in which an (actual) processing of particle foam material filled into a mold cavity, i.e., in particular, a bonding of plastic particles to form a particle foam molded part to be produced, takes place. Within the scope of a processing process, at least one working or process fluid flow is typically used, flowing through the mold cavity filled with particle foam material to be processed into a particle foam molded part. A working or process fluid forming a respective working or process fluid flow can be an energy carrier fluid, in particular a liquid, vaporous or gaseous fluid, i.e., a liquid such as, for example, water, a vapor such as, for example, superheated steam, or a gas such as, for example, air, which, within the scope of the processing process, contains energy, i.e.In particular, thermal energy is transferred to the particle foam material. As will become apparent below, the method particularly concerns a special process control within the framework of corresponding manufacturing processes.

[0012] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that work processes that can be carried out or carried out according to the method can equally be provision processes in which a quantity of particle foam material to be processed, in particular a quantity of particle foam material to be processed in a processing process, is provided, conveying processes in which a quantity of particle foam material, in particular a quantity of particle foam material to be processed in a processing process, is conveyed along a conveying path in the direction of a mold cavity, or filling processes in which a quantity of particle foam material, in particular a quantity of particle foam material to be processed in a processing process, is filled into a mold cavity.

[0013] To carry out respective work processes, a device used to carry out the method comprises one or more functional units. Examples of corresponding functional units are mentioned below in connection with a device according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0014] The essential steps of the method are explained in more detail below: The method includes a first step of generating a first process fluid flow, i.e. a steam or superheated steam flow, flowing through a mold cavity defined by two tool elements of a mold. The first process fluid flow flows into the mold cavity via at least one opening of a first tool element of the mold - as will become apparent below, this is typically a third opening, in particular a nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped, of the first tool element - and out of the mold cavity via at least one opening of a second tool element of the mold - as will become apparent below, this is typically a third opening, in particular a nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped, of the second tool element.In the first step of the method, a so-called transverse vapor deposition of the (here typically almost or completely closed) mold cavity typically takes place, i.e. the first process fluid flow flows into the first tool element via respective first openings of the first tool element, flows out of the first tool element into the mold cavity via respective third openings of the first tool element, flows through the mold cavity in the direction of the second tool element, wherein a connection of the particle foam material located in the mold cavity takes place to form the particle foam molded part to be produced, flows into the second tool element via respective third openings of the second tool element and flows out of the second tool element via respective second openings of the second tool element.

[0015] Likewise, the method includes a second step of generating a second process fluid flow, e.g., a steam or superheated steam flow. The second process fluid flow flows into the second tool element via at least one first opening in the second tool element and flows out of the second tool element via at least one second opening in the second tool element. Thus, in the second step of the method, parallel to the transverse vapor deposition occurring in the first step of the method, a second process fluid flow is generated flowing through the second tool element between a respective first and second opening, so that additional energy is specifically introduced into the second tool element via the second process fluid flow during the transverse vapor deposition.The second step of the method is typically not a second transverse vapor deposition of the mold cavity starting from the second tool element, as the second process fluid flow typically only flows through the second tool element between respective first and second openings of the second tool element, but does not flow out into the mold cavity via corresponding, in particular nozzle-like or -shaped, third openings of the second tool element.

[0016] As will become apparent below, the first and second steps are typically performed simultaneously in the process. The terms "first step" and "second step" therefore do not indicate that the steps are performed sequentially, but rather that they refer to respective steps in the generation of corresponding first and second process fluid flows.

[0017] According to the method, the first and the second process fluid flows differ in at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties. The targeted adjustment, i.e. in particular control or regulation, of respective flow parameters influencing the flow properties of the first and second process fluid flows, which is possible according to the method via a corresponding control and / or regulation device, is therefore carried out with the proviso that the first and the second process fluid flows differ in at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties. By this targeted coordination of the flow parameters or properties of the process fluid flows, it can be ensured that the first and second process fluid flows do not impair one another. In particular, by this targeted coordination of the flow parameters or-properties of the process fluid flows on each other ensure that the second process fluid flow does not negatively influence the first process fluid flow flowing through the mold cavity and thus the joining of the particle foam material for producing a respective particle foam molded part that takes place or is brought about by the first process fluid flow.

[0018] The method is therefore based on the principle of generating a corresponding second process fluid flow in addition to generating a corresponding first process fluid flow, which surprisingly has a significantly positive effect on the efficiency of the processing process and thus on the efficiency of the entire process, as the energy additionally supplied to the second tool element by the second process fluid flow increases the efficiency of the energy input or the energy introduction during the process of joining the respective particle foam materials to form particle foam molded parts and thus enables the reduction of cycle times.

[0019] Overall, this provides an improved process for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part.

[0020] The at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties can, in particular, be the pressure or pressure level of the first and second process fluid flows. Thus, the control or regulation of respective flow parameters influencing the flow properties of the first and second process fluid flows, which is possible according to the method via a corresponding control and / or regulation device, can thus be carried out with the proviso that the first and second process fluid flows differ in their pressure or pressure level. The pressure or pressure level of the respective process fluid flows can be detected via pressure detection devices, such as pressure sensors. Corresponding pressure detection devices can, for example, be arranged or formed on or in respective tool elements.In particular, corresponding pressure detection devices can be arranged or formed on or in the region of the respective first and / or second and / or third openings of the respective tool elements. The pressure or pressure level of the respective process fluid flows can thus, for example, relate to the pressure or pressure level when the respective process fluid flows flow into and / or out of the respective tool elements.

[0021] According to the method, the second process fluid flow typically has a lower pressure than the first process fluid flow. In this way, it can be ensured that the second process fluid flow does not impair the first process fluid flow, for example by the second process fluid flow hindering an outflow of the first process fluid flow from the mold cavity via corresponding third openings in the second tool element or an inflow of the first process fluid flow into the second tool element via respective third openings in the second tool element due to excessive pressure. The pressure or the pressure level of the second process fluid flow can, in particular, be set relative to the pressure orThe pressure level of the first process fluid flow, in particular after flowing through the mold cavity, must be selected such that the second process fluid flow generates a certain suction effect, which promotes the flow through the mold cavity with the first process fluid flow.

[0022] Investigations have shown that the second process fluid flow expediently has a pressure that is twice as low as the first process fluid flow. However, this is to be understood as an example. The pressure or pressure level of the second process fluid flow can, for example, be 0.95 times, 0.9 times, 0.85 times, 0.8 times, 0.75 times, 0.7 times, 0.65 times, 0.6 times, 0.55 times, 0.5 times, 0.45 times, 0.4 times, 0.35 times, 0.3 times, 0.25 times, 0.2 times, 0.15 times, 0.1 times, or 0.05 times the pressure or pressure level of the first process fluid flow.

[0023] At this point, it should be noted in general that the corresponding pressure differences between the first and the second process fluid flow can, if necessary, be dynamically positive or negative, i.e. upwards and / or downwards, adjusted or adjusted, i.e. in particular controlled or regulated, according to the method. For example, the pressure or pressure level of the second process fluid flow can be, for example, 0.75 times the pressure or pressure level of the first process fluid flow at a first point in time and 0.9 times or 0.4 times the pressure or pressure level of the first process fluid flow at a further point in time. In principle, the realization of various, possibly variable, pressure difference profiles is therefore conceivable, which typically depend on properties of the particle foam material to be processed, such as the chemical and / or physical composition of the particle foam material, and / or on properties of the configuration of the mold, such asthe size of the mold cavity, etc.

[0024] From the above explanations regarding the generation of corresponding first and second process fluid flows, it follows that the device or a device used to carry out the method accordingly comprises a molding tool with at least two tool elements, which can optionally also be referred to as tool halves, which are designed to define a mold cavity, which can optionally also be referred to as a process chamber. The respective tool elements each comprise at least one first opening, which can optionally also be referred to as an inflow opening, through which a process fluid or a process fluid flow can flow into the respective tool element, and at least one second opening, which can optionally also be referred to as an outflow opening, through which a process fluid or a process fluid flow can flow out of the respective tool element. The respective tool elements further comprise at least one, in particular nozzle-like or-shaped, third opening, via which a process fluid flow flowing into the respective tool element via at least one first opening can flow out of the respective tool element into the or a mold cavity.

[0025] The respective first, second and third openings of a respective tool element are typically fluidically connected to one another via a flow channel structure comprising at least one flow channel which at least partially penetrates the respective tool element, so that a process fluid flow flowing into a respective tool element via a respective first opening can flow out of the respective tool element via a respective second opening and / or via a respective third opening. A corresponding flow channel structure can extend at least partially close to the contour, i.e. close below respective shaping tool element sections of respective tool elements, for example in order to enable energy transfer from the respective tool element section to the particle foam material or materials filled into the mold cavity when a process fluid flow flows through it.

[0026] In particular, at least one closure device can be assigned to each of the first and second openings on the tool element side, which closure device comprises at least one closure element that can be moved between a first position, which can also be referred to as the open position, in which a process fluid flow can flow through the respective closure device, and a second position, which can also be referred to as the closed position, in which a process fluid flow cannot flow through the respective closure device. A corresponding closure element can typically also be moved into at least one intermediate position lying between a corresponding first and second position. Corresponding closure devices can in particular be designed as or comprise active or passive flow limiting devices. Corresponding active or passive flow limiting devices can, for example,be designed as valve devices, in particular as controllable or regulatable control valve devices. Controllable or regulatable control valve devices are particularly suitable or used to carry out the method.

[0027] According to the method, a first and a second tool element can be used to process particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part, each of which comprises a flow channel structure arranged or formed so as to extend between at least one respective first opening, which can be designated as an inflow opening, and at least one respective second opening, which can be designated as an outflow opening, and through which the first and / or second process fluid flow can flow. As mentioned, at least one first valve or control valve device, generally a corresponding closure device, can be assigned to the respective first opening(s), and / or at least one second valve or control valve device, generally a corresponding closure device, can be assigned to the respective second opening(s).

[0028] The generation of a corresponding first process fluid flow according to the method, wherein the first process fluid flow flows into the mold cavity via at least one third opening of a first tool element and, after flowing through the mold cavity, flows out of the mold cavity via at least one third opening of a second tool element, typically includes, for a correspondingly configured device with respect to the respective first tool element, that the at least one first opening of the first tool element is or is opened for the inflow of the first process fluid flow via the at least one first opening into the first tool element; thus, the closure element of a closure device assigned to the at least one first opening of the first tool element is or is moved into the open position. Likewise,the at least one second opening of the first tool element is not opened for the first process fluid flow to flow out of the first tool element via the at least one second opening; thus, the closure element of a closure device associated with the at least one second opening of the first tool element is or will be moved into the closed position. The first process fluid flow flowing into the first tool element via the at least one first opening thus flows out of the first tool element via the at least one third opening of the first tool element into the mold cavity, which is typically filled with particle foam material.After the first process fluid flow has flowed through the mold cavity, which, as mentioned, is typically filled with particle foam material, the first process fluid flow flows into the second tool element via at least one third opening of the second tool element and out of the second tool element via at least one second opening of the second tool element.

[0029] The generation according to the method of a first process fluid flow flowing through a mold cavity defined by two tool elements, wherein the first process fluid flow flows into the mold cavity via at least one third opening of a first tool element and flows out of the mold cavity via at least one second opening of a second tool element, typically includes, for a correspondingly configured device with respect to the respective second tool element, that the at least one second opening of the first tool element is or is opened for the outflow of the first process fluid flow via the at least one second opening from the second tool element; thus, the closure element of a closure device associated with the at least one second opening of the second tool element is or is moved into the open position.The first process fluid flow flowing into the second tool element via the at least one third opening thus flows out of the second tool element via the at least one second opening of the second tool element.

[0030] In all embodiments, the first and second process fluid flows can be provided via at least one process fluid provision device. According to the method, a process fluid provision device can be used which is configured to selectively provide the first tool element with a process fluid for forming the first process fluid flow and / or to provide the second tool element with a process fluid for forming the second process fluid flow. The first tool element and the second tool element can therefore be assigned a common process fluid provision device, via which a process fluid can be selectively provided for generating a first and / or second process fluid flow. In principle, however, it is also conceivable for aa first process fluid supply device assigned to a first tool element, via which a process fluid can be provided to generate a first process fluid flow, and a second process fluid supply device assigned to the or a second tool element is used, via which a process fluid can be provided to generate a second process fluid flow. In all embodiments, a corresponding process fluid supply device can comprise, for example, a container device filled with process fluid, optionally conditioned to a specific temperature and / or pressure, for supply to the first and / or second tool element.

[0031] As mentioned, tool elements can be used according to the method, each comprising a flow channel structure having at least one flow channel. In particular, a first and a second tool element can be used, each comprising a flow channel structure arranged or formed to extend between at least one respective first opening and at least one respective second opening, through which the respective process fluid flow can flow or through which it flows. In this case, at least one first valve or control valve device and / or at least one second valve or control valve device can be assigned to the respective first opening or openings, as also mentioned. Each tool element can therefore have at least one first and / or second valve or control valve device assigned to a respective first and / or second opening, iegenerally comprise at least one closure device, via which flow parameters, ie in particular the pressure, of the process fluid flow flowing into the respective tool element and / or flow parameters, ie in particular the pressure, of the process fluid flow flowing out of the respective tool element can be adjusted, ie controlled or regulated.

[0032] Starting from tool elements each configured with at least one second valve or control valve device, the method can utilize at least one further controllable valve or control valve device arranged downstream of the respective tool-element-side second closure or control valve devices. This at least one further valve or control valve device, also referred to as a "third control valve device," is typically jointly assigned to the respective tool-element-side second valve or control valve devices, so that the respective tool-element-side second valve or control valve devices are fluidically connectable or connected to the at least one further valve or control valve device via a common line connection.

[0033] It is also conceivable that several further controllable valve or control valve devices are used, arranged downstream of the respective second valve or control valve devices on the tool element side. The several further valve or control valve devices are typically arranged or configured in parallel. The several further valve or control valve devices, which can also be referred to, for example, as "third control valve device" and "fourth control valve device," are typically jointly assigned to the respective second valve or control valve devices, so that the respective second valve or control valve devices are fluidly connectable or connected to the several further valve or control valve devices via a common line connection.

[0034] According to the method, the operation of the at least one further controllable valve or control valve device can be controlled in order to adjust, i.e. in particular to control or regulate, the pressure or pressure level within the first and / or second tool element and thus the pressure or pressure level of a process fluid flow flowing through the first and / or second tool element. This provides an additional option for adjusting the pressure or pressure level of a process fluid flow flowing through the first and / or second tool element. Corresponding control of the pressure or pressure level within the first and / or second tool element or of a process fluid flow flowing through the first and / or second tool element is possible in particular with a configuration of the device used according to the method with several further valve or control valve devices in a parallel arrangement, wherein one valve or control valve device is used, for example, as a third valve orA further valve or control valve device, which can be designated as a control valve device, can be used as a main valve or main control valve device, and a further valve or control valve device arranged parallel thereto, e.g., which can be designated as a fourth valve or control valve device, can be used as a control or control valve device for controlling or regulating the pressure or pressure level within the first and / or second tool element.

[0035] The operation of the at least one further controllable control valve device can also be adjusted, i.e. in particular controlled or regulated, in order to set the pressure or the pressure level within a respective second valve or control valve device on the tool element side. In particular, the operation of the at least one further controllable control valve device can be adjusted, i.e. in particular controlled or regulated, in order to set the pressure or the pressure level of the second valve or control valve device of the second tool element. The pressure or pressure level within the second tool element can in particular be adjusted when the second closure or control valve device assigned to the first tool element is closed. In an analogous manner, the pressure orPressure levels within the first tool element occur when the second closure device associated with the second tool element is closed.

[0036] As mentioned, the first and second process fluid flows typically flow simultaneously through the respective tool elements. The start and end times of the first and second process fluid flows can coincide. In other words, according to the method, the second process fluid flow is typically generated when the first process fluid flow is also being generated or has been generated. The two process fluid flows can be generated at different times depending on the processing method, i.e. in particular depending on parameters of the particle foam material to be processed, such as its chemical and / or physical configuration, quantity, etc., and / or depending on parameters of the particle foam molded part to be produced, such as its geometry, volume, etc., in particular for a period between 0.2 s and 60 s, furthermore in particular for a period between 0.2 s and 45 s, furthermore in particular for a period between 0.2 s and 30 s, furthermore in particular for a period between 0.2 s and 15 s, flow simultaneously or in parallel. The duration of the simultaneous or parallel generation or flow of the process fluid flows is therefore typically determined depending on corresponding particle foam material- or particle foam molding-specific parameters.

[0037] According to the method, the tool elements can be used alternately or alternately as the first tool element and as the second tool element, particularly for different vapor deposition processes, within which the first and second process fluid flows are generated, and can therefore be alternately or alternately flowed through by a first and a second process fluid flow, e.g., depending on the cycle or cycle-specific. In this way, so-called "alternating vapor deposition" can be realized, which, considered over the entire processing process for producing a particle foam molded part, enables a largely homogeneous flow through the particle foam material located within the mold cavity and to be processed to form a particle foam molded part. This typically has a positive effect on the properties of the particle foam molded part to be produced.

[0038] A second aspect of the invention relates to a device for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part. The device can also be referred to as a molding machine.

[0039] The device typically comprises, as a central functional unit, a molding tool with a first tool element and a second tool element, wherein the first and the second tool element are configured to define a molding tool cavity, in particular by at least one movement relative to one another.

[0040] The first tool element has at least one corresponding first opening, through which a process fluid flow can flow into the mold cavity via the first tool element, and at least one corresponding, in particular nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped, third opening, through which a process fluid flow can flow into the mold cavity via the first tool element or through which a process fluid flow from the mold cavity can flow into the first tool element. Typically, the first tool element also has at least one corresponding second opening, through which a process fluid can flow out of the first tool element without flowing into the mold cavity.

[0041] The second tool element has at least one corresponding, in particular nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped, third opening, through which a process fluid flow from the mold cavity can flow into the second tool element or through which a process fluid flow can flow via the second tool element into the mold cavity, and at least one corresponding second opening, through which a process fluid flow can flow out of the second tool element, wherein it does not flow into the mold cavity. Typically, the second tool element also has at least one corresponding first opening, through which a process fluid can flow into the second tool element.

[0042] The device typically further comprises a process fluid actuator device as a further functional unit. The process fluid actuator device is designed to control or regulate the operation of one or more of the closure devices that can be assigned or are assigned to the respective tool elements, in particular to generate respective process fluid flows. Via a corresponding control orBy controlling the operation of respective closure devices assigned to the respective tool elements, a corresponding first process fluid flow can be generated which flows through the mold cavity, flows into the mold cavity via at least one third opening of the first tool element and flows out of the mold cavity via at least one third opening of the second tool element, and a corresponding second process fluid flow can be generated which flows through the second tool element, flows into the second tool element via at least one first opening of the second tool element and flows out of the second tool element via at least one second opening of the second tool element, wherein it does not flow into the mold cavity.

[0043] The process fluid actuator device is further configured, via a corresponding control or regulation of the operation of one or more of the closure devices assigned to the respective tool elements, to adjust at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties of at least one process fluid flow, ie in particular the pressure or pressure level, in particular such that the first and the second process fluid flow differ in at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties.

[0044] The process fluid actuator device can therefore generally comprise, at least from a functional perspective, those functional units of the device required to adjust at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties of at least one process fluid flow, such as the pressure or pressure level of respective process fluid flows. These include, in particular, corresponding closure devices that can be directly or indirectly assigned to or associated with respective tool elements, i.e., in particular, valve or control valve devices.

[0045] As a further functional unit of the device, the process fluid actuator device is typically assigned a computer-implemented, i.e. in particular hardware and / or software-implemented, control and / or regulating device, which is in particular set up to generate control or regulating information for controlling or regulating the operation of one or more of the closure devices assigned to the respective tool elements, e.g. for setting at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties of at least one process fluid flow, in particular such that the first and the second process fluid flow differ in at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties, such as the pressure or pressure level. The control and / or regulating device can therefore be set up accordingly to generate corresponding control or regulating information for controlling orRegulating the operation of respective closure devices, ie in particular respective control valve devices, in particular such that the first and the second process fluid flow differ in the at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties.

[0046] All statements in connection with the method according to the first aspect of the invention apply analogously to the device according to the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0047] The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments in the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of an apparatus for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part according to an embodiment; and Fig. 2 a diagram illustrating a method for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part according to an embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device 1 for processing particle foam material for producing a particle foam molded part according to an embodiment.

[0049] The device 1, which can also be designated or referred to as a molding machine, is designed to process an expandable or expanded particle foam material, thus to process plastic particles from at least one expandable or expanded plastic particle material, to produce particle foam molded parts.

[0050] The device 1 is accordingly configured to carry out one or more work processes for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part. The term "work process" basically includes any process that can be carried out by means of the device 1 and that is directly or indirectly related to the processing of a particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part. Work processes that can be carried out by means of the device 1 are, in particular, processing processes in which an (actual) processing of a particle foam material, i.e.in particular a bonding of plastic particles to form a particle foam molded part to be produced, or provision processes in which a quantity of particle foam material, in particular a quantity of particle foam material to be processed in a processing process, is provided, or conveying processes in which a quantity of particle foam material, in particular a quantity of particle foam material to be processed in a processing process, is conveyed along a conveying path (not shown), or filling processes in which a quantity of particle foam material, in particular a quantity of particle foam material to be processed in a processing process, is filled into a mold cavity 2.3 of a mold 2 of the device 1.

[0051] Within the scope of a processing process, a working or process fluid is employed or used, which can be an energy carrier medium, in particular liquid, vaporous or gaseous, e.g. a liquid, e.g. water, steam, e.g. hot steam, or a gas, which absorbs or releases energy, e.g. thermal energy, kinematic energy, etc., during the operation of the device.

[0052] The device 1 comprises, as an exemplary functional unit, the already mentioned forming tool 2, which has two drive means (not shown) for transferring the forming tool 1 into a Fig. 1 example shown closed position and in a Fig. 1 In the open position (not shown), it comprises tool elements 2.1, 2.2, which are also referred to as tool halves and are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another. In the closed position, the tool elements 2.1, 2.2 clearly delimit or define a mold cavity 2.3.

[0053] The mold cavity 2.3 can be filled with particle foam material to be processed by means of the device 1, ie in particular the mold 2, to produce a particle foam molded part via a filling device 3 which forms a further functional unit of the device 1, e.g. designed as a flow generation device or comprising such a device.

[0054] The tool elements 2.1, 2.2 each comprise at least one first opening 2.1.1, 2.2.1, which may also be referred to as an inflow opening, through which a process fluid or a process fluid flow P1, P2 can flow into the respective tool element 2.1, 2.2, and at least one second opening 2.1.2, 2.2.2, which may also be referred to as an outflow opening, through which a process fluid or a process fluid flow P1, P2 can flow out of the respective tool element 2.1, 2.2. The tool elements 2.1, 2.2 furthermore each comprise at least one nozzle-like or nozzle-shaped third opening 2.1.3, 2.2.3, through which a process fluid flow flowing into the respective tool element 2.1, 2.2 via the respective first opening 2.1.1, 2.2.1 can flow out of the respective tool element 2.1, 2.2 into the mold cavity 2.3. Particularly in connection with the respective third openings 2.1.3, 2.2.3, the tool elements 2.1, 2.2 can each have a plurality of corresponding third openings 2.1.3, 2.2.3. Corresponding third openings 2.1.3, 2.2.3 are arranged or formed in particular in the region of the respective shaping tool element sections of the respective tool elements 2.1, 2.2.

[0055] The respective first, second and third openings 2.1.1 - 2.1.3, 2.2.1 - 2.2.3 of a respective tool element 2.1, 2.2 are typically fluidically connected to one another via a flow channel structure 2.1.4 2.2.4 comprising at least one flow channel (not designated) that passes through the respective tool element 2.1, 2.2 at least in sections, so that a process fluid flow P1, P2 flowing into the respective tool element 2.1, 2.2 via a respective first opening 2.1.1, 2.2.1 can flow out of the respective tool element 2.1, 2.2 via a respective second opening 2.1.2, 2.2.2 and / or via a respective third opening 2.1.3, 2.2.3. A corresponding flow channel structure 2.1.4, 2.2.4 can be at least partially close to the contour, i.e. close below the respective shaping tool element sections of the respective tool elements 2.1, 2.2, extend, for example, when flowed through by a process fluid flow P1, P2, to enable an energy transfer from the respective tool element section to the particle foam material or a particle foam material filled into the mold cavity 2.3.

[0056] The following can be seen in the Fig. 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, at least one closure device 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.5, 2.2.6 is assigned to each of the first and second openings 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.2.1, 2.2.2 on the tool element side, which closure device comprises at least one closure element (not shown) which is movable between a first position, which can also be referred to as the open position, in which a flow through the respective closure device 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.5, 2.2.6 with a process fluid flow P1, P2 is possible, and a second position, which can also be referred to as the closed position, in which a flow through the respective closure device 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.5, 2.2.6 with a process fluid flow P1, P2 is not possible. A corresponding closure element can typically also be moved into at least one intermediate position between a corresponding first and second position. Corresponding closure devices 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.5, 2.2.6 can be designed, in particular, as active or passive flow-limiting devices or can comprise such devices. Corresponding active or passive flow-limiting devices can be designed, for example, as valve devices, in particular as controllable or regulatable control valve devices. In the device shown in . Fig. 1 In the embodiment shown, the closure devices 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.5, 2.2.6 are designed, for example, as controllable or adjustable control valve devices.

[0057] The device 1 further comprises a process fluid actuator device 4 as a further functional unit. The process fluid actuator device 4 is designed to control or regulate the operation of one or more of the closure devices 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.5, 2.2.6, 7, 8 that can be assigned or are assigned to the respective tool elements 2.1, 2.2, in particular to generate respective process fluid flows P1, P2. By means of a corresponding control or regulation of the operation of the respective closure devices 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.5, 2.2.6, 7, 8, a corresponding first process fluid flow P1 can be generated, which flows into the mold cavity 2.3 via a third opening 2.1.3 of the or a first tool element 2.1 and flows out of the mold cavity 2.3 via at least one third opening 2.2.3 of the or a second tool element 2.2, and a corresponding second process fluid flow P2 can be generated, which flows into the mold cavity 2.3 via the or a first opening 2.2.1 of the second tool element 2.2 flows into the second tool element 2.2 and flows out of the second tool element 2.2 via the or a second opening 2.2.2 of the second tool element 2.2, wherein it does not flow into the mold cavity 2.3.

[0058] As will be seen below, both tool elements 2.1, 2.2 can be operated alternately or alternately as the first or second tool element, e.g. cycle-dependent or cycle-specific.

[0059] The process fluid actuator device 4 is further configured, via a corresponding control or regulation of the operation of corresponding closure devices 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.5, 2.2.6, 7, 8, to adjust at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties of at least one process fluid flow P1, P2, ie in particular the pressure or pressure level of a process fluid flow P1, P2, in particular such that the first and the second process fluid flow P1, P2 differ in at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties, ie in particular the pressure or pressure level.

[0060] The process fluid actuator device 4 thus generally comprises, at least from a functional perspective, those functional units of the device 1 which are required for adjusting at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties of at least one process fluid flow P1, P2, i.e., in particular, the pressure or pressure level of the respective process fluid flows P1, P2. These include, in particular, corresponding closure devices 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.5, 2.2.6, 7, 8 directly or indirectly associated with the respective tool elements 2.1, 2.2.

[0061] As a further functional unit of the device 1, the process fluid actuator device 4 is assigned a computer-implemented, i.e. in particular hardware and / or software-implemented, control and / or regulating device 5, which is set up to generate control or regulating information for setting at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties of at least one process fluid flow P1, P2, i.e. in particular the pressure or pressure level, in particular such that the first and the second process fluid flow P1, P2 differ in the at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties. For this purpose, the control and / or regulating device 5 can be set up to generate corresponding control or regulating information for controlling or regulating the operation of respective closure devices 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.5, 2.2.6, in particular such that the first and second process fluid flows P1, P2 differ in the at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties.

[0062] The device 1 further comprises, as a further functional unit, a process fluid supply device 6, which is configured to selectively supply the first tool element 2.1 with a process fluid for forming the first process fluid flow P1 and / or to supply the second tool element 2.2 with a process fluid for forming the second process fluid flow P2. The process fluid supply device 6 can, for example, comprise a container device filled with process fluid, optionally conditioned to a specific temperature and / or pressure, for supply to the first and / or second tool element 2.1, 2.2.

[0063] With the Fig. 1 The configuration of the device 1 shown as an example allows a method for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part to be implemented. An embodiment of a corresponding method is described below with reference to Fig. 1 , 2Explained by way of example: The method includes a first step of generating a first process fluid flow P1, i.e., a steam or superheated steam flow, flowing through the or a corresponding mold cavity 2.3. The first process fluid flow P1 flows into the mold cavity 2.3 via the nozzle-like or -shaped third opening 2.1.3 of the first tool element 2.1 and out of the mold cavity 2.3 via the nozzle-like or -shaped third opening 2.2.3 of the second tool element 2.2. In the first step of the method, a so-called transverse vapor deposition of the mold cavity 2.3, which is typically almost or completely closed, takes place, ie the first process fluid flow P1 flows into the first tool element 2.1 via respective first openings 2.2.1 of the first tool element 2.1, flows via the third opening 2.1.3 of the first tool element 2.1 from the first tool element 2.1 into the mold cavity 2.3, flows through the mold cavity 2.3 in the direction of the second tool element 2.2, wherein a connection of the particle foam material located in the mold cavity 2.3 takes place to form the particle foam molded part to be produced, flows into the second tool element 2.2 via respective third openings 2.2.3 of the second tool element 2.2 and flows out of the second tool element 2.2 via respective second openings 2.2.2 of the second tool element 2.2.

[0064] Likewise, the method includes a second step of generating a second process fluid flow P2, i.e., a steam or superheated steam flow. The second process fluid flow P2 flows into the second tool element 2.2 via respective first openings 2.2.1 of the second tool element 2.2 and flows out of the second tool element 2.2 via respective second openings 2.2.2 of the second tool element 2.2. Thus, in the second step of the method, parallel to the transverse vapor deposition occurring in the first step of the method, a second process fluid flow p2 is generated flowing through the second tool element 2.2 between respective first and second openings 2.2.1, 2.2.2, so that additional energy is specifically introduced into the second tool element 2.2 via the second process fluid flow P2 during the transverse vapor deposition. The second step of the process does not involve a second transverse vapor deposition of the mold cavity 2.3 starting from the second tool element 2.2, when the second process fluid flow P2 flows through the second tool element 2.2 only between respective first and second openings 2.2.1, 2.2.2 of the second tool element 2.2, but does not flow out into the mold cavity 2.3 via corresponding nozzle-like or -shaped third opening 2.2.3 of the second tool element 2.2.

[0065] As shown by Fig. 2 As can be seen, the first and second steps are typically performed simultaneously according to the process. The terms "first step" and "second step" therefore do not indicate that the steps are performed sequentially, but rather that they refer to respective steps in the generation of corresponding first and second process fluid flows P1, P2.

[0066] According to the method, the first and second process fluid flows P1, P2 differ in at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties, i.e. in particular the pressure or pressure level. The targeted adjustment, i.e. in particular control or regulation, of respective flow parameters influencing the flow properties of the first and second process fluid flows P1, P2, which is possible according to the method via the or a control and / or regulating device 5, is therefore carried out with the proviso that the first and second process fluid flows P1, P2 differ in at least one flow parameter influencing the flow properties. By this targeted coordination of the flow parameters or properties of the process fluid flows P1, P2, it can be ensured that the first and second process fluid flows P1, P2 do not impair one another.In particular, this targeted coordination of the flow parameters or properties of the process fluid flows P1, P2 with one another can ensure that the second process fluid flow P2 does not negatively influence the first process fluid flow P1 flowing through the mold cavity 2.3 and thus the bonding of the particle foam material for producing a respective particle foam molded part, which bonding takes place or is brought about by the first process fluid flow P1.

[0067] The method is therefore based on the principle of generating a corresponding second process fluid flow P2 in addition to generating a corresponding first process fluid flow P1, which has a significantly positive effect on the efficiency of the processing process and thus on the efficiency of the entire process, as the thermal energy additionally supplied to the second tool element 2.2 by the second process fluid flow P2 increases the efficiency of the energy input or the energy introduction during the process of joining respective particle foam materials to particle foam molded parts and thus enables the reduction of cycle times.

[0068] As mentioned, the flow parameter influencing the flow properties is, in particular, the pressure or pressure level of the first and second process fluid flows P1, P2. Accordingly, the control or regulation of, in particular, the pressure or pressure level of the first and second process fluid flows P1, P2, which is possible in a targeted manner according to the method via the control and / or regulating device 5, is carried out with the proviso that the first and second process fluid flows P1, P2 differ in their respective pressure or pressure level. The detection of the pressure or pressure level of the process fluid flows P1, P2 can be carried out via pressure detection devices 2.1.7, 2.2.7, such as pressure sensors. Corresponding pressure detection devices 2.1.7, 2.2.7 can be arranged or formed on or in respective tool elements 2.1, 2.2. In particular, corresponding pressure detection devices 2.1.7, 2.2.7, as in Fig. 1 shown by way of example, may be arranged or formed at or in the region of respective second openings 2.1.2, 2.2.2 of the tool elements 2.1, 2.2. The pressure or pressure level of respective process fluid flows P1, P2 may thus, for example, relate to the pressure or pressure level when the respective process fluid flows P1, P2 flow out of the tool elements 2.1, 2.2.

[0069] According to the method, the second process fluid flow P2 typically has a lower pressure than the first process fluid flow P1. In this way, it can be ensured that the second process fluid flow P2 does not impair the first process fluid flow P1, for example, by the second process fluid flow P2 hindering the outflow of the first process fluid flow P1 from the mold cavity 2.3 via the third opening 2.2.3 of the second tool element 2.2 or the inflow of the first process fluid flow P1 into the second tool element 2.2 via the third opening 2.2.3 of the second tool element 2.2 due to excessive pressure. The pressure or pressure level of the second process fluid flow P2 can, in particular relative to the pressure or pressure level of the first process fluid flow P1, in particular after flowing through the mold cavity 2.3, be selected such that the second process fluid flow P2 may generate a certain suction effect, which promotes the flow through the mold cavity 2.3 with the first process fluid flow P1.

[0070] The second process fluid flow P2 expediently has a pressure that is 2 times lower than the first process fluid flow P1. However, this is to be understood purely as an example. The pressure or pressure level of the second process fluid flow P2 can, for example, be 0.95 times, 0.9 times, 0.85 times, 0.8 times, 0.75 times, 0.7 times, 0.65 times, 0.6 times, 0.55 times, 0.5 times, 0.45 times, 0.4 times, 0.35 times, 0.3 times, 0.25 times, 0.2 times, 0.15 times, 0.1 times, or 0.05 times the pressure or pressure level of the first process fluid flow P1.

[0071] The corresponding pressure differences between the first and second process fluid flows P1, P2 can, according to the method, be dynamically adjusted or adjusted, i.e., in particular, controlled or regulated, positively or negatively, i.e., upwards and / or downwards. In principle, the realization of various, possibly variable, pressure difference profiles is thus conceivable, which are typically selected depending on the properties of the particle foam material to be processed, such as the chemical and / or physical composition of the particle foam material, and / or on the properties of the mold configuration, such as the size of the mold cavity, etc.

[0072] The generation of a corresponding first process fluid flow P1 according to the method includes for a Fig. 1 configured device 1 with respect to the respective first tool element 2.1 such that the first opening 2.1.1 of the first tool element 2.1 is or will be opened for the first process fluid flow P1 to flow into the first tool element 2.1 via the first opening 2.1.1; thus, the closure element of the closure device 2.1.5 assigned to the first opening 2.1.1 of the first tool element 2.1 is or will be moved into the or an open position in which the closure device 2.1.5 can be flowed through. Likewise, the second opening 2.1.2 of the first tool element 2.1 is or will not be opened for the first process fluid flow P1 to flow out of the first tool element 2.1 via the second opening 2.1.2; Thus, the closure element of the closure device 2.1.6 associated with the second opening 2.1.2 of the first tool element 2.1 is or will be moved into the or a closed position. The opening 2.1.21 The first process fluid flow P1 flowing into the first tool element 2.1 then flows out of the first tool element 2.1 via the third opening 2.1.3 of the first tool element 2.1 into the mold cavity 2.3 filled with particle foam material. After the first process fluid flow P1 has flowed through the mold cavity 2.3 filled with particle foam material, the first process fluid flow P1 flows into the second tool element 2.2 via the third opening 2.2.3 of the second tool element 2.2 and out of the second tool element 2.2 via the second opening 2.2.2 of the second tool element 2.2.

[0073] The generation of a first process fluid flow P1 flowing through the mold cavity 2.3 according to the method includes for a Fig. 1 configured device 1 with respect to the respective second tool element 2.2 such that the second opening 2.2.2 of the second tool element 2.2 is or will be released for the first process fluid flow P1 to flow out of the second tool element 2.2 via the second opening 2.2.2; thus, the closure element of the closure device 2.2.6 assigned to the second opening 2.2.2 of the second tool element 2.2 is or will be moved into the open position. The first process fluid flow P1 flowing into the second tool element 2.2 via the third opening 2.2.3 of the second tool element 2.2 thus flows out of the second tool element 2.2 via the second opening 2.2.2 of the second tool element 2.2.

[0074] The above statements naturally apply analogously to configurations of respective tool elements 2.1, 2.2 with several first and / or second and / or third openings, 2.1.1 - 2.1.3, 2.2.1 - 2.2.3.

[0075] In the context of carrying out the method, the mentioned process fluid supply device 6 can optionally provide the first tool element 2.1 with a process fluid for forming the first process fluid flow P1 and / or provide the second tool element 2.2 with a process fluid for forming the second process fluid flow P2.

[0076] Based on the Fig. 1 In the configuration shown with at least one closure device 2.1.6, 2.2.6, i.e., as mentioned, e.g., a valve or control valve device, configured tool elements, according to the method, several further controllable closure devices 7, 8 arranged downstream of the respective tool element-side second closure devices 2.1.6, 2.2.6 can be used. These parallel-arranged further closure devices 7, 8, which can also be referred to as "third control valve device" or "fourth control valve device", are jointly assigned to the respective tool element-side second closure devices 2.1.6, 2.2.6, so that the respective tool element-side second closure devices 2.1.6, 2.2.6 are fluidically connectable or connected to the further closure devices 7, 8 via a common line connection 9.

[0077] According to the method, the operation of one of the further closure devices 7, 8, which incidentally can also be controllable valve or control valve devices, can be controlled in order to adjust, i.e. in particular to control or regulate, the pressure or pressure level within the second tool element 2.2 and thus the pressure or pressure level of a process fluid flow P1, P2 flowing through the second tool element 2.2. This provides an additional possibility of adjusting the pressure or pressure level of a process fluid flow P1, P2 flowing through the second tool element 2.2. A corresponding regulation of the pressure or pressure level within the second tool element 2.2 or of a process fluid flow P1, P2 flowing through the second tool element 2.2 is particularly possible with a Fig. 1 shown configuration of the device 1 is possible, wherein a further closure device, which can be designated as a third closure device 7, for example, can be used as a main valve or main control valve device and a further closure device 8, which can be designated as a fourth closure device and is arranged parallel thereto, can be used as a control or control valve device for controlling or regulating the pressure or pressure level within the first and / or second tool element 2.1, 2.2.

[0078] The operation of the third and / or fourth closure device 7, 8 can also be adjusted, i.e. in particular controlled or regulated, in order to set the pressure or the pressure level within a respective second valve or control valve device 2.1.6, 2.2.6 on the tool element side. In particular, the operation of the third and / or fourth closure device 7, 8 can be adjusted, i.e. in particular controlled or regulated, in order to set the pressure or the pressure level of the second closure device 2.2.6 of the second tool element 2.2. The pressure or pressure level within the second tool element 2.2 can be adjusted in particular when the second closure device 2.1.6 assigned to the first tool element 2.1 is closed. In an analogous manner, the pressure or pressure level within the first tool element 2.1 can be adjusted when the second closure device 2.2 assigned to the second tool element 2.2.6 is closed.

[0079] According to the method, the tool elements can be used alternately as the first tool element and as the second tool element, particularly for different vapor deposition processes, within which the first and second process fluid flows are generated, and can thus be alternately flowed through by a first and a second process fluid flow. In this way, so-called "alternating vapor deposition" can be realized, which, considered over the entire processing process for producing a particle foam molded part, enables a largely homogeneous flow through the particle foam material located within the mold cavity and to be processed to form a particle foam molded part. This typically has a positive effect on the properties of the particle foam molded part to be produced.

[0080] Based on Fig. 2 Different variants of the method are explained again: As mentioned, the first and the second process fluid flow typically flow simultaneously through the respective tool elements 2.1, 2.2. The start and end times of the first and second process fluid flow can be set as in Fig. 2 represented by a solid line. In other words, the second process fluid flow P2 is typically generated according to the method when the first process fluid flow P1 is also generated.

[0081] As in Fig. 2 , which shows a diagram with a temporal pressure curve of first and second process fluid flows P1, P2, wherein the pressure p is plotted on the y-axis and the time t on the x-axis, is also represented by the dashed lines, the start and / or end time of the second process fluid flow P2 can, however, also be offset in time from the start time t 0 and / or the end time t 1 of the first process fluid flow P1. A temporally forward-shifted start time of the second process fluid flow P2 is in Fig. 2 at the time t 0' is indicated, a delayed start time of the second process fluid flow P2 is in Fig. 2 at the time t 0". A temporally advanced end time of the second process fluid flow P2 is indicated in Fig. 2 at the time t 1' is indicated, a delayed start time of the second process fluid flow P2 is in Fig. 2 at time t 1" indicated

[0082] Based on Fig. 2 It can be seen that the two process fluid flows P1, P2 flow simultaneously or in parallel for a specific period of time, e.g. a period of time between 0.2 s and 60 s, depending on the processing process, i.e. in particular depending on parameters of the particle foam material to be processed, such as its chemical and / or physical configuration, quantity, etc., and / or depending on parameters of the particle foam molded part to be produced, such as its geometry, volume, etc. The duration of the simultaneous or parallel generation or flow of the process fluid flows P1, P2 is therefore typically determined depending on corresponding particle foam material- or particle foam molded part-specific parameters.

Claims

1. A method for processing particular foam material for producing a particular foam part, comprising: - generating a first process fluid flow (P1) passing through two tool elements (2.1, 2.2), wherein the first process fluid flow (P1) flows through at least one opening (2.1.3) of a first tool element (2.1) into the mold tool cavity (2.3) and flows out of the mold tool cavity (2.3) via at least one opening (2.2.3) of a second tool element (2.2); and - generating a second process fluid flow (P2), wherein the second process fluid flow (P2) flows into the second tool element (2.2) via at least one opening (2.2.1) of the second tool element (2.2) and flows out of the second tool element (2.2) via at least one opening (2.2.2) of the second tool element (2.2), wherein the first and the second process fluid flow (P1, P2) differ in at least one flow parameter affecting the flow properties, characterized in that the first and second process fluid flows (P1, P2) simultaneously through the mold cavity (2.3).

2. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the at least one flow parameter affecting the flow properties is the pressure of the process fluid flows (P1, P2).

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second process fluid flow (P2) has a, in particular at least by a factor of 2, lower pressure than the first process fluid flow (P1).

4. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second process fluid flow (P1, P2) are provided via at least one process fluid supply device (6), wherein a process fluid supply device (6) is used, which is configured to optionally provide the first tool element (2.1) a process fluid for forming the first process fluid flow (P1) and / or to provide the second tool element (2.2) a process fluid for forming the second process fluid flow (P2).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first tool element (2.1) is used, which comprises a flow channel structure (2.1.4) extending between at least one inflow opening and at least one outflow opening, arranged or formed by a process fluid flow (P1, P2) permeable or permeable flow channel structure (2.1.4), wherein the at least one inflow opening at least one first closure means (2.1.5) and at least one outflow opening at least one second closure means (2.1.6) is associated, and a second tool element (2.2) is used, which comprises a flow channel structure (2.2.4) extending between at least one inflow opening and at least one outflow opening, arranged or formed by a process fluid flow (P1, P2) permeable or permeable flow channel structure (2.2.4), wherein the at least one inflow opening at least one first closure means (2.1.5) and the at least one outflow opening at least one second closure means (2.2.6) is associated.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one of the respective second locking devices (2.1.6, 2.2.6), in particular valve devices, downstream arranged further locking device (7, 8), in particular adjustable valve device, is used.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that several of the respective second locking devices (2.1.6, 2.2.6), in particular valve devices, downstream arranged adjustable locking devices (7, 8), in particular valve devices, are used, wherein the multiple locking devices (7, 8) are arranged or formed in parallel.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the operation of at least one further locking device (7, 8) is controlled to regulate the pressure level within the first and / or second tool element (2.1, 2.2).

9. The method of claim 8, characterized in that the operation of the at least one further locking device (7, 8) is controlled to regulate the pressure level within the second locking device (2.1.6, 2.2.6) of the second tool element (2.2), wherein the control of the pressure level within the second tool element (2.2) takes place when the second locking device (2.1.6, 2.2.6) associated with the first tool element (2.1) is closed.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second process fluid flow (P1, P2) flow simultaneously through the mold cavity (2.3) for a period of between 0.2 s and 60 s.

11. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that as the respective process fluid flow (P1, P2) forming process fluid steam, in particular hot steam, is used.

12. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool elements (2.1, 2.2), in particular for different vaporization processes of the mold tool cavity (2.3), within which respectively a corresponding first and a corresponding second process fluid flow (P1, P2) is generated, are alternately used as the first tool element (2.1) and as the second tool element (2.2).

13. A device (1) for processing particle foam material for producing a particle foam molding, wherein the device (1) for carrying out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is set up and comprises: - a first tool element (2.1) and a second tool element (2.2), wherein the first and the second tool element (2.1, 2.2), in particular by at least one movement relative to each other, are arranged to define a mold tool cavity (2.3), wherein the first tool element (2.1) has at least one opening (2.1.3) through which a process fluid flow (P1, P2) can flow into the mold cavity (2.3) via the first tool element (2.1), and the second tool element (2.2) has at least one opening (2.2.3) through which a process fluid flow (P1, P2) from the mold cavity (2.3) is inflowable into the second tool element (2.2), and has at least one opening (2.2.3) through which a process fluid flow (P1, P2) from the second tool element (2.2) is outflowable; - a process fluid actuator device (4) which is used to control or regulate the operation of one or more locking devices that can be assigned to the respective tool elements (2.1, 2.2) (2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.2.5, 2.2.6, 7, 8), for generating a first process fluid flow (P1) flowing through the mold cavity (2.3), wherein the first process fluid flow (P1) flows through at least one opening (2.1.3) of the first mold element (2.1) into the mold cavity (2.3) and flows out of the mold cavity (2.3) via at least one opening (2.2.3) of the second mold element (2.2); and for generating a second process fluid flow (P2) flowing through the second tool element (2.2), wherein the second process fluid flow (P2) flows through at least one opening (2.2.1) of the second tool element (2.2) into the second tool element (2.2) and flows out of the second tool element (2.2) via at least one opening (2.2.2) of the second tool element (2.2), and for setting at least one flow parameter affecting the flow properties of at least one process fluid flow (P1, P2), in particular such that the first and the second process fluid flow (P1, P2) differ in at least one flow parameter affecting the flow properties, is arranged, wherein the first and the second process fluid flow (P1, P2) simultaneously flow through the mold cavity (2.3).