Improved screw extruder device and extruder apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a screw extruder device (1) for extruding a material (9), comprising at least one screw thread element (2), configured to be received at least in sections in a housing (4), and at least one insert (3), configured to be received at least in sections in a housing (4), wherein said insert / inserts has / have, in particular in each case, a flexible, in particular elastic, rib (5) which engages with a thread (6) of the screw thread element / screw thread elements (2) in order to form at least one or more delivery volumes (7) for the extrusion material (9) between the thread (6) and the rib / ribs, and wherein the screw thread element / screw thread elements and the insert (3) are configured to rotate relative to one another. The invention also relates to an extruder apparatus (100) comprising at least one screw extruder device (1).

Description

[0001] Improved screw extruder device and extruder assembly

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a threaded or screw extruder device according to claim 1 and to an extruder apparatus which comprises at least one threaded or screw extruder device according to the invention, according to claim 21, and further to an insert according to claim 27 or according to the respective preambles or generic terms of these claims.

[0004] Screw extruders, such as progressive cavity pumps or eccentric screw pumps, are traditionally used for transporting liquids, particularly for the continuous transport of liquids. Conventional screw extruders are particularly suitable for additive manufacturing with viscous or highly viscous liquids and pastes. In particular, screw extruders can convey or transport the liquid at a constant pressure, thus enabling a constant material flow and ensuring precise liquid extrusion. However, due to the pneumatic pressure typically required to force the liquid into a screw extruder screw, the material being conveyed frequently and disadvantageously escapes from a thread of the conventional screw extruder.Furthermore, conventional screw extruders are expensive to manufacture and use. Furthermore, conventional screw extruders, especially in the field of extrusion-based bioprinting, have the disadvantage that they cannot be sterilized and must be replaced after a single use. Therefore, replacing such conventional screw extruders significantly increases the operating costs.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to propose a further screw extruder device, furthermore an insert therefor and an extruder apparatus which comprises a screw extruder device.

[0006] This object is achieved by means of a thread or screw extruder device as disclosed herein, in particular with the features of claim 1, by means of an extruder device with the features of claim 21 and by means of an insert with the features of claim 27. The subclaims contain advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0007] The present invention relates to a screw extruder device or a threaded extruder device for the extrusion of extrusion material. The screw extruder device optionally comprises at least one screw thread element (or one female thread element) configured to be optionally at least partially housed within an (optional) housing, although embodiments without a housing are also provided. Furthermore, the screw extruder device includes one or at least one insert configured to be at least partially surrounded or held by the optional housing.This insert comprises in particular (or consists of) a flexible and / or elastic section which engages with a thread of the screw-thread element, preferably along its entire inner circumference, and / or preferably in such a way that at least one conveying chamber or volume, but preferably more than one conveying chamber or volume, but a plurality of conveying chambers or volumes (also referred to herein as conveying volumes), are formed for receiving the extrusion material between the screw-thread element and / or its thread on the one hand and the insert and / or its flexible and / or elastic section on the other hand.

[0008] In some embodiments, the delivery volumes can move or migrate along the longitudinal axis of the insert as the screw thread element rotates, e.g., in a spiral motion.

[0009] In some embodiments or configurations, the optional housing and insert may also be provided as an integral part, which is why the insert in such embodiments serves as a receptacle for the screw-threaded element (or a portion thereof) and could also be referred to as such herein. Furthermore, the screw-threaded element and insert are configured or arranged to rotate relative to each other.

[0010] The housing has a lumen which is configured to receive or surround at least parts of the insert. The screw-threaded element is configured to be at least partially received in or surrounded by the insert, in particular the distal tip or end of the screw-threaded element. The at least one screw-threaded element and the insert are configured and / or arranged so that they can move and / or rotate relative to one another. The distal tip or end referred to here is the tip or end positioned closer to the extruder valve, i.e. the opening from which the extrusion material is dispensed in use. Typically, this is the lower end in use.

[0011] The screw extruder device according to the invention offers a screw extruder device that is simple and cost-effective to manufacture. For example, if the medium to be extruded is changed, the screw extruder device can also be replaced without incurring high operating costs. Furthermore, the aforementioned screw extruder device offers precise volumetric dosing options, primarily due to the aforementioned ribs of the insert, which engage with the aforementioned thread. The screw extruder device is preferably configured to be suitable for bioprinting applications.

[0012] In some embodiments, a screw extruder device or extruder apparatus according to the invention can be designed as a pump, metering pump and / or as a dispenser and / or can be referred to or used as such.

[0013] The extruder device according to the invention comprises at least one fastening section and at least one screw extruder device according to the invention, wherein the screw extruder device can be fastened or is fastened to the fastening section.

[0014] The insert according to the invention is intended for use in a screw extruder device, in particular a screw extruder device according to the invention, and has one or more of the features disclosed herein in connection with the insert in any desired combination.

[0015] Embodiments according to the invention may comprise one or more of the features mentioned above and / or below in any technically possible combination, unless the person skilled in the art recognizes this specific combination as technically impossible.

[0016] Advantageous further developments of the present invention are each the subject of subclaims and embodiments.

[0017] In all preceding and following statements, the use of the expression “may be” or “may have” etc. is to be understood as synonymous with “is preferably” or “preferably has” etc. and is intended to explain embodiments of the invention.

[0018] Above and below, unless otherwise specified, the use of the terms "screw thread element," "insert," and "rib" in the singular shall be understood to refer to "at least one screw thread element," "at least one insert," and "at least one rib," respectively. In other words, the singular may refer to one of the one or more elements, more than one of the one or more elements, and / or all of the one or more elements.

[0019] Whenever numerical words are mentioned herein, the person skilled in the art will understand this as indicating a numerical lower limit. Unless this leads to a contradiction recognizable to the person skilled in the art, the person skilled in the art will therefore always read "at least one" or "at least one" as the reference to "a" or "an." This understanding is encompassed by the present invention, as is the interpretation that a numerical word such as "a" can alternatively be meant as "exactly one," wherever this is recognizably technically possible to the person skilled in the art. Both are encompassed by the present invention and apply to all numerical words used herein.

[0020] Whenever spatial references such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower," "left," or "right" are mentioned herein, the person skilled in the art will, in case of doubt, understand these as a spatial indication with reference to the orientation in the figures attached hereto and / or the arrangement of the device(s) according to the invention in their intended use. "Below" is closer to the center of the earth or to the lower edge of the figure than "above."

[0021] When an embodiment is mentioned herein, this represents an exemplary embodiment according to the invention.

[0022] If it is disclosed herein that the subject matter according to the invention has one or more features in a specific embodiment, it is also disclosed herein that the subject matter according to the invention expressly does not have precisely this or these features in other, likewise inventive embodiments, e.g., by way of a disclaimer. Thus, for each embodiment disclosed herein, the opposite embodiment, for example, formulated as a negation, is also disclosed.

[0023] Preferably, the mentioned insert, or at least a portion thereof, is elastic. The term "elastic" in some embodiments means that the respective element is configured to be bendable (i.e., flexible) and to return substantially to its original state after bending and / or after being bent (i.e., after a bending force has been released). Preferably, the term "elastic" means that the rib is configured, via its geometry and / or elasticity, to form a fluidic seal with another element, particularly upon contact with the thread.

[0024] In some embodiments, the entire insert is flexible, especially elastic.

[0025] In some embodiments, the at least one screw thread element is arranged within the insert to rotate with the at least one insert without radial offset of the rotational axis of the screw thread element and / or in a centric manner.

[0026] In some embodiments, the flexible and / or elastic portion of the insert is or includes at least one rib, protrusion, or projection.

[0027] In some embodiments, the portion extends in a longitudinal direction of the insert, the housing, or the screw thread element, or parallel thereto.

[0028] In some embodiments, the housing and insert are integral with each other. They may form one element or multiple elements. Therefore, the housing and insert may be considered one element or different elements.

[0029] In embodiments in which no housing is provided, the insert or the receptacle for the screw thread element or a part thereof in a central lumen of the receptacle can have a lower elasticity in a radially outer section than in a radially inner section, or can be made of or have a less elastic material than the radially inner section, wherein both sections can be assigned to the same cross-section.

[0030] In some embodiments, the insert is a sealing element.

[0031] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device is not an eccentric screw pump.

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one insert is arranged and / or configured to engage the thread of the at least one screw thread element along a straight line and / or along the longitudinal direction of the screw thread element.

[0033] In some embodiments, the portion extends parallel to a rotation axis of the screw thread element.

[0034] In some embodiments of the screw extruder device according to the invention, the section extends in a straight line, at least partially.

[0035] In some embodiments of the screw extruder device, the insert comprises a lumen in at least one, two, more, or all of its cross-sections, which lumen in turn has at least a first diameter and a second diameter whose lengths differ from one another. In some embodiments of the screw extruder device, the thread of the screw-threaded element has a crest at an outer or major diameter and a base at an inner or minor diameter. The portion of the insert is designed, configured, and / or arranged to contact the screw-threaded element such that the portion simultaneously contacts both the crest and the base of the thread, particularly at adjacent portions of the base and crest.

[0036] In some embodiments, the thread of the screw-threaded element has a crest on an outer or major diameter and a base on an inner or minor diameter. The portion of the insert is designed, configured, and / or arranged to contact the screw-threaded element such that the portion simultaneously seals against the thread along a line, particularly a straight line, and / or along a plurality of crest portions and a plurality of base portions.

[0037] In some embodiments of the screw extruder device according to the invention, the insert is arranged within the housing in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner with respect to a direction of rotation. This is preferably achieved by suitable means.

[0038] In some embodiments, the thread or its major portion has only a crest or major diameter and only a base or minor diameter.

[0039] In some embodiments, the insert comprises an elongated hollow shape into which the screw-thread element extends at least partially, wherein the thread of the screw-thread element is external or male. In other words, the insert is preferably configured to accommodate the screw-thread element at least partially.

[0040] In some embodiments of the screw extruder unit, the screw-threaded element comprises an elongated hollow shape into which the aforementioned insert extends at least partially, wherein the thread of the screw-threaded element is internal or female. In other words, the screw-threaded element is preferably configured to accommodate the insert at least partially.

[0041] In some embodiments, the rib engages the externally disposed or internally disposed (male or female) screw thread and, more preferably, extends in a radial direction of the screw thread element, toward the thread base or the core of this thread of the screw thread element. In some embodiments, the rib or its radially innermost portion has a constant distance from a rotational axis of the rotary shaft along at least 90% of its length or along its entire length.

[0042] In some embodiments, the rib extends along a straight line parallel to a rotational axis of the rotating shaft, along at least 90% of its length or along its entire length.

[0043] In some embodiments, the rib is the part of the insert (in the longitudinal direction) that abuts the screw thread. Thus, everything stated herein regarding the rib may also apply to the contact portion or longitudinal portion, or at least to this portion of the rib. Thus, it may be irrelevant whether the rib, in the parts (e.g., its distal or proximal end) where it is not in contact with the screw or thread, comprises different features than those described herein, for example, in one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0044] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device further comprises a rotating shaft. The screw-threaded element is attached to this rotating shaft and is preferably rotated by the rotation of the rotating shaft. Alternatively, the insert is attached to the rotating shaft and is rotated by it. As stated herein, the rotating shaft may be a hollow element.

[0045] In some embodiments comprising a plurality of screw thread elements and / or a plurality of inserts and precisely one rotary shaft, the plurality of screw thread elements or a plurality of inserts are attached to the precisely one rotary shaft. Preferably, the aforementioned plurality of threads / inserts are stacked along a longitudinal direction of the screw extruder device and / or the rotary shaft. In other words, this plurality of threads / inserts, considered together, essentially forms a screw thread element with a plurality of screw thread element components or essentially an insert with a plurality of insert components.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment, the screw extruder device comprises a plurality of rotating shafts. Each screw thread element is preferably attached to a rotating shaft from the plurality of rotating shafts, and / or each insert is attached to a rotating shaft from the plurality of rotating shafts. Further preferably, all screw thread elements are attached to one rotating shaft, and / or all inserts are attached to a different rotating shaft. The screw extruder device preferably has exactly two rotating shafts.

[0047] Preferably, the rotary shaft is hollow. In the preferred case of multiple rotary shafts, at least one of which is hollow, the multiple rotary shafts are preferably arranged coaxially. For example, a hollow rotary shaft is preferably connected to the insert (longitudinally and hollow), and a hollow or solid rotary shaft is connected to the screw-threaded element inserted into the insert, or vice versa (the screw-threaded element is longitudinally and hollow).

[0048] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device according to the invention further comprises an agitator shaft extending through the hollow rotary shaft and configured to agitate the extrusion material. Preferably, the agitator shaft comprises an agitator head configured to be mounted on or arranged integrally with the agitator shaft, in particular outside an opening of the aforementioned screw extruder device, in particular outside the housing.

[0049] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device further comprises a valve stem extending through the hollow rotary shaft and configured to open and / or close and / or widen or narrow an opening from which the extrusion material is to be dispensed.

[0050] In some embodiments, the screw extruder unit comprises a valve element that is connected to or at least associated with the agitator shaft and is configured to open and / or close an opening from which the extrusion material is to be dispensed. In this preferred case, rotation or turning of the agitator shaft agitates the extrusion material, wherein movement of the agitator shaft along the longitudinal direction of the agitator shaft and / or the rotary shaft opens and / or closes and / or widens or narrows the opening by means of the valve element. In other words, rotation or turning of the agitator shaft agitates the extrusion material, while its up and down movement opens and / or closes the opening by means of the engagement of the valve element and the opening.

[0051] Preferably, the housing comprises a valve seat which is configured to accommodate or receive the valve stem and / or the valve element.

[0052] In some embodiments of the screw extruder device, the housing comprises an inner wall or an inner cylinder extending longitudinally within the housing. The inner wall is configured to separate several components of the extrusion material from one another. Preferably, the inner wall extends longitudinally of the screw extruder device such that it is arranged adjacent to the screw-threaded element and / or the insert. The various components of the extrusion material are preferably combined before reaching the screw-threaded element and / or the insert, and in particular, are mixed or blended before being extruded by the screw extruder device.

[0053] In some embodiments of the screw extruder device, the insert and / or the screw thread element comprises a conical or tapered cross-section. In particular, the insert and / or the screw thread element have a conical cross-section that tapers in a direction along the longitudinal extent of the screw extruder device toward or away from the opening from which the extrusion material is to be dispensed. Preferably, the upper or proximal diameter of the insert and / or the screw thread element is larger than the lower or distal diameter. In some embodiments, the upper diameter of the insert and / or the screw thread element can be smaller than the lower diameter.

[0054] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device further comprises a piston element configured to push the extrusion material toward the insert and the screw-threaded element. In some embodiments, the piston element is configured to exert a pneumatic force or pressure on the extrusion material to push the extrusion material toward, and particularly into / between, the insert and the screw-threaded element.

[0055] Preferably, the piston element is connected or combined with the valve stem and / or the valve element. Movement of the piston element is coupled with movement of the valve stem and / or the valve element. This allows the opening to be opened while the piston element pushes the extrusion material toward the insert and the screw-threaded element, and to be closed when the piston element is retracted. Particularly in combination with an additional valve connected to an extrusion material supply source, the piston element can essentially achieve a suction stroke similar to that of an internal combustion engine. For example, an initial retraction of the piston element can close the opening and create a vacuum through which extrusion material is sucked into the screw extruder device.The forward movement of the piston element can open the opening and push the extrusion material toward the insert and the screw thread element of the screw extruder device, thereby extruding the extrusion material.

[0056] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device according to the invention further comprises extrusion material. In some embodiments, the screw extruder device is enclosed in a system container, in particular a bag or a blister pack, in particular a sterile one.

[0057] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device further comprises a continuous feed section. The continuous feed section may be provided and adapted to continuously feed extrusion material, e.g., from at least one reservoir for the extrusion material or components thereof upstream of the screw extruder device.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the section for the endless feed is designed to be self-priming.

[0059] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device according to the invention is in particular an exchangeable unit.

[0060] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device can be attached to the attachment section of an extruder device according to the invention. In this case, especially when the material to be extruded is replaced or the extruder device is to be used for a different application, the screw extruder device can be easily replaced, and due to the low manufacturing costs of this extruder device, this does not incur high operating costs.

[0061] In some embodiments, the extruder device comprises a light source, for example a laser device or a UV light source, configured to provide and / or direct light, for example in the form of a laser beam, of UV light, preferably at 405 nm, through the hollow rotating shaft of the screw extruder device. As a result, the light source preferably transfers energy to the extrusion material during and / or after, preferably immediately after, extrusion material has been extruded. This has the particular advantage that an external light source is not absolutely necessary, especially in cases where the extrusion material is to be cured or hardened by a laser device or by UV light. The UV light can, for example, have a wavelength of 405 nm in some embodiments.

[0062] In some embodiments, at least one light source and / or UV source between 315 nm and 450 nm, such as 365 nm and / or 400 nm and / or preferably between 395 nm and 405 nm, can be used and / or arranged within the extruder device for curing UV adhesives, preferably with an intensity of more than 20 mW / cm 2 , particularly preferably over 100 mW / cm 2 and most preferably over 500 mW / cm 2 .

[0063] In some embodiments, the extruder device according to the invention comprises at least one fluid supply device configured to supply a fluid, in particular a gas and / or additional extrusion material, or a component thereof, through the aforementioned hollow rotary shaft of the at least one screw extruder device. Preferably, the fluid supply device is configured to supply an additional component of extrusion material so that it can be extruded by the screw extruder device through its hollow rotary shaft. Preferably, the fluid supply device supplies an inert gas through the hollow rotary shaft.

[0064] In some embodiments, the extruder device further comprises a feed device for filament and / or fibers, which is configured to feed at least one filament and / or fiber through the hollow rotating shaft of the at least one screw extruder device. A filament and / or fiber can be added to the extrusion material through the hollow rotating shaft. The filament and / or fiber preferably comprises or consists of a carbon roving and / or a carbon fiber.

[0065] In some embodiments, the extruder device further comprises a power supply device configured to supply power to the screw extruder device. In particular, the power supply device is configured to introduce energy in the form of electricity and / or induction and / or direct heat and / or microwaves and / or a magnetic field and / or vibrations into the screw extruder device. As a result, chemical and / or physical properties of the extrusion material can be changed / influenced by means of the power supply device, in particular during the conveyance of the extrusion material through the screw extruder device. For example, the power supply device can reduce the viscosity of the extrusion material (i.e., increase the fluidity) while it is conveyed through the screw extruder device by supplying it with energy.

[0066] In some embodiments, the extruder device includes at least one device for introducing heat and / or radiant heat into the extrusion material, such as at least one electrical heating element, such as a resistance heater or an infrared radiator.

[0067] In some embodiments, the extruder device according to the invention comprises a motor shaft which is configured to be connected to a connecting portion of the screw thread element in order to rotate the screw thread element without being configured to move the connecting portion in a circle and / or without being configured to oscillate the connecting portion.

[0068] Extrusion materials, as used herein, preferably refer to any liquid, gel, paste, powder, and / or any other material and / or combination of materials that can be conveyed via said screw extrusion device. Preferably, liquids can be, consist of, or comprise a Newtonian fluid and / or non-Newtonian fluid. Gases or combinations of gases, liquids, and / or materials in a solid state can also be considered extrusion materials used herein, i.e., materials that are extruded / are extrudable by said screw extrusion device.

[0069] "Shore hardness," as used herein, refers to the "Shore hardness test" of a material according to standards such as DIN ISO 7619-1, unless otherwise defined. These Shore hardness values ​​may specifically refer to the classifications Shore 00, Shore A, and / or Shore D.

[0070] The term "insert," particularly "flexible insert" or "flexible rib," refers to an element of the device that, due to its geometry and / or flexibility / elasticity, can exhibit fluid-like properties, such as enabling a fluid seal with another element with which the flexible element is in contact / connection. The flexible insert preferably has a low to medium Shore hardness. Preferably, the Shore hardness of the insert is between 10 Shore A and 95 Shore A, preferably between 3 Shore A and 70 Shore A, even more preferably between 5 Shore A and 50 Shore A, most preferably 8 Shore A, 10 Shore A, 15 Shore A, 20 Shore A, 25 Shore A, 30 Shore A, 35 Shore A, 40 Shore A, or a Shore A value between two of these values.

[0071] Preferably, the insert has an elongation at break, i.e. an ultimate elongation, according to DIN 53504-S2 between 100% and 950% inclusive, more preferably between 250% and 900% inclusive, most preferably between 400% and 850% inclusive.

[0072] Preferably, a compression set test according to DIN ISO 815 of the insert at a temperature between 0°C and 150°C inclusive results in a value of between 5% and 50% inclusive, more preferably not more than 40% inclusive, most preferably not more than 30% inclusive. At temperatures between 10°C and 90°C inclusive, the compression set test according to DIN ISO 815 is preferably between 5% and 40% inclusive, more preferably not more than 25% inclusive, most preferably not more than 15% inclusive. Preferably, the insert has a rebound resilience according to DIN 53512 (at an exemplary thickness of 20 mm) of more than 10% inclusive, more preferably more than 25% inclusive, most preferably more than 50% inclusive, most preferably more than 57% inclusive.

[0073] Preferably, the insert comprises at least one elastomer. More preferably, the insert comprises multiple materials, e.g., two-component polymers.

[0074] Preferably, the insert comprises or consists of at least one of the following materials: fluororubber (FKM), perfluororubber (FFKM), copolymers of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP), terpolymers of VDF, HFP and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), tetrafluoroethylene / propylene rubber (FEPM), fluorinated silicone rubber (FVMQ), thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPA), thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC), olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPO), thermoplastic styrene block copolymer (TPS), thermoplastic styrene block copolymer;urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), olefin-based thermoplastic vulcanizations or crosslinked thermoplastic elastomers, preferably PP / EPDM (TPV), unclassified thermoplastic elastomers with a composition or structure other than the previously described categories (TPZ), butadiene rubber (BR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), isobutene-isoprene rubber (HR), ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), chloroprene rubber (CR) (neoprene), polyisoprene rubber (IR), silicone, flexible PLA (also known as Flex PLA or Soft PLA), soft PVC, or with or from elastomers produced by digital light processing (DLP) or stereolithography (SLA).;

[0075] Preferably, the insert mentioned contains filler material such as filaments, fibers, powder, platelets, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof. This filler material is preferably distributed throughout the insert, in particular homogeneously, or can alternatively be located only in a section or part of the insert, especially in a section or part that is in contact with the screw-threaded element or the housing, in particular the rib(s) of the insert.

[0076] In some embodiments, the insert comprises a surface coating and / or a functionalized surface. Preferably, the surface coating is applied to the entire insert. In certain embodiments, the surface coating may be applied only to a section or part of the insert, particularly to a section or part that is in contact with the screw-threaded element and / or the housing. Preferably, the surface coating reduces friction between the insert and the screw-threaded element.Preferably, the coefficient of friction between the portions or parts of the insert and the screw thread element which come into contact with each other is between 0.04 and 0.6 inclusive, more preferably between 0.08 and 0.45 inclusive, most preferably between 0.10 and 0.35, for example in the dry or unloaded state when no extrusion material is in contact with the insert and the screw or is present between these two elements.

[0077] Preferably, in a cross-sectional view, the contour (or cross-sectional shape or area) of the insert is round, in particular circular. Preferably, an outer surface of the insert comprises the rib(s). In other words, the rib(s) may form one or more projections of an outer surface of the insert. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the insert may comprise the rib(s). In other words, the rib(s) may form one or more projections of an inner surface of the insert. For example, if the screw-threaded element is hollow and the insert protrudes at least partially into the hollow screw-threaded element, the rib(s) of the insert are preferably formed in and / or on the outer surface of the insert, i.e., as part(s) of the outer surface, preferably monolithically.For example, if the insert is hollow and the screw-threaded element extends at least partially into the hollow insert, the rib(s) of the hollow insert are preferably formed in and / or on the inner surface of the hollow insert, i.e., as part(s) of the inner surface, preferably monolithically. These rib configurations can be referred to as "male" or "female," corresponding to externally arranged or internally arranged ribs, respectively.

[0078] Preferably, in a cross-sectional view, the inner and / or outer surface of the insert, including the rib(s), is formed as a wave profile, in particular with elevations and depressions (or crests and valleys), the elevations corresponding to the ribs.

[0079] Advantageously, the ribs have a rib depth or height with respect to the valleys, the rib depth being defined in the radial direction of the insert. Preferably, the rib depth is between 0.05 mm and 10 mm, between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.15 mm and 1 mm, more preferably between 0.18 mm and 0.75 mm, more preferably between 0.01 mm and 1 mm, more preferably between 0.05 mm and 0.7 mm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, more preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, or preferably any of the aforementioned values. Preferably, the location of a radial inflection point of the waveform is defined between a corresponding valley and a rib (iebetween the valley and the adjacent hill) as a percentage of the rib height between 0% and 100%, where 0% corresponds to a radial location of the hill (a maximum or peak point of the waveform) and 100% corresponds to a radial location of the valley (a minimum or base point of the waveform). Here, the inflection point preferably has a radial location of 50%, i.e., it is located radially midway between a maximum and a minimum of the waveform. More preferably, along a circumferential direction of the insert, the inflection point is midway between the maximum and the minimum.

[0080] Preferably, the inflection point is located radially closer to the maximum of the waveform, for example, at 25%. According to some embodiments, the inflection point is located radially between 5% and 95%, preferably between 10% and 90%, more preferably between 20% and 80%, most preferably between 25% and 75%.

[0081] Preferably, a tangent slope is defined at the inflection point. The tangent slope is preferably determined by the number and depth and / or width of the ribs, with the width being measured along the circumferential direction of the insert. The tangent slope is preferably up to and including 88°, more preferably between and including 1° and 60°, most preferably between and including 5° and 45°, and most preferably between and including 5° and 20°.

[0082] Preferably, the housing is any element capable of holding the insert and / or the screw-threaded element and / or mounting the latter within the former. Preferably, the housing has a circular cross-section. More preferably, the housing has a cylindrical, hollow shape. Even more preferably, the housing has a shape adapted to provide a positive connection with the insert and / or the screw-threaded element (when the insert and / or the screw-threaded element is mounted to the housing). According to other embodiments of the invention, the housing has an elliptical, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal shape. Preferably, the housing has a polygonal shape with more than eight sides. Preferably, the housing comprises one or more sections having one or more of the aforementioned shapes.For example, the housing preferably comprises a section or region having a circular shape and a section or region having a rectangular shape.

[0083] In some embodiments, the insert, or an outer peripheral portion thereof, has, for example, a shape that is the same or at least comparable or corresponding to the housing or an inner peripheral portion thereof, at least within the immediate interface of the insert with or to the housing, in order to form a positive connection therewith, primarily against rotation.

[0084] Advantageously, the insert or screw-thread element is secured to the housing, either by tensile force and / or adhesion, in addition to or as an alternative to positive locking, to prevent rotation relative to the housing. For example, the insert or screw-thread element can be rotationally fixed to the housing by adhesive bonding, friction welding, and / or ultrasonic welding.

[0085] In an advantageous embodiment, the element is formed integrally or monolithically with the housing. This configuration is preferably achieved by injection molding, in particular by two-component injection molding, or by a co-extrusion process, or by an extrusion process with two or more materials.

[0086] Preferably, an inner diameter of the housing is between 5 mm and 40 mm, more preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm, most preferably between 11 mm and 16 mm.

[0087] In some embodiments, an inner diameter of the housing is between 40 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 200 mm, more preferably between 80 mm and 160 mm.

[0088] Preferably, the housing or insert has a length along its longitudinal direction of between 20 mm and 200 mm inclusive, more preferably between 50 mm and 300 mm inclusive, most preferably between 60 mm and 160 mm inclusive.

[0089] Preferably, the rib or ribs of the insert have round, semicircular, square (i.e. rectangular), elliptical and / or V-shaped cross-sectional shapes (in plan view, i.e. view along the longitudinal direction). The valleys of the insert may have at least one of the aforementioned shapes and / or a combination of the aforementioned shapes. The rib or ribs of the insert do not necessarily extend over the entire length of the insert. For example, the rib or ribs may have one of the aforementioned shapes and be formed as individual projections from the respective surface (inner or outer surface) of the insert. For example, the rib or ribs may be formed as knob(s).

[0090] More preferably, the screw extruder device is arranged near, in contact with, or in effective communication with a cooling device. The cooling device is preferably a component of the extruder device. More preferably, the screw extruder device, in particular its housing, comprises a fluid channel through which a coolant (gaseous or liquid) is moved to cool the screw extruder device or a portion thereof.

[0091] The present invention preferably relates to a method for producing an object, specifically for additive manufacturing of the object. The method comprises extruding the extrusion material via the screw extruder device, in particular the extruder apparatus, onto a build platform and / or onto previously extruded layers of extrusion material. In particular, the method comprises rotating the insert and the screw-threaded element relative to one another in order to extrude material from the screw extruder device, in particular the extruder apparatus.

[0092] Preferably, the screw extruder device is configured to extrude hydrogels, particularly for use in bioprinting biomaterials. For example, the extrusion material can consist of or comprise decellularized hydrogels, natural hydrogels (alginate, gelatin, agarose, collagen, chitosan, fibrin, hyaluronic acid, cellulose, etc.), semi-synthetic hydrogels (PEG-RGDS peptide, PEG-fibrinogen, PEG-laminin, PEG-collagen type I, PVA-heparin, methacryloyl gelatin (GelMA)), and / or synthetic hydrogels (poly(ethylene glycol) PEG, Pluronics, poly(vinyl alcohol) PVA hydrogels, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) PNIPAAm). The resulting hydrogel preferably consists of 1-2% polymer, meaning that 98-99% of the hydrogel volume is water, although higher percentages are preferred. Preferably, combinations of the aforementioned hydrogels are used as extrusion material.

[0093] Preferably, the housing is a component of the screw extruder device. More preferably, the housing is a component of the extruder device, specifically incorporating the components of the screw extruder device and / or holding the components of the screw extruder device.

[0094] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device is a thread extruder device.

[0095] In some embodiments, the screw-threaded element is a male component with a thread on its outer periphery. In other elements, the screw-threaded element is a female component, such as a nut, which has the thread on its inner periphery. Thus, what is stated herein regarding the screw-threaded element can also apply to a nut.

[0096] In some embodiments, the extrusion material consists of or contains silicone,

[0097] Epoxy resin, polyester resin, phenolic resin, acrylate, UV resins, 1K resin, 2K resins, water, clay, ceramic pastes, metal pastes, food paste, vegetable paste, chocolate, dissolved polymers with or without fillers, both water-based and solvent-based, gels, soaps, lotions, creams, oils, solvents, acids, extracts, cell cultures, gas or any combination thereof.

[0098] In some embodiments, solvents may be used as or include extrusion material, such as alcohols, glycols, acetone, ketones, acetals, lactones, ethers, or esters.

[0099] In some embodiments, some, the majority or all of the delivery volumes have an identical volume, optionally apart from tolerances or manufacturing-related circumstances.

[0100] In some embodiments, the insert and / or the housing has an anti-rotation device to prevent the insert from rotating in the housing. The anti-rotation device can be provided, in particular, on an end and / or outer surface, e.g., the lateral surface. The anti-rotation device can be positively and / or non-positively engaged. For this purpose, one or more pins, projections, recesses, etc. can be provided, e.g., on the insert and / or housing. The anti-rotation device can be or have a fit, clamping, wedging, or the like.

[0101] In some embodiments, the screw thread element is made of aluminum, steel, hardened steel or ceramic, such as aluminum oxide, or an alloy, or comprises such a material.

[0102] In some embodiments, the screw thread element consists at least in part of at least one plastic or can contain such a plastic, such as polyamide, polypropylene, HDPE, ABS, PVDF, PEI, PSU, PPSU, PESU, PPS or PEEK.

[0103] In some embodiments, the screw thread element is an extruded element.

[0104] In some embodiments, the screw thread element is produced by means of an additive process, e.g., 3D printing.

[0105] In some embodiments, the screw thread element has been smoothed at least on its outer surface after its manufacture.

[0106] In some embodiments, the screw thread element is hollow over at least part of its length.

[0107] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device includes at least one actuator, preferably a rotating and / or oscillating actuator, such as a DC motor, an AC motor, a stepper motor, a servo motor, or a brushless motor, or is connected or coupled thereto in a rotary connection. Other drive forms, e.g., a hydraulic drive, can also be provided, as can options intended and suitable for manual operation, such as a crank, handle, etc. The actuator can optionally be part of the extruder device.

[0108] In some embodiments, a motor, if present, preferably a drive motor, has a motor shaft with a diameter, preferably outer diameter, between 2 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 16 mm and particularly preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm.

[0109] In some embodiments, the optional motor has a power consumption between 5 watts and 5000 watts, preferably between 10 watts and 2000 watts, and more preferably between 10 watts and 1000 watts.

[0110] In certain embodiments, the screw extruder device comprises at least one gear, such as a planetary gear, a harmonic drive gear, a cycloid gear or a worm gear.

[0111] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device has at least one coupling, for example a motor coupling, such as a rigid coupling or a flexible coupling for longitudinal and / or radial and / or angular play compensation.

[0112] In some embodiments, the actuator, such as an electric motor or a motor housing, is in direct contact with the housing. For example, the two are screwed together.

[0113] In some embodiments, the at least one screw thread element is at least partially and / or partially equipped with a round thread.

[0114] In some embodiments, the screw thread element has an outer or main diameter between 2 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 100 mm and more preferably between 5 mm and 50 mm, such as between 6 mm and 30 mm.

[0115] In some embodiments, the screw thread element is designed as an interchangeable element (for example, in order to be able to be changed after each shift), preferably at least partially made of plastic, and has an outer or main diameter between 6 mm and 12 mm or between 12 mm and 30 mm, with a preferred overall length between 15 mm 50 mm or between 30 mm and 150 mm, wherein the screw thread element is preferably equipped with one to a maximum of five uniform round threads and / or these are operatively connected to the insert.

[0116] In some embodiments, the screw thread element or its thread has a pitch between 1 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 60 mm, particularly preferably between 2 mm and 40 mm and most particularly preferably between 3 mm and 30 mm.

[0117] In some embodiments, the screw thread element has a thread height between 0.05 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, and most preferably between 0.12 mm and 2 mm, such as between 0.15 mm and 1 mm.

[0118] In some embodiments, the anti-twist protection between the insert and the housing is formed by or co-formed with a material bond. A material bond can optionally be formed in addition to at least one further anti-twist protection and / or at least one further anti-twist lock, or can include the like.

[0119] In some embodiments, an anti-twist device may be formed by welding, such as friction welding, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, hot gas welding and / or contact welding, or the like.

[0120] In some embodiments, an anti-twist device may be formed by an adhesive bond, such as UV adhesives, epoxy adhesives or cyanoacrylate adhesives, or the like.

[0121] In some embodiments, the insert has a length along its longitudinal direction between 5 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 200 mm, and more preferably between 10 mm and 100 mm.

[0122] In some embodiments, the insert has a diameter and / or an outer diameter between 4 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 200 mm, more preferably between 10 mm and 100 mm, and most preferably between 10 mm and 50 mm.

[0123] In some embodiments, the insert and screw-thread element are matched to one another in such a way that a static seal against water and / or against the extrusion material exists between them in the longitudinal direction of the insert. Thus, if water or the extrusion material (e.g., as a fluid column of 10 cm) rests above the combination of insert and screw-thread element inserted therein, it does not drain downwards between the insert and screw-thread element in these embodiments, not even in droplets. In some embodiments, this also applies when the water or the extrusion material is pressurized, for example, to one bar, two bar, or more.

[0124] The combination of insert and screw thread element can therefore be statically tight.

[0125] In some embodiments, the insert and screw thread element are matched to one another in such a way that there is a static tightness with respect to water and / or with respect to the extrusion material between them in the longitudinal direction of the insert, wherein in these embodiments the static tightness is also ensured if, for example, only, or no more than, one drop is allowed to pass through up to every 5 seconds or up to every 10 seconds.

[0126] In some embodiments, the insert and screw thread element are matched to one another in such a way that there is a static tightness between them in the longitudinal direction of the insert with respect to water and / or with respect to glycerol and / or with respect to the extrusion material, preferably at 20°C, wherein in these embodiments the static tightness is also ensured if only one drop of the extrusion material used is allowed to pass through at a liquid column of 5 cm up to every 5 seconds, or more preferably up to every 10 seconds.

[0127] In some embodiments, the insert and screw thread element are matched to one another in such a way that there is a static seal between them in the longitudinal direction of the insert against an extrusion material with a viscosity of 1480 mPa*s (20°C), or against glycerin at 20°C.

[0128] In some embodiments, a static and / or dynamic tightness between the insert and the screw thread element is also present and / or can be checked for tightness by filling the extruder device (open to the atmosphere in both directions) with water or propylene glycol (20°C) with a liquid column of 2.5 cm or 5 cm and rotating the screw extruder device in the reverse conveying direction (i.e. extrusion material is conveyed from the outside into the screw extruder device). The opening and / or a nozzle, such as a syringe needle with a diameter of 1 mm, are open to the atmosphere, whereby air can be conveyed into the extruder device in accordance with the (reverse) conveying direction. If, as a result of continuous rotation in the described (reverse) conveying direction, air bubbles rise in the fluid orin the liquid column (water or propylene glycol) within the extruder device (after about 1 to 10 seconds, depending on the speed), such as about 5 to 50 (fine) drops per second or about 20 (fine) drops per second, this can be further or additional evidence of static and / or dynamic tightness, because significantly or many times more (gaseous) extrusion material is conveyed into the extruder device than would escape from the fluid through a (small) static and / or dynamic leak between the insert and the screw thread element in the opposite direction in the idle state.This demonstrated effect can be used, particularly due to the viscosity differences between air and water or air and propylene glycol (air is significantly more demanding and / or prone to leaks than a fluid), as proof of optimal or at least sufficient static and / or dynamic tightness according to the invention. For such a proof of tightness, a speed on the screw thread element (or, in the case of an inverse arrangement, on the insert) is preferably set to 25 rpm, 50 rpm, 100 rpm, or up to 500 rpm, in particular between 200 rpm and 300 rpm.

[0129] In the methods described above for determining the tightness of the screw extruder device, the central axis of the screw thread element and / or the insert should preferably be arranged in a vertical orientation and the opening and / or the nozzle should be directed downwards so that gravity can cause the extrusion material and / or the fluid to flow downwards, preferably within a liquid column.

[0130] In some embodiments, the screw thread element has a relative maximum rotational speed of up to 1500 rpm, preferably up to 800 rpm, and particularly preferably up to 500 rpm, compared to the use during material extrusion. A control device can be provided and, for example, be part of the extruder device or be in signal communication with it or be prepared for this purpose in order to initiate such a rotational speed.

[0131] The control device may be provided to initiate or prefer any other control of the extruder device as described herein.

[0132] In some embodiments, the maximum relative path speed and / or the relative sliding speed between the screw thread element and the insert during material extrusion is at or below 1000 mm / s, preferably at or below 500 mm / s, and more preferably at or below 300 mm / s.

[0133] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device builds up a pressure and / or multiple pressures on the extrusion material in the conveying direction towards the opening and / or the nozzle, wherein the pressure difference on the two sides of the screw extruder device can be up to 1 bar, preferably up to 3 bar and particularly preferably up to 10 bar. In certain embodiments, for example by a compressing arrangement of the conveying volumes (for example conical arrangement of screw thread element and / or insert), the extrusion material can be conveyed and / or dispensed at pressures of up to 50 bar, preferably up to 100 bar or more, wherein preferably several or many conveying volumes can continuously increase the pressures acting one after the other (for example between one volume linearly to the next volume with a pressure increase of at least 1 bar, preferably by at least 3 bar).

[0134] In some embodiments, the insert and / or the insert including housing and / or the screw thread element are designed for a predetermined period of use and / or are to be renewed at regular intervals, such as after a maximum of 72, 48, 24 or 12 hours of operation and / or after each shift operation and / or after the specified pot lives, curing times and / or application times, for example of the reaction resins or adhesives used.

[0135] In some embodiments, the insert has a material thickness in the radial direction (including ribs) between 1.25 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 10 mm and particularly preferably between 1.5 mm and 8 mm, such as between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0136] In some embodiments, the insert has a material thickness in the radial direction (including ribs) of a dimension corresponding to 10% up to 100% of the first or second diameter of the insert or the major or outer diameter of the screw thread element.

[0137] In some embodiments, the outer diameter and / or the outer circumference of the thread of the screw thread element is not (ideally) circular, but has, when viewed in radial sectional views, at least minimally, elliptical shapes or polygonal shapes (for example 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 or up to 50 elevations), such as up to 1 mm deviation measured from the circumscribed circle to the inscribed circle or up to 0.5 mm deviation, preferably up to 0.25 mm deviation.

[0138] In certain embodiments, the insert and screw-threaded element are matched to one another in such a way that all or some of the delivery volumes formed by their connection or contact with one another are statically sealed against water and / or the extrusion material. These delivery volumes are therefore impervious to penetration by the fluid into them, e.g., when the fluid rests on the edge forming them under gravity. The same applies in some embodiments when the fluid is pressurized (one bar, two bar, or more). The (some or all) delivery volumes can thus be statically sealed.

[0139] In some embodiments, however, static tightness is still assumed within the meaning of the present invention even if droplets form, but not more frequently than every 5 seconds or every 10 seconds at most. This can apply in the case where the weight of the water column or the water itself is acting alone, or if, as explained above, pressure is applied.

[0140] In some embodiments, the screw thread element may have a single-start or multi-start thread.

[0141] In some embodiments, the thread of the screw thread element may have an integer between 1 and 30, preferably between 1 and 5. It may be single-start, double-start, or multi-start.

[0142] In certain embodiments, the insert and screw-thread element are coordinated such that the extrusion material, or a predominant portion thereof, but in some embodiments at least 50% thereof, is not, or at least largely not, subjected to a rotational movement around the central axis of the screw-thread element within the conveying volumes during conveying. In some embodiments, the extrusion material exhibits no, or at least largely no, rotational movement around the central axis of the screw-thread element within the conveying volumes during conveying.

[0143] In certain embodiments, the insert and screw thread element are matched to one another in such a way that the extrusion material is moved and / or conveyed at least predominantly in a linear direction within the conveying volumes during conveying.

[0144] In some embodiments, the extrusion material is moved and / or conveyed within the conveying volumes during conveying at least predominantly in a linear direction.

[0145] In some embodiments, the extrusion material is moved and / or conveyed within the conveying volumes during conveying in a direction corresponding to the geometry and / or orientation of the ribs, for example due to the coordination of the insert and the screw thread element.

[0146] In some embodiments, the extrusion material within the conveying volumes exhibits a longitudinal movement during conveying and additionally a rotational movement around the central axis of the screw-thread element, for example due to the coordination of the insert and the screw-thread element. In some embodiments, a rotational movement of the extrusion material within the conveying volumes around the central axis of the screw-thread element during conveying exhibits a rotation angle of a maximum of 720°, preferably a maximum of 360°, and particularly preferably a maximum of 180°, for example due to the coordination of the insert and the screw-thread element.

[0147] In some embodiments, in addition to a rotating relative movement between the screw thread element and the insert, a relative longitudinal movement and / or a reciprocating and lifting movement between the screw thread element and the insert is additionally carried out, both temporally overlapping and / or alternating, for example due to the coordination of the insert and the screw thread element with one another.

[0148] In some embodiments, the insert is designed with regard to its shape and / or material such that the (elastomer) material in the near or at least immediate area of ​​the valley or minimum of the insert undergoes a deformation in the direction of the screw thread element due to the (elastic) deformation of the (elastomer) material due to the deformation pressure exerted by the screw thread element (i.e. in the opposite way to what the person skilled in the art would actually expect due to the forces).In other words, a large part of the (elastomer) material of the insert is pushed away from the screw thread element (in the direction of the insert) by the compression or deformation pressure exerted by the screw thread element and / or compressed in this direction within the insert by the elastic material displacement, while the elastic material displacement, preferably in the immediate or closer area of ​​the valley or minimum of the insert, is moved towards the screw thread element and / or deformed there, wherein this (reversed) material displacement can amount to a few hundredths up to a few tenths of a millimeter in some embodiments and these special features can be advantageously utilized both statically and in conveying operation in a dynamic manner by an advantageous combination of material and screw extruder geometry.Due to these properties of the invention, in preferred embodiments, a (theoretical, considered in the non-installed state) transition fit between the valley or minimum of the insert and the inner diameter and / or smallest diameter of the thread of the screw thread element (male arrangement) can advantageously be selected (i.e., in the non-installed state, either a play or a (very) slight interference of the relative dimensions of both elements) and a secure static and / or dynamic seal (for example against 10 cm water column or 10 cm glycerol column) can be achieved (in the case of a female arrangement, the (fitting) dimensions may have to be inverted).A transition fit, or in special embodiments, a (slight) clearance fit or only a very slight interference fit, is advantageous because the system experiences fewer (deformation) forces during operation, and thus less friction and heat loss, and consequently less wear or tear than would be the case with a stronger interference or press fit. Due to these special features of the invention, screw extruder systems can be realized with advantageously lower power consumption of the actuators and a better ecological balance of the extruder device.

[0149] In some embodiments, for example due to the coordination of the insert and the screw thread element, the insert undergoes an elastic deformation and / or compression in the direction away from the screw thread element during the conveyance of extrusion material, while another part of the insert undergoes an elastic deformation and / or compression in the direction towards the screw thread element, wherein the former direction in certain embodiments has a larger value and / or a larger maximum dimension and / or the former relates to a larger material volume of the insert.

[0150] In some embodiments, the valley or minimum of the insert and / or a second diameter of the insert in the removed state has a larger dimension than a minimum diameter and / or an inner diameter of a screw thread element, measured where the two are operatively connected. In certain embodiments, both diameters in the removed state are equal, at least within close tolerances, so that a transition fit can occur.

[0151] In some embodiments, the valley or minimum of the insert and / or a second diameter of the insert in the removed state has a smaller dimension than a minimum diameter and / or an inner diameter of a screw-threaded element in which the two are operatively connected. In certain embodiments, both diameters are equal in the removed state, at least within close tolerances, so that a transition fit can be created.

[0152] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the thread of the screw thread element has a larger dimension than the peak point or maximum of the insert and / or than a first diameter of the insert and / or both are designed as a transition fit.

[0153] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the thread of the screw-threaded element has a dimension at least slightly smaller than the peak or maximum of the insert and / or than a first diameter of the insert, and / or both are designed as a transition fit. In some embodiments, the depth of a rib (this can be the difference between the largest dimension or peak dimension and the valley or minimum of the insert in the removed or uninstalled state) and the thread height of the screw-threaded element (this can be half the difference between the outer diameter and the smallest effective diameter of the thread of the screw-threaded element) are the same, or at least approximately similar or the same.These dimensions may differ from each other by up to 75%, preferably up to 50% and particularly preferably up to 25%, such as by a maximum difference of 1 mm, 0.5 mm or 0.25 mm, wherein in certain embodiments the depth of a rib may have the percentage smaller dimension, in other embodiments the percentage larger dimension and wherein in certain embodiments the minimum percentage difference in dimension should be 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5%.

[0154] In some embodiments, the thread of the screw-thread element has an outer or main diameter whose dimension corresponds, at least approximately or partially, to the pitch of the thread, and / or, for example, an outer or main diameter between 6 and 15 mm with a pitch between 6 and 15 mm. The dimensional ratios of the outer or main diameter to the pitch are preferably in a range between 1:4 and 4:1, particularly preferably between 1:3 and 1:3, and most particularly preferably between 1:2 and 2:1.

[0155] In some embodiments, a rib may be designed as a protrusion, and vice versa in some embodiments.

[0156] In some embodiments, adhesives and / or resins, such as epoxy, acrylate, phenolic, and / or light-curing adhesives, can be the extrusion material or be comprised thereof, and these can be implemented with fillers. Fillers can be, for example, plastic, metal, or ceramic particles, such as silicon carbide or aluminum oxide powder. Granular media, powders, fibers, or fillers with particle sizes between 50 nm and 0.5 mm, and particularly preferably between 1 μm and 200 μm, can preferably be processed with the extruder device.

[0157] In some embodiments, the insert may be configured with up to 60 ribs and / or protrusions, preferably between 4 and 24, more preferably between 6 and 16, and most preferably between 6 and 12, such as 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 ribs and / or protrusions.

[0158] In some embodiments, the screw thread element and the insert form at least 2 delivery volumes according to the invention, preferably at least 3, and particularly preferably at least 8 delivery volumes, such as at least 10 or between 12 and 120 delivery volumes, wherein the delivery volumes preferably have or provide a static and / or dynamic tightness, in particular with respect to the extrusion materials, media and viscosities mentioned herein.

[0159] In some embodiments, a static and / or dynamic tightness of the conveying volumes with respect to extrusion material and / or with respect to a medium such as water, propylene glycol or glycerin (for example at 20°) is provided immediately after the final assembly of the screw extruder device; in other embodiments, this is the case after a certain run-in phase, such as after an operating time under average operating conditions of approximately 1 hour or approximately 8 hours.

[0160] In some embodiments, an insert can be designed with an even number of ribs and / or protrusions and / or with an unequal pitch and / or angular pitch. An unequal distribution of the angles of the ribs and / or protrusions relative to one another can have advantages in dynamic pulsation, comparable to the reduction of vibrations in a reamer manufactured with an unequal tooth pitch.

[0161] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device can convey extrusion material up to 1000 ml / min, preferably up to 100 ml / min, such as up to a maximum of 3 ml / min or up to 10 ml / min.

[0162] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device in use delivers between 1 pl and 1000 pl of extrusion material per relative revolution of the screw thread element relative to the insert, preferably between 2 pl and 100 pl, and more preferably between 3 pl and 30 pl.

[0163] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device can convey and / or produce fine droplets with a minimum delivery rate between 0.5 pl and 50 pl, preferably between 0.1 pl and 10 pl.

[0164] In some embodiments, a screw thread element is equipped with up to four threads and / or is in operative contact with the insert simultaneously with up to four threads, preferably with up to three threads and more preferably with up to two threads. In some embodiments, a screw thread element is equipped with one thread and / or is in operative contact with the insert with (approximately) one thread, preferably with approximately 1.1 threads up to 3 threads. In some embodiments, the extrusion material has a temperature between 0°C and 200°C, preferably between 0°C and 130°C and more preferably between 0°C and 100°C.

[0165] In some embodiments, the extrusion material has a temperature between 0°C and 100°C, preferably between 0°C and 80°C, and more preferably between 0°C and 60°C.

[0166] A heating device is preferably not provided on the extruder device, is not caused to heat by the control device or is not used when the extruder device is in use.

[0167] In some embodiments, there is a static tightness to propylene glycol between the insert and the screw thread element, for example in the longitudinal direction of the insert, at a temperature of 20°C, for example at 1 cm or preferably 10 cm liquid column.

[0168] In some embodiments, there is a static tightness between the insert and the screw thread element, for example in the longitudinal direction of the insert, against a liquid at 1480 mPa*s (20°C) such as glycerol, for example at 1 cm or preferably 10 cm liquid column.

[0169] In some embodiments, the extrusion material has a viscosity of up to 20,000 mPa*s or up to 100,000 mPa*s (20°C), preferably between 1 mPa*s (20°C) and 10,000 mPa*s (20°C).

[0170] In some embodiments, extrusion material is fed from an additional device into the screw extruder device and / or into the housing and / or into the direct feed area between the screw thread element and the insert, preferably continuously and in preferred embodiments from an adjacent and / or fluid-line-connected (additional) device, such as a storage container. The additional device for receiving extrusion material can be pressurized, such as with compressed air and / or via a piston, and / or be operatively connected to at least one feed pump. The additional device can be part of the extruder device. This also applies to the storage container, the feed pump, and / or the pressure device for, for example, compressed air.

[0171] In some embodiments, the screw extruder device has at its outlet and / or at its lower distal end in use (i.e. the end located downstream of the conveying direction of the extrusion material) at least one nozzle, such as a conical nozzle or a syringe needle, preferably with diameters or nominal diameters (usually diameter at the narrowest point) between 0.05 mm and 10 mm, particularly preferably between 0.08 mm and 3 mm, and very particularly preferably between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm, such as between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0172] In some embodiments, the thread of the screw extruder assembly or screw thread element may be right-handed, while in others, it may be left-handed. The direction or orientation of the threads determines the direction of rotation of the actuator to either feed extrusion material or retract extrusion material from the opening and / or nozzle into the screw extruder assembly and / or into the barrel.

[0173] In some embodiments, the screw-thread element and / or the insert can be designed such that compression of the extruded material occurs within their operative connection and / or within the conveying lumens formed thereby, preferably with a pressure increase in the conveying direction (i.e., downstream) and / or continuously. For example, the rib geometry and / or the screw-thread element can be designed conically or arcuately, and / or other regions of the screw extruder device can be designed conically or arcuately.

[0174] Some embodiments, in particular those shown in the following figures, can optionally be provided with a nozzle, such as a conical nozzle, and / or a syringe needle, and / or be in operative connection with such a nozzle, at the lower distal end of the screw extruder device and / or the extruder apparatus, in particular downstream of the opening of the screw extruder device (relative to the conveying direction of the extrusion material, see e.g. the opening 13 in the figures).

[0175] Further details, advantages, and features of preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the figures.

[0176] Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a screw extruder device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0177] Figs. 2 to 4 show modifications of the screw extruder device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the screw extruder device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0178] Fig. 6 shows further schematic diagrams for explaining configurations of the screw extruder device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0179] Fig. 7 shows schematic cross-sectional views of further modifications of the screw extruder device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0180] Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a longitudinal section of a screw extruder device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0181] Fig. 9 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a screw extruder device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0182] Fig. 10 shows a modified detailed view of Fig. 9;

[0183] Fig. 11 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a

[0184] Screw extruder device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0185] Fig. 12 shows a detailed view of Fig. 11;

[0186] Fig. 13 shows a schematic perspective sectional view of a screw extruder device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0187] Fig. 14 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a screw extruder device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0188] Fig.15 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a screw extruder device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0189] Fig. 16 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a screw extruder device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 17 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a screw extruder device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

[0190] Fig. 18 shows schematic longitudinal sections of modification examples of the screw extruder device according to one of the embodiments;

[0191] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram of an extruder apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0192] Fig. 20 shows a schematic longitudinal section of an extruder device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0193] Fig. 21 shows a detailed view of Fig. 20;

[0194] Fig. 22 shows an extruder device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0195] Fig. 23 shows a detailed view of Fig. 22;

[0196] Fig. 24 shows an extruder apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0197] Fig. 25 shows a detailed view of Fig. 24;

[0198] Fig. 26 shows a schematic longitudinal section of an extruder device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0199] Fig. 27 shows a schematic longitudinal section of an extruder device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0200] Fig. 28 shows a schematic longitudinal section of an extruder device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0201] Fig. 29 shows a schematic longitudinal section of an extruder device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0202] Fig. 30 shows an extruder apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0203] Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a screw extruder device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0204] As can be seen from Fig. 1, the screw extruder device 1 has a screw thread element 2, which is housed in a housing 4. Furthermore, the screw extruder device 1 comprises a flexible insert 3, which is housed in the housing 4. As can be seen from the illustrated counter-rotating wave shape of the screw thread element 2, the thread element 2 has a spiral thread 6, in particular similar to that of a drill.

[0205] The insert 3 is preferably elastic. For example, the insert 3 comprises or consists of an elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer, and / or a rubber material.

[0206] The insert 3 is preferably attached to an inner surface of the housing 4. Furthermore, the screw extruder device 1 comprises a rotating shaft 8 connected to the screw thread element 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the rotating shaft 8 in this embodiment is solid (i.e., not hollow) and extends along a longitudinal direction 17 of the screw extruder device 1 to a lower end of the screw thread element 2.

[0207] By rotating the rotating shaft 8 connected to the screw-threaded element 2, the screw-threaded element 2 and the insert 3 are rotated relative to one another. In particular, in this embodiment, the screw-threaded element 2 is rotated relative to the insert 3 and the housing 4, since the insert 3 is fastened to the housing 4 in this example. Such fastening means for fixing the insert 3 to the housing 4 preferably comprise gluing the insert 3 to the housing 4 and / or providing a further positive fit, such as a projection or bulge of the housing 4 that extends into a recess or groove of the insert 3 (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, a press fit can be provided between the insert 3 and the housing 4.

[0208] The screw extruder device 1 extrudes material (not shown in Fig. 1) through the relative rotation between the screw-threaded element 2 and the insert 3. Material is extruded from an opening 13 on the underside of the screw extruder device 1. For this purpose, the screw-threaded element 2 and the insert 3 engage with each other to form a plurality of delivery volumes defined by the shapes of the insert 3 and the screw-threaded element 2.

[0209] In particular, the insert 3 has an elongated hollow shape into which the screw-threaded element 2 is inserted and into which it extends at least partially. The insert 3 has at least one rib 5 which engages with the thread 6 of the screw-threaded element 2 in such a way that one or more conveying volumes for the extrusion material 9 are formed between the thread 6 and the ribs 5. This is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 and 5. FIGS. 2 to 4 show modifications of the screw extruder device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram for explaining the screw extruder device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0210] Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 show in particular examples of modifications of the insert 3 of the screw extruder device 1.

[0211] Fig. 1 shows that the thread 6 of the screw-threaded element 2 has a crest 6c for an outer or major diameter do and a base 6r for an inner or minor diameter di, more precisely, a number of base sections 6r alternating with a number of crest sections 6c. As can be seen from the example in Fig. 1, the base 6r, or the better part thereof, has a constant inner or minor diameter di, while the crest 6c, or the better part thereof, has a constant major diameter do.

[0212] As can be seen from Fig. 2, according to a preferred modification, the insert 3 has spiral ribs 5 on its inner surface 16. In this example, the insert 3 has five spiral ribs 5. The ribs 5 preferably extend over the entire length of the insert 3 in the longitudinal direction 17.

[0213] As can be seen from Fig. 2, the insert 3 preferably has a smooth outer surface 18.

[0214] As can be seen from Fig. 3, the ribs 5 can extend along straight lines, preferably along the entire length of the insert 3 in the longitudinal direction 17, ie along a straight line.

[0215] As can be seen from Fig. 4, the ribs 5, which also extend along a straight line, can have a semicircular cross-section. This rounded shape of the ribs 5 can be combined with the spiral shape of the ribs 5 shown in Fig. 2.

[0216] In the cross-section of the insert from Fig. 4, which is shown above the insert 3, it can be seen that the insert 3 has a first diameter Do and a second diameter Di, which differ from each other in their length.

[0217] As can be seen from Fig. 1, the outer diameter Do rests against the crest portions 6c of the thread 6, whereas the ribs 5 are dimensioned to rest against the base portions 6r. In this way, a seal is achieved between the rib 5 and the thread 6 along the line in which the rib 5 extends.

[0218] With reference to Fig. 5, the formation of delivery volumes 7 between the thread 6 and the ribs 5 is explained below. For the sake of simplicity, Fig. 5 shows the exemplary insert 3 from Fig. 3, i.e., with straight ribs 5.

[0219] As can be seen from Fig. 5, the screw thread element 2 is inserted into the insert 3, wherein the insert 3 has the ribs 5. The ribs 5 engage with the thread 6 of the screw thread element 2. In particular, a depth of the ribs 5 along a radial direction 19 is designed such that the ribs 5 extend to and contact a thread base or thread core (ie, the part of the screw thread element 2 from which the thread 6 originates or protrudes, e.g., its core or inner diameter).

[0220] The insert 3 is configured to be flexible, particularly elastic. Sections 20 of the insert 3 rest against the thread base of the screw-threaded element 2, and other sections 21 of the insert 3 rest against the thread 6 of the screw-threaded element 2.

[0221] Due to the spiral shape of the thread 6 of the screw-thread element 2, these sections alternate continuously. This is essentially illustrated in Fig. 5, which shows a momentary plan view of a cross-section of the screw-thread element 2 and the insert 3. The semicircular sections shown between the screw-thread element 2 and the insert 3 are the conveying volumes 7 formed between the thread 6 and the ribs 5, which contain the extrusion material 9 to be conveyed and extruded by the screw extruder device 1 along the longitudinal direction 17.

[0222] Due to the spiral shape of the thread 6 of the screw-thread element 2, the delivery volumes 7 have different cross-sectional areas when viewed in the instantaneous cross-section, as shown in Fig. 5. However, viewed in the longitudinal direction 17, these delivery volumes 7 have the same shape and volume due to their longitudinal extension in the longitudinal direction 17, except for the ends (top or bottom) of the screw-thread element 2 or the insert 3.

[0223] As the screw thread element 2 rotates relative to the insert 3, these delivery volumes 7 gradually alternate between sections 20 and sections 21, i.e., they gradually grow and shrink when viewed in further, instantaneous cross-sections. This means that the delivery volumes 7 are conveyed essentially along the longitudinal direction 17 of the screw extruder device 1 and ultimately extruded from its opening 13.

[0224] Due to this configuration, the respective dimensions and / or respective geometry of the insert 3, in particular of the ribs 5, and / or of the screw thread element 2, in particular of the thread 6, specify a volumetric dimension of the delivery volumes 7 and can be adjusted accordingly depending on the application.

[0225] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration of the screw extruder device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0226] In particular, in the top left corner of Fig. 6, an insert 3 with twelve ribs 5 is shown.

[0227] Furthermore, the two upper right diagrams of Fig. 6 show an enlarged view of a portion of the insert 3. Essentially, the two upper right diagrams each show two ribs 5 of the insert 3.

[0228] Therein, the depth 22 of a rib 5 is defined as the distance between a circumferential extension of the ribs 5 over a valley 25 and a lower point or a peak or maximum 26 of the insert 3. Furthermore, a tangential slope 24 can be defined along an inflection point 23 of the ribs 5. The depth 22 of the ribs 5 can be defined as extending between 0% and 100%, where 100% corresponds to the lower point or minimum 25 of the ribs 5 and 0% corresponds to a peak 26 of the ribs 5 or the insert 3.

[0229] Preferably, the inflection point 23 of the ribs 5 in the present embodiment is located at 50% of the depth 22 of the ribs 5. The tangent slope 24 is defined by the number of ribs 5 as well as by their depth 22 and / or by the position (between 0% and 100%) of the inflection point 23. Preferably, the inflection point is located between 40% and 50% of the depth 22 of the ribs 5 and / or between 50% and 60% of the depth 22 of the ribs 5. Even more preferably, the inflection point is arranged at 51% or more of the depth 22 of the ribs 5, at 52% or more of the depth 22 of the ribs 5, at 53% or more of the depth 22 of the ribs 5 or at 54% or more of the depth 22 of the ribs 5. According to an alternative embodiment, the inflection point is located at 45% or less of the depth 22 of the ribs 5, at 44% or less of the depth 22 of the ribs 5, at 43% or less of the depth 22 of the ribs 5, at 42% or less of the depth 22 of the ribs 5, or at 41% or less of the depth 22 of the ribs 5.

[0230] As a result, the delivery volumes 7 defined by the insert 3 and the screw thread element 2 can be specified in a suitable manner. The lower six diagrams of Fig. 6 show cross-sectional views of various configurations of the insert 3. The exemplary geometric configurations of the insert 3, from top left to bottom right, include six ribs 5, eight ribs 5, ten ribs 5, twelve ribs 5, fourteen ribs 5, and sixteen ribs 5. In these configurations, the ribs 5 are distributed equidistantly over the circumference of the insert 3 and each have the same shape / contour (here also as cross-section or cross-sectional area).

[0231] However, as shown in Fig. 7, the ribs 5 may have different shapes / contours in some embodiments. In the first example on the left side of Fig. 7, the ribs 5 are not arranged equidistant from one another. In the second example on the right side of Fig. 7, the ribs 5 have different shapes / contours and are not arranged equidistant from one another.

[0232] Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a longitudinal section of a screw extruder device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0233] As shown in Fig. 8, the screw-thread element 2 has an elongated hollow shape. In other words, the screw-thread element 2 extends along the longitudinal direction 17 and bears against the housing 4. Furthermore, the insert 3 extends into the screw-thread element 2. In other words, the insert 3 is inserted into the screw-thread element 2.

[0234] The thread 6 of the screw-thread element 2 is an internal thread. This is comparable to the configuration of a nut. On the other hand, the thread 6 of the screw-thread element 2 shown in Fig. 1 is an external thread, particularly similar to that of a bolt.

[0235] Furthermore, the ribs 5 of the insert 3 are arranged on the outer surface 18 of the insert 3. The ribs 5 engage the thread 6 of the screw thread element 2. In this context, the ribs 5 shown in Figs. 1 to 7 can also be referred to as inner ribs or internal threads, while the ribs 5 shown in Fig. 8 can also be referred to as outer ribs or external threads.

[0236] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the insert 3 is connected to the rotating shaft 8, which rotates the insert 3 such that a relative rotation is effected between the screw-threaded element 2 and the insert 3. As a result, the delivery volumes 7 are defined in a similar or identical manner to that in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and as discussed above. The configurations of the ribs 5 of the insert 3 shown in Fig. 1 to 7 can suitably apply to the insert 3 shown in Fig. 8. Furthermore, in particular due to the symmetry between the insert 3 and the screw-threaded element 2 of the two embodiments, the aforementioned configurations of the ribs 5 of the inserts 3 shown in Fig. 1 to 7 can suitably apply to the thread 6 of the screw-threaded element 2 of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0237] The delivery volumes 7 are defined in a similar or identical manner to those shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 7.

[0238] Furthermore, as can be seen from Fig. 8, the rotary shaft 8 is hollow. This can also be the case with the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7. Further embodiments of the present invention are described below, which in particular show different possible uses of the hollow rotary shaft 8.

[0239] Fig. 9 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a screw extruder device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 shows a modified detailed view of Fig. 9.

[0240] As can be seen, Fig. 9 essentially shows the configuration of the screw thread element 2 and the insert 3 of the first embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of Fig. 9, i.e., the third embodiment of the present invention, can be suitably combined with the configuration of the screw thread element 2 and the insert 3 shown in Fig. 8, i.e., the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0241] As can be seen from Fig. 9, the screw extruder device 1 of the present embodiment further comprises an agitator shaft 10 extending through the hollow rotary shaft 8 and configured to agitate the extrusion material 9. The agitator shaft 10 extends through the rotary shaft 8, through the screw-threaded element 2, through the insert 3, and through the housing 4, in particular through its opening 13, along the longitudinal direction 17. Furthermore, the agitator shaft 10 has a agitator head 28. By rotating 27 the agitator shaft 10, the extrusion material 9 is agitated by means of the agitator head 28 after exiting the opening 13 of the screw extruder device 1.

[0242] Furthermore, as shown in the modification of Fig. 10, the stirring head 28 of the stirring shaft 10 may preferably be arranged within the housing 4, for example, at a lower end of the screw thread element 2, to stir the extrusion material 9 before it exits or is extruded from the screw extruder device 1 through the opening 13. In this case, the stirring shaft 10 preferably does not extend completely through the housing 4, in particular its opening 13.

[0243] Furthermore, the agitator shaft 10 can have a plurality of agitator heads 28 arranged at different locations along the longitudinal direction 17 of the agitator shaft 10. Thus, the agitator shaft 10 preferably has two agitator heads 28, one of which is arranged at the lower end of the screw-threaded element 2 (as shown in Fig. 10) and one agitator head 28 is arranged at the bottom of the illustrated agitator shaft 10 outside the opening 13 of the housing 4 (as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10). In particular, the agitator shaft 10 can have only one of the aforementioned agitator heads 28.

[0244] Fig. 11 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a screw extruder device 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 shows a detailed view of Fig. 11. Figs. 11 and 12 essentially show the configuration of the screw thread element 2 and the insert 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. However, these can be suitably adapted to the second and / or third embodiments of the present invention.

[0245] As can be seen from Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the screw extruder device 1 of the present embodiment has a valve stem 11 that extends through the hollow rotary shaft 8 along the longitudinal direction 17. The valve stem 11 further comprises a valve element 12. The valve element 12 is configured to open and / or close the opening 13 of the screw extruder device 1, in particular of the housing 4. The housing 4 has a valve seat portion 30 that is configured to receive the valve element 12 so as to be opened and / or closed when the valve element 12 is removed from and / or inserted into the valve seat portion 30.

[0246] A movement 29 of the valve stem 11 along the longitudinal direction 17 controls the opening and / or closing of the opening 13 via the valve element 12.

[0247] Furthermore, the valve element 12 of the present embodiment can preferably also be arranged on the agitator shaft 10 shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. In this case, a movement of the agitator shaft 10 along the longitudinal direction 17, in addition to the possible rotation 27 of the agitator shaft 10, can open and / or close the opening 13 of the screw extruder device 1, in particular of the housing 4. In an open state, the valve element 12 is not seated in the valve seat section 30 of the housing 4, so that such a stirrer shaft 10 with the valve element 12 can still be easily rotated in the rotation direction 27. Fig. 13 shows a schematic perspective section through a screw extruder device 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0248] As can be seen from Fig. 13, the housing 4 of the present embodiment has an inner wall 14 extending in the longitudinal direction 17. This makes it possible to feed two components 9.1, 9.2 of the extrusion material 9 (not shown) into the screw extruder device 1, in particular into the housing 4.

[0249] Furthermore, the insert 3 shown in Fig. 13 preferably comprises an additional mixing section 31. The mixing section 31 of the insert 3 has a conical shape with a cross-section tapering toward the opening 13. As a result, the shape of the insert 3 forces the two components 9.1, 9.2 of the extrusion material 9 to mix upon entering and passing through the mixing section 31. For the sake of simplicity, the screw-threaded element 2 is not shown here.

[0250] Conveniently, a depth of the inner wall 14 along the radial direction 19 is set such that the rotary shaft 8 and the screw-threaded element 2 extend along or alongside the inner wall 14 in the longitudinal direction 17. Furthermore, the screw extruder device 1 preferably comprises an O-ring or a cylindrical sealing element (not shown) that seals the inner wall 14, in particular spaces between the inner wall 14 and other elements of the screw extruder device 1 (for example, the rotary shaft 8 and / or the screw-threaded element 2 and / or the insert 3).

[0251] In the present embodiment, the screw-thread element 2 is preferably configured to have a conical cross-section (explained below with reference to Figs. 14 and 15). As a result, the screw-thread element 2 is suitably configured to engage the conical insert 3, particularly its mixing portion 31. As shown in Fig. 13, the mixing portion 31 of the insert 3 preferably also includes the ribs 5.

[0252] The housing 4 may comprise a plurality of inner walls 14, for example one or more inner walls 14, two or more inner walls 14, three or more inner walls 14, preferably four or more inner walls 14 (not shown).

[0253] Fig. 14 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a screw extruder device 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0254] As can be seen from Fig. 14, the screw extruder device 1 of the present

[0255] Embodiment comprises a screw-thread element 2 having a conically shaped cross-section. The conical cross-section of the screw-thread element 2 tapers along the longitudinal direction 17 toward the opening 13. In other words, the lower cross-section of the screw-thread element 2 is smaller than the upper cross-section of the screw-thread element 2.

[0256] Furthermore, the insert 3 is suitably formed with a conically shaped cross-section to receive and engage the screw thread element 2.

[0257] This configuration shown in Fig. 14 can be suitably combined with the previous embodiments, in particular with the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 8, in which a conically shaped insert 3 is inserted into a correspondingly conically shaped screw thread element 2.

[0258] Fig. 15 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a screw extruder device 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0259] As can be seen from Fig. 15, the conically shaped cross-section of the screw-threaded element 2 can be designed such that its upper cross-section is smaller than its lower cross-section. In other words, the screw-threaded element 2 of the present embodiment is preferably tapered in the longitudinal direction 17 away from the opening 13. Furthermore, the insert 3 is suitably tapered away from the opening 13. This embodiment can be suitably combined with any of the previously described embodiments, in particular with the second embodiment shown in Fig. 8, as explained above with respect to Fig. 14.

[0260] Furthermore, the screw thread element 2 and / or the insert 3 preferably have conically shaped cross sections as well as cross sections or sections of their cross sections that extend parallel to the longitudinal direction 17. In other words, the insert 3 and / or the screw thread element 2 can comprise straight sections and conically shaped sections.

[0261] Fig. 16 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a screw extruder device 1 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0262] As can be seen from Fig. 16, the screw extruder device 1 of the present embodiment further comprises a piston element 15. The piston element 15 is configured to push the extrusion material 9 toward the insert 3 and the screw-threaded element 2. In particular, the piston element 15 is moved up and down along a piston movement direction 32 parallel to the longitudinal direction 17. By the downward movement of the piston along the direction of the piston movement 32, the extrusion material 9 is pressed between the screw-threaded element 2 and the insert 3.

[0263] The present embodiment can be suitably combined with any of the aforementioned embodiments, in particular with the second embodiment shown in Fig. 8.

[0264] Furthermore, the movement 32 of the piston 15 can be suitably combined with the movement 29 of the valve stem (see Fig. 11 and Fig. 12). In this case, however, the valve element 12 is preferably configured such that it opens the opening 13 during a downward movement. In this case, for example, the valve element 12 is preferably arranged at the lower end of the opening 13, wherein the lower end of the opening 13 preferably has a valve seat portion (not shown). As a result, the valve element abuts against such a valve seat portion and seals it when the piston 15, which is mechanically coupled to the valve stem 11, is moved upward along the piston movement direction 32. In other words, the valve element 12 opens the opening 13 when the piston element 15 is retracted.

[0265] Fig. 17 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a screw extruder device 1 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0266] As can be seen from Fig. 17, the screw extruder device 1 of the present embodiment has a housing cover 33. The housing cover 33 closes the housing 4. Preferably, the housing cover 33 is formed integrally with the housing 4. Particularly preferably, the housing cover 33 can be formed such that it is removable from the housing 4. The housing cover 33 seals an internal volume of the housing 4. Preferably, the housing cover 33 comprises an O-ring or insert (not shown) for sealing the internal volume of the housing 4, in particular the rotary shaft 8, which can extend through the housing cover 33.

[0267] Furthermore, the screw extruder device 1 of the present embodiment comprises an extrusion material inlet 34 through which extrusion material 9 is fed into the internal volume of the housing 4 and further to the insert 3 and the screw thread element 2.

[0268] The present embodiment of the screw extruder device 1 can be suitably combined with the above-described embodiments of the screw extruder device 1, in particular with the second embodiment shown in Fig. 8. In particular, the extrusion material inlet 34 can preferably comprise a valve (not shown). In an embodiment with a piston element 15, such a valve of the material inlet 34 can preferably open and / or close the material inlet 34 depending on or coupled with the movement of the piston element 15. Furthermore, such a configuration can additionally be coupled with the valve element 12 and its combination with the piston element 15 in order to couple a supply of extrusion material 9 via the inlet 34 and its valve as well as the extrusion of extrusion material 9 via the valve element 12 by coupling it with the movement 32 of the piston element 15.As a result, the screw extruder device 1 can essentially achieve a configuration similar to that of an internal combustion engine.

[0269] For example, an upward movement of the piston element 15 closes the valve element 12 and creates a vacuum or suction that draws extrusion material 9 from the (open) inlet 34. Subsequently, a downward movement of the piston element 15 pushes the extrusion material 9 between the insert 3 and the screw-thread element 2, which is then extruded through the opening 13 via the open valve element 12. During the downward movement of the piston element 15, the inlet 34 is preferably closed.

[0270] As a result, preferably exact quantities of extrusion material 9 are extruded through the screw extruder device 1, in particular defined by a displacement volume of the piston element 15.

[0271] Fig. 18 shows schematic longitudinal sectional views of exemplary modifications of the screw extruder device 1 according to one of the embodiments.

[0272] As can be seen from Fig. 18, the elements of the screw extruder device 1 are preferably configured to be movable along the longitudinal direction 17.

[0273] In particular, the left diagram of Fig. 18 shows a movement possibility 35 of the axial displacement or movement of the rotary shaft 8 along the longitudinal direction 17.

[0274] Furthermore, the middle diagram of Fig. 18 shows the possibility of axial movement 36 of the insert 3. The insert 3 is preferably configured such that it is not permanently attached to the housing 4, for example, by the absence of fastening means and / or by a snap-in and snap-out fastening means that releasably fastens the insert 3 to the housing 4.

[0275] The insert 3 is preferably movable along the longitudinal direction 17, ie along the axial movement direction 36 of the insert 3, independently of the rotary shaft 8 and / or the screw thread element 2. For this purpose, the insert 3 is preferably connected to a further rotary shaft and / or a coupling shaft which is connected to the insert 3 and is configured to move the insert 3 within the housing 4.

[0276] On the other hand, as shown in the right-hand diagram of Fig. 18, the insert 3 can be moved axially along the axial movement direction 37 (i.e., along the longitudinal direction 17) via an axial movement 35 of the rotating shaft 8. For example, friction between the insert 3 and the screw-threaded element 2 can be greater than friction between the insert 3 and the housing 4, so that the insert 3 is moved together with the rotating shaft 8 and the screw-threaded element 2 within the housing 4.

[0277] As a result, residual amounts or volumes of the extrusion material 9 can be expelled between the components of the screw extruder device 1.

[0278] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram of an extruder apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0279] As can be seen from Fig. 19, the extruder device 100 in the present embodiment has two mounting sections 101. Furthermore, the extruder device 100 comprises two extruder devices 1 according to one of the preceding embodiments. Each screw extruder device 1 is mounted on a mounting section 101 of the extruder device 100.

[0280] In the present embodiment, the screw extruder devices 1 are preferably interchangeable units. This means that if, for example, an application method or an extrusion material to be used in an application method is changed, the screw extruder device 1 can preferably be replaced with an unused or cleaned screw extruder device 1. As a result, the extruder device 100 can preferably be easily deployed or used in application methods with particularly high purity requirements, such as bioprinting.

[0281] The extruder device 100 preferably has one or more fastening sections 101. Particularly preferably, the extruder device 100 comprises two or more, preferably three or more, preferably four or more, preferably five or more, preferably six or more fastening sections 101 and preferably a corresponding number of screw extruder devices 1 fastened to the fastening sections 101.

[0282] As shown in Fig. 19, the extruder device 100 has two mounting sections 101 and two screw extruder devices 1. As a result, the extruder device 100 can preferably be used for applications requiring multiple, particularly different, extrusion materials 9, which are preferably not mixed within the screw extruder devices 1 themselves.

[0283] Furthermore, the extruder device 100 preferably has one or more actuating devices (not shown) which are configured to actuate and / or rotate components of the screw extruder device 1, in particular the rotary shaft 8 and / or the agitator shaft 10 and / or the valve stem 11 and / or the piston element 15.

[0284] Fig. 20 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an extruder device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 21 shows a detailed view of Fig. 20.

[0285] As can be seen from Fig. 20 and Fig. 21, the extruder device 100 of the present embodiment preferably comprises a laser device 102 configured to emit a laser beam 103 and to guide it through the hollow rotary shaft 8 of the screw extruder device 1, or another light-emitting device, for example a UV emitter, preferably at 405 nm. The laser beam 103 exits through the opening 13 of the screw extruder device 1, in particular the housing 4, and impinges on the extrusion material 9 extruded by the screw extruder device 1.

[0286] In addition, due to its propagation through the hollow rotating shaft 8 and through the opening 13 of the housing 4, the laser beam 103 preferably impinges on the extrusion material 9 before the extrusion material 9 exits the screw extruder device 1 through the opening 13. This makes it possible to extend the duration of the impingement of the laser beam 103 on the extrusion material 9. Therefore, it is preferably not necessary for an extrusion process to be stopped or paused so that the laser beam 103 sufficiently impinges on the extrusion material 9. Thus, the extrusion material 9 is preferably cured by means of the laser beam 103 before and / or shortly after exiting the opening 13 of the screw extruder device 1 when the screw extruder device 1 is moved along an application direction 38.

[0287] Additional laser devices outside the extruder device 100 are therefore preferably not required. Furthermore, application and curing times can be shortened, particularly by the impingement of the laser beam 103 on the extrusion material 9 before the extrusion material 9 is extruded from the screw extruder device 1. Fig. 22 shows an extruder device 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 23 shows a detailed view of Fig. 22.

[0288] As can be seen from Fig. 22 and Fig. 23, the extruder device 100 of the present embodiment includes a fluid supply device 104 configured to supply a fluid 105 through the hollow rotary shaft 8 of the screw extruder device 1.

[0289] The fluid 105 supplied by the fluid supply device 104 is used in addition to the previously described extrusion material 9.

[0290] Preferably, the fluid 105 supplied by the fluid supply device 104 is a gas, in particular an inert gas. The fluid 105 can preferably be used to foam the extrusion material 9 and / or to provide an inert gas atmosphere in the vicinity of the opening 13 of the screw extruder device 1.

[0291] Fig. 24 shows an extruder device 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 25 shows a detailed view of Fig. 24.

[0292] As can be seen from Fig. 24 and Fig. 25, the extruder device 100 of the present embodiment additionally comprises a filament and / or fiber feeding device 106 configured to feed a filament and / or fiber 107 through the hollow rotary shaft 8 of the screw extruder device 1.

[0293] Here, the extrusion material 9 is combined with the mentioned filament and / or fiber 107 during the extrusion process.

[0294] The filament and / or the fiber 107 preferably consist of carbon, in particular roving, and / or carbon fiber, or comprise these.

[0295] Figures 26 to 30 show embodiments five to nine of the extruder device 100. Figures 26 to 30 show various embodiments of energy supply devices 108 configured to supply energy to the screw extruder device 1. The extruder device 100 may comprise one or more of the following energy supply devices 108.

[0296] In Fig. 26, the energy supply device 108 is configured to supply indirect heat to the screw extruder device 1 by means of induction heat of the rotary shaft.

[0297] Fig. 27 shows a power supply device 108 configured to provide induction heat specifically for the extrusion material 9 present within the screw extruder device 1. The extrusion material 9 preferably contains electrically conductive material, for example, an electrically conductive paste with metal particles.

[0298] Fig. 28 shows a configuration of an energy supply device 108 which is configured to supply energy to the screw extruder device 1 by means of sound waves 40, in particular ultrasonic waves.

[0299] Fig. 29 shows a configuration of a power supply device 108 which is configured to build up a magnetic field in the screw extruder device 1.

[0300] Fig. 30 shows a configuration of a power supply device 108 configured to supply vibration energy to the screw extruder device 1 by means of a vibration movement 39. In other words, the screw extruder device 1 is preferably shaken and / or vibrated by the power supply device 108. The shaking and / or vibration movement 39 is preferably between 0° and ± 3°.

[0301] The previously described embodiments of Figures 1 to 30 can be combined with each other in a suitable manner. In particular, embodiment 2 (Figure 8) can be combined in a suitable manner with any other or further embodiments of Figures 1 to 7 and 9 to 30.

[0302] In addition to the foregoing written description of the present invention, reference is expressly made at this point to the graphic description of the present invention as shown in Figures 1 to 30.

[0303] List of reference symbols

[0304] 1 screw extruder device

[0305] 2 screw thread element

[0306] 3 Use

[0307] 4 housings

[0308] 5 flexible and / or elastic section; here: rib

[0309] 6 threads

[0310] 6c Comb or comb section

[0311] 6r base, core or base section, core section

[0312] 7 production volumes

[0313] 8 Rotating shaft

[0314] 9 Extrusion material

[0315] 10 agitator shaft

[0316] 11 Valve stem

[0317] 12 Valve element

[0318] 13 Opening

[0319] 14 inner wall

[0320] 15 Piston element

[0321] 16 Inner surface of the insert

[0322] 17 Longitudinal direction

[0323] 18 Outer surface of the insert

[0324] 19 Radial direction

[0325] 20 Contact section with the threaded base core

[0326] 21 Contact section with thread

[0327] 22 Depth of a rib

[0328] 23 Turning point of the ribs

[0329] 24 Tangential gradient

[0330] 25 Tal or minimum bet

[0331] 26 Peak point or maximum bet

[0332] 27 rotations

[0333] 28 Stirring head of the agitator shaft

[0334] 29 Movement of the valve stem

[0335] 30 Valve seat section

[0336] 31 Mixing section

[0337] 32 Piston movement

[0338] 33 Housing cover

[0339] 34 Material inlet 35 Axial movement of the rotary shaft

[0340] 36 axial movement of the insert

[0341] 37 axial movement of the rotating shaft and the insert

[0342] 38 Application direction

[0343] 39 Vibration movement

[0344] 40 sound waves

[0345] 100 extruder device

[0346] 101 fastening section

[0347] 102 Laser device

[0348] 103 Laser beam

[0349] 104 Fluid supply device

[0350] 105 Fluid supplied by means of the fluid supply device

[0351] 106 Filament and / or fiber feeding device

[0352] 107 Filament and / or fiber

[0353] 108 Energy supply facility

[0354] Do first diameter of the insert

[0355] Di second diameter of the insert di inner or minor diameter do outer or major diameter

Claims

Claims 1. Screw extruder device (1) for extruding an extrusion material (9), comprising or consisting of: • at least one screw thread element (2); • optional: a housing (4); • one or at least one insert (3), e.g. a sealing element, for receiving at least a part of the screw thread element (2) for conveying the extrusion material (9) through the insert (3); wherein the at least one insert (3) has or consists of a flexible and / or elastic section which engages with a thread (6) of the at least one screw thread element (2) in such a way that at least one closed conveying chamber or a closed conveying volume (7), preferably for receiving the extrusion material (9), is or will be formed between the screw thread element (2) and / or the thread (6) thereof on the one hand and the insert (3) and / or the flexible and / or elastic section thereof on the other hand, wherein the insert (3) and the screw thread element (2) are preferably matched to one another in such a way that between them, e.g.in the longitudinal direction of the insert (3), there is a static tightness, for example against water or the extrusion material.

2. Screw extruder device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one screw thread element (2) is arranged within the at least one insert (3) such that it is rotated within the at least one insert (3) without radial displacement of the axis of rotation of the screw thread element (2) and / or in a centric manner.

3. Screw extruder device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the portion of the insert (3) is or comprises at least one rib (5), protrusion or projection, groove or depression.

4. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the section extends in a longitudinal direction of the insert (3), the housing (4) or the screw thread element (2) or parallel thereto.

5. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the section extends at least partially in a straight line.

6. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3), e.g. in an unloaded state thereof, comprises in at least one, two, more than two or all of its cross sections a lumen which simultaneously has at least a first diameter (Do) and a second diameter (Di) whose lengths differ.

7. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thread (6) of the screw thread element (2) has a crest (6c) on an outer or major diameter (do) and a base (6r) on an inner or minor diameter (di), and wherein the portion of the insert (3) is designed, configured and / or arranged to engage with the screw thread element (2) such that the portion simultaneously abuts the thread (6) at both its crest (6c) and its base (6r), in particular at adjacent portions of the base (6r) and crest (6c).

8. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thread (6) of the screw thread element (2) has a crest (6c) on an outer or major diameter (do) and a base (6r) on an inner or minor diameter (di), and wherein the portion of the insert (3) is designed, configured and / or arranged to engage with the screw thread element (2) such that the portion simultaneously seals against the thread (6) along a line, in particular a straight line, and / or along a plurality of crest portions (6c) and a plurality of base portions (6r).

9. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3) in the housing (4) is in a force fit and / or a form fit relative to a direction of rotation, which is preferably achieved by means of suitable means.

10. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the screw thread element (2) has an elongated hollow shape into which the insert (3) extends at least in sections, wherein the thread (6) of the screw thread element (2) is internal or female.

11. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a rotary shaft (8), wherein the screw thread element (2) is attached to this rotary shaft (8), or wherein the insert (3) is attached to the rotary shaft (8).

12. Screw extruder device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the rotary shaft (8) is hollow.

13. The screw extruder device (1) according to claim 12, further comprising an agitating shaft (10) extending through the hollow rotary shaft (8) and configured to agitate the extrusion material (9).

14. Screw extruder device (1) according to claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising a valve stem (11) which extends through the hollow rotary shaft (8) and is configured to open and / or close an opening (13) from which the extrusion material (9) will be discharged, or further comprising a valve element (12) on or attached to or associated with said agitator shaft (10) which is configured to open and / or close an opening (13) from which the extrusion material (9) will be discharged.

15. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (4) comprises an inner wall (14) which extends longitudinally within the housing (4) and which is configured to separate a plurality of components of the extrusion material (9).

16. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3) and / or the screw thread element (2) have a conical cross-section.

17. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a piston element (15) configured to push the extrusion material (9) towards the insert (3) and screw thread element (2).

18. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising extrusion material (9).

19. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, accommodated in a system container, in particular a bag or a blister pack, in particular sterile.

20. Screw extruder device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a section for endless feeding.

21. Extruder device (100) comprising at least one fastening section (101) and at least one screw extruder device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the screw extruder device (1) is fastened to the fastening section (101).

22. Extruder device (100) according to claim 21, further comprising a light source and / or a laser device (102) configured to provide light and / or a laser beam (103) or to guide it through the hollow rotary shaft (8) of the screw extruder device (1).

23. Extruder device (100) according to claim 21 or claim 22, further comprising at least one fluid supply device (104) configured to supply a fluid (105), in particular a gas and / or a further extrusion material (9) or a component thereof, through the hollow rotary shaft (8) of the at least one screw extruder device (1).

24. Extruder device (100) according to one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising at least one filament and / or fiber feeding device (106) configured to feed at least one filament and / or fiber (107) through the hollow rotary shaft (8) of the at least one screw extruder device (1).

25. Extruder device (100) according to one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising a Energy supply device (108) configured to supply the To supply energy to the screw extruder device (1), in particular in the form of electricity and / or induction and / or direct heat and / or microwaves and / or magnetic field and / or vibration.

26. Extruder device (100) according to one of claims 21 to 25, comprising a motor shaft configured to be connected to a connecting portion of the screw thread member (2) to rotate the screw thread member (2) without being configured to move the connecting portion in a circle and / or without being configured to oscillate the connecting portion.

27. Insert (3) for use in a screw extruder device (1), in particular a screw extruder device according to one of claims 1 to 20, with one of the features of the insert (3) as set out in at least one of claims 1 to 20.

Images