Spraying device with rotating table and three-part closing side

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spraying device for processing profiles, in particular for spraying partial profiles, end sections or the like, according to claim 1.

[0002] Numerous injection molding devices and injection molding processes are known from the prior art, for example from publications JP S60-154021 A, WO 2017 / 132382 A1 and DE 692 09 408 T2. Due to the complex mechanical properties of flexible profiles, such as those used for door seals in vehicles, and the high accuracy requirements of the manufacturing process, manual handling or logistics is used between individual processing steps to transfer the profiles from one processing step to the next. For example, after a processing step such as the extrusion of individual profiles (profile blanks) requiring further processing, or after cutting operations on the profiles, they are manually removed from the mold by an operator.The profiles are placed in a new mold to transfer them from the previous processing step to the next. They are then cut or injection-molded.

[0003] The purpose of the invention is to increase the level of automation in the production of profiles.

[0004] The problem is solved, starting from a injection device of the type mentioned at the outset, by the features of claim 1.

[0005] The measures mentioned in the dependent claims make advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention possible.

[0006] The injection molding device according to the invention is used for processing profiles, for example, to which partial profiles or end sections are injection molded. Depending on the embodiment, it is also conceivable that further processing steps are integrated. For this purpose, the injection molding device comprises at least one processing station for carrying out a processing step; in particular, such a processing step is the injection molding operation. Additionally, processing steps can also include, for example, manufacturing steps in which the profile is merely placed and positioned in the mold, i.e., a profile is inserted into the mold. It is also conceivable to designate an ejection process as a processing step if the profiles are removed accordingly.Furthermore, as already described, additional processing steps can generally be carried out, such as making cuts to the profiles.

[0007] The connection device according to the invention is characterized, among other things, by the fact that a rotary table with a worktable device is provided. The worktable device is the area that can rotate about an axis of rotation in a plane of rotation or is rotatably movable in order to switch between at least two machining areas arranged on the worktable device. Each machining area comprises a central plate in which a profile can be received for machining. The central plate itself is attached to or mounted on the respective worktable device via a central plate receptacle.

[0008] By rotating the worktable, the machining areas are moved to the same, precisely defined positions, where the profile is machined by a machining station. Each machining area is moved to every position during the manufacturing process. The machining areas are thus arranged on a circle or circular path around the axis of rotation, allowing the center plates to be moved from one machining station to the next.

[0009] To accommodate the profile, the middle plates have a shape or form part of the shape and can thus limit the profile laterally in the plane of rotation.

[0010] To perform the injection molding process, the profile must be completely enclosed within the mold. For this purpose, the rotary table has an upper and a lower mold, which, according to the invention, are decoupled from the rotation of the worktable device and are arranged opposite each other with respect to the plane of rotation. In this way, the upper and lower molds form the movable closing side, while the middle plate or the middle plate holder forms the fixed closing side. If, in an embodiment of the invention, the middle plate is movably or floatingly mounted in the middle plate holder, then the middle plate itself is also a movable closing side. In this case, the fixed closing side consists only of the middle plate holder, which is directly attached to the worktable device.

[0011] The injection molding device according to the invention has the particular advantage that the profiles can be automatically fed and deposited without the need for an operator. The design of the injection molding device with a rotary table enables space-saving and rapid production. The rotary table arrangement also simplifies automation, ensures fast processing, and ultimately eliminates the need for an operator to handle the profiles. Automated loading and unloading of the profiles is facilitated by the three-part closing side or mold. The only part of the mold that guides the profile from processing station to processing station is the central plate with any inserts or retaining strips, which merely limits the profile laterally, thus significantly simplifying the loading and unloading of a flexible profile.Nevertheless, the profile is guided in a positionally stable manner along the machining path, enabling highly precise manufacturing of the profiles.

[0012] In particular, the invention offers the advantage that manual handling of the profiles between the application of trimmings and the actual injection molding process can typically be avoided, and the automated handling proposed according to the invention bridges these two processing steps. The nozzle device for the actual injection molding onto the profile, i.e., either for joining a profile to another partial profile or for injection molding profile end sections, can be arranged in the area of ​​the upper or, in principle, also the lower mold. As a rule, the nozzle device is attached to the upper mold, while the lower mold forms the contour side or ejection side. Advantageously, the profile to be processed is stored in the central plate and moved from processing station to processing station.The upper and lower forms, which are necessary for the injection molding process and thus form a processing station, are designed to be movable and can be moved towards the worktable device in order to enclose the profile in this processing station and to carry out the injection molding process.

[0013] Otherwise, the profile, which is mounted in the middle plate, is independent of the upper and lower forms and can be moved relative to them. The degree of automation can therefore be advantageously increased.

[0014] Because the invention allows the insertion and removal of the profile to each constitute an additional processing station, the need for a separate operator is essentially eliminated. This operator would otherwise have to laboriously and time-consumingly insert and remove the profiles from the mold. Furthermore, the overall space requirement does not increase significantly with the injection molding device proposed according to the invention, because the connection process can be advantageously performed on a rotary table in a space-saving manner.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the intermediate plate is mounted in a floating manner within the intermediate plate receptacle, allowing it to be displaced and / or lifted by movement and contact with the movable closing side. This floating mounting significantly simplifies the mold closing process prior to injection molding, as the upper and lower molds are moved against the intermediate plate from different sides, effectively centering the intermediate plate itself. This also increases machining accuracy and simplifies the positioning process. Furthermore, this floating mounting facilitates the insertion and removal of profiles. The intermediate plate can move easily relative to the profile, which can be used for ejection, as the intermediate plate can be lifted, for example, by the movable closing sides.

[0016] To eject the profile, a corresponding ejector can be provided in a further development of the invention, which is mechanically coupled to a movement of the rotary table or to a movement of the upper and / or lower die. Such a design particularly facilitates automation because two simultaneous mechanical processes or movements do not need to be controlled by independent drives, but are, for example, connected via a gearbox and thus run automatically at the same time. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for an additional drive, resulting in corresponding cost advantages. In this way, the ejection machining step can also be integrated into the automation.

[0017] The worktable fixture is designed to be rotatable. A profile located on the worktable fixture, more precisely mounted in the central plate, can thus be moved from one machining station to the next along its entire working area. Profiles are also mounted in the adjacent working areas, which are moved from one machining station to the next by means of the rotary movement of the worktable fixture. In order to be able to perform a machining step with each transport step or immediately after each rotary movement of the worktable fixture, it is therefore advantageous to arrange the central plates or the working areas at equal angular intervals. This ensures that the rotary movement of the worktable fixture moves the profile from one machining station to the next, and thus the adjacent profile can also be moved from one machining station to the next.This can save time and therefore also costs required for production.

[0018] One embodiment of a gating device according to the invention can, for example, be designed such that three processing areas are arranged on the worktable at equal angular intervals to one another. These areas are rotated according to the sequence of operations to enable sequential processing at all processing stations. Possible processing stations include a loading station, a gating station, and a removal station. Furthermore, additional processing areas or stations can also be provided, for example, for performing a second gating operation, trimming, or the like. In particular, robots can be assigned to the respective processing station for profile handling (loading or removing profiles). These robots are, for example, positioned stably on or next to the rotary table and load or remove the profiles.This is facilitated by rotating the worktable fixture and always using the same center plate for positioning the profile being machined. The worktable fixture always stops its rotation so that the machining areas always come to a halt in the same position, allowing the robots to consistently handle the profile in the same way. Furthermore, the use of a rotary table saves space because no work area needs to be provided for a person. In contrast, a linear setup with linear transport from one machining station to the next usually requires more space overall.

[0019] Removing a profile can be facilitated by, for example, incorporating an ejector. The ejector can, for instance, engage the center plate and raise or lower it accordingly, which can advantageously be directly coupled to an existing movement of the rotary table or the molds. This not only facilitates parallel processing but also allows for the cost-effective elimination of an additional drive.

[0020] The center plate itself can also use a mounting strip for precise guidance and stable positioning of profiles (flexible profiles or carrier profiles). Since such a mounting strip can also be movably attached to the center plate, it can also be used to assist with ejection. This measure can generally simplify handling.

[0021] Furthermore, inserts can be provided that are attached to the center plate and, for example, form part of a mold during injection molding, such as in the injection area where the profiles are joined or where end injection takes place. These inserts can also be designed so that, for example, positioning pins, recesses in the profile, or similar features are formed by the insert. In this way, the manufacturing process can be handled with maximum flexibility.

[0022] To supply energy to the rotatable area of ​​the worktable device, contactless energy transmission can be advantageously used. Inductive energy transmission is particularly beneficial. This eliminates the need for maintenance-intensive and expensive wear contacts, which also significantly increase friction during movement and thus energy consumption, as well as complex cable routing. Furthermore, not only is the energy transmission more reliable, but working with the machine is also fundamentally less dangerous when energy is transferred between moving parts not directly via a physical conductor, but contactlessly.

[0023] To facilitate operation of the machine, it is particularly advantageous to provide a quick-release clamping system. This allows, for example, the central plate to be secured and centered relative to the rest of the worktable, the upper mold relative to the nozzle assembly, and the lower mold relative to the contour / ejector side. In this way, individual components, and especially the molds, which must be changed depending on the profile being produced, can be quickly exchanged. Such a quick-release clamping system can, for example, include an eccentric clamping lever for the positive locking of the parts to be joined. By operating or tilting the lever, the corresponding parts or molds can be secured or released. Furthermore, guides or stops can also be provided for clamping and centering. The mold to be positioned is inserted and guided by the guides.Positioning accuracy can be increased by using wedge-shaped surfaces for guidance and ensuring a secure, force-fit connection. Particularly precise positioning can be achieved using centering pins.

[0024] For example, once the appropriate shape has been inserted via the guide device, centered using a centering pin, and precisely positioned by contact with a stop, it can be quickly and easily secured in this position using an eccentric clamping lever. This not only ensures a particularly stable mechanical fastening but also facilitates the rapid replacement of individual components.

[0025] In principle, it is advantageous to provide cooling for the individual machining areas or for working with individual machining stations. A conventional rotary union for electrical current or for the hydraulic line, i.e., for both energy transmission and for the supply and return of coolant, would require a central bushing in the area of ​​the axis of rotation with essentially radial outlets. However, such an arrangement is fundamentally complicated by the fact that the center through which the axis of rotation runs cannot be used on the rotary table because the area around the worktable fixture must be accessible for handling, for example, by robots. Therefore, the fixed areas of the machining station, in contrast to the worktable fixture, protrude into or over the worktable fixture from the inside. That is to say...This installation space is not available for a rotary feedthrough to the worktable device. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a separate cooling circuit is provided for this purpose. Firstly, a stationary supply line and a discharge line are provided to supply the coolant to the respective machining areas and to remove it from these areas.

[0026] These supply and discharge lines are fixed in a specific position on the rotary table. When the worktable is rotated, each machining area can be turned to this corresponding position, so that the supply and discharge lines are connected to the circuit there.

[0027] As the worktable is rotated to bring the next profile to this machining station, the next machining area can be connected to the supply and discharge lines. However, it is essential that all machining areas are supplied with coolant. Therefore, it is advantageous to design the cooling circuit so that the coolant circulates through the entire worktable. Since the connection via the supply and discharge lines is fixed, meaning the coolant is not always introduced into the worktable at the same point, it is advantageous to provide a switching device at each machining area. This device directs the coolant, depending on whether the machining area is connected to the supply or discharge line, to the next machining area or the discharge line after it has circulated through the current machining area.

[0028] Advantageously, this can be achieved in one embodiment of the invention by means of a dual-pressure valve. A dual-pressure valve corresponds to a two-way valve in which the pressurized line blocks one path and allows flow in another. If the corresponding other line is pressurized to a level higher than the pressure on the other side of the supply line, the other path is then opened. The dual-pressure valve advantageously allows the system to detect whether the cooling zone in the respective machining area is connected to the supply line and thus pressurized, or not. In this way, the cooling circuit is controlled and regulated automatically without the need for a separate control device, as the system self-regulates based on the prevailing pressure conditions. Examples of implementation

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below, including further details and advantages. Specifically, the drawings show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of an injection molding device according to the invention, Fig. 2: a schematic section through the worktable device, Fig. 3: a schematic representation of the cooling circuit system, and Figs. 4-6: schematic representations of the quick-clamping system.

[0030] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic, perspective view of a injection molding device 1 with a rotary table 2, which in turn has a worktable device 3. This worktable device 3 is rotatably mounted relative to the rest of the rotary table 2 and is rotatably movable. The worktable device 3 is divided into three machining areas I, II, III. Machining areas I, II, III rotate with the worktable device 3. In contrast, the machining stations A, B, C are fixed in position, whereby, during the rotation of the worktable device 3, machining areas I, II, III move (rotate) from one of the machining stations A, B, C to the next.

[0031] Each processing area I, II, III is equipped with a central plate 4, which is floatingly mounted in a central plate receptacle 5. Furthermore, mounting strips 6 are provided in the area of ​​the central plate 4. These strips serve to provide positionally stable support for the profiles and also facilitate the ejection of a profile, as they are movably mounted and can therefore be tilted, for example.

[0032] The processing station A is designed for injection molding onto the profiles (e.g., for joining another partial profile or for end injection). For this purpose, it includes an upper mold 7 with a nozzle assembly 8 above the worktable device 3. Both devices, the upper mold 7 and the nozzle assembly 8, are connected to each other via a quick-release clamping system and form a movable closing side, namely the movable nozzle side.

[0033] Below the plane of rotation or below the worktable device 3 is the movable ejector side or contour side, which includes a lower form 9.

[0034] When the worktable device 3 rotates, each machining area I, II, III moves until all machining stations A, B, C have been accessed and the profiles stored in each machining area I, II, III have been completely machined. It is also conceivable that more than three machining areas or machining stations are provided. In particular, the number of machining areas is the same as the number of machining stations. A schematic section through machining station A is shown in Figure 2The section runs along a secant line through the worktable device 3. The central plate 4 with inserts forms a shape that can laterally enclose the profile to be machined. It is mounted on the worktable device 3 in a floating position within a central plate receptacle 5. Profile strips are also attached, in which the profiles (flexible profiles or carrier profiles) can be stored. The central plate 4 is enclosed above and below by the upper shape 7 and the nozzle device 8, which together form the movable nozzle side. In the area below the central plate 4 is the lower shape 9, which forms the ejector side.

[0035] In Figure 2The mold is shown open. For the actual injection molding process, the upper and lower molds 7, 9 are moved towards the center plate 4, allowing the mold to close completely. Contact with the molds allows the center plate 4, which is floating in the receptacle 5, to move slightly. The ejector side can be lowered far enough to be removed from under the annular worktable 3. The center plate 4 and the nozzle assembly 8 can be replaced above the worktable 3.

[0036] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the cooling circuit system 20. The worktable device 3 is shown again. The supply line 21 is also visible, which in the figure is currently adjacent to the machining area I. In the present embodiment, a worktable device 3 with a total of four machining areas I, II, III, IV is shown. The other three machining areas II, III, IV are not connected to supply and discharge lines 21, 22 at the moment shown. The dual-pressure valve 23 comprises a piston 24, which is moved depending on the pressure applied through line 21. Two paths 25, 26 branch off from this. In machining area I, which is connected to the supply line 21, the piston 24 is moved upwards in this situation, opening the flow into path 25. The coolant then flows through the device for cooling and into the circuit 30.

[0037] The upper path 26 is blocked for flow via path 27. Coolant from the main circuit 30 enters the tiny area via path 27. Therefore, in machining area I, the coolant is directed to outlet line 22 and can be discharged.

[0038] In machining areas II, III, and IV, the path 25 is closed, and the coolant flows directly from path 27 to path 26 and can continue through circuit 30 from machining station I, II, III, IV to machining station I, II, III, IV.

[0039] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows an example of the lower form 9, where the actual form 9A is pushed onto the machine table 9B for assembly. For this purpose, guides 10 are provided on the machine table 9B, as well as stops 11 at the end of the insertion path, up to which the form 9A can be moved.

[0040] Furthermore, a centering pin 12 is provided approximately at the level of the end stops 11. Figure 5 It becomes clear that proper centering via the centering pin 12 is not only important for the precise positioning of the mold 9 itself, but also ensures a precise connection of the lines 14. A media transfer station 13 is used for mold temperature control (cooling), through which the medium (coolant) is transferred via the lines 14 from the media transfer station 13 to the mold 9A and returned from the mold 9A.

[0041] Furthermore, in Figure 4 It is evident that the form 9A, in the area where it comes into contact with the guides 10 or the stops 11, has partial surfaces 15, 16 to achieve a positive locking position. This also allows for clamping.

[0042] Furthermore, according to Figure 6An eccentric clamping lever 17 is provided, which clamps the form 9A held via the guides 10,11 against the machine table 9B and is rotated in the direction of the arrow.

[0043] In principle, it is also conceivable to provide locking mechanisms such as bayonet fittings or similar devices. Reference symbol list:

[0044] 1 Injection device 2 Rotary table 3 Worktable device 4 Center plate 5 Center plate holder 6 Mounting rail 7 Upper mold 8 Nozzle device 9 Lower mold 10 Guide 11 Stop 12 Centering pin 13 Media transfer station 14 Line 15 Partial surface 16 Partial surface 17 Eccentric clamping lever 9A Mold (ejector side) 9B Machine table I, II, III, IV Machining area A, B, C Machining station 20 Cooling circuit system 21 Supply line 22 Discharge line 23 Dual pressure valve 24 Piston 25 Travel 26 Travel 27 Travel 30 Circuit

Claims

1. Overmoulding device (1) for processing profiles, in particular for overmoulding partial profiles, end portions or the like, comprising: • at least one processing station (A, B, C) for carrying out a processing step there, and • a turntable (2) with a worktable device (3) that is movable in rotation about an axis of rotation in a rotation plane and has at least two processing areas (I, II, III, IV), wherein the processing areas each comprise a central plate (4), • wherein the central plate (4) is attached to and / or mounted on the worktable device (3) in each case via a central-plate receptacle (5), • wherein the processing areas (I, II, III, IV) are arranged in a circle about the axis of rotation such that the central plates (4) are each movable from one of the processing stations (A, B, C) to the next, • wherein the central plates (4) have a mould for receiving the profile, in order to laterally delimit the profile in the rotation plane, • wherein the turntable (2) comprises an upper and a lower mould (7, 9), which are decoupled from the rotation of the worktable device (3) and which are arranged opposite one another with regard to the rotation plane, • wherein the upper and lower mould (7, 9) are movable such that, together with the central plate (4), they form a mould receiving the profile, and the central plate (4) and / or the central-plate receptacle (5) form the fixed closing side and the upper and lower moulds form the movable closing side, characterized in that - the central plate (4) is enclosed upwardly and downwardly in each case by the upper mould (7) and the nozzle device (8), which together form the movable nozzle side, and located in the region beneath the central plate (4) is, in turn, the lower mould (9), which forms the ejector side.

2. Overmoulding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper or the lower mould (7, 9) has a nozzle device (8) for overmoulding on the profile and the other one in each case of the two moulds, namely the upper and lower mould, has a contour side, in order for it to be possible to remove the profile after overmoulding.

3. Overmoulding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central plate (4) is mounted in a floating manner in the central-plate receptacle (5) such that it is able to be displaced and / or raised as a result of the movement and contact with the movable closing side.

4. Overmoulding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an ejector is provided in order to eject the profile for removal, said ejector being mechanically coupled to a movement of the upper mould and / or of the lower mould.

5. Overmoulding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central plates (4) and the processing areas (I, II, III, IV) are in each case arranged at equal angular spacings.

6. Overmoulding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one further processing station (B, C) is provided, which is configured as an insertion area for inserting the profile and / or a partial profile as a part of the profile.

7. Overmoulding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one further processing station (B, C) is provided, which is configured as a removal area for removing the profile and / or a partial profile as part of the profile.

8. Overmoulding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing station (B, C) and / or at least one of the processing stations comprises a robot for inserting and / or removing the profile and / or the partial profile.

9. Overmoulding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central plate (4) has at least one receiving strip (6) for mounting the profile and / or a partial profile as part of the profile in a stable position.

10. Overmoulding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central plate (4) has at least one insert.

11. Overmoulding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turntable (2) has an energy-transfer device for contactless energy transfer to the worktable device, in particular for inductive energy transfer.

12. Overmoulding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one quick-clamping system is provided in order to respectively fasten and / or centre: • the central plate relative to the rest of the worktable device and / or • the upper mould relative to the nozzle device and / or • the lower mould relative to the contour side and / or ejector side, wherein the at least one quick-clamping system comprises in particular: • an eccentric clamping lever (17) for holding, in a force-fitting manner, the parts that are to be fastened together and / or • a guide device (10, 11) having faces moulded in a wedge shape for orienting and fastening in a force-fitting manner and / or • at least one centring stop (12) for orienting and centring.

13. Overmoulding device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a coolant circuit (20) for cooling the processing stations is provided, wherein respective supply and drain lines that are positionally fixed with respect to the worktable device, in order to feed the coolant into the worktable device and to drain it from the worktable device in the region of one of the processing areas, and a connecting line with which the coolant is able to be fed to the individual processing areas (I, II, III, IV), in particular connected in series, are provided, wherein each of the processing areas has a switchover device in order, depending on whether the processing area is connected to the supply and drain lines (21, 22), to feed the coolant, after passing through the processing area, to the next processing area or the drain line.

14. Overmoulding device (1) according to Claim 13, characterized in that at least one two pressure valve (23) is provided in each processing area (I, II, III, IV) in order, when pressurized via the supply line, to open the connection between the connecting line and drain line and otherwise to close it.

15. Overmoulding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the processing stations is configured to cut the profile and / or at least a partial profile.