DE19612965A1 - Package for storing and mixing reactive components of foamable material - Google Patents

Abstract

A package for transporting and mixing foamable materials uses a blowing agent which is only produced by a chemical reaction between liquid or solid components of the foam when the latter are mixed. The components for producing the foam and the blowing agent are stored in two or more separate chambers (2,3) of a film container (1) with a pointed tip (6). The chambers (2,3) have deliberate weak points (4,5) which break when pressure is applied to the container to allow the components to mix together. A specific form of the package has two chambers (2,3), one containing a polyol, the other an isocyanate.

Description

The invention relates to a final packaging for foaming Foaming and in particular a final packaging for foaming Polyurethane foams for small consumption quantities.

For a variety of jobs, such as B. the assembly of door and window frames or the sealing of openings the use of foams proven in minutes or Cure hourly range. In particular, these are one and two-component polyurethane foams. Usually that is Component or are the components together with a Propellant in a flameproof can or another pressure-resistant container filled with a valve and Additional devices for introducing the foam into the filling cavity, e.g. B. between wall and door frame. If the user operates the valve, the propellant drives it Foam out of the pressure vessel and leads it over typically a plastic or metal tube in the cavity a. The blowing agent also expands the foam to to fill the cavity. After a predetermined curing time The foam is hard and can last from several minutes to hours to be processed further. In particular have polyurethane foams for the quick, easy and safe installation of door and Proven window frames in large numbers. You are for Small consumption quantities in the hundred gram or kilogram range for foam volumes from one to several hundred liters in Pressure sockets available.

The blowing agent represents a major disadvantage both in terms of environmental protection and the costs. Until now, primarily fluorine-chlorohydrocarbons (CFCs) such as Freon 11 have been used for this. The ozone depleting effect is now known, so that propane-butane or other gas mixtures are increasingly being used as substitutes. These mixtures are flammable and therefore pose a risk, especially if the pressure vessel bursts. In addition, the disposal of the waste is complicated because a mixture of metal (the pressure can) and various plastics (valve, lines, foam residues, etc.) is created. The pressure vessels must therefore be dismantled for reuse of the components. This is time consuming and costly.

After all, the containers are themselves and are filled by them in the manufacture of the product (regardless of used blowing agents) complex and expensive. Containers and The valve must be pressure-resistant and checked. In addition, must at least the blowing agent either under high pressure or at bottled at low temperature and the container tight be closed.

The object of the invention is a packaging for foaming of foams and in particular packaging for foaming of polyurethane foams for the end user.

The object is achieved in that the Propellant from liquid or solid components, the Are part of the foam components or foreign components, at the time of foam application through a chemical reaction is produced. Here are the components for generation of the foam and the blowing agent that are chemically linked to each other react in separate chambers one Foil container that tapers to one side and has at least two chambers, these chambers Have predetermined breaking points at a predetermined Break up force on the film container and thereby bringing the components together within the film container enable.

The film container preferably has a volume that then filled out and the film container completely is bloated when progressing through chemical  Reaction the foam has the right consistency to insert into the has cavity to be foamed.

The film container is preferably made of the same or formed at least one similar polymer from which the cured foam.

In a preferred embodiment, the content consists of a first chamber consisting essentially of a polyol and the content a second chamber consisting essentially of a diisocyanate.

In a further embodiment, the content consists of a first chamber essentially from a mineral building material such as cement, lime or gypsum or a mixture of these with or without sand, and the contents of a second chamber in the essentially from an isocyanate. Furthermore, a third chamber be formed, which contains essentially water.

Furthermore, in the event that several components in the Foil containers are located that are responsible for foam formation and its Giving up contribute different, but not together reacting components in the same chamber within the Foil container are ready.

The object is further achieved in that a Foil container is formed, which tapers to one side and has two chambers, the first with a polyol and the second of which are filled with an isocyanate. The two Chambers have predetermined breaking points so that the content both chambers at a predetermined force in the Pour the inside of the film container and mix there can.

The film container preferably has a volume that then filled out and the film container completely is bloated when progressing through chemical Reaction between the polyol and the isocyanate the resulting Polyurethane achieved the right processing consistency and the carbon dioxide generated during the reaction the foam has raised enough.  

In a preferred embodiment, the film container is made of a polyurethane film is formed.

In a further embodiment, water is added and the Share of isocyanate in the total content of the film container so increases that the water reacts with the isocyanate and creates additional carbon dioxide which makes the foam stronger drives up. The water can in the chamber with the polyol be kept in a separate chamber or externally.

A mechanical can be used to squeeze out the film container Auxiliary device can be formed, which consists essentially of a rigid container is there to hold the film container opened and again after inserting the film container can be locked. The container faces on one side an opening through which the foam formed the Can leave the film container. Furthermore, the container preferably one on the opposite side mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically moved pistons, of the film container inside the rigid container can squeeze. In another according to the invention Embodiment, the film container is inside the rigid Container expressed with the help of a balloon, the under Use of gas under pressure or under Liquid under pressure is inflated.

In a further embodiment of the auxiliary device for Squeezing out the film container is the film container inside of a balloon formed using one under pressure standing gas or a liquid under pressure is inflated.

In a further embodiment of the auxiliary device for Squeezing out the foil container is the foil container on the Side opposite the opening for the foam, a roller put on. This is formed with the help of a roller Lever rotated and thereby pushes the contents of the film container out. Furthermore, two rollers can also be used instead of one be formed, preferably with the same  Peripheral speed rotated in the opposite direction be and have a predetermined distance from each other. The film container runs through the rotation between the two Rolls through and is thereby expressed.

The production of the film container and its filling with the Components can be done very easily and without pressure. Of the Transport to the place of use is safe and economical, because the shape of the film container has a high packing density enables, and the mass of the goods to be transported almost consists exclusively of the object of application; Wet and In contrast, volumes of the packaging material are added Pressure cans do not weigh.

At the point of use, the user exerts a force on the Foil container from around the predetermined breaking points within the Open the film container and the components in contact bring together. An inventive and surprising Effect is that the components are mixed by hand be carried out very homogeneously within the film container can, without the need for a special mixing nozzle. Kneading and shaking the foil container is sufficient. The chemical reaction now released releases the propellant gas. In the case of polyurethane, for example, the two Mix polyol and diisocyanate components and polymerize with elimination of carbon dioxide to polyurethane. The Carbon dioxide drives up the polyurethane and fills the volume the foil container. This is such that the Foil container is then full when the polyurethane correct consistency for insertion into the cavity to be filled having. The user now only has to put on the film container open its tip and express it. You can also do this Tools such as compressed air or mechanical extrusion are used will. The polyurethane now hardens with further splitting off Carbon dioxide expands and continues to expand, leaving the cavity entirely is filled. This is two-component polyurethane foam typically editable after ten minutes.

What remains is a very small amount of waste, which is essentially only from the squeezed foil container and small, not  completely expressed polyurethane residues. Used man polyurethane film for the production of the film container, so all waste consists of a single polymer component. This considerably simplifies disposal or recycling. Disassembly and component separation, like that of the previous ones usual pressure cans is necessary. The very minor Masses and volumes of waste simplify disposal continue. The low pressure when foaming the material moreover only occurs at the time of foaming, together with the incombustible propellant produces carbon dioxide a significant improvement in the security situation at the Application of the foam.

The invention is also suitable for making porous foams mineral building material such as cement, lime or gypsum or one Mix of these to form with or without sand. To do this for example in a first chamber the mineral building material, in a second chamber, for example, a diisocyanate and in water in a third chamber. In this case three chambers required because of both the mineral building material as well as the blowing agent isocyanate react with water. Alternatively, the water can also be added separately.

At the point of use, the user exerts a force on the Foil container from around the predetermined breaking points within the Open the film container and the components in contact bring together. The chemical reaction now occurring the propellant gas is released between the isocyanate and water. in the In the case of the mineral building material, it is mixed with water mixed, and the curing process begins. The water reacts with the isocyanate with elimination of carbon dioxide and drives up the mineral building material until the volume of the Foil container is filled. This is such that the Foil container is then full when the mineral Building material the right consistency for incorporation into the filling cavity. The user now only has to Open the film container at its tip and squeeze it out. To tools such as compressed air or mechanical Expressing agents are used. The mineral building material hardens  with further formation of carbon dioxide and drives on so that the cavity is completely filled.

The mechanical auxiliary device for expressing the Foil container facilitates the handling of the invention Packaging and ensures that the in the film container formed foam is fully expressed.

Further features and practicalities result from the Description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. From the figures show:

1a-1c show a first embodiment of the final packaging according to the invention having two chambers for producing polyurethane foam in a plan view, a side view and in the folded state.

FIG. 2a-2d different stages of foam generation and use in accordance with the first embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3a-3f tools for expressing the film container of FIG. 1;

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of the final packaging according to the invention with three chambers for producing porous plaster; and

Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of the final packaging according to the invention with two chambers for producing porous gypsum and external admixture of water.

Exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures described.

In Figs. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of the present invention having two chambers for producing polyurethane foam, as well as their application are shown. The Fig. 1a shows a plan view of the film container with two chambers, Fig. 1b is a side view and Fig. 1c shows the film container in the folded state. FIGS. 2a to 2d show different advanced stages in the foam production and application of the invention.

As shown in Fig. 1a, the film container 1 has two chambers 2 and 3 . They are formed, for example, in that the film which forms the container 1 is welded or glued to two lines 4 and 5 so that these lines 4 and 5 represent predetermined breaking points. Chamber 2 is filled with a polyol, chamber 3 with a diisocyanate. The film container 1 also has a tapering taper 1 a with a tear-off tip 6 . Instead of the taper 1 a and the tip 6 , a rigid tube can also be formed. Furthermore, two tabs 7 and 8 are formed on opposite sides of the film container 1 in the area of the chambers 2 and 3 . The film container 1 preferably consists of a polyurethane film.

FIG. 1b shows a side view of the film container 1 of Fig. 1a. Only the two chambers 2 and 3 occupy a significant space due to the liquids contained therein. In Fig. 1c, the space requirement is shown in the folded state. This means that transport can take place in a very space-saving manner.

In order to increase the final volume of the polyurethane foam produced, water can be added to the polyol in chamber 2 , which reacts with the diisocyanate in chamber 3 with the elimination of carbon dioxide.

Figs. 2a-2d now show the use of the invention. First ( Fig. 2a), the user pulls on the two tabs 7 and 8 in order to fully open the predetermined breaking points 4 and 5 .

As shown in Fig. 2b, the components pour into the film container 1 (which also includes the interior of the chambers 2 and 3 ) and are mixed there manually by kneading and shaking. This leads to a complete and homogeneous mixing of the two components, which can otherwise only be achieved with the help of a nozzle. The film container 1 is rounded in all areas so that there are no hard-to-reach corners in which one component could be caught without mixing with the other component. With the merging of the two foam components, polyol and diisocyanate, the polymerisation to polyurethane begins and at the same time the elimination of carbon dioxide, which expands the polyurethane into a foam.

After a predetermined period of time, the progressive chemical reaction means that the film container 1 is filled to the brim ( FIG. 2c). The volume of the film container 1 is dimensioned such that the chemical reaction has reached a point at which the resulting polyurethane foam can be used. That means that e.g. B. both hardness and adhesiveness of the foam are suitable for its use (for example, insertion into the cavity between the door frame and the wall during door assembly). The user now tears off the tip 6 , which is preferably facilitated by a predetermined breaking point 9 , and introduces the foam formed in the film container 1 by squeezing it into the cavity to be filled. This can be the gap between a door or window frame and the wall, for example. Only the film container 1 and possibly small amounts of non-expressed polyurethane remain as waste. Since the film container 1 is preferably formed from a polyurethane film, it is easy to dispose of one-component waste, from which no other components have to be separated in a labor-intensive and costly manner during recycling.

Fig. 2d shows a further embodiment in which a plastic tube 6 a is formed instead of the tear-off tip 6 . This is particularly advantageous when a lower-lying cavity is to be filled with the foam.

For a particularly economical use of the polymers and the greatest possible reduction in the amount of waste, it is necessary to squeeze out the foam in the film container 1 as much as possible. For this purpose, aids can be provided which displace the foam mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically. In FIGS. 3a-3c examples are given for such aids.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS . 3a and 3b, the film container 1 after tearing open the predetermined breaking points 4 , 5 and mixing the components in an opened, rigid housing 10 made of z. B. sheet inserted, closed by closing and secured with a locking device 11 a, 11 b. By mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic actuation, a piston 12 is advanced in the housing 10 so that it compresses the film container 1 in the direction of its opening and thereby expresses the foam in the film container 1 . The reference number 20 in FIGS . 3b to 3d denotes the part of the film container 1 that has already been compressed.

Fig. 3c shows a further embodiment for a tool for squeezing the foam. In contrast to the auxiliary means shown in FIGS . 3a and 3b, the film container 1 is not compressed by a piston, but by an inflatable balloon 13 . When the film container 1 is inserted, the balloon 13 is initially empty and takes up its minimum volume. In order to express the foam in the film container 1 , pressurized gas or a liquid under pressure is passed via a feed line 14 into the balloon 13 in order to inflate it and thereby compress the film container 1 . The inflation can take place, for example, by means of a valve which directs compressed air from a compressor or a compressed gas cartridge into the balloon 13 , or a manually operated air pump.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3d, the aid in the form of an inflatable balloon 15 is already integrated in the film container 1 . This balloon 15 completely or partially surrounds the film container 1 . A gas or a liquid under pressure is fed into the balloon 15 via a feed line 14 in order to inflate it and thereby compress the film container 1 . The inflation can also be done here, for example, by a valve that directs compressed air from a compressor or a compressed gas cartridge into the balloon 15 , or a manually operated air pump. In this case, the rigid container 10 shown in FIGS . 3a to 3c is not absolutely necessary.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3e, the aid is formed in the form of a roller 16 which can be rotated with the aid of a lever 17 . The roller 16 is z. B. simply plugged onto the back of the film container 1 and clamped, for this purpose a tab can be formed on the back of the film container 1 . It is also possible that the roller 16 has a slot into which the film container 1 is inserted. By rotating the roller 16 with the aid of the lever 17 , the film container 1 is rolled up like the lid of an oil sardine can or toothpaste and the foam is squeezed out inside.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3f, the aid is in the form of two rollers 18 a, 18 b, which can be rotated with the help of the lever 19 . The rollers 18 a and 18 b are preferably non-positively coupled, so that they rotate at the same peripheral speed in the opposite direction. The film container 1 is inserted between the two rollers 18 a and 18 b. For this purpose, the mechanical auxiliary device z. B. be opened. By turning the lever 19 , the film container 1 is pulled through between the rollers 18 a and 18 b and thereby expressed. By means of a spring mechanism it is possible, for example, that this rotation of the rollers 18 a and 18 b takes place automatically. A start-stop member in the form of a brake releases the rotation of the rollers 18 a and 18 b or brakes them. The spring mechanism only has to be wound up before starting.

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of the final packaging according to the invention with three chambers for producing porous gypsum in a plan view. The film container 1 has three chambers 21 , 22 and 23 . They are formed, for example, in that the film which forms the container 1 is welded or glued to three lines 24 , 25 and 26 so that these lines represent 24 to 26 predetermined breaking points. The chamber 21 is filled with gypsum, the chamber 22 with a diisocyanate and the chamber 23 with water. The film container 1 also has a tapering taper 1 a with a tear-off tip 6 . Instead of the taper 1 a and the tip 6 , a rigid tube can also be formed. Furthermore, two tabs 27 and 28 (not shown) are formed on opposite sides of the film container 1 in the region of the chambers.

The application is similar to that of the first embodiment. By pulling the tabs 27 and 28 , the predetermined breaking points 24 , 25 and 26 are opened and the contents of the chambers 21 , 22 and 23 pour into the film container. There they are mixed manually and the chemical reactions begin: gypsum and water harden the gypsum, the reaction of the diisocyanate with water provides the blowing agent carbon dioxide. The result is a porous plaster material. Instead of gypsum, another mineral building material can be used, such as cement or lime. The carbon dioxide bubbles enclosed in it are sufficiently stable to maintain the foam consistency until the mineral building material has sufficiently hardened.

Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of the final packaging according to the invention with two chambers 31 and 32 for producing porous plaster and external addition of water in a plan view. The film container 1 has two chambers 31 and 32 . They are formed, for example, in that the film which forms the container 1 is welded or glued to two lines 33 and 34 so that these lines 33 and 34 represent predetermined breaking points. The chamber 31 is filled with plaster, the chamber 32 with a diisocyanate. The film container 1 also has a tapering taper 1 a with a tear-off tip 6 . Furthermore, two tabs 37 and 38 (not shown) are formed on opposite sides of the film container 1 in the region of the chambers.

The application is similar to the embodiments described above. By pulling the tabs 37 and 38 , the predetermined breaking points 33 and 34 are opened and the contents of the chambers 31 and 32 pour into the film container. In addition, the tip 6 is separated and water is poured in through the resulting opening. Then the three components gypsum, diisocyanate and water are mixed manually and the same chemical reactions as in the second embodiment described above are used. Instead of gypsum, another mineral building material can be used, such as cement or lime.

Claims (19)

1. End packaging for foaming foams, characterized in that
the blowing agent is produced from liquid or solid components which are part of the foam components or foreign components by a chemical reaction at the time of the foam application, and
that the components for producing the foam and the blowing agent, which react chemically with one another, are located in separate chambers ( 2 , 3 ) of a film container ( 1 ) which tapers to one side and has at least two chambers ( 2 , 3 ), These chambers ( 2 , 3 ) have predetermined breaking points ( 4 , 5 ) which break open when the film container ( 1 ) is subjected to a predetermined force and thereby enable the components to be brought together within the film container ( 1 ). 2. Final packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that in the event that there are several components in the film container ( 1 ) that contribute to the formation of foam and its blowing, different but not reacting components in the same chamber within the film container ( 1 ) be kept ready. 3. Final packaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the film container ( 1 ) has a volume which is then filled and the film container ( 1 ) is thus completely inflated when the foam has the correct processing consistency due to the progressing chemical reaction. 4. Final packaging according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the film container ( 1 ) is formed from the same or at least a similar polymer from which the cured foam also consists. 5. Final packaging according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the content of a first chamber ( 2 ) consists essentially of a polyol and the content of a second chamber consists essentially of a diisocyanate ( 3 ). 6. Final packaging according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the content of a first chamber ( 21 ) consists essentially of a mineral building material such as cement, lime or gypsum or a mixture of these with or without sand, and the content of a second Chamber ( 22 ) consists essentially of an isocyanate. 7. End packaging according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a third chamber ( 23 ) is formed, which essentially contains water. 8. final packaging for foaming foams, characterized in that
a film container ( 1 ) is formed, which tapers to one side and has two chambers ( 2 , 3 ), the first (2) of which is filled with a polyol and the second (3) of which is filled with an isocyanate, wherein
the two chambers ( 2 , 3 ) have predetermined breaking points ( 4 , 5 ) so that the contents of both chambers ( 2 , 3 ) can pour into the interior of the film container ( 1 ) under a predetermined force and mix there. 9. The final packaging according to claim 8, characterized in that the film container ( 1 ) has a volume which is then filled and the film container ( 1 ) is thus completely inflated when the resulting polyurethane causes the chemical reaction between the polyol and the isocyanate reached the correct processing consistency and the carbon dioxide generated during the reaction has sufficiently expanded the foam. 10. End packaging according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that
the film container ( 1 ) is formed from a polyurethane film. 11. End packaging according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that water is added and the proportion of isocyanate in the total content of the film container ( 1 ) is increased so that the water reacts with the isocyanate and generates additional carbon dioxide, which expands the foam more . 12. End packaging according to claim 11, characterized in that the water in the chamber with the polyol, in a separate Chamber or is kept externally. 13. End packaging according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that
for pressing out the film container ( 1 ), a mechanical auxiliary device is formed, which essentially consists of a rigid container ( 10 ) which can be opened to accommodate the film container ( 1 ) and can be closed again after inserting the film container ( 1 ), the container ( 10 ) has an opening on one side through which the foam formed can leave the film container ( 1 ), and
the container ( 10 ) preferably has on the opposite side a mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically moved piston ( 12 ) which can compress the film container ( 1 ) inside the rigid container ( 10 ), or
the film container ( 1 ) inside the rigid container ( 10 ) is expressed by means of a balloon ( 13 ) formed inside the rigid container ( 10 ) and inflated using a pressurized gas or liquid . 14. Final packaging according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that for expressing the film container ( 1 ) this film container ( 1 ) is formed inside a balloon ( 15 ) using a pressurized gas or a pressurized gas Liquid is inflated. 15. End packaging according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that
for pressing out the film container ( 1 ) an auxiliary device ( 16 , 17 ) is formed, which has a roller ( 16 ) and a lever ( 17 ) for rotating the roller, wherein
the roller ( 16 ) is placed on the film container ( 1 ) on the side opposite the opening for the foam. 16. End packaging according to claim 15, characterized in that on the back of the film container ( 1 ) a tab is formed, on which the roller ( 16 ) is attached. 17. End packaging according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the roller ( 16 ) has a slot into which the film container ( 1 ) or the tab is inserted. 18. End packaging according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that
for pressing out the film container ( 1 ), an auxiliary device ( 18 a, 18 b, 19 ) is formed, which has two rollers ( 18 a, 18 b) and a lever ( 19 ) for rotating the roller, the rollers ( 18 a, 18 b) can preferably be rotated at the same peripheral speed in the opposite direction and have a predetermined distance from one another, and
the film container ( 1 ) passes through the rotation between the two rollers ( 18 a, 18 b) and is thereby expressed. 19. End packaging according to claim 18, characterized by a spring mechanism which automatically rotates the rollers ( 18 a, 18 b) after being pulled up, a start-stop member being formed in the form of a brake which prevents the rotation of the rollers ( 18 a , 18 b) releases or brakes.