Method for manufacturing a pipe assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a pipe assembly (1) having a base body (2) with at least one channel (3), at least one functional element (4) being assigned to the channel (3), the functional element (4) being arranged on a tool holder (5) which is inserted between blow molding tools (6, 7) of a blow mold (8), a tubular preform (9) is introduced into the blow mould (8) and is sleeved on a tool holder (5) provided with the functional element (4). The blow mould (8) is closed, the tube assembly (1) is produced from the preform (9) by blow molding, and the at least one functional element (4) is connected to the tube assembly (1) in a bonded and / or form-fitting manner. The tool holder (5) has at least one cutting edge (10), and the blow molding tool (6, 7) abuts against the at least one cutting edge (10) and presses the preform when the blow mold (8) is closed, so that a separation region (11) is formed.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pipe assembly having a base body with at least one channel, wherein at least one functional element is assigned to the channel. Background Art

[0002] In an electric system, a temperature control medium is conveyed through a pipe assembly to various components of an electric vehicle (such as a battery or a heat exchanger) to control the temperature of a passenger compartment. The battery exhibits optimal performance only within a limited temperature range, so it may be necessary to heat or cool the battery depending on the ambient temperature. It is also necessary to cool or heat the passenger compartment depending on the ambient temperature. The temperature control medium with different temperatures can be distributed and conveyed to different components through the pipe assembly.

[0003] Due to limited installation space in an electric vehicle, the pipe assembly is required to be particularly compact, and in the prior art, various functional elements are directly integrated into the pipe assembly. In addition, a pipe assembly manufactured by a blow molding process may have several channels, and the functional elements are arranged in the pipe assembly during the blow molding process. Such an assembly is known, for example, from EP 4 067 048 A1.

[0004] The functional elements assigned to the pipe assembly can be accommodated inside the pipe assembly or protrude from the pipe assembly. The protruding functional elements can be connecting parts through which the pipe assembly can be connected to other components (such as pipes, etc.). The connecting parts are, for example, nozzles or connectors. The connecting parts are directly inserted into the preform during the blow molding process and firmly integrated into the pipe assembly by the blow molding process.

[0005] In the blow molding process, a tubular preform is inserted into a blow mold, wherein the blow molding tool of the blow mold abuts against the outer side of the preform and defines the outer contour of the pipe assembly. The blow mold generally includes two blow molding tools having cavities, and the blow molding tools can move relative to each other, wherein when the blow molding tools are closed, the preform is pressed off at the edge region of the cavity of the blow molding tool. In this region, a seam is generated on the pipe assembly to be manufactured, wherein the pipe assembly is formed in the region of the cavity, and the protruding material (scrap) remains outside the cavity. Once the blow molding process is completed, the scrap is removed from the pipe assembly.

[0006] In the case where a cylindrical functional element protrudes from the pipe assembly, the blow molding tool can directly abut against the functional element so that the protruding material can be directly removed. However, in the case of using non-cylindrical functional elements (such as angled or bent connecting parts), there may be a problem that the protruding material cannot be easily removed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a simple method for manufacturing a tube assembly in which functional elements of complex shape can be arranged.

[0008] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0009] In the method for manufacturing a tube assembly according to the present invention, the tube assembly has a base body with at least one channel, wherein at least one functional element is assigned to the channel, the functional element is arranged on a tool carrier, the tool carrier is inserted between the blow molding tools of a blow mold, a tubular preform is introduced into the blow mold and slipped over the tool carrier provided with the functional element, the blow mold is closed, and the tube assembly is manufactured from the preform by blow molding, wherein at least one functional element is connected to the tube assembly in a material-bonded and / or form-fitting manner, wherein the tool carrier has at least one cutting edge, and wherein the blow molding tools abut against at least one cutting edge and squeeze the preform when the blow mold is closed, thereby forming a separation region.

[0010] In the method of the present invention, the cutting edge of the tool carrier contacts the preform, and the preform and the blow molding tools are squeezed together in the region of the cutting edge to produce a separation region through which the protruding material can be separated from the tube assembly.

[0011] The cutting edge can be formed such that when the blow mold is closed, the protruding material has been separated from the preform and the resulting tube assembly. However, it is also conceivable to remove the protruding material, for example, by cutting or tearing after blow molding. Advantageously, by establishing a separation region independent of the functional element, functional elements with complex geometries can also be inserted into the tube assembly, and the protruding material can also be removed from the region of the functionally complex element.

[0012] The tool carrier can be elongate. Such an elongate tool carrier is also referred to as a spray gun. Preferably, the tool carrier is formed to accommodate a plurality of functional elements. The tool carrier has a receiving area in which the functional elements can be arranged. The receiving area can be formed, for example, as a groove provided in the tool carrier. Before blow molding, the tool carrier is equipped and fitted with the functional elements. Holding elements can be arranged in the groove to fix the functional elements in the correct position on the tool carrier.

[0013] The tool carrier can be box-shaped and have a top side and two side surfaces. The receiving area for the functional elements is preferably provided on the top side. Preferably, the tool carrier is formed such that the functional elements arranged in the tool carrier protrude from the tool carrier, wherein the protruding portions of the functional elements are integrated into the tube assembly in a material-bonded and / or form-fitting manner during blow molding. The portions of the functional elements received in the tool carrier protrude from the tube assembly after blow molding.

[0014] A cutting edge may be provided on the edge between the top side and the side surface, and the cutting edge extends longitudinally along the tool holder. During the blow molding process, the preform is pressed against the cutting edge, and a separation area is formed, with the tube assembly on one side of the separation area and the protruding part (scrap) on the other side. The cutting edge may be formed such that the tube assembly is completely separated from the protruding area during blow molding. However, the protruding area may also be removed subsequently by reworking (e.g., by tearing or cutting) along the separation area. Since the cutting edge is provided between the top side and the side surface, the functional element is freely accessible in the finished tube assembly. Preferably, the cutting edge is linear to form a linear separation area.

[0015] Preferably, the receiving area for the functional element is provided on the top side of the tool holder.

[0016] Since the tool holder is preferably box-shaped, the preform can also be formed in a box shape in this area, where the preform forms a space for accommodating the part of the functional element protruding from the tube assembly. Functional elements with complex shapes (such as angled or bent functional elements) can also extend into this space. Due to the cutting edge provided on the tool holder, the box-shaped area can be opened after blow molding to expose the functional element.

[0017] If the receiving area is provided on the top side and the cutting edge is provided on the edge between the top side and the side surface, a linear separation area is formed, and only the part of the preform assigned to the top side remains on the blow molded part (tube assembly) through this linear separation area. The parts associated with the side surface and the bottom of the tool holder are removed after blow molding or are automatically separated from the tube assembly during blow molding. Therefore, the part of the functional element protruding from the tube assembly is freely accessible, and the protruding material can be easily removed from the mold, even for functional elements with complex shapes.

[0018] The functional element may be a connecting part. The connecting part is, for example, a nozzle or a connector, and other parts (such as tubes, valves, etc.) can be connected to the tube assembly through the connecting part.

[0019] The functional element may be made of plastic or metal material.

[0020] The blow molding tool can press the preform against the functional element during blow molding to produce a material bond and / or a form-fit connection. This enables the functional element to be arranged in the tube assembly in a fixed and medium-sealed manner. In the case of a material bond connection, the functional element is connected to the tube assembly in a medium-sealed manner. At least in the case of a form-fit connection between the functional element and the tube assembly, the tightness between the functional element and the tube assembly can be improved by a sealing element such as an O-ring.

[0021] The functional element may have an undercut. For example, the functional element may be formed with an angled or bent connecting part. The functional element may be formed, for example, as a 90-degree elbow element. Such a functional element can be easily integrated into the tube assembly by the method of the present invention.

[0022] The tube assembly of the present invention can be obtained by the above method. The functional element can be a connecting part with a complex geometry. Description of the Drawings

[0023] Some embodiments of the tube assembly of the present invention and the method according to the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These figures schematically show:

[0024] Figure 1 showing the tube assembly;

[0025] Figure 2 showing the blow mold in cross section;

[0026] Figure 3 showing the tool carrier;

[0027] Figure 4 showing the position of the tool carrier inside the preform during the manufacture of the tube assembly. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0028] Figure 1 A tube assembly 1 for transporting a medium is shown. The tube assembly 1 forms a distribution structure for a temperature control medium, wherein the tube assembly 1 is used in a temperature control circuit of an electric vehicle. The temperature control medium can be distributed by the tube assembly 1 and supplied to a device to be temperature-controlled, such as a battery, an electric motor, a power electronics device, or a heat exchanger of a passenger compartment temperature control system.

[0029] The tube assembly 1 has a base body 2, which is formed as a blow molding, and the base body 2 is formed with a number of channels 3. A functional element 4 is assigned to the channel 3, wherein the functional element 4 forms a connecting part. In this embodiment, the functional element 4 is formed as a connecting element for direct connection to a vehicle battery. Alternatively, the functional element 4 can be formed as a connecting nozzle and is used to accommodate a hose for connecting a component to the tube assembly 1.

[0030] The first functional element 4' is cylindrical, and the second functional element 4" has a 90° angle. At least the bent functional element 4" has an undercut.

[0031] Like the functional element 4, the base body 2 is made of a polymeric material. In the present embodiment, the base body 2 is made of polypropylene, and the functional element 4 is also made of polypropylene. The functional element 4 is produced by injection molding, wherein the plastic for the functional element 4 is formed such that the glass transition temperature lies within the temperature range required for forming the base body 2 in the blow molding process, so that the functional element 4 is connected to the base body 2 in a materially bonded manner during blow molding.

[0032] The functional element 4 is directly connected to the base body 2 in a materially bonded and captive manner, forming a flow-guiding connection with the channel 3. Due to the material bonding, the functional element 4 is connected to the base body in a medium-sealed manner.

[0033] The functional element 4 can also be fixed to the base body in a form-fitting manner. A sealing element can be arranged between the base body 2 and the functional element 4 such that the functional element 4 is connected to the base body 2 in a medium-sealed manner.

[0034] Figure 2 A blow mold 8 having two blow molding tools 6, 7 is shown, which can be moved relative to each other. Each blow molding tool 6, 7 forms a cavity 19 that defines the outer contour of the tube assembly 1.

[0035] When manufacturing the tube assembly 1, in a first step, the functional element 4 is arranged on the tool carrier 5, and the tool carrier 5 equipped with the functional element 4 is inserted between the blow molding tools 6, 7. Then, an extruded tubular preform 9 made of a polymeric material is inserted into the blow mold 8 and slipped over the tool carrier 5 provided with the functional element 4.

[0036] Then the blow mold 8 is closed by moving the blow molding tools 6, 7 towards each other, and the preform 9 is formed into the tube assembly 1 by blow molding. For this purpose, the preform 9 is pressurized inside through a spray gun to press the preform 9 against the wall of the cavity 19, thereby forming the tube assembly 1. During the forming process, the functional element 4 is bonded to the tube assembly 1 in a materially bonded manner. For this, the blow molding tools 6, 7 press the preform 9 onto the functional element 4 during blow molding to form a material bond.

[0037] After the blow molding tools 6, 7 are closed, the preform 9 is squeezed at the edge of the cavity 19, where a tube assembly is formed inside the cavity 19, and a seam with a first separation region 11' is formed at the opposite edge of the cavity 19. The extruded material located outside the cavity 19 is the protruding material 20, also known as waste. The protruding material 20 is removed along the separation region 11' after blow molding, or the protruding material 20 has been separated along the separation region 11' when the blow molding tools 6, 7 are closed.

[0038] Figure 3 The tool carrier 5 is shown, on which the functional element 4 is provided, and the preform 9 is arranged in the blow mold 8 and sleeved on the tool carrier 5. The tool carrier 5 is made of a metallic material, is in the shape of an elongated box, and has a top side 12 and two side surfaces 13, 14. A receiving area 17 for the functional element 4 is provided on the top side 12 of the tool carrier 5. A groove is provided in the tool carrier 5 to form the receiving area 17, into which the functional element 4 can be inserted. The receiving area 17 also has a retaining element so that the functional element 4 can be fixed in the correct position in the receiving area 17.

[0039] The tool carrier 5 has two cutting edges 10, where when the blow mold 8 is closed, the blow molding tools 6, 7 abut against the cutting edges 10 and squeeze the preform, thereby forming a separation region 11.

[0040] The cutting edges 10 are arranged at the edges 15, 16 between the top side 12 and the side surfaces 13, 14 and extend along the longitudinal direction of the tool carrier 5. This embodiment forms two linear separation regions 11 on the tube assembly 1 after blow molding.

[0041] Figure 4 The region of the preform 9 or the tube assembly 1 is shown in detail, in which the tool carrier 5 is held during blow molding. The blow mold 8 is formed such that the preform 9 forms a box-shaped region 18 around the tool carrier 5, which can be opened along the separation region 11 formed by the cutting edges 10 after blow molding to expose the functional element 4.

[0042] The receiving area 17 provided on the top side 12 of the tool carrier 5 and the cutting edges 10 provided on the edges 15, 16 between the top side 12 and the side surfaces 13, 14 form a linear separation region 11. Due to the formation of this linear separation region, after the protruding material 20 is cut off, only the part of the preform 9 assigned to the top side 12 is retained. The parts associated with the side surfaces 13, 14 and the bottom 21 of the tool carrier 5 form the protruding material 20 and are removed after blow molding or are automatically separated from the tube assembly 1 during blow molding. Therefore, even for a functional element 4 with a complex shape, the part of the functional element 4 protruding from the tube assembly 1 can be freely accessed, and the protruding material 20 can also be easily removed.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a tube assembly (1), the tube assembly having a base body (2) with at least one channel (3), wherein at least one functional element (4) is assigned to the channel (3), wherein the functional element (4) is arranged on a tool carrier (5), the tool carrier (5) being inserted between the blow molding tools (6, 7) of a blow mold (8), a tubular preform (9) being introduced into the blow mold (8) and slipped over the tool carrier (5) provided with the functional element (4), the blow mold (8) being closed, and the tube assembly (1) being manufactured from the preform (9) by blow molding, wherein the at least one functional element (4) is connected to the tube assembly (1) in a material-bonded and / or form-fitting manner, characterized in that, The tool carrier (5) has at least one cutting edge (10), wherein, when the blow mould (8) is closed, the blow moulding tools (6, 7) bear against the at least one cutting edge (10) and squeeze the preform, thereby forming a separation region (11).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The tool carrier (5) is elongate in shape.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tool carrier (5) is box-shaped and has a top side (12) and two side surfaces (13, 14).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cutting edge (10) is arranged on the edges (15, 16) between the top side (12) and the side surfaces (13, 14), and the cutting edge extends along the longitudinal direction of the tool carrier (5).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein On the top side (12) of the tool carrier (5), a receiving area (17) for the functional element (4) is arranged.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The blow mould (8) is formed such that during blow moulding, the preform (9) forms a box-shaped area (18) around the tool carrier (5), and this area is opened along the separation region (11) formed by the cutting edge (10) after blow moulding.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The separation region (11) is linear.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The functional element (4) is a connecting part.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The functional element (4) forms an undercut.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that During blow moulding, the blow moulding tools (6, 7) press the preform (9) onto the functional element (4) to form a material bond.

11. A pipe assembly (1) obtained by the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. The pipe assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The functional element (4) is a connecting part.

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