WO2008119560A1

WO2008119560A1 - Multi-shaft extruder device and method for operating said device

Info

Publication number: WO2008119560A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/002630
Authority: WO
Inventors: Josef Blach; Markus Blach; Michael Blach
Original assignee: Blach Verwaltungs Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2007-04-03
Filing date: 2008-04-02
Publication date: 2008-10-09
Also published as: DE102007016352A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-shaft extruder device comprising a fibre strand supply unit (32b, 32c, 32d). According to the invention, said fibre strand supply unit (32b, 32c, 32d) comprises at least two fibre strand supply openings (128, 130, 160 - 166, 252).

Description

Multi-shaft extruder apparatus and method of operating the same

State of the art

The invention is based on a multi-shaft extruder device according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention is further based on a method for operating a multi-shaft extruder device according to the preamble of claim 24.

From DE 40 16 784 A1, an extruder device with a fiber strand feed is known, in which at one point of a housing a fiber strand is fed via an introduction channel into an impregnation channel.

The invention is in particular the object of providing a multi-shaft extruder device having a particularly space-saving fiber strand feed. It is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Further embodiments will be apparent from the dependent and dependent claims. Advantages of the invention

The invention is based on a multi-shaft extruder device with a fiber strand feed unit.

It is proposed that the fiber strand feed unit has at least two fiber strand feeds. As a result, an effective feed section of a fiber strand into the multi-shaft extruder can be shortened in terms of design. A multi-screw extruder device is to be understood here to mean an extruder device having two or more conveying elements. It is also possible to feed a plurality of fiber strands per fiber strand feed as a fiber strand bundle. In this case, a fiber strand represents either a single fiber such as a short glass fiber, a roving or an endless fiber strand and / or another fiber strand which appears expedient to the person skilled in the art.

Furthermore, it is proposed that each fiber strand feed is assigned at least one transfer area. It may be advantageous to feed each fiber strand via a separate Faserstrangzuführöffnung in the extruder housing. Here, a transfer region defines a region of the fiber strand feed unit which opens directly into a housing interior of the extruder housing.

Advantageously, the transfer area is provided to supply at least one fiber strand to a process space. In this case, the term "process chamber" is understood to mean the space of the multi-shaft extruder device in which the fiber strands and / or an additive are filled or can be mixed. An additive here is either a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin, a resin and / or another, the expert appears useful as additive. This direct supply can be advantageously achieved that the fiber strand is fed directly to the room in which he with a Additive mixed and / or coated. The additive is preferably viscous and / or liquid in this area. Advantageously, installation space, assembly costs and costs can be saved.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the fiber strand feeds are arranged one after the other in a circumferential direction. As a result, the arrangement of the fiber strand feeders can be made particularly space-saving. Furthermore, the entire length of the multi-screw extruder can be reduced because, for example, compared to a feed slot extending in a longitudinal extent of a twin extruder, a reduction of a feed range results by the factor of the arranged fiber strand feed. In general, however, the arrangement of the fiber strand feeds along an axial longitudinal extension of the extruder housing would be possible.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the fiber strand feeders are arranged at a distance of at least ≥ 20 ° in the circumferential direction of an extruder housing, whereby the fiber strand feeders can be arranged structurally simple around the circumference of the extruder housing, since sufficient space is available. The space available is particularly advantageous if the fiber strand feeders are nem distance of at least ≥ 30 ° in the circumferential direction are arranged on an extruder housing.

It is also proposed that at least three conveying elements arranged at least in the circumferential direction are provided. By means of this arrangement, high rotational speeds of the multi-shaft extruder device can be achieved, which structurally ensure a higher material transport and a higher heat tolerance compared to a single screw. Under a conveyor element is to be understood in particular an element with a compression and / or relaxation function with conveying task. The arrangement of more than five and particularly advantageously the arrangement of 12 conveying elements, which can thus form a ring arrangement which encloses a central region, is advantageous.

If at least two conveying elements arranged in the circumferential direction are rotatably driven with the same direction of rotation by a motor, a conveying direction can advantageously be defined and maintained.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a core which is enclosed by the conveying elements arranged in the circumferential direction is arranged. As a result, a good fixation and positioning of the conveying elements can be achieved structurally. Furthermore, the core can be formed as a solid part and / or channels can be introduced into the core for a temperature control, which cool the multi-shaft extruder device if necessary. Furthermore, the core can also consist of several components. In addition, it is proposed that an extruder housing is arranged at least partially surrounding at least one conveying element, wherein the extruder housing in the radial direction to the conveying element has a guide clearance for guiding at least one fiber strand. By arranging this area, a defined guidance of the fiber strand can be achieved. In this case, the housing preferably represents a cylinder which completely encloses the conveying elements radially.

A preferred development consists in that a filling gap arranged between core and conveying element is provided, wherein an additive can be introduced into the filling gap. As a result, structurally, a space for transporting the additive can be formed.

It is also proposed that at least one conveying element transports the additive in the radial direction to the extruder housing by means of a rotational movement, whereby a removal of the additive from the filling gap into the guide space for coating the fiber strand can be achieved in a structurally simple and space-saving manner. The term "radial direction" is understood here to mean the direction starting from a center point to an outer diameter of the extruder housing.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the conveying element is designed as a return conveyor element. As a result, the removal of the additive from the filling gap into the guide clearance can take place with the same drive as that which drives the further conveying elements in an axial conveying direction. Here, conveying elements are to be understood as conveying elements which have an opposite pitch with respect to the conveying elements arranged, for example, in the conveying area.

Furthermore, it is proposed that an axis along which an input area and a wetting area are arranged is provided, whereby a simple and inexpensive construction can be realized. Conveying elements of these two areas are operated here with the same drive.

Advantageously, a Vorimprägniervorrichtung is arranged, which is intended to impregnate fiber strands before feeding the fiber strands in at least one Faserstrangzuführein- unit. As a result, structurally simple and inexpensive an efficient pre-coating can be realized.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the multi-shaft extruder device has a widened extruder housing section, which has a widened radial distance to the extruder housing between at least one conveying element outer diameter and an inner wall of an extruder housing with respect to a further extruder housing section. Through this widened area, an optimal coating of the fiber strands can be achieved with simultaneously remaining intact fiber strands.

It is also proposed that the widened extruder housing section is arranged in the region of the fiber feed unit. This allows even fiber strands, one above the other be retracted, efficiently and completely coated.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the widened extruder housing section after the fiber strand feed unit extends in an axial conveying direction by a distance which corresponds to 3 to 6 times a delivery element outer diameter. Thus, a last supplied fiber can be coated over a sufficiently long range.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if a radial distance reduction is provided which is stepped or conical. If this is carried out between the extruder housing and a conveying element arranged therein, a gentle transition between two extruder housing sections can be achieved, through which the fiber strands can pass without damage. In this case, a radial distance reduction is to be understood to mean a narrowing of the diameter in the case of a cylindrical extruder housing.

A structurally simple division of the fiber strands can advantageously be achieved if at least one conveying element arranged in a discharge and conveying region is provided which divides the fiber strands at least into predetermined lengths. As a result, the configuration of a geometry specially shaped for a base process, for example in the form of a sharp cutting edge, which is arranged on an inner wall of the extruder housing, can be avoided in a cost-saving manner. In addition, it is proposed that a feed unit is provided which applies preimpregnated cut fibers to at least one fiber strand prior to feeding a fiber strand into the fiber strand feed unit, and also that the preimpregnated cut fibers with the fiber strand can be introduced into the fiber strand feed unit. A train constructed by the conveying elements, which acts on the fiber strands, can thus be used in a structurally simple manner, saving space and components, for easier transport of the cut fibers into the multi-shaft extruder device.

A preferred development consists in that at least one conveyor element unit is provided by which at least two conveyor elements can be combined to form a functional unit. As a result, the conveying elements can be combined into groups that can perform different functions in the same cross-sectional area. Furthermore, each group can be assigned a fiber strand feed, wherein, for example, the rotational speeds and / or temperature tolerances of the conveyor element unit can be matched to the supplied fiber strand. As a result, no range of use of the multi-shaft extruder device can be extended.

It is also proposed that at least one conveying element position is arranged, which is intended to be embodied as conveyor elementless empty positions. This embodiment further increases the range of use. The empty positions can be filled, for example, by further functional parts, such as cooling elements, separating filling pieces and / or other functional parts which appear to be suitable for the person skilled in the art. Furthermore, the invention proceeds from a method for operating a multi-shaft extruder device with a fiber strand feed unit.

It is proposed that fiber strands are fed into a process space at at least two points of an extruder housing. As a result, an effective feed section of a fiber strand into the multi-shaft extruder can be shortened in terms of design.

Advantageously, the fiber strands are guided in a guide free space of an extruder housing which at least partially encloses at least one conveying element and which extends in the radial direction to the conveying element.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if an additive is introduced into a filling gap arranged between a core and at least one conveying element.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the fiber strands are divided into predetermined lengths in at least one conveying element of a discharge and conveying region.

drawing

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawing. In the drawing, an embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination.

The person skilled in the art expediently also individually consider and summarize to meaningful further combinations.

Show it:

1 shows a longitudinal section through a multi-screw extruder according to the invention,

2 shows a cross section II-II of Figure 1,

3 is a schematic representation of a portion of the multi-screw extruder of FIG. 1,

4 shows a cross section through a further multi-screw extruder according to the invention with 12 conveying elements,

5 shows a cross section through a conveying element,

6 shows a cross section through an alternative multi-shaft extruder according to the invention with 4 fiber strand feeders,

7 shows a cross section through another inventive multi-screw extruder with empty positions,

8 is a schematic representation of a pre-impregnation device,

9 is a schematic representation of a portion of another multi-screw extruder with a conically executed Radialabstandsredu- ornamentation,

10 is a schematic representation of a portion of a further multi-screw extruder with an endless fiber strand feed and 11 is a detailed view of the Faserstrangzuführ- unit of Figure 10 in a plan view.

Description of the embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a multi-shaft extruder 10a in the design of a twin-screw extruder. The twin-screw extruder has an extruder housing 12a, which has two conveying paths 44, 46, each with several along one

Axis 18 of the extruder housing 12a successively extending conveyor elements 14a, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 62, 218, or 16a, 64, 68, 98, 100, 106, 112, 220 and / or further conveying elements for melting, mixing Shearing, cutting and / or diverting conveying materials, such as a kneading block 58, 66, encloses. The conveying elements 14a, 16a, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 62, 64, 68, 98, 100, 106, 112, 218, 220 of the conveyor sections 44, 46 are arranged in pairs, so that, for example, lie vertically one above the other - Combining the conveying elements 14a and 16a with each other and with a same direction of rotation 60a of an unillustrated motor, which has a reduction and / or branching gear, with a specific engine torque of at least 20 Nm / cm ³ , preferably 40 Nm / cm ³ and especially preferably be operated from 60 Nm / cm ³ (see Figure 2). The conveying elements 14a and 16a are preferably designed to be tightly combing, the distance between a screw comb and a screw base being greater than and / or equal to 4 mm. Along the axis 18, the conveying paths 44, 46 comprise at least one input area 20a, a wetting area 22a and a discharge and conveying area 24a.

Arranged on the input area 20a is an additive supply unit 26a via which an additive 28a, such as a plastic, is supplied to the conveying elements 48, 68 of the input area 20a. The additive 28a is transported by means of the conveying elements 48, 68 of the conveying sections 44, 46 in the direction of an axial conveying direction 74a to conveying elements 62, 64. These serve to build up pressure in the axial conveying direction 74a and ensure a transition into kneading blocks 58, 66, where the additive 28a is melted. In a viscous state, the additive 28a is now transported along the axis 18 into an area in which a return conveyor element 70a, 72 is arranged per conveying path 44, 46. The return elements 70a, 72 guide the additive 28a in the axial conveying direction 74a into a process space 76 of a conveying zone 30a, which constitutes a viscous working area 78 and the beginning of the wetting area 22a.

In this viscous working area 78 via a Faserstrangzuführeinheit 32a, the supply of a fiber strand 34a, wherein a fiber strand either a single fiber, such as a short glass fiber and / or an endless fiber, such as a roving, can be understood. Shown here is a Seitendo- sieraggregat with two screw elements to a supply of chopped fibers. In general, a supply of endless fiber strands by means of a Zuführgatters would be possible here. The fiber strand feed unit 32a has a fiber strand feed opening 80a which has a longitudinal extent of about 1.5 times that of the fiber strand feed opening 80a Length of Förderelementaußendurchmessers 82 has. In this case, the delivery element outer diameter 82 refers in each case to a delivery element arranged in the respective region and, in the case of the fiber strand addition opening 80a, to the delivery elements 14a and 16a.

In the region 84 of the fiber strand addition opening 80a, a radial distance 86 between a delivery element outer diameter 82 of a delivery element 14a, 16b of the delivery zone 30a and an inner wall 88 of the extruder housing 12a is increased relative to at least one other region 90 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In the process chamber 76 of the conveying zone 30a, the fiber strand 34a and the additive 28a are mixed to form a fiber strand additive mixture 92 which fills the process space 76 by 30% to 80%, preferably by 50%. A remaining space is filled to 70% to 20%, preferably to 50%, with a gas volume 94, which is entrained in the fiber strand feed and preferably consists of air. In FIG. 2, the fiber-strand additive mixture 92 and the gas volume 94 are shown schematically for a partial section of the process chamber 76. A volume ratio of fiber strand additive mixture 92 to gas volume 94 is adjusted by means of a unit 96 which adjusts either the amount of fiber strands 34a supplied and / or the amount of additive 28a supplied.

In the direction of the axial conveying direction 74a, the conveying zone 30a is adjoined by a first compression zone 36 with two vertically arranged double-flighted conveying elements 50 and 98, which have a longitudinal extent of approximately 0.5 times the length of the conveying element outer diameter 82 and have a compression. have a mierungsfunktion. By means of the first compression zone 36, the gas volume 94 is squeezed out via a cross-sectional reduction by a small selected screw pitch and thus an increase in pressure from the process chamber 76 and the gas volume 94 is thus reduced by at least a quarter of its volume. Preferably, the gas volume 94 is reduced by half, and more preferably by its entire volume. Alternatively, the gas volume reduction can also be reduced by changing a pitch of a worm gear.

In the axial conveying direction 74a, the first compression zone 36 is adjoined by a degassing zone 38 having two vertically arranged double-flighted conveying elements 52 and 100, which have a longitudinal extent of approximately 2 times the length of the conveying element outer diameter 82 and those facing the conveying elements 50 and 98 have a higher pitch of the flights and thus have a relaxation function. At this degassing zone 38, a housing degassing opening 102 is arranged, via which a vacuum source 104 can be applied to the extruder housing 12a for the construction and / or maintenance of a vacuum for reducing the gas molecules in the process chamber 76. It would also be possible only to apply an atmospheric pressure for degassing.

For a complete squeezing out of the gas volume 94, in the direction of the axial conveying direction 74a, a further compression zone 40 having two vertically arranged single-start conveying elements 54 and 106, which have a longitudinal extent of approximately 0.5 times the length of the conveying element outer diameter 82, has a compression function and fer- have an influence on the fiber length. Again, the squeezing of the gas volume 94 is achieved by a very strong cross-section reduction.

In the axial conveying direction 74a connects to the other

Compression zone 40, a further degassing zone 222 with two vertically arranged double-flighted conveying elements 218 and 220, which have a longitudinal extent of about 2 times the length of Förderelementaußendurchmessers 82 and opposite the conveyor elements 54 and 106, a higher pitch of

Have worm threads and thus have a relaxation function. At this further degassing zone 222, a housing degassing opening 224 is arranged, via which the vacuum source 104 can be applied to the extruder housing 12a

In the direction of the axial conveying direction 74a after the further compression zone 40, a homogenization zone 42, which corresponds to 0.5 times the length of the conveying element outer diameter 82, is arranged. The homogenization zone 42 may correspond to a maximum length of 3 times the length of the conveyor element outer diameter 82. In conveying element regions 108, 110 of the homogenizing zone 42, which are arranged vertically one above the other, passage regions 114, 116 are formed which enable a mass transfer between at least two device regions 118, 120. In this case, the conveying element regions 108, 110 in the passage regions 114, 116 have a spacing between the screw crest and the screw root which is greater than and / or equal to 4 mm. The mass transfer enables a uniform wetting of the fiber strand 34a by the additive 28a. The homogenization zone 42, which also represents the end of the wetting area 22a, is adjoined in the axial conveying direction 74a by the discharge and delivery area 24a into which delivery elements 56, 112 extend. However, the discharge and delivery area 24a can still extend to a maximum length of 6 times the length of the conveyor element outer diameter 82.

Along a longitudinal extension of the multi-shaft extruder in the axial direction 74a, it is also possible to arrange several fiber strand feed units 32a for feeding different fiber strand types, such as ductile, tough and / or brittle fiber strands 34a. In this case, the arrangement of the fiber strand feed units 32a can be tailored to the type of the fiber strand 34a. If a supply of brittle chopped fibers, a Seitendoosagaggregat, as shown in Figure 1, are used. If ductile cut fibers are fed, a side-dosing unit can take place in the area of the kneading blocks 58, 66, since the ductile fiber strands 34a can withstand the loading of the kneading block 58, 66 and / or can be impregnated with equal efficiency. Furthermore, the supply of ductile fiber strands 34a as cut fibers in the kneading blocks 58, 66 can take place via a side metering unit, and then in the axial conveying direction the supply of a brittle fiber strand 34g in the form of a continuous strand via a fiber strand feed unit 32g to a gate 190 (see FIG 10).

FIG. 4 shows an alternative multi-shaft extruder 10b in a cross-section in the form of a ring extruder 122 with 12 conveying elements arranged distributed in the circumferential direction 124 14b, 16b, 126, of which only three have been provided with reference numerals for the sake of clarity. The conveying elements 14b, 16b, 126 arranged in a closed pitch circle are enclosed by an extruder housing 12b and all have the same direction of rotation 60b. With regard to features and functions that remain the same, reference is made to the description of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3. The following description is essentially limited to the differences from the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3. A fiber strand feed unit 32b with two fiber strand feeds 128, 130 is arranged in a circumferential direction 124 one after the other at an angular distance of 180 °. The fiber strand feeders 128, 130 are arranged at the same axial height of the extruder housing 12b, but an axially staggered arrangement would also be possible. Each fiber strand feed 128, 130 has a fiber strand feed opening 80b and a transfer region 132, 134, in which fiber strands 34b fed through the fiber strand feeders 128, 130 are fed to an outer process space 136.

The process space 136 constitutes a guide clearance 138 for guiding at least one fiber strand 34b, wherein the guide clearance 138 is formed in a radial direction 140 between the conveying elements 14b, 16b, 126 and the extruder housing 12b.

The conveying elements 14b, 16b, 126 include a core 142b and in the radial direction 140 between the core 142b and the conveying elements 14b, 16b, 126, a filling gap 144 is arranged, which forms an inner process space 146. In the- Sen Füllspalt 144 is introduced via the Zusatzstoffzuführeinheit 26b an additive 28b, such as a plastic. The core 142b may have at least one cooling channel 210 for temperature control of the system, which extends at least partially in the axial direction 74b.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative multi-shaft extruder 10c as a ring extruder 158 with a fiber strand feed unit 32c with four fiber strand feeders 160, 162, 164, 166 distributed at an angular distance of 90 ° around the circumference of the extruder housing 12c, each having a fiber strand feed opening 80c. With regard to features and functions that remain the same, reference is made to the description of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 5. The following description is essentially limited to the differences from the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 5. A feed unit 168 is arranged on at least one fiber strand feed 160, 162, 164, 166, the precoated cut fibers 170 before feeding a fiber strand 34c into the feed line Fiber strand feed 160 of the fiber strand 34c applies. The cut fibers 170 are introduced into the fiber strand feed 160 with the fiber strand 34c.

FIG. 7 shows a further multi-screw extruder 10d as a ring extruder 172. With regard to features and functions that remain the same, reference is made to the description of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 6. The following description is essentially limited to the differences from the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 6. In the extruder housing 12d, conveying element positions 174 are arranged radially around a core 142d, of which ten are arranged with conveying elements. elements 14d, 16d are filled and two empty as conveying element empty positions 176, 178 are executed. However, any number, combination and / or sequence of conveyor element-carrying and conveyor element-free conveyor element positions 174 can also be provided. The empty positions 176,

178 extend at least from the area of the fiber feed unit 32d and preferably from the input area 20 to the discharge and conveying area 24 and are filled with separating filling pieces. As a result of the arrangement of the separating filling pieces from the input region 20, an input of various additives 28 can be made, which can be transported separately from one another by the separating filler pieces. If the separating filling pieces are arranged only in the axial conveying direction 74 after the fiber strand adding unit 32d, the flow of the molten additive 28 is proportionally directed into regions which are formed by the separating filler pieces. At least two conveying elements 14d, 16d can be combined as a functional unit or as a conveying element unit 180.

Further, a fiber strand 34d and the additive 28 can be transported in spaced-apart conveyor element units 180 by the arrangement of separation filler pieces in the empty positions 176, 178 in the circumferential direction 124.

FIG. 8 shows a preimpregnation device 182 with a

Coating unit 184 for preimpregnating at least one fiber strand 34e by means of an additive feed unit 26e with an additive 28e and a feed unit 186, which feeds the fiber strand 34e to a fiber strand feed unit 32e of an extruder device (not shown). In this case, the coating takes place before a feed of the fiber strand 34e into the extruder device. The additive 28e, preferably a plastic, is applied to the fiber strand 34e as a film by means of at least one application device in the form of a nozzle 188. In order to improve the coating, at least one movement device in the form of a gate 190 is arranged on the coating unit 184, via which the fiber strand 34e is guided prior to passing the nozzle 188. The gate 190 oscillates the supplied fiber strand (s) 34e in the process of application of the additive. The feed unit 186 includes a first guide member 192 and a second guide member 194, both of which guide the fiber strand 34e. Since the fiber strand 34e is guided past the guide elements 192, 194 under tension by means of a tension generated by the extruder device, and the additive 28e on the second guide element 194 lies between the fiber strand 34e and a working surface 196 of the second guide element 194, the second guide element 194 operates the additive 28e in addition to the fiber strand 34e a. Further, by this passing and the exercise of a sliding pressure on the fiber strand 34e, on the fiber strand adhering or in the additive 28e befindliches gas is squeezed out. After the second guide element 194, a deflection unit 216 is arranged, which feeds the fiber strand 34e via a further guide element 228 of the fiber strand feed unit 32e. On all guide elements 194, 196, 228 or on the leading part 230 of the deflecting a tear-off edge 226 is formed, which ensures that the additive film is transported to the fiber strand 34e. Furthermore, a heat source 198, for example in the form of at least one incorporated into the guide elements 194, 196, 228, 230, is provided. heating jet, which heats the supplied and coated fiber strand 34e prior to feeding into the fiber strand feed unit 32e.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic section of a conveying path 200 with at least two conveying elements 202, 204 of a further multi-screw extruder 10f. With regard to features and functions that remain the same, reference is made to the description of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 7. The following description is essentially limited to the differences from the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 7. An extruder barrel 12f has an extruder barrel portion 206 disposed after the fiber strand feeding unit 32f and its fiber strand adding port 8Of and extending by a distance 3 times corresponds to a Förderelementnaußendurchmesser 82, in an axial conveying direction 74 f extends. Following this extruder housing section 206, a further extruder housing region 208 is arranged, which has a transition 212 with a radial clearance reduction 256, which is conical. The further extruder housing region 208 in turn merges into a discharge and delivery region 24f in which the one distribution unit 214 in the form of the conveying element 204 is arranged, which splits the fiber strands 34f into predetermined lengths.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic section of another multi-shaft extruder 10 g in the form of a ring extruder 232. With regard to features and functions that remain the same, reference is made to the description of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 9. The following description describes is essentially limited to the differences from the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 9.

Along an axial conveying direction 74g, a conveying element 234 is arranged in an input region 20g, which is a conveying element 234

Promotion of an introduced via an additive supply unit 26g additive 28g is used. The conveyor element 234 is adjoined by a region which forms a filling gap 144 and an inner process region 146. From this filling gap 144, the additive 28g is transported in the radial direction 140 to the extruder housing 12g into an outer process space 136 or guide clearance 138 by means of a return conveying element 70g, which is arranged in the axial conveying direction 74g downstream of the conveying element 234. In order to achieve a sufficient fiber strand feed, in the region of a fiber strand feed unit 32g, which has a fiber strand feed 252 and a transfer region 254, a widened casing section is provided, through which an extruder casing conveying element gap 152 is formed.

This extruder housing conveying element gap 152 may additionally and / or alternatively be formed by a design of a conveying element 148. For this purpose, the conveying element 148 has a smaller ratio of the conveying element outer diameter 82 (Da) to a conveying element inner diameter 150 (Di) in one area, for example the fiber strand feed area, compared to another area, such as the wetting area 22g (see FIG. 5) ). Furthermore, a core segment 240 may be provided, which has a widened diameter with respect to the remaining part of the core 142g.

Furthermore, an annular gap 154, for example arranged in the homogenization zone 42g and / or between two conveying elements 236, 238, which is designed without conveyor elements, extends at least by a length of one third of the length of the conveyor element outer diameter 82 and a radial channel height 156 of maximum (Da-Di) / 2.

The fiber strand feed unit serves to feed endless fiber strands and has a cylindrical insert 236 with a feed shaped part 244 and a holding edge 246 at the fiber strand feed opening 80g, wherein the feed shaped part 244 extends into the housing 12g counter to the radial direction 140. The insert 242 further includes a longitudinal slot 248 into which the fiber strands 34g are inserted. The insert 236 can be arranged rotatably offset at an angle of 0 ° to 45 ° to the conveying direction 74g. Vertically above the insert, a gate 190g is arranged, which feeds the fiber strands 34g, separated by gate webs 250, to the fiber feed unit 32g. The gate 190 may be rotatably staggered at an angle of 0 ° to 45 ° with respect to the direction of conveyance 74g, with rotation of the gate 190 being independent of rotation of the insert 242 (see FIG. 11). Furthermore, the gate 190 can be adjusted in the vertical direction continuously relative to the insert 242. Reference sign

10 multi-screw extruder 60 turning sense

12 extruder housing 62 conveying element

14 conveying element 64 conveying element

16 conveying element 66 kneading block

18 axis 68 conveying element

20 Input area 70 Return element

22 wetting area 72 return conveyor element

24 Discharge and conveying chamber axial conveying direction rich 76 Process room

26 additive feed unit 78 viscous work area

28 additive 80 fiber strand addition port

30 conveying zone 82 conveying element outside

32 fiber strand feed unit knife

34 fiber strand 84 area

36 first compression zone 86 radial distance

38 degassing zone 88 inner wall

40 more compression zone 90 other area

42 homogenization zone 92 fiber strand

44 conveying section additive mixture

46 conveying section 94 gas volume

48 conveying element 96 unit

50 conveying element 98 conveying element

52 conveying element 100 conveying element

54 conveying element 102 housing degassing opening

56 conveying element 104 vacuum source

58 kneading block 106 conveying element 108 conveying element region 166 fiber strand feed

110 conveying element area 168 loading unit

112 conveying element 170 cut fiber

114 passage area 172 ring extruder

116 passage area 174 conveyor element position

118 Device area 176 Empty position

120 Device area 178 Empty position

122 ring extruder 180 conveying element unit

124 circumferential direction 182 preimpregnating device

126 conveying element 184 coating unit

128 fiber strand feed 186 feed unit

130 fiber strand feed 188 nozzle

132 transfer area 190 oscillating gate

134 transfer area 192 first guide element

136 outer process space 194 second guide element

138 Guide clearance 196 Work surface

140 radial direction 198 heat source

142 core 200 conveyor line

144 filling gap 202 conveying element

146 inner process space 204 conveying element

148 conveying element 206 extruder housing section

150 Inline element through208 Extruder housing range Knife 210 Cooling channel

152 extruder housing 212 transition conveyor element gap 214 division unit

154 Annular gap 216 deflecting element

156 Channel height 218 conveying element

158 ring extruder 220 conveying element

160 fiber strand feed 222 degassing zone

162 fiber strand feed 224 housing vent

164 fiber strand feed 226 trailing edge 228 guide element 244 feed molding

230 leading part 246 retaining edge

232 ring extruder 248 longitudinal slot

234 conveyor element 250 gate web

236 conveying element 252 fiber strand feed

238 conveying element 254 transfer area

240 core segment 256 Radial Distance Reduction

242 use

Claims

claims

A multi-shaft extruder device comprising a fiber strand feed unit (32b, 32c, 32d), characterized in that the fiber strand feed unit (32b, 32c, 32d) has at least two fiber strand feeds (128, 130, 160-166, 252).

2. multi-shaft extruder device according to claim 1, characterized in that each fiber strand feed (128, 130, 160 - 166, 252) at least one transfer region (132, 134, 254) is associated.

3. Multi-shaft extruder device according to claim 2, characterized in that the transfer region (132, 134, 254) is provided to supply at least one fiber strand (34b, 34c, 34g) to a process chamber (136).

4. multi-shaft extruder device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fiber strand feeds (128, 130, 160 - 166, 252) in a circumferential direction (124) are arranged one after the other.

5. multi-screw extruder device according to claim 4, characterized in that the fiber strand feeds (128, 130, 160 - 166, 252) at a distance of at least ≥ 20 ° in the circumferential direction on an extruder housing (12b, 12c, 12g) are arranged.

6. multi-shaft extruder device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least three at least in the circumferential direction (124) arranged conveying elements (14b, 16b, 126).

7. multi-shaft extruder device according to claim 6, characterized in that at least two in the circumferential direction (124) arranged conveying elements (14b, 16b, 126) with the same direction of rotation (60b) are rotatable.

8. multi-shaft extruder device according to at least one of claim 6, characterized by a core (142b, 142d) which is enclosed by the in the circumferential direction (124) arranged conveying elements (14b, 14d, 16b, 16d, 126).

9. Multi-screw extruder device at least according to claim 6, characterized by at least one conveying element (14b, 16b, 126, 148, 202, 204, 234-238) at least partially enclosing extruder housing (12b, 12f, 12g), wherein the extruder housing (12b, 12f , 12g) in the radial direction (140) to the conveying element (14b, 16b, 126, 148, 202, 204, 234 - 238) has a guide clearance (138) for guiding at least one fiber strand (34b, 34f, 34g).

10. multi-shaft extruder device according to claim 6 to 9, characterized by a core (142b, 142d, 142f, 142g) and conveying element (14b, 14d, 16b, 16d, 126, 148, 202, 204, 234-238) arranged filling gap (144 ), wherein in the filling gap (144) an additive (28b, 28d, 28g) can be introduced.

11. multi-shaft extruder device according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one conveying element (70g) by a rotary movement, the additive (28g) in the radial direction (140) to the extruder housing (12g) transports.

12. multi-screw extruder device according to claim 11, characterized in that the conveying element is designed as a return conveyor element (70g).

13. Multi-shaft extruder device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by an axis (18), along which an input area (20a, 20g) and a wetting area (22a, 22b, 22g) are arranged.

14. Multi-shaft extruder device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a pre-impregnation device (182) which is intended to impregnate fiber strands (34e) before feeding the fiber strands (34e) into at least one fiber strand feed unit (32e).

15. Multi-screw extruder device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a widened extruder housing portion (84) having a widened radial distance (86) to the extruder housing (12a) between at least one Förderelementaußen- diameter (82) and an inner wall (88) of an extruder housing (12a ) with respect to a further extruder housing section (90).

16 multi-screw extruder device according to claim 15, characterized in that the widened extruder housing portion (84) in the region of the Faserstrangzuführeinheit (32 a) is arranged.

17. The multi-shaft extruder apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the widened extruder barrel portion (84, 206) extends beyond the fiber strand feeding unit (32b, 32f) by a distance 3 to 6 times an outer diameter of the conveying member (82) an axial conveying direction (74b, 74f) extends.

18. multi-shaft extruder device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a Radialabstandsreduzierung (256) is provided, which is stepped or conical.

19. Multi-shaft extruder device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one delivery element (204) arranged in a discharge and delivery region (24), which splits the fiber strands (34f) at least into predetermined lengths.

20. A multi-shaft extruder apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a feed unit (168), the preimpregnated cut fibers (170) prior to feeding a fiber strand (34c) in the Faserstrangzuführeinheit (32c) on at least one fiber strand (34c) applies.

21. Multi-shaft extruder device according to claim 21, characterized in that the preimpregnated cut fibers (170) with the fiber strand (34c) in the Faserstrangzuführeinheit (32c) are introduced.

22. Multi-shaft extruder device at least according to claim 6, characterized by at least one conveying element unit (180) through which at least two conveying elements (14d, 16d) can be combined to form a functional unit.

23. Multi-shaft extruder device according to claim 22, characterized by, at least one conveying element position (174), which is intended to be designed as conveyor element empty positions (176, 178).

24. A method for operating a multi-shaft extruder device with a fiber strand feed unit (32b, 32c, 32g) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at at least two locations (128, 130, 160-166, 252) of an extruder housing (12b, 12c, 12g) fiber strands (34b, 34c, 34g) are fed into a process space (136).

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the fiber strands (34b, 34f, 34g) in a guide free space (138) of at least one conveying element (14b, 16b, 126, 148, 202, 204, 234 - 238) at least partially enclosing Extruder housing (12b, 12f, 12g) extending in the radial direction (140) to the conveying element (14b, 16, 126, 148, 202, 204, 234 - 238) are guided.

26. Multi-shaft extruder device according to claim 24 and 25, characterized in that an addition substance (28b, 28f, 28g) is introduced into a core (142b, 142d, 142f, 142g) and at least one conveying element (14b, 14d, 16b, 16d , 126, 148, 202, 204, 234 - 238) arranged filling gap (144) is introduced.

27. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fiber strands (34f) in at least one conveying element (204) of a discharge and conveying region (24) are divided into predetermined lengths.