CONTAINER COMPRISING A VALVE HEAD FOR PNEUMATIC DOSING AND DOSING FACILITY COMPRISING SUCH A CONTAINER

Abstract

Described herein is a container suitable for pneumatic metering of a component situated therein into another container, wherein the container includes a container body, a container base, and a removable cover suitable for closing the container. The container has at least one valve head, at least one compressed air connection for the pneumatic driving of the valve head and at least one further compressed air connection that are integrated into the cover of the container, and a stirrer that is also integrated into the cover. Also described herein are the use of the container, a metering system including at least one container, a method for pneumatic metering using the container, and a method for producing a coating composition or a precursor thereof that can be used in the automotive industry, which method makes use of the container.

Claims

1. A container suitable for the pneumatic metering of a component situated therein into a second container different from the container, wherein the container comprises a container body, a container base, and a removable cover suitable for closing the container, wherein: the container has at least one valve head that is recessed into the container base and to which it is possible to connect the second container and into which pneumatic metering of a component situated in the container can be performed, at least one compressed air connection for the pneumatic driving of the valve head and at least one further compressed air connection are integrated into the cover of the container, wherein delivery of a component situated in the container for the purpose of metering into the second container can be performed by means of compressed air applied to the at least one further compressed air connection, and a stirrer, which comprises a motor for driving the stirrer on the outside of the cover and which, on the inside of the cover, has a stirrer shaft, which can be driven by means of the motor and which comprises one or more stirring members mounted on the stirrer shaft, is integrated into the cover, wherein the stirrer shaft is arranged in such a way on the inside of the cover that it projects into the container body in the state of the container in which the container is closed by means of the cover.

2. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one compressed air connection is part of a valve drive unit, which is situated on the outside of the cover.

3. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container body is substantially round.

4. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the container body contains at least one component that can be used to produce a coating composition or a precursor thereof that can be used in the automotive industry and that is to be subjected to pneumatic metering.

5. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one valve head is connected by means of a valve drive rod to a valve drive unit, which comprises the at least one compressed air connection and is situated on the outside of the cover.

6. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one valve head contains at least two different valve openings and, as a result, is capable of metering both fine flows and coarse flows.

7. A method of using the container as claimed claim 1, the method comprising using the container as a metering station for the pneumatic metering of a component situated therein into a second container different from the container.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising using the container as a mobile metering station.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising using the container for the production of special-effect pigment pastes.

10. A metering system comprising at least one container as claimed in claim 1 as a metering station.

11. The metering system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the metering station is a gravimetric metering system.

12. The metering system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the metering system comprises up to 50 of the containers and hence up to 50 metering stations.

13. The metering system as claimed in claim 10, wherein, in addition to the at least one container used as the metering station, said system further comprises at least one supply container, which is connected by means of at least one pipe to at least one metering valve, which is a permanent component part of the metering system.

14. A method for pneumatic metering using the container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises: (i) pneumatic metering of a component situated in the container into a second container different from the container.

15. A method for producing a coating composition or a precursor thereof that can be used in the automotive industry, wherein the method comprises: (a) pneumatic metering of a component situated in the container as claimed in claim 1 into a second container different from the container, wherein, after being produced, the coating composition or the precursor thereof is present in the second container.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Container (1) According to the Invention

[0023] The container (1) according to the invention is suitable for the pneumatic metering of a component situated therein into another container (10) different from the container (1). The container (1) according to the invention is therefore used as a metering station and forms such a metering station, in particular as part of a metering system. The container (1) according to the invention preferably forms a mobile metering station and can therefore also be referred to as an interchangeable valve container.

[0024] The container body (2) of the container (1) according to the invention preferably contains at least one component which can be used to produce a coating composition or a precursor thereof that can be used in the automotive industry, and which is to be subjected to pneumatic metering by means of the container (1) according to the invention. Solutions or dispersions are preferably used as corresponding components.

[0025] The container (1) according to the invention preferably does not contain a pump, in particular a pump used to deliver any components to be fed into the container (1) or transfer them out of said container. The container (1) according to the invention preferably does not contain any pipe(s), in particular any that can be used to carry components situated therein or for introducing components into the container (1).

[0026] Fundamentally, any type of material is suitable for producing the container (1), in particular the container body (2). However, the container (1), in particular the container body (2), is preferably manufactured from at least one metal or at least one alloy. To produce the container (1) and, in particular, the container body (2), steel is preferably used, particularly preferably stainless steel.

[0027] The volume of the container body (2) is preferably in a range of from 1 to 20 l, particularly preferably in a range of from 1.5 to 10 l, very particularly preferably in a range of from 2 to 8 l, especially in a range of from 2.5 to 6 l.

[0028] The container body (2) of the container (1) according to the invention is preferably substantially round. In this case, the dead volume within the container body (2) is only very small or entirely absent, thus enabling mixing by means of the stirrer (7) to take place in an optimum way in the container body.

[0029] At least one compressed air connection (4) for the pneumatic driving of the valve head (9) is integrated into the cover (3) of the container (1) according to the invention. A compressed air line can be connected to the compressed air connection (4). The compressed air connection (4) is used for pneumatically driving and for controlling the valve head (9). The compressed air connection (4) is preferably part of a valve drive unit (4a), which is situated on the outside of the cover (3a) and by means of which pneumatic metering is made possible. A valve drive rod (6), by means of which the valve head (9) is connected to the compressed air connection (4), is preferably furthermore part of this valve drive unit (4a).

[0030] At least one further compressed air connection (5) is integrated into the cover (3) of the container (1) according to the invention. A compressed air line can be connected to the compressed air connection (5). The compressed air connection (5) is used to deliver a component situated in the container (1) for the purpose of metering into the container (10). Via this connection (5) an excess pressure, preferably of up to 0.5 bar, particularly preferably in a range of from 0.05 to 0.4 bar, in particular from 0.1 to 0.4 bar, is applied, preferably by means of compressed air, in order to ensure continuous delivery of the at least one component which is situated in the container (1) and is to be metered into the container (10). By applying compressed air to the connection (5), it is thus possible to produce an excess pressure within the container (1) when the latter is closed by means of the cover (3). A continuous volume flow of the component contained in the container (1) is thereby produced and makes possible metering by means of the metering valve head (9).

[0031] The container (1) according to the invention has at least one valve head (9), which is recessed into the container base (2a) and to which it is possible to connect a container (10) which is different from the container (1) and into which pneumatic metering of a component situated in the container (1) can be performed. The metering valve head (9) is preferably suitable for metering both fine flows and coarse flows. The valve head (9) preferably therefore has at least two different valve openings. This is preferably achieved by virtue of the fact that the valve head (9) has a ring (9a) made of Teflon for metering coarse flows and furthermore a pin (9b) made of metal situated in the center of this Teflon ring for metering fine flows. Both the ring (9a) and the pin (9b) are preferably preloaded with a spring closing action and are operated or controlled pneumatically by means of compressed air via the compressed air connection (4). In this way, for example, both valve openings, i.e. the ring (9a) and the pin (9b), are opened when a relatively high excess pressure, of 5 bar for example, is applied (coarse flow). When a relatively low excess pressure of, for example, just 2 bar is applied, on the other hand, only the pin (9b) is opened, i.e. only fine metering then takes place. In this case, the ring (9a) remains closed since the applied excess pressure of 2 bar is not sufficient to compensate or overcome the spring force of the ring (9a).

[0032] The metering valve head (9) is preferably connected by means of a valve drive rod (6) to the compressed air connection (4), in particular as part of the valve drive unit (4a), which is situated on the outside of the cover (3a) and by means of which the pneumatic metering is made possible. In particular, the metering valve head (9) is connected to the valve drive unit (4a) by means of a valve drive rod (6).

[0033] The valve drive unit (4a) furthermore preferably comprises an adjusting screw (4b), by means of which the metering valve head (9) can be opened and closed and by means of which the valve opening(s), e.g. the ring (9a) and/or the pin (9b), can be adjusted. In this case, the adjusting screw (4b) preferably presses against the spring-loaded valve head (9) or against the spring-loaded ring (9a) and the spring-loaded pin (9b).

[0034] It is possible to connect to the valve head (9) of the container (1) according to the invention a container (10) different from the container (1), into which pneumatic metering of a component situated in the container (1) is supposed to take place. Quick-acting closures and/or clips, which are preferably screwable, are suitable for connection for this purpose, for example. As a particular preference, a tri-clamp union is used.

[0035] The valve head (9) is preferably situated on the container base (2a) in a position above which the stirrer shaft (7a) projects into the body (2).

[0036] In the state of the container (1) in which it is closed by means of the cover (3), the container (1) according to the invention is preferably usable at an excess pressure of up to 0.5 bar, particularly preferably of up to 0.4 bar, especially of up to 0.3 bar, which can be produced by means of the compressed air connection (5).

[0037] An excess pressure of up to 8 bar can preferably be applied to the compressed air connection (4) which can be used for the pneumatic driving of the metering valve head. An excess pressure of 0.5 to 6 bar can preferably be produced here, wherein higher values, e.g. 3.5 to 6 or up to 5 bar are used for coarse metering and lower values, e.g. 0.5 or 1 bar to 1.5 or 2 bar, are employed for fine metering.

[0038] A stirrer (7), which comprises a motor (8) for driving the stirrer (7) on the outside (3a) of the cover (3) and which, on the inside (3b) of the cover (3), has a stirrer shaft (7a), which can be driven by means of the motor (8) and which comprises one or more stirring members (7b) mounted on the stirrer shaft (7a), is integrated into the cover (3) of the container (1), wherein the stirrer shaft (7a) is arranged in such a way on the inside (3b) of the cover (3) that it projects, preferably centrally, into the container body (2) in the state of the container (1) in which said container is closed by means of the cover (3). In this arrangement, however, the container base (2a) is touched neither by the stirrer shaft (7a) nor by the at least one stirring member (7b).

[0039] The cover (3) can be removed from the container (1) according to the invention and is used to close the container (1). The container (1) is preferably reclosable by means of the cover (3) at any time. Quick-acting closures and/or clips, which are preferably screwable, are suitable for closure, for example. As a particular preference, a tri-clamp union is used.

[0040] The stirrer (7) of the container (1) preferably comprises a stirrer shaft (7a), which is capable of a maximum speed in the range of 100 to 500 rpm, particularly preferably of 200 to 400 rpm. The height of the stirrer shaft (7a) is preferably adjustable. This allows optimum mixing of the contents of the container (1), whatever the quantity introduced.

[0041] Any type of stirring member (7b) can be used. The stirring members (7b) are preferably selected from the group comprising propellers, pitched blades, disks, swashplates, hollow blades, impellers, crossbeams, anchors, paddles, gates and toothed disks. Propellers are particularly preferred.

[0042] The valve drive rod (6) of the container (1) according to the invention preferably projects further into the container body (2) than the stirrer shaft (7a) in the state of the container (1) in which it is closed by means of the cover (3).

[0043] The motor (8) is preferably flanged onto the outside (3a) of the cover (3) of the container (1). An electrically operated motor (8) is preferably used. As a particular preference, a radial piston motor or a vane motor is used as the motor (8). A radial piston motor is a very particular preference.

[0044] Use According to the Invention

[0045] A further subject of the present invention is the use of the container (1) according to the invention as a, preferably mobile, metering station for the pneumatic metering of a component situated therein into another container (10) different from the container (1).

[0046] All the preferred embodiments described hereinabove in connection with the container (1) according to the invention are also preferred embodiments in respect of the use according to the invention of the container (1) according to the invention.

[0047] In this context, the container (1) according to the invention is preferably used as a mobile metering station.

[0048] The use according to the invention preferably serves for the production of special-effect pigment pastes.

[0049] Metering System According to the Invention

[0050] The container (1) according to the invention can preferably act as part of a metering system. A further subject of the present invention is therefore a metering system (20) comprising at least one container (1) according to the invention as a, preferably mobile, metering station.

[0051] All the preferred embodiments described hereinabove in connection with the container (1) according to the invention and the use according to the invention are also preferred embodiments in respect of the use of the container (1) according to the invention as part of the metering system (20) according to the invention.

[0052] The container (1) according to the invention can thus be integrated into a metering system (20), preferably by means of hooking into a position envisaged for this purpose within the metering system (20). The metering system (20) according to the invention preferably comprises up to 50 available metering points, at which a respective container (1) according to the invention can be positioned as a metering station.

[0053] The metering system (20) according to the invention preferably comprises up to 50 of the containers (1) according to the invention and hence up to 50 metering stations. In addition, the metering system (20) according to the invention can comprise a supply station (24), into which further containers (1) according to the invention can be integrated if required. These further containers (1) according to the invention then form a supply of such containers (1) within the metering system and permit an even wider range of containers (1).

[0054] The at least one container (1) according to the invention integrated into the metering system (20) according to the invention is thus preferably part of the metering section specified by the design of the metering system (20). An (empty) container, which is a different container from the container (1) according to the invention, into which pneumatic metering of a component situated in the container (1) is to take place and which can be connected to the metering unit according to the invention by means of the outlet (9), is thus transferred for the purpose of being filled by means of metering to the metering system (20) according to the invention in order to be filled there.

[0055] The metering system (20) according to the invention is preferably a volumetric or gravimetric metering system, particularly preferably a gravimetric metering system.

[0056] The metering system (20) according to the invention preferably comprises at least one height adapter (25), by means of which the container (1) according to the invention can be positioned at any desired height within the metering system (20).

[0057] In addition to the at least one container (1) used as at least one, preferably mobile, metering station, the metering system (20) according to the invention preferably furthermore contains at least one supply container (21), which is connected by means of at least one pipe (22) to at least one metering valve (23), which is a permanent component part of the metering system. The at least one pipe (22) is preferably also a permanent component part of the metering system. Such a metering system (20) according to the invention represents a combination of a conventional metering system, which preferably comprises at least pivotable and fixed metering valves and pipes connected thereto, which are connected in turn to supply containers containing the components to be metered, and at least one container (1) according to the invention used as a metering station.

[0058] Methods According to the Invention

[0059] A further subject of the present invention is a method for pneumatic metering using the container (1) according to the invention, wherein the method comprises at least one step (i), namely [0060] (i) pneumatic metering of a component situated in the container (1) according to the invention into another container (10) different from the container (1).

[0061] A further subject of the present invention is a method for producing a coating composition or a precursor thereof that can be used in the automotive industry, wherein the method comprises at least one step (a), namely [0062] (a) pneumatic metering of a component situated in the container (1) according to the invention into another container different from the container (1), wherein, after being produced, the coating composition or the precursor thereof is present in this container (10) different from the container (1).

[0063] All the preferred embodiments described hereinabove in connection with the container (1) according to the invention and the use according to the invention and the metering system according to the invention are also preferred embodiments in respect of the methods according to the invention.

[0064] The methods according to the invention are preferably carried out within and by means of the metering system (20) according to the invention.

[0065] The method according to the invention is a method for producing a coating composition or a precursor thereof that can be used in the automotive industry. In this context, it is possible to produce both coating compositions which are used in the context of OEM series-production coating and those which can be used in the context of repair coating. The same applies to corresponding precursors. The method according to the invention is preferably used in the development of coating compositions or precursors thereof that can be used in the automotive industry, preferably within laboratories, such as research and development laboratories.

[0066] Coating compositions that can be used in the automotive industry are, for example, electrodeposition coatings, primers, primer surfacers, base coats, especially water-based base coats, top coats, including clear coats, especially solvent-based clear coats. A precursor of a coating composition that can be used in the automotive industry is preferably a pigment and/or filler paste. In this context, the term pigment paste includes colored pigment pastes and special-effect pigment pastes. Precursors furthermore comprise (temporary) intermediates which can be used to produce such coating compositions.

EXAMPLES

[0067] The following examples will serve to explain the invention but should not be interpreted as restrictive. The examples are described with reference to FIGS. 1a, 1b and 2 to 4, which describe illustrative embodiments according to the invention.

[0068] FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b are schematic illustrations of a container (1) according to the invention, which differ essentially only in shape and, as a result, in the volume of the container body (2) and hence of the container (1) and in the type of motor (8) used. In each case, the container (1) is in the closed state, and therefore none of the elements situated on the inside (3b) of the cover (3) are visible.

[0069] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the closed container (1) according to the invention shown in FIG. 1b, but the elements situated within the container (1) have been made visible.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a metering system (20) according to the invention, which contains a combination of two closed containers (1) according to the invention and a total of five fixed pipes (22), wherein each of these fixed pipes (22) is connected to a respective metering valve (23), which is a permanent component part of the metering system. Moreover, two containers (10) to be filled, into which metering is to take place, are furthermore depicted in FIG. 3.

[0071] FIG. 4 is likewise a schematic illustration of a metering system according to the invention, which contains two closed containers (1) according to the invention. Moreover, a row of containers (10) to be filled, into which metering is to take place, are depicted in FIG. 4.