WO2015028360A1

WO2015028360A1 - Device and method for producing multi-component materials

Info

Publication number: WO2015028360A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/067703
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Hochrein
Original assignee: Skz-Kfe Ggmbh Kunststoff-Forschung Und -Entwicklung
Priority date: 2013-08-30
Filing date: 2014-08-20
Publication date: 2015-03-05
Also published as: DE102013217323A1; DE102013217323B4

Abstract

The invention relates to an extrusion device (1) for producing multi-component materials having a radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution, comprising: at least one first feed opening (2) for feeding a first material component (3) into a conveyor channel (4); a conveying means (8), which extends along a conveying direction (7), for conveying at least the first material component (3) inside the conveying channel (4) that extends along the conveying direction (7); at least one second feed opening (5) for feeding a second material component (6) into the conveying channel (4); and a directing means (23), which is arranged downstream of the conveying means (8), for producing a helically layered component mixture (25). The directing means (23) can be driven such that the directing means (23) rotates about a rotation axis (11) and has at least one directing hole (28), through which at least the first material component (3) passes along the conveying direction (7). At least one homogenisation means (43) is also provided, which is arranged downstream of the directing means (23), which homogenization means (43) is arranged coaxially to the rotation axis (11), and has a plurality of homogenisation holes (44), through which the component mixture (25) passes axially.

Description

Apparatus and method for the production of multi-component materials

The content of German Patent Application 10 2012 217 323.7 is incorporated herein by reference.

The invention relates to an extrusion device for the production of multi-component materials with a radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a process for the production of multi-component materials with a radial and rotationally symmetric concentration distribution. The invention is also directed to a multi-component material.

Multi-component materials are known which do not have a homogeneous material composition or filler distribution along a component dimension but a heterogeneous distribution. Such multicomponent materials are gradient materials, also termed "Functional Graded Materials" (FGM). "In gradient materials, the material composition does not change abruptly in the form of a step function, but monotonically and continuously The grading of multi-component materials leads to a continuous variation of all important thermomechanical characteristics, such as modulus of elasticity, thermal expansion coefficient, fracture toughness and strength mechanical properties the optimal adaptation of a property curve in materials to external requirements. requirements. Graduated components can have functional properties which can not be achieved by a direct material transition. Design aspects through selected color gradients also play a role here. Devices for the production of multi-component materials with a certain concentration distribution of the components involved are known in various designs. By means of known devices only multi-component materials can be produced with a gradient direction. In known processes, for example, special melt profiles are generated from a base polymer and a filled compound material, which are mixed by a mixing unit in such a way that only one gradient direction and one homogeneous filler distribution perpendicular to the flow direction result (compare Yong-Bin Zhu et al., A Eng. Eng., 2006, 291, 1388-1396). However, due to the process principle, the method is only suitable for multi-component materials with a gradient direction.

There is also known an apparatus for producing multi-component materials with a radial concentration distribution in which a slot die on an extruder produces a melt film which can be wound on a shaft. If the material composition is varied during this process, round material with a radial concentration distribution can be produced (cf Gang Wu et al., Preparation and structural study of polypropylene-talc gradient materials, Polym. Int., 2004 53, 749-755). Disadvantage of such a device is that a winding core is needed and thus either a material without concentration distribution or alternatively a cavity is present in the core. Endless- round material is not producible with such device and method.

It is disadvantageous that it is not possible with the known devices and methods to produce endless multi-component materials with a radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution.

The object of the invention is to provide a device with which multi-component materials with a radial and rotationally symmetric concentration distribution of the involved material components can be produced, wherein the multicomponent materials should also be producible as continuous products. The device should be quickly and structurally easy to adapt to changes in the desired concentration distributions of each end product.

This object is achieved by an extrusion device with the features of claim 1. According to the invention, it has been recognized that an extrusion apparatus for producing multi-component materials having at least one first feed opening for feeding a first material component into a conveying channel, a conveying means extending along a conveying direction for conveying at least the first material component within the along the conveying direction extending delivery channel and at least one second feed opening for supplying a second material component in the conveyor channel is then suitable for generating a radial and rotationally symmetric concentration distribution, when a downstream of the conveyor arranged Leitmittel is provided to produce a spirally layered component mixture, which rotationally driven about a rotation axis and at least one lead aperture for occurs at least the first material component along the conveying direction. In addition, according to the invention, the extrusion device comprises at least one homogenizing means arranged downstream of the guide means, which is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation and has a plurality of homogenization openings for the axial passage of the component mixture. By means of the extrusion device according to the invention, it is possible to produce a material which is homogeneous in the axial direction, this multi-component material having a defined profile of a radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution. Preferably, the throughput of at least the first material component along the conveying direction is adjustable by the design of the guide means and thus the concentration ratio or the concentration profile of the first material component and the second material component can be changed. The design of the conductive agent may differ, for example, with regard to the number, position and geometric contour of the guide openings. Also, the design of the conductive agent may vary in thickness. The guide means preferably has a circular outer contour, wherein a diameter of the guide means is tuned to an inner diameter of the conveying channel. The guide means may be formed, for example, as a circular perforated disc or pinhole. Advantageously, the guide means downstream of the conveyor and immediately adjacent to this along the conveyor channel is arranged. The conveying means is preferably a conveying screw, which feeds at least the first material component axially to the guiding means along the conveying direction. Alternatively, the conveyor could also be a melt pump. The first material component can be supplied to the conveying means in a plasticized state. With appropriate design of the conveyor is alternatively also a melting of at least the first material component possible. Preferably, the second material component can already be supplied to the delivery channel in a molten state via the at least one second supply opening. The first feed opening for feeding the first material component into the feed channel is preferably provided in the region of the feed screw. Downstream of the conductive agent is achieved by the homogenizing agent, a concentric mixing of the helically stacked by the conductive component mixture. The use of the homogenizing agent thus makes it possible to achieve a circular mixing effect on the peripheral lines of the component mixture. By the homogenizing agent, a homogeneous mixing of the vortex structure of the component mixture can be achieved without the radial rotation symmetric concentration distribution is changed. Suitable homogenizing agents are, for example, (filter) sieves, perforated plates or similar tubular structures. Also, the homogenizing agent preferably has a circular outer contour, wherein a diameter of the homogenizing agent is adapted to an inner diameter of the conveying channel. Both the conducting agent and the homogenizing agent are arranged in the extrusion apparatus in such a way that replacement or replacement of the conducting agent or of the homogenizing agent is simply possible. Advantageously, the second feed opening for supplying the second material component is arranged in the conveying channel downstream immediately adjacent to the guide means. In principle, it is also possible to arrange both the first feed opening and the second feed opening upstream of the guide means in the region of the conveying means. Downstream of the homogenizing agent, the extrusion device has a nozzle for discharging the multi-component material with radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution. With the invention Extrusion device, it is also possible to homogenize more than two material components.

An apparatus according to claim 2 enables a particularly good homogenization of the material components by the rotary drive of the homogenizing agent. The axis of rotation of the homogenizing agent is preferably congruent with the axis of rotation of the conductive agent. Rotation speeds of the homogenizing agent and the conductive agent are advantageously adaptable to the materials to be homogenized.

An apparatus according to claim 3 enables a precise control of the extrusion device and thus a targeted influencing of the material properties of the multi-component materials producible with the device according to the invention. Due to the independent drive of the conductive agent and the homogenizing agent, the radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution and the concentration ratio of the material components are adjustable. On the other hand, a degree of homogenization is adjustable. The drive of the conductive agent and / or the homogenizing agent can be achieved, for example, by introducing a movement at the circumference or at the center of the conductive agent or the homogenizing agent. It is possible, for example, to derive the rotational movements of the conductive agent or of the homogenizing agent from a rotational movement of the conveying means. Thus, it is possible, for example, to provide a drive hollow shaft for the guide means with drive shaft mounted therein for the homogenizer. Also peripherally arranged to the homogenizing agent or the guide means drives are structurally simple to implement. An apparatus according to claim 4 allows a particularly flexible choice of the degree of homogenization or the concentration ratio of the material components. The variable drive of the conductive agent or of the homogenizing agent along two directions of rotation about the axis of rotation is possible by drive elements which can be controlled independently of one another or by a common drive device.

A device according to claim 5 ensures a controllable generation of a spirally stratified component mixture, which is realized particularly simply in terms of its design. The axial supply of at least the first material component to the guide means is preferably carried out by the conveying means, which is designed as a screw conveyor and axially feeds the first material component along the conveying direction of the guide means.

An apparatus according to claim 6 enables a targeted supply of the second material component to the first material component and the achievement of a vortex structure of the component mixture downstream of the conductive agent. Advantageously, the second feed opening is provided axially immediately adjacent to the guide means in the extrusion apparatus and introduces the second material component from the outside radially into the feed channel. Preferably, at least two supply openings are provided for feeding the second material component. The feed openings are preferably arranged equidistant from each other radially to the conveyor channel.

An apparatus according to claim 7 enables a simultaneous melting of the first material component and the second material component. component by means of the conveying means along the conveying direction. In this way, it is possible to dispense with a coextruder for separately melting the second material component outside the delivery channel. An apparatus according to claim 8 allows a simultaneous promotion of the first material component and the second material component by the conveying means along the conveying direction. In this case, the at least one first feed opening and the at least one second feed opening upstream of the guide means are to be provided in the extrusion apparatus in such a way that each of the feed openings is assigned to a specific thread turn of the feed worm. This ensures that the respective material component can only be metered into the thread associated therewith. The guide means is to be designed such that at least one guide aperture for the passage of the first material component and a second guide aperture for the passage of the second material component along the conveying direction is provided. It is also possible to use more than two material components with a correspondingly multi-start screw conveyor. It is also possible, for example, for two material components to be fed axially to the guide means by means of a screw conveyor with two threads, and for a third feed component to be arranged downstream of the guide means for feeding a third material component.

An apparatus according to claim 9 further improves the homogenization of the component mixture and improves the storage of the individual homogenizing agent in the delivery channel.

A device according to claim 10 provides the ability to save storage elements in the conveyor channel, not the homogenization process serve. Secondary homogenizing agents rigid with respect to the axis of rotation are useful for stabilizing rotationally drivable homogenizing agents or the conducting agent. Additional homogenizing agents may further receive a pressure of a melt stream of the component mixture onto the conducting agent or the homogenizing agent.

An apparatus according to claim 1 1 is a structurally particularly simple solution for stabilizing and storing the conductive agent and for receiving a pressure of the melt stream.

A device according to claims 12 and 13 enables the simultaneous feeding of different material components directly into the guide means. This allows a reduction of the space required by the device according to the invention. The structural design of the device is further simplified.

Another object of the invention is to provide a process for the production of multi-component materials with a radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution, which in particular enables the production of multi-component materials as endless goods. Here, the concentration distribution of the produced multi-component material is particularly fast and easy to adapt to different applications of the multi-component material. This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 14. By providing an extrusion device according to the invention, feeding the first material component and the second material component into the conveying channel, conveying at least the first material component along the conveying direction up to the guiding medium. tel, guiding at least the first material component through the at least one conductive opening of the conductive material along the conveying direction, producing a spirally layered component mixture of the material components by means of the conductive agent and guiding the component mixture along the conveying direction through the plurality of homogenization openings the homogenizing agent enables the generation of a radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution in the component mixture. The method can also be developed with the features of claims 2 to 13. The method can be used in particular for the field of gradient materials in plastics processing for all thermoplastically processable materials. However, other applications are conceivable in which plastic masses are processed. Examples are an application in food extrusion, in ceramic materials or in the field of pharmacy.

A method according to claim 15 enables a structurally simple solution for producing a spirally stratified component mixture. If it is necessary to melt the second material component before it is fed into the delivery channel, this melting is preferably carried out outside the extrusion apparatus by a coextruder.

A method according to claim 16 enables a common melting of the material components by means of the conveying means. On one

Coextruder for melting the second material component can be dispensed with. It is also advantageous to supply both material components to the conveyor already in a plasticized state. A further object is to provide a multi-component material which extends along a main extension direction with a length suitable for any desired applications and has a variably adjustable radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution.

This object is achieved by a multi-component material according to claim 17. Characterized in that the multi-component material comprises a first material component and a second material component, wherein a concentration distribution of the material components extends radially and rotationally symmetrical with respect to the main extension direction and the multi-component material along the main extension direction has a length of at least 10 meters , in particular at least 30 meters, in particular at least 50 meters, in particular at least 100 meters, the multi-component material is suitable for a variety of different applications. Preferably, the multi-component material is present as a continuous endless product. Possible applications of the multi-component material include, for example, use as waveguides for millimeter / submillimeter and terahertz wave applications. Terahertz waveguides consist, for example, of a polymer core and a cladding of a second polymer, the refractive index of the core being greater than that of the cladding.

Inventive multi-component materials can also be used as tubes and profiles, in particular in the field of semi-finished products for the production of products by functional analytical separation. So can For example, stabilizer content and fillers are adjusted as a function of the wall thickness and are thus used optimally in accordance with the prevailing principles of action, for example penetration depths. Multi-component materials can also be used in the use of colorants or effect pigments to achieve special color effects or gradients. For example, a concentric color gradient can be generated in components and semi-finished products. Gradual color gradients within a component can indicate the wear on a surface by a color change as a result of a Schichtabtrags.

The multi-component materials according to the invention can also be used as environmentally sensitive components. Similar to bimetallic strips, special mechanical properties can be achieved by combination of materials, which are dependent on factors such as temperature. Thus, it is possible to produce a multi-component material from an unfilled and heavily filled / reinforced material. This then reacts due to the different thermal expansion coefficients to temperature fluctuations in the form of deformation. The same can be achieved when using a superabsorbent as a filler for a material component of the multi-component material for the action of water or liquid.

Another example of the use of the multi-component material according to the invention consists in gradient foams or gradient resistances. If, for example, one material component with blowing agent and another material component without blowing agent are used in the production of the multi-component material, the pore density / size can be varied over the cross section. Such are, for example Components with a foam core and a shell or a solid core and a porous surface or a solid core and shell with an intermediate foam layer produced. Along with this, a hardness in the direction of the concentration distribution can also be varied. By admixing electrically conductive additives or fillers in a material component of the inventive multi-component material with adjustable resistance values can be provided. For example, a conductive core with insulator material or vice versa is providable.

A multi-component material according to claim 18 makes it possible to provide an endless product which has a continuous or constant concentration distribution along the main extension direction, as a result of which the multi-component material has constant material properties over its entire longitudinal extent.

Further features, advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments. Show it:

Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the extrusion apparatus for the production of multi-component materials.

Fig. 2 is a view of the extrusion apparatus of Figure 1 in a rotated by 90 ° view from above. 3 is a sectional view of the extrusion device according to section line III-III in Fig. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view, corresponding to FIG. 3, of the extrusion device with a schematic representation of two material components as dots of different shading; FIG.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the extrusion apparatus according to section line V-V in FIG. 1; FIG.

6 is an isolated perspective view of a first embodiment of a conductive means of the extrusion apparatus according to FIGS. 1 to 5;

7 shows a view of the guide means according to FIG. 6 in a view from the front;

8 is an isolated perspective view of an embodiment variant of a homogenizing agent of the

Extrusion device according to FIGS. 1 to 5;

9 is a view of the homogenizing agent according to FIG.

8 in a front view;

10 is an isolated view of a second embodiment of a guiding means of the extrusion apparatus according to FIGS. 1 to 5 in a view from the front; an isolated view of a third embodiment of a conductive agent of Extmsions device according to Figures 1 to 5 in a front view. an isolated view of a fourth embodiment of a conductive agent of Extmsions device according to Figures 1 to 5 in a front view. a schematic side view of a second embodiment of an Extmsions device for the production of multi-component materials; a schematic side view of a third embodiment of an Extmsions device for the production of multi-component materials; a view of a multi-component material with radial and rotationally symmetric concentration distribution from the front and a diagram illustrating the concentration distribution; a side view of the multi-component material of FIG. 15; 17 is an isolated view of a fifth embodiment of a guide means of the extender device in a front view; FIG. 18 shows a view of the guide means according to FIG. 17 in a view from the side; FIG.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the guide means of FIGS. 17 and 18; FIG.

FIG. 20 shows a view of the guide means according to FIGS. 17 to 19 in a rear view; FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the guide means of FIGS.

17 to 20 according to section line XXI-XXI in Fig. 18; and

Fig. 22 is a sectional view of the guide means of FIGS.

17 to 21 according to section line ΧΧΠ-ΧΧΠ in Fig. 19.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. An extrusion device 1 comprises a first feed opening 2 for feeding a first material component 3 into a feed channel 4 and a second feed opening 5 for feeding a second material component 6 into the feed channel 4. Alternatively, it is also possible that in each case two or more feed openings 2, 5 are provided for supplying the material components 3, 6. The first material component 3 and the second material component 6 are shown schematically in FIG. 4 by dots of different shading. The extrusion apparatus 1 serves to produce a multi-component material 66 having a radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution of the first material component 3 and the second material component 6. Such a multi-component material 66 is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , Within the conveying channel 4, the material components 3, 6 along a conveying direction 7, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings by the directional arrow 7, can be conveyed.

In its first embodiment variant, the extrusion device 1 comprises a conveying means 8, which conveys the first material component 3 within the conveying channel 4. The conveyor 8 is a per se known auger with a thread 9. The conveyor screw 8 is guided radially in a worm cylinder 10 and about a rotational axis 1 1 rotationally driven by a first drive device 12. The drive device 12 is indicated only schematically in FIGS. 1 to 5. The drive device 12 is, for example, an electric motor or the like known per se, which sets a drive disk in rotation.

In the first embodiment of the extrusion device 1, the drive of the screw conveyor 8 via a driven pulley 13, which is rotatably connected to a first end portion 14 of the screw conveyor 8. The driven pulley 13 can be driven by the drive pulley of the drive device 12, for example by means of a drive belt or directly by interlocking toothed outer contours of drive pulley or driven pulley. As can be seen from the sectional views according to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the conveyor screw 8 is supported radially by a bearing device 15. The bearing device 15 has for this purpose per se known ball bearings 16, which is a rotation of the screw conveyor 8 about the rotation axis 1 first allow. The bearing device 15 is flanged to a first end face 17 of the worm cylinder 10.

The worm cylinder 10 extends along the axis of rotation 11 or the conveying direction 7 and has a nominal diameter which corresponds to an outer diameter of the conveyor worm 8. According to the first embodiment variant, the first feed opening 2 is arranged on the screw cylinder 10 adjacent to the first end face 17. A feeding direction of the first material component 3 illustrated by the directional arrow 18 in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 extends transversely to the rotation axis 11 or to the conveying direction 7. In the region of the second end face 19 of the first end face 17 facing away from the first end face 17 Screw cylinder 10 are provided according to the first embodiment of the extrusion device 1, no supply openings.

The screw conveyor 8 has different areas in a conventional manner. Thus, a first region 20 of the screw conveyor 8 adjacent to the first feed opening 2 preferably serves for melting the first material component 3 and a second region 21, which adjoins the first region 20 in the conveying direction 7, preferably for compressing the first material component 3. The final detail design the screw conveyor 8 depends on the material components to be processed. The screw conveyor 8 can be driven by the first drive device 12 along a first direction of rotation 22. The direction of rotation 22 indicates the conveying direction of the material components 3, 6 from the bearing device 15 downstream in the direction of a guide means 23. The first drive device 12 may also be such with a corresponding structural design be formed that in addition to a drive along the first direction of rotation 22 and a drive along a second direction of rotation 26 allows. In the embodiment of the extrusion apparatus 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 5, the guide means 23 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner via a coupling member 24 to the conveyor screw 8. The guide means 23 is therefore also by the first drive device 12 in rotation about the axis of rotation 1 1 displaceable. The guide means 23 serves to produce a spirally layered component mixture 25. The connection of the coupling member 24 and guide means 23 is detachable.

In principle, it is also conceivable that the guide means 23 alternatively has a separate drive. Thus, the guide means 23 could alternatively, for example, be in rotary connection at its circumference with a drive disk, which can be driven by a drive motor.

The guide means 23, which is shown in detail according to a first embodiment variant in FIGS. 6 and 7, is arranged in the region of the second end face 19 of the worm cylinder 10 in the conveying channel 4. A radial outer contour of the guide means 23 is therefore adapted to an inner contour of the worm cylinder 10 in the region of the second end face 19 in the first embodiment. Axially with respect to the axis of rotation 1 1, the guide means 23 in the direction of screw conveyor 8 also by the screw cylinder 10 and on the other side facing away from the screw conveyor 8 by a feed cylinder 27 which defines the conveyor channel 4 downstream of the guide means 23. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first embodiment of the guide means 23 has four guide openings 28 for the passage of the first material component 3 along the conveying direction 7. The first material component 3 is the axial direction of the guide means 23 by the screw conveyor 8. The number and shape of the guide openings 28 is merely a first embodiment. Further variants will be described later. In principle, the shape and number of guide apertures are to be selected as a function of the desired radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution.

In the embodiment shown according to FIGS. 6 and 7, the guide openings 28 are arranged equidistantly spaced from each other with respect to the axis of rotation 11. The guide openings extend along the axis of rotation 1 1 from a first end face 29 of the guide means 23 running adjacent to the conveyor worm 8 to a second end face 30 facing the feed cylinder 27. In the embodiment variant according to FIGS. 6 and 7, FIGS Guide apertures 28 in cross section considered a triangular contour, with a spanned by the triangular contour passage area of the first end face 29 in the direction of the second end face 30 increases continuously. The passage surfaces extend transversely to the axis of rotation 1 1.

In the region of the axis of rotation 1 1, the guide means 23 has a central opening 31, which forms a hub for the rotationally fixed connection of the guide means 23 to the coupling member 24. For this purpose, the central aperture 31 has a plurality of grooves 32, which cooperate with matching keys of the coupling member 24. Instead of keyways, a toothing on an outer contour of the coupling member 24 may be provided. The central aperture 31 is preferably formed as a recess which extends along the axis of rotation 1 1, starting from the first end face 29 only partially through the guide means 23 and this does not fully penetrate.

Due to the design of the guide openings 28 with a triangular passage area, a high concentration of the first material component 3 can be achieved after passage of the first material component 3 through the guide means 11 in the area of the rotation axis 1 1, whereas radially from the rotation axis 1 1 a low concentration of the first material component 3 is present. As described above, the concentration ratios can be changed by appropriate selection of the conductive agent 23 and the conductive openings 28. Further exemplary embodiments of the guide means 23 are shown in FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 17 to 22. Thus, FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment variant of a conducting means 33 with only one guiding opening 34. The third embodiment variant of a conducting means 35 according to FIG. 11, on the other hand, has a multiplicity of conducting openings 36. The fourth embodiment variant of a conducting means 37 according to FIG. 12 also has a plurality of guide openings 38, which differ in their geometric shape from their inner contour from the other embodiment variants. The fifth embodiment according to FIGS. 17 to 22 will be described later in detail.

The guide means 23 is arranged in the extrusion apparatus 1 such that replacement of the guide means 23 by another conducting means, for example one of the alternative conducting means 33, 35, 37, is easily possible. In the conveying direction 7 downstream of the guide means 23 of the conveying channel 4 is enclosed by the feed cylinder 27. From the sectional views according to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, it can be seen that the feed cylinder 27 is formed in two parts and has two cylinder sections 39, 40, which are arranged axially adjacent to one another. The second feed opening 5 for feeding the second material component 6 into the feed channel 4 is provided in the feed cylinder 27. A feed direction of the second material component 6 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 by the directional arrow 42 extends transversely to the conveying direction 7 or to the axis of rotation 11, respectively.

For exchanging the guide means 23, the worm cylinder 10 and the first cylinder section 39 are displaceable relative to one another along the axis of rotation 1 1. By separating the worm cylinder 10 and the first cylinder part section 39 in the region of the second end face 19 of the worm cylinder 10, the guide means 23 can be removed from the device 1 in the conveying direction 7. In the axial direction is followed along the conveying direction 7 to the feed cylinder 27 downstream of a homogenizing 43, which is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation 1 1 and a plurality of homogenization perforations 44 for the axial passage of the component mixture 25.

In the conveying direction 7 between the guide means 23 and the homogenizing means 43, the conveying channel 4 forms a swirling section 45, in which a vortex-shaped layer structure of the first material component 3 and the second material component 6 is present. The homogenizing means 43 in the first embodiment variant of the extraction device 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 5 is designed so that it can be driven to rotate about the axis of rotation 1 1. As an alternative, it is basically also conceivable for the homogenizing means 43 to be arranged stationary coaxially with the axis of rotation 11.

In the embodiment variant according to FIGS. 1 to 5, the homogenizing means 43 is driven by a second drive device 46 which is indicated schematically in FIG. 1 and which is controllable independently of the first drive device 12. The drive device 46 is, for example, a known electric motor or the like, which sets a drive shaft in rotation. This drive shaft is circulated by a drive belt. The drive belt rotates next to the drive shaft of the drive device 46, a freely rotatable attached to the Extmsions device 1 output shaft 47. The output shaft 47 has an output shaft longitudinal axis 65 which is parallel to the axis of rotation 1 1 runs. The output shaft 47 is force-transmitting with a Homogenisimgs-Lagemng 48 in connection, whereby a rotation of the drive shaft of the drive device 46 in a rotation of the Homogenisgemngsmittels 43 is about the axis of rotation 1 1 convertible. The Homogenisiemngsmittel-Lagemng 48 is rotatably connected to the Homogenisiemngsmittel 43 and arranged along the conveying direction 7 between two bearing means 41, 53. To stabilize the bearing means 41, 53 against each other, stabilizing elements 70 are provided which extend in the conveying direction 7 between the bearing means 41, 53 and support them against each other.

The homogenizing means 43 can be seen in detail in FIGS. 8 and 9. The homogenizing agent 43 has a turbulence section 45 associated first end face 49 and the Verwirbelungs- section 45 facing away from the second end face 50. The homogenization openings 44 extend in a channel-shaped manner parallel to the axis of rotation 1 1 from the first end face 49 to the second end face 50. FIGS. 8 and 9 are further radially spaced from the axis of rotation 11.

To remove apertures 51, which serve for a rotationally fixed attachment of the homogenizing agent 43 in the homogenizer storage 48. By means of the homogenizing agent 43, optimum homogenization of the component mixture 25 can be achieved. A degree of homogenization is adaptable through the choice of homogenizer 43 and the arrangement and nature of homogenization breakthroughs 44. In principle, different geometries of the homogenization openings 44 are conceivable, for example circular, honeycomb, slot or elliptical contours.

The homogenizing agent 43 is arranged in the extender device 1 in such a way that replacement or replacement of the homogenizing agent 43 by another homogenizing agent, for example with differently arranged homogenizing perforations 44, is possible. For a replacement of the homogenizing agent 43, a connection between the first bearing means 41 and the second bearing means 53 is to be solved. Subsequently, the homogenizing agent 43 is to be released from the homogenizing agent storage 48 and removed therefrom.

In the conveying direction 7 downstream of the homogenizing means 43, the conveying channel 4 is radially bounded on the circumference by an output cylinder 52. The output cylinder 52 is stationary in the Extmsions device 1 stationarily supported by the bearing means 53. A nozzle 55 for discharging the homogenized component mixture 56 adjoins the delivery cylinder 52 at an end region 54 which is axially spaced from the homogenization means 43.

The operation of the extrusion device 1 is as follows:

To describe the function of the extrusion device 1 for producing a multi-component material 66 with a radial and rotationally symmetric concentration distribution, it is assumed that the extrusion device 1 is present as described above according to FIGS. 1 to 5. First, the first material component 3 is then fed via the first feed opening 2 into the conveying channel 4. The first material component 3 is preferably a plastic material which is supplied to the conveying channel 4 in granular or powdery form. In principle, all thermoplastically processable materials can be used here. Subsequently, the first material component 3 is conveyed along the conveying direction 7 by the screw conveyor 8 and melted. The first material component 3 is conveyed along the conveying direction 7 up to the guide means 23. The first material component 3 is then conveyed under pressure along the conveying direction 7 through the guide openings 28 of the guide means 23. The pressure for flowing through the material component 3 by the guide means 23 is generated by the screw conveyor 8. Through the second feed opening 5, the second material component 6 is supplied to the conveying channel 4 downstream of the guide means 23. The second material component 6 may be either a plastic melt which has already been melted by a coextruder, not shown, before the second material component 6 is passed through the second feed opening 5, or a granular or powdery material. Advantageously, the second material component 6 has properties deviating from the first material component 3, for example deviating physical properties or a deviating color design. By caused by the first drive device 12 rotation of the guide means 23 and the radial supply of the second material component 6 in the delivery channel 4 immediately downstream of the guide means 23, a spiral layered component mixture 25 in the Verwirungsungsab section 45 of the delivery channel 4 is reached.

The spirally layered component mixture 25 is now guided along the conveying direction 7 through the homogenization openings 44 of the rotationally driven homogenizing means 43. As a result, a homogeneous, radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution in the component mixture 25 is achieved. In the conveying channel 4 in the region of the output cylinder 52 there is then a homogenized component mixture 56 with a radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution, which is discharged through the nozzle 55 as an endless multi-component material 66.

This endless multi-component material 66 is shown schematically in FIGS. 15 and 16. Fig. 15 shows the multi-component material 66 in a view centrally from the front. Fig. 16 shows the endless multi-component material 66 from the side. The multiple Component material 66 has a radius R and a length L.

As shown in FIG. 15, the first material component 3 has a high concentration in a central region 67. Radially spaced from the central region 67 to an outer surface 68, the second material component 6 predominates. FIG. 15 also shows a diagram from which a portion A of the first material component 3 on the multi-component material 66 can be taken along the radius R.

The concentration distribution of the material components 3, 6 extends radially and rotationally symmetrically with respect to a main extension direction 69. Along the main extension direction 69, the concentration distribution runs continuously or consistently. The length L of the continuous multi-component material 66 can be selected as desired. The length L is preferably at least 10 meters, in particular at least 30 meters, in particular at least 50 meters, in particular at least 100 meters. The actual length L is based on the particular field of application on which the multi-component material 66 is to be used.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. Structurally identical parts are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, to the description of which reference is hereby made. Structurally different parts receive the same reference numerals with a following a. The extrusion apparatus 1 a is used to produce multi-component materials with a radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution. The essential difference to the Extmsions device 1 according to the first embodiment is that the first supply port 2 and the second supply port 5 downstream of the guide means 23 are arranged net. For this reason, according to the second embodiment, a conveying means 8a in the form of a screw conveyor with two threads 9a, 57 is used, wherein each of the material components 3, 6 a thread 9a, 57 is assigned. In this case, the first thread 9a of the first material component 3 and the second thread 57 of the second material component 6 is assigned. The material components 3, 6 are the lead 23 via the respective associated thread 9a, 57 separately fed axially.

The advantages of using a screw conveyor 8a having a plurality of threads 9a, 57 come into play especially when the second material component 6 has to be melted to produce the multi-component material. Such a melting of the second material component 6 then need not take place before being fed into the conveying channel 4 in a coextruder, but can be carried out together with the first material component 3 in the conveying channel 4 by the conveying screw 8a.

Another difference of the Extmsions-device la consists in the drive of the Homogenisgemngsmittels 43 by the drive device 46 a. A rotatable about the axis of rotation 1 1 drive shaft 58 of the screw conveyor 8a is formed as a hollow shaft, which is rotatably connected to the guide means 23. In the drive shaft 58 a along the axis of rotation 1 1 extending homogenizing drive shaft 59 is arranged. The homogenizing drive shaft 59 is non-rotatable with the Homogenisiemngsmittel 43 connected and can put this in rotation about the axis of rotation 1 1. The end 60 of the homogenization drive shaft 59, which is at a distance from the homogenization means 43, is rotationally drivable by the drive device 46a. Alternatively, it is also possible to form the drive shaft 58 not as a hollow shaft but as a shaft made of a solid material, wherein the homogenizing agent 43 would then be driven according to the extrusion device 1 from the outside.

As a result of this configuration, the conducting means 23 and the homogenizing means 43 can be driven in rotation independently of one another about the axis of rotation 1 1. The guide means 23 and the homogenization means 43 are optionally rotationally drivable along the first direction of rotation 22 or the second direction of rotation 26 about the axis of rotation 1 1. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that both the guide means 23 and the homogenizing means 43 are designed by the drive shaft 58 of the screw conveyor 8a in rotation about the axis of rotation 1 1 displaceable.

FIGS. 17 to 22 show a fifth embodiment of a conductive means 71, which is suitable for the separate passage of two material components. The guide means 71 has four first guide openings 72 for the passage of the first material component 3 and / or second material component 6 along the conveying direction 7 and four second guide openings 73 for the passage of a further material component along the conveying direction 7. The guide means 71 also has a central aperture or -ausnehmung 31, as described in connection with the first embodiment of the conductive agent 23. The conducting means 71 can in principle be used both in the extrusion apparatus 1 according to the first Th variant embodiment as well as in the extrusion device la according to the second embodiment find application.

The first guide openings 72 extend from a first end face 74 of the guide means 71 to a second end face 75. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 17 to 22, the guide openings 72 have a triangular contour in cross-section. However, the triangular geometry is chosen only as an example. The first material component 3 and / or second material component 6 can be fed to the first guide openings 72 along a feed direction illustrated by the directional arrow 78.

The second guide openings 73 extend, starting from the second end face 75, in regions in the direction of the first end face 74, wherein the second guide openings 73 do not extend to the first end face 74 but each lead radially outward via lateral feed openings 76. A feed direction of the further material component illustrated by the directional arrow 79 runs transversely to the conveying direction 7.

Due to the four lateral feed openings 76, the further material component 6 is the side of the guide means 71 zugebbar. In the guide means 71, the further material component is deflected in the conveying direction 7 and emerges in the conveying direction 7 from the conducting means 71. The lateral Zuführöffnun- gene 76 are slit-like. Along the conveying direction 7, the second guide openings 73, viewed in cross-section, have a triangular contour. The four lateral feed openings 76 are each offset by 90 ° with respect to the axis of rotation 1 1 and in flat basin-like depressions 77 on the outer periphery of the guide means 71st intended. The guide means 71, for example, according to the guide means 23 by the first drive device 12 in rotation about the axis of rotation 1 1 displaceable. In contrast, radial addition points of the further material component are formed fixed from the outside. By arranging the lateral feed openings 76 in each case in one of the basin-like recesses 77, a continuous supply of the further material component 6 is made possible. The first material component 3 and / or second material component 6, on the one hand, and the other material component, on the other hand, do not come into contact until they exit at the second end face 75.

It is alternatively possible to design the conductive means 71 such that a plurality of further material components can be fed laterally into the conductive means 71. In this case, it is not absolutely necessary for a material component to flow through the conducting means 71 in the conveying direction 7.

Fig. 14 shows a third embodiment of the invention. Structurally identical parts are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, to the description of which reference is hereby made. Structurally different parts receive the same reference numerals with a following b. Fig. 14 shows schematically a section of the conveying channel 4 of the extrusion apparatus 1b.

Notwithstanding the embodiments explained above in detail, it is also conceivable that a plurality of homogenizing means 43b are provided, which are arranged along the axis of rotation 1 1 and coaxial with this in a Homogenisierungsmittel-row 61. In-line homogenizing means 43b have the advantage of further improved homogenization of the component mixture 25. Furthermore, the homogenizing means 43b are supported in a homogenizing agent row 61 axially from each other and thus improve the storage of the respective homogenizing agent 43b.

In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the extrusion apparatus 1b in addition to the homogenizer row 61 still has a stabilizing means 62, which is arranged along the axis of rotation 1 1 immediately adjacent to the guide means 23 and downstream of the same. The stabilizing means 62 has openings 63 corresponding to the through openings 28 for the passage of the material components 3, 6. The stabilizing means 62 is arranged stationarily in the conveying channel 4 and serves by means of a rolling bearing 64 for the radial support of the drive shaft 58 or the homogenizing agent drive shaft 59. The individual homogenizing means 43b of the homogenizing agent row 61 are either all rotatable about the rotational axis 1 1 or alternatively in relation to the axis of rotation 1 1 rigid. Thus, for example, a first homogenizing means 43b could be rotationally driven and a second homogenizing means 43b could be rigid with respect to the axis of rotation. By means of the described extrusion apparatuses 1, 1 a, 1 b, multi-component materials can be produced, which extend along a main extension direction and have a concentration distribution of the material components 3, 6 which extends radially and rotationally symmetrically with respect to the main extension direction. Advantageously, the first material component 3 and the second material component 6 have a continuous or constant concentration distribution along the main extension direction. In principle, the described embodiments of the extrusion device 1, la, lb can also be used for the production of multi-component materials with more than two material components. Accordingly, more than two supply openings would then be provided, through which material components can be introduced into a delivery channel. Correspondingly, screw conveyors with more than two threads would then also be conceivable.

Claims

claims

1. Extrusion device for the production of multi-component materials with a radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution, comprising

a. at least one first feed opening (2) for feeding a first material component (3) into a conveying channel (4),

b. a conveying means (8; 8a) extending along a conveying direction (7) for conveying at least the first material component (3) within the conveying channel (4) extending along the conveying direction (7),

c. at least one second feed opening (5) for feeding a second material component (6) into the conveying channel (4),

d. a conducting means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71) arranged downstream of the conveying means (8; 8a) for producing a spirally layered one

Component mixture (25), which

i. about a rotational axis (1 1) is rotationally driven and ii. at least one guide opening (28; 34; 36; 38; 72, 73) for the passage of at least the first material component (3) along the conveying direction (7), and

e. at least one homogenizing means (43; 43b) arranged downstream of the guide means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71)

i. coaxial with the axis of rotation (1 1) is arranged and

ii. a plurality of homogenization openings (44) for axial passage of the component mixture (25).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Homogenizing means (43, 43b) about the axis of rotation (1 1) is rotationally driven.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the

Guiding means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71) and the homogenizing means (43; 43b) are independently rotatable about the axis of rotation (1 1).

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the guide means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71) and the homogenization means (43; 43b) are each optionally along a first rotational direction (22) or along a second rotational direction (26 ) are rotationally driven about the axis of rotation (1 1) with variable speeds.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first material component (3) is axially fed to the guide means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71) by the conveying means (8).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second feed opening (5) is arranged downstream of the guide means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one first feed opening (2) and the at least one second feed opening (5) upstream of the guide means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71) are arranged.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the

Conveying means (8) as a screw conveyor with a plurality of threads (9a, 57) is formed, wherein each of the material components (3, 6) is associated with a thread (9a, 57) and the material components (3, 6) the guide means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71) via the respective associated thread (9a, 57) are axially fed separately from each other.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that a plurality of homogenization means (43b) are provided, which are arranged along the axis of rotation (1 1) and coaxial therewith in a Homogenisierungsmittel row (61).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that a plurality of homogenizing means (43b) are provided, wherein a first homogenizing means (43b) about the rotational axis (1 1) rotatably driven and a second homogenizing means (43b) with respect to the axis of rotation (1 1) is rigid.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stabilizing means (62) along the axis of rotation (1 1) immediately adjacent to the guide means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71) is arranged.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide means (71) has a first guide aperture (72) for the passage of at least the first material component (3) along the conveying direction (7) and a second guide aperture (73). for the passage of a further material component at least partially along the conveying direction (7).

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the further material component of the guide means (71) is radially fed.

14. A process for the production of multi-component materials with a radial and rotationally symmetric concentration distribution with the following steps:

a. Provision of an extrusion device according to one of claims 1 to 13,

b. Feeding the first material component (3) in the conveying channel (4),

c. Conveying at least the first material component (3) along the conveying direction (7) to the guiding means (23; 33; 35; 37), d. Guiding at least the first material component (3) through the at least one guide opening (28; 34; 36; 38; 72, 73) of the guide means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71) along the conveying direction (7), e. Feeding the second material component (6) in the conveying channel (4),

f. Producing a spirally layered component mixture (25) from the material components (3, 6) by means of the guide means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71),

G. Guiding the component mixture (25) along the conveying direction (7) through the plurality of homogenizing openings (44) of the homogenizing means (43; 43b) to produce a radial and rotationally symmetrical concentration distribution in the component mixture (25).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the first material component (3) is fed to the conveying channel (4) via the first feed opening (2) upstream of the guide means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71) and the second material component (3). 6) via the second feed opening (5) downstream of the guide means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71).

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the first material component (3) and the second material component (6) the delivery channel (4) respectively upstream of the guide means (23; 33; 35; 37; 71) are supplied.

17. A multi-component material extending along a main extension direction (69)

a. a first material component (3) and

b. a second material component (6), wherein

c. a concentration distribution of the material components (3, 6) extends radially and rotationally symmetrically with respect to the main extension direction (69) and

d. the multi-component material along the main extension direction (69) has a length of at least 10 meters, in particular at least 30 meters, in particular at least 50 meters, in particular at least 100 meters.

18. Multi-component material, characterized in that the first material component (3) and the second material component (6) have along the main direction of extent (69) constant concentration distribution.