WO2024256697A1 - Vorrichtung zur behandlung von polymerelementen, und verfahren - Google Patents
Vorrichtung zur behandlung von polymerelementen, und verfahren Download PDFInfo
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- WO2024256697A1 WO2024256697A1 PCT/EP2024/066679 EP2024066679W WO2024256697A1 WO 2024256697 A1 WO2024256697 A1 WO 2024256697A1 EP 2024066679 W EP2024066679 W EP 2024066679W WO 2024256697 A1 WO2024256697 A1 WO 2024256697A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- chamber
- treatment medium
- gmbh
- polymer elements
- heating
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C71/00—After-treatment of articles without altering their shape; Apparatus therefor
- B29C71/0009—After-treatment of articles without altering their shape; Apparatus therefor using liquids, e.g. solvents, swelling agents
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
- B29C64/30—Auxiliary operations or equipment
- B29C64/35—Cleaning
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
- B29C64/30—Auxiliary operations or equipment
- B29C64/379—Handling of additively manufactured objects, e.g. using robots
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
- B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
- B33Y40/00—Auxiliary operations or equipment, e.g. for material handling
- B33Y40/20—Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a device for treating polymer elements (herein also briefly: elements) according to claim 1, a corresponding method according to claim 20, a control device for the device according to claim 21 and a heat reactor according to claim 22 and an assembly unit according to claim 23 or according to the respective preambles or generic terms of these claims.
- the present invention further relates to a circulation system according to claim 25.
- Additive processes also called three-dimensional (3D) printing processes, exist in different forms starting from building materials in liquid, viscous, solid or powdery form, such as selective laser sintering (SLS), multijet fusion (MJF), high-speed sintering (HSS), fused deposition modeling (FDM) or fused filament fabrication (FFF).
- SLS selective laser sintering
- MJF multijet fusion
- HSS high-speed sintering
- FDM fused deposition modeling
- FFF fused filament fabrication
- Materials that are often used in additive manufacturing processes include thermoplastic polymers such as polyamide and polypropylene or thermoplastic elastomers such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyamides (TPA), thermoplastic copolyester compounds (TPC). These polymer elements often have an undesirably rough surface with an average roughness value (Ra value) of up to 20 ⁇ m and more.
- Ra value average roughness value
- polymer elements are mentioned herein, in some embodiments these are elements which contain at least a proportion or certain proportion of polymers and/or consist of at least one polymer and at least one filler, such as fibers or glass beads.
- polymer elements can be treated which were preferably obtained in an additive manufacturing process, such as selective laser sintering (SLS), multijet fusion (MJF), high-speed sintering (HSS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), fused filament fabrication (FFF), fused granulate fabrication (FGF) or a binder jetting process.
- SLS selective laser sintering
- MJF multijet fusion
- HSS high-speed sintering
- FDM fused deposition modeling
- FFF fused filament fabrication
- FGF fused granulate fabrication
- One object of the present invention is to provide a further device for treating polymer elements.
- a method, a control device as well as a heat reactor and a circulation system are to be specified for this purpose.
- the object of the invention is achieved by a device for treating polymer elements with the features of claim 1, further by a method with the features of claim 20, by a control device with the features of claim 21 and by a heat reactor with the features of claim 22 or by an assembly unit with the features of claim 23 and a circulation system with the features of claim 25.
- a device for treating polymer elements by means of a treatment medium is proposed, wherein the polymer elements were at least partially obtained by an additive manufacturing process.
- the device comprises a chamber for receiving the polymer elements to be treated, wherein the chamber has a side wall, a base and an opening, preferably at the front or top.
- This preferably front-side opening is optionally the only opening of the chamber and can be closed by means of a lid, which can also be included in the device according to the invention, or a door, flap, or the like (hereinafter interchangeably replaced by "lid"), in particular in a fluid-tight manner.
- a lid which can also be included in the device according to the invention, or a door, flap, or the like (hereinafter interchangeably replaced by "lid"), in particular in a fluid-tight manner.
- the device optionally comprises a device for receiving and/or storing the polymer elements inside the chamber, for example a frame, a stand, a 84J GmbH & Co. KG support, a rack or the like.
- Such a receiving device can either be designed to be stationary in relation to the chamber or can be arranged to be movable therein, such as rotatable, tiltable and/or pivotable. It can be removable.
- the device further comprises a first heating device and optionally a second heating device.
- a first heating device optionally a second heating device.
- more than two heating devices are included in the device.
- the device optionally comprises a vacuum or negative pressure device or a connection therefor, by means of which a negative pressure can be generated within the fluid-tight chamber.
- a method for treating polymer elements is proposed, such elements having been obtained at least partially by an additive manufacturing process.
- the method according to the invention comprises providing a device, preferably a device according to the invention, further providing the polymer elements to be treated in the chamber of the device according to the invention and providing a, preferably liquid, treatment medium in the chamber of the device.
- the method further comprises, as a further step, a heating step for heating the polymer elements in the chamber using the first heating device or only the first heating device. This step is also referred to herein as process step a) or pretreatment step. 84J GmbH & Co. KG In this step, the polymer elements are brought to an optimal temperature for the following process step b).
- an evaporation step for evaporating the treatment medium in the chamber and/or outside it by means of a heating device, such as the second heating device or only the optional second heating device, is included in the process according to the invention.
- This step is also referred to herein as process step b).
- a cooling step for cooling the polymer elements can also be included in the process.
- This step is also referred to herein as process step c).
- a control device for a device according to the invention is also proposed, which is configured to regulate or control the above-mentioned further steps a) (heating step), b) (evaporation step) and/or c) (cooling step) of the method according to the invention in interaction with the device.
- the heat reactor according to the invention has a tube and a receiving device for receiving the liquid treatment medium.
- the tube has or is connected to at least two heating devices, which are at different distances from the receiving device for the liquid treatment medium or the liquid treatment medium present therein.
- the assembly unit according to the invention is used inside a chamber for receiving the polymer elements to be treated in a device for treating 84J GmbH & Co. KG polymer elements obtained by an additive manufacturing process, using a treatment medium.
- the assembly unit has: a frame for arranging inside the chamber, e.g. by setting it up on a floor or for fixing it to the floor or another section of the chamber, the frame having or being connected to a magnetic field collector, a circulation device and optionally a receiving device for the polymer elements to be processed.
- the circulation system according to the invention has the features mentioned in claim 34.
- Embodiments according to the invention can have some, some or all of the following features in any combination, provided that this is not recognizably technically impossible for the person skilled in the art.
- the use of the expression “can be” or “can have” etc. is to be understood as synonymous with “is preferably” or “has preferably” etc. and is intended to explain embodiments according to the invention.
- numerical words are mentioned herein, the person skilled in the art understands this as an indication of a numerical lower limit. If this does not lead to a contradiction that is recognizable to the person skilled in the art, the person skilled in the art will therefore always read “at least one” or “at least one” when stating “a” or “an”.
- this represents an exemplary embodiment according to the invention.
- the object according to the invention has one or more features in a certain embodiment, it is also disclosed here that the object according to the invention expressly does not have this or these features in other embodiments that are also according to the invention, e.g. in the sense of a disclaimer.
- the opposite embodiment for example formulated as a negation, is also disclosed. If method steps are mentioned herein, the device according to the invention or the control device according to the invention is configured in some embodiments to carry out one, several or all of these method steps, 84J GmbH & Co.
- Pairing is a process that takes place in connection with computer networks in order to establish an initial connection between computer units for the purpose of communication.
- the best-known example of this is establishing a Bluetooth connection, by means of which different devices (e.g. smartphone, headphones) are connected to one another. Pairing is sometimes also referred to as bonding. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- the control device can initiate the execution of all or essentially all of the method steps.
- the method according to the invention can be carried out essentially or completely by the control device. It can be partially carried out by the control device, in particular those steps which do not require or involve human intervention and/or provision can be carried out by the control device.
- the control device can serve as a pure control device or also as a regulating device.
- the control device can be programmed to have the method according to the invention carried out or to initiate it in any embodiment disclosed herein, for example by means of control commands to the components and/or actuators required for this purpose, in particular as disclosed herein.
- the control device can be in signal communication with the required components for this purpose or can be prepared for this purpose.
- additive manufacturing, additive manufacturing, additive manufacturing processes include various processes in which polymer material, in particular polymer powder, is processed into three-dimensional objects under computer control, such as SLS, MJF, HSS, FFF, FDM, FGM, SLS, DLP and MJM.
- element as used in the present application refers to a product obtained by additive manufacturing.
- the term “component” has the same or the same meaning.
- An element can be made from or consist of any usable polymer.
- the term “elements” includes polymer elements and vice versa.
- the term "polymer” as used in the present application includes polymers obtained from one type of monomer or from two or more types of monomers. It includes homopolymers, copolymers, block polymers and mixtures of different polymer types, in particular those mentioned herein.
- treatment medium refers, for example, to a solid, gel-like, liquid or gaseous medium or mixture, for example comprising organic solvents or mixtures thereof, for treating at least one polymer element, whereby such aggregate states at about 20°C are preferably understood here.
- a polyhydric alcohol is an organic compound that carries at least two OH groups and can optionally have further substituents or functional groups, such as glycol, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol.
- functionalizing agent as used in the present application refers to an agent that adds or introduces a function to the element or the surface of the element. The function can be a chemical, physical, aesthetic, haptic, protective, etc. function. 84J GmbH & Co.
- the term "chamber” as used in the present application can also be referred to as a treatment chamber, a process chamber or a main chamber.
- the polymer elements are treated in the chamber.
- a chamber can be formed at least partially from a chamber wall.
- a chamber can be formed from a side wall or chamber wall, base and lid. Connections, incoming or outgoing lines, attachments and/or the like are not part of the chamber in such embodiments or do not form it, but in other embodiments they are.
- the chamber can optionally have an inner container, in particular for accommodating the polymer elements.
- the term "wall” as used in the present application can refer to the chamber wall. In some embodiments, the wall is made of at least one material, in others from exactly one material.
- the wall can be provided or sealed, for example on its top or upper end face, with at least one surface and/or a device for sealing and/or with a receptacle for at least one sealing element, such as an O-ring or an elastic U-profile.
- the wall is optionally provided with at least one surface coating.
- the term "floor" as used in the present application can be the chamber floor. In some embodiments, it is to be understood as the area of the chamber that is arranged at the bottom or that is directed downwards in the use state. In some embodiments, the floor can also be designed in a different orientation, such as horizontal, vertical or any angle in between, in relation to its largest surface geometry and the earth's surface.
- the floor can therefore be arranged horizontally, vertically or inclined at any angle in between, relative to a perpendicular to the center of the earth.
- the orientation of the floor can then also determine the orientation of the wall and/or the lid, preferably in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein.
- the floor is firmly connected to the wall, for example welded, glued or made in one piece.
- the floor can be detachably connected to the wall, for example by centering devices and/or detachable joining connections such as clamping devices, screws and/or the like.
- the wall and/or the base are provided with at least one sealing element for relative sealing against each other, such as an O-ring or an (elastic) U-profile.
- the base has at least one or exactly one material or is made from it. 84J GmbH & Co. KG In some embodiments, the base is optionally provided with at least one surface coating.
- the term "lid” as used in the present application can also be referred to as a "chamber lid". It closes off the interior of the chamber, for example at the top.
- the lid is detachably connected to the chamber or its wall. In certain embodiments, it can be removed or lifted, preferably without the use of a tool.
- the lid can be provided with centering devices. They can be adapted to the geometry of the wall, in particular in the front area of the chamber.
- the lid can be provided with at least one device and/or equipped with at least one geometry, such as a groove which serves to accommodate at least one sealing element, such as an O-ring, or into which the optional sealing element is inserted in whole or in sections.
- the lid can be provided with a groove, a pocket, a recess or a step, whereby this offset, recessed or milled area in relation to the inner flat surface of the lid can serve as a sealing surface for a sealing element, such as for an elastic U-profile, e.g. made of silicone, which is attached to the wall on the flat side and all around.
- the lid has at least one or exactly one material or is made of it.
- the lid is optionally provided with at least one surface coating.
- the lid or the ceiling of the chamber are non-planar.
- the lid is equipped with a rotatable, tiltable and/or sliding machine element, which is preferably mechanically connected to the chamber wall and/or the housing of the device.
- This machine element can be a hinge and/or a linear or curved guide between the lid and the chamber wall and/or between the lid and the housing of the device.
- the term "inner wall” as used in the present application describes the area facing the interior of the chamber or the section of the wall, the base and/or the lid facing the interior of the chamber.
- the inner wall is provided with at least one surface coating.
- the, or a, material of the wall, inner wall, base and/or lid has a thermal conductivity of at least 50 W/(m*K), preferably of over 100W/(m*K), and particularly preferably of over 150W/(m*K).
- the wall, inner wall, base and/or lid are made largely or entirely from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
- the chamber or its wall, at least in sections, can be designed in the shape of a cylinder.
- the chamber has an inner diameter which is preferably less than 600 mm, particularly preferably less than 500 mm, for example 250 mm to 400 mm.
- the chamber has an inner height of less than 800 mm, particularly preferably less than 650 mm, such as 350 mm to 600 mm.
- the chamber is made of a segment that is circular, almost circular or cylindrical in cross-section. Such a segment or such a portion of the chamber preferably has the shape of a pipe section and can have a wall thickness of 1 mm to 20 mm, preferably 2 mm to 10 mm and particularly preferably 3 mm to 6 mm. In these embodiments, the (axial) central axis extends predominantly from bottom to top (or vice versa).
- the (axial) central axis of the chamber for receiving polymer elements corresponds at least largely to a plumb line on the earth's surface and/or is at least largely parallel to it.
- the central axis of the chamber for accommodating polymer elements does not or predominantly does not correspond to a perpendicular on the earth's surface to the earth's center, but deviates from this by up to 30° (e.g. between 3° and 30°), preferably up to 20° (e.g. between 3° and 20°), particularly preferably up to 15° (e.g. between 3° and 15°) and very particularly preferably up to 10° (e.g.
- the bottom and/or the lid of the chamber is completely or at least partially flat, planar or designed as a surface, whereby an at least slight and/or partial deviation in shape from the second orientation is not taken into account, such as up to 7 mm or up to 4 mm height difference.
- such an at least predominantly flat or planar section can have a thickness of 2 mm to 30 mm, preferably 4 mm to 20 mm and particularly preferably 6 mm to 15 mm, at least in sections or over the majority of its surface.
- the base and/or the lid can be curved, for example in the form of a dome, a sphere or a spherical section, in particular in the form of so-called dished bottoms.
- the chamber is a standing chamber, and the lid for equipping the chamber to accommodate polymer elements is therefore provided at the top of the chamber, but not to the side of it.
- the upper distal end of the chamber for receiving polymer elements is formed with a lid which is at least partially, largely or completely circular in its circumference, such a lid forming a central axis at least in parts and/or regions which is at least largely collinear with the central axis of the chamber at least in spatial orientation and/or at least largely coincides with it.
- the inside of the lid is at least predominantly or largely flat and/or planar and in particular has a closed, flat planar surface without holes, openings or other recesses.
- the inside of the lid is at least partially or predominantly not planar or planar and at least partially has one or more surfaces that do not run parallel to the floor.
- the inner planar surface of the lid is at least largely and/or predominantly perpendicular to the central axis of the wall.
- a perpendicular to an inner flat surface of the lid is not or predominantly not parallel to the central axis of the wall, but has an angle to it, preferably up to 30°, particularly preferably up to 20° and most particularly preferably up to 15°, 84J GmbH & Co. KG such as between 2° and 12° or between 4° and 10°.
- the inside and outside of the lid are at least in the majority of areas or completely parallel or at least largely parallel.
- the device does not have a lid (e.g.
- a circulation device is provided in the chamber. It can be a propeller or comprise one. In some embodiments, the device according to the invention and/or the method according to the invention does not include a circulation device.
- the circulation device has a rotating segment at its radial end and/or a rotating and/or circumferentially surrounding 84J GmbH & Co. KG housing.
- the circulation device is arranged entirely or partially in a shaft-shaped or cylindrical structure.
- at least one guide funnel and/or at least one guide tube can be attached in the area above the circulation device.
- a guide funnel and/or a guide tube can be designed to bundle, compress and/or direct flows of a circulation device in one or more predetermined directions, preferably at least partially.
- a guide funnel and/or a guide tube is arranged centrically or at least largely centrically within the chamber and/or centrically or at least largely centrically to the circulation device. In some embodiments, at least one guide funnel or a guide tube is not arranged or at least largely not arranged centrically to a circulation device such as a propeller. In some embodiments, several guide funnels and/or guide tubes are located within the chamber. In some embodiments, a guide funnel and/or a guide tube is designed with transverse bores or lateral openings in order to be able to adapt the flow properties to the process conditions, for example to smooth the inner cavities of the components or polymer elements in order to cushion speed peaks, for example. 84J GmbH & Co.
- KG and/or to create more uniform flow conditions, such as when the direction of the propeller is reversed in order to better suck in gas and/or vapor of the treatment medium.
- guide funnels, guide covers and/or guide plates are designed to - preferably at least a relevant amount or a predetermined amount of - treatment medium, vapor, mist, functionalizing agent and/or gas, e.g. B. to direct the liquid into the inner areas of elements (for example into the interior of polymer elements in the form of housings) in order to improve, homogenize and/or reinforce the inventive treatment and/or smoothing of inner areas and contours.
- corresponding guide funnels, guide covers and/or guide plates have provisions such as (further) openings, for example in order to allow inflowing molecules to exit the inner area of the polymer elements and/or to discharge them to the outside.
- guide funnels and/or guide tubes can be actively heated. Appropriate heating devices can be provided.
- the device also has a magnetic drive for driving the circulation device.
- the device, the magnetic drive, the bearing for the circulation device, the frame, and/or the assembly unit are equipped with magnets or permanent magnets. These preferably withstand temperatures of at least 100°C, preferably of at least 140°, particularly preferably of at least 160°C and very particularly preferably of at least 180°C, such as at least 300°C or at least 400°C, permanently or over a longer period of at least one, two, three or more hours, in particular without or at least without significant losses in the magnetic field strength.
- corresponding magnets made of the neodymium-iron-boron alloy are preferably provided with further alloying elements to increase temperature stability or magnets are made of the samarium-cobalt (SmCo) alloy, such as Sm2Co17 or SmCo5, or have such.
- the magnets made of permanent magnetic materials have a Curie temperature of over 250°C, preferably over 300°C and particularly preferably over 500°C, such as between 600°C and 900°C. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- the maximum magnetic energy density of the magnet used is over 100 kJ/m3, preferably over 150 kJ/m3 and particularly preferably over 200 kJ/m3.
- the device has a control device for operating components of the device.
- the control device is programmed to rotate the circulating device once or several times alternately in opposite directions of rotation and/or at different rotational speeds during an ongoing treatment of the polymer elements in the chamber.
- the device or the chamber has an opening of the chamber or its wall or its bottom to an exterior of the chamber.
- the device can have a valve or other closure device for opening and closing the opening to the exterior.
- the opening can be provided in addition to the connection for the vacuum or negative pressure device.
- the control device is programmed to control the vacuum or negative pressure device, e.g. B.
- At least one device for changing and optimizing the flow direction and/or flow properties is provided in the chamber, in particular designed as a guide plate.
- guide plates are to be understood as two-dimensional machine elements, at least in terms of their functionality.
- Guide plates are preferably formed as at least predominantly two-dimensional guide plates from a plate, a sheet and/or a film, preferably with thicknesses between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, particularly preferably between 0.5 mm and 3 mm and very particularly preferably between 0.8 mm and 2 mm.
- guide plates are designed as three-dimensional machine elements, at least in terms of their functionality, and/or are described as such.
- a three-dimensional machine element according to the invention serving as a guide plate can be made from an at least predominantly flat workpiece such as a sheet metal, just like a two-dimensional machine element, but such a three-dimensionally acting guide plate is preferably bent and/or folded into a third dimension, as 84J GmbH & Co. KG, for example, by at least 5 mm, preferably by at least 10 mm in a third direction.
- guide plates can be bent in an L or U shape in order to at least partially direct the flow in certain directions and/or to generate turbulence.
- a guide plate can be formed from a guide body.
- Guide bodies are preferably made from solid bodies or workpieces and have at least partially and/or partially comparable fluidic properties to three-dimensional guide plates made from thin-walled bodies that have been converted into a third dimension.
- differences in the specific mode of action of such machine elements can arise, for example due to the greater mass of solid guide bodies and/or due to the same fluidic properties of two opposite surfaces of such bodies, for example when the flow direction is reversed by reversing the direction of the circulation device.
- a larger mass of a baffle or a guide body can in particular store a larger amount of thermal energy, which can lead to improvements in the smoothing process.
- preferably some or all of the properties and/or advantages disclosed for baffles, such as anodized surfaces can apply to guide bodies.
- the mass/surface ratio of guide bodies and/or baffles can have positive effects on the treatment, in particular with regard to heat storage and heat dissipation, in particular 84J GmbH & Co. KG also by selecting suitable materials for this purpose, such as aluminum.
- suitable materials for this purpose such as aluminum.
- geometric shapes such as the triangular prism or the cuboid can be used preferentially. Other shapes can also be used that are suitable for deflecting flows and/or increasing turbulence. These are also covered by the present invention.
- blade-shaped geometries can be used as guide plates or guide bodies. They can preferably deflect the flow radially from the outside into the center of the chamber and/or preferably generate greater turbulence.
- bumps and/or ribs are provided on the surfaces of the guide plates or guide bodies. They can serve to specifically generate or increase turbulence. This increased turbulence can enable a more uniform flow around the components.
- at least one guide plate can be attached, preferably at least partially or substantially parallel, or parallel, to the plane of rotation of the propeller or at an acute angle to it, preferably attached to the frame and/or to the receiving device for the polymer elements, for example at a distance of 20 mm to 150 mm from the propeller, preferably between 30 mm and 100 mm. 84J GmbH & Co.
- Such a guide plate can be arranged centrally or at least partially centrally and/or centrically to the axis of rotation of the propeller or have a lateral offset therefrom, the area or effective area of such a guide plate preferably being more than 25 cm 2 and especially preferably more than 40 cm 2 should be. This can advantageously influence the flow of the propeller. This can lead to a significant change in the flow pattern and promote the formation of turbulent flows.
- Such a guide plate can be provided with at least one bore, preferably with diameters of at least 20 mm.
- At least one guide plate can be attached at least partially perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the propeller or at an acute angle to it, preferably attached to the frame or to the receiving device for the polymer elements, for example at a distance of 5 mm to 150 mm from the propeller, preferably between 10 mm and 100 mm, wherein such a guide plate can be arranged at least partially centrally and/or centrically to the axis of rotation of the propeller or can have a lateral offset, and wherein the area or effective area of such a guide plate is preferably more than 15 cm 2 and especially preferably more than 30 cm 2 should be. This can have a beneficial effect on the flow of the propeller.
- such a guide plate can preferably be round, elliptical, square or rectangular or have combinations of these shapes. 84J GmbH & Co. KG In some embodiments, such a guide plate can additionally have internal recesses, such as bores, through holes and/or the like.
- the device has at least one heat reactor, which has at least one heating device (or heating zone) which is arranged in or on a tube of the heat reactor. The heat reactor can further have a receiving device for the treatment medium in the liquid state or be connected thereto.
- the heat reactor is arranged to be provided entirely or substantially outside the chamber and/or in such a way that its interior is or can be brought into fluid communication with the interior of the chamber via an opening in the chamber or its wall or its bottom.
- the heat reactor is in one piece or has a one-piece housing. This can be made, for example, from a profile tube, e.g. a square one.
- the device also has a capacitor. This can be arranged between the chamber and the vacuum or negative pressure device, e.g. in the negative pressure line or the connection for the vacuum or negative pressure device.
- the device further comprises a plurality of heating devices which can be provided on the lid, base and/or wall. 84J GmbH & Co.
- the device further comprises a magnetic field collector.
- the device comprises a removable frame, which optionally comprises the receiving device, e.g. a support, clamping and/or hanging device, for receiving and/or storing the polymer elements inside the chamber.
- the frame comprises or is connected to the magnetic field collector, the circulation device and/or the receiving device for the polymer elements to be processed.
- the chamber or the device is not in fluid communication with another chamber, in particular not with one from which the treatment medium would be supplied to the chamber in a preheated state, or wherein the chamber is also the reservoir for the treatment medium.
- the method takes place in one chamber, not in several chambers.
- the method comprises heating the polymer elements to a first temperature in the heating step; that the treatment medium is evaporated, wherein the vapor of the treatment medium is heated in particular to a second temperature or is kept at the second temperature; wherein the treatment medium/vapor tempered to the second temperature is used for a 84J GmbH & Co. KG acts on the polymer elements for a certain period of time; allowing the treatment medium and/or its vapor to act on the polymer elements preferably causes a surface of the polymer elements to be at least partially covered with the treatment medium or wetted by it, which is preferably accompanied by a change in the surface properties.
- the assembly unit further comprises a drive shaft arranged to transmit rotational energy or movement from the magnetic field collector to the circulation device.
- the assembly unit further comprises a perforated plate as mechanical protection for the circulation device. The perforated plate, alternatively mesh, can preferably be arranged above the circulation device.
- a perforated plate can be designed as a protective grille, fan grille or protective cover.
- the assembly unit further comprises a circumferential segment, e.g. at the radial end of the circulation device.
- it comprises a circumferential housing for the circulation device, which surrounds the circulation device or its axis of rotation, completely or partially, e.g. in a shaft- or cylinder-shaped structure, in the circumferential direction.
- the device comprises the control device.
- the control device is present in or on the device, for example together with other components of the device in a common housing of the device.
- the lid or the ceiling or the upper boundary of the chamber is designed to be convex in its entirety or at least in sections, i.e. curved outwards or towards the outside of the chamber. In this way, condensate, should it form in the upper area of the chamber, can flow off laterally towards the floor without dripping onto the polymer elements, which is usually disadvantageous.
- an “anti-drip lid” or another anti-drip element such as an anti-drip surface or a guide lid with the properties and/or advantages discussed herein for the anti-drip lid can be provided alternatively or additionally.
- Such a drip protection cover or such a drip protection element can be connected to the cover of the chamber, welded, provided, etc.
- any machine element that is able to change, reduce, minimize and/or prevent the formation and/or spread of condensate of the treatment medium can be referred to as a drip protection cover.
- the drip protection cover is designed in such a way that condensate drops of the treatment medium behave and/or spread in a predetermined and/or controllable manner at least partially or predominantly within the chamber for accommodating polymer elements. In particular, it should be designed in such a way that uncontrolled dripping of condensate of the treatment medium can be suppressed and/or excluded as far as possible.
- slots or punctures preferably with a width of approximately 1 mm, or other structural changes can be provided in which condensate drops of the treatment medium become trapped by capillary effects and remain there for a certain time until they slowly evaporate again and/or until the smoothing process is completed and the treatment medium is sucked out again, for example by means of a pump.
- the drip protection cover is designed in such a way that it can at least temporarily store and/or retain the condensate of at least one treatment medium, as explained herein. 84J GmbH & Co.
- the anti-drip cover is optionally designed in such a way that the condensate of the treatment medium can evaporate again - as quickly as possible - for example by supplying additional energy such as heat and/or kinetic energy.
- the anti-drip cover can have a heating device and/or an ultrasound device.
- the anti-drip cover is designed in its shape, geometry and/or cross-section in such a way that a flow and/or a gas flow within the chamber is (re)directed, shifted and/or optimized, for example by means of flow-optimized geometries.
- the drip protection cover is made entirely or partially from at least one metal, at least one plastic, at least one ceramic and/or glass or combinations of or with one or more of the aforementioned materials.
- the functionality of the drip protection cover can be determined in particular by an advantageous surface finish and/or a suitable surface roughness, for example with Ra values of at least 0.5 ⁇ m, preferably at least 84J GmbH & Co. KG 1 ⁇ m, ensure differences in the condensate drop formation and/or spread.
- the drip protection cover advantageously covers at least larger areas, preferably the entire (projection) area above the polymer elements in its geometric spread.
- the drip protection cover advantageously covers at least 50% or more of the mean or average cross-sectional area of the chamber for accommodating polymer elements.
- the chamber, or its wall is made, at least for the most part, from a single material, preferably aluminum or stainless steel.
- the internal volume of the chamber of the device is less than 100 l, preferably less than 60 l, particularly preferably less than 40 l.
- the device further comprises at least one circulation device, for example a propeller or rotor, to drive and/or circulate and/or swirl air, gas, treatment medium, its vapor and/or functionalizing agent present within the chamber.
- a magnetic drive can be used for this purpose, for example by means of permanent magnets and/or by means of electromagnetism, in order to transmit the rotary motion of a motor to at least one circulation device.
- a 84J GmbH & Co. KG circulation device can be operated by means of a mechanical feedthrough, for example by means of a shaft, which can preferably be sealed in or on the bottom with elastic sealing elements.
- a “circulation device” can include propellers, fans, turbulence devices and the like of various designs, in particular as described here.
- a motor or drive can be designed as a stepper motor, a servo motor or a brushless motor.
- the circulation device or the propeller is temporarily operated at a speed between 50 rpm and 6000 rpm, preferably between 500 rpm and 3000 rpm, particularly preferably between 800 rpm and 2000 rpm, such as between 1000 rpm and 1750 rpm.
- the control device can be programmed accordingly, which also applies to any other method step disclosed here.
- the circulating device rotates at a speed or maximum speed between 1000 rpm and 2500 rpm, preferably between 1200 rpm and 2000 rpm, and most preferably between 1250 rpm and 1750 rpm, such as at least approximately about 1500 rpm.
- the control device can be programmed accordingly.
- the acceleration of the circulating device is84J GmbH & Co. KG advantageously carried out with a strong delay.
- an acceleration from 0 rpm to the maximum speed can take at least 3 seconds, preferably at least 5 seconds and particularly preferably at least 7 seconds.
- the control device can be programmed accordingly. This is particularly preferable with a magnetic drive of the circulation device in order to avoid slipping of the magnetic coupling.
- the circulation device such as a propeller, has between 20 and 60 blades or vanes, preferably between 25 and 50 and particularly preferably between 30 and 45 blades.
- the speed is changed or varied during the process.
- the direction of rotation can have advantages in a first direction, while in other embodiments the reversed direction of rotation can bring about advantages in the process when the same circulation device is selected.
- the direction of rotation of the circulating device is reversed during the process, in some embodiments even several times in succession, whereby the time periods between times in which the circulating device is rotated in one direction and times in which the circulating device is rotated in the other direction can be the same or different.
- the circulating device rotates in one direction for between 15 seconds and 300 seconds, preferably between 30 seconds and 200 seconds and particularly preferably between 45 seconds and 150 seconds, until the 84J GmbH & Co. KG direction is reversed.
- the circulation device can not perform any rotational movement for a predetermined period of time during the change from one direction of rotation to the opposite direction of rotation, such as between 3 seconds and 120 seconds, preferably between 7 seconds and 90 seconds and particularly preferably between 10 seconds and 60 seconds.
- the control device can be programmed accordingly.
- the speed can be changed during the process, for example continuously or alternately.
- the at least one of the circulation devices present can be operated at least temporarily at speeds between 5000 rpm and 50,000 rpm.
- the direction of the ring flow or the generated movement of the gaseous or vaporous treatment medium corresponds to the direction of rotation of the circulation device.
- the circulation device can generate a movement of the air, vapor and/or gas molecules in the area of the wall inside the chamber, which in some embodiments is designed in a spiral shape, preferably rising rapidly, i.e. with a 84J GmbH & Co. KG high gradient, and has the same direction of rotation as the circulation device, preferably regardless of the axial flow direction of the circulation device, i.e. regardless of whether the circulation device accelerates the molecules upwards or downwards.
- devices for changing the flow direction and/or the flow properties are provided within the chamber, whereby the air, steam, gas and/or particle flows, for example of at least one treatment medium and/or a functionalizing agent, can be influenced or changed in a targeted and/or measurable manner, preferably in predetermined combinations with the effect of the at least one circulation device on the flow and/or the shape and size of the inner wall and/or the prevailing pressure and/or the prevailing temperature in the chamber.
- Such devices which can correspond, for example, to the air and/or gas guide plates disclosed herein, can be formed from machine elements.
- They can be suitable for changing and/or deflecting air and/or gas flow and/or particle flows or nanoparticle flows, for example by means of bionic surfaces (shark skin) of the inner wall, projections of the inner wall, pins, foils, tubes, guide plates, impact plates, perforated plates and/or plates, whereby these are preferably arranged at least predominantly transversely to the flow direction or the main flow direction.
- bionic surfaces shk skin
- pins, foils, tubes, guide plates, impact plates, perforated plates and/or plates whereby these are preferably arranged at least predominantly transversely to the flow direction or the main flow direction.
- at least one for a 84J GmbH & Co. KG Gas flow specific machine element for controllable and/or predeterminable flow guidance and/or flow manipulation of gas, vapor, mist and/or solid particles such as powder, fibers or nanoparticles, and/or machine elements such as a cover, e.g.
- an assembly unit according to the invention can be equipped with at least one machine element that is at least largely flat as a guide cover, for example a sheet-like and/or sheet-shaped machine element. This can extend above the intended receiving position for the polymer elements, preferably at least largely covering them. It can be designed to allow a smaller amount of air, gas, mist and/or particle flow to flow from the immediate area of the cover directly towards the polymer elements.
- Such a machine element as a guide cover which can be convexly curved towards the cover, for example, can preferably separate and/or allow molecular and/or particle movements above and below this machine element to flow depending on the flow velocity.
- Such a machine element can act as an at least partially acting separation barrier between 84J GmbH & Co. KG lids and polymer elements serve and provide advantages in the treatment with some polymer materials and/or geometries of the polymer elements such as large surfaces and/or polymer elements with strongly pronounced cavities or internal contours. For example, the amount of treatment medium vapor and/or mist flowing or acting at least predominantly from above can be reduced and accordingly at least relatively more treatment medium vapor and/or mist can act more strongly from below and/or from the sides.
- the orientation of the surfaces of such machine elements runs at least partially and/or partially parallel or at a substantially constant distance to the lid and/or the bottom of the chamber.
- the distances of such machine elements to the inner wall, preferably to the lid, at least of the predominant area or the predominant surface are approximately between 5 mm and 120 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 80 mm and particularly preferably between 10 mm and 60 mm, such as between 12 mm and 40 mm or between 20 mm and 60 mm.
- the area projected onto the floor that such a machine element can span over the polymer elements is preferably more than 75 cm 2 and especially preferably over 150 cm 2 , such as between 250 cm 2 and 600 cm 2 , whereby the areas are added together for several such machine elements.
- At least one such machine element hereinafter also referred to as a guide cover, is located in the immediate area of the cover, whereby it 84J GmbH & Co. KG have largely the same central axis as the lid and/or the wall of the chamber for receiving polymer elements and/or such central axes are at least largely parallel.
- there are two, three, four or more guide lids in the immediate area of the lid whereby the guide lids can be geometrically identical or at least approximately identical and/or guide lids can differ in their shape, for example due to different diameters, different heights, different material thicknesses, different materials, different flat surfaces, different slopes, different curves, different radii and/or different surfaces including surface coatings.
- the smallest distance between the inside of the lid and the (nearest) guide lid can be less than 100 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, particularly preferably less than 30 mm and very particularly preferably less than 20 mm, such as between 4 mm and 20 mm or between 4 mm and 14 mm, whereby optional fastening elements such as three, four or five fastening screws with or without spacer sleeves between the inside of the lid and the guide lid should not be taken into account with regard to the distances.
- the guide lid has no axial distance from the lid at least in one place or in one area, but is in direct contact with it on the inside of the lid, for example for better 84J GmbH & Co.
- the lid is designed in such a way, at least on the inside of the chamber, that it at least partially corresponds to a guide lid in terms of shape and/or mode of operation and/or flow guidance.
- at least one guide lid is permanently connected to the inside of the lid.
- at least one guide lid is formed from a film and/or a sheet metal.
- at least one guide lid and/or at least parts or areas of at least one guide lid are manufactured using additive manufacturing, such as using FFF, SLS, MJF, HSS, DLP or SLA.
- At least one guide lid and/or at least parts or areas of at least one guide lid are manufactured from a powdered starting material, with at least components of the material used preferably being selected from: PA12, PA11, PA6, PA66, PK, PBT, PPS, PEI, PEEK, PEK, PP.
- a guide cover that is at least partially additively manufactured has its surface at least partially and/or partially smoothed, preferably at least almost completely smoothed, preferably to an Ra value ⁇ 5 ⁇ m. 84J GmbH & Co.
- an at least partially additively manufactured guide cover has surfaces that are typical for the corresponding additive manufacturing process, such as surfaces with an at least predominantly roughness between 6 ⁇ m and 20 ⁇ m.
- at least parts of such a guide cover are preferably not subjected to any post-processing, in particular no surface smoothing.
- at least one guide cover is made in one piece.
- at least one guide cover is made in multiple parts, such as two parts.
- At least one guide cover is designed to influence and/or change flows of gas and/or steam within the chamber in at least one predetermined manner, wherein a circulation device in conjunction with a control or regulation by the control device can provide and/or amplify flows of gas and/or steam, and wherein essential data for predicting the flow are advantageously based on measurement data such as pressure and/or temperature, preferably within the chamber.
- at least one guide cover is designed to influence, change and/or manipulate flow properties, flow directions and/or flow velocities, for example through specific sizes, geometries, shapes, orientations, surfaces, temperatures and distances or gap dimensions of the guide covers. 84J GmbH & Co.
- At least one guide cover is designed to change flow speeds at least within predetermined ranges, such as, for example, accelerating gas flows and/or particle flows within the chamber, at least locally. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is designed to change flow speeds at least within predetermined ranges, such as, for example, slowing down gas flows and/or particle flows within the chamber, at least locally. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is designed to convert at least predominantly laminar flows into at least predominantly turbulent flows, such as, for example, gas flows and/or particle flows. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is designed to convert at least predominantly turbulent flows into at least predominantly laminar flows, such as, for example, gas flows and/or particle flows.
- At least one guide cover is designed to influence, manipulate and/or change flows, for example of mist of a treatment medium within the chamber, for example brought about by at least one circulation device, such as at least one propeller, in at least one predetermined manner.84J GmbH & Co. KG
- at least one guide cover is designed to influence, manipulate and/or change material flows, for example of particles such as powder, fibers and/or nanoparticles within the chamber, for example brought about by at least one circulation device such as at least one propeller, in at least one predetermined manner.
- at least one guide cover can be manipulated by a controller, for example its position relative to the cover and/or the wall can be adjusted.
- At least one guide cover can be manipulated by actuators outside the chamber, such as by a chamber feedthrough with a seal, a magnetic feedthrough or by other types of energy input with a resulting change in the position of at least one guide cover.
- at least one guide cover has the same temperature as the cover or at least as the temperature of the inside of the cover, at least in large areas.
- at least one guide cover can be actively heated.
- a corresponding heating device can be provided and is encompassed by the present invention.
- at least one guide cover can be heated indirectly, for example by induction from the area above the cover. In such cases, the material of the guide cover should be at least partially and/or 84J GmbH & Co.
- KG areas are made of a ferromagnetic material, such as steel or ferritic stainless steel.
- at least one guide cover is made at least in parts and/or areas from a material that conducts heat well and/or is equipped with a special surface finish such as a surface coating. This serves to ensure that heat radiation can be absorbed particularly well, for example in order to be able to optimally introduce heat energy through a heat radiator arranged outside the chamber.
- at least one guide cover has different temperatures to the cover and/or at least to the inside of the cover and/or to the wall and/or to the base, at least in large areas, for example by approximately 1°C to 20°C higher, preferably by approximately 2°C to 10°C higher.
- At least one guide cover has, at least in areas, in predominant parts or completely, surfaces with an Ra value of less than 0.5 ⁇ m, preferably less than 0.25 ⁇ m and particularly preferably less than 0.15 ⁇ m. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover has, at least in areas, in predominant parts or completely, surfaces with Ra values above 0.5 ⁇ m, preferably above 1 ⁇ m, such as between 1 ⁇ m and 10 ⁇ m or between 0.5 ⁇ m and 8 ⁇ m. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover has polished surfaces. 84J GmbH & Co.
- At least one guide cover has blasted surfaces, such as blasted by a blasting process with plastic blasting media, with sand, with corundum, with glass beads or with metal blasting media. In some embodiments, only the underside of the guide cover is at least partially or completely blasted. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover has at least one surface coating. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover has a fluoropolymer coating such as a PTFE or PFA coating. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover has at least one anodized or hard anodized surface, with or without another coating. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is, at least predominantly or completely, black in color.
- At least one guide cover is, at least partially or completely, made of aluminum. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is, at least partially or completely, made of stainless steel. 84J GmbH & Co. KG In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is formed, at least in part or entirely, from at least one plastic. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is formed, at least in part or entirely, from at least one ceramic or glass. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is at least largely circular in its circumference. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is, at least largely, non-circular in its circumference. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is, at least largely, elliptical in its circumference.
- At least one guide cover is, at least largely, polygonal in its circumference. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is rotatably mounted. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is pivotably mounted. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is displaceably mounted. 84J GmbH & Co. KG In some embodiments, at least parts of at least one guide cover are dome-shaped. In some embodiments, at least parts of at least one guide cover are designed like a roof. In some embodiments, at least parts of at least one guide cover are arranged in the form of scales. In some embodiments, at least parts of at least one guide cover are designed in a wave shape. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is concave, at least in areas thereof.
- At least one guide cover is convex, at least in areas thereof. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is designed such that the distance to the cover is smaller at least in the center area than in its outer area and/or in its peripheral area. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is designed such that the distance to the cover is greater at least in the center area than in its outer area and/or in its peripheral area. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover is convex in its cross-section in certain areas and concave in other areas at the same time. In some embodiments, at least one guide cover has curves and/or arches in its cross-section, which in 84J GmbH & Co. KG run in the opposite direction to their orientation or alignment.
- At least one guide cover is designed in such a way that at least parts of the condensate of a treatment medium can flow outwards, i.e. in the direction of the peripheral edge. Preferably, flowing off on the underside of the at least one guide cover facing away from the cover is relevant for this.
- at least parts of at least one guide cover are curved. Preferably, such bends and/or edges are directed or designed upwards, i.e. aligned towards the cover.
- At least parts of at least one guide cover are provided with at least one bead.
- at least one guide cover forms, e.g. radially running, contours or geometries at its outer end or at several outer ends, which function as a channel or at least to some extent as a channel. In this way, dripping of condensed treatment medium at these locations can be prevented, avoided, reduced and/or relocated to other locations using the gutter-like structure.
- at least parts of at least one guide cover are formed from a plate, a sheet and/or a film.
- At least one guide cover has geometries that exert capillary effects on the condensate of a treatment medium, particularly preferably at elevated temperatures, such as at temperatures above 70°C, preferably above 100°C and particularly preferably above 149°C.
- the capillary structures that can be provided for this purpose thus absorb condensate and can therefore be viewed as temporary storage.
- at least one guide cover has surfaces that preferably exert strong capillary effects on the condensate of at least one treatment medium, particularly preferably at elevated temperatures, such as at temperatures above 70°C, preferably above 100°C and particularly preferably above 149°C.
- At least parts of at least one guide cover are provided with recesses, holes and/or slots, the distances, lengths, widths and/or diameters of which are selected such that increased capillary forces act on the condensate of a treatment medium and/or on drops thereof and in this way the condensate or drops thereof can be drained and/or collected in a controlled manner from the surface and/or the underside of the guide cover.
- at least one guide cover can consist of several parts, although individual parts of such a guide cover can also be considered on their own in other 84J GmbH & Co. KG embodiments are to be understood as guide covers.
- a guide cover made of two or more guide covers can be joined to form a guide cover connected according to the invention, which, for the person skilled in the art, preferably solves the inventive task as a connected machine element.
- at least one guide cover has no drip protection surface or is shaped or designed in a corresponding manner that would protect elements from dripping, in particular not by special shapes or geometries that would promote the drainage of the treatment medium condensate.
- preventing or reducing the dripping of the treatment medium condensate from the underside of a guide cover in the immediate area of the elements is at least predominantly, largely or completely not determined and/or exerted, reduced and/or increased by the geometry and/or shape of such a cover, but is carried out at least in the relevant orders of magnitude by the selection of preferred surface properties, such as surface treatments by sandblasting and/or by coatings, such as anodizing.
- a guide cover can have at least one drip protection surface.
- a guide cover can have at least two drip protection surfaces. A first drip protection surface is arranged opposite the cover, i.e. facing upwards.
- a first drip protection surface is preferably arranged from the top of the 84J GmbH & Co. KG guide cover.
- the guide cover forms a second drip protection surface on its underside in order to at least largely reduce condensation of the treatment medium and/or to prevent condensate drops from forming and dripping uncontrollably onto elements.
- a guide cover ensures controlled and/or predetermined dripping of condensate from the treatment medium.
- a guide cover has one or exactly one point or exactly one area where condensed treatment medium can drip.
- a guide cover has two points or areas where condensed treatment medium can drip. These can be designed as intended drip points.
- a guide cover has several points or areas where condensed treatment medium can drip.
- a guide cover is designed in such a way that no treatment medium condensate can and/or does drip.
- the condensate of a treatment medium can drain or flow off the inner wall, in which case the treatment medium preferably evaporates again on the heated wall before it reaches the floor.
- the condensate of a treatment medium can run off or flow off via the receiving device for the polymer elements or the frame for receiving, clamping and/or hanging polymer elements, with such running off or flowing off preferably originating at least partially in the center of the chamber.
- the lid is designed to be conical, recessed, funnel-like, bead-like, cup-like or similar towards the center.
- At least one guide cover is designed such that drops of a treatment medium condensate do not drip downwards in a controlled or uncontrolled manner, but that the condensate can at least temporarily retain and/or store itself in and/or on it.
- a guide cover has a diameter and/or a diagonal between 100 mm and 500 mm in its peripheral area or at least in predominant areas, preferably between 150 mm and 450 mm, particularly preferably between 150 mm and 300 mm and very particularly preferably between 180 mm and 280 mm, such as between 200 mm and 270 mm. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- a guide cover can have a height of at least 10 mm, preferably at least 12 mm, particularly preferably at least 15 mm, such as between 15 mm and 50 mm.
- the cover is designed at least on its inside or at least in areas of its inside, for example through its shape and/or through its surface properties, such that its function at least partially corresponds to a guide cover, in particular as described herein. In some embodiments, the cover is designed at least on its inside or at least in areas of its inside, for example through its shape and/or through its surface properties, such that its function at least partially corresponds to a drip protection cover, in particular as described herein. In some embodiments, the cover is designed on its inside, for example through its shape, such that its function does not correspond to a drip protection cover, in particular as described herein. In some embodiments, the term “cover” can be replaced with the term “guide cover”.
- the “cover” and the “guide cover” are different structures from one another.
- the term “lid” can be interchanged with the term “drip cover”, in others it cannot. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- the “lid” and the “drip protection lid” are different structures from one another.
- the term “guide lid” can be exchanged for the term “drip protection lid”, in others it cannot.
- the "guide lid” and the “drip protection lid” are different structures from one another.
- Any device that is designed to specifically change the air, steam and/or gas flows and/or the flows of functionalizing agents within the chamber, primarily in the area of the inner wall and/or the polymer elements, and/or to change them in process-relevant conditions, is to be regarded in some embodiments as such a device for changing the flow direction and/or the flow properties. In other embodiments, these are only devices that are specifically and/or exclusively intended to change the flow as described.
- Process-relevant changes in the air and/or gas flows triggered by devices according to the invention can be assessed, for example, by treating and/or smoothing two identical polymer elements or preferably two identical polymer element groups in the same spatial arrangement within the chamber with exactly the same treatment media, parameters and settings, once in a chamber with and once in a chamber without devices for changing the flow and/or the flow properties. Afterwards, 84J GmbH & Co. KG these polymer elements and/or polymer element groups are compared in detail with each other. If, for example, different treatment results of two identically treated elements and/or different roughness values are seen on internal contours or surfaces, this can be attributed to the changed flow properties caused by the devices for changing the flow properties.
- devices for changing the flow properties within the chamber are accompanied by an improvement in the treatment and/or smoothing with lower Ra values, i.e. for example with the effect of better and more evenly smoothed surfaces of the polymer elements, for example on internal contours by a lower Ra value of 1, preferably 2, and particularly preferably 3.
- the circulation device is designed such that it can carry out or achieve an ascending flow direction from the bottom to the lid, preferably in the immediate area of the wall of the chamber, preferably in the form of an at least predominantly laminar flow.
- an ascending flow of air and/or gas and/or treatment medium or its vapor and/or functionalizing agent(s) can be simultaneously transported in a radial or circular direction of movement, i.e.
- the at least one medium within the chamber experiences 84J GmbH & Co. KG on the way from bottom to top a longer contact time on or in the near area of the inner wall and can thus have more heat energy transferred on its way.
- The, or a, flow speed in the area of the inner wall, measured approximately halfway up the chamber should in some embodiments be at least 0.3 m/s, preferably at least 0.5 m/s, particularly preferably at least 0.8 m/s, such as at least 1 m/s.
- The, or a, flow speed measured at a distance of approx. 3 cm from the circulation device should in some embodiments be at least 0.5 m/s, preferably at least 1 m/s, particularly preferably at least 1.5 m/s, such as at least 2 m/s.
- the circulation device can be designed in such a way that it can carry out or cause turbulent flows at least partially and/or in places, preferably in the near and/or immediate area of the elements.
- Such turbulent flows can be achieved by various measures, such as special surface structures of the inner wall, the attachment of guide plates preferably in the upper area of the chamber, the change in the pressure in the chamber and/or by changes in the circulation speeds, for example by changing the speeds of at least one circulation device and/or one or more reversals of the direction of rotation of at least one such device.
- the treatment medium in the chamber of the device is in liquid form. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- circulation and/or turbulence is generated within the chamber, for example by means of corresponding circulation devices, such as propellers.
- a cooling unit is provided between the chamber and the vacuum device, for example for cooling air, gas, steam and/or mist from at least one treatment medium. It may or may not be fluidically connected to the interior of a line between the chamber and the vacuum device.
- at least one condenser is preferably provided between the chamber and the vacuum device and/or optionally after it, for example for condensing steam and/or mist from at least one treatment medium from the chamber.
- the vacuum device as disclosed herein, may be, for example, a vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump, a piston pump or a rotary vane pump.
- a condenser is designed as a cold trap, in others it is not.
- a condenser is designed as a heat exchanger, in others it is not.
- a fluid connection between the chamber and a negative pressure device, such as a vacuum pump may be operatively connected to a supply device for air, gas and/or protective gas, such as nitrogen or argon. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- a supply device for air, gas and/or protective gas, such as a supply line can be considered as a bypass to support the condensation performance within the fluid connection between the chamber and the vacuum device and/or an additionally integrated condensation device and can have a smaller or significantly smaller cross-section than the fluid connection at least in places and/or at times, for example smaller by at least a factor of 5, preferably smaller by at least a factor of 10.
- the effective cross-section of a supply device connected to the fluid connection can, in some embodiments, have an area of less than 25 mm at the narrowest point, such as at a valve bore or in a currently prevailing position of a valve. 2 preferably less than 10 mm 2 , such as between 0.15 mm 2 and 3 mm 2 or between 0.5 mm 2 and 10 mm 2 .
- several supply devices for air and/or gas can be operatively connected to at least one fluid connection between the chamber and a vacuum device, or in other words, several bypasses can be used, both at least partially at the same position in the flow direction, as well as one behind the other, connected in series, for example with a distance between 10 mm and 2000 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 1000 mm, particularly preferably between 50 mm and 500 mm.
- a supply device for air, gas and/or protective gas is at least partially as a T-piece, optionally as a finished purchased part, within the 84J GmbH & Co. KG fluid connection between chamber and vacuum device, designed as a bypass according to the invention.
- a bypass can be particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture because in the immediate area of the branch, i.e. directly at the T-piece, the ratio of the cross-sections is not or at least only insignificantly relevant to the function, since a closure and/or an effective change in the cross-section can take place at another point, further upstream of the feed device, in the same way, and with at least approximately the same effect as if this were to happen directly at the branch.
- a bypass is preferably formed from at least one bypass line on which there are two, three, four, five or more valves, preferably with a T arrangement and/or connected in series.
- valves can preferably have the same or different valve bores and/or the same or different cross-sections compared to the ambient air, compared to compressed air, compared to a gas and/or compared to a protective gas.
- a device for measuring the surface smoothness of the polymer elements present in the chamber, or at least one of them, is provided.
- This device can be or include, for example, an optical measuring device. It can be a mechanically acting device, or combinations thereof.
- a camera and/or an optical microscope and/or an infrared measuring device and/or a 84J GmbH & Co. KG infrared camera and/or a laser and/or a scanner may be provided.
- At least one sensor is provided for determining the concentration of the treatment medium and/or the mist or vapor concentration and/or the vapor saturation and/or the concentration or distribution of functionalizing agents. It may also be provided to adjust the concentration of the treatment medium, in particular in response to sensor feedback, and/or the parameters or smoothing parameters during and/or between the smoothing steps of successive smoothing cycles or batches.
- the collection of measurement data is provided.
- the measurement data may be or include, for example, values for temperature, pressure, treatment medium concentrations or the like.
- a measurement of polymer element characteristics such as surface texture, surface roughness, surface hardness, flexural rigidity, tensile strength, compressive strength or other polymer element measurement data known to the person skilled in the art within the construction chamber before, during and after the treatment steps may also be provided.
- evaluating the parameter(s) can result in an adjustment in the process of temperatures, pressures, times, concentrations, heating rates, cooling rates, temperature-time behavior, speeds, directions of rotation and/or other things.
- the device is connected in signal communication with other devices of this type.84J GmbH & Co. KG type and/or with an evaluation device, or a signal connection can be prepared for this purpose.
- connection or network can be used for analyzing and/or adjusting the treatment parameters of one or more of the interconnected devices.
- the element that can be present in the device for its treatment can be made of (or have) any material for this purpose that is disclosed in WO 2023/105090 A1 or in one of the documents whose priority is claimed for the present application.
- the relevant content of the aforementioned WO 2023/105090 A1 and the priority applications is hereby fully incorporated by reference or incorporated herein.
- the heating step of the polymer element comprises positioning the polymer element in a first chamber filled with a gas or gas mixture, such as protective gas and/or air.
- the heating step of the polymer element comprises heating the first chamber to a first temperature in order to thereby heat the polymer element at least approximately to the first temperature.
- the evaporation step of the method according to the invention comprises heating a treatment medium, in particular in a receiving device for the treatment medium, such that it evaporates (depending on the prevailing pressure) and at least partially fills a housing of the receiving device for the treatment medium with vapor that is or contains the treatment medium. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- the receiving device for the treatment medium is heated to a second temperature in the evaporation step in order to temper the vapor of the treatment medium at least approximately to the second temperature and/or to keep it at this temperature.
- the method according to the invention comprises, as a further step, discharging at least part of the vapor of the treatment medium from the chamber with the polymer elements, for example back into the receiving device for the treatment medium or into another chamber that is suitable and/or intended to receive the treatment medium, after the specific period of time.
- the discharging step comprises introducing gas, protective gas or a gas mixture into the chamber with the polymer elements.
- the gas or gas mixture is tempered to a specific temperature, for example, and/or can be or contain nitrogen or argon, for example.
- the gas or gas mixture is introduced from another chamber into the chamber with the polymer elements.
- a polymer element is positioned in the chamber and remains there throughout the entire process. This has the advantage that the polymer element to be smoothed does not move into the vapor of the treatment medium and after exposure to the 84J GmbH & Co. KG polymer element in the steam must be moved out of it again.
- there is preferably a negative pressure in the chamber for example between 0 and 0.99 bar, or between 0.1 bar and 0.99 bar, or between 0.3 bar and 0.99 bar, or between 0.1 bar and 0.8 bar.
- the negative pressure, at least in process step b), is at least temporarily between 0.4 bar and 0.99 bar, preferably between 0.5 bar and 0.98 bar, particularly preferably between 0.6 bar and 0.95 bar, such as between 0.7 bar and 0.95 bar.
- the at least one receiving device for the treatment medium is arranged completely or almost completely outside the chamber for receiving polymer elements. In this way, the temperature of the receiving device for the treatment medium can be controlled or regulated more decoupled from the temperature of the chamber for receiving polymer elements, for example by 1°C to 220°C higher, preferably by 1°C to 140°C higher, particularly preferably by 5°C to 90°C higher, such as by 15°C to 65°C higher.
- the receiving device for the treatment medium is preferably equipped with at least one heating device, for example with one of those mentioned herein. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- the end of the round tube opposite the receiving device for the treatment medium is connected to the bottom or the chamber wall of the chamber for receiving polymer elements for fluid communication.
- a suitable machine element for fluid communication between the receiving device for the treatment medium and the chamber for receiving polymer elements has no possibility of closing the connection.
- the machine element for fluid communication between the receiving device for the treatment medium and the chamber for receiving polymer elements is equipped on the inside with filling elements or inlays formed at least predominantly in the longitudinal direction, such as rods, tubes, sheets or special profiles to increase the surface area, wherein such filling elements or inlays can be formed at least largely from a metal and preferably extend over a large area of the machine element, preferably at least over half the total length.
- the machine element for fluid communication between the receiving device for the treatment medium and the chamber for receiving polymer elements can be considered and/or referred to as a heat exchanger and/or heat reactor.
- a heat reactor as described herein is, for example, a device with which preferably steam and/or mist and/or a mixture of steam and mist from at least 84J GmbH & Co. KG a treatment medium can be produced.
- the pipe or round tube described herein can be a heat reactor, and vice versa.
- a heat reactor is designed to accommodate at least one treatment medium, preferably a certain amount of at least one treatment medium that is liquid or solid at 20°C and/or at least one functionalizing agent.
- a heat reactor preferably has at least one cavity at its lower distal end, which is designed to at least temporarily accommodate or has at least 10 ml, preferably at least 20 ml of the treatment medium, wherein the treatment medium preferably consists of ethanol, isopropanol, 1,2-isopropylideneglycerin, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol (MMB), propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, benzyl alcohol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol acetate (MMB-Ac), D-limone, 1,8 cineole, formaldehyde dibutyl acetal, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, g-valerolactone (GVL), propylene carbonate, 1,3 butanediol, 1,3 propanediol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, methyl 5-(dimethylamino)-2- methyl-5-oxopentanoate,
- the thermal reactor is designed so that it can be considered as a single, coherent structure in its entirety or at least in its predominant areas.
- the heat reactor is formed at least in large or predominant parts and/or regions from a tube that is designed to form three, four, five or six radially separated regions.
- the heat reactor has at least one opening at its upper distal end.
- the heat reactor has several openings at its upper distal end, such as two, three or four openings.
- the heat reactor is provided with at least one nozzle outlet or at least one nozzle at its upper distal end, preferably with a plurality of nozzles, e.g. a row of nozzles.
- the one or more nozzles can serve to more evenly distribute the treatment medium heated in the heat reactor inside the chamber. They can serve to better nebulize the treatment medium. In some embodiments, these nozzles can be understood as outlet nozzles for the exit of the treatment medium from the heat reactor and/or as inlet nozzles for the entry of the treatment medium into the chamber.
- a heat reactor is connected and/or operatively connected to the chamber, which serves to receive and treat the polymer elements. Its interior (e.g. the place where the treatment medium is present and/or evaporated) can be separated or separable from the interior of the chamber by means of a device such as a valve, flap or the like. In other embodiments, there is no such device, the interior of the 84J GmbH & Co.
- the heat reactor is connected to the chamber used to receive and treat the polymer elements in such a way that gas and/or mist flowing into the chamber can be distributed as quickly and as evenly as possible within the chamber, for example by interacting with a circulation device.
- a heat reactor is connected to the chamber in such a way that at least one circulation device within the chamber can ensure that gas and/or mist is distributed as quickly and evenly as possible, for example by interacting with a circulation device.
- a heat reactor can at least in part represent either an extended part or an extended area of the chamber for receiving elements, which can be arranged at least in sections inside and/or outside the bottom, the wall and/or the lid of the chamber.
- a thermal reactor may be permanently in open communication or open fluid communication with the element-holding chamber or, in some embodiments, may be closably connected to at least one closure mechanism such as a valve.
- closure mechanism if present, may either be controlled by the control device or it may 84J GmbH & Co. KG can be designed to be unregulated, i.e. self-opening or self-triggering. The opening can be pressure-dependent, for example.
- a heat reactor has or contains at least one heating device (referred to herein as a second heating device) and/or a heating zone, in other embodiments it has two or more such devices or zones.
- a second heating device and/or a heating zone can be used at least predominantly for heating and/or changing the state of aggregation of the at least one treatment medium, while at least a third heating device and/or heating zone of the heat reactor can serve to supply further energy to the already heated or vaporized treatment medium. This is done by taking advantage of the fact that the heating devices or zones within the heat reactor are arranged along the flow path of the treatment medium on its way towards the interior of the chamber, i.e.
- devices can be provided in the heat reactor that are designed for optimized heat input into the treatment medium, such as heat conducting plates and/or fluid connections with increased surface geometry, such as several tubes arranged in parallel.
- a heat reactor can be considered as a heat exchanger and/or as a continuous flow heater, at least in parts of the device.
- a heat reactor is preferably designed so that it 84J GmbH & Co. KG can move treatment medium from one position to another by supplying heat alone.
- the heat reactor cannot be opened to refill with treatment medium, but is filled with treatment medium through the upper end and/or through a filling area provided for this purpose, preferably in a predefined amount.
- the heat reactor can be filled with more treatment medium than would be necessary for a treatment cycle, for example up to 50% more, preferably up to 20% more, than calculated and/or predetermined for the current cycle.
- the heat reactor can be equipped with a discharge valve in order to remove excess treatment medium manually or automatically after a treatment cycle has been completed.
- the heat reactor is in fluid communication with at least one pump, such as a hose pump, wherein the pump is configured (e.g. by programming the control device) to convey treatment medium in both flow directions, i.e. upstream and/or downstream to a receiving device, such as a tubular bag.
- the base, the wall and the lid are equipped with heating devices.
- the base and/or the lid are equipped with round and/or curved heating elements, such as at least one tubular heating element on the contact surfaces outside the chamber.
- tubular heating elements can be at least partially embedded and/or inserted into the outer surfaces of the base and/or lid, for example in at least partially circumferential grooves in the outer surfaces.
- the wall is wrapped with at least one heating cord in the form of at least one partial helix, preferably at least in predominant areas with a pitch between 8 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 12 mm and 35 mm.
- a heat reactor is equipped with at least three, preferably with at least four and particularly preferably with at least five heating devices, such as heating sleeves and/or nozzle heating bands.
- the axial distances between heating devices on a heat reactor, such as between two or two heating sleeves and/or nozzle heating bands are at least predominantly and/or at least in the upper region of the heat reactor, less than 40 mm, preferably less than 30 mm and very particularly preferably less than 20 mm, such as less than 10 mm.
- At least two of the heating devices on the heat reactor are preferably arranged relative to one another within an axial direction along the heat reactor central axis such that the distance between the heating devices is preferably less than 2 cm, particularly preferably the heating elements form no or at least no significant distance from one another.
- the heat reactor is formed at least in large parts from an anodized aluminum profile tube with at least 4 longitudinally formed chambers, preferably 5 chambers.
- an aluminum profile tube for a heat reactor has an outer diameter between 25 mm and 35 mm, preferably between 28 mm and 32 mm, such as about 30 mm.
- the device is equipped with an inductive measuring device in order to be able to measure the state and/or the speed and/or the direction of rotation of the circulation device and optionally have it evaluated or controlled or regulated by the control device.
- an optional magnetic field sensor of the circulation device inside the chamber is designed in such a way that, in addition to a magnetic force transmission for driving a circulation device, such as a propeller, it is also suitable and/or set up for 84J GmbH & Co. KG is to transmit inductive on/off information to the control device in conjunction with a contactless induction sensor.
- At least one induction sensor is located at least partially below the base, preferably it is integrated into the base, such as embedded in a blind hole or in a through hole, in the latter case preferably sealed with at least one O-ring.
- a guide funnel and/or a guide tube can be designed as any device and/or within any geometry that forms at least one cavity for gas guidance in its interior and has at least two openings.
- a guide funnel and/or a guide tube can form and/or have any geometry, any shape, any slope and/or any curve that are suitable for guiding, bundling and/or directing flows in certain directions.
- a receiving device for polymer elements is designed to hang and/or place elements thereon, for example by means of provisions for hanging wires and/or by means of predetermined support surfaces, preferably with small to very small support surfaces for the elements.
- a treatment medium storage container which can preferably be changed without tools, is designed to hold up to 2.5 liters, preferably up to 1.0 84J GmbH & Co.
- the treatment medium preferably consists of ethanol, isopropanol, 1,2-isopropylideneglycerin, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol (MMB), propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, benzyl alcohol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol acetate (MMB-Ac), D-limone, 1,8 cineole, formaldehyde dibutyl acetal, acetophenone, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, propylene carbonate, gamma-valerolactone, 3-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-propanediol, propylene carbonate, gamma-valerolactone, 3-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-propanediol, propylene carbonate, gamma-valerolact
- a treatment medium storage container is provided, e.g. as part of the device, or connected to it.
- This can be designed at least in part as a bag or tubular bag.
- the storage container preferably has a maximum filling volume of 1000 ml, particularly preferably 600 ml and very particularly preferably 300 ml, for example between 100 ml and 500 ml or between 200 ml and 400 ml.
- a tubular bag has the advantage over rigid storage containers such as a cartridge that the treatment medium can be stored in the tubular bag after the polymer elements have been treated and after it has condensed, for example in a condenser.84J GmbH & Co. KG and/or e.g.
- a tubular bag in combination with at least one bypass, can be fed back into it without additional venting, for example pumped back with a peristaltic pump.
- a tubular bag is stored and/or enclosed in another housing.
- a treatment medium storage container and/or a tubular bag and/or a housing for tubular bags can be equipped with devices or provisions for unique identification within the device for treating polymer elements, for example with labels, QR codes and/or electronic provisions such as RFID codes and/or by means of Near Field Communication (NFC).
- NFC Near Field Communication
- a reader for reading the information stored on it can be provided.
- the control device can be provided to control or regulate the treatment based on this read information.
- the receiving device for the treatment medium can be connected to the chamber for receiving polymer elements via at least one intermediate machine element, which can temporarily close and/or open the fluidic connection between the chamber and the receiving device for the treatment medium, wherein the closing and/or opening can be carried out by the machine element in a (mechanically) self-regulating manner and/or can be switched by a control device via an actuator.
- the receiving device for the treatment medium can be connected to the chamber for receiving polymer elements via at least one intermediate machine element, which can temporarily 84J GmbH & Co. KG tapering of at least one cross-section of the fluid connection between these two spaces, e.g. a throttle, a valve, a ball valve or orifice.
- the device or the heat reactor can be filled or equipped with a treatment medium, in particular a solvent, or with its vapor, which is one of the treatment media or solvents disclosed in WO 2023/105090 A1 or in one of the documents whose priority is claimed for the present application.
- a treatment medium in particular a solvent, or with its vapor, which is one of the treatment media or solvents disclosed in WO 2023/105090 A1 or in one of the documents whose priority is claimed for the present application.
- a treatment medium in particular a solvent, or with its vapor
- the treatment medium is a hemiacetal, dimethoxymethane, 1,3 dioxolane, thiodiglycol, methyl 5-(dimethylamino)-2-methyl-5-oxopentanoate, 1,3 propanediol, 1,3 butanediol, 2-methyl-1-butanol or a combination of these and other treatment media.
- the polymer elements are moved during the process, e.g. shaken, turned, rotated or circulated, which can lead to better wetting of their surface with the vapor of the treatment medium.
- a corresponding device such as a motor can be provided and, for example, stimulated by the control device.
- the surface treatment takes place at least temporarily under negative pressure or in a vacuum. 84J GmbH & Co. KG In some embodiments, no capacitor is provided between the vacuum source and the chamber.
- the device does not have both a chamber as a process chamber and a chamber for temporarily holding the treatment medium, in particular in liquid form.
- the device does not have a delivery system for the treatment medium, which is arranged upstream of the chamber, in order to introduce the treatment medium into the chamber with the polymer elements. The delivery of the treatment medium from the heat reactor, if present, is not affected by this.
- the device does not have a delivery system for the treatment medium, which is controlled to introduce a predetermined amount of treatment medium into the chamber with the polymer elements.
- the device has a delivery system, which is preferably arranged and/or controlled upstream of the chamber, for introducing a non-determined or non-predeterminable amount of the treatment medium into the chamber, or for releasing a non-determined or non-predeterminable amount of the treatment medium within the chamber, e.g. B. from a capsule already present in the chamber, which is opened, for example, so that treatment medium or its vapor can be distributed in the chamber in an undetermined or undeterminable quantity.
- the device can be configured to supply an undetermined or undetermined quantity of the treatment medium or its vapor from a 84J GmbH & Co. KG receiving device for the treatment medium into the chamber.
- the chamber does not have an atomizer for generating a treatment medium mist, e.g., a droplet generator, a vibrating element, and/or a wick.
- a polyamide such as PA12 or PA11 can be treated, smoothed and/or functionalized with a treatment medium which contains at least one glycol such as propylene glycol and/or an acetal such as 1,2-isopropylideneglycerin and/or an ether such as 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol and/or a diol such as 1,3-propanediol or 1,3-butanediol and/or a 3-methoxy-1,3-propanediol, preferably at temperatures between 141°C and 200°C, particularly preferably at temperatures between 147°C and 180°C, such as between 150°C and 173°C.
- PK polyketone
- PC propylene carbonate
- 1,3-propanediol and/or 1,3-butanediol and/or benzyl alcohol as a treatment medium with or without further additives, preferably at temperatures from 130°C, particularly preferably from 140°C and very particularly preferably from 150°C, such as from 155°C, 160° or from 165°C.
- no pump and/or no injection means are provided to transfer the treatment medium from the heat reactor into the chamber.
- no valve or lid or other closure means is provided that can be actuated.
- no further chamber is provided to receive the non-condensed part of the treatment medium from the condenser in order to transfer or separate it into a condensed part and a non-condensed part.
- no further chamber is provided which is in fluid communication with the chamber for treating the polymer elements in order to feed a non-condensed portion back into the chamber.
- the device is designed such that condensed treatment medium, for example condensed in a condenser, can be fed into or returned to at least one treatment medium storage container, such as at least one bag or tubular bag.
- the treatment medium can thus be stored in the same or in different treatment medium storage containers or bags before and after the treatment of polymer elements.
- the volume of the treatment medium within the treatment medium storage container after the treatment of polymer elements is at least 50% compared to the volume before the treatment, preferably at least 60% and particularly preferably at least 65%. This filling can be due in whole or in part to the collection and re-storage of condensed treatment medium.
- the device is designed such that a treatment medium that has been condensed once is not fed back into the chamber and/or a container from which treatment medium is removed for treatment or re-treatment of the polymer elements in use.
- control device is programmed to at least temporarily supply air and/or gas while treatment medium is being sucked out of the chamber in order to achieve and/or at least partially maintain a predetermined pressure in the chamber. This can be done by means of the controllable and/or adjustable valve disclosed herein. In this way, treatment medium or its vapor can be removed from the chamber without the pressure prevailing in the chamber changing to an undesirable extent.
- two, three or more heating zones of the heat reactor are located upstream of the chamber and arranged one behind the other and/or in series.
- the heat reactor has a preferably elongated and/or at least predominantly concentric arrangement, at least in the region in which it comes into contact with the treatment medium.
- the ratio of length to width and/or length to diameter is preferably at least 5:1, preferably at least 10:1, and particularly preferably at least 15:1.
- the heat reactor is formed from at least one tubular machine element 84J GmbH & Co. KG or has one, preferably at least in part, of at least one tube with an inner diameter and/or a diagonal between 4 mm and 50 mm, particularly preferably between 8 mm and 40 mm and very particularly preferably between 12 mm and 30 mm and/or with a wall thickness between 0.5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm and particularly preferably between 1.5 mm and 5 mm.
- the heat reactor has a length of at least 150 mm, preferably of at least 200 mm, particularly preferably of at least 250 mm, and very particularly preferably of at least 300 mm.
- the heat reactor has devices in its interior for improved heat transfer, such devices preferably consisting of sheet metal and/or extruded profiles and/or such devices being formed at least partially from metal, preferably from an aluminum alloy.
- the device has a magnetic coupling that is designed to transmit a rotary motion from a motor arranged outside the chamber into the chamber. For this purpose, it can have a magnetic drive for generating a magnetic field and a magnetic field collector, as disclosed herein.
- the magnetic coupling has at least two permanent magnets located outside the chamber and at least one ferromagnetic collector arranged inside the chamber for the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets.
- 84J GmbH & Co. KG permanent magnets and the ferromagnetic pickup preferably have a common axis of rotation.
- the poles of the two permanent magnets are arranged in reverse order.
- the distance from the centers of the two permanent magnets is between 35 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 45 mm and 110 mm and particularly preferably between 50 mm and 80 mm.
- the section of the magnetic coupling arranged within the chamber is formed from or has at least one wave-shaped machine element which is designed in the region of a distal end to accommodate at least one propeller and/or a swirling device and/or wherein a magnetic field collector is preferably arranged in the region of an opposite distal end, preferably in an at least predominantly rectangular orientation, wherein the wave-shaped machine element is optionally equipped with a flat geometry at the distal end of the magnetic field collector, preferably with a pointed and/or spherical geometry, wherein the axial bearing interacts with a bearing partner in the region of the inner wall.
- the wave-shaped machine element has at least in parts a diameter between 3 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm, and particularly preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm, particularly preferably in the region of a radial bearing. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- the at least one propeller and/or the at least one swirling device is arranged in the region of the side of the at least one wave-shaped machine element facing away from the inner wall, wherein the wave-shaped machine element has devices for transmitting a torque to the propeller.
- the propeller and/or swirling device have geometries to cause flows within the chamber, wherein these flows are at least predominantly laminar in defined areas and have an at least predominantly turbulent flow in other areas, preferably in the immediate area of the polymer elements.
- the device has devices for specifically changing the flow properties within the chamber, wherein these are attached to the inner wall of the chamber and/or are part of it.
- the assembly unit which can preferably be removed or taken out of the chamber without tools, preferably has at least one of the following machine elements: frame, wave-shaped machine element, propeller and/or swirling device, ferromagnetic pickup for magnetic fields, protective device for propeller, support, clamping and/or suspension device for the polymer elements, device and/or machine element for changing the flow properties.
- the valve for introducing air and/or gas into the chamber has a cross-sectional area of at least 1 mm2, preferably of at least 3 mm2 and particularly preferably of at least 5 mm2, such as between 6 mm2 and 10 mm2.
- the valve for introducing air and/or gas into the chamber has a cross-sectional area or adjustable cross-sectional area that is in a ratio of between 100:1 and 2:1, preferably between 50:1 and 5:1, very particularly preferably between 30:1 and 5:1 to the cross-sectional area or adjustable cross-sectional area of the valve arranged in the line branching off from the vacuum line.
- at least parts or areas of the wall, the base, the cover and/or the guide cover are anodized, preferably black anodized.
- the bottom is welded to the wall.
- the lid is welded to the wall.
- a heating device is provided to heat the lid, the guide lid or the drip protection surface in a central region. In some embodiments, it is not in contact with a region radially outside the central region.
- the outer region can surround the central region.
- the outer 84J GmbH & Co. KG area and the central area can be thermally separated from one another by a thermal insulation layer or structure.
- the steam and/or mist of a treatment medium B is heated from a first, in particular predetermined, temperature to a second, in particular predetermined, temperature, preferably in the heat reactor, the second temperature being at least 5°C, preferably at least 10°C, particularly preferably at least 15°C and very particularly preferably at least 20°C higher than the first temperature and/or the temperature of the still liquid treatment medium B in the receiving device or in the (lower area) of the heat reactor, such as 10°C to 80°C higher or 15°C to 55°C higher, this second temperature preferably being present or measured in the immediate area of the transition from the heat reactor to the chamber and/or approximately at floor level.
- the time period for the transition of 0.1 ml to 0.5 ml of treatment medium B from a first temperature to a second temperature of preferably at least 10°C temperature increase is less than 30 seconds, preferably less than 20 seconds and particularly preferably less than 10 seconds, such as a temperature increase from about 140°C to at least 150°C in less than 10 seconds or preferably in less than 5 seconds or for a temperature increase from about 140°C to at least 155°C in less than 15 seconds or preferably in less than 10 seconds.
- a temperature increase of 5°C takes place in less than 5 seconds, particularly preferably in less than 3 seconds and very particularly preferably a temperature increase of 10°C takes place in 84J GmbH & Co.
- the maximum evaporation rate of the heat reactor relating to the treatment medium is at least 1 ml/min, preferably at least 2 ml/min and particularly preferably at least 5 ml/min, more preferably for example between 3 ml/min and 20 ml/min or preferably between 5 ml/min and 15 ml/min.
- air or gas is introduced into the chamber at the same time or in an overlapping manner during the removal of treatment medium B from the chamber, the introduction of gas or air causing the pressure within the chamber to be higher than before and/or during process step b and/or the absolute pressure within the chamber to be between 0.3 bar and 0.99 bar, preferably between 0.4 bar and 0.9 bar and particularly preferably between 0.45 bar and 0.85 bar.
- the treatment medium storage container is designed as a tubular bag, preferably formed at least predominantly from a polymer such as polypropylene (PP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE).
- At least one tubular bag is further packaged or enclosed within a cartridge and/or a housing, which preferably also consists at least largely of a 84J GmbH & Co. KG polymer and is suitable and/or designed to compensate for the volume change of the tubular bag during filling and/or emptying.
- the device or the circulation system has a negative pressure or vacuum pump for removing/sucking gaseous treatment medium B out of the chamber at the end of the treatment or smoothing process. This pump can be the one optionally provided for generating the negative pressure required for treatment, or a separate one.
- One advantage of the present invention can be that according to the invention only one chamber is required for the method according to the invention. This means that at least a second chamber and the necessary lines, pumps, etc. between the chambers or for the other chamber(s) can be saved. This indirectly saves costs. Because several heating devices can be used in the present invention, the process for treating polymer elements can advantageously be controlled much more precisely. All of the advantages that can be achieved with the processes according to the invention can also be achieved without any reduction in certain embodiments of the invention with the devices according to the invention, and vice versa. 84J GmbH & Co. KG The present invention is described below purely by way of example with reference to the attached figures. In them, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components.
- Fig. 1 shows the device according to the invention in a first exemplary embodiment
- Fig. 2 shows the device according to the invention in a further exemplary embodiment
- Fig. 2a shows the device according to the invention in Fig. 2 with an alternative receiving device for the treatment medium
- Fig. 3 shows the device according to the invention in a third exemplary embodiment
- Fig. 4 shows the device according to the invention in a fourth exemplary embodiment
- Fig. 5 shows a receiving device for the treatment medium, as can be arranged in a chamber of the device according to the invention
- Fig. 6 shows the device according to the invention in Fig.
- FIG. 7 shows the heating device for a device according to the invention in one embodiment, here as a heat reactor;
- Fig. 7a shows the heating device for a device according to the invention in another embodiment, also as a heat reactor;
- Fig. 7b shows the device according to the invention for treating polymer elements in another embodiment;
- Fig. 7c shows the device according to the invention for treating polymer elements in another embodiment;
- Fig. 8 shows the sequence of a method according to the invention for treating polymer elements in an exemplary embodiment;
- Fig. 9 shows a device according to the invention for treating polymer elements in another embodiment with a perspective from below;
- Fig. 9a shows the device of Fig.
- FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of the magnetic drive of the circulation device from the previous figures; 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- FIG. 10 shows the exemplary design of the circulation device of Fig. 9 and Fig. 9a from above;
- Fig. 10a shows another exemplary design of the circulation device from above;
- Fig. 10b shows another exemplary design of the circulation device from above;
- Fig. 10c shows another exemplary design of the circulation device from above;
- Fig. 10d shows another exemplary design of the circulation device from above;
- Fig. 10e shows another exemplary design of the circulation device from above; Fig.
- FIG. 11 shows the arrangement of a circulation device in a device according to the invention in another embodiment with a perspective from above;
- Fig. 12 shows a design of a guide plate;
- Fig. 13 shows the arrangement of a circulation device in a device according to the invention for treating polymer elements with polymer elements arranged above;
- Fig. 14 shows a heat reactor in an exploded view;84J GmbH & Co. KG
- Fig. 15 shows a heat reactor according to the invention in an embodiment with an inlay;
- Fig. 15a shows the inlay from Fig. 15;
- Fig. 16 shows a circulation system for use and reuse of the treatment medium;
- Fig. 17 shows a bearing for the circulation device in a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with magnetic drive;
- FIG. 18 shows a nozzle outlet of a heat reactor in a further embodiment of the device according to the invention
- Fig. 19 shows Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 in a joint view without the protective grid
- Fig. 20 shows a further embodiment of the device
- Fig. 21 shows a further embodiment of the device
- Fig. 22 shows a further embodiment of the device
- Fig. 23 shows the embodiment of Fig. 17 connected to a frame with receiving devices for receiving polymer elements
- Fig. 24 shows a part of a cover in a sectional perspective view from below in a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention
- Fig. 24a shows the cover of Fig. 24 in a sectional view in perspective from below
- Fig. 25 shows part of a guide cover in a sectional view in perspective from below in a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention; and Fig. 25a shows the guide cover of Fig. 25 in a sectional view in perspective from below.
- Fig. 1 shows the device 100 according to the invention in a first exemplary embodiment.
- the device 100 comprises a chamber 1, which is intended and/or suitable for receiving the polymer elements P to be treated.
- the chamber 1 has a side wall 3, a base 5 and an opening, preferably at the front or top. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the front or top opening is optionally the only opening in the chamber.
- the opening can be closed by means of a cover 7, preferably in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the cover 7 can optionally have at least one further passage, as explained below for the example shown here.
- the chamber 1 has an internal volume or capacity of preferably less than 100 l, preferably less than 60 l, particularly preferably less than 40 l. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- An optional receiving device 9a for storing the polymer elements P is arranged inside the chamber 1.
- the base 5 optionally has a base section 5a.
- a connection for a vacuum line 17 for a vacuum or vacuum device is optionally arranged. The arrangement of the connection in the example in Fig.
- the device 100 optionally further comprises a circulation device 21, here for example in the form of a propeller or rotor.
- the circulation device 21 is driven by a motor 25 via a drive shaft 25a.
- the drive shaft 25a is guided through the base 5 by means of a shaft feedthrough 28.
- Fig. 1 shows the control device 200 according to the invention.
- Fig. 2 shows the device 100 according to the invention in a further exemplary embodiment. Reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 1 and the differences to Fig. 1 are discussed below in order to avoid repetition.
- the drive of the circulation device 21, which here as optionally in any other embodiment disclosed herein can be or have a propeller, such as described herein, is magnetic in the example in Fig. 2.
- the motor 25 moves or rotates at least one permanent magnet 27 below the base 5 (which is preferably tapered or thinner at this point).
- the magnetic field of the rotating permanent magnet 27 acts without contact on ferromagnetic metal 29 (or generally ferromagnetic material, e.g. plastics with bound iron powder, etc.), which is indirectly connected to the circulation device 21, and thus transfers the rotation to it.
- ferromagnetic metal 29 or generally ferromagnetic material, e.g. plastics with bound iron powder, etc.
- optional air guide plates 40 are also shown, which serve to effectively guide the fluid flow generated by the circulation device 21 within the chamber 1, in particular to ensure or ensure uniform temperature control of the interior of the chamber 1 and/or to at least partially thermally and/or fluidically divide the area above the optional air guide plates 40 from the lower area within the chamber 1.
- a cooler 33 is optionally arranged on the vacuum line 17, which is preferably located upstream of the vacuum device or pump (not shown).
- such a cooler 33 can be designed as a piece of pipe or hose in order to bring about or intensify condensation of treatment medium in this area.
- Fig. 2 shows the device according to the invention of Fig. 2 in an alternative embodiment.
- Fig. 3 shows the device 100 according to the invention in a third exemplary embodiment.
- a heating mat is provided as the first heating device 11, which at least largely lies completely around the chamber 1 and/or a heating cord with which the chamber 1 is wound, preferably as evenly as possible.
- it can be provided to arrange one or more heating mats around the circumference of the chamber 1, or sections thereof, and/or to wind several heating cords, preferably in a spiral shape, around the chamber.
- the receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B is also provided partly outside and partly inside the chamber 1 in which the polymer elements P are arranged. It extends 84J GmbH & Co. KG in the exemplary embodiment shown through a defined recess through the chamber floor.
- the recess can alternatively or additionally be provided in the wall 3 and/or the lid 7 of the chamber 1.
- a recess can be a through-opening, in particular a circular one, which can have at least one sealing element opposite the receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B, for example in the form of an O-ring.
- the receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B can have a flange as a sealing element or be provided with a labyrinth seal.
- the receiving device 50 can also be permanently connected to the chamber 1, for example by welding or gluing.
- the through-opening can, in some embodiments, have a thread in or on its circumference, so that in this way a receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B or a corresponding housing 71 thereof, which is provided with an external thread, can be screwed into the thread of the through-opening.
- a receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B or a corresponding housing 71 thereof, which is provided with an external thread can be screwed into the thread of the through-opening.
- the area or part of the receiving device 50 for a treatment medium B which is located outside the chamber 1 for receiving polymer elements, is made significantly larger than the area or part of the receiving device 50 which extends inside the chamber 1, for example by an order of magnitude or 84J GmbH & Co. KG by a volume with a factor of 2 to 50.
- the receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B or a housing 71 thereof can be designed to be so long and thus have an internal volume that a larger amount of vapor of the treatment medium B can be formed and stored before it is introduced into the chamber 1, without the usable volume of the chamber 1 for the polymer elements P being restricted too much.
- the part of the receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B, which is optionally located within the chamber 1, can be equipped with at least one controllable or adjustable machine element, here for example a needle valve 70. In this way, (exactly) predetermined amounts of the treatment medium B and/or its vapor can be introduced into the chamber 1 to the polymer elements P at a predetermined time.
- the needle valve 70 can be manipulated, for example, by means of a mechanical passage from areas outside the container and outside the chamber, such as by a rotary and/or sliding rod with at least one seal, such as an O-ring. However, this is not shown in Fig. 3.
- the needle valve 70 can be replaced or supplemented by other closure systems such as a solenoid valve.
- the needle valve 70 can be replaced or supplemented by a self-regulating pressure valve.
- the (steam) pressure at which such a pressure valve (independently) opens (and possibly closes again) can in certain 84J GmbH & Co. KG embodiments can be designed to be adjustable, for example by rotating and pre-tensioning a compression spring.
- the receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B does not have a closure system such as a needle valve, preferably at the upper distal end and/or in or in the area of the chamber 1.
- the chamber 1 and the receiving device 50 are fluidically connected during all process steps, at least during process steps a) and b).
- the receiving device 50 is completely or at least partially designed as a heat reactor and/or has at least approximately comparable process patterns and/or is suitable or prepared for corresponding processes.
- Fig. 4 shows the device 100 according to the invention in a fourth exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 5 shows a receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B, as can be arranged in a chamber 1 of the device 100 according to the invention.
- Fig. 6 shows the device 100 according to the invention of Fig. 3 with an alternative, external arrangement of the receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B.
- This is 84J GmbH & Co. KG is arranged completely outside the chamber 1 with the polymer elements P. In this way, the temperature of the receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B can be controlled or regulated more independently of the temperature of the chamber 1 with the polymer elements P.
- this machine element is a connecting line 72.
- This can, for example, be a pipe (of any cross-section) or a hose.
- the machine element can be dispensed with or implemented by a simple passage.
- at least one intermediate machine element is provided, which causes a temporary closing or opening of this connection. This can be a valve, analogous to the description of the embodiment of Fig. 3.
- an intermediate machine element such as a throttle or an orifice can cause an at least temporary tapering of at least one cross section of the fluidic connection, such as a tapering of the cross section up to 90%, preferably up to 95%, and particularly preferably up to 99%.
- Fig. 7 shows the second heating device 12 on the right in a further embodiment as a heat reactor 90, which is arranged below the bottom 5 of the chamber 1 (chamber not shown in Fig. 7). The example in Fig.
- a heat reactor 90 optionally as a round, long, hollow tube 91 (of any, constant or varying cross-section), for example made of chrome-plated brass, which can be filled with or have heat-conducting granules, for example silicon balls and/or with at least one inlay such as 91b, see e.g. Fig. 15b.
- a second heating device 12 is arranged at the top or at another point on this tube 91, here in the form of a heating sleeve.
- the interior of the tube 91 is in fluid communication with the chamber 1.
- the receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B is arranged at the bottom of this tube 91 and is fluidly connected to it.
- third heating device 12' here also in the form of a heating sleeve, which can alternatively be provided at another point on the pipe 51 or the heat reactor 90.
- the chamber 1 in which the polymer elements P are arranged can now be (pre)heated to a predetermined temperature, e.g. to 155°C, e.g. over a period of approx. 45 minutes. Since the treatment medium B is spatially relatively far away from the heating chamber 1, the treatment medium B heats up only insignificantly, in particular not to its boiling point.
- the device 100 according to the invention or its chamber 1 is evacuated, for example by applying a negative pressure of approx. 0.5 bar or approx.
- the upper second heating device 12 is heated to a higher temperature, e.g. B. approx. 170°C to 210°C. This also heats up the pipe 91 and with it the heat-conducting granulate optionally located therein and/or the optionally also included, at least one inlay 91b. If the third heating device 12' is now switched on, for example to approx. 160°C to 200°C, the treatment medium B is heated and begins to boil in a certain time depending on the heating power used and the treatment media used (for example at approx. 0.5 bar internal pressure). In the example in Fig.
- the sleeve adapter 93 has, for example, a material thickness of more than 3 mm, for example a material thickness of more than 5 mm.
- the optional sleeve adapter 93 between the pipe 91 and one or all of the heating devices 12, 12' has, for example, a length that is greater than the length of the respective heating device 12, 12', in the example of the upper heating device it is at least twice as long as this.
- the treatment medium B evaporates when heated by means of the heating device 12', referred to herein as the third, and rises upwards. It is further heated by the heat reactor 90 (in the example mentioned here up to 180°C or up to 200°C) until it flows into the treatment chamber 1.
- a further receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B is shown. This can correspond to one of the embodiments mentioned here, for example the embodiment in Fig. 5.
- the further, optional receiving device 50 can, for example, be a capsule as shown or also a further heat reactor.
- the further receiving device 50 and the heat reactor 90 can be connected or used simultaneously or one after the other.
- 84J GmbH & Co. KG The example in Fig. 7 also shows an optional tapering of the base 5, i.e. a section of the base 5 that has a smaller thickness than neighboring sections of the base 5, which is designed here as a circular pocket.
- Such a circular pocket can, for example, have a diameter of 20 mm to 200 mm, particularly preferably a diameter of 50 mm to 120 mm, such as 70 mm to 100 mm, and preferably a depth of 0.5 mm to 20 mm, particularly preferably from 1 mm to 10 mm, such as 3 mm to 6 mm.
- the wall thickness in the area of such a circular pocket is therefore preferably a dimension of 1 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably from 2 mm to 8 mm, such as 3 mm to 6 mm.
- Fig. 7a shows the heating device for a device according to the invention in a further embodiment in a sectional view, also designed as a heat reactor 90. Particular reference is made to the description of Fig. 7.
- the treatment medium B can be clearly seen in the representation in Fig. 7a, which in this embodiment is in liquid form in the receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B, which is arranged at the bottom of the tube 91 and is fluidically connected to it.
- the tube 91 can also be filled with heat-conducting granulate and/or an inlay such as an inlay 91b; this is omitted in the sectional view for the sake of better clarity.
- Fig. 7b shows the heating device of Fig. 7a supplemented by an optional fourth heating device 12'', which is also part of the heat reactor 90 or is in contact with it.
- the heat reactor 90 thus has not one, not two (as in other embodiments) but three heating devices along a path for the treatment medium B or its vapor.
- Fig. 7b they are all connected to the pipe 91 of the heat reactor 90 or part thereof.
- the embodiment of Fig. 7b has a valve 95 arranged to open or close an opening of the chamber 1 to an exterior thereof, e.g. the atmosphere or a gas reservoir.
- the valve 95 is only one example of a device for establishing or allowing a fluid connection or for preventing a fluid connection between the chamber 1 and another space or the environment.
- shut-off device are also included in the present invention.
- the valve 95 or the shut-off device can be arranged in a line 97 in any embodiment as shown in Fig. 7b. Alternatively, it can be part of the base.
- the valve 95 or the shut-off device can be opened in order to reduce or compensate for the negative pressure that prevails in the chamber 1 at certain times by inflowing gas such as the ambient air, for example during the transition to process step c), or up to approx. 15 seconds before or after.
- the valve 95 can be variable in its fluidic cross-section, preferably continuously. 84J GmbH & Co. KG. It can be controlled or regulated to change its cross-section.
- FIG. 7c shows the device 100 according to the invention for treating polymer elements P in a further embodiment.
- a further line 17a branches off from the vacuum line 17, which can be opened or closed by means of a further valve 95a.
- This line 17a can serve as a bypass line and, for example, at least promote condensation of treatment medium in process step c) by allowing air or gas with preferably colder temperatures to be or be supplied there.
- the line 17a can lead to an outside, for example to the atmosphere, in connection with an air or gas reservoir, etc.
- a further line 17b optionally leads off, which can optionally be opened or closed with a further valve 95b.
- a further valve 95b By means of this line 17b, when the valve 95b is opened, for example after the treatment (see process steps a) to c)), excess treatment medium B or after a 84J GmbH & Co. KG functionalization step (process step d)) functionalizing agent can be removed and optionally recycled.
- the valves 95a and 95b can be opened or closed manually or automatically and/or their fluidic cross sections can be changed, preferably continuously. The control device can bring this about.
- the valve 95 for introducing air and/or gas into the chamber has a cross-sectional area of at least 1 mm2, preferably of at least 3 mm2 and particularly preferably of at least 5 mm2, such as between 6 mm2 and 10 mm2.
- the valve 95 for introducing air and/or gas into the chamber has a cross-sectional area or adjustable cross-sectional area that is in a ratio of between 100:1 and 2:1, preferably between 50:1 and 5:1, most preferably between 30:1 and 5:1, to the cross-sectional area or adjustable cross-sectional area of the valve 95a, which is arranged in the line 17a branching off from the vacuum line 17.
- Process step S1 represents the provision of a device 100 according to the invention.
- S2 represents the provision of the polymer elements P to be treated in the chamber 1 of the device 100, for example in or on the receiving device 9.
- the preferably vaporous treatment medium B is distributed freely in the chamber 1. For this purpose, it is evaporated in process step S3 by heating, e.g. in one or more heat reactor(s) 90.
- liquid treatment medium B is provided in the chamber 1, preferably freely, i.e. on the bottom section 5a and/or in the bead 15.
- the treatment medium B can have been introduced into the chamber 1 beforehand and usually in liquid form and have been distributed, for example, on the bottom section 5a or in the bead 15.
- Process step a) represents the heating step for heating the polymer elements P in the chamber 1 using the first heating device 11 or only the first heating device 11.
- process step b) which represents the evaporation step, the treatment medium B in the chamber 1 is evaporated by means of the second heating device 12, or only by means of the second heating device 12.
- the second heating device 12 is throttled or switched off at a suitable state or time that is usually set in a control device of the device 100.
- a control device of the device 100 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- the use of the vacuum device, see the vacuum line 17, can contribute to achieving the vaporous state. It can also be controlled or regulated, preferably automatically, by the control device. The latter can also apply to the circulation device 21.
- a cooling step for cooling the polymer elements P can optionally be included in the method according to the invention, shown here as method step c). In this step, the treatment medium B will condense and can be collected on the base section 5a and/or in the bead 15 and kept ready for reuse. Fig.
- FIG. 9 shows a device 100 according to the invention for treating polymer elements P in a further embodiment with a perspective from below. For better clarity, the surrounding walls 3 and the lid 7 of the chamber 1 are not shown. Reference is made to the description of the preceding figures, in particular to the description of Fig. 7 and Fig. 7a.
- two heat reactors 90 are provided. More than two heat reactors 90 can be provided, e.g. three, four or more.
- the heat reactors 90 are optionally also round, long, hollow tubes 91, for example made of 84J GmbH & Co. KG coated aluminum, which can be filled with inlays, such as one or more inlays 91b.
- first and/or second heating devices can be controlled by means of temperature sensors, such as thermocouples, preferably in the immediate area of the heating devices (contact measurement) and inside the chamber (air or gas temperature).
- each of these heating devices 12, 12', 12'' can be, for example, approximately 200 watts to 1000 watts, the total output of all heating devices should preferably be between 1000 watts and 3500 watts. Values deviating from this can also be achieved.
- a receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B (not shown in Fig. 9) can be arranged in or on at least one of the tubes 91 and fluidically connected to this or these. Heating devices 12, 12', 12'' can be provided in particular further down on the tubes 91. 84J GmbH & Co. KG In this context, reference is again made to the description of Fig. 7. In the example of Fig.
- a second heating device 12, such as a heating sleeve, of the heat reactor 90 in an upper section thereof and/or a third heating device 12' of the heat reactor 90 in a lower section thereof see Fig.
- 7) and/or possibly further heating devices on the heat reactors 90 can be used to heat the heat reactor 90 preferably to a temperature between 30°C and 150°C, preferably between 60°C and 100°C, such as to approx. 80°C.
- Optional preheating can be advantageous in order to ensure optimal repeatability with different cooling times between the processes, which can be accompanied by different residual heat within the various machine elements, such as sometimes greatly varying residual heat from the heat reactor 90.
- two permanent magnets 27 can be seen, which are arranged above a heat sink 19 84J GmbH & Co. KG.
- the magnetic drive 23 which in the example in Fig. 9 comprises the permanent magnets 27 and a ferromagnetic metal 29 (see Fig. 9a), serves to drive a circulation device 21, in the present example a propeller with a rotating segment 26 (omitted in Fig. 9a), driven by a drive shaft 21a.
- the design of the circulation device 21 is purely exemplary and should not be understood as restrictive. Various designs of the same are described in more detail in Fig. 10ff.
- the drive shaft 21a has a surface, a tip, a flattened tip, a rounded tip, an arc shape or a spherical shape at a distal end for its driving and/or its bearing.
- This distal end is preferably designed as an axial bearing 57 (see Fig. 13) for supporting the tensile forces of the magnetic forces of the magnetic drive 23, wherein the bearing counterpart is preferably formed by a machine element made of a material that preferably has low to very low friction values and/or that can withstand the operating temperatures within the chamber 1, such as PEEK or special high-temperature dry sliding plastics.
- the spherical shape is implemented by joining a sphere or at least a spherical section such as a hemisphere to the drive shaft 21a, wherein 84J GmbH & Co. KG a ball is preferably made of a hard or hardened metal, a glass or a ceramic.
- the number of circulation devices 21 in the example in Fig. 9 is purely exemplary and should not be understood as limiting. Several circulation devices 21 within the chamber 1 are also included in the present invention. If there are several circulation devices 21 inside the chamber 1, they can be switched on or off simultaneously or one after the other. The control device can be programmed accordingly.
- the at least one circulation device 21 is operated at a speed of preferably 100 rpm to 3000 rpm, particularly preferably between 500 rpm and 1500 rpm, such as about 1200 rpm. This serves to generate a type of circulating air heating inside the chamber 1 and thus to heat the polymer elements P to a target temperature that is as uniform as possible, preferably for a period of up to 180 minutes, particularly preferably up to 60 minutes, such as for a period of 10 minutes to 45 minutes.
- the at least one circulation device 21 can change its speed and/or direction of rotation.
- the control device can be programmed accordingly. This can advantageously ensure an optimized distribution of the treatment medium B.
- a perforated plate 20 can be seen in Fig. 9 as mechanical protection for the circulation device 21.
- the design as a perforated plate is purely exemplary; any other mechanical protection is also covered by the present invention.
- Fig. 9a shows the device 100 from Fig. 9, from above, looking at the perforated plate 20. Reference is made in particular to the description of Fig. 9 in order to avoid repetition. In a modification to Fig. 9, another possible form of the circulation device 21 is shown in Fig. 9a.
- FIG. 9a shows a schematic representation of the magnetic drive 23 of the circulation device 21 from the previous figures.
- the circulation device 21 and/or the swirling device is driven via a magnetic drive 23 without a mechanical connection therefor.
- a magnetic drive 23 can be formed by means of one or more permanent magnets 27, attached or introduced on/in a rotatable machine element 27a outside the chamber 1, and at least one ferromagnetic magnetic field collector 29 of the magnetic field inside the chamber.
- the rotatable machine element can be made of magnetic stainless steel or can be or have a coated machine element made of steel.
- the rotatable machine element for receiving magnets is preferably made of a non-ferromagnetic material, such as aluminum or a polymer material.
- the rotatable machine element 27a for receiving the magnets is connected to a drive or motor 25, wherein thermal devices, such as at least one cylindrical heat sink 19 (see e.g. Fig.
- a permanent magnet such as a neodymium magnet
- two permanent magnets 27 are arranged in the rotatable machine element 27a, in other embodiments, three or more permanent magnets can be provided.
- the poles if there is more than one permanent magnet, the poles (north/south) are installed and/or aligned in opposite directions.
- KG magnets are preferably circular or square and can preferably have diameters, diagonals and/or edge lengths between 10 mm and 40 mm, particularly preferably between 15 mm and 30 mm, such as between 15 mm and 25 mm and heights between 4 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 15 mm and particularly preferably between 8 mm and 12 mm.
- the permanent magnets 27 or the part of the magnetic drive 23 that is located outside the chamber are arranged to be thermally insulated from the hot bottom 5, the hot wall 3 and/or the hot lid 7 of the chamber 1 by at least one thermal insulation 53'.
- Thermal insulation can be or have, for example, a film or a, preferably thin, plate.
- thermal insulations of the same or different design and/or thickness can be provided, preferably made of materials or comprising materials that at least do not significantly influence or disrupt the magnetic flux into the interior of the chamber.
- materials can be, for example, ceramic, glass, mica and/or a polymer or comprise such materials as, for example, a Kapton film or a mica plate, with the material thicknesses preferably being between 0.05 mm and 2 mm and particularly preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. 84J GmbH & Co.
- a film or a thin plate is arranged on the base plate, on the lid or on the wall by additional devices in such a way that at least over a certain area there are gaps that can form an additional, thermally insulating air, gas or vacuum barrier, whereby such gaps can be preferably between 0.05 mm and 5 mm, particularly preferably between 0.2 mm and 2.5 mm, such as between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, at least in sections.
- a spacer element 54 such as a small PEEK ring with a height between 0.4 mm and 1.3 mm, can be introduced into the center of a thermally insulating plate or film.
- the thermal insulation 53' is preferably held down or tensioned at its edge region or along its edge region and/or its circumference by mechanical devices such as a stainless steel ring, while at least one spacer element is located in between, for example directed towards the chamber floor, then the deformation of the thermal insulation 53' forms a thermally insulating cavity which increases in thickness towards the center and can preferably assume a dimension between 0.2 mm and 1.2 mm in the average thickness.
- Fig. 10 shows the exemplary design of the circulation device 21 of Fig. 9 and Fig. 9a from above.
- the device 100 according to the invention can be designed with one, two or more circulation devices 21, for example propellers, fans, and/or swirling devices. 84J GmbH & Co.
- the circulation device 21 can be designed and arranged to cause turbulence, e.g. by means of the optional propeller.
- One, two or more circulation devices 21 can be arranged, mounted or mounted on or in the area of the bottom 5 of the chamber 1 and/or the lid 7 of the chamber 1 or and/or the wall 3 of the chamber 1.
- the at least one circulation device 21 is arranged in a central area (in the vertical direction) of the chamber 1 in its interior, such as in or near the center of the chamber and/or in the area of the polymer elements P to be treated and/or between the polymer elements P, wherein a rotary drive for the circulation device 21 is provided in the form of a long drive shaft 21a or axle, with or without additional bearings such as radial bearings, ball bearings or plain bearings.
- the drive shaft 21a or axle can be designed as a flexible shaft.
- the drive for this can be the magnetic drive 23 or the motor 25, which in turn drives it.
- circulation devices 21, in particular several propellers, with the same and/or different geometry are mounted on the same drive shaft 21a, for example at an axial distance of between 10 mm and 100 mm.
- the at least one circulation device 21 is preferably at an axial distance of between 10 mm and 200 mm from the wall, preferably from the bottom 5 84J GmbH & Co. KG, preferably at a distance between 20 mm and 120 mm, particularly preferably between 30 mm and 100 mm, such as between 40 mm and 80 mm.
- the at least one circulation device 21 has an outer diameter between 50 mm and 350 mm, preferably between 75 mm and 250 mm, particularly preferably between 90 mm and 200 mm, very particularly preferably between 120 mm and 180 mm, such as between 140 mm and 160 mm.
- the circulation device 21 in the example in Fig. 10 corresponds, for example, to that in Fig. 9, namely in the form of a propeller 21 with a segment 26 which runs in the circumferential direction along the end sections of the radially extending propeller elements or blades 22 that make up the propeller 21 and which radially delimits the mostly uniformly designed blades 22.
- This embodiment is purely exemplary and not to be understood as limiting.
- the geometry of the blades 22 may be different than shown in Fig. 10, such as alternately changing blade geometries, preferably in an arrangement with dynamic balancing.
- the circulation device 21 has 30 blades 22.
- the number of blades is again purely exemplary and not to be understood as limiting.
- a circulation device 21 may have between 2 and 100 blades 22, preferably between 5 and 70, particularly preferably between 10 and 50, such as between 15 and 35 blades 22.
- a circulation device 21 can be referred to as a multi-blade device.
- the blades 22 of the circulation device 21 have preferred angles compared to a flat surface, the flat surface being determined by a perpendicular, which simultaneously represents the axis of rotation around which the circulation device 21 rotates.
- at least partial areas of such angles can be preferably measured in the outer peripheral area between 20° and 65°, preferably between 25° and 60°, such as between 27° and 53°.
- the surfaces of the blades 22 of the circulation device 21 are at least partially straight or flat, in others they can be concave or convex.
- the height of the circulation device 21 is between 5 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 70 mm, particularly preferably between 10 mm and 50 mm, such as between 15 mm and 35 mm.
- the circulation device 21 is at least partially manufactured by additive manufacturing, preferably by a light-induced process such as SLA or a powder bed process such as SLS or MJF and or preferably from a material that contains at least one polymer, a metal and/or a ceramic.
- the circulation device 21 can be made at least in part from polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), 84J GmbH & Co. KG polyketone (PK), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), PPS, PEI, PPSU, PEEK, PEAK, PEK, PEKK, PFA, PTFE, a UV resin such as an acrylate or mixtures thereof, with or without fiber reinforcement.
- the circulation device 21 consists at least predominantly or completely of aluminum.
- the circulation device 21 is subjected to post-processing after production, such as smoothing and/or functionalization, such as a coating with metal or a fluoropolymer coating.
- the circulation device 21 has at least one positive driver connection 24 in its center.
- a driver connection 24 can be designed, for example, as a key flat, square or polygon connection.
- the circulation device 21 can be axially screwed onto a drive shaft 21a, in others it is plugged in, for example with a quick connection mechanism, such as an axial snap lock.
- two or more circulation devices 21 can be mounted on the same drive shaft 21a, preferably having an axial distance from one another that can be approximately between 2 mm and 100 mm or even more, preferably between 5 mm and 50 mm, particularly preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- two or more circulation devices 21 are alternatively or additionally mounted on different shafts and/or are driven by different drive units or drive motors.
- the circulation device 21 has a circumferential segment 26 in the outer region of the circumference, here with an at least partially circular design.
- Such a partial region of the circulation device 21, particularly preferably in the outermost circumference can be designed, for example, in the form of a cylinder or pipe section, which has a diameter between 80 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 250 mm, particularly preferably between 120 mm and 200 mm and a wall thickness between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm, particularly preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm.
- the height of the circumferential (circular) segment 26, which is preferably in the outer circumference of the circulation device can in some embodiments be between 5 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 80 mm and particularly preferably between 12 mm and 50 mm. In the embodiments of Fig.
- the circumferential, circular segment is preferably formed symmetrically in the axial direction on the circumference of the circulation device 21. In other embodiments, it is asymmetrical, for example formed at least predominantly only in one axial direction, viewed from the plane of the outer blade tips.
- An asymmetrical design can be installed in both directions within the chamber, i.e. the 84J GmbH & Co. KG circular segment directed towards the inner wall, as well as vice versa.
- the segment 26 can serve to cause a flow through the chamber 1 in an axial or vertical (relative to the figures) direction, less in a radial or horizontal (relative to the figures) direction.
- Fig. 10a shows another exemplary design of the circulation device 21 from above. Reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 10.
- the design of the circulation device 21 essentially corresponds to the design in Fig. 10.
- the circumferential segment 26 has been omitted. It can be clearly seen here that the wings 22 have an essentially rectangular shape.
- Fig. 10b shows another exemplary embodiment of the circulation device 21 from above. Reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 10 and Fig. 10a. In contrast to Fig.
- Fig. 10a in this embodiment the blades 22 have a slightly curved outer contour, similar to a knife edge.
- Fig. 10c shows another exemplary embodiment of the circulation device 21 from above; u Reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 10, Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b.
- the design of the circulation device 21 essentially corresponds to the design in Fig. 10.
- the blades 22 in the embodiment in Fig. 10c protrude beyond the lower edge of the circumferential segment 26.
- Fig. 10d shows another exemplary embodiment of the circulation device 21 from above. Reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 10 to Fig. 10c.
- the design of the circulation device 21 essentially corresponds to the design of Fig. 10.
- the circulation device 21 in the embodiment of Fig. 10c has a second set of blades 22a, which is distributed on the outside of the circumferential segment 26 and has a different angle than the blades 22, which face closer to the center of the circulation device 21.
- the number of inner blades 22 can match the number of outer blades 22a, as in the example of Fig. 10d, but does not have to. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- Fig. 11 shows the arrangement of a circulation device 21 in a device according to the invention in a further embodiment with a perspective from above. Reference is made to the explanations for the preceding figures.
- the circulation device 21 is surrounded by a circumferential housing 26'.
- the housing 26' has a non-planar structure on its front sides, by means of which the flow within the chamber 1 can be influenced.
- the treatment medium B or its steam flows out of the heat reactor through the opening in the bottom 5 of the chamber 1. This is indicated by two small black arrows.
- a flow is initially formed in the chamber 1, predominantly diagonally downwards and radially outwards, which is distributed from the chamber floor 5 in a preferably laminar flow further radially outwards relatively evenly in all directions and continues to move evenly upwards along the wall 3 in a predominantly laminar, spiral-shaped flow, whereby the molecular flow can be further heated during contact or the immediate area of the floor 5 and the wall 3.
- the flow of the treatment medium B is additionally diverted in the further course by means of guide plates 97 arranged inside the chamber 1. Due to the at least partial impact of the 84J GmbH & Co.
- Fig. 11 shows a design of a guide plate 97.
- a flow impacts on a section of the guide plate that is optionally set at an angle of 45° and extends into the interior of a chamber 1 (not shown in Fig. 12). It can be seen from Fig. 12 that the effective height Z ⁇ for the flow, which the guide plate shown effectively opposes to the molecular flow, is only the projected height Z ⁇ in the direction of the flow. At the angle of 45° shown here, the effective height Z ⁇ corresponds at least approximately to approx. 71% (sin 45°) of the actual height 84J GmbH & Co. KG Z.
- Guide plates 97 should preferably be arranged transversely to the flow direction and preferably attached or inserted in the immediate area of the inner wall, such as in the immediate area of the wall, the lid and/or the base.
- Guide plates 97 can be designed primarily to trigger local turbulence in the flow, so that at least predominantly or partially laminar flows are converted into turbulent and/or at least predominantly or partially turbulent flows.
- Guide plates 97 can be arranged in the center of the chamber, for example between, above and/or below the polymer elements.
- Guide plates 97 can be provided at least in places adjacent to the inner wall, in other embodiments they form at least in large parts a distance between 5 mm and 40 mm from the inner wall, preferably between 8 mm and 30 mm.
- Fig. 13 shows the arrangement of a circulation device 21 inside a chamber 1 (not shown in Fig. 13) of a device according to the invention for treating polymer elements with polymer elements P arranged above it. 84J GmbH & Co. KG Reference is made to the statements on the previous figures in order to avoid repetition. From bottom to top, the following components can be seen in the example in Fig.
- a magnetic field collector 29 made of ferromagnetic metal with drive shaft 21a; - a circulation device 21 with a rotating segment 26, which is connected to the magnetic field collector 29 by means of the drive shaft 21; - a perforated plate 20 as mechanical protection of the circulation device 21; and - a frame 9 for setting up on the floor 5, for fixing it to the floor 5 or to another section of the chamber 1 (not shown in Fig. 13) in, on or on which the polymer elements P to be treated can be arranged or hung.
- guide plates 97 with different shapes and non-symmetrical arrangement are screwed to the frame 9, one of which is at least partially designed in the form of a perforated plate. In some embodiments, no guide plate is attached to the frame 9.
- An optional guide cover 97a is screwed to the top of the frame 9.
- the guide cover here has, for example, two circular recesses or circular pockets. In other embodiments, more or fewer recesses can be provided on the guide cover 97a.84J GmbH & Co. KG, in other embodiments there are no recesses at all. In preferred embodiments there is no guide cover 97a.
- these components together form an assembly unit 10 according to the invention, which can be designed as a device that can be removed from the chamber 1. It can be provided that they are positioned for treatment, preferably oriented towards markings, locking points and/or cavities, at a predefined position within the chamber 1, whereby for some embodiments there can also be several such defined positions, depending on the application.
- the chamber 1 can be used for different treatments, smoothing and/or functionalizations with one or more assembly units 10, which may have the same interfaces to the chamber 1 (basic dimensions, locking points and magnetic field sensors 29), but may differ from one another in other aspects, such as in the design of the circulation device 21 and/or the frame 9 for receiving polymer elements P, for example in order to be able to hang or stretch a few large polymer elements P or several smaller polymer elements P at one time.
- different devices for changing the flow directions and/or flow properties such as guide plates 97 as an example here, can be attached, e.g. on the frame 9, in the 84J GmbH & Co.
- Such arrangements of, for example, guide plates 97, impact plates and/or perforated plates can preferably be set up individually for the treatment of specific combinations of the materials from which the polymer elements 97 are formed and the treatment media B used. In this way, it can be ensured that the user can use different assembly units 10 and thus precisely an optimal design of his device or chamber for the specific material and process with just a few simple steps.
- a different arrangement of such assembly units 10 as described above may be necessary than, for example, for the combination of polypropylene (PP) with the treatment medium B 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol acetate (MMB-Ac), or for example the combination of polymer elements P made of polyketone (PK) with the treatment medium B benzyl alcohol.
- the present invention thus also relates to a set of a device 100 according to the invention with at least two mutually different assembly units 10 according to the invention.
- such an assembly unit 10 is, for example, attached to the frame 9 and/or to 84J GmbH & Co.
- the first heating devices 11 on the bottom 5, on the lid 7 and on the wall 3 of the chamber 1 were switched on and a control device regulated the temperature in the interior of the chamber to about 165°C.
- a control device regulated the temperature in the interior of the chamber to about 165°C.
- a second and a fourth heating device 12 or 12'' on the heat reactor 90 were switched on simultaneously, whereby the tube 91 was heated at least initially to about 155°C to 180°C, with the negative pressure in the chamber 1 being reduced to about 0.2 bar absolute pressure using the vacuum pump at a relatively simultaneous time.
- the treatment medium B propylene glycol
- the exact temperature and the exact amount of vapor were not precisely determined, but the initial temperature of the vapor could change due to the changing amount of liquid from an initial 35 ml of propylene glycol, among other things, due to the enthalpy of vaporization, and not the entire amount of propylene glycol evaporated, but a previously undetermined residue remained in the heat reactor, but was subsequently estimated to be approximately 6 ml of residual propylene glycol.
- the propylene glycol vapor spread solely due to the heat supplied without any further action, i.e. without opening a valve, optionally valve 95, and was set in motion further by the circulation device 21, whereby the vapor pressure within the chamber rose to approximately 0.7 bar to 0.8 bar absolute pressure.
- Example 2 The treatment of elements made of PA12 (MJF) was carried out using the same values and settings as described in Example 1. Instead of propylene glycol, 30 ml of 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol was used as the treatment medium.
- the treatment medium B was fed from the treatment medium reservoir 101 to chamber 1 via a pump 105 in accordance with the circulation system 300 and was removed and recovered after the treatment as described in Fig. 16.
- a diaphragm pump was used as an example to generate the negative pressure required for the treatment and for 84J GmbH & Co. KG used to remove/suction off gaseous treatment medium B at the end of the smoothing process.
- a condenser 33 (upstream of the vacuum pump) is installed between the vacuum pump and the chamber 1, as is optionally provided in the present invention. When the vaporous treatment medium B was removed/suctioned off, it was able to condense within the condenser 33 and flow into the collecting container 103 via gravity.
- a necessary treatment temperature of at least 130°C was determined for 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol for the treatment of PA12, preferably at least 140°C and particularly preferably at least 145°C, such as between 147°C and 167°C or between 149°C and 164°C.
- Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of a heat reactor 90 according to the invention in an exploded view or in a disassembled state. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- the heat reactor 90 is designed to be dismantled, for example it can be opened without tools in order to fill in treatment medium B, whereby in the present example the filling takes place using a capsule 50, which can be designed as a disposable cartridge.
- the heat reactor 90 cannot be opened to refill with treatment medium B, but is instead filled with treatment medium B through the upper end and/or through a filling area provided for this purpose, preferably in a predefined amount.
- Four heating devices 12, 12', 12'', 12''' can be clearly seen on the heat reactor 90 of Fig. 14, referred to herein as the second to fifth heating devices.
- Fig. 15 shows a view of the interior of the heat reactor 90, into which a possible inlay 91b is inserted.
- the inlay divides the interior of the heat reactor into four radially separated areas.
- the inlay optionally divides the interior of the heat reactor, e.g. into four (or more or less), e.g.
- the heat reactor 90 can have a one-piece housing or can be made in one piece. It can be made, e.g. from a profile tube, e.g. a square one, with or without lumen division in the longitudinal direction.
- Fig. 15a shows the inlay 91b from Fig. 15.
- Fig. 16 shows a circulation system 300 for use and reuse of the treatment medium. It can be part of the 84J GmbH & Co. KG device 100 according to the invention or connected thereto. Reference is made to the description and the reference numerals of the preceding figures. The components of the circulation system 300 shown in Fig. 16 are described below.
- a treatment medium storage container 101 is designed to be able to hold a, e.g.
- the capacity of the container is preferably between 0 and 1.0 liters, particularly preferably between 0 and 0.5 liters and very particularly preferably between 0 and 0.2 liters of the treatment medium B.
- the treatment medium storage container 101 is preferably located outside the chamber 1.
- the treatment medium storage container 101 is designed as a tubular bag, preferably formed at least in predominant parts from a polymer such as polypropylene (PP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE).
- At least one tubular bag is further packaged or enclosed within a cartridge and/or a housing, which is preferably also formed at least largely from a polymer and is suitable and/or designed to compensate for the volume change of the tubular bag during filling and/or emptying.84J GmbH & Co. KG
- the treatment medium B is fed, for example by means of an optional pump 105, on or in this fluid line 104, before the start of the treatment or before the start and/or during (optionally at intervals) the method according to the invention into the receiving device 50 for the treatment medium B, which can be provided at the lower end of the heat reactor 90 and is optionally part of it, which in turn is arranged entirely or preferably at least in sections below the chamber 1.
- the treatment or the method according to the invention then takes place in the chamber 1, i.e. the polymer elements P are treated with the treatment medium B (not shown in Fig. 16).
- the treatment medium B condenses in the condenser 33, also referred to herein as cooler, by the treatment agent vapor and/or mist being sucked out of the chamber 1 preferably by means of the vacuum pump (not shown), and preferably collects in a collecting container 103 for condensed treatment medium B.
- the fluid line of the vacuum pump for sucking out gaseous treatment agent B is preferably in direct operative connection with the condenser 33 and/or is located downstream of the condenser.
- a fluid line 106 leads from the chamber 1 to the condenser 33, and a further fluid line 107 leads from the condenser to the collecting container 103.
- Each of the fluid lines 84J GmbH & Co. KG can preferably consist of hose lines, for example metal hoses.
- the collecting container 103 is preferably located in the area below the cooler 33, which is also referred to herein as a condenser, whereby the condensed treatment medium can flow into the collecting container 103 by means of gravity via the fluid line 107.
- the treatment medium is fed back into the treatment medium storage container 101 via a fluid line 108.
- an optional pump 109 can be installed in or on the fluid line 108 in order to convey the treatment medium B from the collecting container 103 into the treatment medium storage container 101.
- Heating devices in or on the chamber 1 and/or on the heat reactor 90, as described herein, and any valves required for the circulation system 300 have been omitted in the example in Fig. 16 for the sake of clarity. They are also included in the present invention.
- the pump 105 and/or the optional pump 109 is designed as a hose pump, preferably in combination with a hose material, preferably as a fluid line 104 for fluid conveyance, such as silicone, FKM, FFKM, PVC or PBT, preferably such that this material is at least largely chemical-resistant and/or dimensionally stable at predetermined temperatures compared to the treatment medium B used.
- a fluid line 104 for fluid conveyance such as silicone, FKM, FFKM, PVC or PBT, preferably such that this material is at least largely chemical-resistant and/or dimensionally stable at predetermined temperatures compared to the treatment medium B used.
- 84J GmbH & Co. KG The method steps mentioned with reference to Fig. 16 can be parts of the method according to the invention or of a further development or embodiment of the invention, individually or in any combination thereof.
- the method steps mentioned with reference to Fig. 16 can be parts of the method according to the invention or of a further development or embodiment of the invention, individually or in any combination thereof.
- Fig. 17 shows a bearing 99 for the circulation device 21 in a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, here preferably with a magnetic drive.
- the bearing 99 can, as shown by way of example in Fig. 17, be understood in some embodiments as a frame or a stand in or on which the circulation device 21 is accommodated or supported.
- the bearing 99 can therefore in turn have struts, supports, feet, etc. Reference is made to the description and the reference numerals of the preceding figures.
- the circulation device 21, here in the form of a propeller rests rotatably on the bearing 99 for the circulation device 21, which can also serve as a base for the frame 9 with the receiving device 9a for the polymer elements P (not shown in Fig. 17).
- Its drive shaft 25a is preferably equipped with a magnetic field pickup 29a, which in turn has a 84J GmbH & Co. KG has integrated induction sensors, so that it can be taken along by it.
- Induction sensors 110 are optionally positioned in the floor 5 of the chamber 1, preferably in such a way that they can interact with the induction sensors of the magnetic field pickup 29a for driving the circulation device 21.
- the speeds and/or directions of rotation of the preferably magnetically driven circulation device 21 within the chamber 1 can be measured and/or controlled using the induction sensors 110 and the induction sensors. In this way, reliable and reproducible speeds of the circulation device 21 can be achieved, e.g. depending on the respective internal temperature of the chamber 1, the treatment medium used and/or the currently prevailing steam pressure.
- a perforated plate or a mechanical protection 20 for the circulation device 21 is optionally arranged above the circulation device 21 on the bearing 99 for the circulation device 21.
- this protection 20 has the form of a protective grid.
- Fig. 18 shows a nozzle outlet 96 of a heat reactor 90 in a further embodiment of the device 100 according to the invention. Reference is made to the description and the reference numerals of the preceding figures. 84J GmbH & Co. KG
- the heat reactor 90 has - preferably at its upper distal end - at least one optional nozzle outlet 96 or is connected to such an outlet or is provided with at least one nozzle there.
- nozzle 18 optionally has a plurality of nozzles, here a row of nozzles, through which the treatment medium B from the heat reactor 90 enters the chamber 1 (in Fig. 18 only the bottom 5 thereof is indicated) for the treatment of the polymer elements.
- nozzles as shown in Fig. 18 by means of several block arrows.
- the nozzles, as shown in Fig. 18, can serve to more evenly distribute the treatment medium heated in the heat reactor inside the chamber 1. They can serve to better atomize the treatment medium.
- Such nozzles can be referred to as outlet nozzles in some embodiments, in others as inlet nozzles if they are understood to serve to allow the treatment medium to enter the chamber.
- the nozzle outlet 96 is shown in Fig. 18 without the circulation device 21.
- Fig. 19 shows Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 in a combined view without the protective grille 20. 84J GmbH & Co. KG Reference is made to the description and reference numerals of the preceding figures, in particular Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, in order to avoid repetition.
- Fig. 20 shows a further embodiment of the device 100 analogous to Fig. 17 to Fig. 20. In order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the description of the preceding figures and only the differences are discussed below.
- the mechanical protection 20 of the circulation device 21 is designed as a guide plate 97 in the embodiment of Fig. 20 and can fulfill both the functions designed here for the mechanical protection of the circulation device 20 and the functions designed here for guide plates, since the plane of its main extension is preferably parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the main extension of the circulation device 21.
- the nozzle outlet 96 is a single upwardly directed nozzle which directs the treatment medium in an upward direction into the chamber 1, which in Fig. 20 is again only indicated by its base 5. This is shown by means of a block arrow. The nozzle preferably directs the treatment medium in the direction of the polymer elements P to be treated (not shown in Fig. 20).
- Fig. 21 shows a further embodiment of the device 100 analogous to Fig.
- the guide plate 97 is also arranged above the circulation device 21, but does not fulfill the function of a mechanical protection 20, as in Fig. 20, since the plane of its main extension is perpendicular to the plane of the main extension of the circulation device 21.
- the flow of the treatment medium flowing in from below is advantageously changed by means of the circulation device 21 and the guide plate 97 for the method according to the invention or the treatment of the polymer elements.
- Locking devices 120 on the bearing 99 of the circulation device 21, here optionally designed as conical bolts, and/or in the base 5 of the chamber 1 can also be seen in Fig. 21.
- Fig. 22 shows a further embodiment of the device 100, analogous to Fig. 21. In order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the description of the preceding figures, in particular Fig. 21, and only the differences are discussed below.
- a guide funnel or guide tube 97b is arranged above the circulation device 21 in Fig. 21. 84J GmbH & Co.
- the guide funnel or guide tube 97b can in some embodiments be designed as any device and/or within any geometry that forms at least one cavity for gas guidance in its interior and has at least two openings.
- the guide funnel 97b is shown in Fig. 22 as a hollow truncated cone (preferably tapering upwards) to which a short, preferably cylindrical tube section is attached at its upper opening. Furthermore, it preferably has through-openings or bores in the outer surface of the hollow truncated cone. This design is suitable and intended to guide, bundle and/or direct the inflowing treatment medium in certain directions.
- a guide funnel and/or a guide tube can in particular form and/or have any geometry, any shape, any slope and/or any curve that are suitable for this purpose.
- Fig. 23 shows the embodiment of Fig. 17 connected to a frame 9 with receiving devices 9a for receiving polymer elements P. Reference is made to the description and the reference numerals of the preceding figures. Lower sections of the frame 9 are optionally received and/or locked in locking devices 120 (see Fig. 21) in the bottom 5 of the chamber 1 and/or on the bearing 99 of the circulation device 21, preferably without tools. 84J GmbH & Co. KG. The frame 9 can be removed or taken out again, preferably without tools.
- the frame 9 and the bearing 99 of the circulation device 21 can be introduced into and/or removed from the chamber 1 independently of one another and optionally independently in their rotational position relative to one another, preferably placed therein and/or relative to one another without tools and in some embodiments in a predetermined order, e.g. frame 9 first.
- the frame 9 can have feet or at least one edge so that it can be placed on it.
- the chamber 1, its base 5, and/or the bearing 99 can have recesses, cutouts or receptacles provided to accommodate the feet or the edge of the frame 9.
- the frame 9 has the recesses, cutouts or receptacles, the chamber 1, its base 5, and/or the bearing 99 have the feet or the edge.
- the spatial orientation and/or locking of the frame 9 and the bearing 99 are predetermined in some embodiments in relation to the chamber 1, for example by predetermined cavities and/or by magnetic fields such as by means of magnets or permanent magnets, which are optionally located in or below the floor.
- the elements that are to be in contact with one another and/or connected to one another and/or locked to one another 84J GmbH & Co. KG devices, i.e. the frame 9 and the bearing 99, are optionally arranged in the effective range of the magnetic fields of such magnets or permanent magnets, which are provided, for example, in or below the chamber floor 5.
- the frame 9 and bearing 99 can be made of a ferromagnetic material or have such a material.
- the frame 9, or sections thereof are at least partially centered or aligned by means of its shape in relation to the shape of the wall 3 within the chamber 1.
- the shape can, for example, follow a key-lock principle.
- Fig. 24 shows part of a cover 7 of a device 100 according to the invention in a further embodiment, which at the same time also fulfills the function of a guide cover 97a, in a sectional view in perspective from below.
- the cover 7 has a draft of 7.5° on its inside or underside - preferably all around.
- the slope can be designed in one of the angle ranges mentioned here, e.g. between 3° and 10° (see above).
- the shape of this embodiment can be produced particularly easily, for example by manufacturing it from an aluminum plate, e.g. a 20 aluminum plate (20 mm thick), e.g. by turning or milling it (e.g. using 5-axis).
- the cover 7 preferably has a diameter of approx. 300 mm and a thickness of 20 mm. Size and material thickness 84J GmbH & Co. KG are preferably selected so that the cover 7 can withstand the (negative pressure) forces prevailing during the process.
- the total thickness selected here and/or thickness of the starting material (semi-finished product) of preferably 8 mm or more, particularly preferably 15 mm or more, most particularly preferably 20 mm or more fulfills this task.
- the cover 7 could also be referred to as a guide cover 97a, since its design fulfills this function.
- the visible, optional design with the groove 125 on the top of the cover 7 (where the recess thus created can alternatively have a shape other than a groove shape) can serve to accommodate or at least partially accommodate a heating device for heating the cover 7 on the top of the cover 7. Further alternatively or additionally, the cover 7 is heated by a heating device which is not introduced into a recess.
- Optional elevations 127 here blind holes, e.g.
- Fig. 24a shows the cover 7 of Fig. 24 in a sectional view in perspective from above. Reference is made to the explanations for Fig. 24 in order to avoid repetition.
- Fig. 25 shows a part of a guide cover 97a, which is intended for attachment to a cover 7 of the chamber 1 of a device 100 according to the invention in a further embodiment, in a sectional view in perspective from below.
- Fig. 25a shows the guide cover 97a of Fig. 25 in a sectional view from below.
- the visible design with the groove 125, elevations 127 (here with through openings 127a), recesses and/or the like can advantageously help to position and/or lock the guide cover 97a within the chamber 1.
- the optional elevations 127 around the through openings 127a can also have the function of a 84J GmbH & Co. KG spacer sleeve between the inside of the cover 7 and the guide cover 97a or be provided for this.
- optional fastening elements such as three, four, five or more fastening screws or pins can be guided through through holes 127a in order to be connected, for example, to the cover 7 of the chamber 1 (not shown in Fig. 24).
- the guide cover 97a optionally has - here: two - contact surfaces 129 to the cover 7 of the chamber 1 (not shown in Fig. 24), which have no axial distance from the cover 7, but are in direct contact with it on its inside. This can serve, for example, to improve heat transfer from the inside of the cover 7 to the guide cover 97a.
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Abstract
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Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE102023115559.8 | 2023-06-14 | ||
| DE102023115559 | 2023-06-14 | ||
| DE102023115712.4 | 2023-06-15 | ||
| DE102023115712 | 2023-06-15 |
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| WO2024256697A1 true WO2024256697A1 (de) | 2024-12-19 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| PCT/EP2024/066679 Pending WO2024256697A1 (de) | 2023-06-14 | 2024-06-14 | Vorrichtung zur behandlung von polymerelementen, und verfahren |
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| WO (1) | WO2024256697A1 (de) |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20090283119A1 (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2009-11-19 | Khalil Moussa | Post-Processing System For Solid Freeform Fabrication Parts |
| US20190375158A1 (en) * | 2017-01-09 | 2019-12-12 | Additive Manufacturing Technologies Limited | Improvements to additive manufacturing |
| EP3590693A1 (de) * | 2018-07-02 | 2020-01-08 | Zortrax Spolka Akcyjna | Arbeitsplatzvorrichtung und verfahren zur nachbearbeitung eines kunststoffprodukts |
| US20210114304A1 (en) * | 2018-04-16 | 2021-04-22 | Technische Universität München | Method for treatment of elements obtained by an additive manufacturing process |
| US20220281187A1 (en) * | 2019-07-30 | 2022-09-08 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Treatment chamber |
| WO2023105090A1 (de) | 2021-12-10 | 2023-06-15 | 84J GmbH & Co. KG | Vorrichtung zur behandlung von polymerelementen, und verfahren |
-
2024
- 2024-06-14 WO PCT/EP2024/066679 patent/WO2024256697A1/de active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20090283119A1 (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2009-11-19 | Khalil Moussa | Post-Processing System For Solid Freeform Fabrication Parts |
| US20190375158A1 (en) * | 2017-01-09 | 2019-12-12 | Additive Manufacturing Technologies Limited | Improvements to additive manufacturing |
| US20210114304A1 (en) * | 2018-04-16 | 2021-04-22 | Technische Universität München | Method for treatment of elements obtained by an additive manufacturing process |
| EP3590693A1 (de) * | 2018-07-02 | 2020-01-08 | Zortrax Spolka Akcyjna | Arbeitsplatzvorrichtung und verfahren zur nachbearbeitung eines kunststoffprodukts |
| US20220281187A1 (en) * | 2019-07-30 | 2022-09-08 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Treatment chamber |
| WO2023105090A1 (de) | 2021-12-10 | 2023-06-15 | 84J GmbH & Co. KG | Vorrichtung zur behandlung von polymerelementen, und verfahren |
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