EP1268046A1

EP1268046A1 - Foam, spray or atomizer nozzle

Info

Publication number: EP1268046A1
Application number: EP01921366A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Manfred Rummel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-04-05
Filing date: 2001-03-30
Publication date: 2003-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-30
Also published as: US20030150624A1; US7040551B2; EP1268046B1; ATE296157T1; AU2001248366A1; DE20105711U1; WO2001076728A1; DE50106316D1

Abstract

A nozzle for foaming, spraying or misting a first media in the form of a liquid with at least one pressurized second medium, in particular a gaseous or gas-containing medium. An outlet for a foam produced is arranged on the nozzle. The nozzle includes a housing with at least one radially, obliquely, tangentially, obliquely tangentially or perpendicularly tangentially inwardly directed duct for feeding the second medium and a first inlet for feeding the media to be foamed.

Description

Nozzle for foaming, spraying or atomizing

The invention relates to a nozzle for foaming, spraying or atomizing a flowable medium with the further features of the preamble of claim 1.

It is known that foam concrete is made from the foams in the construction industry in a special foam stirrer. Instead of the foam agitator, it is also known to use a free-fall mixer. Another method dispenses with foaming agents; the concrete mix is loosened in a drum equipped with tines, pins or teeth. There is also the possibility of producing foam concrete by injecting air into a free fall drum.

In the described processes, the foam is generated directly in the storage container area and then has to be transported over a relatively long distance to the place of use. On the way to the place of use, however, there is a risk that the foam will collapse due to different effects or solely due to the transportation time. For example, the mixer can get stuck in a traffic jam or different outside temperatures act on the mixer, so that different conditions are encountered in the area of the "concrete pump". It is therefore not at all foreseeable which foam will still arrive at the place of use after a certain conveying path or conveying height. The finished foam mixture, for example, has to travel a long and cumbersome transport route in order to travel in difficult areas, such as mountains. culminate to be deployed. It is therefore not possible to reproducibly adjust the quality and thus the dry or setting density of the foam material.

It is known that spray containers, such as spray cans or fire extinguishers, always produce approximately the same foam. However, this is only possible as long as the respective container is filled with the liquid medium and the propellant. If there is a large foam requirement, such as in the construction industry, the use of such containers is not suitable. Moreover, the foaming process cannot be variably set using such containers.

DE 195 37 239 C2 discloses a foaming nozzle which has an inlet for the medium to be foamed and an inlet for gas. Furthermore, an annular gap is provided, and a flow connection between the annular gap and the main flow channel. For the foam generated within the frothing nozzle, an outlet is also provided which is opposite the inlet for the liquid.

From US 4,830,790 a foam generation nozzle is also apparent, which is provided with turbulence-generating elements in addition to an inlet and an outlet. The device has an inlet opening and an outlet opening. In the central region of the nozzle arrangement, a baffle plate provided with openings is provided as a turbulence-generating element, downstream of which air intake openings are connected.

DE-OS 38 41 123 AI also describes a nozzle mixing body for dry concrete spraying in the form of a pipe socket. knows in which in the interior radially inwardly facing holes are provided as injection elements.

Finally, WO 82/01141 gives rise to a foaming nozzle which has an inlet opening for introducing pressurized water and an inlet opening for introduction, e.g. a liquid detergent. The liquids enter a main flow chamber, at the end of which a nozzle is arranged. There is an outlet opening after the nozzle. In the area of the nozzle there is an axially displaceable, pin-like nozzle core which can both be moved into an active foaming position and in this position lies essentially in the nozzle. If the nozzle core is pulled axially out of the nozzle, it is in a passive position which allows a free flow of the liquid produced through the nozzle to the outlet channel.

The invention is therefore based on the object of developing a nozzle for foaming, spraying or atomizing or a method by means of the nozzle for foaming, spraying or atomizing, in particular liquid media, in such a way that a reproducible quality of the foamed sprayed or atomized material is possible on site and is adjustable, whereby larger quantities of this material can also be produced.

The object is achieved by the features of the nozzle of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the nozzle result from subclaims 2-17. A foaming unit according to the invention, which comprises the nozzle, is taught by patent claim 18. Expedient configurations of the foaming unit follow in patent claims 19-26. The invention is furthermore patented by the teaching of the method for foaming by means of the nozzle. Proverb 27 solved. Advantageous further developments of the method follow in the patent claims 28-34. Claims 35-41 claim protection for advantageous uses. Further developments of the nozzle are through claims 42-62.

The nozzle according to the invention for foaming in particular liquid first media by means of at least one pressurized second, in particular gaseous or gas-containing medium comprises a housing in which at least one radially inwardly directed channel for supplying the second medium and a first inlet for supplying the material to be foamed, first medium is provided. The second medium (in particular gas) flowing in through the at least one radially inward channel produces swirls with the first medium (in particular liquid), the first medium being foamed. Immediately after the foaming, the foamed material emerges at the outlet or at the end of a line connected to it and is ready for use in the particular application.

The dry or setting density at foamed

Material can thus be adjusted precisely. The nozzle is easy to handle due to its compactness and its relatively low weight. The foam is therefore produced in the frothing nozzle directly before it is used, and the foam-generating media can be freely selected. By foaming directly at the place of use, a loss of quality, as occurs with conventional pumps made of foamed materials, is avoided, with which reproducible foam properties can be set. Any amount of the gangsmedien be foamed, so that a continuous foaming process is possible. The nozzle also offers the option of processing materials into foam with one another that are not particularly well tolerated per se and tend to clump or stain if stored for a long time. These materials are first connected to each other at the place of use and then immediately processed as foamed material. In addition, the material is not discharged by a pump pressure, but rather by the gas pressure of the channels, ie the material is not destroyed beforehand, but on the contrary is loosened again.

It is further provided that the nozzle for foaming a flowable medium has an annular component which is arranged in the housing of the nozzle, the annular space being delimited by the nozzle and the annular component. According to the invention, the annular component is designed as a separate interchangeable part, the flow connection consists of at least one channel in the annular component and the channel extends obliquely to the main flow direction. The gas or gas-containing medium flowing in through the channel running at an angle to the main flow direction creates swirls with the flowable media, the flowable media being foamed. Immediately after the foaming, the foamed material emerges at the outlet or at the end of a line connected to it and is ready for use in the particular application.

By designing the annular component as a separate interchangeable part, it is possible to clean any clogged or dirty channels on the removed annular component. The ring-shaped ones can expediently be used for different purposes Components are replaced. Because the channels are integrated in the annular component, the frothing nozzle can be designed in a simple manner, so that the production costs are kept low. It is provided with particular advantage that at least one channel directed radially or obliquely or tangentially inwards is integrated on an annular component arranged in the nozzle. Thus, the separate component can be provided with one or a plurality of the inwardly directed channels in a simple manner.

At least one second inlet can be provided on the side of the nozzle for supplying the second or also further media, from which the second medium is passed on into the inwardly directed channels. This second inlet can be provided with a thread in order to screw on the feed line for the gaseous media in particular in a simple and stable manner.

An annular space can be provided between the annular component and the nozzle housing, on which the inwardly directed channels adjoin. Accordingly, the medium, in particular gas, introduced through the second inlet is first distributed in the annular space and supplied to the channels in a uniform distribution. This ensures uniform foam formation in the nozzle.

The second medium can also be supplied via an infinitely adjustable annular space and / or adjustable channels, so that the flow conditions, for example the flow pressure, can be adapted to the different media and the desired foam formation can thus be flexibly adjusted. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the inner diameters of both the first and the second inlet, the outlet and the annular component and to adapt them to the ratio of liquid flow and foaming behavior in such a way that the foaming result is always optimal.

The first inlet for the supply of the medium to be foamed and the outlet for the foamed material can be arranged opposite one another in the main flow direction. The nozzle can thus be constructed simply, while at the same time ensuring optimal foam formation and discharge of the foam.

The inwardly directed channels can advantageously be oriented essentially counter to the supply of the medium to be foamed. This can be advantageous for less viscous media to be foamed so that they are mixed or swirled sufficiently with the gaseous medium so that the material is foamed to the required extent.

However, it is also possible for the channels to be oriented essentially in the main flow direction, with which in particular more viscous mixtures, such as a cement-water foaming agent mixture, can be foamed. This orientation of the channels also leads to an additional acceleration in the discharge area, so that the suction effect of the gas introduced under pressure sucks the hose or the pipe connected to the nozzle with empty. In addition, the channels remain clean and are not clogged. The nozzle can be cleaned in an advantageous manner by orienting the channels in the main flow direction the compressed gas or compressed air is added until all of the material has been discharged.

The channels can be designed as round bores, which can be easily installed in the annular component. Round bores also ensure an optimal flow of the gaseous or gas-containing medium.

The ring-shaped component can be particularly reversible, so that it can be used for different purposes. By means of the reversible component, both liquid media with different viscosities can be foamed or the nozzle can be cleaned in the manner described above.

Appropriately, differently shaped annular components can be inserted into the nozzle, so that the foaming can be adapted to the media or materials introduced in each case. The degree of foaming can also be changed by means of differently shaped annular components.

If the annular component is sealed on the inner wall of the nozzle, flow losses can be avoided. In addition, the seals can prevent the foamed material from escaping sideways from the nozzle.

The nozzle can be constructed in one or two parts or in several parts, the annular component being arranged essentially between the parts. The ring-shaped component can thus be easily inserted into the nozzle, the parts having a simple construction. The parts can be in their dimensions, ie both in their Taper length as well as in diameter, be identical. It is therefore possible to use the nozzle in two directions, depending on the application, without having to turn the ring-shaped component.

The parts of the nozzle can expediently be connected at least partially overlapping, the annular component being arranged between a circumferential projection of one part and the end face of the other part. When two parts are arranged, these can have threads for screwing them together. Due to the partial overlap or screw connection, the nozzle is built up stably around the foaming area, at the same time the ring-shaped component is held securely and firmly in its position by the two parts. In addition, the construction allows the two parts and the ring-shaped component to be plugged into one another in a simple manner for erecting the nozzle.

The seal already explained above can be provided between the annular component and the circumferential projection and / or the annular component and the end face. Due to the special arrangement of the seal, it can be easily replaced when worn.

A heater may be provided on the nozzle to heat the foamed material to provide improved processing properties. For example, a temperature-controlled foam can have improved adhesive properties, curing properties, cleaning effects, setting properties, etc. With the help of the heating device, however, it is also possible to heat the supplied media, it being conceivable in particular that the supplied gas or gas-containing material is heated so that an improved foaming is achieved.

Fener is also possible, e.g. Attach a UV lamp in the exit area of the nozzle to illuminate the foamed plastic material that is discharged there, which then hardens. This is advantageous, for example, if the nozzle is pulled through a sewer pipe in order to coat the pipe from the inside. The foamed material thus hardens immediately after application.

In the case of a nozzle for foaming, spraying or atomizing, as described above, the nozzle with the storage containers of the individual media is connected via lines,

(e.g. hoses) connected. The lines are of different lengths depending on requirements. With the help of the foaming unit, a continuous supply of the individual media and thus a continuous foam generation with constant quality is possible.

A metering device for metered mixing in of several starting components can be assigned to the nozzle, which is then fed to the nozzle as a mixture (e.g. as the first medium). For example, a foaming agent can be mixed in with a supplied water jet on the dosing device. Of course, it is also possible to introduce several different media into the metering device at the same time or in succession.

Lines for different starting components can be provided on the dosing device in order to enable a correspondingly precise dosing. The dosing device can work, for example, with a hydraulic drive and is therefore of relatively simple construction. A hydraulic motor is used, ie the water pressure moves a metering plunger of a metering pump, whereby the respective medium, for example the foaming agent, is mixed in. With the aid of the dosing device, amounts of foaming agent and additives can be added, depending on the requirements placed on the medium to be foamed. Different amounts of foam and foam weights can be produced continuously using the amount of media added.

The metering of different starting components can expediently be set precisely on the metering device, so that the same compound mixture always flows to the nozzle. The dosage is expedient, e.g. adjustable by means of the hydraulic drive. In addition, however, there can always be the possibility of providing external metering at one point in the line after the metering device. This can be particularly useful for media that are problematic with regard to material compatibility.

Advantageously, at least one pressure regulator and one flow regulator for the defined passage and flow quantity of the respective medium can be connected in front of or on the nozzle, especially one at the line of the second medium, with the pressure of which the foaming or mixing in the nozzle is achieved Druckreg- 1er and a flow rate controller provided to control the foaming process.

A foaming nozzle (I) can be connected to at least one second foaming nozzle (II) with particular advantage. Foaming or foaming takes place here various media or materials that are difficult or impossible to foam with the help of a foam previously created in the nozzle I. This is then fed via at least one inlet, which is otherwise provided for the supply of a gaseous medium, to the nozzle II through which the material to be foamed or pre-foamed is passed. This embodiment can be used in particular when foaming materials and material mixtures which are difficult to foam. The second medium is thus the foamed material, the first medium representing the materials or material mixtures. It is not a liquid medium that is foamed, but materials mixed with a foam while increasing or maintaining the foam formation. The expedient foaming unit can also be used for binding and dust-free transport of, for example, mineral fibers, cellulose flakes and the like. A dust-free (re) binding or transport of, for example, toxic, aggressive or explosive substances for further use or disposal is also conceivable.

The nozzle can be followed by a post-mixer with which, for example, materials which are difficult to foam up can be mixed. For example, it can happen that a cement foam mixed with fiber components "haunts" out of the annular component and thus does not run smoothly. This "spitting" or the irregular discharge can be prevented by a post-mixer. Accordingly, for example, the initially foamed cement foam is then mixed with the fiber parts, so that a homogeneous to foamed mass is obtained. The post-mixer can be designed in a conventional, mechanical design. The method according to the invention for foaming an especially liquid, first medium by means of at least one pressurized second medium is characterized in that the second medium is introduced in an annular component through at least one radially or obliquely or tangentially inwardly directed channel and foams the first medium fed through another inlet. The radially, obliquely or tangentially introduced second medium, which can be gas, for example, creates a swirl in the annular component with the first medium in such a way that foaming takes place. The foaming can be carried out directly at the place of work by means of the method according to the invention, so that a constant foam quality is ensured. This also enables continuous foaming.

The components supplied to the ring-shaped component can be heated beforehand or in the component, with which a better foaming of the material can be achieved. It is also possible to heat the already foamed material, which can be advantageous depending on the area of application.

The first medium to be foamed can be mixed with a foaming agent before being introduced into the annular component, so that the foamed material remains stable and does not collapse so quickly.

The respective starting media can be fed to the nozzle in a controlled manner, so that both the composition and the degree of foaming of the foamed material can be adjusted.

In certain cases, depending on the type of materials used, it can be provided that this is foamed Material is mixed with at least one other material. This is advantageous, for example, if the two materials would cause the nozzle to become blocked.

It is also possible for at least one medium to be fed to the nozzle as the foamed material. This can e.g. be advantageous when foaming materials that are difficult to foam.

After application, the foamed material can harden, which in particular, e.g. will be the case with building materials or plastic.

When using the nozzle to produce e.g. The main priority is the constant quality of the foamed material and the continuous foam production.

The nozzle can also be used for foaming e.g. Plastics are used. Following the foaming process, the foamed plastic can be irradiated with UV light so that it hardens immediately after application. An advantageous use of the nozzle is also e.g. possible with the inner coating of pipes. The nozzle can also be used for cleaning and disinfection using the foaming material.

In the following, further advantageous areas of application or application of the nozzle are listed as examples:

Binding of substances by means of foam, transport of substances by means of foam, fire extinguishing technology, production of watertight foams, long-term binders, gypsum-bound material mixtures for foams and granulates, open-pore Foams with solid structures and use of the foaming nozzle for filling pits, shaft structures, cavities, production of foams in the food processing and processing, pharmaceutical industry, cosmetics industry, washing and cleaning agent industry.

In a further embodiment of the nozzle, the insert element is designed as a ring-shaped, separately replaceable component which forms a central section of the main flow channel. The channels are arranged obliquely to the main flow direction and in particular form two separate groups, the channels of one group pointing obliquely against the channels of the other group and obliquely to the main flow direction.

Both groups of channels can either be connected to two separate inlet channels simultaneously or alternatively or - if one of the housing parts does not have an inlet channel - can be connected to the inlet channel by rotating the ring-shaped component.

The application area of the ring-shaped component is greatly expanded by the arrangement of two groups of channels. Depending on how the groups of channels are arranged, which diameters the channels have, what angle they have and how many channels there are, different ishing or foaming effects occur within the area of use, so that a wide variety of materials , Foam densities or spray densities can be generated. Optionally, the additionally supplied medium can be supplied either against the exit direction or in the exit direction. If there are two further inlet ducts, the insert element serving as an annular component need not be turned over. By closing one Channel and supply of the medium through the other channel, the injection direction is reversed with respect to the main flow direction.

The annular component formed as an insert element can be mirror-symmetrical with respect to its bore arrangement. This is recommended if the different groups of channels are only to be used to reverse the direction of injection of the medium.

In this case, the annular component can have two circumferential annular spaces at its ends in the region of its end faces, the open outer sides of the groove of which are aligned with the further inlet channels. The annular spaces can have a wedge-shaped, rectangular or round cross section, which is conducive to the deflection of the medium in the direction of the channels. The annular space floors thus form e.g. Wedge surfaces that run from the end faces of the ring-shaped component to the inlet openings of the channels.

The nozzle is particularly easy to manufacture when the two housing parts with their end faces enclosing the annular space lie tightly against one another. In order to improve the seal and, in particular, to exclude play of the annular component in the receiving space, it is possible to arrange an annular elastic sealing element in the joint area between the two housing parts. In this case, the two housing parts can be clamped together by screws and exert pressure on the end faces of the ring-shaped component. Both housing parts can have inlet and outlet channels aligned with the channel of the component. However, it is also possible for a first housing part to connect one with the duct of the construction partly has essentially aligned outlet or inlet channel and the other housing part is provided with a blind-hole-like mixing chamber into which the first inlet opening enters laterally. Such an embodiment is particularly suitable, for example for spray cans, the entire nozzle then being miniaturized.

The inlet and outlet channels aligned with the channel of the component can widen conically or trumpet-like towards their outlet ends.

At the inner end of the outlet channel, a grid or screen element provided with a plurality of openings can additionally be provided in order to further support the foam formation if the nozzle is used for foam formation. The two housing parts are designed so that they can be mounted on each other with different angles of rotation. Overall, a round, polygonal or square cross-sectional shape can be provided. By mounting different angles of rotation, the relative positions of the inlet channels to one another can be freely chosen, so that the nozzle can be adapted particularly easily to its surrounding elements

Finally, an alternative nozzle of the simplest design results from the arrangement of a tubular housing with a foaming zone and with an inlet and outlet arranged coaxially to one another through the central opening for the passage of the first medium and at least one obliquely with an acute angle α in the

Formed housing wall and opening into the central opening of the housing in the region of the foaming zone for supplying the second medium. The tubular housing acts as a nozzle for the foaming of the first medium in the opening area of the channel or channels. um done. Two separate groups of channels are preferably provided in the housing, the channels of one group being oriented obliquely against the channels of the other group and the channels of one group in the main flow direction of the first medium and the channels of the other

Group are directed against the main flow direction of the first medium.

Alternative nozzles are given by one-piece configurations according to FIGS. 8-13.

The invention is explained in more detail on the basis of advantageous exemplary embodiments in the drawing figures. These show:

1 shows a nozzle in section, FIG. 2 shows a basic illustration of a nozzle, FIG. 3 shows a basic illustration of another embodiment of a nozzle, FIG. 4 shows a basic illustration of a further embodiment variant of a nozzle for different application methods, FIG. 5 shows a nozzle according to another embodiment 6 shows a nozzle corresponding to a modified version in section, FIG. 7 shows a nozzle of another version in section, FIG. 8 shows a sectional illustration of an alternative one-piece nozzle with several additional connections,

9 is a sectional view of another alternative one-piece nozzle,

10 is a sectional view of an alternative one-piece nozzle with tangentially guided channels, 11 shows a sectional view of a further alternative nozzle and FIG. 12 shows a variant of a modified version of the nozzle. FIG. 13 shows a further variant of a nozzle.

The reference number 1 designates the nozzle in its entirety. The nozzle comprises a housing 4 with an annular component 7, in which radially inwardly directed channels 5 for supplying a second medium, in particular a gas, as well as a first inlet 6 for supplying the medium to be foamed and an outlet 2 are provided. The gas flowing through the channels 5 creates a swirl with the medium supplied through the first inlet 6, so that it is foamed. The nozzle can be used regardless of location, with foaming directly at the place of work. The advantage is a constant quality of the foamed material, whereby a continuous foaming is possible at the same time.

The inwardly directed channels 5 are integrated in the component 7. As a result, the channels 5 can be easily drilled into the component 7. A second inlet 8, which is arranged on the side of the housing 4, serves to introduce the gas which flows into the inwardly directed channels 5. At the inlet 8 and the inlet and outlet 6, 2 threads 22 are provided for the tight connection of lines. An annular space 9 is formed between the component 7 and the housing 4, on which the inwardly directed channels 5 adjoin. The gas flowing in at the second inlet 8 is thus initially distributed over the annular space 9 and then flows through the radial, oblique or tangential through the inwardly directed channels 5 into the interior of the component 7. The annular space 9 is infinitely adjustable so that the flow conditions, for example the flow pressure, are variably adjustable. The annular component 7 can be constructed in such a way that when the annular space 9 is adjusted, the inwardly directed channels 5 are also adjusted at the same time. It is possible that both the length and the diameter of the channels 5 are adjustable.

The first inlet 6 and the outlet 2 are arranged opposite one another in the main flow direction 26, so that no flow losses of the foamed material occur and a simple construction of the housing 4 is made possible. The channels 5 are oriented essentially counter to the main flow direction and the gas passed through them creates an increased turbulence with the inflowing medium, which is necessary in particular in the case of low-viscosity media in order to achieve the desired foaming.

However, it is also possible for the channels 5 to be oriented essentially obliquely in the main flow direction, which is advantageous for tougher mixtures. This also leads to an additional acceleration in the discharge area, which is particularly advantageous when cleaning the housing 4.

The channels 5 are usually designed as round bores and thus enable optimal flow conditions. The annular component 7 can be used flexibly. For different applications, it is possible to insert components 7 of different designs into the housing 4.

The annular component 7 is sealed on the inner wall of the housing 4, so that an optimal swirl remains guaranteed in the housing 4 and at the same time no material can penetrate to the outside at undesirable locations.

The housing 4 of the nozzles of FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 consists of two parts 4 ', 4' ', between which the component 7 is arranged. The two parts of the housing 4 are screwed together via a thread 22 ', the component 7 being arranged between a circumferential projection 11 of the part 4' 'and the end face 12 of the part 4'. The two parts 4 ', 4' 'are of simple construction and at the same time ensure that component 7 is held securely. The seals 13 mentioned above are located between one end of component 7 and circumferential projection 11 and the other end of component 7 and End face 12 provided.

For corresponding applications, a heating device and / or a UV lamp can be provided on the nozzle 1, but these are not shown in the drawing figures. The starting components or the foamed material can be heated or UV-irradiated by means of the heating device.

The foaming unit shown schematically in FIG. 2 as a flow diagram comprises a nozzle 1 which is connected via lines 15 to storage containers 16 of the various starting components. In the frothing unit according to FIG. 2, for example, water is first mixed with foaming agent and then foamed to foam by means of compressed air. A nozzle 17, which works with a hydraulic drive, is connected upstream of the nozzle 1. The metering device 17 has a hydraulic motor, ie the water pressure moves a metering plunger of a metering pump, as a result of which the foaming agent is mixed in. In addition to the admixture of Foaming agent there is also the possibility of mixing other media into the metering device 17 or a line 15 connected to it. The exact metering can expediently be set on the metering device 17. For the supply of the gas, a compressor 23 and an adjoining pressure regulator 18 for the defined supply of the gas are connected to the nozzle 1. The degree of foaming can be set by means of the pressure regulator 18. The line 15 between the pressure regulator 18 and the nozzle 1 has a check valve in order to prevent the gas or the foamed material from flowing back.

Essentially two different starting materials for foaming are fed to the nozzle 1 of the foaming unit 14 shown in FIG. 3. The foaming unit 14 can be used to produce various foams with solid structures (similar, e.g. lightweight porous concrete) for all hydraulically setting materials and material mixtures (e.g. cement, gypsum, lime, magnesite, etc.). The water-foaming agent mixture led out of the metering device 17 is e.g. fed to a mortar mixing machine 24. In the storage container 16 is the material to be foamed, which can be a separately mixed or delivered by transport vehicles ready mix, if necessary, with foaming agent and various additives. This finished mixture is fed to the nozzle 1 by means of the pump 25 and foamed there by means of the inflowing gas. The foamed material finally arrives in a post-mixer 21, in which it is mixed with materials that are difficult to foam.

4 shows a particularly advantageous variant of a frothing unit 14. A second nozzle 19 or foaming unit 20 is attached to the nozzle 1 provided there connected, the foaming being carried out by means of the foamed material of the second nozzle instead of compressed air or compressed gas. The pre-expanded foam thus enters the housing 4 of the nozzle 1 through the inwardly directed channels 5, 5 '. The material to be foamed is supplied via the second inlet 8. For example, starting from a blowing machine, for example mineral fibers, cellulose flakes, dusts, powdery material etc. can be set by the foaming or transported dust-free. Hard foamable materials and material mixtures for foaming can also be supplied via the second inlet 8. The foaming unit 14 can also be used for dust-free binding or transport, for example of toxic, aggressive or explosive substances, for their further use or disposal.

The nozzle 1 can e.g. a mortar mixing pump or a silo with a mixing pump can also be connected upstream in order to feed the material to be foamed to the nozzle 1. In the in

4, the last possibility shown is a container with premixed material without addition of foaming agent, the premixed material being fed to the nozzle 1 by means of a pump 25. The foamed material in the nozzle 1 is either discharged directly by means of a spray hose or previously fed to a post-mixer 21.

Further substances can be added to the starting materials on their way through the lines 15, which is illustrated by corresponding arrows.

In the foaming process, it is possible for at least one starting medium to be heated upstream of the feed line to the housing 4 or in the housing 4 itself. This can, eg lead to an increased degree of foaming. However, it is also possible that the already foamed material is heated. The various media can be supplied to the housing 4 in a controlled manner in order to be able to set a desired mixing ratio.

The nozzle 1 or the foaming units 14 can be used in particular for the location-independent application of foamed material. This makes it possible to use it to produce building materials of consistent quality, especially if they are needed on rough terrain or on higher floors of a building.

The nozzle 1 can also be used for foaming e.g. Plastic materials are used, the foamed plastic can be irradiated with UV light for curing by means of an appropriate nozzle.

A first inlet duct 6 is located in the first housing part 4 '(FIGS. 5 and 6), and an outlet duct 2 is arranged in the second housing part 4' '. Both housing parts 4 ′, 4 ″ are joined to one another in a sealing manner and form an annular space 9 between them, in which an annular component 7 provided with channels 5, 5 ′ and a channel 20 lies. The channels 5, 5 'for introducing at least one further medium or a mixture of further media are connected to further inlet channels 8, 8'.

The ring-shaped component 7 is a separately interchangeable part. The channels 5, 5 ', which are arranged in the component 7, are formed obliquely to the main flow direction 26 of the media to be mixed within the component 7. Furthermore, the channels 5, 5 'are arranged in two separate groups in the component 7. The channels 5 of one group are oblique to the channels 5 'of the another group and at the same time aligned obliquely to the main flow direction 26. The groups of channels 5, 5 'can alternatively or simultaneously be acted upon by the at least one pressurized medium via two separate inlet channels 8, 8' arranged in the housing parts 4 ', 4''. Depending on the desired degree of foaming or mixing, a certain annular component 7 can be used, which has a corresponding arrangement of channels 5, 5 ', diameter of channels 5.5', number of channels 5.5 'and the like.

By closing the one inlet channel 8 with a blind plug 27 (see FIG. 6) and feeding the medium through the other inlet channel 8 ', the medium is only injected against the main flow direction.

5 and 6, the annular component 7 is mirror-symmetrical with respect to its channel arrangement, which is particularly advantageous if the direction of injection of the medium is only to be reversed. The component 7 has circumferential annular spaces 28, 28 'at its ends, the respective open groove outer sides 29 of which are substantially aligned with the inlet channels 8, 8'. The annular spaces 28, 28 'have a wedge-shaped cross section. As a result, the air supplied through the inlet channels 8, 8 'is fed directly and optimally to the channels 5, 5'. The annular space floors 30 form wedge surfaces which run from the end faces 31 of the component 7 to the inlet openings 29 'of the channels 5, 5'.

The axes of the channels 5, 5 'enclose an acute angle α with the main flow direction 26 and ensure the oblique entry of the injected medium a high degree of foaming or mixing.

Depending on the desired foaming or mixing effect, the angle α between the axes of the channels 5, 5 'of the two groups can be different with respect to the main flow direction 26. Likewise, the channels 5, 5 'of the two groups can also have a different diameter. Furthermore, the number of channels 5, 5 'of the two groups can be different.

As can be clearly seen in FIGS. 5, 6, the two housing parts 4 ′, 4 ″, with their end faces 32, 33 enclosing the annular space 9, lie tightly against one another in order to prevent the injected or mixed medium from escaping in an uncontrolled manner.

For this purpose, an annular sealing element 35, in particular an O-ring, is arranged in the joint area 34 between the two housing parts 4 ', 4' '. In order to achieve a high seal, the two housing parts 4 ′, 4 ″ can be clamped together by screws and exert pressure on the end faces of the ring-shaped component 7 and on the sealing element 35.

5, the first housing part 4 'has an inlet channel 6 which is essentially flush with the channel 20 of the annular component 7 and the second identical housing part 4' 'has an outlet channel 2 which is substantially flush with the channel 20 of the component 7 on.

In the embodiment variant according to FIG. 6, the housing part 4 ″ has an outlet channel 2 which is essentially flush with the channel 20 and the housing part 4 'has a pocket hole-like mixing chamber 36 into which the first inlet channel 6 enters laterally. The mixing chamber 36 leads to a swirling of the injected medium in the channel 20 and thus influences the foaming or mixing behavior accordingly.

A dexat design is particularly suitable for spray cans. The entire nozzle 1 is then advantageously miniaturized. Depending on the requirements, the channel 20 can of course also serve as an outlet channel and the outlet channel 2 as an inlet channel.

In both exemplary embodiments, the inlet and outlet channels 6, 2 aligned with the channel 20 of the component 7 in the housing parts 4 ', 4' 'widen out conically and thus ensure optimal flow conditions in these areas.

In order to increase the foam formation or the degree of atomization or spraying, an element 38 provided with a plurality of openings 37 is arranged at the inner end of the outlet channel 2 in FIG. 5.

The two housing parts 4 ', 4' 'can be mounted on one another in a plurality of rotational positions, so that, on the one hand, assembly is facilitated and, on the other hand, nozzle 1 can be particularly easily adapted to its surrounding elements (e.g. lines).

FIG. 7 shows a nozzle with a housing 39 with an inserted annular component 40. Inlet and outlet channels 41 and 42 are provided for the first medium and / or foam. The channels 41, 42 can optionally be closed by a plug 43. Channels 5 for the supply of the gaseous second medium open into the component 40. The alternative nozzles of Figs. 8-1 "^ are made in one piece. In this case, the second medium is metered in via at least one inlet 8, which does not open into an annular space, but is connected directly to an obliquely inwardly directed channel 5. This introduces the medium radially, obliquely or tangentially into the channel space 20 of the nozzle. If there are several inlets 8, 8 ', 8'', depending on the application, a combination of the inlets (radial, oblique or tangential in the middle) is possible. The inwardly directed channels 5, 5 'can open into the channel space 20 of the nozzle at all possible angles.

The inlets 8, 8 ', 8' 'of the nozzle of FIG. 8 can be closed by blind plugs 27 as required. Furthermore, the inlets are in contact with feed lines 50 for the second medium.

9 shows a blind hole nozzle with two inlets 8, 8 ', for a second medium, one of which can be closed by blind plugs 27, depending on the intended use.

10 shows a section through FIGS. 8 and 9 with tangential introduction of the second media into the channel space 20 of the nozzle.

11 and 12 show different variants of the media feed.

The nozzle 4 of FIG. 13 has the same design as the nozzle of FIG. 8, in addition to the inlets 8, 8 ', 8''connected to the channels 5, 5', further inlets 8 '''' and 8 '''''. The inlets 8 ″ ″ and 8 ″ ″ are in contact with outlet channel 2 via channels 5 ″ ″ and 5 ″ ″, which gives the possibility of applying a coating or marking to the emerging medium. The channels 5 'and inlets 8' are shown offset by 90 °.

Claims

claims

1. Nozzle for foaming, spraying or atomizing, in particular liquid, first media by means of at least one pressurized, second, in particular gaseous or gas-containing medium, an outlet for the foam or spray mist generated being arranged on the nozzle, characterized in that that the nozzle (1) comprises a housing (4) in which at least one radially inwardly directed channel (5) for supplying the second medium and a first inlet (6) for supplying the medium to be foamed is provided.

2. Nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that the radially inwardly directed channel (5) is integrated in an annular component (7) arranged in the housing (4).

3. Nozzle according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least a second inlet (8) for supplying the second medium in radially inwardly directed channels (5) on the housing (4) is arranged laterally.

4. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the annular component (7) and

Housing (4) an annular space (9) is provided, on which the inwardly directed channels (5) adjoin.

5. Nozzle according to claim 4, characterized in that the annular space (9) and / or the channels (5) is / are infinitely adjustable.

6. Nozzle according to one or preceding claims, characterized in that the first inlet (6) and the outlet (2) are arranged opposite one another in the main flow direction (26).

7. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channels (5) are oriented essentially counter to the main flow direction (26).

8. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channels (5) substantially in

Main flow direction (26) are oriented.

9. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channels (5) are designed as round bores.

10. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular component (7) in the housing (4) is reversible.

11. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that differently shaped annular components (7) can be used in the housing (4).

12. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular component (7) is sealed on an inner wall of the nozzle.

13. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (4) is constructed in two parts and the annular component (7) is essentially arranged between the two parts (4 '', 4 ').

14. Nozzle according to claim 13, characterized in that the two parts (4 '', 4 ') of the housing (4) are at least partially overlapping, in particular screwable, the annular member (7) between a circumferential projection ( 11) of one part (4 '') and the end face (12) of the other part (4 ') is arranged.

15. Nozzle according to one of claims 13 - 14, characterized in that between the annular component (7) and the circumferential projection (11) and / or the annular component (7) and the end face (12), a seal (13th ) is provided.

16. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a heating device is provided.

17. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a UV lamp is provided.

18. foaming unit comprising a nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the nozzle (1) via lines

(15) is connected to storage containers (16) for the individual media.

19. Foaming unit according to claim 18, characterized in that a nozzle (17) is connected upstream of the nozzle (1).

20. Foaming unit according to claim 19, characterized in that lines for different starting components are provided on the dosing device (17).

21. Foaming unit according to one of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that the metering device (17) works with a hydraulic drive.

22. foaming unit according to one of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that the dosage of different starting components on the metering device (17) is adjustable.

23. Foaming unit according to one of claims 21 or 22, characterized in that the dosage is adjustable by means of the hydraulic drive.

24. Foaming unit according to one of claims 18 - 23, characterized in that at least one pressure regulator (18) for the defined supply of the respective medium is connected in front of / on the nozzle (l).

25. Foaming unit according to one of claims 18 - 24, characterized in that a second foaming device (19) or foaming unit (20) is connected to the nozzle (1), the foaming being carried out by means of the foamed material of the second foaming device (19) ,

26. foaming unit according to one of claims 18 - 25, characterized in that the nozzle (1) is followed by a post-mixer (21).

27. A method for foaming a particularly liquid, first medium by means of at least one pressurized second medium, characterized in that the second medium in an annular component through an at least radially inwardly directed channel is introduced and the first medium fed through another inlet is foamed.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that at least one medium is heated before being fed to the annular component or in the annular component.

29. The method according to any one of claims 27 or 28, characterized in that the foamed material is heated.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27-29, characterized in that the first medium to be foamed is mixed with a foaming agent before being introduced into the annular component.

31. The method according to any one of claims 27 - 30, characterized in that at least one medium is supplied to the annular component in a controlled manner.

32. The method according to any one of claims 27 - 31, characterized in that the foamed material is mixed with at least one other material.

33. The method according to any one of claims 27 - 32, characterized in that at least one medium is fed to the nozzle as already foamed material.

34. The method according to any one of claims 27 - 33, characterized in that the foamed material hardens,

35. Use of the nozzle according to one of claims 1-17 for the location-independent application of foamed material.

36. Use of the nozzle according to one of claims 1-17 for the production of building materials.

37. Use of the nozzle according to claims 1-17 for foaming plastics.

38. Use of the nozzle according to claim 37, characterized in that the foamed plastic is irradiated with UV light.

39. Use of the nozzle according to one of claims 1-17 for the inner coating of pipes.

40. Use of the nozzle according to one of claims 1-17 for cleaning or disinfection by means of the foamed material.

41. Use of the nozzle according to one of claims 1-17 for the production of fire extinguishing foams.

42. Nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular construction part (7) is designed as a separate interchangeable part, the flow connection consists of at least one channel (5) in the annular component (7) and the channel ( 5) runs obliquely to the main flow direction (26).

43. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular component (7) is arranged essentially between the two housing parts (4 '', 4 ').

44. Nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular construction part (7) is interchangeable, the channels (5, 5 ') are arranged obliquely to the main flow direction (26) of the media mixed within the ring-shaped component (7) and the channels (5, 5') in two separate groups in the component ( 7) are arranged, the channels (5) of one group being oriented obliquely against the channels (5 ') of the other group and obliquely to the main flow direction (26) and the groups of channels (5, 5') alternatively or simultaneously via two separate inlet channels (8, 8 ') arranged in the housing parts (4', 4 '') can be acted upon with at least one medium under pressure.

45. Nozzle according to claim 44, characterized in that the second inlet (8 ') for introducing the second medium on the housing part (4' ') is arranged laterally.

46. Nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component (7) is mirror-symmetrical with respect to its channel arrangements.

47. Nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channels (5, 5 ') open radially, tangentially, obliquely tangentially or vertically tangentially into the channel (20) of the component (7).

48. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular component (7) has at its ends two circumferential annular spaces (28, 28 '), the open groove outer sides (29) with the inlet channels (8,8') substantially aligned.

49. Nozzle according to claim 48, characterized in that the annular spaces (28, 28 ') have a wedge-shaped, rectangular or round cross section.

50. Nozzle according to one or preceding claims, characterized in that the annular space bottoms (30) form a wedge surface which, from the groove outer sides (29) of the component (7) obliquely to the inlet openings (30 ') of the channels (5, 5') run away.

51. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axes of the channels (5, 5 ') form an acute angle α with the main flow direction (26).

52. Nozzle according to claim 51, characterized in that the angles α between the axes of the channels (5, 5 ') of the two groups are the same or different with respect to the main flow direction (26).

53. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing part (4 '') has an outlet channel (2) which is essentially flush with the channel (20) of the component (7) and the second, identical housing part (4th ') has an inlet channel (6) which is essentially aligned with the channel (20) of the component (7).

54. Nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing part (4 '') has an outlet channel (2) or inlet channel (6) and which is essentially flush with the channel (20) of the component (7) the other housing part (4 ') has a blind hole-like mixing chamber (36) into which the first inlet (6) or outlet channel (2) enters laterally.

55. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the channel (20) of the component (7) aligned inlet and outlet channels (6,2) in the housing parts (4 ', 4' ') to the outside expand conically.

56. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channels (5, 5 ') of the two groups have different diameters.

57. Nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of channels (5, 5 ') of the two groups is different.

58. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two housing parts (4 ', 4' ') with their end faces (32, 33) surrounding the receiving space (9) lie sealingly against one another and that in a joint area (34) between the an annular sealing element (35) is arranged in both housing parts (4 ', 4' ').

59. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a disk-shaped element (38) provided with a plurality of openings (37) is arranged at the inner end of the outlet channel (2).

60. Nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle is designed as a one-piece nozzle and that the inwardly directed channels (5, 5 ') tangentially in the center and / or at all possible angles in the channel space ( 20) flow into.

61. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two housing parts (4 ', 4' ') can be assembled together in a plurality of rotational positions.

62. Nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle in addition to the outlet channel (2) adjacent channels (5 '' 'and 5' '"') with associated inlets (8 '' '' and 8 '' ' '') and that coating and / or marking material can be applied to the emerging media via the channels (5 '' 'and 5' '' ').