Additive mixing device and foamed resin molded body manufacturing device
The additive mixing device addresses the instability in mixing the first liquid and the additive by using a flow switching device and control unit to cycle through different flow states, ensuring consistent mixing and additive supply.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021142951
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-09-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-09-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing additive mixing devices struggle to stabilize the mixing state of the first liquid and the additive, leading to inconsistent flow rates and pressures, which affects the stability of the additive supply.
The additive mixing device includes a flow switching device that switches the first liquid between two flow states, and a control unit that controls the additive supply device and flow switching device to repeat a cycle operation of switching flow states, injecting the additive, and returning to the original state, ensuring consistent mixing.
This solution stabilizes the mixing condition of the first liquid and the additive, preventing the additive from remaining in the communication channel indefinitely and ensuring a consistent supply, thereby improving the stability and efficiency of the additive mixing process.
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an additive mixing device for introducing and mixing an additive into a liquid, and a foamed resin molded body manufacturing device including the same.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, as this type of additive mixing device, one that introduces an additive into a flow path through which a first liquid flows is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
[0038] and FIG. 1)
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, for the above-described additive mixing device, development of a technique for stabilizing the mixing state of the first liquid and the additive is required.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] The additive mixing device according to the invention of Embodiment 1 made to achieve the above object is an additive mixing device that injects an additive into a communication flow path connecting a first position of a first flow path through which a first liquid flows and a second position downstream of the first position and mixes the additive with the first liquid. The additive mixing device includes a flow switching device that switches the first liquid between a first flow state in which more of the first liquid flows from the first position into the first flow path than into the communication flow path and a second flow state in which more of the first liquid flows from the first position into the communication flow path than into the first flow path, and a control unit that controls the additive supply device and the flow switching device so as to repeat a cycle operation of switching from the second flow state to the first flow state, injecting the additive into the communication flow path, and then returning to the second flow state. The additive mixing device includes a control unit that controls the supply device and the flow switching device so as to repeat the additive mixing device cycle operation.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0006]
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
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Figure 10
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0007] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, a foam resin molding apparatus 10 having an additive mixing apparatus 50 of the present disclosure will be described. The foam resin molding apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is a polyurethane foam manufacturing apparatus, and includes a first liquid which is a first urethane stock solution mainly composed of a polyol, which is a raw material of the polyurethane foam, and a second liquid which is a second urethane stock solution mainly composed of a polyisocyanate. For example, they are mixed on-site and sprayed onto an object to be constructed to be foam-molded. As shown in FIG. 1, the foam resin molding apparatus 10 includes a first stock solution supply apparatus 11 that supplies the first liquid, a second stock solution supply apparatus 15 that supplies the second liquid, and a mixing and discharging unit 70 that mixes and discharges the first liquid and the second liquid. Further, an additive supply apparatus 20 is connected to the first stock solution supply apparatus 11 so that an additive is supplied to the first liquid.
[0008] Here, when the first liquid and the second liquid are mixed, carbon dioxide is generated, and a cell structure is formed in the urethane resin by this carbon dioxide (chemical foaming). In the present embodiment, by adding a physical foaming agent as an additive, the generation of the cell structure is further promoted. In the present embodiment, liquefied carbon dioxide is used as the physical foaming agent, and foaming is performed using the vaporization of the liquefied carbon dioxide. That is, the liquefied carbon dioxide needs to be kept in a pressurized state with vaporization suppressed until the first liquid and the second liquid start to react, and the first liquid also needs to be kept at a pressure equal to or higher than the vapor pressure of the liquefied carbon dioxide. In addition, by using liquefied carbon dioxide as the physical foaming agent, the cell diameter of the polyurethane foam becomes smaller, and the heat insulation effect is improved. Also, since the initial foaming characteristics (foaming characteristics) are good, it is possible to reduce the raw materials used.
[0009] The first stock solution supply device 11 includes a first stock solution tank 12 for storing a first liquid, and a first flow path 14 extending from the first stock solution tank 12 and communicating with the mixing and discharging unit 70. The first stock solution supply device 11 pumps a predetermined amount of the first liquid from the first stock solution tank 12 to the first flow path 14 by a first feeding pump 13 and supplies it to the mixing and discharging unit 70. The first feeding pump 13 maintains the pressure P1 of the first liquid at, for example, 7 [MPa]. In this embodiment, the length of the first flow path 14 is 60 [m] to 150 [m].
[0010] The second stock solution supply device 15 has the same configuration as the first stock solution supply device 11, and includes a second stock solution tank 16 for storing a second liquid, and a second flow path 18 extending from the second stock solution tank 16 and communicating with the mixing and discharging unit 70. The second stock solution supply device 15 pumps a predetermined amount of the second liquid from the second stock solution tank 16 to the second flow path 18 by a second feeding pump 17 and supplies it to the mixing and discharging unit 70. In this embodiment, the second feeding pump 17 maintains the pressure of the second liquid at the same 7 [MPa] as the first liquid, but it may be a different pressure from the first liquid.
[0011] The mixing and discharging unit 70 is a so-called discharge gun that mixes and discharges the first liquid and the second liquid. It has a trigger (not shown). When the trigger is pulled, the first liquid and the second liquid are mixed and simultaneously discharged from a nozzle (not shown). At this time, the pressures in the first flow path 14 and the second flow path 18 decrease, and the first feeding pump 13 and the second feeding pump 17 operate. Then, when the trigger is released, the discharge stops and the first feeding pump 13 and the second feeding pump 17 stop. Since the reaction starts when the first liquid and the second liquid are mixed, they are discharged simultaneously and sprayed onto the object to be constructed. Then, when the reaction between the first liquid and the second liquid ends, polyurethane foam is formed. The liquefied carbon dioxide added to the first liquid vaporizes when the pressure is released immediately after discharge, and contributes as physical foaming as described above. The mixing and discharging unit 70 corresponds to the "third position" in the claims.
[0012] Now, as shown in FIG. 1, a communication channel 19 is provided in the first channel 14 of the first stock solution supply device 11 of the present embodiment, which communicates between the first position 14A and the second position 14B downstream thereof. As a result, as a route for the first liquid fed from the first stock solution tank 12 to flow to the mixing discharge unit 70, there are a route from the first position 14A through the communication channel 19 and back to the first channel 14 again at the second position 14B, and a route that directly passes through the first channel 14 without passing through the communication channel 19. The above-described additive supply device 20 is connected to this communication channel 19. And an additive mixing device 50 according to the present disclosure is configured by the communication channel 19, the additive supply device 20, and the section between the first position 14A and the second position 14B of the first channel 14.
[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the additive supply device 20 includes an additive storage unit 22 that stores liquefied carbon dioxide, a cylinder piston device 40 that measures and discharges a fixed amount of liquefied carbon dioxide, and an additive introduction path 23 that connects between the additive storage unit 22 and the cylinder piston device 40.
[0014] The additive storage unit 22 includes a pressure vessel 21 that stores liquefied carbon dioxide, and a heat-insulating chamber 24 that houses the pressure vessel 21. The pressure vessel 21 keeps liquefied carbon dioxide in a liquid phase at a preset first pressure. The heat-insulating chamber 24 is provided with a temperature adjustment device 26 having a cooler and a heater, and an output control unit (not shown) that controls these. When the pressure detected by a pressure sensor 27P provided in the additive introduction path 23 described later is lower than the first pressure, the output control unit stops the cooler and operates the heater. When the pressure is higher than the first pressure, the output control unit stops the heater and operates the cooler, and controls so that the pressure of liquefied carbon dioxide becomes the first pressure. In the present embodiment, the first pressure is 5.6 [MPa], and the temperature of liquefied carbon dioxide at this time is 20 [°C].
[0015] Note that the heat-insulating storage 24 is equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown). When the output control unit determines that the temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature (20 [°C] in this embodiment), the cooler is stopped to suppress supercooling. On the other hand, when the temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature, the heater is stopped to suppress overheating. The heat-insulating storage 24 corresponds to the "box" in the claims.
[0016] In addition, the heat-insulating storage 24 is provided with a heat-insulating material to maintain heat insulation. The heat-insulating storage 24 is provided with a door (not shown) for taking in and out the pressure vessel 21, and a trim seal, for example, is attached to the door to maintain airtightness.
[0017] The additive introduction passage 23 is connected to the supply port 21A of the pressure vessel 21. A manifold 27, which forms a part of the additive introduction passage 23, is disposed between the supply port 21A and the cylinder piston device 40. The manifold 27 includes branch pipes 23A and 23B branched from the additive introduction passage 23, a pressure sensor 27P, and a temperature sensor 27T.
[0018] Of the branch pipes 23A and 23B, the upstream branch pipe 23A is connected to the safety valve 28, and the downstream branch pipe 23B is connected to the blow-off valve 29. 。b The blow-off valve 29 discharges the liquefied carbon dioxide in the supply device 22 in the open valve state. In this embodiment, the safety valve 28 is set to open at 9 [MPa].
[0019] In this embodiment, the manifold 27 is provided with a cooling device (not shown). The cooling device cools the manifold 27 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 27T so that the temperature of the manifold 27 becomes the set temperature. Here, as described above, in this embodiment, the liquefied carbon dioxide is held in the liquid phase by the heat-insulating storage 24. Also, this cooling device suppresses the vaporization of the liquefied carbon dioxide flowing through the additive introduction passage 23 before it is introduced into the cylinder piston device 40.
[0020] Downstream of the manifold 27 in the additive introduction passage 23, an injection drive valve 30 and an injection check valve 31 are provided in order from the manifold 27 side. The injection drive valve 30 is controlled to open and close by a control unit 60 (see FIG. 4). The injection check valve 31 prevents backflow of the first liquid, liquefied carbon dioxide, and the mixed liquid in which liquefied carbon dioxide is added to the first liquid from the cylinder piston device 40 to the additive storage unit 22, and allows only the flow from the additive storage unit 22 to the cylinder piston device 40.
[0021] As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), the cylinder piston device 40 includes a cylinder 41 and a piston 42 that reciprocates within the cylinder 41. The cylinder 41 is provided with a first suction port 41A, a second suction port 41B, and a discharge port 43. The first suction port 41A is connected to the aforementioned additive introduction passage 23, and the second suction port 41B and the discharge port 43 are connected to the upstream side and the downstream side of the communication passage 19 of the first stock solution supply device 11, respectively (see FIG. 2). Specifically, a pressure chamber 40A extending in the axial direction is formed within the cylinder 41, and the first suction port 41A, the second suction port 41B, and the discharge port 43 communicate with an intersection hole 40B that intersects one end of the pressure chamber 40A. The first suction port 41A, the second suction port 41B, and the discharge port 43 correspond to the "device connection part" in the claims.
[0022] The piston 42 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pressure chamber 40A, and the tip of the piston 42 is adapted to linearly move between one end and the other end of the pressure chamber 40A. Specifically, the piston 42 has a stepped structure in which the tip small-diameter portion 45 projects from the tip of the large-diameter portion 44. In the cylinder 41, a receiving chamber 46 that communicates with the other end of the pressure chamber 40A and receives the large-diameter portion 44 is formed. Further, on the tip small-diameter portion 45, a stepped surface 45M that expands the base end side is formed at a position closer to the base end, and the tip side of the stepped surface 45M is inserted into a bush 80 fixed in the cylinder 41. And the piston 42 is usually arranged at the descending end position (see FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B)) where the stepped surface 45M of the tip small-diameter portion 45 abuts against the bush 80. And when the piston 42 rises in a direction away from the cross hole 40B by a preset distance from the descending end position, it is arranged at the ascending end position (see FIG. 8(B)).
[0023] In the cylinder piston device 40 of the present embodiment, as will be described in detail later, when the piston 42 rises from the descending end position to the ascending end position, a predetermined amount of liquefied carbon dioxide is inhaled into the cylinder 41 from the first suction port 41A. Note that the axial lengths of the tip small-diameter portion 45 and the pressure chamber 40A are set such that the tip surface 45M of the tip small-diameter portion 45 is received in the pressure chamber 40A in a state where the piston 42 is arranged at the ascending end position. In the present embodiment, an air cylinder is used as the cylinder piston device 40, and by adjusting its stroke, the stroke of the piston 42 changes, and the addition amount of liquefied carbon dioxide is adjusted.
[0024] Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, the second suction port 41B of the cylinder 41 is connected to the upstream side of the communication flow path 19 of the first stock solution supply device 11, and the first liquid is introduced into the pressure chamber 40A of the cylinder 41 from the first position 14A of the first flow path 14. As a result, when the piston 42 rises from the lower end position to the upper end position and a predetermined amount of liquefied carbon dioxide is inhaled into the cylinder 41 from the first suction port 41A, the liquefied carbon dioxide is mixed with the first liquid in the pressure chamber 40A. Then, when the piston 42 descends from the upper end position to the lower end position, the mixed liquid with liquefied carbon dioxide added to the first liquid is discharged from the discharge port 43. The mixed liquid with liquefied carbon dioxide added to the first liquid is supplied to the first flow path 14 at the second position 14B through the communication flow path 19 (see FIG. 2).
[0025] Also, on the downstream side of the discharge port 43 in the communication flow path 19, as shown in FIG. 2, a downstream check valve 32 and a downstream drive valve 33 are provided in order from the discharge port 43 side. The downstream drive valve 33 is controlled to open and close by the control unit 60 (see FIG. 4) in the same manner as the injection drive valve 30 described above. The downstream check valve 32 prevents the backflow of the first liquid from the first flow path 14 to the cylinder piston device 40 and the mixed liquid with liquefied carbon dioxide added to the first liquid, and allows only the flow from the cylinder piston device 40 to the first flow path 14. Note that the downstream drive valve 33 and the downstream check valve 32 correspond to the "flow switching device" in the claims.
[0026] Also, on the upstream side of the second suction port 41B in the communication flow path 19, as shown in FIG. 2, an upstream check valve 34 and an upstream drive valve 35 are provided in order from the second suction port 41B side. The upstream drive valve 35 is controlled to open and close by the control unit 60 (see FIG. 4) in the same manner as the injection drive valve 30 and the downstream drive valve 33 described above. The upstream check valve 34 prevents the backflow of the first liquid from the cylinder piston device 40 to the first flow path 14 and the mixed liquid with liquefied carbon dioxide added to the first liquid, and allows only the flow from the first flow path 14 to the cylinder piston device 40. Note that the upstream drive valve 35 and the upstream check valve 34 correspond to the "flow switching device" in the claims.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, a manifold 36 that forms part of the communication channel 19 is disposed upstream and downstream of the cylinder piston device 40 in the communication channel 19. The manifold 36 is provided with a pressure sensor 36P that detects the pressure downstream of the cylinder piston device 40 in the communication channel 19. The upstream check valve 34 and the upstream drive valve 35 are disposed downstream of the manifold 36 in the communication channel 19, and the downstream check valve 32 and the downstream drive valve 33 are disposed upstream of the manifold 36 in the communication channel 19.
[0028] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, a shut-off valve 37 for the first flow path is provided between the first position 14A and the second position 14B in the first flow path 14. The shut-off valve 37 for the first flow path is controlled to open and close by a control unit 60 (see FIG. 4) in the same manner as the injection drive valve 30, the downstream drive valve 33, and the upstream drive valve 35 described above. The shut-off valve 37 for the first flow path corresponds to the "flow switching device" in the claims.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows the electrical configuration of the additive mixing device 50. As shown in the figure, the additive mixing device 50 is provided with a control unit 60 having a drive valve control unit 61, a cylinder piston control unit 62, and a receiving unit 63.
[0030] The cylinder piston control unit 62 drives and controls the cylinder piston device 40. Specifically, the cylinder piston control unit 62 drives the piston 42 via a drive circuit 66 based on the position of the piston 42 detected by a position sensor 67. The position sensor 67 is disposed on the cylinder piston device 40.
[0031] The drive valve control unit 61 controls the opening and closing of the first flow path shut-off valve 37, the upstream drive valve 35, the downstream drive valve 33, and the injection drive valve 30. Specifically, the drive valve control unit 61 opens and closes via drive circuits 64A, 64B, 64C, 64D based on the pressure signal detected by the pressure sensor 36P, that is, the pressure P1 of the first liquid, and the position of the piston 42 detected by the position sensor 67.
[0032] In this embodiment, the first flow path shut-off valve 37, the upstream drive valve 35, the downstream drive valve 33, and the injection drive valve 30 are single-acting air-driven valves that clean the air supplied from an air supply source (not shown) through an air filter, an air regulator, or an air filter regulator in advance, adjust it to a predetermined pressure, and open and close in response to switching of supply and exhaust via an air solenoid valve (not shown). The first flow path shut-off valve 37 is a normally open valve, the upstream drive valve 35 is a normally closed valve, the downstream drive valve 33 is a normally open valve, and the injection drive valve 30 is a normally closed valve. A normally closed valve opens when air is supplied and closes when air is exhausted, and a normally open valve closes when air is supplied and opens when air is exhausted.
[0033] Specifically, the drive valve control unit 61 controls the upstream drive valve 35 to be in a closed state when the first flow path shut-off valve 37 is in an open state, and controls the upstream drive valve 35 to be in an open state when the first flow path shut-off valve 37 is in a closed state. That is, the first flow path shut-off valve 37 and the upstream drive valve 35 switch between a first flow state in which the first liquid is blocked from flowing from the first position 14A to the communication flow path 19 and flows through the first flow path 14, and a second flow state in which the first liquid is blocked from flowing from the first position 14A to the first flow path 14 and flows through the communication flow path 19. In this embodiment, an air pipe (not shown) connecting the air supply source and the upstream drive valve 35 branches and the first flow path shut-off valve 37 is connected.
[0034] Also, the drive valve control unit 61 controls the downstream drive valve 33 to be in an open state when the injection drive valve 30 is in a closed state, and controls the downstream drive valve 33 to be in a closed state when the injection drive valve 30 is in an open state. In this embodiment, an air pipe connecting the air supply source and the injection drive valve 30 branches and the downstream drive valve 33 is connected.
[0035] The receiving unit 63 receives a permission signal to start the supply of liquefied carbon dioxide from the first stock solution supply device 11 that supplies the first liquid to the first flow path 14. Specifically, as described above, when the trigger of the mixing and discharging unit 70 is pulled, the first feeding pump 13 operates. Therefore, the first stock solution supply device 11 detects the piston position by a sensor provided at the moving end of the piston of the first feeding pump 13, and transmits a permission signal to start the supply of liquefied carbon dioxide at the timing when the piston completes the feeding. The permission signal may be transmitted every time a certain amount of the first liquid is sent out.
[0036] Note that the control unit 60 has a temperature control unit (not shown), receives an electrical signal corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 27T, and controls a cooling device provided in the manifold 27 via a drive circuit (not shown).
[0037] FIG. 5 shows an additive supply program PG1 executed by the control unit 60 when the additive supply device 20 supplies liquefied carbon dioxide. The additive supply program PG1 is executed when the power supply of the additive supply device 20 is turned on. As shown in the figure, when the additive supply program PG1 is executed, the control unit 60 first performs initial settings (S11). In this initial setting (S11), the upstream drive valve 35 is opened and the first flow path shut-off valve 37 is closed to make the flow of the first liquid into a second flow state, and the injection drive valve 30 is closed and the downstream drive valve 33 is opened to place the piston 42 at the lowered end position.
[0038] At this time, all of the first liquid flowing through the first flow path 14 flows into the communication flow path 19 from the first position 14A. Then, the first liquid is introduced into the cylinder 41 from the second suction port 41B, and is returned to the first flow path 14 at the second position 14B through the communication flow path 19 from the discharge port 43. Note that the initial setting (S11) is executed only once when the power supply of the additive supply device 20 is turned on.
[0039] When the initial setting (S11) is completed, the control unit 60 determines whether it has received a permission signal to start supplying liquefied carbon dioxide from the first stock solution supply device 11 (S12). If the permission signal has not been received (No in S12), this determination (S12) is made again.
[0040] When the start signal has been received (Yes in S12), next, it is determined whether the detected pressure by the pressure sensor 36P, that is, the pressure P1 of the first liquid flowing through the first flow path 14 (for example, 7 [MPa]), is higher than the set pressure (S13). Here, the set pressure is set to be the same as the first pressure of the liquefied carbon dioxide stored in the pressure vessel 21 (for example, 5.6 [MPa]). If the detected pressure is less than or equal to the set pressure (No in S13), the process returns to the process of step S12.
[0041] If the detected pressure is higher than the set pressure (Yes in S13), after opening the first flow path shut-off valve 37 and then closing the upstream drive valve 35 (S14), the flow of the first liquid is changed from the second flow state to the first flow state. When switching the flow of the first liquid from the second flow state to the first flow state, the control unit 60 first controls the first flow path shut-off valve 37 to the open state and then controls the upstream drive valve 35 to the closed state.
[0042] Then, after closing the downstream drive valve 33, the injection drive valve 30 is opened (S15). Next, the piston 42 is raised to the upper end position to perform a suction operation (S16). Note that the distance from the lower end position to the upper end position is set based on the pressure P1 of the first liquid in the first flow path 14 and the pressure P2 of the liquefied carbon dioxide.
[0043] When the piston 42 reaches the upper end position, after closing the injection drive valve 30, the downstream drive valve 33 is opened (S17), and then the piston 42 is lowered to the lower end position to perform a discharge operation (S18). When the piston 42 reaches the lower end position, after opening the upstream drive valve 35, the first flow path shut-off valve 37 is closed (S19), the flow of the first liquid is changed from the first flow state to the second flow state, and the process returns to step S12. When switching the flow of the first liquid from the first flow state to the second flow state, the control unit 60 first controls the upstream drive valve 35 to be in an open state and then controls the first flow path shut-off valve 37 to be in a closed state.
[0044] Figures 6 to 9 show the state of the additive mixing device 50 when the control unit 60 is executing the additive supply program PG1. Before the control unit 60 receives the permission signal from the first stock solution supply device 11 (step S11), as shown in FIG. 6(A), the flow of the first liquid is in the second flow state in which the upstream drive valve 35 is open and the first flow path shut-off valve 37 is closed, the injection drive valve 30 is closed, the downstream drive valve 33 is open, and the piston 42 is disposed at the lower end position. At this time, the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A of the cylinder 41 becomes equal to the pressure P1 (7 [MPa]) of the first liquid in the first flow path 14, and both the upstream check valve 34 and the downstream check valve 32 are in an open state. Thereby, the first liquid flowing from the first position 14A of the first flow path 14 to the communication flow path 19 is introduced into the cylinder 41 from the second suction port 41B.
[0045] Here, if the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A is lower than the pressure P1 in the first flow path 14, the downstream check valve 32 closes and the upstream check valve 34 opens, so that the internal pressure P in the pressure chamber 40A eventually becomes equal to the pressure P1 in the first flow path 14, and both the upstream check valve 34 and the downstream check valve 32 open. Also, if the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A is higher than the pressure P1 of the first flow path 14, the upstream check valve 34 closes and the downstream check valve 32 opens, so that again, the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A eventually becomes equal to the pressure P1 in the first flow path 14, and both the upstream check valve 34 and the downstream check valve 32 open.
[0046] Then, when the control unit 60 receives the permission signal from the first stock solution supply device 11 in step S12 of the additive supply program PG1 and the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A is higher than the first pressure (5.6 [MPa]) (YES in S13), step S14 is executed. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the flow of the first liquid becomes the first flow state in which the first flow path shut-off valve 37 is open and the upstream drive valve 35 is closed. At this time, the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A remains equal to the pressure P1 in the first flow path 14.
[0047] Here, in the first flow state, the state where the downstream drive valve 33 is open is such that the communication flow path 19 is blocked from the first flow path 14 so that the first liquid does not flow into the pressure chamber 40A from both sides of the first position 14A and the second position 14B by the upstream drive valve 35 and the downstream check valve 32 (hereinafter referred to as the "first closed state"), and only the discharge from the pressure chamber 40A side to the second position 14B is allowed (hereinafter referred to as the "second closed state"). These two states are compatible.
[0048] Next, when the control unit 60 executes step S15 of the additive supply program PG1, as shown in FIG. 7(A), the downstream drive valve 33 closes and the injection drive valve 30 opens. Here, the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A is still equal to the pressure P1 in the first flow path 14, and the pressure P2 of the liquefied carbon dioxide is adjusted to a first pressure lower than the pressure P1 in the first flow path 14 by the temperature adjustment device 26 (see FIG. 2) provided in the additive storage unit 22, so the injection check valve 31 is closed. At this time, since the downstream drive valve 33 is closed, only the first closed state is established, the second closed state is not established, and the discharge from the pressure chamber 40A side to the second position 14B side is not possible.
[0049] Next, when the control unit 60 executes step S16 of the additive supply program PG1, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the piston 42 starts to rise. During the period until it reaches the upper dead center position, the internal pressure P in the pressure chamber 40A decreases, and the internal pressure P in the pressure chamber 40A becomes equal to the pressure P2 of the liquefied carbon dioxide, reaching an equilibrium state. From this point, as shown in FIG. 8(A), the piston 42 continues to rise. During the period until it reaches the upper dead center position, the injection check valve 31 opens, and liquefied carbon dioxide is inhaled into the pressure chamber 40A from the first suction port 41A. In the pressure chamber 40A, the liquefied carbon dioxide is mixed with the first liquid. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(B), when the piston 42 rises to the upper dead center position, a predetermined amount of liquefied carbon dioxide is inhaled into the pressure chamber 40A.
[0050] Next, when the control unit 60 executes step S17 of the additive supply program PG1, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the injection drive valve 30 closes and the downstream drive valve 33 opens. At this time, since the internal pressure P in the pressure chamber 40A is equal to the pressure P2 of the liquefied carbon dioxide, the downstream check valve 32 remains closed, but since the downstream drive valve 33 is open, the first closed state and the second closed state are established.
[0051] Therefore, when the control unit 60 executes step S18 of the additive supply program PG1, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the piston 42 descends, the internal pressure P in the pressure chamber 40A rises, and when the internal pressure P in the pressure chamber 40A becomes equal to the pressure P1 in the first flow path 14, the downstream check valve 32 opens, and the mixed liquid in which liquefied carbon dioxide is added to the first liquid in the pressure chamber 40A is discharged from the discharge port 43.
[0052] Then, when the piston 42 descends to the lower dead center position, as shown in FIG. 9(B), the control unit 60 executes step S19 of the foaming agent program PG1, the upstream drive valve 35 opens, the first flow path shut-off valve 37 closes, and the flow of the first liquid returns from the first flow state to the second flow state. As a result, the first liquid in the communication flow path 19 and the mixed liquid in which liquefied carbon dioxide is added to the first liquid are flushed and supplied to the first flow path 14 at the second position 14B.
[0053] The description of the configuration of the foamed resin molding apparatus 10 provided with the additive supply apparatus 20 of the present embodiment is as above. Next, the operation and effects of this foamed resin molding apparatus 10 will be described.
[0054] In the present embodiment, a communication channel 19 that communicates between a first position 14A and a second position 14B downstream thereof in the first channel 14 through which the first liquid flows is branched and provided, and liquefied carbon dioxide is introduced from the additive supply apparatus 20 into the communication channel 19. In the present embodiment, the first liquid can be switched between a first flow state in which the flow from the first position 14A to the communication channel 19 is blocked and the liquid flows through the first channel 14, and a second flow state in which the flow from the first position 14A to the first channel 14 is blocked and the liquid flows through the communication channel 19. Then, a cycle operation of switching from the second flow state to the first flow state, introducing liquefied carbon dioxide into the communication channel 19, and then returning to the second flow state is repeated.
[0055] Here, in a conventional configuration that does not have the second flow state for blocking the flow from the first position 14A to the first channel 14, even if the first liquid is introduced into the communication channel 19 after introducing liquefied carbon dioxide into the communication channel 19, a part of the first liquid branches at the first position 14A and flows directly through the first channel 14. Therefore, the flow rate and pressure of the first liquid flowing through the communication channel 19 are not constant. For this reason, the flow rate and pressure of the first liquid flowing through the communication channel 19 change, and the introduced liquefied carbon dioxide remains in the communication channel 19, and the amount of carbon dioxide supplied to the first channel 14 may become unstable.
[0056] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, by providing the second flow state and changing the flow of the first liquid to the second flow state each time liquefied carbon dioxide is added to the communication channel 19, the added liquefied carbon dioxide can be flushed out from the communication channel 19 and supplied to the first channel 14. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquefied carbon dioxide from remaining in the communication channel 19 indefinitely, and to stabilize the mixing condition of the first liquid and liquefied carbon dioxide.
[0057] In addition, when the additive supply device 20 supplies liquefied carbon dioxide, in the present embodiment, a cylinder piston device 40 is provided and connected to the communication flow path 19 and the additive introduction path 23 for supplying liquefied carbon dioxide. After introducing the first liquid into the pressure chamber 40A of the cylinder 41 of the cylinder piston device 40 in the second flow state, it is changed to the first flow state, and liquefied carbon dioxide is inhaled into the pressure chamber 40A by the suction operation of the cylinder piston device 40, and discharged from the pressure chamber 40A to the communication flow path 19 together with the first liquid by the discharge operation. Here, in the present embodiment, when the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A is higher than the pressure P2 of the liquefied carbon dioxide controlled to the first pressure that suppresses vaporization, the suction operation of the cylinder piston device 40 is performed in the first flow state. As a result, it becomes possible to bring the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A closer to the pressure P2 of the liquefied carbon dioxide when performing the suction operation, and it is possible to suppress vaporization when the liquefied carbon dioxide is sucked and stabilize the supply amount of the liquefied carbon dioxide. Further, since the liquefied carbon dioxide is supplied when the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A is higher than the pressure P2 of the liquefied carbon dioxide, it is possible to prevent the liquefied carbon dioxide from being excessively sucked into the pressure chamber 40A, and also by this, it is possible to stabilize the supply amount of the liquefied carbon dioxide and stabilize the mixing state of the first liquid and the liquefied carbon dioxide.
[0058] In the present embodiment, the switching between the first flow state and the second flow state is performed by the opening and closing operations of the first flow path shut-off valve 37 provided between the first position 14A and the second position 14B in the first flow path 14 and the upstream drive valve 35 provided on the upstream side of the cylinder piston device 40 in the communication flow path 19. Then, when switching to the first flow state, the control unit 60 controls to first open the first flow path shut-off valve 37 and then close the upstream drive valve 35, and when switching to the second flow state, the control unit 60 controls to first open the upstream drive valve 35 and then close the first flow path shut-off valve 37. As a result, it is possible to prevent both flow paths from being in a closed state and the first flow path 14 from being blocked.
[0059] Further, in the present embodiment, a downstream check valve 32 that allows only discharge from the pressure chamber 40A side to the second position 14B side is provided on the downstream side of the cylinder piston device 40 in the communication flow path 19. As a result, when the upstream drive valve 35 is closed in the first flow state, the communication flow path 19 is blocked from the first flow path 14 so that the first liquid and the mixed liquid in which liquefied carbon dioxide is added to the first liquid do not flow into the pressure chamber 40A side from both sides of the first position 14A and the second position 14B, and it can be switched to a first closed state and a second closed state that allows only discharge from the pressure chamber 40A side to the second position 14B side. By this downstream check valve 32 and the upstream drive valve 35, when the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A becomes low due to the suction operation of the cylinder piston device 40, it is possible to prevent the first liquid and the mixed liquid in which liquefied carbon dioxide is added to the first liquid from flowing into the pressure chamber 40A side from both sides of the first position 14A and the second position 14B, and when the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A becomes high due to the discharge operation of the cylinder piston device 40, the mixed liquid in which liquefied carbon dioxide is added to the first liquid can be discharged to the second position 14B side.
[0060] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a downstream drive valve 33 is provided downstream of the downstream check valve 32 in the communication flow path 19. During the suction operation of the cylinder piston device 40, the downstream drive valve 33 is controlled to be in a closed state, and during the discharge operation of the cylinder piston device 40, the downstream drive valve 33 is controlled to be in an open state. Thereby, during the suction operation of the cylinder piston device 40, only the first closed state is established, and the discharge from the pressure chamber 40A side to the second position 14B side is also suppressed. As a result, when the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A becomes lower than the pressure P1 in the first flow path 14, it is possible to prevent the first liquid and the mixed liquid in which liquefied carbon dioxide is added to the first liquid from flowing into the pressure chamber 40A from the second position 14B side. When the pressure P1 in the first flow path 14 becomes lower than the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A, it is possible to prevent the excess additive from flowing out to the second position 14B side. That is, when sucking liquefied carbon dioxide into the pressure chamber 40A, the upstream drive valve 35 and the downstream drive valve 33 act as shut-off valves that shut off the communication flow path 19 from the first flow path 14. The upstream drive valve 35 and the downstream drive valve 33 correspond to the "shut-off valve for the communication flow path" in the claims.
[0061] Moreover, an injection drive valve 30 is provided in the additive introduction path 23 and is controlled to be in an open state only during the suction operation of the cylinder piston device 40. This also prevents the situation where liquefied carbon dioxide flows out excessively to the second position 14B side. Therefore, in the additive mixing device 50 of the present embodiment, it is not affected by the pressure P1 in the first flow path 14, and liquefied carbon dioxide can be quantitatively supplied by the suction operation of the cylinder piston device 40, and the mixing condition of the first liquid and liquefied carbon dioxide can be stabilized.
[0062] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pressure vessel 21 for storing liquefied carbon dioxide is housed in a heat-insulated storage 24 equipped with a temperature adjustment device 26 having a cooler and a heater, and the pressure P2 of the liquefied carbon dioxide is adjusted to the first pressure. Here, the foamed resin molded body manufacturing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is transported to a construction site and used, and the installation environment varies depending on the region, climate, etc. Moreover, even at the same site, the temperature changes moment by moment during a day of construction. In particular, liquefied carbon dioxide has a large range of pressure change with respect to temperature. In order to always manufacture the same polyurethane foam, it is necessary to adjust the stroke of the piston 42 according to the pressure P2 of the liquefied carbon dioxide and vary the supply amount of the liquefied carbon dioxide. However, it is difficult to adjust the supply amount of the liquefied carbon dioxide according to the actual temperature, and the mixing state of the first liquid and the liquefied carbon dioxide cannot be stabilized. Conventionally, a regulator was attached to the pressure vessel 21 for pressure reduction adjustment, but it is difficult to adjust due to problems such as the adjustment frequency and the influence of the supply pressure.
[0063] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, by controlling the cooler and the heater of the temperature adjustment device 26 provided in the heat-insulated storage 24, the pressure P2 of the liquefied carbon dioxide is adjusted to the first pressure to control the temperature to be constant. Thereby, the change in the pressure P2 accompanying the temperature change due to the installation environment of the pressure vessel 21 can be suppressed, the regulator and the adjustment of the regulator become unnecessary, and the operability is improved. In addition, since the pressure P2 of the liquefied carbon dioxide supplied to the cylinder piston device 40 is controlled to be constant, the adjustment of the stroke of the piston 42 becomes unnecessary, and the mixing state of the first liquid and the liquefied carbon dioxide can be stabilized.
[0064] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, the first flow path shut-off valve 37 and the upstream side drive valve 35 are provided to switch the flow of the first liquid between the first flow state and the second flow state. However, a three-way valve may be provided at the first position 14A, which is the branch portion of the first flow path 14 and the communication flow path 19, to switch between the first flow state and the second flow state.
[0065] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the first flow path shut-off valve 37 and the upstream-side drive valve 35 are provided to switch the flow of the first liquid between the first flow state and the second flow state. However, instead of the first flow path shut-off valve 37, a flow rate adjustment valve may be provided between the first position 14A and the second position 14B in the first flow path 14, and by adjusting its opening degree, a first flow state in which more of the first liquid flows from the first position 14A to the first flow path 14 than to the communication flow path 19, and a second flow state in which more of the first liquid flows from the first position 14A to the communication flow path 19 than to the first flow path 14 can be switched. Also by this means, in the first flow state, after liquefied carbon dioxide is introduced into the communication flow path 19, the added liquefied carbon dioxide can be flushed out from the communication flow path 19 by changing to the second flow state. Note that the flow rate adjustment valve corresponds to the "throttle valve for the first flow path" in the claims.
[0066] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the first flow path shut-off valve 37, the upstream-side drive valve 35, the downstream-side drive valve 33, and the injection drive valve 30 are air-driven valves, but they may be hydraulic drive valves or solenoid valves.
[0067] (4) The downstream-side drive valve 33 may not be provided. Even if the downstream-side drive valve 33 is not provided, since a downstream-side check valve 32 that only allows discharge from the cylinder piston device 40 to the second position 14B side is provided, when the cylinder piston device 40 performs a suction operation, even if the first closed state is reached and the internal pressure P of the pressure chamber 40A becomes low, the communication flow path 19 can be shut off from the first flow path 14 so that the first liquid and the mixed liquid in which liquefied carbon dioxide is added to the first liquid do not flow in from the second position 14B side.
[0068] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the temperature adjustment device 26 having both a cooler and a heater is controlled to adjust the liquefied carbon dioxide to the first pressure, but the temperature adjustment device 26 may have a configuration including only one of a cooler and a heater.
[0069] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the pressure vessel 21 was housed together with the temperature adjustment device 26 in the heat insulation chamber 24, but instead of the heat insulation chamber 24, a cover may be provided to cover the pressure vessel 21 and the temperature adjustment device 26.
[0070] (7) In the above embodiment, the position sensor 67 is disposed in the cylinder piston device 40, and the control unit 60 executes steps S14 to S19 of the additive supply program PG1 by detecting the position of the piston 42 with the position sensor 67. However, it may be configured not to include the position sensor 67, and steps S14 to S19 may be executed by program control using a timer. According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid the device from stopping or being adjusted due to the displacement or detachment of the position sensor 67.
[0071] (8) In the above embodiment, it was configured to include both the injection check valve 31 and the injection drive valve 30, but it may be configured to include only the injection drive valve 30.
[0072] Also, in the above embodiment, it was configured to include both the upstream check valve 34 and the upstream drive valve 35, but it may be configured to include only the upstream drive valve 35.
[0073] Also, in the above embodiment, it was configured to include both the downstream check valve 32 and the downstream drive valve 33, but it may be configured to include only the downstream drive valve 33.
[0074] (9) In the above embodiment, the manifold 27 was provided with a cooling device, but it may not be provided with a cooling device.
[0075] (10) In the above embodiment, the pressure sensor 36P was configured to detect the pressure on the downstream side of the communication flow path 19, but it may be configured to detect the pressure on the upstream side of the communication flow path 19.
[0076] (11) In the above-described embodiment, the cylinder 41 is provided with a first suction port 41A, a second suction port 41B, and a discharge port 43, and is connected to the additive introduction path 23, the upstream side of the communication flow path 19, and the downstream side of the communication flow path 19, respectively. The configuration was such that liquefied carbon dioxide was inhaled into the pressure chamber 40A of the cylinder 41 by the suction operation of the cylinder piston device 40. However, the first suction port 41A is not provided in the cylinder 41. Instead, as shown in FIG. 10, it may be provided in the communication flow path 19 and configured such that when the piston 42 rises and liquefied carbon dioxide is inhaled from the first suction port 41A, it is not inhaled into the pressure chamber 40A. Even with this configuration, the first liquid introduced into the communication flow path 19 and the liquefied carbon dioxide can be mixed. In FIG. 10, the first suction port 41A is provided between the upstream check valve 34 and the second suction port 41B on the upstream side of the communication flow path 19 with respect to the cylinder piston device 40. However, it may be provided between the discharge port 43 and the downstream check valve 32 on the downstream side of the communication flow path 19 with respect to the cylinder piston device 40.
[0077] (12) In the above-described embodiment, a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the injection check valve 31 may be provided, and when raising the piston 42, the piston 42 may be raised by a set distance from when the injection check valve 31 opens.
[0078] (13) In the above-described embodiment, an air cylinder was used as the cylinder piston device 40, but an electric actuator, an electric cylinder, etc. may also be used. In this case, the amount of liquefied carbon dioxide added may be adjusted by numerically controlling the stroke.
[0079] (14) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration was such that liquefied carbon dioxide as an additive was mixed with the first liquid, which is the first urethane stock solution mainly composed of polyol. However, it may be configured to be mixed with the second liquid, which is the first urethane stock solution mainly composed of polyisocyanate, or may be configured to be mixed with each of the first liquid and the second liquid.
[0080] (15) The foam resin molded body manufacturing apparatus 10 of the above embodiment was a manufacturing apparatus for a two-component mixed type urethane foam, but it may be a manufacturing apparatus for a one-component type urethane foam. In this case, the second stock solution tank 16 may be omitted, and the first stock solution tank 12 may be configured to store the first liquid and the second liquid.
[0081] (16) The foam resin molded body manufacturing apparatus 10 of the above embodiment was a manufacturing apparatus for a polyurethane foam, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may be a manufacturing apparatus for a polyisocyanurate foam, a polyester foam, an epoxy foam, an acrylic foam, a phenolic foam, a melamine formaldehyde foam, or the like.
[0082] (17) In the above embodiment, the additive used was liquefied carbon dioxide as a physical foaming agent, but it may be an inert gas such as a chlorofluorocarbon or an HFO (hydrofluoroolefin).
[0083] (18) In the above embodiment, the additive was a physical foaming agent, but it is not limited thereto. It may be a foam stabilizer, a flame retardant, a viscosity reducer, a moisture absorbent, a crosslinking agent, or the like. Also, these may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When the additive is a physical foaming agent, it is necessary to hold the additive at a pressure where vaporization is suppressed as in the above embodiment, and to pressurize the pressure of the first liquid into which the additive is introduced to be equal to or higher than the pressure of the additive. However, if the additive does not vaporize, pressurization for suppressing vaporization with respect to the first liquid is not required.
[0084] In addition, although specific examples of the technology included in the claims are disclosed in this specification and the drawings, the technology described in the claims is not limited to these specific examples, and includes those obtained by variously modifying and changing the specific examples, and also includes those obtained by taking out a part from the specific examples alone. <Supplementary Note> Hereinafter, the characteristic groups extracted from the above embodiment will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above embodiment are appropriately shown in parentheses and the like, but it is not limited to the specific configurations shown in these parentheses and the like.
[0085] For example, the following features 1 to 15 relate to an "additive mixing device for injecting and mixing an additive into a first liquid, and a foamed resin molding apparatus including the same". Regarding the background art of "Conventionally, as this type of additive mixing device, one that injects an additive into a flow path through which the first liquid flows is known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-50228 (paragraph
[0038] and FIG. 1)).", it can be considered that it is made with the problem of "There is a need to develop a technique for stabilizing the mixing state of the first liquid and the additive with respect to the above-described additive mixing device."
[0086] [Feature 1] An additive mixing device that injects an additive into a communication flow path connecting a first position of a first flow path through which a first liquid flows and a second position downstream thereof and mixes the additive into the first liquid, wherein a flow switching device that switches the first liquid between a first flow state in which more of the first liquid flows from the first position into the first flow path than into the communication flow path and a second flow state in which more of the first liquid flows from the first position into the communication flow path than into the first flow path; a control unit that controls the additive supply device and the flow switching device so as to repeat a cycle operation of switching from the second flow state to the first flow state, injecting the additive into the communication flow path, and then returning to the second flow state. An additive mixing device comprising the same.
[0087] In Feature 1, a communication channel that connects between a first position and a second position downstream of the first position in the first channel through which the first liquid flows is branched and provided in the first channel, and an additive is introduced into the communication channel from an additive supply device. In the present disclosure, by means of a flow switching device, the first liquid can be switched between a first flow state in which more liquid flows from the communication channel to the first channel and a second flow state in which more liquid flows from the first channel to the communication channel. A cycle operation of switching from the second flow state to the first flow state, introducing the additive into the communication channel, and then returning to the second flow state is repeated. As a result, the additive introduced into the communication channel can be flushed out of the communication channel and supplied to the first channel every cycle. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the additive from remaining in the communication channel indefinitely and to stabilize the mixing of the first liquid and the additive. [Feature 2] The additive is a liquid physical foaming agent, and is injected into the communication channel by the additive supply device at a pressure that suppresses vaporization. The first liquid flows through the first channel and the communication channel at a pressure that suppresses vaporization of the additive. The additive mixing device according to Feature 1.
[0088] In Feature 2, the additive is a liquid physical foaming agent, and is injected into the communication channel by the additive supply device at a pressure that suppresses vaporization. At the same time, the first liquid flows through the first channel and the communication channel at a pressure that suppresses vaporization of the additive. This can suppress the vaporization of the additive when it is injected into the communication channel and stabilize the supply amount of the additive.
[0089] [Feature 3] A pressure vessel that stores the additive in a pressurized state that suppresses vaporization of the additive and can supply the additive to the communication channel, Temperature adjustment equipment having one or both of a heater and a cooler for heating and cooling the pressure vessel, A pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the additive discharged from the pressure vessel, An output control unit that controls the output of the temperature adjustment equipment so that the pressure detected by the pressure sensor becomes a first pressure preset as the pressure that suppresses vaporization of the additive. The additive mixing device according to Feature 2.
[0090] In Feature 3, based on the value of the pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the additive, the pressure vessel storing the additive is heated or cooled, and adjusted so that the pressure of the additive becomes a first pressure preset as the pressure for suppressing vaporization. Thereby, the change in the pressure of the additive due to the temperature change can be suppressed and controlled to be constant, the variation in the supply amount of the additive introduced into the communication channel can be suppressed, and the mixing state of the first liquid and the additive can be stabilized.
[0091] [Feature 4] The temperature adjustment device has a box for accommodating the pressure vessel, and is the additive mixing device according to Feature 3 for heating or cooling the inside of the box.
[0092] [Feature 5] The flow switching device includes a shut-off valve for the communication channel that shuts off the communication channel from the first channel in response to an abnormal pressure drop in the first channel or the communication channel, and is the additive mixing device according to any one of Features 1 to 4.
[0093] In Feature 5, since the flow switching device includes a shut-off valve for the communication channel that shuts off the communication channel from the first channel in response to an abnormal pressure drop in the first channel or the communication channel, it is possible to suppress the first liquid from flowing into the communication channel from the first channel and the excess additive from flowing out of the communication channel into the first channel, and to stabilize the mixing state of the first liquid and the additive.
[0094] [Feature 6] The additive is a liquid physical foaming agent, The additive supply device includes a pressure vessel that stores the additive at a first pressure preset as the pressure for suppressing vaporization of the additive, an on-off valve for injection provided between the pressure vessel and the communication channel, and a cylinder piston device that sucks a fixed amount of liquid and then discharges the liquid into the communication channel. ra one The first liquid flows through the first channel and the communication channel at a pressure equal to or higher than the first pressure. In the first flow state, the flow switching device shuts off the communication flow path from the first flow path so that the first liquid does not flow into the device connection part of the additive supply device in the communication flow path from both sides of the first position and the second position, and can be switched to a first closed state, and a second closed state that allows only discharge from the device connection part to the second position side. After the control unit opens the injection on-off valve in the first flow state and the first closed state to cause the cylinder piston device to perform a suction operation, in the first flow state and the second closed state, the control unit closes the injection on-off valve to cause the cylinder piston device to perform a discharge operation, and then switches to the second flow state, and controls the additive supply device and the flow switching device according to any one of features 1 to 5 of the additive mixing device according to the described features.
[0095] According to feature 6, when the additive is introduced into the communication flow path by the suction operation of the cylinder piston device of the additive supply device, the first closed state is achieved so that the first liquid does not flow into the device connection part of the additive supply device from both sides of the first position and the second position. Therefore, even if the pressure of the device connection part becomes low due to the suction operation, the first liquid can be prevented from flowing into the device connection part from the first flow path. When the cylinder piston device performs a discharge operation, the second closed state is achieved and discharge from the device connection part to the second position side is allowed. Therefore, the mixed liquid with the additive added to the first liquid can be discharged to the second position side. Moreover, since the injection on-off valve provided between the pressure vessel for storing the additive and the communication flow path is open in the first closed state during the suction operation and closed in the second closed state, it is also possible to prevent excessive additive from flowing out from the pressure vessel into the first flow path.
[0096] [Feature 7] The flow switching device according to feature 6 includes an upstream drive valve disposed upstream of the device connection part in the communication flow path and driven to open and close according to a command of the control unit.
[0097] In Feature 7, an upstream drive valve that is driven to open and close in response to a command from the control unit is arranged on the upstream side of the device connection part in the communication flow path. Therefore, by opening and closing the upstream drive valve, it becomes possible to switch between the first flow state and the second flow state. Note that an upstream check valve that allows only the flow from the first position to the communication flow path side may be provided between the upstream drive valve and the device connection part in the communication flow path.
[0098] [Feature 8] The flow switching device is arranged on the downstream side of the device connection part in the communication flow path, and includes a downstream check valve that allows only the flow from the communication flow path to the first flow path. The additive mixing device according to Feature 6 or 7.
[0099] In Feature 8, a downstream check valve that allows only the flow from the communication flow path to the first flow path is arranged on the downstream side of the device connection part in the communication flow path. Therefore, it becomes possible to switch between a first closed state that suppresses the first liquid from flowing in from the second position and a second closed state that allows the discharge from the device connection part to the second position side.
[0100] [Feature 9] The injection on-off valve is an injection drive valve that is driven to open and close in response to a command from the control unit, The control unit controls the injection drive valve to be in an open state only when causing the cylinder piston device to perform a suction operation. The additive mixing device according to any one of Features 6 to 8.
[0101] According to Feature 9, when an abnormality occurs in which the pressure in the first flow path drops below the pressure in the communication flow path, etc., it is possible to prevent an excessive amount of additive from flowing out into the first flow path.
[0102] [Feature 10] The flow switching device is arranged on the downstream side of the device connection part in the communication flow path and includes a downstream drive valve that is driven to open and close in response to a command from the control unit, The control unit controls the downstream drive valve to be in an open state only when the injection on-off valve is in a closed state. The additive mixing device according to any one of Features 6 to 9.
[0103] In Feature 10, a downstream drive valve that is driven to open and close in response to a command from the control unit is provided on the downstream side of the device connection portion in the communication flow path, and is controlled to the open state only when the injection on-off valve is in the closed state. Here, for example, when the pressure in the first flow path drops below the pressure in the communication flow path, a situation may occur where the additive flows excessively into the first flow path. However, when the injection on-off valve is in the open state, since the downstream drive valve is closed, it is not affected by the pressure in the first flow path, and it is possible to prevent excessive additive from flowing into the first flow path.
[0104] [Feature 11] The flow switching device includes a first flow path shut-off valve that shuts off the flow of the first liquid from the first position to the first flow path in the second flow state, and the additive mixing device according to any one of Features 5 to 9.
[0105] In Feature 11, since the first flow path shut-off valve that shuts off the flow of the first liquid from the first position to the first flow path in the second flow state is arranged, it becomes possible to switch between the first flow state and the second flow state by opening and closing the first flow path shut-off valve. Also, by providing both with the upstream drive valve described above, for example, when switching from the second flow state where the first liquid flows through the communication flow path with the first flow path shut-off valve in the closed state and the upstream drive valve in the open state to the first flow state where the first liquid flows through the first flow path, if the first flow path shut-off valve is opened first and then the upstream drive valve is closed, it is possible to prevent both flow paths from being in the closed state and the first flow path from being blocked.
[0106] [Feature 12] The flow switching device includes a first flow path throttle valve that restricts the flow of the first liquid from the first position to the first flow path when switching from the first flow state to the second flow state, and the additive mixing device according to any one of Features 6 to 10.
[0107] In Feature 12, when switching from the first flow state to the second flow state, a throttle valve for the first flow path that restricts the flow of the first liquid from the first position to the first flow path is provided, and the first liquid is always flowing through the first flow path. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a change in the pressure of the first liquid at the first position and the second position in the first flow path, and it is possible to stabilize the mixing state of the first liquid and the additive.
[0108] [Feature 13] An additive mixing device according to any one of Features 6 to 12, and a second flow path that is connected to a third position on the downstream side of the second position in the first flow path and through which a second liquid flows. A foamed resin molded body manufacturing device that generates a foamed resin molded body from the first liquid containing the additive and the second liquid.
[0109] [Feature 14] One of the first liquid and the second liquid is a first urethane stock solution mainly composed of polyol, and the other is a second urethane stock solution mainly composed of polyisocyanate. The foamed resin molded body manufacturing device according to Feature 13 that generates a polyurethane foam from the first liquid containing the additive and the second liquid.
[0110] [Feature 15] A first feeding pump that feeds the first liquid to the first flow path, A second feeding pump that feeds the second liquid to the second flow path, A discharge gun provided at the end of the first flow path and having a trigger for operating whether or not to discharge a mixed liquid of the first liquid and the second liquid. The first feeding pump and the second feeding pump operate or stop due to the operation of the trigger. The control unit controls the additive supply device and the flow switching device to be interlocked with the first feeding pump and the second feeding pump. The foamed resin molded body manufacturing device according to Feature 13 or 14.
[0111] According to Feature 15, when the first feed pump is activated by the operation of the trigger and the first liquid is fed into the first flow path, it becomes possible to supply the additive.
[0112] Although specific examples of the technology included in the claims are disclosed in this specification and the drawings, the technology described in the claims is not limited to these specific examples, but also includes those obtained by various modifications and changes of the specific examples, as well as those obtained by taking out a part of the specific examples alone.
Explanation of Reference Numerals
[0113] 10 Foamed resin molding apparatus 11 First stock solution supply device 13 First feed pump 14 First flow path 14A First position 14B Second position 15 Second stock solution supply device 17 Second feed pump 18 Second flow path 19 Communication flow path 20 Additive supply device 21 Pressure vessel 24 Heat insulation chamber (box) 26 Temperature adjustment equipment 27P Pressure sensor 30 Injection drive valve (injection on-off valve) 31 Injection check valve (injection on-off valve) 32 Downstream check valve 33 Downstream drive valve (communication flow path shut-off valve) 35 Upstream drive valve (communication flow path shut-off valve) 37 First flow path shut-off valve 40 Cylinder piston device 41A First suction port (device connection part) 41B Second suction port (device connection part) 43 Discharge port (device connection part) 50 Additive mixing device 60 Control unit 70 Mixing and discharging part (third position)
Claims
1. An additive mixing device that injects an additive into a communication channel connecting a first position of a first channel through which a first liquid flows and a second position downstream of the first position, and mixes the additive with the first liquid using an additive supply device, a flow switching device that switches the first liquid between a first flow state in which more of the first liquid flows from the first position into the first channel than into the communication channel and a second flow state in which more of the first liquid flows from the first position into the communication channel than into the first channel, a control unit that controls the additive supply device and the flow switching device to repeat a cycle operation of switching from the second flow state to the first flow state, injecting the additive into the communication channel, and then returning to the second flow state, wherein the flow switching device in the first flow state, is capable of switching between a first closed state in which the communication channel is blocked from the first channel so that the first liquid does not flow into the device connection portion of the communication channel to which the additive supply device is connected from both sides of the first position and the second position, and a second closed state in which only discharge from the device connection portion to the second position side is allowed, in the second flow state, is an additive mixing device that blocks the flow of the first liquid from the first position to the first channel.
2. An additive mixing device that injects an additive into a communication channel connecting a first position of a first channel through which a first liquid flows and a second position downstream of the first position, and mixes the additive with the first liquid using an additive supply device, a flow switching device that switches the first liquid between a first flow state in which more of the first liquid flows from the first position into the first channel than into the communication channel and a second flow state in which more of the first liquid flows from the first position into the communication channel than into the first channel, a control unit that controls the additive supply device and the flow switching device to repeat a cycle operation of switching from the second flow state to the first flow state, injecting the additive into the communication channel, and then returning to the second flow state, wherein the flow switching device in the first flow state, is capable of switching between a first closed state in which the communication channel is blocked from the first channel so that the first liquid does not flow into the device connection portion of the communication channel to which the additive supply device is connected from both sides of the first position and the second position, and a second closed state in which only discharge from the device connection portion to the second position side is allowed, An additive mixing device that restricts the flow of the first liquid from the first position to the first flow path when switching from the first flow state to the second flow state. **Claim 3**: The additive is a liquid physical foaming agent, and is injected into the communication flow path at a pressure that suppresses vaporization by the additive supply device. The first liquid is flowed through the first flow path and the communication flow path at a pressure that suppresses vaporization of the additive. The additive mixing device according to claim 1 or 2. **Claim 4**: A pressure vessel that stores the additive in a pressurized state that suppresses vaporization of the additive and can supply the additive to the communication flow path, Temperature adjustment equipment having one or both of a heater and a cooler for heating and cooling the pressure vessel, A pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the additive discharged from the pressure vessel, An output control unit that controls the output of the temperature adjustment equipment so that the pressure detected by the pressure sensor becomes a first pressure preset as the pressure that suppresses vaporization of the additive. The additive mixing device according to claim 3. **Claim 5**: The temperature adjustment equipment has a box that houses the pressure vessel, and heats or cools the inside of the box. The additive mixing device according to claim 4. **Claim 6**: The flow switching device includes a shut-off valve for the communication flow path that shuts off the communication flow path from the first flow path in response to an abnormality in the pressure drop of the first flow path or the communication flow path. The additive mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. **Claim 7** The flow switching device is disposed upstream of the device connection portion in the communication flow path, and includes an upstream drive valve that is opened and closed in response to a command from the control unit. The additive mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. **Claim 8** The flow switching device is disposed downstream of the device connection portion in the communication flow path, and includes a downstream check valve that allows only the flow from the communication flow path to the first flow path. The additive mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. **Claim 9**: The additive is a liquid physical foaming agent. The additive supply device includes a pressure vessel that stores the additive at a first pressure preset as the pressure that suppresses vaporization of the additive, an injection on-off valve provided between the pressure vessel and the communication flow path, and a cylinder piston device that sucks a certain amount of liquid from the communication flow path and then discharges the liquid into the communication flow path. The first liquid is flowed through the first flow path and the communication flow path at a pressure equal to or higher than the first pressure. After the control unit opens the injection on-off valve in the first flow state and the first closed state to cause the cylinder piston device to perform a suction operation, and then closes the injection on-off valve in the first flow state and the second closed state to cause the cylinder piston device to perform a discharge operation, the control unit controls the additive supply device and the flow switching device so as to switch to the second flow state. The additive mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. The injection on-off valve is an injection drive valve that is opened and closed in response to a command from the control unit, The control unit controls the injection drive valve to be in an open state only when causing the cylinder piston device to perform a suction operation. The additive mixing device according to claim 9.
11. The flow switching device includes a downstream drive valve that is disposed on the downstream side of the device connection portion in the communication flow path and is opened and closed in response to a command from the control unit, The control unit controls the downstream drive valve to be in an open state only when the injection on-off valve is in a closed state. The additive mixing device according to claim 9 or 10.
12. The additive mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A second flow path that is connected to a third position downstream of the second position in the first flow path and through which a second liquid flows, A foamed resin molded body manufacturing apparatus that generates a foamed resin molded body from the first liquid containing the additive and the second liquid.
13. One of the first liquid and the second liquid is a first urethane stock solution mainly composed of polyol, and the other is a second urethane stock solution mainly composed of polyisocyanate. The foamed resin molded body manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, which generates a polyurethane foam from the first liquid containing the additive and the second liquid.
14. A first feed pump that feeds the first liquid to the first flow path, A second feed pump that feeds the second liquid to the second flow path, A discharge gun provided at the end of the first flow path and having a trigger for operating whether or not to discharge a mixed liquid of the first liquid and the second liquid, The first feed pump and the second feed pump are operated or stopped due to the operation of the trigger, The control unit controls the additive supply device and the flow switching device to be interlocked with the first feed pump. The foamed resin molded body manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12 or 13.
Citation Information
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