Diverter plate, diverter having a diverter plate, extrusion assembly having a diverter, and method for manufacturing a diverter plate

Abstract

The invention relates to a distributor plate (1) for a distributor (40) for supplying a thermoplastic melt to at least one extrusion head (61) for producing a preform, comprising a first plate side (2) and a second plate side (3), a distributor groove (7) incorporated in the first plate side (2) and extending in the plate plane (E1) of the first plate side (2), and at least one connecting channel (9) adjoining the distributor groove (7), which is machined into the distributor plate (1) and ends at an outlet opening (10) in the second plate side (3), characterized in that the at least one connecting channel (9) is milled into the distributor plate (1) and has a trajectory which is at least sectionally curved in the flow direction towards the second plate side (3). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a distributor plate (1). Furthermore, the invention relates to a distributor (40) and an extrusion assembly (60).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a manifold plate for supplying thermoplastic melt to at least one extrusion head to produce preforms, particularly tubular preforms. The manifold plate includes: a first plate side and a second plate side; a distribution groove formed in the first plate side and extending in the plate plane of the first plate side; and at least one connecting channel adjacent to the distribution groove, formed in the manifold plate, and terminating at an outlet opening in the second plate side. The invention also relates to a manifold having at least one manifold plate. Such a manifold can also be referred to as a melt distributor. Furthermore, the invention relates to an extrusion assembly including a manifold. Additionally, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a manifold plate. Background Technology

[0002] US 3,561,053 A discloses a melt distributor having two manifolds abutting each other along a parting plane. A distribution network for distributing thermoplastic melt to four mass outlets extends in the parting plane, with melt supplied by the extruder via a central mass inlet to the distribution network. The distribution network has distribution channels that are incorporated into the facing side of a first plate of the manifolds and supplied by a central main channel. Each distribution channel further divides into two connecting channels, each of which terminates at one of the mass outlets. However, because the distribution network is formed only in the parting plane, the manifolds or manifolds are only suitable for producing single-layer preforms.

[0003] Melt distributors for producing multi-layer preforms are also known from the prior art. This type of distributor has a plate assembly with several distributor plates, each of which rests against each other along a horizontal parting plane. Distributing channels extend in the corresponding parting plane and are fitted as grooves into the facing sides of the distributor plates. The ends of the distributing channels connect to inlet and outlet holes drilled perpendicular to the parting plane, connecting the distributing channels to the inlet and outlet openings of the plate assembly. The creation of a flow dead zone at the transition between the distributing channel and the holes is considered unfavorable, as the plastic melt accumulates in this dead zone and can only flow out after a certain, possibly longer, residence time. This is particularly problematic in cases of color or material changes, as it increases changeover time and thus the amount of waste.

[0004] DE 10 2019 009 151 B3 discloses a melt distributor made from a single piece. This melt distributor is manufactured using a moldless additive manufacturing process for metallic materials. Due to 3D manufacturing, the transition between the plastic melt and the tube from its supply to the outlet opening can be formed as rounded, i.e., not straight. This is to avoid flow dead zones. This additive manufacturing provides a great deal of geometric freedom. However, due to the inherent layered structure in the additive manufacturing process, the surface of the tube is stepped or rough, which is considered a disadvantage as it increases the cleaning effort required for the melt distributor.

[0005] DE 10 2019 009 151B3 also describes a prior art in which each trouser-shaped pipeline divides the melt flow into two different melt flows. For this purpose, a straight supply pipeline section in the form of orifices is arranged in the upper plate. In the lower plate, two straight branch pipeline sections are arranged in the form of orifices, connected via channels to the corresponding supply pipeline sections. In the parting plane, half of the channel is milled into the upper plate and half into the lower plate. Thus, the straight supply pipeline section and the two connected straight discharge pipeline sections form trouser-shaped pipelines. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a flow divider plate that avoids flow dead zones and is easy to clean. Another object of the present invention is to provide a flow divider that avoids flow dead zones and is easy to clean. Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved extrusion assembly that avoids flow dead zones and is easy to clean. Additionally, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a flow divider plate that avoids flow dead zones and is easy to clean.

[0007] One solution is a diverter plate of the type described above, wherein at least one connecting channel is milled into the diverter plate and has a trajectory that is at least partially bent toward the side of the second plate in the flow direction.

[0008] Thermoplastic melt can flow through a dispensing groove and at least one connecting channel. Advantageously, during operation, the at least one connecting channel deflects the thermoplastic melt flowing from the dispensing groove into the at least one connecting channel as uniformly and continuously as possible to the corresponding outlet opening. This is because, unlike drilling, where the drilling tool cuts only in the direction of its axis of rotation, milling allows the milling tool to be used perpendicular to its axis of rotation or at an angle to it. Therefore, the at least one connecting channel provides a rounded transition from the dispensing groove, which extends in the plate plane of the first plate side and passes through the manifold plate, to the outlet opening, which is located on the second plate side of the manifold plate. This avoids flow dead zones in the melt flow and reduces waste during color or material changes. Furthermore, the milled channel walls have entirely smooth channel walls, further reducing the amount of cleaning required for the manifold plate, thereby reducing waste.

[0009] In the following text, for better readability, "at least one connecting channel" will be abbreviated to "connecting channel" and will continue to apply to exactly one connecting channel or several connecting channels, such as two, three, four, five, or six connecting channels, which can be connected to the distribution groove. Each connecting channel ends at its own outlet opening, which is formed in the second plate side of the manifold, such that the thermoplastic melt flowing through at least one connecting channel during operation can exit the manifold at the corresponding outlet opening.

[0010] The connecting channel can define a trajectory line. In other words, the trajectory of the connecting channel, i.e., the channel trajectory, can extend along the trajectory line. Specifically, the trajectory line is a continuous line and can have curved or arcuate sections as well as straight sections. By extending through the diverter plate, the connecting channel can have at least one section in which the connecting channel is closed in the circumferential direction around the trajectory line.

[0011] The connecting channel can have a curved section, in which the trajectory line bends towards the side of the second plate in the flow direction. Specifically, the trajectory line in the curved section is continuously curved and has no undulating trajectory. The curvature is non-zero at every point in the curved section. In this case, the curvature can vary along the segmented curved trajectory, but cannot be zero. In principle, if the trajectory line follows the arc section, the curvature at any point in the curved section can also be the same. Ideally, the trajectory line of the connecting channel in the curved section follows the arc section. If the side of the second plate is aligned parallel to the side of the first plate, the arc section can extend at a 90-degree angle, i.e., a quarter circle.

[0012] Furthermore, at least one curved section of the connecting channel may be designed as a groove opening perpendicular to the trajectory line on the inlet side, and as a circumferentially closed pipe around the trajectory line on the outlet side or downstream of the groove. In a sense, the connecting channel is immersed in the diverter plate within the curved section. The bottom of the groove-shaped portion along the curved section may have a groove bottom that is at least segmentally curved toward the side of the second plate in the flow direction, particularly continuously curved.

[0013] This section of the curved segment, designed as a groove and opening towards the side of the first plate, simplifies the manufacturing of the manifold. This is because when machining the connecting channel into the manifold, the clamping axis of the milling tool, depending on its alignment with the plate plane, may collide with the edge of the manifold, potentially damaging or preventing further or deeper penetration into the manifold. Such a plate edge can also be referred to as an interference edge.

[0014] Furthermore, at least one connecting channel may be provided with an inlet section upstream of a curved section that extends within the plate plane of the first plate side. Therefore, the connecting channel can be connected to the dispensing groove continuously or steplessly. Preferably, the connecting channel is directly adjacent to the dispensing groove. This avoids flow dead zones. In the inlet section, the trajectory line extends parallel to the plate plane of the first plate side and has a curved trajectory in the curved section. Therefore, during operation, the connecting channel deflects the thermoplastic melt flowing through the dispensing groove into the connecting channel from the plate plane of the first plate side toward the second plate side, allowing the molten plastic to exit the distributor plate from the outlet opening.

[0015] The inlet section can be formed as a groove opening into the plate plane of the first plate side or a groove perpendicular to the trajectory line, which makes the distributor plate easier to manufacture. This allows the milling tool to be guided into the distributor plate at a steeper angle to the plate plane and inserted deeper into the distributor plate when manufacturing the connecting channel. Preferably, the depth of the inlet section formed as a groove corresponds to the depth of the dispensing groove, thereby ensuring a uniform or stepless transition from the dispensing groove to the connecting channel. Preferably, the depth of the dispensing groove is constant throughout its trajectory. Specifically, the dispensing groove may extend only in the plate plane of the first plate side.

[0016] Preferably, the connecting channel is designed to be circumferentially closed around a trajectory line downstream of a portion of a curved section designed as a groove. This trajectory line may correspond to the trajectory line of the connecting channel within the circumferentially closed section. Preferably, the connecting channel has an elliptical, specifically circular, profile within the circumferentially closed section. The circumferentially closed channel walls of the connecting channel may be arranged concentrically with the trajectory line.

[0017] To further simplify the manufacturing of the manifold, particularly by milling the connecting channels into the workpiece, it may be advantageous for the tangent at the trajectory line in the curved section to form an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 60 degrees with the plate plane. Specifically, this can be applied to any point on the trajectory line in the curved section.

[0018] Furthermore, the connecting channel may have an additional curved section downstream of the curved section, in which the trajectory line bends toward the side of the second plate in the flow direction. In a preferred embodiment, this additional curved section is formed closed in the circumferential direction around the trajectory line. The tangent to the trajectory line applied to the other curved section may include an angle of at most 90 degrees and greater than 30 degrees with the plate plane of the first plate side. Specifically, this can be applied to any point on the trajectory line in the other curved section.

[0019] Furthermore, a transition section can be formed between the first and second curved sections, in which the trajectory line is straight. The connecting channel in this transition section can be cylindrical. The trajectory line along the transition section can include an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 60 degrees with the plane of the plate.

[0020] The connecting channel may have an outlet section terminating at an outlet opening, whereby the trajectory line in the outlet section can be straight and extend laterally to the side of the first plate. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet section is formed circumferentially closed around the trajectory line. Specifically, the imaginary extension of the trajectory line in the outlet section may include an angle of 45 to 90 degrees with the plate plane of the side of the first plate. This allows the position and profile of the outlet opening on the side of the second plate to be adapted to structural specifications. This may be due to facts such as the fact that the branch pipes constituting the at least one branch pipe plate have multiple overlapping plates whose channels must be interconnected, and / or the branch pipes must be integrated into an extrusion assembly in which the spatial arrangement of the fluid conduction interfaces is predetermined.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the trajectory line in the outlet section is straight and may be perpendicular to the plate plane of the first plate side and / or perpendicular to the plate plane of the second plate side. The first and second plate sides may be parallel to each other. This allows the connecting channel to deflect the thermoplastic melt flowing into the connecting channel via the dispensing groove by 90 degrees. The connecting channel may be cylindrical in the outlet section, and the outlet opening may be circular. If the distributor plate is to be re-machined after milling the connecting channel, it may be advantageous for the outlet section, starting from the outlet opening or the second plate side, to extend into the distributor plate by up to 2.5 mm. Preferably, the outlet section extends into the distributor plate by up to 2 mm. Finishing operations may include, for example, face milling or polishing of the second plate side, and the outlet opening retains its circular profile due to the cylindrical outlet section, as long as a portion of the outlet section remains upright.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the outlet section of the connecting channel can also be merged into the outlet opening at an angle to the side of the second plate. This can be advantageous, for example, if the diverter plate is designed to be manufactured as a multi-layer prefabricated component, thereby enabling the connection to be arranged in a limited installation space. Preferably, the trajectory line in the outlet section is straight. Specifically, an angle of less than 90 degrees and / or greater than 0.5 degrees is formed between the trajectory line in the outlet section and the plate plane of the side of the first plate. Preferably, this angle is approximately 10 to 80 degrees. If the outlet opening is oriented obliquely to the side of the second plate, the outlet opening can be elliptical or even circular in shape.

[0023] Furthermore, the connecting channel can have a constant flow cross-section. Specifically, the flow cross-section of the connecting channel along the circumferentially closed trajectory section can be an elliptical or circular surface.

[0024] The flow divider sheet can have a basic shape that is at least generally rectangular. The first plate side and the second plate side can be the outer, opposite-facing portions of the flow divider sheet. The first plate side and the second plate side can be parallel to each other. This allows the flow divider sheet to be easily stacked with other flow dividers or other plates of the flow divider. However, in principle, the second plate side can also be arranged at an angle to the first plate side. If the flow divider sheet is arranged horizontally, the first plate side can be the top side of the flow divider sheet, and the second plate side can be the bottom side of the flow divider sheet.

[0025] Preferably, the manifold is made of a solid material, especially a metal. This makes the manifold particularly stable and has a long service life. For example, the manifold can be made of hardened and tempered tool steel. The metal manifold can be easily milled, allowing the connecting channels to have particularly smooth channel walls. To achieve a specific surface finish on the channel walls, the surfaces of the connecting channels can be roughened or finished, particularly finely finished. Preferably, the surface of the channel walls can have an average roughness index Ra of no more than 3.2 micrometers, and more preferably about 1.6 micrometers. After milling, the channel walls of the connecting channels can be polished. Therefore, the average roughness index Ra of the channel wall surface can be no more than 0.8 micrometers, and can preferably be between 0.4 micrometers and 0.025 micrometers. Good surface finish is achieved, with an average roughness index Ra of at least about 0.1 micrometers. This makes the manifold easier to clean and reduces waste. For example, the thickness of the manifold can be in the range of 20 mm to 100 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the plate is about 30 mm to 75 mm.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, exactly two connecting channels in the distribution groove, which branch or divide the distribution groove, are adjacent to it. Therefore, these two connecting channels can also be referred to as branch channels. Preferably, the connecting channels extend from the distribution groove in a trouser-like shape. The trajectory lines of the two connecting channels curve at least segmentally toward the side of the second plate in the flow direction, thus creating a general shape resembling a sitting pair of trousers. Since the inlet sections of the two connecting channels can extend in the plate plane and can be designed to open toward the side of the first plate, the transition from the distribution groove to the inlet sections of the two connecting channels can be easily achieved using a milling tool. This transition can be milled into the splitter plate as a symmetrical, specifically Y-shaped branch. This branch is preferably circular. This avoids flow dead zones during the transition.

[0027] In a highly preferred embodiment, the manifold has multiple distribution recesses. For each extruder head, the manifold can have one of the distribution recesses, and only one or two of the connecting channels can connect to that distribution recess. For an example of ten extruder heads, the manifold would be able to have ten distribution recesses accordingly. However, in principle, several distribution recesses can also supply one of the extruder heads. This is particularly advantageous for larger extruder heads. For example, two or three distribution recesses can be provided for each extruder head, and these distribution recesses can each branch into one, two, three, four, five, or six connecting channels.

[0028] Preferably, the distribution grooves on the side of the first plate belong to a self-contained distribution network. This distribution network may have a mass inlet on the input side for connection to an extruder, thereby enabling the extrusion of a single-layer preform by means of a manifold. To enable the extrusion of a multi-layer preform by means of a manifold, a second distribution network may extend on the manifold, independent of and without fluid conduction connection to the first distribution network. For this purpose, for example, additional distribution grooves may be formed on the side of the second plate, and connecting channels may be connected to these additional distribution grooves, which may be formed in another manifold. The distribution grooves on the side of the first plate and the additional distribution grooves on the side of the second plate may be arranged one on top of the other. The connecting channels in the side of the first plate adjacent to the entry areas of the distribution grooves may be further apart than the additional connecting channels in the side of the second plate adjacent to the entry areas of the additional distribution grooves. In this way, a particularly compact manifold can be provided.

[0029] This problem is also addressed by a manifold for supplying thermoplastic melt to at least one extrusion head to produce preforms, wherein the manifold comprises at least one manifold plate and a cover plate as previously described. The manifold according to the invention has the same advantages as described in conjunction with the manifold plate according to the invention, and therefore reference is made herein in abbreviated form to the above description. It should be understood that all the above-described embodiments of the manifold plate can be transferred to the manifold, and vice versa. Overall, the manifold is easier to clean and produces less waste after coloring or material changes.

[0030] Preferably, at least one distributor plate and a cover plate are combined into a plate group in which the plates are arranged one on top of the other. Distribution grooves formed in at least one distributor plate can be covered by adjacent plates. Specifically, distribution grooves machined into the distributor plate are covered by distribution grooves machined into adjacent plates. Thus, two distribution grooves arranged one on top of the other can together form a distribution channel. This distribution channel can have a channel centerline, which can lie in the parting plane between the two plates if the two superimposed distribution grooves are symmetrical. This results in a closed channel wall in the circumferential direction around the channel centerline of the distribution channel. The cross-sectional dimensions of the two distribution grooves arranged one on top of the other can be the same relative to the channel centerline. In principle, adjacent plates can also have smooth, flat plate sides, i.e., without distribution grooves, whereby the channel centerline of the distribution groove is not in the parting plane but in the distribution groove of the distributor plate.

[0031] In its simplest embodiment, when the manifold is designed for extruding a single-layer preform, it may comprise a plate assembly having two plates, namely a manifold plate and a cover plate, which may be adjacent to each other along the plate plane or the parting plane. For each extrusion head, the manifold may have a distribution channel, and one or both of the connecting channels may be connected to the distribution channel.

[0032] The manifold can have a plate assembly with multiple manifold plates, which can be arranged one on top of another. Corresponding adjacent manifold plates can abut against each other along their respective plate planes, and the second plate side of one manifold plate contacts the first plate side of another manifold plate. A cover plate can close the plate assembly, particularly on the side facing away from at least one extrusion head.

[0033] Using manifolds, preforms having at least one layer can be extruded. For each layer, the manifold can have a continuous distribution network having a mass inlet for the material flow of thermoplastic melt conveyed by the extruder, at least one mass outlet for each extrusion head, and one of the distribution channels for each extrusion head in the flow direction of the material flow between the mass inlet and the mass outlet. Using an example of a bilayer extruder, the manifold can have a first distribution network for the first layer and a second distribution network for the second layer, which exist independently of each other and are not interconnected. By arranging several manifold plates one on top of another, further distribution networks, particularly third, fourth, fifth, and / or sixth distribution networks, can be established to enable the extrusion of corresponding multilayer, particularly up to six-layer, preforms with at least one extrusion head.

[0034] This problem is further solved by an extrusion assembly comprising a manifold as described above and at least one extrusion head for producing preforms. The extrusion assembly according to the invention produces the same advantages described for the manifold according to the invention, and therefore reference is made herein by abbreviation. It should be understood that all the foregoing embodiments of the manifold can be transferred to the extrusion assembly, and vice versa. Overall, the extrusion assembly is easier to clean and dispose of after color or material variations are reduced.

[0035] The extrusion assembly may include at least one extruder located upstream of the manifold. For producing multilayer preforms, the extrusion assembly may have one extruder per layer.

[0036] This objective is further achieved by the method for manufacturing the aforementioned manifold, which includes the steps of: machining a distribution groove into a first plate side of the workpiece, and machining at least one connecting channel into the workpiece by path-controlled forming milling, wherein the milling head moves at least segmentally from the first plate side along a path curving toward a second plate side. The method according to the invention produces the same advantages described in conjunction with the manifold according to the invention, or the manifold according to the invention, or the extrusion assembly according to the invention, and therefore refers herein by abbreviation. It goes without saying that all the above-described designs of the manifold, manifold, or extrusion assembly can be transferred to this method, and vice versa. Overall, this method allows for the manufacture of manifolds that avoid flow dead zones and are easy to clean.

[0037] The workpiece may already have the basic shape of a finished manifold. To manufacture the manifold, distribution grooves and at least one connecting channel are machined into the workpiece. Thus, the first plate side or the second plate side of the workpiece becomes the first plate side or the second plate side of the manifold.

[0038] Milling tools can include conventional milling tools having a base with a clamping axis and a working area. The clamping axis is held in a receiving portion of a machine tool spindle. The spindle defines a spindle axis about which the machine tool can rotatably drive the milling tool. The workpiece can be milled using the working area of ​​the milling tool or a milling head.

[0039] The milling head can be spherical. Preferably, the diameter of the milling head is smaller than the diameter of the connecting channel to be manufactured, allowing the milling head itself to cut freely. This allows for the manufacture of a uniformly curved connecting channel. To ensure radial feed of the milling head, the center path of the milling tool can be helical. The helical motion prevents the milling head from making face-to-face contact with the workpiece. The entry angle can be changed by slightly adjusting the milling cutter.

[0040] Path-controlled forming milling can be cycloidal milling or oscillating milling. In this way, the milling head can traverse interfering edges and insert deeper into the workpiece with a more curved path. When milling connecting channels along at least partially curved trajectory lines, it is wise not to insert the milling head perpendicularly into the workpiece. Instead, the cutting motion can be on an inclined or flat path relative to the plate plane, respectively. The angle between the spindle axis and the plate plane or the first or second plate side can be between 15 degrees and 165 degrees.

[0041] Furthermore, the first segment of the connecting channel starting from the side of the first plate and the second segment of the connecting channel starting from the side of the second plate can be machined into the workpiece using a path-controlled forming milling machine. Therefore, re-clamping of the workpiece may be necessary, sometimes making it impossible to produce the manifold in a single clamping operation. However, this also allows for the machining of thicker plates, improving the stability and durability of the manifold. This production-related subdivision of the connecting channel into first and second segments is also advantageous in principle for thinner manifolds. However, in the manufacturing process, re-clamping of the workpiece does not represent a disadvantage, especially if the distribution grooves for additional distribution networks are also machined into the second plate side of the manifold. The first segment may include an inlet segment and a (first) curved segment. The second segment may include another curved segment, or second curved segment, and an outlet segment. These two curved segments may be directly adjacent to each other or merged with each other. If the connecting channel has a transition segment, it may be located within the first and / or second segment of the connecting channel.

[0042] Preferably, a CNC-controlled milling machine will be used for path-controlled form milling. "CNC" is an abbreviation for "Computerized Numerical Control." CNC milling machines can be used not only for connecting channels but also for other channels or grooves in branch tube sheets. In path control, several axes move simultaneously. During this process, the milling tool is guided along a programmed toolpath at a preset speed. For this purpose, the milling machine can be a CNC machining center that allows machining on at least five axes. This allows the curved geometry of the connecting channel to be machined into the workpiece while maintaining consistent dimensional accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below.

[0044] Figure 1 A top-view perspective view, taken from an oblique angle, shows a shunt plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A top-view perspective view of the shunt plate, showing the hidden body edge;

[0046] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The shunt plate along Figure 1 The sectional view shown is taken by line III-III;

[0047] Figure 4 An embodiment of the invention is shown for manufacturing. Figure 1 A step in the method of a manifold plate, wherein a milling tool machines connecting channels into the manifold plate;

[0048] Figure 5 A magnified view is shown. Figure 4 Part of the steps, showing different working positions, to illustrate the relative movement between the milling tool and the manifold plate;

[0049] Figure 6 A top-view perspective view from an oblique angle shows a shunt according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the hidden body edge is shown;

[0050] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The shunt shown runs along Figure 6 A sectional view taken by line VII-VII in the diagram;

[0051] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a top perspective view of the manifold, where the outer edge of the manifold plate is not shown, to illustrate the distribution network extending across the manifold plate.

[0052] Figure 9 From Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the distribution network extending from below to above the shunt plate;

[0053] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of an extrusion assembly viewed from a lower oblique angle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0054] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The extrusion component along Figure 10 The sectional view shown is taken along line XI-XI. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Figures 1 to 3 A manifold plate 1 is shown for a manifold used to supply thermoplastic melt to at least one extrusion head to produce a preform of a melt distributor according to one embodiment.

[0056] To define the orientation of the shunt plate 1 in space, the spatial axes X, Y, and Z are defined according to the Cartesian coordinate system associated with the shunt plate 1 and indicated by corresponding arrows. The width of the shunt plate 1 extends along the spatial axis X, its depth extends along the spatial axis Y, and its height extends along the spatial axis Z.

[0057] The shunt plate 1, particularly of metal, may have a basic shape of at least approximately a cube. The shunt plate 1 has a first plate side 2 and a second plate side 3 opposite to the first plate side 2. Each of the two plate sides 2 and 3 defines plate planes E1 and E2 that can be aligned parallel to each other. Plate planes E1 and E2 are parallel to a plane spanned by two spatial axes X and Y.

[0058] Figure 1 The diagram shows an inlet groove 4 machined into the first plate side 2, through which thermoplastic melt can flow in the flow direction. The inlet groove 4 begins at a first mass inlet 5, to which a first extruder can be connected. The mass inlet 5 is formed in the front face 6 of the distributor plate 1, which can be oriented perpendicular to the two plate sides 2, 3. In the flow direction, the inlet groove 4 in the first plate plane E1 branches in a tree-like structure into a plurality of distribution grooves 7, exemplarily ten in this case, milled into the first plate side 2. Each distribution groove 7 branches at a branch point 8 into two connecting channels 9, which are milled into the distributor plate 1. Each connecting channel 9 begins in the first plate plane E1 and ends at an outlet opening 10, which is arranged in the second plate side 3.

[0059] Each connecting channel 9 is defined by a trajectory line L that curves at least segmentally toward the side 3 of the second plate in the flow direction. Figure 3 The trajectory of one connection channel 9 is shown, which is an example of the trajectories of all connection channels 9. See below for reference. Figure 3 Explain the trajectory of each connecting channel 9.

[0060] The connecting channel 9 has an inlet section 11 into which an associated dispensing groove 7 opens. From Figure 1 As can be seen, the connecting channels 9 spread out in pairs from the corresponding branch points 8 in the flow direction, so that the trajectory line L in the inlet section 11 has a curved trajectory L11 in the first plate plane E1. The inlet section 11 is designed to open into the first plate plane E1 or to have a groove perpendicular to the trajectory line L11. The groove depth of the inlet section 11 corresponds to the groove depth of the distribution groove 7.

[0061] The inlet section 11 is followed in the flow direction by a first curved section 12 connecting the channel 9, in which the trajectory line L, starting from the plate plane E1, has a trajectory line L12 that continuously curves towards the second plate side E2 in the flow direction. In the first curved section 12, the trajectory line L follows an arcuate section, at least ideally. As shown by example here, this could be an eighth circle with its center M1 located in the second plate plane E2. Therefore, the tangent T1 at the trajectory line L in the first curved section 12 can form a first tangent angle α1 greater than 0 degrees with the first plate plane E1, and exemplarily a maximum of 45 degrees. This applies along the first curved section 12 to each point on the trajectory section L12 of the trajectory line L. Figure 3It is also shown that a portion 13 of the first curved section 12 on the inlet side is designed as an opening toward the first plate plane E1 or a groove perpendicular to the trajectory line L, the groove having a bottom that curves toward the second plate side 3 in the flow direction. The groove-shaped portion 13 is continuously connected to the groove-shaped inlet section 11. The inlet-side portion 13 extends above at least approximately half of the first curved section 12 in the flow direction. Downstream of the inlet section 13, the connecting channel 9 is continuously closed in the circumferential direction around the trajectory line L, i.e., in the form of a tube.

[0062] The first curved section 12 is followed in the flow direction by a transition section 14, in which the trajectory line L has a straight trajectory L14. The transition section 14 may also be referred to as an intermediate section. The imaginary extension of the section L14 of the trajectory line L extending in a straight line in the transition section 14 encloses the first plate plane E1 at a first angle β1. The first angle β1 is exemplarily 45 degrees here.

[0063] The transition section 14 is followed in the flow direction by a second curved section 15, in which the trajectory line L has a curved trajectory L15 in the flow direction from the straight trajectory L14 in the transition section 14 toward the second plate side E2. Figure 3 The diagram shows the trajectory line L in the second curved section 15 following the arcuate section in an idealized manner. As shown by example here, this could be an eighth circle with its center M2 located in the second plate plane E2. Therefore, the tangent T2 leading to the trajectory line L in the second curved section 15 can enclose the first plate plane E1 at a second tangent angle α2, which is exemplarily greater than or equal to 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees. This applies to every point along the trajectory line L along the second curved section 15. For clarity, an auxiliary line is drawn to represent the second tangent angle α2 extending parallel to the first plate plane E1. The second center M2 is located in the second plate plane E2 and between the first center M1 and the outlet opening 10 of the connecting channel 9. The distance between the two centers M1, M2 at least approximately corresponds to the extension of the transition section 12 in the flow direction.

[0064] The outlet section 16 of connecting channel 9 is adjacent to the second curved section 15 in the flow direction. The outlet section 16 ends at the outlet opening 10. In the outlet section 16, the trajectory line L again has a straight trajectory L16, and it is enclosed at a second angle β2 of 90 degrees with the first plate plane E1, which is exemplarily shown here. The outlet opening 10 is correspondingly circular. Due to the infinitesimal extension of the outlet section 16 in the flow direction shown here, the two centers M1, M2 are located in the second plate plane E2. In particular, if the second plate side 3 is to be mechanically reworked, it may be advantageous for the outlet section 16 to have a larger straight extension in the flow direction. Then the two centers M1, M2 can be offset from the second plate plane E2 toward the first plate plane E1 by the length of the outlet section 16.

[0065] The trajectory of the connecting channel 9, branching from the associated distribution groove 7, resembles the shape of a pair of sitting trousers, as... Figure 2 As can be seen, this avoids flow dead zones. However, in principle, only one connection channel 9 can be connected to the corresponding distribution groove 7, which can correspond to... Figure 3 The trajectory shown in the figure, in this case, the trajectory line L in the inlet segment 11 can have a straight trajectory in the first plate plane E1, thereby avoiding flow dead zones.

[0066] The grooves 4 and 7 machined into the first plate side 2 of the manifold 1 and the connecting channels 9 belong to a continuous distribution network 17, which can be connected to the extruder on the inlet side via a mass inlet 5. Each distribution groove 7 supplies a portion of the thermoplastic melt to the extruder head via the connected connecting channels 9, exemplarily two in this case. In the embodiment shown here, the manifold 1 can thus divide the thermoplastic melt flowing in during operation via the first mass inlet 5 into twenty streams, which, for example, can be supplied to ten extruder heads. It goes without saying that the manifold 1 may also have fewer or more than ten distribution grooves 7 or fewer or more than twenty connecting channels 9.

[0067] exist Figure 2As can be seen, additional grooves are machined or milled in the second plate side portion 3 of the distributor plate 1. These grooves can serve as upper portions of the channels to cover the grooves 4 and 7 formed in the first plate side portion 2 of the other distributor plate 1, which can be arranged below them, as well as the grooved segments 11 and 13 serving as connecting channels 9. The slots, which are in the form of grooves and open toward the second plate plane E2, can belong to a separate distribution network 18 that is itself continuous. This separate distribution network 18 exists independently of the distribution network 17 and is correspondingly spatially separated from the latter. In order to connect the distributor plate 1 to upstream components such as an extruder and downstream components such as another distributor plate or extruder head, the distribution networks 17 and 18 can be arranged or aligned differently due to structural and spatial conditions, particularly in the areas of the mass inlet and outlet channels.

[0068] The distributor plate 1 has its own mass inlet 19 for an additional distribution network 18, which may also be located in the front face 6 of the distributor plate 1, adjacent to the mass inlet 5. An inlet groove 20 is machined into the second plate side 3 through which the thermoplastic melt can flow in one flow direction. The inlet groove 20 begins at another mass inlet 19, to which another extruder can be connected. In the flow direction, the inlet groove 20 branches in a tree-like structure into a plurality of distribution grooves 21, exemplarily ten in this case, which are machined into the second plate side 3. The distribution grooves 21 in the second plate side 3 and the distribution grooves 7 in the first plate side 2 exemplarily overlap in this case.

[0069] Each distribution groove 21 branches into two connecting grooves 23 at a branch point 22, these connecting grooves being milled into the second plate side 3. The connecting grooves 23 are designed to cover sections of the distribution grooves 7 of another distribution plate 1 that can be arranged below, these sections being designed as grooves. That is, the connecting grooves 23 can cover the corresponding inlet sections 11 and 13 of the first curved section 12 in the first plate side 2 of the adjacent distribution plate 1 from the distribution grooves 7. Figure 2 As can be seen, the grooved segments 11 and 13 of the connecting channel 9 attached to the side portion 2 of the first plate are further apart than the connecting grooves 23 attached to the side portion 3 of the second plate, and these connecting grooves 23 cover the grooved segments 11 and 13 of the other diversion tube plate 1 that can be arranged below. Figure 2 For clarity, only a subset of the reference numerals 7, 8, 9, 10, 21, 22, and 23 are shown as a representative of the total set of these reference numerals.

[0070] Figure 1 and 2A portion of the third inlet groove 24 is further shown to be machined or milled into the manifold plate 1. The inlet groove 24 begins in the flow direction at another mass inlet 25, which may be located in the front face 6 of the manifold plate 1 and ends in the second plate side 3. The inlet groove 24 may continue in another manifold plate 1, which may be arranged below. A separate extruder may be connected via an additional mass inlet 25, allowing the thermoplastic melt to be supplied to an additional distribution network, here a third distribution network 26.

[0071] To manufacture the manifold 1, a workpiece 27, particularly a metal workpiece, can be provided, which may already have the basic shape of the manifold 1. The workpiece 27 can be quenched and tempered tool steel. A CNC machining center 28, particularly a 5-axis CNC machining center, is used in... Figure 4 and 5 Only a portion of it is shown, which can be used to machine grooves 4, 7, 20, 21, 23 and connecting channel 9 into the diverter plate 1.

[0072] In a manner known per se, the CNC machining center 28 may have a unit carrier, primarily comprising a milling spindle 29 and a machine tool table (not shown), on which the workpiece 27 can be clamped. The milling spindle 29 drives a milling tool 30 to rotate about the spindle axis S. The milling tool 30 has a clamping shaft 31 and a working area or milling head 32. The clamping shaft 31 can be clamped in a receiving portion of the spindle 29. The milling head 32 can be used to perform milling operations on the workpiece 27. The milling head 32 may be spherical. The diameter of the milling head 32 is chosen to be smaller than the channel diameter of the connecting channel 9 to be manufactured, so that the milling head 32 itself can cut freely.

[0073] In path-controlled form milling, connecting channel 9 mills into workpiece 27 using a controlled engagement path. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the milling spindle 29 with milling tool 30 and the workpiece 27 clamped on the machine tool table move relative to each other. One relative working position of the milling tool 30 and the workpiece 27 is indicated by a solid line, and the other three relative working positions are indicated by dashed lines. Relative to the workpiece 27, the spindle axis S traverses the lateral surface of the cone to allow it to traverse the curved contact path of the interference edge 33. To ensure the radial feed of the milling head 32, as... Figure 5 As shown, the center path of the milling tool can be helical. The helical motion prevents the front face of the milling head 32 from contacting the workpiece 27. In the case of steepness adjustment, such as... Figure 3As shown by the solid line of the milling spindle 29, the milling tool 30 is adjacent to the clamping shaft 31 and abuts against the interference edge 33. In this respect, the first section of the corresponding connecting channel 9 can be milled from the first plate side 2 into the workpiece 27. In addition to the inlet section 11 and the first curved section 12, the first section may include a section of the transition section 14.

[0074] After the grooves 4 and 7 and the first section of the connecting channel 9 have been milled from the first plate side 2 into the distributor plate 1, the second plate side 3 can be machined. For this purpose, the workpiece 27 can be re-clamped on the machine tool table. Similarly, the grooves 20 and 21 and the second section of the connecting channel 9 can be machined from the second plate side 3 into the distributor plate 1. In addition to the outlet section 16 and the second curved section 15, the corresponding second section of the connecting channel 9 may also include a section of the transition section 14.

[0075] Figures 6 to 9 A manifold 40 according to one embodiment is shown. The manifold 40 is designed to supply thermoplastic melt to ten extrusion heads, exemplarily, to produce a preform, exemplarily, three layers.

[0076] The diverter 40 includes a plate assembly having diverter plates arranged one on top of another, exemplarily four diverter plates, each of which rests against another along parting planes A1, A2, A3. See also Figure 6 The uppermost plate is a cover plate 41, which has a groove on the inner plate side 42 through which the thermoplastic melt can flow. The outer plate side 43 is flat or smooth. The basic shape of the cover plate 41 corresponds to the basic shape of the three manifold plates 1. The first manifold plate 1.1, the second manifold plate 1.2, and the third manifold plate 1.3 are arranged below the cover plate 41. The first manifold plate 1.1 and the second manifold plate 1.2 have grooves through which the thermoplastic melt can flow on their first plate sides 2.1, 2.2 and their second plate sides 3.1, 3.2. The manifold plates 1.1 and 1.2 are designed as described above, and therefore refer to the above description in this respect. Identical or modified details are indicated by... Figures 1 to 5 The same reference numerals are used for marking. The third diversion plate 1.3 closes the plate assembly at the bottom and thus has grooves through which the thermoplastic melt can only flow on the side 2.3 of its first plate. In this respect, the third diversion plate 1.3 is designed as described above, except that no grooves are formed in the side 3.3 of the second plate through which the thermoplastic melt can flow.

[0077] To illustrate the orientation of the diverter 40 in space, the spatial axes X, Y, and Z are defined according to the Cartesian coordinate system associated with the diverter 40 and indicated by corresponding arrows. The width of the diverter 40 extends along the spatial axis X, its depth extends along the spatial axis Y, and its height extends along the spatial axis Z.

[0078] Grooves 44 and 45 are machined into the inner plate side portion 42 of the cover plate 41. These grooves overlap with grooves 4 and 7 machined into the first plate side portion 2.1 of the first diversion pipe plate 1.1 and the machined groove-shaped segments 11 and 13 of the connecting channel 9.1. Therefore, the groove 44 of the cover plate 41 and the grooves 4 and 7 of the first diversion pipe plate 1.1 together form a circumferentially closed inlet channel 46.1 and a circumferentially closed distribution channel 47.1, specifically as follows: Figure 8 and 9 As shown. Their channel axes extend in the parting plane A1, and channels 46.1 and 47.1 are circumferentially closed around these channel axes. Inlet channel 46.1 can be connected to the first extruder via the first mass inlet 5. Dispensing channel 47.1 is adjacent to two connecting channels in each of the connecting channels 9.1, and these two connecting channels split the thermoplastic melt flowing through dispensing channel 47.1 from parting plane A1 toward the second parting plane A2 by 90 degrees. For clarity, Figure 6 and Figure 7 Only a subset of the reference numerals are shown in the figures.

[0079] exist Figure 7 As can be seen, the corresponding grooves 45 machined in the inner plate side 42 of the cover plate 41 cover the grooved sections 11 and 13 of the corresponding connecting channels 9.1. The grooves 45 extend parallel to the parting plane A1 along the grooved inlet section 11 of the corresponding connecting channel 9.1, and approach the first parting plane A1 in a continuously curved manner along the grooved section 13 in the flow direction. The radius of curvature corresponds to the radius of curvature of the trajectory line L in the first curved section 12. Therefore, the grooved sections 11 and 13 of the corresponding connecting channels 9.1 are closed around the trajectory line L in the circumferential direction by the corresponding grooves 45. Therefore, the trajectory line L of the corresponding connecting channel 9.1 extends in the inlet section 11 in the parting plane A1 (straight trajectory L11), and becomes a curved trajectory L12 towards the second parting plane A2 in the first curved section 12. After a 90-degree deflection is achieved at the end of the second curved section 15, the trajectory line L in the exit section 16 extends perpendicularly to the parting planes A1 and A2 (straight trajectory L16).

[0080] Holes 48 and 49 are formed in subsequent distribution plates 1.2 and 1.3, aligned with the outlet opening 10.1 of the first distribution plate 1.1, and extending perpendicularly to the plate sides 2 and 3. Extrusion heads can be connected to the distribution pipe 40 at holes 49 in the third distribution plate 1.3, exemplarily twenty holes in this case. For example, if each extrusion head supplies thermoplastic melt via two holes 49, these two holes can open in pairs, for example, into the heart-shaped curve of the corresponding extrusion head; ten extrusion heads can be connected to the first distribution network 17 in this way. Specifically, from... Figure 8 and 9 As can be seen, the first distribution network 17 begins from the first parting plane A1, extends from the first mass inlet 5 through the inlet channel 46.1, the distribution channel 47.1, the connecting channel 9.1, and the holes 48 and 49, and terminates at twenty connection points 50 formed in the second plate side 3.3 of the third flow plate 1.3. Therefore, the first distribution network 17 exemplarily divides the thermoplastic melt that can be conveyed by the first extruder into twenty melt streams of the same size, which can be exemplarily supplied to ten extrusion heads.

[0081] Similarly, circumferentially closed channels 46.2 and 47.2 are formed between the second plate side 3.1 of the first diversion plate 1.1 and the first plate side 2.2 of the second diversion plate 1.2. These channels extend in the parting plane A2 and merge downstream into the connecting channel 9.2 of the second diversion plate 1.2. In the following diversion plate 1.3, the hole 51 is formed to align with the outlet opening 10.2 of the second diversion plate 1.2 and extends perpendicular to the plate sides 2 and 3. Specifically, in Figure 8 and 9 As can be seen, the second distribution network 18 begins at the second parting plane A2 and extends from the second mass inlet 19 through the inlet channel 46.2, the distribution channel 47.2, the connecting channel 9.2, and the orifice 51, and ends at twenty connection points 52 in the second plate side 3.3 of the third distribution tube plate 1.3. Therefore, the second distribution network 18 exemplarily divides the thermoplastic melt that can be conveyed by the second extruder into 20 melt streams of the same size, which can be exemplarily supplied to 10 extrusion heads.

[0082] Similarly, circumferentially closed channels 46.3 and 47.3 are formed between the second plate side 3.2 of the second distribution plate 1.2 and the first plate side 2.3 of the third distribution plate 1.3. These channels extend in the third triangular plane A3 and merge downstream into the connecting channel 9.3 of the third distribution plate 1.3. The third distribution network 26 differs from the other two distribution networks 17 and 18 illustrated herein in that it provides a connecting channel 9.3 for each extrusion head. Figure 9It is shown that the four distribution channels in distribution channel 47.3 each branch into two connecting channels in connecting channel 9.3, and the two distribution channels in distribution channel 7.3 each branch into exactly one connecting channel in connecting channel 9.3. Therefore, the connecting channel 9.3 in the second plate side 3.3 of the third distribution tube plate 1.3 ends at the ten connecting points 53. Furthermore, the connecting channel 9.3 does not undergo a 90-degree deflection, but in this case, it undergoes a deflection of approximately 20 degrees from the parting plane A3 to the second plate side 3.3 of the third distribution tube plate 1.3. However, in principle, a deflection of the connecting channel 9.3 between 1 degree and 89 degrees is conceivable and possible. In this way, the interfaces of the ten extruders for the third distribution network 26 can be positioned at the connecting points 53 at an angle to the second plate plane E2 of the third distribution tube plate 1.3, such as Figure 11 The extrusion assembly according to the invention is shown in the middle. Figure 9 As can be seen, connection points 50 and 52 are arranged on an imaginary first straight line, while connection point 53 is arranged at a certain distance from the first straight line on an imaginary second straight line parallel to the first straight line.

[0083] The third distribution network 26 exemplarily begins in the first parting plane A1, and the third mass inlet 25 is located in the first parting plane A1. This is only an example arrangement in the first parting plane A1. In principle, at least one of the mass inlets 5, 17, and 25 can also be arranged at different locations on the branch pipe 40 if required by structural specifications, the positioning of the interface with the extruder, or the spatial conditions of the extrusion assembly. Specifically, in Figure 8 and 9 As can be seen, the third distribution network 26 extends from the third mass inlet 25 via an inlet channel 46.3 extending through the second branch plate 1.2 into the third parting plane A3, a distribution channel 47.3 extending in the third parting plane A3, and a connecting channel 9.3, and terminates at ten connection points 53 in the second plate side 3.2 of the third branch plate 1.3. Therefore, the third distribution network 26 exemplarily divides the thermoplastic melt, which can be supplied by the third extruder, into ten melt streams of the same size, which can be exemplarily supplied to ten extrusion heads.

[0084] With the aid of a manifold 40 as an example, which in this case has three manifold plates 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and a cover plate 41, a total of ten extrusion heads can thus be connected to the manifold 40 for producing three-layer preforms. If the preform to be produced is to be extruded with more than three layers, then the manifold 40 can be supplemented with additional manifold plates 1. Similarly, the manifold 40 can extrude preforms with two layers or only one layer, for which the manifold 40 accordingly has only two or only one of the manifold plates 1, and a cover plate 41.

[0085] Figure 10 and 11 An extrusion assembly 60 according to one embodiment is shown. The extrusion assembly 60 includes a branch pipe 40 and ten extrusion heads 61. Figure 10 Only one of the extrusion heads 61 is shown in the diagram to illustrate the connection points 50, 52, and 53 formed in the second plate side 3.3 of the third distribution plate 1.3. Each of the extrusion heads 61 can be connected to a first extruder (not shown) via two connection points 50 of the first distribution network 17, to a second extruder (not shown) via two connection points 52 of the second distribution network 18, and to a third extruder (not shown) via one connection point 53 of the third distribution network 26, thereby enabling the extrusion of a three-layer preform in this case.

[0086] To illustrate the orientation of the extrusion assembly 60 in space, the spatial axes X, Y, and Z are defined according to the Cartesian coordinate system associated with the extrusion assembly 60 and indicated by corresponding arrows. The width of the extrusion assembly 60 extends along the spatial axis X, its depth extends along the spatial axis Y, and its height extends along the spatial axis Z. When installed in the extrusion assembly 60, the parting planes A1, A2, and A3 between the branch tube plates 1 are preferably horizontally oriented.

[0087] List of reference numerals

[0088] 1. Diverter plate

[0089] 2. Side of the first plate

[0090] 3. Second plate side

[0091] 4. Inlet groove

[0092] 5 Quality Entry Point

[0093] 6 front face

[0094] 7. Distribution groove

[0095] 8 branch points

[0096] 9 Connection Channels

[0097] 10. Exit opening

[0098] 11 Entrance section

[0099] 12. Curved section

[0100] 13 sections

[0101] 14 Transition Section

[0102] 15. Curved section

[0103] 16 Export Section

[0104] 17 Distribution Network

[0105] 18 Distribution Network

[0106] 19 Quality Entry Point

[0107] 20 Inlet Grooves

[0108] 21 Distribution Groove

[0109] 22 branch points

[0110] 23 Connecting groove

[0111] 24 Inlet Grooves

[0112] 25 Quality Entry Point

[0113] 26 Distribution Network

[0114] 27 workpieces

[0115] 28 Machining Center

[0116] 29 Milling Spindle

[0117] 30 Milling tools

[0118] 31 Clamping shaft

[0119] 32 Milling head

[0120] 33 Interference Edge

[0121] 40 shunt tube

[0122] 41 Cover plate

[0123] 42. Side of the plate

[0124] 43. Side of the plate

[0125] 44 Grooves

[0126] 45 Groove

[0127] 46 Entrance passage

[0128] 47. Allocation Channel

[0129] 48 holes

[0130] 49 holes

[0131] 50 connection points

[0132] 51 holes

[0133] 52 Connection Points

[0134] 53 Connection Points

[0135] 60 Extrusion Components

[0136] 61 Extruder

[0137] α, β angles

[0138] A. Fractal Plane

[0139] E-board plane

[0140] L-trajectory line

[0141] M center

[0142] S-axis of the spindle

[0143] T-tangent

[0144] X, Y, Z spatial axes

Claims

1. A manifold plate (1) for a manifold (40) for supplying thermoplastic melt to at least one extrusion head (61) for producing preforms, the manifold plate (1) comprising: The first plate side (2) and the second plate side (3). A distributing groove (7) is formed in the first plate side portion (2) and extends in the plate plane (E1) of the first plate side portion (2). At least one connecting channel (9) is adjacent to the distribution groove (7), the at least one connecting channel is incorporated in the diverter plate (1) and terminates at the outlet opening (10) on the side (3) of the second plate. Its features are, The at least one connecting channel (9) is milled into the diversion tube sheet (1) and has a trajectory that bends toward the side of the second plate (3) at least in segments in the flow direction.

2. The diversion tube sheet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one connecting channel (9) defines a trajectory line (L) and has a curved section (12) in which the trajectory line (L) bends toward the side of the second plate (3) in the flow direction.

3. The diversion tube sheet (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The curved section (12) of the at least one connecting channel (9) is formed on the inlet side as a groove that opens perpendicular to the track line (L), and on the outlet side as a conduit that is closed in the circumferential direction around the track line (L).

4. The diversion tube sheet (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one connecting channel (9) has an inlet section (11) extending in the plate plane (E1) of the first plate side (2) upstream of the curved section (12), the inlet section (11) being designed to open into a groove in the plate plane (E1) of the first plate side (2).

5. The diversion tube sheet (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tangent (T1) of the trajectory line (L) in the curved section (12) forms an angle (α) greater than 0 degrees and less than 60 degrees with the plate plane (E1) of the first plate side (2).

6. The diversion tube sheet (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one connecting channel (9) has an additional curved section (15) downstream of the curved section (12), in which the trajectory line (L) bends toward the side of the second plate (3) in the flow direction.

7. The diversion tube sheet (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The at least one connecting channel (9) has a transition section (14) between the curved section (12) and the other curved section (15), in which the trajectory line (L) is straight.

8. The diversion tube sheet (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one connecting channel (9) has an outlet section (16) that ends at the outlet opening (10), and the trajectory line (L) in the outlet section (16) is straight and extends laterally to the side of the first plate (2).

9. The diversion tube sheet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first plate side (2) and the second plate side (3) are the outer, opposite sides of the shunt plate (1).

10. The diversion tube sheet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distribution groove (7) is divided into exactly one or two of the connecting channels (9).

11. The shunt sheet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The splitter plate (1) has one of the distribution grooves (7) for each extrusion head (61).

12. A manifold (40) for supplying thermoplastic melt to at least one extrusion head (61) for the production of preforms, the manifold (40) comprising at least one manifold plate (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a cover plate (41).

13. An extrusion assembly (60) comprising a manifold (40) according to claim 12 and at least one extrusion head (61) for producing preforms.

14. A method for manufacturing a shunt plate (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising the following steps: -The distributing groove (7) in the first plate side (2) of the machined workpiece (27), and - At least one connecting channel (9) is machined into the workpiece (27) by path-controlled forming milling, with the milling head (32) starting from the first plate side (2) and moving at least partially on a path that bends toward the second plate side (3).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first segment of the at least one connecting channel (9) starting from the first plate side (2) and the second segment of the at least one connecting channel (9) starting from the second plate side (3) are machined into the workpiece (27) by path-controlled forming milling.

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