Foaming device for foaming expandable particle foam material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foaming apparatus (1) for foaming an expandable particle foaming material (2) by means of a foaming furnace (6), the foaming furnace (6) having an internal space (5) for receiving the particle foaming material (2), an irradiator (11) disposed in the internal space (5) of the foaming furnace (6) is formed, a conveying device (4) having a conveying surface (13) is formed, and the foaming apparatus (1) serves to guide the particle foaming material (2) received on the conveying surface (13) in a conveying direction (14) through the internal space (5) of the foaming furnace (6).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a foaming device for foaming an expandable particle foam material. [Background technology]

[0002] In particular, polystyrene (PS), Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) Polymer foams, or expanded thermoplastic polyurethanes (eTPUs), are processed in a multi-step process from starting polystyrene granules or beads to produce final foamed components, such as insulation panels, molded articles, or transport packaging, particularly for vehicles, structural reinforcement, sound insulation, or weight reduction. In the pre-expansion process, the granules containing the blowing agent are pre-expanded to increase their volume, producing foam beads or intermediate foams, which essentially determine the mechanical and thermal properties of the final product. Polymer foams, particularly polystyrene particle foams, are currently the most important materials for insulating both new and existing buildings. In the future, legal requirements will increasingly require improved thermal insulation performance in buildings, which can be achieved by increasing the thickness of the insulation layer or by reducing the thermal conductivity of the insulation. Equally important for practical use is mechanical strength, and it is known that increased strength is accompanied by an increase in the amount of starting material used. However, a compromise must be reached, as increasing the amount of starting material reduces thermal insulation performance. Furthermore, it is known from the literature that thermal conductivity can be reduced by increasing the cell / wall thickness ratio. This allows the thermal conductivity to be varied, so to speak, independently of the mechanical properties.

[0003] Patent Documents 1, 2, 3, and 4 disclose various methods and devices for producing particle foam materials, but these methods and devices have the drawback that they can only produce insufficient foaming results, and therefore the density of the material can be excessively high. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 0348372(B1) [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 3,015,479(A) [Patent Document 3] Austrian Patent Application Publication No. 518099(A1) [Patent Document 4] German Patent Application Publication No. 102013225132(A1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art and which makes it possible to achieve improved foaming results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problems are solved by the device and method set forth in the claims.

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, a foaming apparatus for foaming an expandable particle foam material is provided, the foaming apparatus including a foaming oven having an interior space for receiving the expandable particle foam material, an irradiator disposed in the interior space of the foaming oven, and a conveying device having a conveying surface for guiding the particle foam material received on the conveying surface through the interior space of the foaming oven in a conveying direction.

[0008] The device according to the invention offers the advantage that improved expansion results can be achieved for particle foam materials.

[0009] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the interior space of the foaming oven to be bounded on the upper side by an irradiator, on the lower side by a conveying surface of a conveying device, and on both sides by a first reflecting element and a second reflecting element. This has the advantage that the radiation from the irradiator can be reflected by the reflecting element, thereby achieving uniform irradiation of the particle foam material. Furthermore, the reflecting element may allow individual particles of the particle foam material to be irradiated not only from above but also from the side, in order to achieve uniform irradiation of the individual particles of the particle foam material.

[0010] In a variant, the reflective element can be formed in the form of a mirrored metal plate, which offers the advantage of being easy to manufacture and robust.

[0011] Furthermore, the first and second reflecting elements may be arranged at an acute angle to the irradiator, and a first distance between the first and second reflecting elements in the region of the irradiator may be greater than a second distance between the first and second reflecting elements in the region of the conveying device, and in particular the first and second reflecting elements may be arranged at an angle of 70° to 98°, in particular 90° to 95°, and preferably 92.5° to 94.5°, to the irradiator. This provides the advantage that such an arrangement of the reflecting elements allows for surprisingly good and uniform heat input into the particulate foam material.

[0012] Furthermore, the conveying surface of the conveying device may be formed with receiving recesses, each of which serves to receive only one particle of the particle foam material. This has the advantage that each particle of the particle foam material does not come into contact with adjacent particles in an unexpanded state. This prevents uneven expansion or deformation of the individual particles of the particle foam material during the expansion process.

[0013] Furthermore, the radius of the receiving recess may be 1.5 mm to 4 mm, particularly 1.8 mm to 3 mm, and preferably 2 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0014] Furthermore, the depth of the receiving recess can be set to 0.1 mm to 3 mm, particularly 0.3 mm to 2 mm, and preferably 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0015] Furthermore, the surface diameter of the receiving recess can be set to 0.2 mm to 4 mm, particularly 0.3 mm to 2 mm, and preferably 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0016] In particular, the receiving recesses formed in accordance with the above numerical values ​​provide the surprising advantage that only one particle of the particle foam material is received in each receiving recess, thereby allowing the particles of the particle foam material to be transferred to the conveying surface in a correspondingly separated manner.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, a mesh structure can be formed that defines the receiving recess, which has the advantage that the mesh structure can serve to receive only one particle of expanded particle material.

[0018] In particular, a conveying bed is formed below the mesh structure, and the mesh structure can be displaced relative to the conveying bed. This allows individual particles of the particle foam material to be guided through the mesh structure and rest on or roll on the conveying bed. By rolling the individual particles of the particle foam material on the conveying bed, uniform heating and, therefore, uniform foaming of the particles of the particle foam material can be achieved.

[0019] According to a variant, the conveying surface of the conveying device can comprise a thermally activatable material designed to increase the enlargement of the receiving recesses when heated. This has the advantage that the geometry of the conveying surface of the conveying device, in particular the recess or mesh structure, can be heated simultaneously with the individual particles of the particle foam material when heated. This allows the conveying surface to adapt to changes in the size of the individual particles of the particle foam material.

[0020] It may also be advantageous if a plurality of feed channels are formed, the feed channels being arranged next to one another in the conveying direction and each aligned with a row of receiving recesses, which has the advantage that the particles of the particle foam material can be precisely guided to or placed in the receiving recesses by the feed channels.

[0021] It is further conceivable that a bulk container is formed above the feed channel into which the individual particles of the particle foam material can be poured. The feed channel can be directly connected to the bulk container.

[0022] In a variant, the individual feed channels can be connected to a vibration device that can vibrate the feed channels, which has the advantage that in this way the particles introduced into the bulk container can be easily separated and transported into the feed channels.

[0023] Furthermore, each of the feed channels may have a feed channel diameter, and the particles of the particle foam material may have a particle diameter, with the feed channel diameter being 100.1% to 199%, particularly 105% to 170%, and preferably 110% to 130% of the particle diameter. This measure allows the individual particles of the particle foam material to be easily separated within the feed channels.

[0024] Furthermore, the feed channels can be arranged at a feed channel spacing relative to the conveying surface of the conveying device, and the particle size can be 100.1% to 199%, particularly 105% to 170%, and preferably 110% to 130% of the feed channel spacing. This measure ensures that the particles of the particle foam material can only leave the feed channel once they are received in the receiving recesses. This allows for improved separation of the individual particles of the particle foam material or for uniform placement on the conveying surface.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the particle size can be 51% to 99.9%, in particular 70% to 98%, and preferably 80% to 90% of the feed channel spacing. In this configuration, separation of the particles of the particle foam material can be achieved even when the conveying surface is designed as a flat surface without recesses in at least some areas.

[0026] In a first embodiment, the conveying surface of the conveying device can be formed as a circulating belt, in particular in the form of a metal belt, in particular a stainless steel belt.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the conveying surface of the conveying device can be formed on a planar conveying device, in particular on a support plate, in which the receiving recesses can be formed in the form of a plurality of holes.

[0028] In a special configuration, at least a first and a second level of receiving recesses are formed in the conveying direction, and the individual receiving recesses of the first level can be arranged in several rows, and the individual receiving recesses of the second level can be arranged in several rows, which has the advantage that a higher density of the individual particles of the particle foam material on the conveying surface can be achieved.

[0029] According to another advantageous embodiment, scrapers are formed in the input area and are arranged at a scraper spacing relative to the conveying surface of the conveying device, with the particle size being 50% to 99.9%, in particular 70% to 97%, and preferably 85% to 92% of the scraper spacing, which has the advantage that the scrapers can separate the particles of the particle foam material from the conveying surface of the conveying device.

[0030] In particular, it may be advantageous to provide a cooling device that serves to cool the particle foam material. This can result in a surprising improvement in the foaming quality of the particle foam material. In particular, the cooling device can be provided in the area of ​​the conveyor. Furthermore, the cooling device can be arranged under the conveyor belt, in particular on the side of the conveyor belt opposite to the conveying surface.

[0031] Furthermore, a separating device may be provided that separates the individual particles of the particle foam material from one another. This has the advantage that particles of the particle foam material that are stuck together can be easily separated from one another by the separating device. In particular, the separating device may be provided in the form of a spike roller that breaks up particle agglomerates.

[0032] In a first embodiment, a separating device is used to separate individual expanded particles of the particle foam material, and the separating device is arranged downstream of the irradiator. Alternatively or additionally, a separating device is used to separate particles of the foam material to be expanded, and the separating device is arranged upstream of the irradiator. The separating device can include a device for applying air impact, whereby particle separation can be assisted by air impact or can be achieved solely by air impact.

[0033] Furthermore, an intermediate storage tank and a separate foaming oven can be provided, with the intermediate storage tank being arranged downstream of the foaming oven and the separate foaming oven being arranged downstream of the intermediate storage tank, as viewed in the conveying direction, which has the advantage that the pre-expanded particle foam material can be cooled or allowed to rest in the intermediate storage tank in order to achieve an improved foaming result.

[0034] A configuration in which a vibration device acting on the conveying surface of the conveying device is also advantageous is provided. This measure allows the individual particles of the particle foam material to rotate during conveyance in order to achieve uniform irradiation of the particles and thus uniform heating of the particles. In particular, the vibration device can be designed to emit ultrasonic vibrations.

[0035] Furthermore, the irradiator can be in the form of an infrared irradiator, or in another embodiment, in the form of any other device that emits thermal energy.

[0036] According to the present invention, a method for expanding an expandable particulate foam material in the form of granules consisting of individual particles is envisaged, which method comprises the following method steps: placing the particle foam material on a conveying surface of a conveying device; Introducing the particle foaming material into the inner space of the foaming oven by a conveying device; irradiating the particle foam material with an irradiator disposed in the interior space of the foaming furnace; and removing the particle foam material from the interior space of the foam oven.

[0037] The method according to the invention offers the advantage that it makes it possible to achieve improved expansion results for the particulate foam material.

[0038] According to a variant, after the particle foam material is removed from the interior of the foaming oven, it can be temporarily stored in an intermediate storage tank and then introduced into another foaming oven, which has the advantage that the pre-expanded particle foam material can be cooled or left to rest in the intermediate storage tank in order to achieve an improved foaming result.

[0039] Furthermore, the transport device can advantageously be designed as trays or connected compartments which can be moved laterally or transversely to the transport direction and can, for example, be stacked, thereby making it possible to reduce the length of the transport device, provide buffer spaces or provide for cooling stations.

[0040] Furthermore, the trays or elements of the conveying device forming the conveying surface can be cooled by a cooling medium operating in a cooling circuit.

[0041] In particular, it is advantageous in this case if the particles of the particle foam material are cooled by contact cooling. In a variant, it is also conceivable to use a spray of a cooling medium for cooling.

[0042] In this case, the trays can be sent back outside the interior space of the foam oven after passing through the interior space of the foam oven to enable a transport cycle of the trays.

[0043] In advantageous embodiments, the tray or compartment may be formed from a moldable and / or pressable material so that receiving recesses and structures can be molded therein.

[0044] It may be advantageous if the tray is associated with a mesh structure in which receiving recesses are formed.

[0045] In particular, the mesh structure may be designed so that the mesh width can be changed.

[0046] For a better understanding of the invention, it will be explained in more detail with the aid of the following figures.

[0047] Each figure is a highly simplified schematic diagram. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a foaming apparatus equipped with a foaming furnace. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the foaming device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a detailed longitudinal section of a conveying surface with receiving recesses. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of another embodiment of a transport device having a mesh structure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the supply channel. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a conveying surface having a receiving recess and a plurality of feeding channels. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a foaming device having a foaming oven, an intermediate storage tank and another foaming oven. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] It should be noted at the outset that the same elements in the different embodiments described will be given the same reference numerals or names. In this case, the disclosure contained in the entire description can be transferred to the same elements having the same reference numerals or names. Positional terms selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., are also based on the displayed figures directly described, and these positional terms will be applied mutatis mutandis to the new positions if the positions are changed.

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a foaming device for foaming a particle foam material 2 .

[0051] The expansion device 1 may include a granule feeder 3 capable of feeding the particle expansion material 2 onto a conveying device 4 .

[0052] The conveying device 4 can extend through the interior space 5 of a foaming oven 6 in which the particle foam material 2 can be foamed. Foaming is understood to mean increasing the volume of the particle foam material 2.

[0053] The interior space 5 of the foam oven 6 can be divided by a number of walls 7 that provide thermal insulation for the interior space 5 of the foam oven 6 .

[0054] In particular, two opposing walls 7 may be provided with an inlet opening 8 or an outlet opening 9 through which the conveying device 4 passes. The inlet opening 8 or the outlet opening 9 is preferably designed to be as small as possible so that it is located as close as possible to the conveying device 4 or to the particle foam material 2 received in the conveying device 4. This almost completely prevents air exchange between the interior space 5 of the foaming oven 6 and the surroundings of the foaming oven 6. As a result, convection between the interior space 5 of the foaming oven 6 and the exterior space of the foaming oven 6 is also almost completely avoided. This leads to particularly good foaming results.

[0055] Furthermore, an ejection device 10 can be formed into which the expanded particle foam material 2 can be introduced by a conveying device 4 .

[0056] The foaming device 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is a continuously operating foaming device 1. The conveying device 4 can be in the form of a belt conveyor. Here, the conveyor belt can be provided with a conveying surface 13 for receiving the particle foam material 2. The conveying device 4 can be used to convey the particle foam material 2 through the foaming oven 6 in a conveying direction 14.

[0057] Alternatively, the conveying device 4 can be formed, for example, in the form of a screw conveyor or a scraper conveyor. Another embodiment of the conveying device 4 is described with reference to FIG.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, an irradiator 11 may be arranged in the interior space 5 of the foaming oven 6, which serves to stimulate the foaming process of the particle foam material 2. The irradiator 11 is only shown diagrammatically in Figure 1. The irradiator 11 is spaced apart from the conveying surface 13 of the conveying device 4 by a distance 12.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the irradiators may be movably accommodated in the inner space 5 of the foaming oven 6 so that the spacing 12 can be changed.

[0060] In another embodiment, the irradiator 11 can be fixedly accommodated in the interior space 5 of the foaming oven 6 .

[0061] The irradiator 11 can be designed as an infrared irradiator, which typically includes a metal housing that provides the necessary stability. The metal frame incorporates thermal insulation to prevent energy from flowing to the rear of the irradiator. The use of corrugated metal foil as a resistive material ensures a large irradiation surface. The front surface is typically equipped with a protective grille to protect against mechanical damage and contact. An infrared irradiator 11 configured in this way features area-wide irradiation. Such an irradiator 11 can be operated at temperatures of, for example, 850°C, which corresponds to a wavelength of approximately 3.5 μm.

[0062] As can be further seen in Figure 1, the particle expansion material 2 includes individual particles 15. The particles 15 have a particle size 16. As can be seen in Figure 1, the particle size 16 increases when the particle expansion material 2 is heated or irradiated.

[0063] Furthermore, the input area 17 may be formed with scrapers 18. The scrapers 18 may be arranged at a scraper spacing 19 relative to the conveying surface 13 of the conveying device 4. In particular, the scrapers 18 are used to adjust the distribution of the individual particles 15 of the particle foam material 2 on the conveying surface 13.

[0064] As can be further seen in Figure 1, a cooling device 20 can be provided for cooling the particle foam material 2. The cooling device 20 can be arranged downstream of the irradiator 11 in the conveying direction 14. In particular, the cooling device 20 can be provided below the conveying surface 13 so that the particle foam material 2 can be cooled from below. In an alternative embodiment, the cooling device 20 can also be provided for cooling the particle foam material 2 directly from above.

[0065] 1, a separator 21 may be formed in the input region 17 and / or downstream of the irradiator 11, which serves to separate the individual particles 15 from one another. In this example, the separator 21 is designed as a mechanical separator.

[0066] In Figure 2, the foaming device 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view taken along the section line II-II in Figure 1, and the same reference numerals or element names are used for the same parts as in Figure 1. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the detailed description in Figure 1 is indicated or reference is made thereto.

[0067] As can be seen in Figure 2, a first reflecting element 22 and a second reflecting element 23 are arranged on either side of the conveying device 4. The reflecting elements 22, 23 serve to reflect the radiation emitted by the illuminator 11 in order to be able to achieve a uniform effect of the radiation on the conveying surface.

[0068] As can be seen from FIG. 2, the reflective elements 22, 23 can be arranged in a V-shape relative to one another, so that a first spacing 24 between the first reflective element 22 and the second reflective element 23 in the area of ​​the irradiator 11 is greater than a second spacing 25 between the first reflective element 22 and the second reflective element 23 in the area of ​​the conveying device 4.

[0069] As can be seen in Figure 2, the first reflective element 22 can be arranged at a first angle 26 relative to the illuminator 11. In this case, the first angle 26 is measured on the side facing the second reflective element 23. Furthermore, the second reflective element 23 can be arranged at a second angle 27 relative to the illuminator 11. In this case, the second angle 26 is measured on the side facing the first reflective element 22.

[0070] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the conveying surface 13 with the receiving recesses 28 in longitudinal section, where the same reference numerals or element names are used for the same parts as in the previous Figures 1 and 2. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the detailed description in the previous Figures 1 and 2 is indicated or reference is made.

[0071] 3 shows a detailed view of the conveying surface 13, which is depicted with unexpanded particles 15 shown in the conveying stream and already expanded particles 15 to the right of them. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the conveying surface 13 can be provided with receiving recesses 28 which serve to receive the individual particles 15 of the particle expansion material 2.

[0072] The receiving recess 28 may be formed in the shape of a spherical crown or a spherical truncation and may have a radius 29. Furthermore, the receiving recess 28 may have a depth 30. The surface diameter 31 is the diameter facing the outermost point of the conveying surface 13.

[0073] In the representation according to FIG. 3, the conveying device 4 or conveying surface 13 is shown in a cut plane that passes exactly through the center of the receiving recess 28 .

[0074] As can be further seen from FIG. 3, scrapers 18 are provided, and the scraper spacing 19 is dimensioned so that when the particle 15 is within the receiving recess 28 it passes under the scraper 18, and when the particle 15 is outside the receiving recess 28 it is held back by the scraper 18 and cannot be transported in the conveying direction 14 until another vacant receiving recess 28 moves into the area of ​​the particle 15.

[0075] As can be further seen from FIG. 3, provision can be made for a vibration device 44 to be formed which acts on the conveying surface 13 of the conveying device 4 .

[0076] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of another embodiment of the conveying device 4, and here again the same reference numerals or names are used for the same parts as in the above Figures 1 to 3. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the detailed descriptions in the above Figures 1 to 3 are indicated or reference is made.

[0077] As can be seen in Figure 4, the conveying device 4 can include a mesh structure 32, by means of which the individual particles 15 can be spaced apart and moved in the conveying direction 14. In this case, the individual particles 15 rest on a fixed conveying bed 33 and roll on the conveying bed 33. In particular, the mesh structure 32 can form receiving recesses 28 with enlarged portions 34.

[0078] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of another embodiment of the foaming device 1, where the same reference numerals or names are used for the same parts as in the previous Figures 1 to 4. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the detailed descriptions in the previous Figures 1 to 4 are indicated or reference is made.

[0079] As can be seen in Figure 5, a feed channel 35 may be formed, which serves to supply the individual particles 15 to the conveying surface 13. The feed channel 35 may be connected to a bulk container 36 into which the individual particles 15 can be introduced. Furthermore, the feed channel 35 may be cylindrical and have a feed channel diameter 37. The feed channel 35 may be arranged at a feed channel spacing 38 relative to the conveying surface 13. The feed channel spacing 38 may be dimensioned so that the particles 15 pass under the feed channel 35 when they are within the receiving recess 28, but when they are outside the receiving recess 28, they are held back by the feed channel 35 and cannot be conveyed in the conveying direction 14 until another vacant receiving recess 28 moves into the region of the particles 15.

[0080] Figure 6 shows a detailed view of another embodiment of the foaming device 1, where the same reference numerals or names are used for the same parts as in the previous Figures 1 to 5. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the detailed descriptions in the previous Figures 1 to 5 are indicated or reference is made.

[0081] Figure 6 is a plan view of the conveying surface 13 of the conveying device 4. As can be seen from Figure 6, the individual receiving recesses 28 can be arranged in a plurality of rows 39. Furthermore, as seen in the conveying direction, the receiving recesses 28 can be formed at least on a first level 40 and a second level 41. By forming the receiving recesses 28 on the first level 40 and the second level 41, the receiving capacity of the conveying surface 13 can be increased.

[0082] 6, a plurality of feed channels 35 may be arranged transversely to the conveying direction 14 and distributed across the entire width of the conveying device 4, with the individual feed channels 35 aligned with the rows 39 of receiving recesses 28. The individual feed channels 35 may also be arranged at multiple levels. Furthermore, the individual feed channels 35 may be connected to a common bulk container 36. Furthermore, vibrations may be applied to the feed channels 35 and / or the bulk container 36 in order to separate the particles 15.

[0083] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of another embodiment of the foaming device 1, where the same reference numerals or names are used for the same parts as in the previous Figures 1 to 6. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the detailed descriptions in the previous Figures 1 to 6 are indicated or reference is made.

[0084] As can be seen from FIG. 7, an intermediate storage tank 42 can be arranged downstream of the irradiator 11 in the conveying direction 14, which is used for temporarily storing and / or cooling the particles.

[0085] The examples show possible embodiments, and it should be noted here that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but that the individual embodiments can also be combined with one another in various ways, and this possibility of modification based on the teachings of the technical operations of the present invention is within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art.

[0086] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, for interpreting the claims, the specification and drawings are to be referred to. Individual features and combinations of features of the various embodiments shown and described may constitute independent inventive solutions in themselves. The problems underlying these independent inventive solutions can be read from this specification.

[0087] In describing the present invention, all references to ranges of values ​​should be understood to include any and all subranges within that range. For example, a reference to 1 to 10 should be understood to include all subranges beginning at a lower limit of 1 and ending at an upper limit of 10. That is, all subranges begin at a lower limit of 1 or more and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, such as 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0088] Finally, as a matter of formality, in order to make the structure easier to understand, some of the elements are not shown to scale and / or are enlarged and / or reduced in size. The present invention has the following aspects (configurations). [Aspect 1] A foaming device (1) for foaming an expandable particle foam material (2) using a foaming furnace (6), comprising: The foaming furnace (6) has an internal space (5) for receiving the particle foaming material (2), An irradiator (11) is formed to be disposed in the internal space (5) of the foaming furnace (6), The foaming apparatus (1) is formed with a conveying device (4) having a conveying surface (13) that serves to guide the particle foam material (2) received on the conveying surface (13) through the interior space (5) of the foaming oven (6) in a conveying direction (14). [Aspect 2] The foaming apparatus (1) according to aspect 1, wherein the internal space (5) of the foaming oven (6) is bounded on the upper side by the irradiator (11), on the lower side by the conveying surface (13) of the conveying device (4), and on both sides by a first reflecting element (22) and a second reflecting element (23). [Aspect 3] The foaming device (1) according to aspect 2, characterized in that the first reflective element (22) and the second reflective element (23) are each arranged at an acute angle to the irradiator (11), and a first distance (24) between the first reflective element (22) and the second reflective element (23) in the area of ​​the irradiator (11) is larger than a second distance (25) between the first reflective element (22) and the second reflective element (23) in the area of ​​the conveying device (4), in particular the first reflective element (22) and the second reflective element (23) are each arranged at an angle (26, 27) between 70° and 98°, in particular between 90° and 95°, preferably between 92.5° and 94.5° to the irradiator (11). [Aspect 4] The foaming device (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, characterized in that receiving recesses (28) are formed on the conveying surface (13) of the conveying device (4), and each receiving recess (28) serves to receive only one particle (15) of the particle foaming material (2). [Aspect 5] The foaming device (1) according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, characterized in that a mesh structure (32) is formed to define the receiving recess (28). [Aspect 6] 6. The foaming device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the conveying surface (13) of the conveying device (4) comprises a thermally activatable material designed to increase the enlarged portion (34) of the receiving recess (28) when heated. [Aspect 7] The foaming device (1) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, characterized in that a plurality of supply channels (35) are formed, the supply channels (35) being arranged side by side in the conveying direction (14), and the supply channels (35) being aligned with the rows (39) of the receiving recesses (28). [Aspect 8] The foaming device (1) according to aspect 7, wherein the feed channels (35) each have a feed channel diameter (37), the particles (15) of the particulate foam material (2) have a particle size (16), and the feed channel diameter (37) is 100.1% to 199%, particularly 105% to 170%, and preferably 110% to 130% of the particle size (16). [Aspect 9] The foaming device (1) according to aspect 7 or 8, wherein the supply channels (35) are arranged at a predetermined supply channel interval (38) relative to the conveying surface (13) of the conveying device (4), and the particle size (16) is 100.1% to 199%, particularly 105% to 170%, or 110% to 130% of the supply channel interval (38). [Aspect 10] 10. The foaming device (1) according to any one of aspects 7 to 9, characterized in that, as viewed in the conveying direction (14), at least a first level (40) and a second level (41) of receiving recesses (28) are formed, the individual receiving recesses (28) of the first level (40) being arranged in a plurality of rows (39) and the individual receiving recesses (28) of the second level (41) being arranged in a plurality of rows (39). [Aspect 11] The foaming device (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, characterized in that scrapers (18) are formed in the input area (17), the scrapers (18) are arranged at a predetermined scraper spacing (19) relative to the conveying surface (13) of the conveying device (4), and the particle size (16) is 50% to 99.9%, particularly 70% to 97%, and preferably 85% to 92% of the scraper spacing (19). [Aspect 12] 12. The expanding device (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, further comprising a cooling device (20) for cooling the particle expanding material (2). [Aspect 13] 13. The expansion device (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, characterized in that a separating device (21) is formed therein, which serves to separate the individual particles (15) of the particle expansion material (2) from one another. [Aspect 14] The foaming device (1) according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, wherein an intermediate storage tank (42) and another foaming furnace (43) are provided, and the intermediate storage tank (42) is disposed downstream of the foaming furnace (6) and the another foaming furnace (43) is disposed downstream of the intermediate storage tank (42) as viewed in the conveying direction (14). [Aspect 15] The foaming device (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, further comprising a vibration device (44) that acts on the conveying surface (13) of the conveying device (4). [Aspect 16] A method for expanding an expandable particulate foam material (2) in the form of granules consisting of individual particles (15), comprising the following method steps: placing the particle foam material (2) on a conveying surface (13) of a conveying device (4); introducing the particle foam material (2) into an inner space (5) of a foaming furnace (6) by the conveying device (4); irradiating the particle foam material (2) with an irradiator (11) disposed in the interior space (5) of the foaming furnace (6); and removing the particle foam material (2) from the interior space (5) of the foam oven (6). [Aspect 17] 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein after the particulate foam material (2) is removed from the inner space (5) of the foaming oven (6), the particulate foam material (2) is temporarily stored in an intermediate storage tank (42) and then guided to another foaming oven (43). [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 Foaming device 2. Particle foam material 3 Granule feeding device 4. Conveyor equipment 5. Interior space 6. Foaming furnace 7. Wall 8 Inlet opening 9 Outlet opening 10. Removal device 11 Irradiator 12 intervals 13 Conveying surface 14 Conveying direction 15 particles 16 Particle size 17 Input area 18 Scraper 19 Scraper Spacing 20 Cooling device 21 Separation device 22 First Reflective Element 23 Second Reflective Element 24 First Interval 25 Second Interval 26 First Angle 27 Second Angle 28 Receptacle recess 29 Radius of receiving recess 30 Depth of receiving recess 31 Surface diameter of receiving recess 32 mesh structure 33 Transport Floor 34 Enlarged section 35 Supply route 36 Bulk Container 37 Supply channel diameter 38 Supply channel spacing 39 columns 40 First Level 41 Second Level 42 Intermediate storage tank 43 Another foaming furnace 44 Vibration device

Claims

1. A foaming device (1) for foaming an expandable particle foam material (2) using a foaming furnace (6), comprising: The foaming furnace (6) has an internal space (5) for receiving the particle foaming material (2), An irradiator (11) is provided in the internal space (5) of the foaming furnace (6), A conveying device (4) having a conveying surface (13) is formed, and the conveying device (4) serves to guide the particle foam material (2) received on the conveying surface (13) through the interior space (5) of the foaming oven (6) in a conveying direction (14); The internal space (5) of the foaming oven (6) is bounded on the upper side by the irradiator (11), on the lower side by the conveying surface (13) of the conveying device (4), and in a lateral direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (14) of the conveying device (4) by a first reflecting element (22) and a second reflecting element (23); The foaming device (1), wherein the first reflective element (22) and the second reflective element (23) are each arranged at an acute angle to the irradiator (11) and form a V-shape when viewed from the conveying direction (14), a first distance (24) between an upper portion of the first reflective element (22) and an upper portion of the second reflective element (23) in the region of the irradiator (11) is greater than a second distance (25) between a lower portion of the first reflective element (22) and a lower portion of the second reflective element (23) in the region of the conveying device (4), and the first distance (24) and the second distance (23) are each the lateral distance.

2. 2. The foaming device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that receiving recesses (28) are formed in the conveying surface (13) of the conveying device (4), and each receiving recess (28) serves to receive only one particle (15) of the particle foaming material (2).

3. 3. The foaming device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that a mesh structure (32) is formed to define the receiving recess (28).

4. 3. The foaming device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the conveying surface (13) of the conveying device (4) comprises a thermally activatable material designed to increase the enlarged portion (34) of the receiving recess (28) when heated.

5. 3. The foaming device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of feed channels (35) are formed, the feed channels (35) being arranged next to one another as seen in the conveying direction (14), and the feed channels (35) being respectively aligned with the rows (39) of receiving recesses (28).

6. The foaming device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the supply channels (35) each have a supply channel diameter (37), the particles (15) of the particle foaming material (2) have a particle size (16), and the supply channel diameter (37) is 100.1% to 199% of the particle size (16).

7. The foaming device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the feed channels (35) are each arranged at a predetermined feed channel interval (38) relative to the conveying surface (13) of the conveying device (4), the feed channel interval (38) is dimensioned so that the particles (15) in the receiving recess (28) pass under the feed channel (35), and the particle size (16) of the particles (15) of the particle foam material (2) is 100.1% to 199% of the feed channel interval (38).

8. The foaming device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a scraper (18) is formed in the input area (17), the scraper (18) is arranged at a predetermined scraper spacing (19) with respect to the conveying surface (13) of the conveying device (4), and the particle size (16) of the particles (15) of the particle foaming material (2) is 50% to 99.9% of the scraper spacing (19).

9. 2. The foaming device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is formed with a cooling device (20) serving to cool the particle foaming material (2).

10. 2. The foaming device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is formed with a separating device (21) which serves to separate the individual particles (15) of the particle foam material (2) from one another.

11. 2. The foaming device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an intermediate storage tank (42) and a further foaming oven (43) are formed, the intermediate storage tank (42) being arranged downstream of the foaming oven (6) and the further foaming oven (43) being arranged downstream of the intermediate storage tank (42) as viewed in the conveying direction (14).

12. 2. The foaming device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a vibration device (44) is formed acting on the conveying surface (13) of the conveying device (4).

13. A method for foaming an expandable particulate foam material (2) in the form of granules consisting of individual particles (15) by means of a foaming device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following method steps: placing the particle foam material (2) on a conveying surface (13) of a conveying device (4); introducing the particle foam material (2) into an inner space (5) of a foaming oven (6) by the conveying device (4); irradiating the particle foam material (2) with an irradiator (11) disposed in the interior space (5) of the foaming oven (6); and removing the particle foam material (2) from the interior space (5) of the foam oven (6).

14. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that after removing the particle foam material (2) from the inner space (5) of the foaming oven (6), the particle foam material (2) is temporarily stored in an intermediate storage tank (42) and then guided to another foaming oven (43).

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