Sealing system, mold and use of a light output device

Abstract

Sealing system comprising: a sealing device (20; 30) for sealing adjacent machine parts, in particular mold tool parts, a light output device (40) which is arranged such that the light output device can illuminate a section of the sealing device (20; 30).

Description

Technical FieldThe invention relates to a sealing system for sealing adjacent machine parts, in particular mold parts for foaming vehicle parts. The present invention further relates to a molding tool and to a use of a light output device.Prior ArtIn the field of the automobile supply industry, various components for vehicles are manufactured by a foaming process in which a foam material, in particular a polyurethane foam material, is injected into a mold cavity of a mold or is filled into the open cavity. A dimensionally stable carrier and a surface material are already introduced into the mold cavity. During the foaming process, the dimensionally stable carrier is bonded to the surface material.Since the introduced foam material is initially relatively thin when introduced into the mold cavity, the mentioned molding tools comprise one or more sealing devices in order to prevent the foam material from emerging from the molding tool. The sealing devices are arranged on a mold part in such a way that they enclose the component to be formed. The sealing device has one or more elastic sealing hoses, which are connected to one or more connection bodies.The introduction of the liquid polyurethane furthermore initiates a chemical reaction in the closed mold, during which gas escapes. If this cannot escape, gas bubbles are formed. These gas bubbles can have a negative effect on the component quality.EP 2 907 643 A1 describes a sealing device in which, in addition to an inflatable hose, an inflatable connecting body is also provided. Both the sealing tube and the connecting body are inserted into respective depressions of the molding tool.In order to activate such a sealing device, the sealing hoses are supplied with compressed air. As a result, the corresponding sealing tube inflates and thus provides a sealing region to the opposite mold half.Although the sealing hoses to be supplied with compressed air have proved to be extremely advantageous in practice. However, during the operation of such a sealing device or of a molding tool having such a sealing device, it must be ensured that the compressed air can be held in the corresponding sealing tube. For example, cracks can occur in such a sealing tube over the course of the service life, so that a reduced or completely absent sealing effect is the consequence.If the sealing effect is reduced or reduced, it should be ensured that the defective sealing device is replaced as promptly as possible. Although the reduced pressure level is a corresponding indicator, this may be ignored or incorrectly interpreted by the operator. The result is that production continues despite a defective or not fully functional sealing device.The Invention Subject MatterThe invention aims to further increase quality assurance and to avoid rejects.The subject matter of claim 1 provides a solution for said object. Further preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims. The present invention further relates to a molding tool comprising a sealing system for sealing two molding tool halves.The present invention is based on the idea of supporting the operator of a tool, in particular a mold tool, to the effect that the latter recognizes a defective or not completely functional sealing device as promptly as possible in order to be able to initiate appropriate countermeasures. This can mean, for example, that the sealing device is exchanged. The present invention aims in particular at indicating a defective sealing device to the operator of the tool, in particular visually. Furthermore, an intact sealing device can be displayed to the operator, in particular visually.The sealing system according to the invention has: a sealing device for sealing adjacent machine parts, in particular mold parts, a light output device which is arranged in such a way that the light output device can illuminate a section of the sealing device.The sealing system according to the invention has the advantage that the operator directly recognizes on the sealing device itself whether the latter is ready for use or whether a defect is possibly present. Here, illumination means irradiating a section of the sealing device with light, in particular with light of a specific color, such as red or green. Since the operator can recognize this directly, in particular before the operator inserts a molded skin into a molding tool or carries out another activity on a tool having the sealing system, production is prevented from being continued. Consequently, the reject rate can be significantly reduced since the replacement of a sealing device is carried out significantly earlier in order that the defect can be detected directly.According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing device has an inflatable sealing tube."Inflatable" means a material property according to which the corresponding element is elastically expandable by an application of pressure from the inside. In this way, the sealing hose increases its circumference.For example, the sealing tube can be made of silicone. A silicone sealing tube has the advantage that it has a lower foam adhesion and is therefore particularly suitable for sealing a molding tool for back foaming.Furthermore, the sealing device can have a connection body, wherein it is preferred that the connection body can be expanded. The connection body can thereby establish a connection of a compressed air supply to a sealing hose. The connection body can also be made of silicone and thus realize the already mentioned advantages.According to one embodiment, the light output device is arranged such that the light output device can illuminate the connection body. For example, the light output device can be provided below the connection body in a plan view of a sealing device attached to a molding tool.It is preferred that the sealing device is made at least in sections from a transparent or partially transparent material. Thus, the corresponding portion, for example the connection body, lights up in the color output by the light output device.According to an alternative embodiment, the sealing device is made of a non-transparent material. In this case, illuminating the sealing device results in light reflection at one or more surfaces of the sealing device. The light reflected by the sealing device can be perceived accordingly. In this case as well, the corresponding section, for example the connection body, lights up in the color output by the light output device.According to a variant of the invention, the light output device is configured to output different illumination colors. For example, a green color is output to indicate an intact seal while a red color is output to indicate a defective seal. Thus, multiple functions may be incorporated into a sealing system.For example, the light output device can be an LED luminaire, an OLED luminaire or an optical waveguide, in particular a polycarbonate optical waveguide. In the case of an LED luminaire or an OLED luminaire, this is an active luminous element. An optical waveguide, on the other hand, serves to guide light of a possibly external light to an output region of the optical waveguide.It is preferable that the sealing system further comprises: a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of the sealing device; and a controller configured to drive the light output device based on the detection result of the pressure sensor. The quality assurance function can thus be significantly increased.According to a further aspect of the invention, a molding tool is provided which can comprise a sealing system according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.The molding tool, which is in particular a molding tool for forming molded foam parts, comprises: molding tool parts which can be moved towards one another in order to form a mold cavity, wherein these are preferably two opposite molding tool parts, a sealing device for sealing the molding tool parts, and a light output device which is arranged at least in sections in the molding tool part accommodating the sealing device in such a way that the light output device can illuminate a section of the sealing device.It is preferred that the sealing device comprises an inflatable sealing tube, wherein it is preferred that the sealing tube is inserted at least in sections into a groove of at least the mold part. For example, the sealing tube dips completely or predominantly into the groove in the non-expanded state. In the expanded state, the sealing tube can extend partially outside the groove.Furthermore, the sealing device can have a connection body, in particular an inflatable connection body, which is inserted or introduced at least in sections into a recess of at least one of the mold parts. The connection body can be received, for example, completely or predominantly in the recess in the non-expanded state. In the expanded state, the connection body can extend partially outside the recess.The light output device can be configured to output a plurality of different illumination colors, wherein it is preferred that the light output device is an LED luminaire, an OLED luminaire or an optical waveguide, in particular a polycarbonate optical waveguide.It is further preferred that the molding tool has a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the sealing device, and a control device is further provided which is configured to actuate the light output device based on the detection result of the pressure sensor. For example, the control device may be a machine main controller.In a further embodiment, a use of a light output device for illuminating a sealing device is provided, wherein the sealing device is used for sealing adjacent machine parts, in particular mold parts.Within the scope of the aforementioned use, a light output device and / or a sealing device according to one of the aforementioned aspects can / can be used.It is particularly preferred here that the sealing device has an inflatable sealing tube and / or a, in particular inflatable, connection body which is / are manufactured from a transparent or partially transparent material, for example a silicone material.A method in which, for example, a sealing system according to one of the preceding aspects or a molding tool according to one of the preceding aspects is used can comprise the following steps:applying a pressure to a sealing device, in particular inflatable,determining a pressure of the sealing device,activating a light output device illuminating a section of the sealing device if the pressure determined falls below a certain pressure level.It is preferred that when the light output device is controlled, a change in the color output by the light output device is caused.Brief Description of the DrawingsThe invention is explained further on the basis of the figures and the following description with reference to an example. FIG. 1 shows a sealing system according to an embodiment of the present invention by way of example. FIG. 2 shows a perspective detailed view in the area A from FIG. 1, wherein the sealing device has been omitted. FIG. 3 is a sectional view B-B of FIG. 1.Detailed Description of the Preferred EmbodimentReferring to the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, a sealing system according to the present invention will be described by way of example. Further modifications of specific individual features mentioned in this context can each be individually combined with one another in order to form further embodiments. Certain individual features of the described embodiments and modifications thereof can also each be individually integrated into the claims in order to form further embodiments of the invention.FIG. 1 is a plan view of a mold half 101 of a mold used for foaming vehicle parts. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the automobile field. Furthermore, components for the aviation sector, for trains, for boats, etc. can also be produced with such a mold.The sealing system in FIG. 1 comprises a first sealing device 20, which comprises an inflatable sealing tube 21 and a connection body 22. Furthermore, the sealing system has a second sealing device 30, which comprises an inflatable sealing tube 31 and a connection body 32. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the connection bodies 22, 32 of the first and second sealing device 20 are arranged adjacent to one another.The first and second sealing devices 20, 30 are each accommodated in a depression of the molding tool part 101. In particular, the sealing tube 21 of the first sealing device 20 is accommodated in a groove in the mold part 101, and the connection body 22 of the first sealing device 20 is accommodated in a recess of the mold part 101. The same applies to the second sealing device 30.FIG. 2 shows a detailed view (region A) of the mold part 101 shown in FIG. 1, the sealing devices 20, 30 having been omitted in FIG. 2.Thus, FIG. 2 shows a recess 11 and a recess 12, wherein a groove 13 extends starting from the recess 12. The recesses 11, 12 are intended to illustrate a receptacle possibility for a connection body. The groove 13 illustrates a receiving possibility for an inflatable sealing tube which is connected to a connection body.The recess 11 is designed to receive the connecting body 22, and the recess 12 is designed to receive the connecting body 32, while the sealing tube 21 is guided in the groove 13.In the present exemplary embodiment, the connection bodies 22, 32 are substantially identically dimensioned. In other exemplary embodiments, connection bodies may differ on a molding tool part.Bores 14, 15 are provided in each of the recesses 11, 12 through which compressed air can be introduced into the respective connection bodies 22, 32.Furthermore, viewed in plan view, on the bottom side of the respective recess 11, 12 there is an opening into which a respective light output device 40, 40' is inserted. If a connection body is located in the respective recess 11, 12, the light output device 40, 40' is covered by the connection body.FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1 ; it can be seen that the sealing tube 21 is inserted into a groove of the mold part 101 and the connection body 22 is inserted into a recess of the mold part 101. Furthermore, the compressed air supply (see reference sign P in FIG. 3 ) to the connection body 22 is schematically illustrated.During operation, the sealing tube 21 is supplied with compressed air via the connection body 22. In this way, a seal is produced between the mold parts 101, 102.In the mold part 101 in which the first and second sealing means 20, 30 are accommodated, the light output means 40, 40' are also arranged. The light output device 40 is oriented such that it can illuminate the connection body 22 of the first sealing device 20. A light output device 40' is also provided on the connection body 32 of the second sealing device 30.Hereinafter, only the operation of the light output device 40 will be described. However, the light output means 40' for the second sealing means 30 has the same or similar functions.In normal operation, the terminal body 22 is illuminated with green light from the light output device 40. Since the connection body 22 is made of a transparent or partially transparent material, for example of a silicone material, the connection body 22 illuminates in green color.In the mold part 101 or on the compressed air supply, a pressure sensor (not shown) is also arranged, with which a pressure state of the first sealing device 20 can be detected. A corresponding pressure sensor is also provided for the second sealing device 30, and / or a pressure sensor can successively check different sealing circuits with a time delay.If the pressure sensor indicates that a sufficient pressure level is not reached at the first printing device 20 despite the application of pressure, a control device (not shown) controls the light output device 40 in such a way that the color output is changed. For example, the connection body is illuminated in red color. Thus, the connection body illuminates red in this case.When the mold is open, the operator can thus immediately identify whether the sealing device is in a state in which a certain pressure level can be reached. If this pressure level is not reached, a defect is present at the sealing device.For example, a defect can occur if the sealing tube 21 or the connection body 22 becomes brittle, or the connection region between the connection body and the sealing tube is leaky, and / or the sealing effect is diminished due to material fatigue or damage from the outside.When the mold is open, the operator can thus immediately recognize that a specific sealing device is defective and can carry out an exchange of the latter on the basis of the sealing device visualized as defective. In this exchange, the light output device remains in the mold part.In the present embodiment, the light output device 40 is an LED lamp. LED lamps have proven to be compact and at the same time extremely robust, so that they are particularly suitable for use in a molding tool for back-foaming components.Moreover, color changes can be realized with an LED luminaire, so that the LED luminaire in the present exemplary embodiment changes from a green color to a red color if a defect of the sealing device assigned to it is determined.With the visualization of a defective sealing device shown in this exemplary embodiment, both a defect can thus be directly assigned to a corresponding sealing device. Furthermore, in the case of a green color display, the operator knows in all sealing devices that all sealing devices also function properly.The operator can thus not only recognize the defect, but also specifically determine which sealing device is to be replaced in the event of a defect. This is advantageous especially when a corresponding molding tool has a plurality of sealing devices, as is the case with molding tools which are used for back-foaming components.Although an inflatable connecting body has been described within the scope of the present embodiment, it is evident that the present invention can also be used in a sealing device with a rigid connecting body.According to a further modification, the connection body and the sealing hose are formed in one piece.

Claims

Sealing system, comprising: a sealing device (20; 30) for sealing adjacent machine parts, in particular mold parts, a light output device (40), which is arranged in such a way that the light output device can illuminate a section of the sealing device (20; 30).Sealing system according to claim 1, characterised in that the sealing device (20; 30) has an inflatable sealing tube (21; 31).Sealing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing device (20; 30) has a connection body (22; 32), it being preferred for the connection body (22; 32) to be inflatable.Sealing system according to claim 3, characterized in that the light output means is arranged such that the light output means can illuminate the connection body (22; 32).Sealing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing device (20; 30) is manufactured at least in sections from a transparent or partially transparent material.Sealing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light output device (40) is configured to output different illumination colors.Sealing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light output device (40) is an LED luminaire, an OLED luminaire or an optical waveguide, in particular a polycarbonate optical waveguide.Sealing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing system further comprises: a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the sealing device, a control device which is configured to actuate the light output device on the basis of the detection result of the pressure sensor.A mould tool, comprising: mould tool parts (101, 102) which are movable towards one another for forming a mould cavity, a sealing device (20; 30) for sealing the mould tool parts, a light output device which is arranged at least in sections in the mould tool part (101) accommodating the sealing device in such a way that the light output device can illuminate a section of the sealing device (20; 30).The molding tool according to claim 9, characterized in that the sealing device (20; 30) comprises an inflatable sealing tube (21; 31), wherein it is preferred that the sealing tube (21; 31) is inserted at least in sections in a groove of at least the molding tool part (101).The molding tool according to any one of claims 9-10, characterized in that the sealing device (20; 30) has a connection body (22; 32), in particular inflatable, which is inserted at least in sections into a recess of at least one of the molding tool parts (101).The molding tool according to claim 11, characterized in that the molding tool part (101) has an opening starting from the recess, wherein the light output device (40) is received in the opening.The molding tool according to any one of claims 9-12, characterized in that the light output device (40) is configured to output a plurality of different illumination colors, wherein it is preferred that the light output device (40) is an LED luminaire, an OLED luminaire or an optical waveguide, in particular a polycarbonate optical waveguide.The molding tool according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that the molding tool further comprises: a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of the sealing device; a control device configured to drive the light output device (40) based on the detection result of the pressure sensor.Use of a light output device (40) for illuminating a sealing device (20; 30), wherein the sealing device (20; 30) is used for sealing adjacent machine parts, in particular mould parts (101, 102).

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