Positioning device for use in a method for producing a component by die casting, positioning device, manufacturing system, method for producing a component by die casting

Abstract

Shown and described is a positioning device (3) for use in a method for producing a component (1) by die casting, wherein the positioning device (3) extends from a first end section (13) along an extension direction (15), along which a longitudinal axis (25) of the positioning device (3) runs, to a second end section (17), wherein the first end section (13) has a contact surface (19) arranged parallel to the extension direction (15), wherein the positioning device (3) has a sealing section (21) arranged between the first end section (13) and the second end section (17), and wherein the sealing section (21) has a sealing surface (23) extending transversely to the extension direction (15). In addition, a positioning apparatus (5), a production system (7) and a method are shown and described.

Description

The present invention relates to a positioning device for use in a method for producing a component by die casting, a positioning device, a production system and a method for producing a component by die casting.Methods for producing components by means of die casting are known from the prior art. For example, in an aluminum die casting process, liquid metal is filled into a mold, which may also be referred to as a tool or may form a portion of a tool. The liquid metal solidifies in the mold and the solidified metal forms a component produced by means of die casting, which in most cases must be subjected to further processing steps. In order to mechanically process the component subsequent to the solidification process, first position features are often also molded on, which can also be referred to as first position features, initial reference or "device for processing". For optimum utilization of the tolerances, second position features are often mechanically worked out of the component during the mechanical machining of the component, which can also be referred to as second position features or secondary references. For example, so-called pins of the component can be produced during casting as first position features, and so-called pins can likewise be mechanically milled out of the component after the casting process as second position features.However, this procedure often results in an offset to the raw cast primary covers and the later, comparatively more accurately milled secondary covers. Since the mechanical machining is a high cost factor, the machining should be as small as possible.In general, it is desirable to make possible a time-efficient production of components by means of die casting, which can subsequently be positioned optimally for mechanical machining steps.It is therefore the object of the present invention to make possible a time-efficient production of components by means of die casting, which components can subsequently be optimally positioned for mechanical machining steps.According to a first aspect of the invention, the object mentioned is achieved by a positioning device having the features of claim 1. The positioning device is configured for use in a method for producing a component by means of die casting. The positioning device extends from a first end portion along an extension direction towards a second end portion. A longitudinal axis of the positioning device runs along the direction of extension. The first end section has a contact surface arranged parallel to the direction of extension. The positioning device has a sealing section. The sealing portion is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The sealing portion has a sealing surface. The sealing surface extends transversely to the direction of extension.As already described, the positioning device is configured for use in a method for producing a component by means of die casting. As will be described in detail later, a liquid metal or a liquid metal alloy cast around the positioning device in sections, so that the positioning device becomes a component of the component produced by means of die casting. Before the component is produced, the positioning device is a component which differs from the metal or the metal alloy which is liquefied during the die casting method. In addition, the positioning device is not surrounded by the liquid metal or the liquid metal alloy in sections, so that this section of the positioning device retains its outer contour during the casting process, so that this section does not have an outer shape necessarily caused by a casting process, such as draft angles or unevennesses on the surface caused by shrinkage during solidification of the metal or the metal alloy.In particular, the positioning direction is configured for use in a solidification shrinkage-reduced semi-solid die casting method.As likewise already described, the first end section has the contact surface arranged parallel to the direction of extension. The fact that the contact surface of the first end section of the positioning device is arranged parallel to the direction of extension of the positioning device ensures that the positioning device can be positioned exactly in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the positioning device by the contact surface resting against a corresponding contact surface of a recess section described in detail later.As also already described, the sealing section is arranged between the first end section and the second end section and has the sealing surface. The fact that the sealing section is arranged between the first end section and the second end section ensures that, on the one hand, the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy can flow around the second end section and can thus be poured into the metal or into the metal alloy. On the other hand, the first end section is protected from the liquefied metal or from the liquefied metal alloy by means of the corresponding sealing section and the corresponding sealing surface, so that the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy does not flow around the first end section and therefore is also not poured into the metal or into the metal alloy. After the component has been removed from a cavity of a production system described in detail later, the first end section can be used for reliable positioning of the component, in particular for post-processing steps that may be carried out.The sealing surface extends transversely to the direction of extension. The fact that the sealing surface extends transversely to the direction of extent ensures that when a force is applied to the positioning device along the direction of extent, which can be caused in particular by the metal or the metal alloy being subjected to a pressure, the sealing surface of the sealing section can sealingly bear against a sealing surface of a sealing section of a recess section which is described in detail later.In comparison with die casting methods known from the prior art, in which first position features are co-cast, i.e. the first position features are formed by solidifying the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy and thus necessarily have external shapes caused by a casting process, such as drafts or unevennesses on the surface caused by shrinkage during solidification of the metal or the metal alloy, it can be ensured with the aid of the positioning device according to the invention that the second end section is embedded in the remaining manufactured component, the first end section is arranged in an exactly positioned manner in comparison with the remaining manufactured component and the first end section has an optimum surface for a later positioning of the component. In particular, it has been found that, by means of the positioning device, it is possible to dispense with machining out of already described second position features in comparison with the prior art, since the component can in particular also be positioned optimally by means of the positioning device for mechanical machining steps provided subsequently to the solidification process, which leads to a time-efficient die casting process. With the aid of the positioning device, a seal can thus be realized and thus an over-injection can be prevented and a common relationship for rough casting and subsequent processing results. In particular, this makes it possible to dispense with the processing of the component for creating the second position features.In summary, it can thus be established that, with the aid of the positioning device, a time-efficient production of components by means of die casting is made possible, which components can subsequently be positioned in an optimum manner for mechanical machining steps.In one embodiment, the sealing surface extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis. Because the sealing surface of the positioning device extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the positioning device, it is ensured that the sealing surface of the positioning device can sealingly abut a sealing surface of a sealing section of a recess section circumferentially around the longitudinal axis, which will be discussed in detail later.In one embodiment, the sealing surface has the form of a surface of a rotational body. The fact that the sealing surface has the form of a surface of a rotational body ensures that the first end section is protected from the liquefied metal or from the liquefied metal alloy even when the positioning device rotates about its longitudinal axis by means of the corresponding sealing section and the corresponding sealing surface.In one embodiment, a distance of the sealing surface from the longitudinal axis increases continuously as viewed along the direction of extension. Because the distance of the sealing surface from the longitudinal axis increases continuously as viewed along the direction of extension, it is ensured that a sealing form fit can be produced between the sealing surface of the sealing section of the positioning device and a sealing surface of a sealing section of a recess section, the distance from which likewise increases continuously from the longitudinal axis, in a direction along the direction of extension.In one embodiment, the sealing surface is in the form of a surface of a truncated cone. The fact that the sealing surface has the shape of a surface of a truncated cone ensures that a sealing surface which is particularly simple to produce mechanically can be provided.In one embodiment, the contact surface extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis. The fact that the contact surface of the positioning device extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis ensures that the positioning of the positioning device, in particular the positioning of the positioning device relative to a tool device, which will be discussed in detail later, and in further processing steps of the component following the die casting process, can be optimized in all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axisIn one embodiment, the contact surface has the shape of a surface of a rotational body. The fact that the contact surface has the shape of a surface of a rotational body ensures that the positioning device can rotate about its longitudinal axis, in particular when it is arranged in a corresponding positioning recess, so that when the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy flows around the second end section and thus the second end section is poured into the metal or the metal alloy and when the metal or the metal alloy solidifies, mechanical stresses in the component produced can be reduced.In one embodiment, the abutment surface is in the form of a surface of a cylinder. Because the contact surface has the shape of a surface of a cylinder, a guide surface is provided for the insertion of the positioning device into a corresponding positioning recess, wherein each positioning device can be rotated about its longitudinal axis.In one embodiment, the positioning device comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy or is formed from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. If the positioning device is formed from aluminum, this has the advantage that the melting temperature of the aluminum can be selected to be higher than the melting temperature of the metal or the metal alloy which is liquefied in a die casting process, is moved into a cavity for the die casting and is subsequently solidified, so that the second end section remains in a solid state when the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy flows around the second end section and is poured into the metal or into the metal alloy.According to a second aspect of the invention, the object mentioned is achieved by a positioning device having the features of claim 10. The positioning device is configured for use in a method of manufacturing a component by die casting. The positioning device has at least two positioning devices according to the first aspect. The at least two positioning devices are arranged or can be arranged such that the contact surfaces of the first end sections of the at least two positioning devices are arranged parallel to one another. The fact that the positioning device has at least two positioning devices which are arranged or can be arranged such that the contact surfaces of the first end sections of the at least two positioning devices are arranged parallel to one another ensures that each positioning device can be moved particularly easily into a corresponding positioning recess. The features, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the positioning device according to the first aspect of the invention also apply at least in an analogous manner to the positioning device according to the second aspect of the invention, so that a corresponding repetition is dispensed with at this point.According to a third aspect of the invention, the object mentioned is achieved by a production system having the features of claim 11. The manufacturing system includes a positioning device according to the second aspect and a tool device. The tool device has a plurality of sections which can be positioned relative to one another in such a way that they define a cavity which is closed off from the surroundings of the tool device. The tool device has at least two recess portions, each defining a positioning recess that forms a portion of the cavity. Each positioning recess extends along an extending direction. Along the direction of extension, a longitudinal axis of the positioning recess runs. Each recess section of the recess sections has a first end section which has a contact surface arranged parallel to the direction of extension. Each recess section of the recess sections has a sealing section arranged behind the first end section as seen along the direction of extension, which sealing section has a sealing surface which extends transversely to the direction of extension. The positioning device and the tool device can be positioned relative to one another in such a way that the contact surface of each positioning device and the contact surface of a corresponding recess section abut one another and the sealing surface of each positioning device and the sealing surface of the corresponding recess section abut one another. The features, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the positioning device according to the first aspect of the invention and the features, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the positioning device according to the second aspect of the invention also apply at least in an analogous manner to the production system according to the third aspect of the invention, so that a corresponding repetition is dispensed with at this point.According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the object mentioned is achieved by a method having the features of claim 12. The method is provided for producing a component by means of die casting. The method comprises the following steps. providing a manufacturing system according to the third aspect. positioning the plurality of portions of the tool device relative to each other such that the cavity is exposed to the environment. arranging the positioning device and the tool device relative to each other such that the contact surface of each positioning device and the contact surface of a corresponding recess portion abut each other and the sealing surface of each positioning device and the sealing surface of the corresponding recess portion abut each other. positioning the plurality of sections of the tool device relative to one another such that the cavity is closed off from the environment. Liquifying a metal or metal alloy. bringing the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy into at least portions of the cavity. solidifying the metal arranged in the at least sections of the cavity or the metal alloy arranged in the at least sections of the cavity. positioning the plurality of portions of the tool device relative to each other such that the cavity is exposed to the environment. The features, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the positioning device according to the first aspect of the invention, the features, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the production system according to the third aspect of the invention also apply at least in an analogous manner to the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention, so that a corresponding repetition is dispensed with at this point.If in connection with the present invention, a liquefaction of a metal or a metal alloy is referred to, this means that the metal or the metal alloy is liquefied at least in sections, so that the metal or the metal alloy can adapt its shape to the shape of the cavity and the shape of components arranged in the cavity with the aid of a pressurization within the cavity. Preferably, the metal or the metal alloy is completely liquefied, so that no sections of the metal or the metal alloy are present in a solid state, which is preferably achieved by heating the metal or the metal alloy to a temperature which is greater by a predefined value than a transition temperature between a solid state and a liquid state of the metal or the metal alloy. The process in which the metal or the metal alloy is completely liquefied can also be referred to as die casting of metal. Alternatively, the metal or the metal alloy is preferably liquefied only in sections, so that sections of the metal or the metal alloy remain in a solid state, which is preferably achieved by heating the metal or the metal alloy to a temperature which lies in the range of a transition temperature between a solid state and a liquid state of the metal or the metal alloy. The process in which the metal or the metal alloy is liquefied only in sections can also be referred to as semi-solid die casting, semi-solid metal casting or thixoforming.Further features, advantages and possible applications of the present invention are evident from the following description of the exemplary embodiments and the figures. All features described and / or graphically depicted form the subject matter of the invention by themselves and in any combination, independently of their composition in the individual claims or their back references. In the figures, the same reference numerals also stand for the same or similar objects. FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a component at different times, while it is produced by means of die casting according to the prior art, FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a positioning device according to the invention, FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a positioning device according to the invention, FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a section of an embodiment of a production system according to the invention, FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing a component by means of die casting with the aid of a production system illustrated in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a component at different times while it is being produced using a method illustrated in FIG. 5.FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a component 1 at different times while it is produced by means of die casting according to the prior art, FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a positioning device 3 according to the invention, FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a positioning device 5 according to the invention, FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a section of an embodiment of a production system 7 according to the invention, FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing a component 1 by means of die casting by means of a production system 7 shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a component 1 at different times while it is produced by means of a method shown in FIG. 5.The component 1 schematically shown in FIG. 1 is shown at two different times, while it is produced by means of die casting according to the prior art. The component 1 has been produced in the state shown on the left in FIG. 1 by means of an aluminum die casting method. In the aluminum die casting process, liquid aluminum or a liquid aluminum alloy has been filled into a mold, which may also be referred to as a tool or may form a portion of a tool. The liquid aluminum or the liquid aluminum alloy is solidified in the mold, and the solidified aluminum or the solidified aluminum alloy forms the die cast component 1 to be subjected to further processing steps. In order to mechanically process the component 1 following the solidification process, first position features 9 have also been molded on, which can also be referred to as first position features, initial reference or "device for processing". For optimum utilization of the tolerances, during the mechanical machining of the component 1, second position features 11 are machined mechanically from the component 1, which can also be referred to as second position features or secondary references. In the component 1 shown in FIG. 1, each first position feature 9 has been produced as a so-called pin of the component 1 during casting, and each second position feature 11 has been mechanically milled out of the component 1 as a so-called pin of the component 1 after the casting process.The embodiment of the positioning device 3 according to the invention schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 is configured for use in a method for producing a component 1 by means of die casting, which will be discussed in detail later. The positioning device 3 extends from a first end section 13 along an extension direction 15 to a second end section 17. the first end section 13 has a contact surface 19 arranged parallel to the extension direction 15. In addition, the positioning device 3 has a sealing section 21. The sealing portion 21 is disposed between the first end portion 13 and the second end portion 17. The sealing portion 21 has a sealing surface 23. The sealing surface 23 extends transversely to the direction of extension 15. In addition, the sealing surface 23 points away from a longitudinal axis 25 of the positioning device 3 extending along the direction of extension 15.The embodiment of the positioning device 5 according to the invention schematically illustrated in FIG. 3 is configured for use in a method for producing a component 1 by means of die casting, which will be discussed in detail later. The positioning device 5 has two positioning devices, namely a positioning device 3 shown on the left in FIG. 3 and a positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 3. The two positioning devices are shown arranged in FIG. 3 such that the contact surfaces of the first end sections of the two positioning devices, namely the contact surface 19 of the first end section 13 of the positioning device 3 shown on the left in FIG. 3 and the contact surface 19 of the first end section 13 of the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 3 are arranged parallel to one another. In the embodiment of the positioning device 5 according to the invention schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, the positioning device 3 illustrated on the left in FIG. 3 and the positioning device 3 illustrated on the right in FIG. 3 are not connected to one another and can be moved independently of one another into a desired corresponding position. Because the positioning device 3 shown on the left in FIG. 3 and the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 3 are not connected to one another and can be moved independently of one another into a desired corresponding position, the flexibility in positioning the positioning devices is increased. In particular, the positioning device 3 shown on the left in FIG. 3 and the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 3 can be moved into the positions shown accordingly in FIG. 3 and out of these positions. In an alternative embodiment of the positioning device 5 according to the invention, the positioning device 3 shown on the left in FIG. 3 and the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 3 are connected to one another and can be brought together into a common position. The fact that the positioning device 3 shown on the left in FIG. 3 and the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 3 are connected to one another and can be moved together into a common position ensures that the positioning devices can be positioned in a particularly time-efficient manner. In particular, a relative arrangement to one another of the positioning device 3 shown on the left in FIG. 3 and the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 3 remains unchanged in this case.The embodiment of the production system 7 according to the invention shown schematically and in sections in FIG. 4 has a positioning device 5 and a tool device 27. The tool device 27 has a plurality of sections which can be positioned with respect to one another in such a way that they define a cavity 31 which is closed off from an environment 29 of the tool device 27. In addition, the tool device 27 has two recess portions, namely a recess portion 33 shown on the left in FIG. 4 and a recess portion 33 shown on the right in FIG. 4. the recess portion 33 shown on the left in FIG. 4 defines a positioning recess 35 and the recess portion 33 shown on the right in FIG. 4 also defines a positioning recess 35. each positioning recess 35 forms a corresponding portion of the cavity 31. each positioning recess 35 extends along a corresponding direction of extension 37, which in the arrangement of the positioning device 5 and the tool device 27 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds in each case to a corresponding direction of extension 15 of a corresponding positioning device 3. Each recess portion 33 of the recess portions has a first end portion 39. Each first end section 39 has a contact surface 41 arranged parallel to the direction of extension 37. Each recess section 33 of the recess sections has a sealing section 43 arranged behind the first end section 39, as seen along the direction of extension 37. In the illustrated example, the sealing portion 43 may also be referred to as a second end portion, and each recess portion 33 extends from the first end portion 39 toward the sealing portion 43 or the second end portion as viewed along the extending direction. Each sealing portion 43 has a sealing surface 45. Each sealing surface 45 extends transversely to the direction of extension 37.The positioning device 5 and the tool device 27 can be positioned relative to one another in such a way that the contact surface 19 of each positioning device 3 and the contact surface 41 of a corresponding recess section 33 abut one another and the sealing surface 23 of each positioning device 3 and the sealing surface 45 of the corresponding recess section 33 abut one another. In the embodiment of the production system 7 according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 4, the positioning device 3 illustrated on the left in FIG. 4 can therefore be moved into the positioning recess 35 illustrated on the left in FIG. 4, and the positioning device 3 illustrated on the right in FIG. 4 can be moved into the positioning recess 35 illustrated on the right in FIG. 4.The contact surface 19 of the positioning device 3 shown on the left in FIG. 4 and the contact surface 41 of the recess section 33 shown on the left in FIG. 4 then contact one another. In addition, the sealing surface 23 of the positioning device 3 shown on the left in FIG. 4 and the sealing surface 45 of the recess section 33 shown on the left in FIG. 4 bear against one another. Furthermore, the contact surface 19 of the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 4 and the contact surface 41 of the recess section 33 shown on the right in FIG. 4 bear against one another, and the sealing surface 23 of the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 4 and the sealing surface 45 of the recess section 33 shown on the right in FIG. 4 likewise bear against one another.As already described, FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing a component 1 by means of die casting with the aid of a production system 7 illustrated in FIG. 4. In a second method step 102, the plurality of sections of the tool device 27 are positioned with respect to one another such that the cavity 31 is exposed to the environment 29. After the second method step 102 has been carried out, in a third method step 103, the positioning device 5 and the tool device 27 are arranged relative to one another such that the contact surface 19 of each positioning device 3 and the contact surface 41 of a corresponding recess section 33 bear against one another and the sealing surface 45 of each positioning device 3 and the sealing surface 45 of the corresponding recess section 33 bear against one another. After the third method step 103 has been carried out, in a fourth method step 104, the plurality of sections of the tool device 27 are positioned with respect to one another such that the cavity 31 is closed off from the environment 29. By closing the cavity 31 with respect to the environment 29, it is ensured that the cavity 31 can be subjected to a pressure that is greater than a pressure that is present in the environment 29. In a fifth method step 105, a metal or a metal alloy is liquefied. Preferably, the metal is aluminum. Preferably, the metal alloy is an aluminum alloy. In a sixth method step 106, the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy is transferred into at least sections of the cavity 31 and subjected to a pressure which is greater than an air pressure in the environment 29. In the context of the present invention, "at least portions of the cavity 31" is understood to mean that part of the cavity 31 which is not filled by the positioning device 5 or, if appropriate, further components which are positioned in the cavity 31. Due to the fact that the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy is transported into at least sections of the cavity 31 and is subjected to a pressure which is greater than an air pressure in the environment 29, the component 1 is produced with the aid of a die casting process. In a seventh method step 107, the metal arranged in the at least sections of the cavity 31 or the metal alloy arranged in the at least sections of the cavity 31 is solidified. The solidification of the metal or the metal alloy is preferably effected by cooling the metal or the metal alloy, preferably with the aid of a cooling device of the production system 7. After the seventh method step 107 has been carried out, in an eighth method step 108, the plurality of sections of the tool device 27 are positioned with respect to one another in such a way that the cavity 31 is exposed to the environment 29. Due to the fact that the cavity 31 is exposed to the environment 29, the component 1 can be removed from the cavity 31.The fact that the contact surface 19 of the first end section 13 of the positioning device 3 shown on the left in FIG. 4 is arranged parallel to the direction of extension 15 of the positioning device 3 ensures that the positioning device 3 can be positioned exactly in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension 15 by the contact surface 19 bearing against the contact surface 41 of the recess section 33 shown on the left in FIG. 4. The fact that the contact surface 41 of the recess section 33 shown on the left in FIG. 4 is arranged parallel to the direction of extent 37 of the positioning recess 35 shown on the left in FIG. 4 ensures that the positioning device 3 can be positioned exactly in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extent 37 by the contact surface 19 resting against the contact surface 41. The same applies to the contact surface 19 of the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 4 and to the contact surface 41 of the recess section 33 shown on the right in FIG. 4. Due to the fact that the contact surface 19 of the first end section 13 of the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 4 is arranged parallel to the direction of extension 15 of the positioning device 3, it is ensured that the positioning device 3 can be positioned exactly in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension 15 by the contact surface 19 resting on the contact surface 41 of the recess section 33 shown on the right in FIG. 4. The fact that the contact surface 41 of the recess section 33 shown on the right in FIG. 4 is arranged parallel to the direction of extent 37 of the positioning recess 35 shown on the right in FIG. 4 ensures that the positioning device 3 can be positioned exactly in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extent 37 by the contact surface 19 resting against the contact surface 41. In particular, due to the fact that the contact surface 19 of the positioning device 3 shown on the left in FIG. 4 is arranged parallel to the direction of extension 15 of the positioning device 3, that the contact surface 41 of the recess section 33 shown on the left in FIG. 4 is arranged parallel to the direction of extension 37 of the positioning recess 35 shown on the left in FIG. 4, the contact surface 19 of the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 4 is arranged parallel to the direction of extension 15 of the positioning device 3, and that the contact surface 41 of the recess section 33 shown on the right in FIG. 4 is arranged parallel to the direction of extension 37 of the positioning recess 35 shown on the right in FIG. 4, it is ensured that the two positioning devices are positioned optimally relative to one another during the die casting process in a direction perpendicular to the directions of extension, in particular even when the metal or the metal alloy is solidified.Because the sealing surface 23 of the sealing section 21 of the positioning device 3 shown on the left in FIG. 4 extends transversely to the direction of extension 15 of the positioning device 3, it is ensured that when the positioning device 3 is acted upon with a force along the direction of extension 15, namely viewed in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 counter to the direction of extension 15, which can be caused in particular by the metal or the metal alloy being acted upon with a pressure as already described, and as a result being acted upon by a load in the direction of the recess section 33 shown on the left in FIG. 4, the sealing surface 23 of the sealing section 21 can sealingly abut the sealing surface 45 of the sealing section 43 of the corresponding recess section 33. Because the sealing surface 45 of the sealing section 43 of the recess section 33 shown on the left in FIG. 4 extends transversely to the direction of extent 37 of the positioning recess 35, it is ensured that when the positioning device 3 is acted upon with a force, viewed along the direction of extent 37, namely counter to the direction of extent 37 in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, which can be caused in particular by the metal or the metal alloy being acted upon with a pressure as already described, and as a result being acted upon by a load in the direction of the recess section 33 shown on the left in FIG. 4, the sealing surface 23 of the sealing section 21 can sealingly abut the sealing surface 45 of the sealing section 43 of the corresponding recess section 33. The same applies to the sealing surface 23 of the sealing section 21 of the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 4 and to the sealing surface 45 of the sealing section 43 of the recess section 33 shown on the right in FIG. 4. Due to the fact that the sealing surface 23 of the sealing section 21 of the positioning device 3 shown on the right in FIG. 4 extends transversely to the direction of extent 15 of the positioning device 3, it is ensured that when the positioning device 3 is subjected to a force as viewed along the direction of extent 15, namely as viewed in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 counter to the direction of extent 15, which can be caused in particular by the metal or the metal alloy being subjected to a pressure as already described, and thereby being subjected to a load in the direction of the recess section 33 shown on the right in FIG. 4, The sealing surface 23 of the sealing section 21 can sealingly abut the sealing surface 45 of the sealing section 43 of the corresponding recess section 33. Because the sealing surface 45 of the sealing section 43 of the recess section 33 shown on the right in FIG. 4 extends transversely to the direction of extent 37 of the positioning recess 35, it is ensured that when the positioning device 3 is acted upon with a force, viewed along the direction of extent 37, namely counter to the direction of extent 37 in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, which can be caused in particular by the metal or the metal alloy being acted upon with a pressure as already described, and as a result being acted upon by a load in the direction of the recess section 33 shown on the right in FIG. 4, the sealing surface 23 of the sealing section 21 can sealingly abut the sealing surface 45 of the sealing section 43 of the corresponding recess section 33.As already described, each sealing portion 21 is arranged between a respective first end portion 13 and a respective second end portion 17. The fact that each sealing section 21 is arranged between a corresponding first end section 13 and a corresponding second end section 17 ensures that, on the one hand, the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy flows around each second end section 17 and can thus be poured into the metal or into the metal alloy. On the other hand, each first end section 13 is protected from the liquefied metal or from the liquefied metal alloy by means of the corresponding sealing section 21 and the corresponding sealing surface 23, so that the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy does not flow around each first end section 13 and therefore is also not poured into the metal or into the metal alloy. After the component 1 has been removed from the cavity 31 of the production system 7, each first end section 13 can be used for reliable positioning of the component 1, in particular for any post-processing steps that may be carried out.As already described, the sealing surface 23 points away from the longitudinal axis 25 of the positioning device 3 running along the direction of extension 15, as a result of which the sealing surface 23 can bear against the sealing surface 45 which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, points to the longitudinal axis 47 of the positioning recess 35 running along the direction of extension 37.The contact surface 19 of each positioning device 3 extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis 25. Due to the fact that the contact surface 19 of each positioning device 3 extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis 25, it is ensured that the positioning of the positioning device 3, in particular the positioning of the positioning device 3 relative to the tool device 27 and in further machining steps of the component 1 following after the die casting process, can be optimized in all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 25. Moreover, each contact surface 19 has the shape of a surface of a rotational body. Because each contact surface 19 has the shape of a surface of a rotational body, it is ensured that each positioning device 3, in particular when it is arranged in the corresponding positioning recess 35, can rotate about its longitudinal axis 25, so that when the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy flows around the second end section 17 and thus the second end section 17 is poured into the metal or into the metal alloy and when the metal or the metal alloy solidifies, mechanical stresses in the manufactured component 1 can be reduced. Moreover, each abutment surface 19 is in the form of a surface of a cylinder. By each abutment surface 19 being in the form of a surface of a cylinder, a guide surface is provided for the insertion of each positioning device 3 into the corresponding positioning recess 35, wherein each positioning device 3 can be rotated about its longitudinal axis 25.The sealing surface 23 of each positioning device 3 extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis 25. Due to the fact that the sealing surface 23 of each positioning device 3 extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis 25, it is ensured that the sealing surface 23 of each positioning device 3 can sealingly abut the sealing surface 45 of the sealing section 43 of the corresponding recess section 33 circumferentially about the longitudinal axis 25. Moreover, each sealing surface 23 has the shape of a surface of a rotational body. Because each sealing surface 23 has the shape of a surface of a rotational body, it is ensured that each first end section 13 is protected from the liquefied metal or from the liquefied metal alloy even during a rotation of the corresponding positioning device 3 about its longitudinal axis 25 by means of the corresponding sealing section 21 and the corresponding sealing surface 23. Furthermore, a distance of the sealing surface 23 from the longitudinal axis 25 increases continuously along the direction of extension 15, namely as seen in the direction of the direction of extension 15 in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. As a result of the fact that the distance of the sealing surface 23 from the longitudinal axis 25 increases continuously as viewed along the direction of extent 15, it is ensured that a sealing form fit can be produced between the sealing surface 23 of the sealing section 21 of each positioning device 3 and the sealing surface 45 of the sealing section 43 of a corresponding recess section 33, the distance from the longitudinal axis 47 of which likewise increases continuously, in a direction along the direction of extent 15. In addition, the sealing surface 23 has the shape of a surface of a truncated cone. The fact that the sealing surface 23 has the shape of a surface of a truncated cone ensures that a sealing surface 23 which is particularly simple to produce mechanically can be provided.The embodiment of the positioning device 3 according to the invention schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 is formed from aluminum. If the positioning device 3 is formed from aluminum, this has the advantage that the melting temperature of the aluminum can be selected to be higher than the melting temperature of the metal or the metal alloy which is liquefied in the method, is moved into the cavity 31 and is subsequently solidified, such that the second end section 17 remains in a solid state when the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy flows around the second end section 17 and is poured into the metal or into the metal alloy. In an alternative embodiment of the positioning device 3 according to the invention, the positioning device 3 comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy or is formed from an aluminum alloy. Preferably, the aluminum fraction or the aluminum alloy fraction of the positioning device 3 or the aluminum alloy from which the positioning device 3 is formed is selected such that the melting temperature of the positioning device 3 is greater than the melting temperature of the metal or the metal alloy which is liquefied in the method.As already described, the positioning device 5 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 has two positioning devices which are arranged or can be arranged such that the contact surfaces of the first end sections of the two positioning devices are arranged parallel to one another. The fact that the positioning device 5 has two positioning devices which are arranged or can be arranged such that the contact surfaces of the first end sections of the two positioning devices are arranged parallel to one another ensures that each positioning device 5 can be moved particularly easily into a corresponding positioning recess 35.In summary, it can be stated that, in the case of die casting methods known from the prior art, first position features 9 are also cast on, i.e. the first position features 9 are formed by solidifying the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy and therefore necessarily have external shapes which are required by a casting process, such as, for example, drafts or unevennesses on the surface which are caused by shrinkage during solidification of the metal or the metal alloy, as is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1. In contrast, the positioning device 3 according to the invention ensures that the second end section 17 is embedded in the remaining manufactured component 1, the first end section 13 is arranged in an exactly positioned manner compared to the remaining manufactured component 1, and the first end section 13 has an optimum surface for later positioning of the component 1, as is illustrated in FIG. 6. In particular, it has been found that, with the aid of the positioning device 3, it is possible to dispense with machining out of second position features 11 already described and illustrated in FIG. 1, since the component 1 can also be optimally positioned with the aid of the positioning device 3, in particular for mechanical machining steps provided following the solidification process, which leads to a time-efficient die casting process.In summary, it can thus be established that the positioning device 5 enables a time-efficient production of components by means of die casting, which components can subsequently be optimally positioned for mechanical machining steps.In addition, it should be noted that „ does not exclude other elements or steps in a row, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features which have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features of other exemplary embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims should not be regarded as limiting.Reference numerals denote reference numerals1 Component 3 Positioning device 5 Positioning device 7 Production system 9 First position features 11 Second position features 13 First end section of the positioning device 15 Direction of extent of the positioning device 17 Second end section of the positioning device 19 Contact surface of the first end section of the positioning device 21 Sealing section of the positioning device 23 Sealing surface of the sealing section of the positioning device 25 Longitudinal axis of the positioning device 27 Tool device 29 Environment of the tool device 31 Cavity 33 Recess section 35 Positioning recess 37 Direction of extent of the positioning recess 39 First end section of the recess section 41 Contact surface of the first end section of the recess section 43 Sealing section of the recess section 45 Sealing surface of the sealing section of the recess section 47 Longitudinal axis of the positioning recess 101 First method step 102 Second method step 103 Third method step 104 Fourth method step 105 Fifth method step 106 Sixth method step 107 seventh method step 108 eighth method step

Claims

Positioning device (3) for use in a method for producing a component (1) by means of die casting, wherein the positioning device (3) extends from a first end section (13) along an extension direction (15) along which a longitudinal axis (25) of the positioning device (3) runs to a second end section (17), wherein the first end section (13) has an abutment surface (19) arranged parallel to the extension direction (15), wherein the positioning device (3) has a sealing section (21) arranged between the first end section (13) and the second end section (17), and wherein the sealing section (21) has a sealing surface (23) extending transversely to the extension direction (15).Positioning device (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the sealing surface (23) extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis (25).Positioning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing surface (23) has the shape of a surface of a rotational body.Positioning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance of the sealing surface (23) from the longitudinal axis (25) increases continuously as seen along the direction of extension (15).Positioning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing surface (23) has the shape of a surface of a truncated cone.Positioning device (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the contact surface (19) extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis (25).Positioning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact surface (19) has the shape of a surface of a rotational body.Positioning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact surface (19) has the shape of a surface of a cylinder.Positioning device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning device (3) comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy or is formed from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.Positioning device (5) for use in a method for producing a component (1) by means of die casting, wherein the positioning device (5) has at least two positioning devices according to one of the preceding claims, which are arranged or can be arranged such that the contact surfaces of the first end sections of the at least two positioning devices are arranged parallel to one another.Production system (7) comprising a positioning device (5) according to claim 10 and a tool device (27), wherein the tool device (27) comprises a plurality of sections which can be positioned with respect to one another in such a way that they define a cavity (31) which is closed off from the surroundings (29) of the tool device (27), wherein the tool device (27) comprises at least two recess sections which each define a positioning recess (35) which forms a section of the cavity (31), wherein each positioning recess (35) extends along an extension direction (37) along which a longitudinal axis (47) of the positioning recess (35) extends, wherein each recess section (33) of the recess sections comprises a first end section (39) which comprises an abutment surface (41) arranged parallel to the extension direction (37), wherein each recess portion (33) of the recess portions has a sealing portion (43), which is arranged behind the first end portion (39), as seen along the direction of extension (37) and has a sealing surface (45) which extends transversely to the direction of extension (37), and wherein the positioning device (5) and the tool device (27) can be positioned relative to one another such that the contact surface (19) of each positioning device (3) and the contact surface (41) of a corresponding recess portion (33) bear against one another and the sealing surface (23) of each positioning device (3) and the sealing surface (45) of the corresponding recess portion (33) bear against one another.A method for producing a component (1) by means of die casting, the method comprising the following steps: providing a production system (7) according to claim 11, positioning the plurality of sections of the tool device (27) relative to one another such that the cavity (31) is exposed to the environment (29), arranging the positioning device (5) and the tool device (27) relative to one another such that the contact surface (19) of each positioning device (3) and the contact surface (41) of a corresponding recess section (33) bear against one another and the sealing surface (23) of each positioning device (3) and the sealing surface (45) of the corresponding recess section (33) bear against one another, positioning the plurality of sections of the tool device (27) relative to one another such that the cavity (31) is closed off from the environment (29), liquefying a metal or a metal alloy, Bringing the liquefied metal or the liquefied metal alloy into at least portions of the cavity (31), solidifying the metal arranged in the at least portions of the cavity (31) or the metal alloy arranged in the at least portions of the cavity (31), and positioning the plurality of portions of the tool device (27) with respect to one another such that the cavity (31) is exposed to the environment (29).

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