Method and casting tool for producing sealing element, sealing element

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a sealing element (100), in which a flowable substance is guided in a casting tool (192), for example a compact casting tool (198), in such a way that (a) a sealing element profile section (148) corresponding to a sealing element section (126) of the sealing element (100) is at least partially filled with the flowable substance, (b) a profiled intermediate region (184), which does not correspond to a sealing element section (126, 128, 130) of the sealing element (100), is at least partially filled with a flowable substance, and (c) a further sealing element profiled section (150), which corresponds to a further sealing element section (128) of the sealing element (100), is at least partially filled with a flowable substance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sealing elements, in particular to the technical field of sealing elements with dynamic sealing surfaces. Background Art

[0002] Various sealing elements formed in different ways are used in different technical fields. Depending on the application, complex shape requirements may arise which the sealing element must meet. Particularly complex shape requirements may arise in the fields of food technology and semiconductor technology. It is particularly important here that the fluid, for example a gas flow, does not contain any substances that could interfere with the processing of food or semiconductors, even after contact with the sealing element.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable in this field that the fluid does not come into contact with any lubricating medium, so that the sealing element must produce the desired sealing effect without lubrication. In addition, it is desirable that fluid conveying devices (such as compressors or vacuum pumps) can be operated continuously, that is, with as few and as short maintenance intervals as possible and reliably with high efficiency, that is, in particular with the lowest possible energy consumption. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a casting tool for manufacturing a sealing element, and a sealing element capable of achieving a desired sealing effect consistently and efficiently.

[0005] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by the features of the following technical solutions.

[0006] Preferably, the sealing element can be a sealing element for being arranged between two fluid spaces to be sealed and isolated from each other in the device. The fluid space can be a gas space. A pressure difference from one gas space to another gas space may exist through the sealing element. In the device, the two fluid spaces to be sealed and isolated from each other can be fixed in position or movable when the device is running. If the fluid space is arranged at a different position at a certain time than at another time when the device is running, it is movable.

[0007] Any substance that can be guided in the casting tool according to the invention and forms a suitable sealing element material in the solidified or hardened state is considered as a flowable substance. The flowable substance may include a flowable polymer material or a flowable polymer matrix material.

[0008] The polymer material can be, for example, a thermosetting plastic material. The thermosetting plastic material can preferably contain a resin, such as an epoxy resin or a phenolic resin. It is also conceivable that the thermosetting plastic material contains a mixed resin system.

[0009] The polymer matrix material may form a polymer matrix of the composite material after curing or hardening. The polymer matrix material may be a thermoplastic matrix material or a thermosetting plastic matrix material.

[0010] When the polymer matrix material is a thermosetting plastic matrix material, it can preferably contain a resin, such as an epoxy resin or a phenolic resin. It is also conceivable that the thermosetting plastic matrix material contains a mixed resin system.

[0011] When the polymer matrix material is a thermoplastic matrix material, the temperature of the flowable mass conducted in the casting tool is preferably at least 120° C., further preferably at least 150° C., particularly preferably at least 170° C., very particularly preferably at least 190° C., for example at least 210° C. Within the scope of the present invention, a person skilled in the art can determine a very suitable temperature for a specific flowable mass without much effort and with only a small amount of experimental effort.

[0012] Preferably, the flowable polymer material or the flowable polymer matrix material may contain at least

[0013] - molten polymers containing ketone groups, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK) and / or polyketone (PK); and / or

[0014] - molten polymers containing imino groups, such as polyamide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI) and / or polyimide (PI); and / or

[0015] - molten polymers containing amide groups, such as polyphthalamide (PPA) and / or polyamide (PA); and / or

[0016] - molten polymers containing sulfide bridges, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and / or;

[0017] - a molten polymer containing sulfonic groups, such as polysulfone (PSU); and / or

[0018] - a molten fluoropolymer, preferably a molten perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA) and / or a molten polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); and / or

[0019] -Liquid crystal polyester.

[0020] Here, the customary abbreviations for the polymers mentioned are respectively given in brackets.

[0021] The flowable polymer matrix material can contain fillers. Advantageously, the flowable polymer matrix material can contain 0.05 volume % to 75 volume %, preferably 0.1 volume % to 50 volume %, for example 0.5 volume % to 25 volume % filler. The term filler refers to all materials dispersed in the polymer matrix as particles or fibers at this point. The indication of unit volume % refers to the total volume share of all fillers relative to the total volume of the flowable polymer matrix material, and the total volume of the flowable polymer matrix material includes the volume of all fillers contained.

[0022] The filler may preferably contain particles and / or fibers.

[0023] Preferably, the filler is dispersed in the flowable polymer matrix material.

[0024] It can be beneficial that

[0025] - the filler contains a friction-reducing material, preferably containing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite and / or boron nitride in particle form; and / or

[0026] The filler contains a wear-reducing polymer material, wherein the wear-reducing polymer material is preferably selected from aromatic polyamides, polyimides (PI), polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU) and wholly aromatic polyesters.

[0027] In brackets the commonly used abbreviations of the polymers mentioned are given, respectively. For example, the PPSU may be the PPSU sold under the name Ceramer. For example, the wholly aromatic polyester may be the polyester sold under the name Sumica Super or Ekonol.

[0028] When the filler contains a polymer material, for example a wear-reducing polymer material, it may be preferred that the melting temperature of the polymer matrix material is at least 10 K, preferably at least 30 K, lower than the melting temperature of the polymer material of the filler.

[0029] Advantageously, the filler may contain fibers, wherein the fibers may preferably be mineral fibers, carbon fibers and / or polymer fibers, wherein the mineral fibers may preferably be glass fibers, and the polymer fibers may preferably be amide fibers or partially oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers, wherein the amide fibers may preferably be aramid fibers.

[0030] Advantageously, the filler may contain a mineral material. For example, the mineral material may contain wollastonite and / or mica.

[0031] Advantageously, the filler may contain a carbon-based material, preferably a non-graphite carbon-based material, an amorphous carbon-based material, a graphite carbon-based material, graphite particles, coke particles, carbon black particles, expanded graphite particles, graphene, carbon fibers, ground carbon fibers and / or carbon nanotubes.

[0032] It may be advantageous that the filler contains metal particles. Preferably, the metal particles may be stainless steel particles or bronze particles.

[0033] It can be particularly advantageous if the polymer matrix contains 4 to 18% by volume of dispersed carbon fibers and / or 4 to 18% by volume of a wear-reducing polymer material, such as aromatic polyamides, polyimides, polyphenylsulfones and / or fully aromatic polyesters. The commonly used abbreviations of the polymers mentioned are given in brackets. For example, the PPSU can be the PPSU sold under the name Ceramer. The fully aromatic polyester can be, for example, the polyester sold under the name Sumica Super or Ekonol.

[0034] The casting tool described here is particularly suitable as a casting tool.

[0035] The casting tool can be, for example, a compact casting tool, a molding tool, an injection molding tool and / or a casting press tool. The casting tool can particularly preferably be a casting press tool.

[0036] The flowable substance is guided in the casting tool in such a way that a sealing element mold section corresponding to the sealing element section of the sealing element is at least partially filled with the flowable substance. A sealing element mold section corresponding to the sealing element section of the sealing element is understood to be a section of a molding die provided by the casting tool in which the sealing element section is formed. This section of the molding die can in particular be a section of a sealing element molding zone.

[0037] The sealing element profile sections which merge continuously into one another can together form a sealing element profile region.

[0038] Sealing element sections of the sealing element which merge continuously into one another can together form the sealing element.

[0039] The profiled intermediate region which does not correspond to the sealing element section of the sealing element is at least partially filled with the flowable mass.

[0040] The shaped intermediate region which does not correspond to the sealing element section of the sealing element can correspond to the intermediate connecting region. The intermediate connecting region can be formed from the sealing element preform. Preferably, a sealing element preform is first produced from a flowable mass in a casting tool.

[0041] A further sealing element profile section, which corresponds to a further sealing element section of the sealing element, is at least partially filled with the flowable mass.

[0042] The intermediate connecting region, which is preferably produced in the profiled intermediate region, can connect two sealing element sections produced in two profiled sealing element sections.

[0043] Preferably, the flowable mass can be supplied to the casting tool via a supply region, from which the flowable mass spreads out in a flat manner in the casting tool.

[0044] Preferably, the flowable mass in the casting tool spreads radially over the entire surface.

[0045] Preferably, the front part of the flowable substance moving forward from the supply area can reach and flow through the sealing element profiled section, then reach and flow through the profiled intermediate area, and subsequently reach and flow through another sealing element profiled section.

[0046] Preferably, the front part of the flowable material moving forward from the supply area can reach and flow through the sealing element molding section along at least one diffusion direction, then reach and flow through the molding middle area along the same diffusion direction, and then reach and flow through another sealing element molding section along the same diffusion direction.

[0047] Particularly preferably, the front part of the flowable material moving forward from the supply area can also reach and flow through the sealing element molding section along the second diffusion direction, then reach and flow through the molding middle area along the second diffusion direction, and then reach and flow through another sealing element molding section along the second diffusion direction.

[0048] Very particularly preferably, the front part of the flowable material moving forward from the supply area can also reach and flow through the sealing element molded section along the third diffusion direction, then reach and flow through the molded middle area along the third diffusion direction, and then reach and flow through another sealing element molded section along the third diffusion direction.

[0049] The diffusion direction, the second diffusion direction and the third diffusion direction extend radially outward from the supply region.

[0050] The angle between the diffusion direction and the second diffusion direction may preferably be at least 30°, particularly preferably at least 50°, for example at least 90°. The angle between the diffusion direction and the third diffusion direction may be at least 30°, preferably at least 50°, for example at least 90°.

[0051] The sealing element profile sections mentioned in connection with the diffusion direction do not correspond to the sealing element profile sections mentioned in connection with the other diffusion directions.

[0052] All sealing element profile sections can merge continuously into one another and together form the sealing element profile region.

[0053] The shaped intermediate region mentioned in connection with the diffusion direction is not identical to the shaped intermediate region mentioned in connection with the other diffusion directions.

[0054] If the flowable mass spreads radially in the casting tool, this can mean in particular that the diffusion rate of the front part moving forward from the supply area in any diffusion direction is not more than x times faster than the diffusion rate in another diffusion direction. "x" can preferably be 2, particularly preferably 1.6, very particularly preferably 1.4. Decisive is the average diffusion rate in the respective diffusion direction up to the point in time at which the front part moving forward completely covers all sealing element molded sections.

[0055] Preferably, the sealing element preform is removed from the casting tool and the sealing element is produced from the sealing element preform, wherein at least one gate or intermediate connecting area is removed from the sealing element preform. The gate or intermediate connecting area can preferably be removed from the sealing element preform after being removed from the casting tool.

[0056] The gate of the sealing element preform can be produced in particular in a gate region which extends from the injection region to the sealing element molding region.

[0057] The sealing element preform can preferably be removed from the casting tool after the flowable mass in the casting tool has reached a solid state sufficient for removal.

[0058] Preferably, the casting tool can be a compact casting tool, in which the sealing element molded section and the further sealing element molded section are arranged closer to each other than the sealing element sections of the manufactured sealing element corresponding to the two sealing element molded sections. This can in particular mean that the sealing element molded section and the further sealing element molded section are arranged closer to each other in the compact casting tool than the sealing element sections of the manufactured sealing element corresponding to the two sealing element molded sections in the extended application form of the sealing element.

[0059] In particular, the sealing element profiled section and the further sealing element profiled section may be arranged closer to each other than the sealing element section corresponding to the sealing element profiled section and the further sealing element section corresponding to the further sealing element profiled section.

[0060] Such a compact casting tool has proven to be particularly efficient in two respects: The molding region of the sealing element provided in the compact casting tool takes up less area than the sealing element in an extended application form of the sealing element.

[0061] Thus, the casting tool can be realized as a compact casting tool with a relatively small molding half, and the production of large-area sealing elements can be realized in a device that can only accommodate relatively small casting tools. In addition, compared with the case of using a large-area casting tool whose shape of the sealing element molding area corresponds to the shape of the sealing element that can be produced thereby, the gate and the intermediate connection area are smaller in the sealing element preform formed with a compact casting tool, i.e. in the sealing element compact preform, in order to convert a higher proportion of the applied flowable mass into the sealing element.

[0062] It can be particularly preferred that after the removal of the intermediate connecting area, the distance between the sealing element segment and the other sealing element segment is increased to the desired extent and the sealing element is thereby transformed from a compact manufacturing form to an extended application form, wherein the distance between the sealing element segment and the other sealing element segment is preferably increased by reducing the curvature of the sealing element segment located in the middle. The sealing element segment located in the middle mentioned here is the sealing element segment located between the sealing element segment and the other sealing element segment along the extension direction of the sealing element.

[0063] For example, Figure 2 The sealing element 100 and Figure 4 A comparison of the sealing element compact preform 124 in FIG. 1 shows that the bends in many sealing element sections have been reduced so that the sealing element is Figure 4 The compact manufacturing form shown becomes Figure 2 The application form of the stretch shown.

[0064] It can be particularly advantageous if at least one molding half-mold included in the casting tool includes at least one barrier extending along at least one of the sealing element molding sections, wherein the flowable substance passes over the barrier. This can particularly mean that the front of the planarly spreading flowable substance passes over the barrier.

[0065] Optionally, at least one of the molding halves comprised by the casting tool can comprise at least one guide barrier which does not extend along one of the sealing element molding sections.

[0066] The guide barrier can be used in particular to promote the diffusion of the flowable substance in the radial direction.

[0067] The guide barrier can extend outside the sealing element profile section between a first region that is relatively easily accessible to the flowable substance and a second region that is difficult for the flowable substance to reach. The first region and the second region can be equally far away from the supply region.

[0068] This can be advantageous because a merging of the flowable mass in the radially outer region of the casting tool with the flowable mass in the radially inner region of the casting tool can be largely prevented or impeded. This type of merging can result in an inhomogeneous material structure in the sealing element, which can impair the tightness and service life of the sealing element.

[0069] In case the casting tool is a compact casting tool, the forming half is a compact forming half.The casting tool may comprise a forming half.Preferably, the casting tool comprises two forming halves.

[0070] Preferably, the casting tool comprises two barriers, wherein the sealing element shaped section is arranged between the barriers.The flowable substance can pass over the barrier, at least partially fill the sealing element shaped section, and then pass over the other barrier.

[0071] Preferably, the flowable mass which spreads in a flat manner passes over the barrier in at least one diffusion direction, at least partially fills the sealing element profile section, and then passes over a further barrier in the same diffusion direction.

[0072] A barrier may be arranged radially further inwardly than another barrier at the sealing element profiled section. The indication "radially further inwardly" may especially mean "closer to the supply region".

[0073] The forming mold half may comprise two barriers.

[0074] The two forming halves may each comprise one of the barriers.

[0075] The two forming halves can each comprise two barriers which are arranged respectively identically relative to one another.

[0076] Preferably, the barrier may extend at the inner surface of the molding half-mold between the recesses. One of the recesses may at least partially define the molding intermediate zone, while the other of the recesses may at least partially define the sealing element molding section. Alternatively, one of the recesses may at least partially define the gate zone, while the other of the recesses may at least partially define the sealing element molding section.

[0077] Preferably, the two mold halves comprised by the casting tool can delimit a diffusion space in which the flowable mass supplied via the supply region diffuses, preferably diffuses in a planar manner, for example diffuses radially in a planar manner.

[0078] The distance of the mold halves can preferably be adapted to the viscosity of the flowable substance and the pressure provided to promote the diffusion of the flowable substance. Preferably, the spacing of the mold halves is adjusted so that a radial planar diffusion of the substance is achieved in the diffusion space despite the presence of at least one barrier arranged obliquely to at least one of the radial diffusion directions.

[0079] This can be particularly advantageous, because the front convergence of the flowable material along the sealing element molding area can be largely avoided. Therefore, in the resulting sealing element, no collision area is formed that could be caused by the front convergence of the flowable material in the sealing element molding area.

[0080] It is particularly preferred that after the planar diffusion of the flowable mass, the diffusion space is tapered, for example by reducing the distance between the two molding halves.

[0081] After diffusion of the flowable substance, the diffusion space can taper to such an extent that the barrier of the forming half and the barrier of the other forming half, for example the other forming half, adopt a distance of at most 5 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, for example at most 1 mm.

[0082] This is advantageous because it allows the production of a sealing element preform or sealing element compact preform which has a thin separation zone between the gate and the pre-placed sealing element or between the pre-placed sealing element and the intermediate connecting zone. This thin separation zone facilitates the removal of the gate or the intermediate connecting zone from the sealing element preform or sealing element compact preform.

[0083] It may be particularly preferred that, after diffusion of the flowable substance, the diffusion space may taper to such an extent that the barrier of the molding half and the barrier of the other molding half, for example the other molding half, adopt a distance of

[0084] - when the flowable mass contains a filler in the form of particles, the distance is at least 150% of the particle size d90 of the filler in the form of particles; or

[0085] When the flowable mass contains a fibrous filler, the distance corresponds at least to the fiber diameter of the fibrous filler, for example at least to twice the fiber diameter; or

[0086] When the flowable mass contains no particulate or fibrous fillers, the distance is at least 0.01 mm, preferably at least 0.1 mm, for example at least 0.5 mm.

[0087] The particle size d90 refers to the volume-based particle size distribution. The particle size d90 is the value of 90% of the total distribution curve Q3 (X) of the particle size distribution. The particle size d90 can be determined with the aid of the laser particle size method (ISO 13320-2009), wherein measuring instruments from Sympatec GmbH and associated evaluation software can be used. Within the scope of the present invention, volume-based and mass-based particle size distributions are considered equivalent, since the density of particles that can be used as fillers is generally essentially independent of the particle size.

[0088] Preferably, a negative pressure is generated in the casting tool. The negative pressure can facilitate the guidance of the flowable mass in the casting tool.

[0089] In particular, the flowable mass can be supplied to the casting tool via the supply region, from which the flowable mass spreads in a planar manner in the casting tool, wherein the negative pressure (also) promotes the planar spreading of the flowable mass in the casting tool.

[0090] Negative pressure means that the pressure around the casting tool is lower than the atmospheric pressure. In particular, the negative pressure can be a pressure of up to 0.5 bar, preferably up to 0.2 bar, particularly preferably up to 0.05 bar, very particularly preferably up to 0.02 bar, for example up to 0.01 bar. Of course, all pressure indications are absolute here, and "bar" here also particularly refers to absolute bar.

[0091] In particular, the negative pressure can make it possible to reduce the risk of unwanted gas inclusions to a great extent. In particular, the negative pressure can achieve that the sealing element molded section is essentially completely filled with the flowable substance, thereby contributing to the complete filling of the sealing element molded area with the flowable substance and in particular also minimizing the risk of gas inclusions in the region of the sealing surface formed in the sealing element molded area.

[0092] According to the present invention, this object is also achieved by the casting tool described in the following technical solution.

[0093] The sealing element forming zone defined in the space between the forming half-moulds can advantageously extend between the barriers.

[0094] Preferably, at least one of the barriers can be configured at one of the inner surfaces of the forming halves facing each other.

[0095] At least one of the forming mold halves is translatable so that the distance between it and the second forming mold half can be adjusted by a translation movement.

[0096] The translational movement can be achieved by a machine in which the two molding halves of the casting tool can be arranged. Suitable machines are known to those skilled in the art in the technical field of sealing element production.

[0097] A supply region, through which flowable substance can be supplied to the space of the casting tool and from which it can also be spread in a planar manner in the space of the casting tool, can preferably extend through one of the two molding halves into the space between the molding halves.

[0098] The supply region may preferably be provided with a closure which can be closed after the supply of the flowable substance through the supply region has been stopped.

[0099] When the space gradually narrows after the planar diffusion of the flowable substance, the closure can resist the undesired backflow of the flowable substance through the supply area. This can be advantageous because a higher pressure can be formed during the process of the space gradually narrowing after the planar diffusion of the flowable substance, while preventing the flowable substance from flowing back through the supply area.

[0100] The casting tool may comprise a casting tool seal which seals and / or surrounds the space between the forming mold halves.

[0101] The casting tool seal is preferably so stable that it develops its sealing effect in the diffused state of the casting tool, in which the mold halves are held at a diffused distance from one another.

[0102] The casting tool seal is preferably compressible in such a way that it enables the casting tool to be moved from a diffused state to a compressed state. In the pressed state, the forming halves are held at a small pressing distance relative to each other.

[0103] The casting tool seal can be arranged at an edge region of one of the inner surfaces of the molding halves facing each other. It is particularly advantageous if the casting tool seal contacts the second molding half both in the diffused state and in the pressed state, for example in an edge region of the inner surface of the second molding half.

[0104] It can be advantageous if the casting tool seal is arranged at the edge region of both inner surfaces of the two mold halves.

[0105] The indication that the casting tool seal is arranged at an edge region of the inner surface of the mold half may mean in particular that the casting tool seal is arranged at an edge region of the inner surface in a materially, force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0106] A person skilled in the art can easily select a sealing material suitable for the casting tool seal depending on the required tool temperature of the casting tool.

[0107] The casting tool seal may contain an elastomer, for example a fluoroelastomer.

[0108] The casting tool seal can preferably be made of an elastomer, for example a fluoroelastomer.

[0109] The casting tool preferably comprises a negative pressure region which is connected to the edge region of the cavity and by means of which a negative pressure can be generated in the edge region of the cavity.

[0110] The casting tool seal is preferably so stable that it can withstand the pressure difference across the casting tool seal when a negative pressure is generated in the edge region of the cavity, while the casting tool adopts a diffuse state in which the mold halves remain at a diffuse distance relative to one another.

[0111] The casting mold seal makes it possible, in particular, to maintain a negative pressure in the casting mold.

[0112] Optionally, at least one mold half contained by the casting tool comprises, outside the sealing element molding region, at least one island region which is not flooded with the flowable mass.

[0113] The island can be separated from the surrounding area of ​​the forming half-mold, for example, by an island seal.

[0114] Preferably, the island seal is elastic, so that the island is sealed off by the island seal even when the casting tool adopts a diffused state in which the molding halves are held at a diffused distance relative to each other.

[0115] The island seal and the casting tool seal can be made of the same sealing material.

[0116] The island or islands may provide the advantage that even less flowable mass is required in the casting tool to produce the sealing element, since a partial volume of flowable mass which could fill the island or islands does not need to be supplied to the casting tool.

[0117] Preferably, in at least one of the diffusion directions in space starting from the supply area

[0118] (a) a sealing element forming section having a sealing element forming area,

[0119] (b) constructing a forming middle zone, and

[0120] (c) Another sealing element molding section of the sealing element molding area is constructed.

[0121] In the diffusion direction, the profiled intermediate region is therefore located between the profiled sealing element section and the further profiled sealing element section.

[0122] Preferably, the flowable mass can be spread radially over a wide area in the space of the casting tool.

[0123] Preferably, a sealing element molded section is accessible and traversable by a front portion of the flowable material that can move forward from the supply area, then a molded middle section is accessible and traversable by the front portion that can move forward, and then another sealing element molded section is accessible and traversable by the front portion that can move forward.

[0124] Preferably, a sealing element molded section is accessible and traversable by a front portion of the flowable material that can move forward from a supply area along at least one diffusion direction, then a molded middle section is accessible and traversable by a front portion that can move forward along the same diffusion direction, and thereafter another sealing element molded section is accessible and traversable by a front portion that can move forward along the same diffusion direction.

[0125] What has been described in connection with the second diffusion direction and the third diffusion direction with regard to the method naturally also applies to the casting tool.

[0126] The diffusion direction, the second diffusion direction and the third diffusion direction extend radially outward from the supply region.

[0127] The angle between the diffusion direction and the second diffusion direction may preferably be at least 30°, particularly preferably at least 50°, for example at least 90°. The angle between the diffusion direction and the third diffusion direction may be at least 30°, preferably at least 50°, for example at least 90°.

[0128] The sealing element profile sections mentioned in connection with the diffusion direction do not correspond to the sealing element profile sections mentioned in connection with the other diffusion directions.

[0129] All sealing element profile sections can merge continuously into one another and together form the sealing element profile region.

[0130] The shaped intermediate region mentioned in connection with the diffusion direction is not identical to the shaped intermediate region mentioned in connection with the other diffusion directions.

[0131] The sealing element forming area or at least one sealing element forming section may include a bottom. The wall surfaces of the barrier facing each other may extend towards the bottom. The barrier may limit the sealing element forming area or at least the sealing element forming section.

[0132] Preferably, the width of the sealing element molding area or at least one sealing element molding section at the end of the wall surface facing each other and remote from the bottom is greater than the width of the sealing element molding area or at least one sealing element molding section at the bottom. This can be advantageous because a sealing element or a sealing element preform that can be formed in the sealing element molding area can thus be more reliably detached from the sealing element molding area.

[0133] The sealing element shaped region or at least one sealing element shaped section may comprise an edge notch at the bottom.

[0134] Preferably, the sealing element profiled region or at least one sealing element profiled section comprises an edge recess at the bottom in the transition of the bottom to the two wall surfaces, respectively. The two edge recesses are preferably spaced apart relative to one another.

[0135] Each edge notch may be used to form a sealing rib at one of the two edges of the sealing face.

[0136] The edge recesses can be connected to one another via connecting recesses.

[0137] The connecting recess may be used to form a connecting rib, which may connect two sealing ribs at the sealing surface.

[0138] In particular at dynamic sealing surfaces, sealing ribs, which are optionally connected via connecting ribs, can be advantageous since this can reduce the activation time of the sealing element until the desired sealing effect is achieved.

[0139] At least one of the wall surfaces may have a wall surface curvature.The wall surface curvature is preferably concave.

[0140] The bottom may have a bottom surface curvature. The bottom surface curvature is preferably concave.

[0141] The barrier may have a protrusion extending into the sealing element profiled area or at least into the sealing element profiled section. This may be advantageous because it may facilitate the configuration of the side surface recesses described herein at the sealing element.

[0142] This object is also achieved according to the invention by a sealing element having the features of the following technical solution.

[0143] The sealing element can be produced by the method according to the invention.

[0144] The sealing element can be produced in the casting tool according to the invention.

[0145] The sealing element can be produced according to the method according to the invention in the casting tool according to the invention.

[0146] The sealing element is suitable for being arranged between two fluid spaces of the device which are to be sealed off relative to each other.

[0147] The sealing surface comprised by the sealing element can advantageously be arranged at a surface of the first component of the device.

[0148] The connection side, which is included in the sealing element and is arranged opposite the sealing surface, can advantageously be secured in a receiving region, for example a receiving groove, of the second component of the device.

[0149] The sealing element material comprised by the sealing element is a polymer material or has a polymer matrix.

[0150] The sealing surface may be a dynamic sealing surface, which may be arranged at a surface of the first component of the device and may be displaced in the surface of the first component of the device.

[0151] The sealing surface may be a static sealing surface.The sealing surface may be arranged and secured at a surface of the first component of the device.

[0152] Preferably, the sealing surface is a dynamic sealing surface.

[0153] The sealing element material may be a composite material, wherein the polymer matrix is ​​the matrix of the composite material.

[0154] When the sealing element material is a composite material and the polymer matrix is ​​the matrix of the composite material, the composite material preferably contains a filler. The filler may be dispersed in the matrix.

[0155] The filler may preferably be in the form of fibers or particles.

[0156] The polymer material may be a thermosetting plastic material. The thermosetting plastic material of the sealing element may contain a fully or partially hardened resin, such as a fully or partially hardened epoxy resin or a fully or partially hardened phenolic resin. It is also conceivable that the thermosetting plastic material of the sealing element contains a fully or partially hardened mixed resin system.

[0157] The polymer matrix can preferably be a thermoplastic matrix or a thermosetting plastic matrix. A thermosetting plastic matrix is ​​understood to be a plastic matrix that is cured by a chemical reaction. Therefore, the polymer matrix can be in particular a thermoplastic matrix or a thermosetting plastic matrix of a composite material. The thermosetting plastic matrix can contain a fully or partially hardened resin, for example a fully or partially hardened epoxy resin or a fully or partially hardened phenolic resin. It is also conceivable that the thermosetting plastic matrix of the sealing element contains a fully or partially hardened mixed resin system.

[0158] Preferably, at least one component of the sealing element material may have a preferred orientation in at least one sealing element section, wherein the preferred orientation in the sealing element section is oriented not parallel to the extension direction of the sealing element in the sealing element section. When the sealing element material is a composite material, the component may be, for example, a filler. For example, the filler may contain a granular material and / or a fibrous material. The component may be a polymer. The polymer may be contained in a polymer material or a polymer matrix.

[0159] It can be particularly preferred that the degree of the preferred orientation of at least one component of the sealing element material in a central sealing element section and an outer sealing element section of the sealing element does not differ or differs by at most 70%, for example by at most 50%.

[0160] Advantageously, the preferred orientation may be selected from:

[0161] - preferred orientation of the fillers contained in the polymer matrix,

[0162] - Preferred orientation of the molecular chains of the polymers contained in the sealing element material.

[0163] When the preferred orientation is a preferred orientation of a filler contained in a polymer matrix, it may be a preferred orientation of at least one material contained in the filler, such as particles or fibers having an aspect ratio of length / width>1.

[0164] The preferred orientation of the fillers contained in the polymer matrix can be ascertained by microscopic or electron microscopic examination of cut surfaces of the sealing element.

[0165] The preferred orientation of the molecular chains of the polymers contained in the sealing element material can be ascertained by methods conventionally performed in the field of plastic testing. The crystal structure in the polymer is usually observed in thin sections using a polarizing microscope. However, the crystal structure can also be made visible on the surface by etching. Other suitable methods are based on the diffraction of X-rays.

[0166] In a typical injection molding process for long sealing elements, the molding compound passes through a long and narrow flow path. This generates shear stresses in the molding compound, which in turn lead to oriented formation of matrix molecules and fillers (in the case of materials with an aspect ratio (length / width)>1). This can be at least partially avoided by the present invention, because the flowable material can be diffused essentially radially to a large extent independently of the later shape of the sealing element to be produced.

[0167] It may be preferred that a first curvature of the sealing element in the first sealing element section differs from a second curvature of the sealing element in the second sealing element section.

[0168] The curvature of the sealing element in the respective sealing element section is, in particular, the curvature of a line extending centrally through the sealing element in the extension direction of the sealing element.

[0169] By providing a bend circle at this line in the two sealing element sections, it can be ascertained whether the bend of the sealing element in the first sealing element section is different from the second bend of the sealing element in the second sealing element section. The bend circle is the circle that most closely approximates the course of the center line of the sealing element section. If the radii of the two bend circles are different, the bends of the sealing element in the first sealing element section and the second sealing element section are also different.

[0170] Preferably, a first curvature of the sealing element in the first sealing element section differs from a second curvature of the sealing element in the second sealing element section by at least 25%, particularly preferably by at least 50%, for example by at least 60%. This means in particular that the radius of the curvature circle is preferably at most 25%, particularly preferably at most 50%, for example at most 60% greater than the curvature radius of the other curvature circle.

[0171] It may be particularly preferred if the polymer material or the polymer matrix is ​​not meltable at temperatures up to 180° C., preferably up to 210° C., for example up to 230° C.

[0172] If the polymer material is a thermosetting plastic material, it is not meltable at all and therefore not even at temperatures up to 180° C., preferably up to 210° C. This also applies correspondingly to the polymer matrix if it is a thermosetting plastic matrix.

[0173] If the polymer matrix is ​​a thermoplastic matrix, it is likewise not meltable at temperatures up to 180° C., preferably up to 210° C. The person skilled in the art is familiar with thermoplastics having correspondingly high melting points.

[0174] Preferably, the polymer material or polymer matrix contains at least

[0175] - polymers containing ketone groups, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK) and / or polyketone (PK); and / or

[0176] - polymers containing imino groups, such as polyamide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI) and / or polyimide (PI); and / or

[0177] - polymers containing amide groups, such as polyphthalamide (PPA) and / or polyamide (PA); and / or

[0178] - polymers containing sulfide bridges, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and / or;

[0179] - polymers containing sulfonic groups, such as polysulfone (PSU); and / or

[0180] - a fluoropolymer, preferably a melt-processable fluoropolymer, particularly preferably a perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA) and / or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), for example a melt-processable perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA) and / or a melt-processable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); and / or

[0181] -Liquid crystal polyester.

[0182] Common abbreviations for the polymers mentioned are respectively given here in brackets.

[0183] The polymer matrix may contain fillers. Advantageously, the polymer matrix may contain 0.05% to 75% by volume, preferably 0.1% to 50% by volume, for example 0.5% to 25% by volume of fillers. The term filler here refers in particular to all materials dispersed in the polymer matrix as particles or fibers. The indication of unit volume % refers to the total volume share of all fillers relative to the total volume of the polymer matrix, including the volume of all contained fillers.

[0184] The filler may preferably contain particles and / or fibers.

[0185] Preferably, the filler is dispersed in the polymer matrix.

[0186] It can be beneficial that

[0187] - the filler contains a friction-reducing material, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite and / or boron nitride in particle form; and / or

[0188] The filler contains a wear-reducing polymer material, wherein the wear-reducing polymer material is preferably selected from aromatic polyamides, polyimides (PI), polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU) and wholly aromatic polyesters.

[0189] In brackets the commonly used abbreviations of the polymers mentioned are given, respectively. For example, the PPSU may be the PPSU sold under the name Ceramer. For example, the wholly aromatic polyester may be the polyester sold under the name Sumica Super or Ekonol.

[0190] When the filler contains a polymer material, for example a wear-reducing polymer material, it may be preferred that the melting temperature of the polymer matrix is ​​at least 10 K, preferably at least 30 K, lower than the melting temperature of the polymer material of the filler.

[0191] Advantageously, the filler may contain fibers, wherein the fibers may preferably be mineral fibers, carbon fibers and / or polymer fibers, wherein the mineral fibers may preferably be glass fibers, and the polymer fibers may preferably be amide fibers or partially oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers, wherein the amide fibers may preferably be aramid fibers.

[0192] Advantageously, the filler may contain a mineral material. For example, the mineral material may contain wollastonite and / or mica.

[0193] Advantageously, the filler may contain a carbon-based material, preferably a non-graphite carbon-based material, an amorphous carbon-based material, a graphite carbon-based material, graphite particles, coke particles, carbon black particles, expanded graphite particles, graphene, carbon fibers, ground carbon fibers and / or carbon nanotubes.

[0194] It may be advantageous that the filler contains metal particles. Preferably, the metal particles may be stainless steel particles or bronze particles.

[0195] It can be particularly advantageous if the polymer matrix contains 4 to 18% by volume of dispersed carbon fibers and / or 4 to 18% by volume of a wear-reducing polymer material, such as aromatic polyamides, polyimides, polyphenylsulfones and / or fully aromatic polyesters. The commonly used abbreviations of the polymers mentioned are given in brackets. For example, the PPSU can be the PPSU sold under the name Ceramer. The fully aromatic polyester can be, for example, the polyester sold under the name Sumica Super or Ekonol.

[0196] The sealing element may have, at least in a portion of the sealing surface, a sealing rib protruding from the sealing surface.

[0197] Particularly preferably, the sealing element can have two sealing ribs on the sealing surface which are spaced apart from one another and project from the sealing surface.

[0198] It can be particularly advantageous if the sealing ribs are connected via connecting ribs. Sealing surface cutouts can be arranged between the sealing ribs. The sealing surface cutouts can preferably be circular, quadrangular or triangular. Angular sealing surface cutouts preferably have rounded corners.

[0199] Preferably, the sealing element comprises a lateral sealing element surface extending from the sealing surface towards the coupling side arranged opposite the sealing surface. The lateral sealing element surface may have a lateral surface recess. The lateral surface recess may be configured in a central region of the lateral sealing element surface, which is spaced apart from the sealing surface and the coupling side arranged opposite the sealing surface.

[0200] The sealing element may have burrs at the lateral sealing element surface. The burrs may be separation burrs which may be caused by the removal of gates and / or intermediate connection areas during the production of the sealing element according to the method according to the invention.

[0201] The burrs are preferably arranged in side surface recesses of the lateral sealing element surface.

[0202] Of course, features described in this document in conjunction with the casting tool according to the invention can also form features of the casting tool described in conjunction with the method according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0203] Of course, the components of the sealing element materials described herein may be components of the flowable substances described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0204] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are the subject matter of the drawings and the following description of exemplary embodiments.

[0205] In the accompanying drawings:

[0206] Figure 1 A sealing element is shown;

[0207] Figure 2 A sealing element is shown having sealing element sections curved in different ways;

[0208] Figure 3 A sealing element preform is shown;

[0209] Figure 4 Shown by Figure 3 The sealing element preform shown is obtained by the sealing element preform;

[0210] Figure 5 The forming mold half is shown;

[0211] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 and section AA of the opposing forming half;

[0212] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 and section BB of the opposite forming half;

[0213] Figure 8 Shows Figure 5 and a section CC of the opposite forming half;

[0214] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 4 Section BB of the middle sealing element section 208;

[0215] Fig.10 Shows Figure 4 Section CC of the middle sealing element section 142;

[0216] Fig.11 Shows Figure 4 Section BB of the middle sealing element section 208;

[0217] Fig.12 Shows Figure 4Section CC of the middle sealing element section 142;

[0218] Fig.13 shows the inner surfaces of the two forming mold halves facing each other in a diffused state;

[0219] Fig.14 Shows Fig.13 The inner surface of the forming half mold in the pressed state;

[0220] Fig.15 Shows Fig.13 The inner surfaces of the two forming half molds;

[0221] Fig.16 The side surface recess of the sealing element is shown;

[0222] Fig.17 A side surface recess of a sealing element having burrs is shown;

[0223] Fig.18 A segment of a sealing element having an inclined lateral sealing element surface is shown;

[0224] Fig.19 The barriers of the two mold halves are shown;

[0225] Fig. 20 and Fig.21 A sealing face having sealing ribs is shown; and

[0226] Fig. 22 and Fig.23 A segment of a casting tool is shown.

[0227] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0228] Figure 1 An annular sealing element 100 is shown for arrangement between two fluid spaces 104 of a device to be sealed off from each other. The sealing element comprises a sealing surface 102. The sealing surface 102 may be arranged Figure 1 At the surface of a first component of a device not shown.

[0229] Figure 2 The sealing element 100 is shown for arrangement between two fluid spaces 104 of a device to be sealed off from each other. The sealing element comprises a sealing surface 102. The sealing surface 102 may be arranged Figure 2 At the surface of a first component of a device not shown.

[0230] Figure 2 The sealing element 100 shown is also an annular sealing element. Figure 1The sealing element 100 shown is different in that it is not circular. Figure 2 The sealing profile of the sealing element shown comprises a recess 106 and a projection 108 .

[0231] The first curvature 110 of the sealing element 100 in the first sealing element section 112 is different from the second curvature 114 of the sealing element 100 in the second sealing element section 116 .

[0232] To illustrate the differences between the bends 110 and 114, the first sealing element section 112 and the second sealing element section 116 are Figure 2 1 is approximately represented by a first circle 118 and a second circle 120. Since the two curved portions 110 and 114 are different from each other, the radii r1 and r2 of the first circle 118 and the second circle 120 are also different.

[0233] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 The sealing element preform 122 of the sealing element 100 shown. The sealing element preform 122 is a sealing element compact preform 124. The sealing element preform 122 includes a plurality of sealing element segments that transition continuously into each other. Figure 3 1. Three sealing element segments 126, 128 and 130 are shown. The sealing element preform 122 includes an intermediate connecting area 132 located between the sealing element segments 126 and 128 and a gate 134.

[0234] The sealing element 100 pre-set in the sealing element preform 122 is connected to the gate 134 and the intermediate connection area 132 via the separation area 136. Therefore, the separation area 136 represents the connection area 140. Since the material of the sealing element preform in the separation area 136 is particularly thin, the connection area 140 can be called a film connection area 138.

[0235] Figure 3 The sealing element preform 122 obtained after being removed from the casting tool is shown. Figure 3 Only that part of the sealing element preform which results from the material overflow and which projects beyond the outer coupling region 140 is omitted.

[0236] and Figure 3 different, Figure 4 The sealing element preform 122 obtained after a further processing step is shown. Figure 4 In the case of the sealing element preform 122 shown (which is also a sealing element compact preform 124), Figure 4The gate 134 and the intermediate connection area 132, not shown, are removed from the sealing element preform 122. For this purpose, the material is cut off in the region of the particularly thin film connection area 138. Figure 4 Sealing element segments 126 , 128 , 130 and a further sealing element segment 142 are shown.

[0237] Figure 5 A molding half 144 is shown that can be included in the casting tool. Figure 3 The sealing element preform 122 is shown. The molding half 144 is a compact molding half 146. The molding half 144 includes sealing element molding sections 148, 150 and 152. These sealing element molding sections 148, 150 and 152 are connected to the sealing element molding section 148, 150 and 152. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The sealing element sections 126, 128 and 130 shown correspond to each other. The sealing element profile sections 148, 150 and 152 transition continuously into each other and are connected to the sealing element profile sections 148, 150 and 152. Figure 5 Other sealing element molding sections not highlighted in the figure together form the sealing element molding area 154 .

[0238] The sealing element molding area 154 is a cavity 156. The cavity 156 has the shape of a groove 158, which is introduced into the inner surface of the molding half 144 facing the viewer. The molding half 144 also includes a gate area 160. The gate area 160 is a cavity 156, which is introduced into the inner surface of the molding half 144 facing the viewer.

[0239] The molding half-mold 144 comprises a centrally arranged supply region 162. The supply region 162 serves as an injection region 164 during casting or injection molding.

[0240] The sealing element molding area 154 extends between the barriers 166. A casting tool seal 168 is arranged at the edge of the inner surface of the molding half 144 facing the observer. The casting tool seal 168 is a sealing elastic element 170. The sealing elastic element is made of an elastomer 172. The elastomer 172 is a fluorine-containing elastomer 174.

[0241] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 Section AA in FIG. 1 also shows the second forming half mold 144. Figure 6 The lower part of FIG. shows the second forming half mold 144. Figure 6 The upper part shows Figure 5 The mold half shown.

[0242] Figure 6 Shows that it has been combined Figure 5The sealing element forming sections 148, 150 and 152 described above are collectively formed into a sealing element forming area 154, such as the same combination of Figure 5 Just as described. Figure 6 Also shown is a barrier 166 that extends along the sealing element profile area and thus also along the sealing element profile sections 148 , 150 , and 152 . Figure 6 Also shown are the inner surfaces 176 and the injection zone 164 of the two molding halves 144. The mutually opposing barriers 166 of the two molding halves define an inlet 178 into the sealing element molding section 148 and an outlet 180 out of the sealing element molding section 148. The inner surfaces 176 have respectively a notch 182 between the barriers 166. The mutually opposing notches 182 define a molding intermediate zone 184.

[0243] Figure 6 The lower mold half 144 includes a negative pressure region 186. The negative pressure region 186 is connected to an edge region 188. A negative pressure can be generated in a space 190 disposed between the mold halves 144 by means of the negative pressure region 186 connected to the edge region 188. The two mold halves 144 shown together form a casting tool 192. The casting tool 192 simultaneously forms an injection molding tool 194 and a molding tool 196. It can be understood as a compact casting tool 198 because Figure 4 The illustrated sealing element compact preform 124 may be formed therein.

[0244] The shaping that additionally takes place in the casting tool can be understood as pressing. Therefore, the casting tool 192 is also described as a casting pressing tool 200.

[0245] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 The cross section BB. Figure 6 Same, Figure 7 Also shown is a forming mold half 144 shown at the bottom. Figure 7 The section shown is realized through the sealing element profile section 202 .

[0246] Figure 8 Shows Figure 5 Section CC. Figure 8 Also shown is the lower half of the molding half 144. A cross section of the sealing element molding section 204 is shown.

[0247] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 4 Section BB of the sealing element section 208 . The sealing element material has a polymer matrix 210 . The sealing element material is a composite material, wherein the polymer matrix 210 is a matrix of the composite material. The polymer matrix 210 contains fillers 212 . The fillers 212 contain fibers 214 . Fig. 9 Also shown is a preferred orientation 216 of the fibers 214 contained in the polymer matrix 210. In addition, Fig. 9 The extension direction 218 is shown. It can be immediately seen that the preferred orientation 216 in the sealing element section 208 is oriented non-parallel to the extension direction 218 of the sealing element in the sealing element section 208 .

[0248] Fig.10 Shows Figure 4 It can be directly seen that Fig.10 The preferred orientation 216 of the fibers 214 in the illustrated sealing element section 142 is oriented substantially parallel to an extension direction 218 of the sealing element 100 in the sealing element section 142 .

[0249] Fig.11 and Fig.12 Corresponds to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The only difference is that in Fig.11 and Fig.12 The medium filler 212 is a filler in the form of particles. Like the fibers 214, the particles 220 have a preferred orientation 216. Fig.11 and Fig.12 The preferred orientation in corresponds to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The preferred orientation in Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The comments about preferred orientation and extension direction in Fig.11 and Fig.12 .

[0250] Fig.13 and Fig.14 The inner surfaces 176 of the two forming halves of the casting tool are schematically shown. Fig.13 A diffusion state 222 is shown. Fig.14 A suppressed state 224 is shown.

[0251] In the diffused state 222, the flowable substance supplied via the injection zone 164 can flow between the pressed edges 206 of the barrier 166 and spread out in a planar manner in the space 190 defined between the mold halves, which space 190 is also referred to as the diffusion space 191. When the diffusion space 191 is mostly filled with the flowable substance, one mold half can be moved toward the other mold half, and the casting tool can thus be transferred from the diffused state 222 to the diffused state 222. Fig.14 The suppressed state shown. Figure 3 The film connection region 138 shown is formed here between the pressed edges 206 .

[0252] Fig.15 Corresponds to Fig.13The recess 182 in the sealing element profile section 150 includes a bottom 226. A wall surface 228 extends into the recess 182 toward the bottom 226. A width 230 of the wall surface at an end remote from the bottom 226 is greater than a width 232 of the wall surface 228 at an end near the bottom.

[0253] The sealing element profiled section 150 includes an edge recess 234 at the bottom 226 of the recess 182. The edge recess 234 is used to form a sealing rib 252 at the sealing surface 102. The edge recess 234 is a sealing rib profiled section 236.

[0254] The wall surface 228 has a wall surface curved portion 238. The bottom portion 226 has a bottom surface curved portion 240. The wall surface curved portion 238 and the bottom surface curved portion 240 are concave.

[0255] Due to the concave surface curvatures 238 and 240, the flowable material initially presents a bulging surface structure in the recess 182. During the solidification or hardening of the flowable material, material contraction is usually encountered. This is compensated by the initially formed bulging surface, because the bulging surface is at least partially eliminated by the material contraction.

[0256] The shrinkage of the material can be used in a targeted manner so that the burr can be accommodated in a targeted manner in the lateral sealing element surface, the burr being formed in the film connection area 138 (see Figure 3 ) penetration Produced when.

[0257] Fig.16 and Fig.17 A segment of a sealing element 100 is shown. On the lateral sealing element surfaces 242 , the sealing element 100 has a lateral surface recess 244 . Fig.17 The sealing element 100 shown has a burr 246 in the side surface recess, which is at least partially received in the sealing element surface 242. The separation burr is retained in the film coupling area 138 after separation (see Figure 3 ). Due to the material shrinkage, a side surface indentation 244 is produced and the burr 246 is thus at least partially received in the sealing element surface 242 .

[0258] exist Fig.18 In the illustrated sealing element 100, the lateral sealing element surface 242 is inclined at a lateral surface angle 248. The lateral surface angle 248 can be set in a targeted manner by adapting a corresponding inclination of the wall surface 228 of the casting tool 192 or the molding half 144 to the expected material shrinkage.

[0259] Fig.19A segment of a barrier 166 is shown with two molding halves having correspondingly inclined wall surfaces 228. The barrier 166 has a protrusion 250 at the pressed edge 206. The protrusion 250 extends into the recess 182 and facilitates the formation of a side surface recess 244 in a sealing element that can be molded between the molding halves.

[0260] Fig. 20 A section of a sealing element 100 is shown. The sealing surface 102 faces the observer. The sealing surface has a sealing rib 252. The sealing rib 252 extends parallel to the extension direction 218 of the sealing element 100 at the edge of the sealing surface 102. A sealing surface cutout 254 is arranged between two sealing ribs. A connecting rib 256 extends from one sealing rib to the other sealing rib 252 between the sealing surface cutouts 254.

[0261] Fig.21 The sealing element 100 shown corresponds to Fig. 20 The sealing element 100 is shown. Fig.21 In the sealing element shown, the sealing surface cutout is rounded. Fig. 20 The sealing surface recess 254 in the illustrated sealing element is approximately rectangular.

[0262] Fig. 22 and Fig.23 A section of a casting tool 192 is shown. It is an injection molding tool 194. It is also a molding tool 196, a compact casting tool 198 and a casting press tool 200.

[0263] Fig. 22 As shown, two barriers 166 that limit the sealing element forming section 148 can be arranged at each of the forming half-molds 144. In the example shown, the barrier 166 arranged on the left side of the sealing element forming section 148 shown extends from the forming half-mold 144 shown above. The barrier 166 shown on the right side of the sealing element forming section 148 shown extends from the forming half-mold 144 shown below. The recess 182 of the forming half-mold 144 receives the barrier 166 of the other forming half-mold, so that the sealing element forming section 148 is produced on one side of the barrier, and the forming intermediate area 184 is produced on the other side of the barrier 166.

[0264] Fig.23 It is noted that one of the two mold halves may include all of the barrier 166. The sealing element molding section 148 is defined only by the recess 182 of the mold half 144, which also includes the barrier 166. The molding intermediate zone 184 is defined by the recesses 182 of both mold halves 144.

[0265] Description of Reference Numerals

[0266] 100 Sealing element

[0267] 102 Sealing surface

[0268] 104 Space

[0269] 106 recess

[0270] 108 convex part

[0271] 110 First bend

[0272] 112 first sealing element section

[0273] 114 Second bend

[0274] 116 Second sealing element section

[0275] 118 First Circle

[0276] 120 Second Circle

[0277] 122 Sealing element preform

[0278] 124 Compact preforms for sealing elements

[0279] 126, 128, 130, 142, 208 Sealing element sections

[0280] 132 Intermediate connection area

[0281] 134 Gate

[0282] 136 Separation Zone

[0283] 138 membrane junction region

[0284] 140 Connection Area

[0285] 144 Forming half mold

[0286] 146 Compact Forming Half-Mold

[0287] 148, 150, 152, 202, 204 Sealing element molding section

[0288] 154 Sealing element molding area

[0289] 156 Cavity

[0290] 158 slots

[0291] 160 Gate area

[0292] 162 Supply Zone

[0293] 164 Injection Area

[0294] 166 Barrier

[0295] 168 Casting tool seal

[0296] 170 Sealing elastic element

[0297] 172 Elastomer

[0298] 174 Fluoroelastomer

[0299] 176 Inner surface

[0300] 178 Entrance

[0301] 180 Exit

[0302] 182 Notch

[0303] 184 Forming middle area

[0304] 186 Negative Pressure Area

[0305] 188 Marginal Area

[0306] 191 Diffusion Space

[0307] 192 Casting tools

[0308] 194 Injection molding tools

[0309] 196 Styling Tools

[0310] 198 Compact Casting Tool

[0311] 200 Casting and pressing tools

[0312] 206 Pressed Edges

[0313] 210 polymer matrix

[0314] 212 Filling

[0315] 214 Fiber

[0316] 216 Preferred Orientation

[0317] 218 Extension direction

[0318] 220 granules

[0319] 222 Diffusion state

[0320] 224 Suppression state

[0321] 226 bottom

[0322] 228 Wall surface

[0323] 230, 232 Width

[0324] 234 Edge notch

[0325] 236 Sealing rib forming section

[0326] 238 Wall surface curved portion

[0327] 240 bottom surface curved portion

[0328] 242 Sealing element surface

[0329] 244 Side surface notch

[0330] 246 Burr

[0331] 248 Side surface angle

[0332] 250 Protrusion

[0333] 252 Sealing rib

[0334] 254 Sealing surface blank

[0335] 256 Connecting ribs

Claims

1. A method for producing a sealing element (100), wherein a flowable mass is guided in a casting tool (192), for example a compact casting tool (198), in such a way that (a) a sealing element shaped section (148) corresponding to the sealing element section (126) of the sealing element (100) is at least partially filled with the flowable substance, (b) a shaped intermediate region (184) not corresponding to a sealing element section (126, 128, 130) of the sealing element (100) is at least partially filled with the flowable substance, and (c) Another sealing element shaped section (150) corresponding to another sealing element section (128) of the sealing element (100) is at least partially filled with the flowable substance.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flowable substance is supplied to the casting tool (192) via a supply region (162), the flowable substance being spread out in the casting tool (192) in a planar manner from the supply region.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A sealing element preform (122) is removed from the casting tool (192) and the sealing element (100) is produced from the sealing element preform (122), wherein at least one gate (134) or an intermediate connecting region (132) is removed from the sealing element preform (122).

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, for example according to claim 3, characterized in that The casting tool (192) is a compact casting tool (198), in which the sealing element molded section (148) and the further sealing element molded section (150) are arranged closer to each other than the sealing element sections (126, 128) of the manufactured sealing element (100) corresponding to the two sealing element molded sections (148, 150).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that After removing the intermediate connecting area (132), the distance between the sealing element segment (126) and the other sealing element segment (128) is increased to a desired extent, thereby transforming the sealing element (100) from a compact manufacturing form to an extended application form, wherein the distance between the sealing element segment (126) and the other sealing element segment (128) is preferably increased by reducing the bend (110, 114) of the sealing element segment located in the middle.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one molding half (144) included in the casting tool (192) includes at least one barrier (166) extending along at least one of the sealing element molding sections (148, 150, 152, 202, 204), wherein the flowable substance passes over the barrier (166).

7. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that The two molding halves (144) comprised by the casting tool (192) define a diffusion space (191) in which the flowable substance supplied via the supply region (162) diffuses.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that After the planar diffusion of the flowable substance, the diffusion space (191) is gradually narrowed, for example by reducing the distance between the two forming halves (144).

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: After the flowable substance diffuses, the diffusion space (191) gradually narrows to the extent that the distance between the barrier (166) of the molding half mold (144) and the barrier (166) of the other molding half mold (144), for example, the other molding half mold (144), is at most 5 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, for example at most 1 mm.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that After the flowable substance has diffused, the diffusion space (191) gradually narrows to the extent that the barrier (166) of the molding half (144) and the barrier (166) of the other molding half (144), for example, the other molding half (144), adopt a distance of - when the flowable material contains a filler in the form of particles, the distance is at least 150% of the particle size d90 of the filler in the form of particles; or - when the flowable mass contains a fibrous filler, the distance corresponds at least to the fiber diameter of the fibrous filler; or When the flowable material contains neither granular nor fibrous fillers, the distance is at least 0.01 mm.

11. A casting tool (192) for manufacturing a sealing element (100), wherein the casting tool (192) comprises: - two molding halves (144) defining a sealing element molding region (154) in a space (190) between the molding halves (144), wherein the sealing element molding region (154) can extend between barriers (166), wherein preferably at least one of the barriers (166) can be configured at one of the inner surfaces (176) of the molding halves (144) facing each other, wherein at least one of the molding halves (144) is translatable so that its distance to the second molding half (144) can be adjusted by a translational movement; and A supply region (162) through which a flowable substance can be supplied to the space (190) of the casting tool (192) and from which the flowable substance can also be spread in a flat manner in the space (190) of the casting tool (192).

12. The casting tool (192) according to claim 11, comprising: A negative pressure region (186) connected to an edge region (188) of the space (190), by means of which a negative pressure can be generated in the edge region (188) of the space (190).

13. The casting tool (192) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that In the space (190) along at least one of the diffusion directions starting from the supply area (162) (a) a sealing element forming section (148) constituting the sealing element forming area (154), (b) constructing a shaped intermediate zone (184), and (c) Another sealing element forming section (150) of the sealing element forming area (154) is constructed.

14. A sealing element (100) for being arranged between two fluid spaces (104) of a device to be sealed and isolated relative to each other, wherein the sealing element (100) comprises: - Sealing surface (102), - a coupling side (272) arranged opposite the sealing surface (102), and - A sealing element material which is a polymer material or has a polymer matrix (210).

15. The sealing element (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that - the sealing element material is a composite material, wherein the polymer matrix (210) is a matrix of the composite material; or - The polymer material is a thermosetting plastic material.

16. The sealing element (100) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The polymer matrix (210) is a thermoplastic matrix or a thermosetting plastic matrix.

17. The sealing element (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that In a central sealing element section and an outer sealing element section of the sealing element, the degree of the preferred orientation of at least one component of the sealing element material does not differ or differs by at most 70%, for example by at most 50%.

18. The sealing element (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that The preferred orientation (216) is selected from: - a preferred orientation (216) of the fillers contained in the polymer matrix (210), - Preferred orientation of the molecular chains of the polymer contained in the sealing element material (216).

19. The sealing element (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that A first bend (110) of the sealing element (100) in a first sealing element section (112) is different from a second bend (114) of the sealing element (100) in a second sealing element section (116).

20. The sealing element (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that The polymer material or the polymer matrix (210) is not meltable at temperatures up to 180°C, preferably up to 210°C, for example up to 230°C.

21. The sealing element (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that The polymer material or the polymer matrix (210) contains at least - polymers containing keto groups, for example polyetheretherketone, polyetherketone and / or polyketone; and / or - polymers containing imino groups, such as polyamides, polyetherimides and / or polyimides; and / or - polymers containing amide groups, for example polyphthalamide and / or polyamide; and / or - polymers containing sulfide bridges, such as polyphenylene sulfide, and / or; - polymers containing sulfonic groups, such as polysulfones; and / or - a fluoropolymer, preferably a melt-processable fluoropolymer, particularly preferably a perfluoroalkoxy polymer and / or polytetrafluoroethylene, for example a melt-processable perfluoroalkoxy polymer and / or a melt-processable polytetrafluoroethylene; and / or -Liquid crystal polyester.

22. The sealing element (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that The polymer matrix (210) contains 0.05% to 75% by volume, such as 0.5% to 25% by volume, of filler.

23. The sealing element (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that - the filler contains a friction-reducing material, preferably containing PTFE, graphite and / or boron nitride in particulate form; and / or - The filler contains a wear-reducing polymer material, wherein the wear-reducing polymer material is preferably selected from aromatic polyamides, polyimides, polyphenylene sulfones and wholly aromatic polyesters.

24. The sealing element (100) according to claims 14 to 23, characterized in that The filler contains fibers, wherein the fibers can preferably be mineral fibers, carbon fibers and / or polymer fibers, wherein the mineral fibers can preferably be glass fibers, and the polymer fibers can preferably be amide fibers or partially oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers, wherein the amide fibers can preferably be aramid fibers.

25. The sealing element (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that The filler contains a carbon-based material, preferably a non-graphite carbon-based material, an amorphous carbon-based material, a graphite carbon-based material, graphite particles, coke particles, carbon black particles, expanded graphite particles, graphene, carbon fibers, ground carbon fibers and / or carbon nanotubes.

26. The sealing element (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 25, characterized in that The polymer matrix (210) contains - 4 to 18% by volume of dispersed carbon fibers, and / or - 4 to 18% by volume of wear-reducing polymeric materials, such as aromatic polyamides, polyimides, polyphenylene sulfones and / or wholly aromatic polyesters.

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