EP4061601A1

EP4061601A1 - Apparatus for processing a particle-foam material to produce a particle-foam moulded part

Info

Publication number: EP4061601A1
Application number: EP20793356.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johannes Schütz
Original assignee: Siegfried Hofmann GmbH
Current assignee: Siegfried Hofmann GmbH
Priority date: 2019-11-18
Filing date: 2020-10-19
Publication date: 2022-09-28
Also published as: DE102019131109A1; WO2021099046A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for processing a particle-foam material to produce a particle-foam moulded part, comprising: - at least one processing device (2), which, during operation of the apparatus (1), is designed to carry out at least one work process relating to the processing of a particle-foam material for processing or of a processed particle-foam material, - at least one sensing apparatus (8) that is assignable or assigned to the processing device (2) and that is designed to sense the weight of a quantity of particle-foam material for processing by or processed by the at least one processing device (2) and to generate weight information describing the sensed weight of the quantity of particle-foam material for processing.

Description

Device for processing a particle foam material to produce a

Particle foam molding

The invention relates to a device for processing a particle foam material for producing a particle foam molded part, comprising at least one process device which is set up to carry out at least one work process in connection with the processing of a particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the device when the device is in operation.

A corresponding device for processing a particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part is basically known from the prior art and typically comprises one or more process devices which are set up to operate the device in connection with at least one work process the processing of a particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the device.

In a corresponding work process, it can be, for. B. a molding manufacturing process, d. H. an actual manufacturing process of a particle foam molded part in which a particle foam molded part is produced from a particle foam material under the action of energy.

A reproducible, exact metering possibility of the particle foam material to be processed into a molded part production device of the device is essential for the quality of the molded particle foam parts that can be produced or produced with a corresponding device. H. in particular in a shaping cavity of a molding manufacturing device of the device.

For this purpose, solutions in need of improvement are known from the prior art; There is therefore a need for a device for processing a particle foam material for the production of a particle foam molded part which enables reproducible, exact metering of the particle foam material to be processed.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying an improved device for processing a particle foam material to produce a particle foam molding, in particular with regard to a reproducible, exact metering possibility of a particle foam material to be processed.

The object is achieved by a device according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the device according to claim 1. A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for processing a particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part. The device can also be referred to or viewed as an automatic molding machine.

The device is generally set up for processing a particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part. In particular, the device is set up to carry out one or more work processes; one or more work processes for processing a particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part can therefore be carried out with the device. In order to carry out one or more work processes, the device comprises one or more process devices set up to carry out respective work processes.

The term “work process” basically includes any process which can be carried out by means of the device and which is directly or indirectly related to the processing of a particle foam material for the production of a particle foam molding. As can be seen below, work processes are, in particular, processing processes in which the (actual) processing of particle foam material, i. H. In particular, particle foam material is connected to form a particle foam molded part to be produced, or provision processes in which an amount of particle foam material, in particular an amount of particle foam material to be processed in a processing process, is made available, or conveying processes in which an amount of particle foam material, in particular an in Amount of particle foam material to be processed in a processing process is conveyed along a conveyor line, or filling processes in which an amount of particle foam material, in particular an amount of particle foam material to be processed in a processing process, is placed in a shaping cavity of a molded part manufacturing device.

A work process that can be carried out with the device can accordingly be a processing process in which particle foam material is processed. A process device can accordingly be designed as a processing device set up for processing particle foam material or comprise such a device. An example of a processing process that can be carried out with the device is a molded part production process, ie an actual production process of a particle foam molded part in which a particle foam molded part is produced from a particle foam material under the action of energy. A corresponding molding production process can be an expansion or connection process of a particle foam material located in a corresponding processing device, ie in particular in a shaping cavity, for producing a particle foam molding. In one example, a processing device can accordingly be used as a molded part production device comprising at least one shaping cavity be trained. A corresponding molding manufacturing device can be designed as a molding tool device comprising at least one molding cavity.

At least one working medium can be used or used as part of a processing process. A working medium can be an energy carrier medium, in particular a liquid, vaporous or gaseous energy carrier medium, i. H. z. B. a liquid, i. H. in particular water to produce steam, d. H. in particular superheated steam, or a gas which, as part of the operation of the device, generates energy, d. H. in particular, absorbs or emits thermal energy, kinematic energy, etc., act.

Alternatively, a work process that can be carried out with the device can be a filling process in which a molding cavity of a processing device or a molding tool device is filled with particle foam material. A process device can therefore be designed as a filling device set up for filling a shaping cavity of a processing device or a molding tool device with particle foam material or comprise one. An example of a corresponding filling device is therefore one for generating a filling fluid flow, such as, for. B. a filling gas flow, a set up in a shaping cavity of a processing device or a mold device to be filled amount of particle foam material

Fluid flow generating device.

Alternatively or in addition, a work process that can be carried out with the device can be a provision process in which particle foam material to be processed is provided. A process device can therefore be designed as a provision device set up to provide particle foam material to be processed in a process device or comprise such a device. In a specific example, a provision device can be used as an at least one receiving volume for at least temporarily receiving particle foam material, i. H. in particular a defined mass or amount of particle foam material, be formed comprehensive receiving device. A corresponding receiving device can be designed as a reservoir-like or reservoir-shaped receiving receptacle or container module. A corresponding receptacle can be formed from a light metal or lightweight structure.

Alternatively or in addition, a work process that can be carried out with the device can be a conveying process in which particle foam material to be processed is conveyed along a conveying path. A process device can accordingly be designed as a conveying device set up for conveying particle foam material to be processed along a conveying path or comprise such a conveying device. A conveyor line can be, for. B. extend between at least one provision device or receiving device and at least one further provision device or receiving device and / or extend between at least one provision device or receiving device and at least one processing device. An example of a corresponding conveying device is a belt, chain, screw, spiral or vibration conveying device set up for the continuous or discontinuous conveying of particle foam material along a conveying path. A corresponding conveying device is typically assigned at least one drive device for generating or transmitting a drive or conveying force.

A particle foam material that can be or is to be processed by means of the device can be an expandable or expanded plastic particle material. A particle foam material that can be or is to be processed by means of the device can accordingly be formed by expandable or expanded plastic particles or comprise expandable or expanded plastic particles. In this context, expanded and / or expandable polypropylene (PP or EPP), expanded and / or expandable polyamide (PA or EPA), expanded and / or expandable polystyrene (PS or EPS) and expanded and / or expandable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Mixtures of expandable or expanded particle materials or particles which differ in at least one chemical and / or physical parameter are conceivable; the term “particle foam material” can therefore also include mixtures of expandable or expanded particle materials or particles which differ in at least one chemical and / or physical parameter. A particle foam material that can be or is to be processed by means of the device can also be replaced by expandable or expanded core-shell particles, i.e. H. Particles consisting of a core, in particular loaded with a propellant, which is surrounded by a shell, be formed or comprise such a core. A corresponding particle foam material is available, for example, under the trade name Piocelan.

The device comprises at least one detection device which can be assigned or is assigned to the at least one process device, which is set up to detect the mass of an amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the at least one process device and to generate mass information describing a detected mass of the amount of particle foam material to be processed . The detection device can therefore be referred to or regarded as a gravimetric detection device. The device is therefore characterized by the possibility of (gravimetric) detection of the mass of an amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the at least one process device and the generation of mass information describing a detected mass of the amount of particle foam material to be processed. The detection of the mass of a quantity of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the at least one process device allows very precise knowledge of the actual amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of a respective process device.

The possibility of recording the mass of a quantity of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the at least one process device and the generation of mass information describing a recorded mass of the quantity of particle foam material to be processed or processed can therefore be recorded or determined and ensured that a median A work process that can be carried out or is to be carried out in a respective process device is carried out with the amount of particle foam material provided for the specific process. In particular, it is possible to record or determine process device-specific quantities of particle foam material to be processed or processed in a work process that can be carried out or to be carried out in a certain process device and to ensure this, if necessary by means of regulating or control interventions carried out on the basis of the mass information. In particular, the metering or supply of a certain amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed in a work process that can be carried out or carried out in a certain process device can be recorded or determined and, if necessary, ensured by means of regulating or control interventions carried out on the basis of the mass information .

Specifically, it is therefore possible, for example, to record or determine the metering or supply of a certain amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed in a processing device or molded part production device to produce a specific particle foam molded part and, if necessary, by to ensure control interventions carried out on the basis of the mass information. In this way, it is possible to record or determine which amount of particle foam material is actually processed by means of the processing device or molded part manufacturing device, or it can be ensured that an amount of particle foam material predefined for a processing process is actually processed.

Exact metering or feeding is particularly important if particle foam materials differing in at least one chemical and / or physical parameter, in particular in a defined proportion and thus weight ratio, are fed into a processing device or molded part manufacturing device, in particular via one or more filling devices, metered in or to be supplied. The same applies to the case in which several processing devices or molding production devices, in particular via one or more filling devices, differ in at least one chemical and / or physical parameter Particle foam materials, in particular in a defined proportion and thus weight ratio, are to be metered in or supplied.

Correspondingly, the possibility of detecting the mass of an amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the at least one process device and the generation of mass information describing a detected mass of the amount of particle foam material to be processed can improve the quality of the molded particle foam parts that can be produced or produced with the device , as z. B. any deviations in the mass can be detected. The same applies, of course, to work processes that can be carried out or carried out with other process facilities.

The detection device can be set up to directly detect the mass of a quantity of particle foam material to be processed or processed. The detection device can therefore specifically be set up to weigh a quantity of particle foam material to be processed or processed directly and to generate corresponding mass information on the basis of the weighing result.

The detection device can, however, alternatively or additionally be set up to indirectly measure the mass of a quantity of particle foam material to be processed or processed, i. H. in particular taking into account the mass of a reference object - this can also be a process device - or a change in mass of a reference object - this can also be a process device. The detection device can therefore specifically be set up to weigh a process device and to generate corresponding mass information on the basis of the route result with knowledge of a net mass (empty mass) of the respective process device.

The detection device can comprise one or more detection elements.

The detection device can specifically be designed as a weighing device or comprise such a device. A corresponding weighing device can be one or more, e.g. B. formed as strain gauges, force measuring strips, etc. or such comprehensive, include weighing elements or cells. A corresponding weighing element or a corresponding weighing cell is an example of a detection element.

The mass is typically not determined by the detection device from other detected variables, such as e.g. B. calculated a recorded volume of the particle foam material when it was surprisingly shown in investigations that a computational derivation of the mass of a by means of the at least one process device to be processed or processed amount of particle foam material from other physical variables, such as. B. the volume, can result in (considerable) inaccuracies. As part of appropriate investigations Instead, it was found that, surprisingly, knowledge about the mass of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the at least one process device is the basis for a reproducible, exact metering possibility of a particle foam material to be processed by means of the respective process device.

As indicated, it is possible to carry out regulating or control interventions of one or more process devices of the device on the basis of the mass information. Corresponding regulation or control interventions typically include a regulation or control of operating parameters of one or more process devices of the device.

The device can therefore comprise at least one of the at least one process device assignable or assigned, hardware and / or software implemented control device, which is set up on the basis of at least one mass information at least one operating parameter of the at least one process device controlling control information, such as. B. control commands to generate or based on a mass information at least one operating parameter of the at least one process device regulating control information such. B. control commands to generate. Process parameters of at least one work process that can be carried out with the device can typically also be controlled or regulated via a corresponding control or regulation of corresponding operating parameters. Specifically, z. B. process parameters of a manufacturing process, such as. B. temperature, pressure, etc., can be controlled or regulated on the basis of mass information. The same naturally applies to other work processes.

The or a process device of the device can, as mentioned, be designed as a processing device or molded part production device, which is set up to produce a particle foam molded part, or comprise such a device. Correspondingly, the or one detection device can be assigned to the processing device or molded part manufacturing device and the or a corresponding control device can be set up to generate control information controlling at least one operating parameter of the processing device or molded part manufacturing device on the basis of mass information or regulate control information at least one operating parameter of the processing device or molded part manufacturing device To generate the basis of a mass information. The processing device or molded part production device can therefore be operated on the basis of a correspondingly controlled or regulated operating parameter, which in turn was generated on the basis of mass information. An operating parameter of the processing device or molding manufacturing device can, for. B. the temperature of a process medium, the pressure of a process medium, the moisture content of a process medium, or the cycle time of a molded part manufacturing process (manufacturing process). As also mentioned, the or a process device of the device can alternatively or additionally be designed as a conveying device which is set up to convey a certain amount of particle foam material along a conveying path or comprise such a device. Correspondingly, the or a detection device can be assigned to the conveying device and the or a corresponding control device can be set up to generate control information controlling at least one operating parameter of the conveying device on the basis of mass information. The conveying device can therefore be operated on the basis of a correspondingly controlled or regulated operating parameter, which in turn was generated on the basis of mass information. An operating parameter of the conveyor can, for. B. be the conveying speed or a conveying speed profile of a conveying process.

As also mentioned, the or one process device can alternatively or additionally be designed as a receiving device which is set up for at least temporarily receiving a certain amount of particle foam material to a further process device or comprise such a device. Correspondingly, the or a detection device can be assigned to the recording device and the or a corresponding control device can be set up to generate control information controlling at least one operating parameter of the recording device on the basis of mass information. The recording device can therefore be operated on the basis of a correspondingly controlled or regulated operating parameter, which in turn was generated on the basis of mass information. An operating parameter of the recording device can, for. B. an operating position of a discharge or supply opening from or in the receiving volume of the receiving device associated, in at least one first operating position, such as. B. an open position, and at least one other operating position such. B. a closed position, transferable, d. H. z. B. relative to the discharge or supply opening movably mounted closing element. A drive device, such as, for. B. a drive motor, via which a drive force moving the closing element into respective operating positions can be generated and / or transmitted.

The assignment of the detection device to the respective process devices shows that the or a corresponding detection device can be arranged or formed on or in at least one process device.

Specifically, the or a detection device z. B. be arranged or formed on or in a receiving device. Alternatively or in addition, the or a detection device can be arranged or formed on or in a conveying device. Alternatively or in addition, the or a detection device can be arranged or formed on or in a molded part production device. In principle, one or more detection devices or detection elements that can be assigned or assigned to a detection device can be arranged or formed on a specific process device.

The device can therefore comprise a plurality of detection devices arranged or formed on different process devices, so that a plurality of items of mass information can be generated. The mass information that can be generated or generated by different detection devices can be checked or checked for plausibility by means of a hardware- and / or software-based test or plausibility check device.

This can be particularly useful in connection with the monitoring of a material flow between at least two process devices, as z. For example, it can be detected whether an amount of particle foam material provided by a first process device reaches or does not reach a further process device arranged or formed downstream of the first process device, which, for example, allows conclusions to be drawn about material losses.

An exemplary configuration of a device includes the following process devices:

At least one first receiving device, at least one further receiving device and at least one conveying device which defines a conveying path and is connected between the at least one first receiving device and the at least one second receiving device.

The at least one first receiving device can be assigned at least one first valve device, via which a defined amount of particle foam material, e.g. B. from a higher-level particle foam material supply into which at least one first receiving device can be metered or fed. The at least one first valve device is typically arranged or formed upstream of the at least one first receiving device.

The at least one first receiving device is, for. B. from a higher-level particle foam material supply, set up to accommodate a certain amount of particle foam material. The at least one first receiving device comprises at least one closing element assigned to a discharge or supply opening of the at least one first receiving device. The at least one closing element can be transferred into at least one first operating position, ie for example an open position, and at least one further operating position, ie for example a closed position, ie for example movable relative to the discharge or supply opening. The at least one closing element can be mounted movably in at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom of movement. The at least one closing element can specifically, for. B. be designed as a flap, sliding or valve element. The at least one closing element can have a drive device such. B. a drive motor, via which a drive force that transfers the closing element into respective operating positions can be generated and / or transmitted. An example of a corresponding closing element is, as mentioned, a valve element forming a component of a valve device; A specific example of a corresponding valve element is a membrane element forming part of a membrane valve device.

The at least one conveying device is for conveying a certain amount of particle foam material along the conveying path, i. H. in particular from the at least one first receiving device to the at least one second receiving device. The at least one conveying device is arranged or designed downstream of the at least one first receiving device and arranged or designed upstream of the at least one second receiving device. The at least one conveying path defined by the at least one conveying device accordingly extends between the at least one first receiving device and the at least one second receiving device.

The second receiving device is arranged or formed downstream of the at least one conveying device and thus (indirectly) also the at least one first receiving device. The at least one second receiving device is designed to receive a certain amount of particle foam material. The at least one second receiving device comprises at least one closing element assigned to a discharge or supply opening of the at least one second receiving device. The at least one closing element is in at least one first operating position, d. H. z. B. an open position, and at least one further operating position, d. H. z. B. a closed position, transferable, d. H. z. B. movable relative to the discharge or feed opening. The at least one closing element can be mounted movably in at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom of movement. The at least one closing element can specifically, for. B. be designed as a flap or sliding or valve element. The at least one closing element can have a drive device such. B. a drive motor, via which a drive force that transfers the closing element into respective operating positions can be generated and / or transmitted. An example of a corresponding closing element is a valve element forming part of a valve device; A specific example of a corresponding valve element is a membrane element forming part of a membrane valve device.

At least one second valve device can be assigned to the at least one second receiving device, via which a defined amount of particle foam material is metered or fed into the at least one second receiving device. can be fed. A corresponding at least one second valve device can be arranged or formed upstream of the at least one second receiving device.

The at least one second receiving device can alternatively or additionally be assigned at least one second valve device, via which a defined amount of particle foam material can be metered or supplied from the at least one second receiving device. A corresponding at least one second valve device can be arranged or formed downstream of the at least one second receiving device.

At least one filling device, which is set up to fill a shaping cavity of a molding tool device with particle foam material, can be arranged or configured downstream of the at least one second receiving device.

At least one molding tool device can be arranged or formed downstream of the at least one filling device.

Alternatively or in addition, at least one further receiving device can be arranged or formed downstream of the at least one second receiving device. The at least one further receiving device is designed to receive a certain amount of particle foam material from that of the at least one first receiving device. The at least one further receiving device comprises at least one closing element assigned to a discharge or supply opening of the at least one further receiving device. The at least one closing element is in at least one first operating position, d. H. z. B. an open position, and at least one further operating position, d. H. z. B. a closed position, transferable, d. H. z. B. movable relative to the discharge or supply opening. The at least one closing element can be mounted movably in at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom of movement. The at least one closing element can specifically, for. B. be designed as a flap, sliding or valve element. The at least one further receiving device is arranged or formed downstream of the at least one second receiving device.

At least one filling device, which is set up to fill a shaping cavity of a processing device or molding tool device with particle foam material, can be arranged or configured downstream of the at least one second receiving device.

Correspondingly, at least one processing device or molding tool device can be arranged or formed downstream of the at least one filling device. A further exemplary configuration of a device, analogously to the exemplary configuration of a device described above, comprises the following process devices:

The exemplary configuration of this device differs from the exemplary configuration of the device described above in that the aforementioned process devices are in a, e.g. B. frame-like or -shaped, housing or storage device are arranged or formed. The process devices arranged or formed in the housing or storage device accordingly form a process device module.

A corresponding process equipment module can be movably mounted on a substrate with at least one degree of freedom of movement. The housing or storage device can therefore with one or more movement means, such as. B. rollers, runners, rails, etc., which allow free or guided movement of the process equipment module on a substrate.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part. The method is characterized in that a device according to the first aspect of the invention is used to carry out the method. All statements in connection with the device according to the first aspect of the invention therefore apply analogously to the method according to the further aspect of the invention.

According to the method, the mass of an amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of at least one process device can be detected and a mass information describing a detected mass of the amount of particle foam material to be processed can be generated. This enables z. B. to detect or determine the metering or supply of a certain amount of in a processing device that can be carried out or to be carried out in a processing device or molding production device for the production of a certain particle foam molding to be processed or processed particle foam material and, if necessary, based on the mass information to ensure the control and / or control interventions carried out. Accordingly, it can be recorded or determined which amount of particle foam material is actually processed by means of the processing device or molded part production device, or it can be ensured that an amount predefined for a processing process Particle foam material is actually processed. The same applies to the control or regulation of the operation of other process devices.

According to the method, control information for controlling or regulating at least one operating parameter of at least one process device can be generated on the basis of the recorded mass information and the operation of the at least one process device can be used as a basis.

The invention is explained again on the basis of exemplary embodiments in the drawings. It shows:

1 - 5 each show a basic representation of a device for processing a

Particle foam material for producing a particle foam molded part according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device 1 for processing a

Particle foam material for producing a particle foam molded part according to a first embodiment.

The device 1 is generally set up for processing a particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part; the device 1 is therefore set up to carry out one or more work processes; With the device 1, one or more work processes for processing a particle foam material for the production of a particle foam molded part can therefore be carried out. In order to carry out one or more work processes, the device 1 comprises one or more process devices 2 set up to carry out respective work processes.

Work processes that can be carried out with the device 1 or respective process devices 2 of the device 1 are, in particular, processing processes in which (actual) processing of particle foam material, ie in particular a joining of particle foam material to form a molded particle foam part to be produced, or preparation processes in which a quantity of Particle foam material, in particular an amount of particle foam material to be processed in a processing process, is provided, or conveying processes in which an amount of particle foam material, in particular an amount of particle foam material to be processed in a processing process, is conveyed along a conveyor line, or filling processes in which a quantity of particle foam material, in particular an amount of particle foam material to be processed in a processing process in a shaping cavity of a molding manufacturing device. A work process that can be carried out with the device 1 can therefore be a processing process in which particle foam material is processed. A process device 2 can accordingly be designed as a processing device 3 set up for processing particle foam material or comprise such a device. An example of a processing process that can be carried out with the device 1 is a molding production process, ie an actual production process of a particle foam molding in which a particle foam molding is produced from a particle foam material under the action of energy. A corresponding molding production process can be an expansion or connection process of a particle foam material located in a corresponding processing device, ie in particular in a shaping cavity, for producing a particle foam molding. In one example, a processing device can accordingly be designed as a molded part manufacturing device comprising at least one shaping cavity. A corresponding molding manufacturing device can be designed as a molding tool device comprising at least one molding cavity.

Alternatively, a work process that can be carried out with the device 1 can be a filling process in which a molding cavity of a processing device 3 or a molding tool device is filled with particle foam material. A process device 2 can accordingly be designed as a filling device 4 set up for filling a shaping cavity of a processing device 3 or a molding tool device with particle foam material or can comprise such a filling device. An example of a corresponding filling device 4 is therefore one for generating a filling fluid flow, such as, for. B. a filling gas flow, a set in a shaping cavity of a processing device 3 or a mold device to be filled amount of particle foam material

Fluid flow generating device.

Alternatively or in addition, a work process that can be carried out with the device 1 can be a provision process in which particle foam material to be processed is provided. A process device 2 can accordingly be designed as a provision device 5 set up to provide particle foam material to be processed in a process device 2 or comprise such a device. In a specific example, a provision device 5 can be used as an at least one receiving volume 6.1 for at least temporarily receiving particle foam material, ie in particular a defined mass or amount of particle foam material, comprising receiving device 6 can be formed. A corresponding receiving device 6 can be designed as a reservoir-like or -shaped receiving receptacle or container module. A corresponding receptacle can be formed from a light metal or lightweight structure.

Alternatively or in addition, a work process that can be carried out with the device 1 can be a conveying process in which particle foam material to be processed is conveyed along a conveying path S. A process device 2 can accordingly be designed as a conveying device 7 set up for conveying particle foam material to be processed along a conveying path S or comprise such a conveying device. A conveyor line S can, as FIGS. 2-4 show by way of example, z. B. extend between at least one supply device 5 or receiving device 6 and at least one further supply device 5 or further receiving device 6 and / or between at least one supply device or receiving device 6 and at least one processing device 3. An example of a corresponding conveying device 7 is a belt, chain, screw, spiral or vibration conveying device set up for the continuous or discontinuous conveying of particle foam material along a conveying path S. A corresponding conveying device 7 is typically assigned at least one drive device (not shown) for generating or transmitting a respective drive or conveying force.

A particle foam material that can be or is to be processed by means of the device 1 can be an expandable or expanded plastic particle material. A particle foam material that can be or is to be processed by means of the device 1 can accordingly be formed by expandable or expanded plastic particles or comprise expandable or expanded plastic particles. In this context, expanded and / or expandable polypropylene (PP or EPP), expanded and / or expandable polyamide (PA or EPA), expanded and / or expandable polystyrene (PS or EPS) and expanded and / or expandable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Mixtures of expandable or expanded particle materials or particles which differ in at least one chemical and / or physical parameter are conceivable; the term “particle foam material” can therefore also include mixtures of expandable or expanded particle materials or particles which differ in at least one chemical and / or physical parameter. A particle foam material that can be or is to be processed by means of the device 1 can also be formed by expandable or expanded core-shell particles, ie particles consisting of a core, in particular loaded with a propellant, which is surrounded by a shell, be formed or include such. A corresponding particle foam material is available, for example, under the trade name Piocelan.

The device 1 comprises at least one detection device 8 which can be assigned or is assigned to at least one process device 2, which is set up to detect the mass of an amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the process device 2 and to assign mass information describing a detected mass of the amount of particle foam material to be processed produce. The detection device 8 can therefore be referred to or regarded as a gravimetric detection device. The device 1 is therefore characterized by the possibility of (gravimetric) detection of the mass of an amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the process device 2 and the generation of mass information describing a detected mass of the amount of particle foam material to be processed. The detection of the mass of an amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the process device 2 allows very precise knowledge of the actual amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the process device 2.

Due to the possibility of detecting the mass of an amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the process device 2 and the generation of a mass information describing a detected mass of the amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed, it can therefore be detected or determined and ensured that a by means of a respective process device 2 feasible or to be carried out work process is carried out with the process-specific provided amount of particle foam material. In particular, it is possible to detect or determine process device-specific quantities of particle foam material to be processed or processed in a work process that can be carried out or to be carried out in a certain process device 2 and to ensure this, if necessary by means of regulating or control interventions carried out on the basis of the mass information. In particular, the metering or supply of a certain amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed in a work process that can be carried out or carried out in a certain process device 2 can also be recorded or determined and, if necessary, ensured by regulating or control interventions carried out on the basis of the mass information become.

Specifically, it is therefore possible, for example, to record or determine the metering or supply of a certain amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed in a processing device 3 or a molding production device for producing a certain particle foam molding, and if necessary by means of regulating or control interventions carried out on the basis of the mass information. Such can the amount of particle foam material that is actually processed by means of the processing device 3 or the molded part manufacturing device can be detected or determined, or it is ensured that an amount of particle foam material predefined for a processing process is actually processed.

The detection device 8 can be set up to directly detect the mass of a quantity of particle foam material to be processed or processed. The detection device 8 can therefore specifically be set up to weigh a quantity of particle foam material to be processed or processed directly and to generate corresponding mass information on the basis of the weighing result.

The or a detection device 8 can, however, alternatively or additionally be set up to indirectly measure the mass of a quantity of particle foam material to be processed or processed, ie. H. in particular taking into account the mass of a reference object - this can also be a process device 2 - or a change in mass of a reference object - this can also be a process device 2. The or a detection device 8 can therefore specifically be set up to weigh a process device 2 and to generate corresponding mass information on the basis of the route result with knowledge of a net mass (empty mass) of the respective process device 2.

In all of the exemplary embodiments, the detection device 8 can be designed as a weighing device or it can comprise such a device. A corresponding weighing device can be one or more, e.g. B. formed as strain gauges, force measuring strips, etc. or such comprehensive, include weighing elements or cells. A corresponding weighing element represents an example of a detection element of the detection device 8.

The mass is typically not determined from other measured variables, such as e.g. B. calculated a recorded volume of the particle foam material when it was surprisingly shown in investigations that a computational derivation of the mass of a by means of a process device 2 to be processed or processed amount of particle foam material from other physical quantities, such as. B. the volume, can result in (considerable) inaccuracies. In the context of corresponding investigations, it was rather found that, surprisingly, knowledge about the mass of a particle foam material to be processed or processed, which was recorded directly gravimetrically, forms the basis for a reproducible, exact metering option for a particle foam material to be processed.

As indicated, it is possible to carry out regulating or control interventions of one or more process devices 2 of the device 1 on the basis of the mass information. Appropriate Regulation or control interventions typically include a regulation or control of operating parameters of one or more process devices 2 of the device 1.

The device 1 thus typically comprises a hardware and / or software implemented control device 9 which can be assigned or assigned to the process device 2 and which is set up on the basis of at least one mass information item to control at least one operating parameter of the process device 2, such as e.g. B. control commands to generate or based on a mass information at least one operating parameter of the process device 2 regulating control information such. B. control commands to generate. Process parameters of at least one work process that can be carried out with the device 1 can typically also be controlled or regulated via a corresponding control or regulation of corresponding operating parameters. Specifically, z. B. process parameters of a manufacturing process, such as. B. temperature, pressure, etc., can be controlled or regulated on the basis of mass information. The same naturally applies to other work processes.

As mentioned, the process device 2 can be designed as a processing device 3 or molded part production device, which is set up to produce a particle foam molded part, or comprise such a device. Correspondingly, the detection device 8 can be assigned to the processing device 3 or molded part manufacturing device and the control device 9 can be set up to generate at least one operating parameter of the processing device 3 or the molded part manufacturing device based on mass information or control information regulating at least one operating parameter of the processing device 3 or molded part manufacturing device to be generated on the basis of mass information. The processing device 3 or molded part production device can therefore be operated on the basis of a correspondingly controlled or regulated operating parameter, which in turn was generated on the basis of mass information. An operating parameter of the processing device 3 or molding manufacturing device can, for. B. the temperature of a process medium, the pressure of a process medium, the moisture content of a process medium, or the cycle time of a molded part manufacturing process (manufacturing process).

As also mentioned, the or one process device 2 can alternatively or additionally be designed as a conveying device 7, which is set up to convey a certain amount of particle foam material along a conveying path S, or comprise such a device. Accordingly, the detection device 8 can be assigned to the conveying device 7 and the control device 9 can be set up to generate control information controlling at least one operating parameter of the conveying device 7 on the basis of mass information. The conveying device 7 can therefore on the basis of a correspondingly controlled or regulated operating parameter, which in turn was generated on the basis of mass information, operate. An operating parameter of the conveyor 7 can, for. B. be the conveying speed or a conveying speed profile of a conveying process.

As also mentioned, the or one process device 2 can alternatively or additionally be designed as a receiving device 6, which is set up for at least temporarily receiving a certain amount of particle foam material to a further process device 2, or comprise such a device. Accordingly, the detection device 8 can be assigned to the recording device 6 and the control device 9 can be set up to generate control information controlling at least one operating parameter of the recording device 6 on the basis of mass information. The recording device 6 can therefore be operated on the basis of a correspondingly controlled or regulated operating parameter, which in turn was generated on the basis of mass information. An operating parameter of the recording device 6 can, for. B. an operating position of a discharge or supply opening from or in the receiving volume of the receiving device 6 associated, in at least one first operating position, such as. B. an open position, and at least one other operating position, such. B. a closed position, transferable, d. H. z. B. relative to the discharge or supply opening movably mounted closing element 6.2. A corresponding closing element 6.2 can be a drive device, such as. B. a drive motor can be assigned, via which a drive force that converts the closing element 6.2 into the respective operating positions can be generated and / or transmitted.

The assignment of the detection device 8 to the process device (s) 2 shows that - as indicated purely schematically in FIG. 1, the or at least one detection device 8 is arranged or formed directly or indirectly on or in the process device 2 can be. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows, purely by way of example, a variant of a detection device 8 arranged or embodied on the process device 2 and a detection device 8 arranged or embodied in the process device 2.

The or a detection device 8 can therefore, for. B. be arranged or formed on or in a receiving device 6. Alternatively or in addition, the or a detection device 8 can be arranged or formed on or in a conveyor device 7. As an alternative or in addition, the or a detection device 8 can be arranged or formed on or in a processing device 3 or molded part production device.

2 shows a basic illustration of a device 1 for processing a particle foam material for producing a particle foam molded part according to a further exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, the device 1 comprises a configuration with a first process device 2 in the form of a receiving device 6, a second process device arranged or designed downstream of the first process device 2

2 in the form of a conveying device 7 and a third process device 2 arranged or designed downstream of the second process device 2 in the form of a second receiving device 6. The second receiving device 6 can be used as a metering device for metering or feeding a certain amount of particle foam material into a processing device 3 (not shown ) or molded part production facility. The second receiving device 6 can therefore be arranged or formed downstream of a processing device 3 or molded part manufacturing device.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, the detection device 8 is arranged or formed purely by way of example on or in the second receiving device 6.

3 shows a basic illustration of a device 1 for processing a particle foam material for producing a particle foam molded part according to a further exemplary embodiment.

The configuration of the device 1 shown in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3 corresponds in principle to the configuration of the device 1 shown in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2; however, the detection device 8 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG.

3 is not arranged or formed in the second receiving device 6, but, again purely by way of example, arranged or formed on or in the conveying device 7.

Basically, with a corresponding configuration of the device 1, the or at least one detection device 8 can be arranged or formed on or in the first drive device 6 and / or on or in the conveyor device 7 and / or on or in the first receiving device 6.

The device 1 can therefore comprise a plurality of detection devices 8 arranged or formed on different process devices 2, so that a plurality of items of mass information can be generated. The mass information that can be generated or generated by different detection devices 8 can be checked or checked for plausibility by means of a hardware- and / or software-based test or plausibility check device (not shown).

This can be particularly useful in connection with the monitoring of a material flow between at least two process devices 2, as z. For example, it can be detected whether an amount of particle foam material provided by a first process device is another arranged or formed downstream of the first process device 2 Process device 2 reached or not reached, which for example allows conclusions to be drawn about material losses.

FIG. 4 shows a basic illustration of a device 1 for processing a

Particle foam material for producing a particle foam molded part according to a further exemplary embodiment.

The configuration of the device 1 shown in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4 comprises the following process devices 2:

A first receiving device 6, at least one further receiving device 6 and at least one conveying device 7, which is connected between the first receiving device 6 and the second receiving device 6 and defines a conveying path S.

The first receiving device 6 is, for. B. from a parent

Particle foam material supply, set up to hold a certain amount of particle foam material. The first receiving device 6 comprises at least one closing element 6.2 assigned to a discharge or supply opening (not shown in detail) of the first receiving device 6. The closing element 6.2 is in at least a first

Operating position, d. H. z. B. an open position, and at least one further operating position, d. H. z. B. a closed position, transferable, d. H. z. B. mounted movably relative to the discharge or feed opening. The closing element 6.2 can be mounted movably in at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom of movement. The closing element 6.2 can specifically, for. B. be designed as a flap, sliding or valve element. The closing element 6.2 can have a drive device (not shown) such. B. a drive motor can be assigned, via which a drive force that converts the closing element 6.2 into the respective operating positions can be generated and / or transmitted.

The first receiving device 6 can be assigned a first valve device 11 via which a defined amount of particle foam material, e.g. B. from a higher-level particle foam material supply, can be metered or fed into the first receiving device 6. As can be seen, the first valve device 11 can be arranged or configured upstream of the first receiving device 6.

The conveying device 7 is set up to convey a certain amount of particle foam material along the conveying path S, ie in particular from the first receiving device 6 to the second receiving device 6. The conveying device 7 is arranged or designed downstream of the first receiving device 6 and arranged or designed upstream of the second receiving device 6. The through the The conveying path S defined by the conveyor device 7 accordingly extends between the first receiving device 6 and the second receiving device 6.

The second receiving device 6 is arranged or formed downstream of the conveying device 7 and thus (indirectly) also the first receiving device 6. The second receiving device 6 is designed to receive a certain amount of particle foam material. The second receiving device 6 comprises a closing element 6.2 assigned to a discharge or supply opening (not shown in detail) of the second receiving device 6. The closing element 6.2 is in at least one first operating position, d. H. z. B. an open position, and at least one further operating position, d. H. z. B. a closed position can be transferred, d. H. z. B. movable relative to the discharge or supply opening. The closing element 6.2 can be mounted movably in at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom of movement. The closing element 6.2 can specifically, for. B. be designed as a flap, sliding or valve element. The closing element 6.2 can have a drive device (not shown) such. B. a drive motor can be assigned, via which a drive force that converts the closing element 6.2 into the respective operating positions can be generated and / or transmitted.

The second receiving device 6 can be assigned a second valve device 12, via which a defined amount of particle foam material can be metered or fed into the second receiving device 6. Obviously, a corresponding second valve device 11 can be arranged or formed upstream of the second receiving device 6.

Alternatively or in addition, a (further) second valve device 13 can be assigned to the second valve device 11, via which a defined amount of particle foam material can be metered or supplied from the second receiving device 6. As can be seen, a corresponding second valve device 13 can be arranged or formed downstream of the second receiving device 6.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4, a filling device 4, which is set up for filling a molding cavity of a processing device 3 or molding tool device with particle foam material, is arranged or formed downstream of the second receiving device 6.

The filling device 4 is typically arranged or formed downstream of at least one processing device 3 or molding tool device.

Although not shown in FIG. 4, at least one further receiving device could alternatively or additionally be arranged or formed downstream of the second receiving device 6. The at least one further receiving device is for receiving a certain amount of particle foam material set up by the second receiving device 6. The at least one further receiving device comprises at least one closing element assigned to a discharge or supply opening of the at least one further receiving device. The at least one closing element can be transferred into at least one first operating position, ie, for example, an open position, and at least one further operating position, ie, for example, a closed position, ie, for example, movable relative to the discharge or supply opening. The at least one closing element can be mounted movably in at least one translational and / or rotational degree of freedom of movement. The at least one closing element can specifically, for. B. be designed as a flap, sliding or valve element. The at least one further receiving device is arranged or formed downstream of the at least one second receiving device. The closing element can have a drive device (not shown), such as. B. a drive motor, via which a drive force that transfers the closing element into respective operating positions can be generated and / or transmitted.

5 shows a basic illustration of a device 1 for processing a particle foam material for producing a particle foam molded part according to a further exemplary embodiment.

The configuration of the device 1 shown in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5 comprises the following process devices 2:

The configuration of the device 1 shown in the embodiment according to FIG. 5 differs from the configuration of the device 1 shown in the embodiment according to FIG. B. frame-like or -shaped, housing or bearing device 10 are arranged or formed. The process devices 2 arranged or embodied in the housing or storage device 10 accordingly form a process device module.

The process equipment module can be movably mounted on a substrate with at least one degree of freedom of movement. The housing or bearing device can therefore with one or more, purely schematically indicated in Fig. 5 movement means 14, such as. B. rollers, runners, rails, etc., which allow free or guided movement of the process equipment module on a substrate. A method for processing particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part can be implemented by means of the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. According to the method, the mass of an amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of at least one process device 2 can be detected and a mass information describing a detected mass of the amount of particle foam material to be processed can be generated. This enables z. B. to detect or determine the metering or supply of a certain amount of in a processing device 3 or molding production device to be processed or processed in a processing device 3 or to be carried out for the production of a particular particle foam molding to be processed or processed particle foam material and, if necessary, based on the Mass information carried out regulation or control interventions to ensure. Correspondingly, it can be recorded or determined which amount of particle foam material is actually processed by means of a processing device 3 or molded part production device, or it can be ensured that an amount of particle foam material predefined for a processing process is actually processed. The same applies to the control or regulation of the operation of other process devices 2. According to the method, control information for controlling or regulating at least one operating parameter of at least one process device 2 can be generated on the basis of the recorded mass information and the operation of the at least one process device 2 can be used as a basis. Individual, several or all features of the devices 1 shown in the respective exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another as desired.

Claims

PATEN TAN SPEECH

1. Device (1) for processing a particle foam material to produce a particle foam molded part, comprising:

- At least one process device (2) which is set up to carry out at least one work process in connection with the processing of a particle foam material to be processed or processed during operation of the device (1),

- At least one of the at least one process device (2) assignable or assigned detection device (8), which is set up to detect the mass of an amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of the at least one process device (2) and a detected mass of the amount of To generate the processed particle foam material descriptive mass information.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by at least one of the at least one process device (2) assignable or assigned control device (9), which is set up to generate at least one operating parameter of the at least one process device (2) controlling control information based on mass information.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process device (2) is designed as a molded part production device which is set up to produce a particle foam molded part or comprises such a device.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (8) is assigned to the molded part manufacturing device, wherein the or one control device (9) is set up to generate control information controlling at least one operating parameter of the molded part manufacturing device based on mass information.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process device (2) is designed as a conveying device (7) which is set up to convey a certain amount of particle foam material along a conveying path (S) or comprises one.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the detection device is assigned to the conveyor device (7), wherein the or one control device (9) is set up to generate control information controlling at least one operating parameter of the conveying device (7) on the basis of mass information.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process device (2) is designed as a receiving device (6) which is set up for at least temporarily receiving a certain amount of particle foam material or comprises such a device.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the detection device is assigned to the receiving device (6), wherein the or a control device (9) is set up to generate at least one operating parameter of the receiving device (6) controlling control information based on mass information.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process device (2) is designed as a filling device (4) which is set up for filling a shaping cavity of a molding tool device with particle foam material or comprises one.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the detection device is assigned to the filling device (4), wherein the or a control device (9) is set up to generate at least one operating parameter of the filling device (4) controlling control information based on mass information.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (8) is set up to determine the mass of the amount of particle foam material directly or indirectly, in particular taking into account the mass of a reference object.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (8) is arranged or formed on or in the at least one process device (2).

13. A method for processing a particle foam material for the production of a particle foam molded part, characterized in that a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 is used to carry out the method.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the mass of an amount of particle foam material to be processed or processed by means of at least one process device (2) is detected and a mass information describing a detected mass of the amount of particle foam material to be processed is generated.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that on the basis of the recorded mass information control information for controlling at least one operating parameter of at least one process device (2) is generated and the operation of the at least one process device (2) is used as a basis.