NL1023987C2 - Device and method for manufacturing filler, and vehicle provided with such a device. - Google Patents

Description

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Device and method for manufacturing filler, and vehicle provided with such a device

The invention relates to a device for manufacturing a filler containing several components. The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with such a device. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a multi-component filler.

A multi-component filler is already known in the art. Such a filler usually comprises two main components, a filler base (component A) and a hardener (component B). Components A and B are usually supplied separately, in separate (cylindrical) storage containers, to a processing party. By mixing components A and B together, the actual filler is created which, because of the hardening (polymerization) of the filler, must be applied relatively quickly and / or must be processed. The mixing of the two components must be done relatively accurately in order to be able to produce a relatively homogeneous filler with a substantially constant quality (due to a substantially constant viscosity). The manufactured "two-20 component" filler can furthermore be used as glue and / or filler material for, for example, vessels or for a rail network. To date, the manufacture of the two-component filler, which is an excellent facie of the mixing of components A and B, is done in a manual manner. Manually manufacturing such a filler is relatively time-consuming and therefore often expensive. Moreover, components A and B are generally formed by relatively tough substances, which generally considerably complicates and aggravates the handling of the components.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for manufacturing a multi-component filler with which the aforementioned disadvantages can be avoided.

To this end, the invention provides a device of the type mentioned in the preamble, comprising: at least one first storage container for a filler base comprising component A, which first storage container is provided with a first output for component A, at least one. one separate second supply container for a component B comprising a hardener, which second supply container is. provided with a second output for component B, and pressure means for exerting pressure on component A and component B, such that component A and component B via the first output respectively the second output from the first storage container and the I second storage container can be pressed, the first outlet and the second I outlet being coupled to a mixing device prior to mixing of components A and component B pressed out of the I storage containers. The mechanical mixing of I components A and B is generally relatively simple and few labor intensive.

Moreover, machine-making of the filler will generally be able to take place faster than the manual manufacture of such a filler. Therefore, the manufacture of the filler with the aid of a device according to the invention will generally be cheaper than the manufacture of the filler manually. An additional advantage of the device according to the invention is that only the desired amount of putty can be manufactured, whereby the amount of (unused) putty waste can be minimized. Manufacturing relatively small quantities of filler each time generally facilitates handling of the filler, since curing of the filler does not yet play a significant role. In the state of the art, usually only 20 bulk quantities of the filler are produced which are further processed. A final residual part of the prepared bulk quantity is generally not processable, or at least relatively difficult, because of the hardening of the filler.

The pressure means are preferably hydraulically controlled. Since components A and B usually form relatively tough, highly viscous masses, large forces are usually required to be able to press components A and B out of the relevant storage containers. Often such required forces cannot be realized

I with pneumatically controlled pressure means. It should be noted that in addition to components A

I and B also one or more other types of components can be added to the filler mixture I. Therefore, the invention is by no means limited to an op

30 two-component based filler. I

In a preferred embodiment, the first and the second storage container have at least in I

I essentially the same volumes. The volumes and / or masses of components A and B are I

I thereby preferably also substantially identical. It is thus possible to use a filler I

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3 in which component A and component B are present in a ratio of 1: 1. Such a (substantially) constant ratio of the components is generally of vital importance in order to guarantee a constant quality of the filler. In addition to the mutual ratio of the components, the final homogeneous mixing of the components also plays an important role in achieving a (substantially) constant and reliable processable filler. By applying storage containers (and components) with substantially equal volumes and / or masses, such a constant ratio in the filler can generally be achieved relatively easily.

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In another preferred embodiment the device comprises a plurality of first storage containers for component A, all storage containers being coupled to the mixing device. In this way the mutual ratio of components A and B can be regulated. Regulating the ratio of components A and B is often of great importance, since each application of the filler usually has a certain, optimum ratio of the two components. Thus, for the manufacture of finishing filler, a ratio of 2: 1 will generally be used for the amount of component A that stands for the amount of component B. Again, it should be noted that the ratio of the components in the filler must be determined and constant, in order to sufficient quality assurance. Research results have shown that it is not normally possible to regulate the ratio of the two components in the filler by means of pressure regulation of the pressure means, since the viscosities of components A and B differ in particular. Scaling up the relative amount of component A in the filler will only be able to be done prima facie by using one or more additional first storage containers.

Each outlet is preferably coupled to at least one pump for pumping component A and component B pressed out of the storage containers towards the mixing device. As components A and B are generally relatively tough and highly viscous, ceramic pumps are preferably used. The use of relatively wear-resistant ceramic pumps usually does not lead to degeneration of the pump. In case a conventional (non-ceramic) pump is used for pumping the 1023987

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both components, the conventional pump will usually already after a few batches, I

due to significant wear and tear, must be replaced. I

In a preferred embodiment, there is a flexible I between each outlet and the mixing device

5 pipe installed for transit of component A and component B. By application I

of the pipes, a relatively large freedom is provided in the mutual orientation I

of the storage containers relative to the mixing device. The mixing device is I

usually provided with a gun, spray head, or tap that is often manually I

supported, operated and / or set up. By applying the pipes the I

10 device is relatively flexible because a relatively large freedom is created in the manual I

handling of the mixer. I

The mixer is detachably coupled to each outlet at the front. Thus the I

mixing device after the use of the device according to the invention, I

15 disassembled and cleaned and / or replaced by an unused or I

cleaned mixer. In a preferred embodiment the mixing device is provided I

of at least one axially rotatable helical mixing element. By rotation of the I

mixing element, the two components A and B can be mixed together to form an I

substantially homogeneous filler mass. The mixing element is thereby preferably I

20 arranged in a (sealed) mixing chamber. It is also conceivable other I

to use (conventional) mixing elements to provide a homogeneous filler mass

to manufacture. I

In a preferred embodiment the pressure means are provided with a plurality of plungers, I

Each plunger cooperating with a separate storage container. The plunger closes I

in this case preferably in a form-fitting manner and with clamping fit on the storage container I

to prevent or at least to prevent leakage of the components. I

Components A and B are usually supplied separately in cylindrical vessels I

with equal volumes. The currently known vessels have volumes of approximately 60 or 200 liters.

The 60-liter container usually contains approximately 50 liters of component, and the 200-liter container usually contains approximately 180-190 liters of component. The plungers

have a preferably circular peripheral side in order to be form-fitting

connect to the cylindrical vessels supplied as standard. In a special I

In the preferred embodiment, each output is arranged in a separate plunger. Thus I

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5 no additional output for the components has to be arranged in the supplied storage containers, but the components can be removed from the relevant storage containers via an already existing open (top) side. In a further particular preferred embodiment, each plunger is provided with sealing means on a peripheral side facing the storage container. The sealing means can for instance be formed by one or more sealing (rubber) rings.

In another preferred embodiment, the pressure means are coupled to a control means for controlling the pressure exerted by the pressure means. Since during operation the pressures exerted on components A and B must be regulated (permanently) relatively accurately in order to obtain a homogeneous filler, a control unit is generally of great importance.

15

The storage containers and the pressure means are preferably at least partially surrounded by a frame. Since relatively large forces are generally exerted during operation of the device according to the invention, it is often important to fix the mutual orientation of (a part of) the pressure means and the storage containers. A, preferably rigid, frame can thereby ensure sufficient stability when pressing the components out of the storage containers and during further mixing the quantities of the two components pressed out of the storage containers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the frame is provided with at least one tray for supporting the storage containers. More preferably, each storage container is supported by a separate platform. Use of trays generally contributes to further stabilization of the device according to the invention during the total mixing process. In a further particular preferred embodiment, the mutual orientation of the frame and the platform can be changed for coupling to the pressure means or uncoupling the pressure means from the supply containers. The plateau of a storage container can thus be lowered, for example after emptying the storage container, in order to facilitate the removal of the (substantially) empty storage container from the device. A (filled) storage container provided with a component can furthermore be positioned on the platform, whereafter the platform can be raised and then arranged.

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for cooperation with the printing means. In another preferred embodiment, it forms I

frame a housing for the stock holders. So can the stockholders, and I

optionally the pressure means are shielded, in order to foule (part of) I

to counter the device. I

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The device is preferably provided with heating means for heating I

of at least a part of the stock holders. Such a provision is with I

particularly effective if the aforementioned housing is placed around the storage containers I

applied. By the stock holders, for example through floor heating, I

Mantle heating or a different type of heating, the I

components A and B are also heated, which reduces the handling of the (less I

rigid) components generally benefits. In addition, the I

heating means it is possible to make filler at I

ambient temperatures lower than 12 ° Celsius. I

I

The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with such an I

design. An example of a vehicle on which such a device can be I

mounted and / or can be stationed is a trailer. In addition, it is I

also conceivable to arrange the device according to the invention on I

20 a trolley, in order to perform maintenance work relatively easily and quickly I

on a rail network. In addition to vehicles, it is also conceivable to have an apparatus I

in accordance with the invention, to station on a vessel in order to I

be able to perform maintenance work on this vessel or, for example, on I

other vessels. I

25 I

The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an I

multi-component filler with the aid of such a device, I

comprising the steps of: A) pressing a specific I from the first storage container

amount of component A, B) pressing an I from the second storage container

Determined amount of component B, and C) the mechanical mixing of the I

component A and component B pressed from the storage containers; Preferably, step I

A) applied simultaneously to several mutually coupled first storage containers, I

the mixing ratio of the total quantity from the first storage containers I

I pressed component A and the amount of I pressed from the second storage container

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7 component B relates to each other as η: 1, where n is a positive natural number ({1,2,3,4, ...}). Many ratios of the two components are thus possible. The mutual ratio for both components is generally used. made of whole numbers, in order to be able to make direct use of the complete, 5 standard delivered, stock containers (drums). In this way, a final high-quality, homogeneous filler can be produced again and again.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein: figure 1 shows a front view of a device for manufacturing filler according to the invention, figure 2 shows a schematic view of another device according to the invention, figure 3 shows a schematic view of a special device for manufacturing a filler mixture according to the invention, and figure 4 shows a schematic view of a constructionally relatively simple device according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a front view of a device 1 for manufacturing filler 2 according to the invention. The filler 2 is then essentially formed by two components, a filler base 3 (component A) and a hardener 4 (component B). The device 1 comprises a first storage container 5 for the filler base 3, and a second storage container 6 for the hardener 4. Such storage containers 5,6 are usually supplied in standard drums by the supplier. For industrial use of the device 1, storage containers 5,6 are generally supplied with volumes that are around approximately 60 liters (provided with approximately 50 liters of component A or B) or around approximately 200 liters (provided with approximately 180-190 liters of component A or B) and with internal diameters that are around 0.38 and 0.57 meters. The filler base 3 preferably comprises a polymerizable epoxy resin with a plurality of molecularly reactive epoxy end groups. The hardener 4 preferably comprises a diamine adapted for reacting with the epoxy resin to form one or more cross-linked macromolecules, the actual filler 2. In each storage container 5, 6 a plunger 7.8 is arranged which grips an clamping fit on an inner wall of the relevant storage container 5,6. The plungers 7.8 are arranged 1023987

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for exerting a certain pressure on component A and component I, respectively

B. The pressures exerted by plungers 7,8 on both components A and B I

are thereby regulated by a control unit I coupled to the plungers 7,8

9. The plungers 7,8 are hydraulically controlled in order to release sufficient pressure

5 can practice on both components A and B. To prevent leaks from the I

both components A and B along a peripheral side of the plungers 7,8 are each plunger 7, I

8 around a peripheral peripheral side 10, 11 provided with two rubber I

sealing rings 12,13. Each plunger 7,8 is provided with an I (not shown)

output for the relevant component, which output is connected to a ceramic I

Pump 14,15 for pumping the water from the I via a flexible conduit 16,17

storage containers 5,6 pressed components towards a mixing head 18. The flexible I

conduits 16.17 preferably have a diameter of approximately 20 millimeters. In the I

mixing head 18, components A and B are combined and mixed together. I

This mixing will be continued further in an I connecting to the mixing head 18

Mixing tube 19, in which the filler 2 acquires a homogeneous mass and is thus ready for use I

The mixing tube 19 is provided with a closable nozzle 20 for the I

removing manufactured filler 2 from the device 1, whereafter the filler 2 immediately I

can be used as glue and / or filler material. The by the plungers 7.8 on the I

components A and B are regulated so that in I

Substantially equal volumes of components A and B from the storage containers 5,6 I

be pressed, so that a filler 2 is formed with a (substantially) 1: 1 ratio I

of the two components. A possible, on specific components A and B by the I

Plungers 7.8 applied pressure is usually located around 45 bar. It may be clear I

are that this pressure - depending on the nature (viscosity) of components A and B - I

25 can vary considerably. With such a pressure it is possible to achieve a productivity I

of approximately 8 (2 x 4) liters of filler 2 per minute. The plungers 7.8 are partly I

included in an associated plunger housing 21.22. The device 1 is further provided I

of a rigid frame 23 for mutually fixing the storage containers 5,6, the

plunger housings 21, 22 and the control unit 9. The frame 9 is thereby provided with I

30 two pivotable lifting platforms 24, 25 for supporting the storage containers 5, 6. The I

lifting platforms 24, 25 also serve to facilitate coupling and I

disconnecting from each supply holder 5,6 to the respective plunger I respectively

7.8. Thus, for example after a storage container 5,6 has been laid, the lifting platform can be turned over I

a pivot axis 26.27 can be pivoted in a direction away from the plungers 7, 8,

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9, after which the unloading of the relevant storage container 5,6 can take place relatively easily.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of another device 28 according to the invention. The device 28 is constructed essentially in the same way as the device 1 shown in Figure 1. The device 28 now comprises two supply containers 29 for a filler base 30 (component A) and a single supply container 31 for a hardener 32 (component B). A pressure can be exerted on components A and B by plungers 33 cooperating with the storage containers 29.31. Through a feed-through (not shown) in each plunger 33, the relevant component can be supplied with the aid of a ceramic pump. 34 and via a line 35 to a mixing chamber 36 where components A and B can be mixed in a mixing ratio of 2: 1 to form filler 37. For certain applications for filler 37 and / or components for manufacturing the filler 37 is a 2: 1 ratio more. suitable than a 1: 1 ratio. The mixing chamber 36 is provided with an outlet 38 for the (homogenized) filler 37 for removing from the device 28 and furthermore being able to use the manufactured filler 37. The plungers 33 are mutually coupled by a cross connection 39 and will therefore move synchronously. The cross connection is thereby controlled directly or indirectly (for example through the intervention of a main plunger) by a control unit 40. The pressures exerted on components A and B can thus be determined relatively accurately, whereby the quality of the filler 37 to be formed can be guaranteed .

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a special device 41 for manufacturing a filler mixture 42 according to the invention. The filler mixture 42 is built up from a fine filler formed by components Ai and Bi on the one hand and a coarse filler formed by components Ai and B2 on the other. Components A 1 and A 2 are again formed by a filler base and components B 1 and B2 are formed by an activator for polymerizing the filler base. The ratio of components Ai and Bi for the formation of the fine filler is 2: 1. According to figures 1 and 2, the components A 1, B 1, A2 and B2 are prima facie separately included in a storage container 43.44. The volume of the storage containers 43 for components Ai and Bi may differ from the volume 1023987

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of the storage containers 44 for components A2 and 1½. An I

force F 1, F 2 are exerted for removing 43.44 I from the relevant storage container

pressing the component. The force for that is applied to components Ai and I

B1 can thereby deviate from the force exerted on components A2 and B2. I

The forces Fj, F2 are thereby determined by an (not shown) I

operating system. The pressing of the components usually takes place as I

shown in figures 1 and 2 and described in the accompanying figure description. Through I

lines 45, the pressed components A 1, B 1, A2, B2 are fed to an I

mixer 46, where the components can be mixed to a homogeneous I

10 filler mixture 42. The mixing device 46 is provided with an outlet 47 for the I

draining manufactured ready-to-use filler mixture 42. I

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a relatively simple construction I

device 48 according to the invention. The device 48 comprises three

15 storage containers 49.50.51 respectively for a filler base 52 (component A), I

a curing component 53 (component B), and a filler 54 (component C). I

The volume of each storage container of 49.50.51 is around 6 liters. Each

storage container 49.50.51 cooperates with a plunger 55.56.57 for the supply from I

the stock holders press 49.50.51 of the relevant components A, Ben C. Each I

The storage container 49.50.51 is then on a side I remote from the plunger 55.56.57

provided with an output 58.59.60 for the component concerned Each output 58.59, I

60 directly discharges into a common mixing funnel 61 for the I

mixing components A, B and C together to form a homogeneous filler 62. The I

mixing funnel 61 is thereby provided with a nozzle 63 for discharging the I

25 shaped filler 62. The plungers 55,56,57 are coupled to an I

common main plunger 64 for moving the plungers 55, 56, I

57. The main plunger 64 is thereby controlled by a control unit 65 for the I

regulating the pressures exerted on components A, B and C. The shown I

device 48 makes it possible to use relatively small amount of filler 62 I relatively quickly

30 with a (substantially) constant quality. Optionally, component C1

are omitted in this exemplary embodiment. It is also possible to use the I

stock containers 49.50.51 and / or the mixing funnel 61 "disposable" (designed for single use).

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It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described here, but that a large number of variants are possible within the scope of the appended claims, which variants will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

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Claims (15)

A device for manufacturing a multi-component II filler, comprising: at least one first supply container for a component component comprising a filler base, which first supply container is provided with a first output II for component A, II at least one separate second supply container for a component B comprising a hardener II, which second supply container is provided with a second output for component B, and II - pressure means for exerting pressure on component A and component B, II such that component A and component B can be pressed via the first outlet and II, respectively, the second outlet from the first storage container and the second II storage container, II, wherein the first outlet and the second outlet are coupled to a mixing device II for mixing together pressed from the storage containers. component A and II component B. I 2. Device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the first and the second storage container have at least substantially equal volumes. I I Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the I device comprises a plurality of first supply containers for component A, wherein all the supply containers are coupled to the mixing device. I I 25 I 4. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that each I I output is coupled to at least one pump for pumping the component A and component B pressed out of the storage containers towards the mixing device I I Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a flexible conduit is arranged between I I each outlet and the mixing device for passage I I of component A and component B. I 1023987 Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the mixing device is releasably coupled to each outlet. 7. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the mixing device is provided with at least one axially rotatable helical mixing element. 8. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the pressure means are provided with a plurality of plungers, each plunger cooperating with a separate storage container; Device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that each outlet is arranged in a separate plunger. Device as claimed in any of the claims 8 or 9, characterized in that each plunger is provided with sealing means on a peripheral side facing the storage container. 11. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the pressure means are coupled to a control unit for regulating the pressure exerted by the pressure means per storage container. 12. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the storage containers and the pressure means are at least partially surrounded by a frame. Device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the frame is provided with at least one platform for supporting the storage containers. Device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the mutual orientation of the frame and the platform can be changed for coupling to the pressure means or uncoupling the pressure means from the supply containers. 1023987, 14 Device as claimed in any of the claims 12-14, characterized in that the frame forms a housing for the storage containers Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the device is provided with heating means for heating at least a part of the storage containers. A vehicle provided with a device according to any one of claims 1-16. A method for manufacturing a multi-component filler with the aid of a device according to any one of claims 1-16, comprising the steps of: I A) pressing a determined amount of component A from the first storage container, B) pressing a certain amount of component B from the second storage container, and IC) mutually mixing the component A and component B pressed from the storage containers. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that step A) is simultaneously applied to a plurality of mutually coupled first storage containers, the mixing ratio of the total amount of component A pressed from the first storage containers and the quantity of component B pressed from the second storage container relative to each other as η: 1, where n is a positive natural number. I 25 ^ ____ I