Mold for processing plastic particle material to produce a particle foam molded part and method

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a molding tool for processing plastic particle material to produce a particle foam molded part, comprising at least one molding tool body having a molding tool cavity delimited by at least one molding tool body wall section, and to a method for processing plastic particle material to produce a particle foam molded part.

[0002] Corresponding molds for processing plastic particulate material to produce a particle foam molded part, as well as corresponding methods, are known in the prior art in a variety of different designs. For example, European patent application EP 3 393 743 A1 describes a mold and a method for producing a molded body from a particle foam material, in which the heating of the mold, along with the granular plastic particulate material contained therein, involves the introduction of thermal energy into the interior of the mold cavity, referred to therein as the mold cavity, exclusively through the walls delimiting the mold cavity, wherein the transfer of the thermal energy from the respective wall into the interior of the mold cavity occurs without convection, preferably by heat conduction and / or heat radiation.Since the temperature control there is completely free of forced convection and free of any media supply into the interior of the mold cavity, the efficiency of the temperature control of the mold cavity in particular needs to be improved with the principle described there.

[0003] DE 10 2016 014 065 A1 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for producing a molded part made of a particle foam, wherein plastic particles are introduced into a mold cavity and foamed and / or sintered there with the addition of hot gas. The invention is based on the object of providing a molding tool for processing plastic particle material to produce a particle foam molded part that is improved compared to the aforementioned method, as well as a correspondingly improved method.

[0004] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The subject matter of the dependent claims relate to possible embodiments.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to a molding tool for processing plastic particulate material to produce a particle foam molded part. The molding tool is configured accordingly for processing plastic particulate material to produce a particle foam molded part.

[0006] A particle foam molded part that can be produced using the molding tool can be understood as a partially finished or fully finished product, i.e., a semi-finished or fully finished product. A partially finished product is typically subjected to at least one further processing step. A fully finished product is typically not subjected to any further processing step.

[0007] A plastic particle material that can be processed using the molding tool can, in principle, be understood as any expandable or foamable plastic particle material and / or (pre-)expanded or (pre-)foamed plastic particle material that can be (further) processed to produce a particle foam molded part. Specifically, a plastic particle material that can be processed using the molding tool can therefore be, for example, an expandable or (pre-)expanded polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyphenylene ether, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, or a polymer blend. Expandable or (pre-)expanded plastic particle materials based on biopolymers are also conceivable.

[0008] The plastic particulate material that can be processed by the mold typically has a particulate and cellular structure prior to processing; The plastic particulate material that can be processed by the mold typically exists prior to processing as a multitude of individual, e.g., spherical, elongated, or angular plastic particulate material particles. The plastic particulate material particles can also generally be referred to or considered as beads.

[0009] The mold comprises a mold body. The mold body comprises one or more mold body wall sections, which delimit a mold cavity, which can also be considered a mold cavity and can be filled with plastic particle material. Corresponding mold body wall sections can each form a separate wall of the mold body or a section thereof. In particular, corresponding mold body wall sections can each form a separate mold half or a section thereof.

[0010] For a configuration of the mold with multiple mold body wall sections, at least one mold body wall section can be movably mounted relative to at least one second mold body wall section. Open and closed positions of the mold can thus be realized in a conventional manner. Specifically, the mold can thus be designed, for example, as a so-called plunge-edge tool, which comprises at least one mold body wall section formed with a plunge edge.

[0011] The mold, i.e. in particular the mold cavity, must be tempered, i.e. in particular heated, during normal operation in order to combine the plastic particle material filled into the mold cavity by means of at least one filling device via at least one filling opening, which in all embodiments can also be referred to as a filling nozzle, to form a particle foam molded part. For tempering or heating the mold, i.e. in particular the mold cavity, the mold comprises two tempering devices which differ in terms of their tempering principle for tempering, i.e. in particular for heating, the mold cavity, which are described in more detail below.

[0012] A first temperature control device for temperature control of the mold cavity is configured to introduce the thermal energy (heat) required for temperature control of the mold cavity into the mold cavity exclusively through the at least one mold body wall section. The introduction of thermal energy into the mold cavity, which can be brought about via the first temperature control device, and the associated heating of the mold cavity, which can be brought about via the first temperature control device, thus takes place without convection, ie in particular exclusively without convection, and thus without the introduction of temperature control fluids into the interior of the mold cavity.The heating of the mold cavity, which can be brought about by the first temperature control device, thus takes place without forced convection, which does not exclude natural convection, in particular between the particles of the plastic particle material filled into the mold cavity, within the mold cavity.

[0013] For this purpose, the first temperature control device can comprise a temperature control structure penetrating at least one mold body wall section, optionally all mold body wall sections, in one or more spatial directions and / or planes, via which the mold body wall section(s) can be temperature controlled, i.e., in particular, heated. A corresponding temperature control structure can comprise, for example, electrical heating elements, such as resistance heating elements, or flow channels through which a temperature control fluid can flow, but which do not allow the temperature control fluid to escape into the mold cavity.

[0014] A second temperature control device for temperature control of the mold cavity is configured to introduce the thermal energy required for temperature control of the mold cavity into the mold cavity via a temperature control fluid flowing into the mold cavity via at least one flow opening, in particular opening directly into the mold cavity. The introduction of thermal energy into the mold cavity, which can be brought about via the second temperature control device, and the associated heating of the mold cavity, which can be brought about via the second temperature control device, thus takes place on a (forced) convection basis, ie in particular exclusively on a (forced) convection basis, and thus on the basis of the supply of a temperature-controllable or temperature-controlled temperature control fluid, e.g. a gas and / or a liquid, into the interior of the mold cavity.The heating of the mold cavity induced by the second temperature control device thus occurs by forced convection, which in turn does not preclude additional natural convection, particularly between the particles of the plastic particulate material filled into the mold cavity, within the mold cavity. The temperature control fluid introduced into the mold cavity via the second temperature control device can or should be dry, i.e., contain no or only a marginal amount of moisture. Specifically, the temperature control fluid introduced into the mold cavity via the second temperature control device can thus be, for example, a hot gas, i.e., in particular, hot air.

[0015] The second temperature control device can for this purpose comprise at least one heating device, e.g. an electrical heating device, a heat exchanger, for example in order to avoid electrical heating devices and / or to use lines, reservoirs, or waste heat from external devices containing and / or carrying thermal energy from external devices, such as e.g. from temperature control devices, or which is designed to heat a temperature control fluid to be introduced into the mold cavity via at least one flow opening, and at least one flow generation device, e.g. a blower and / or suction flow generation device, such as e.g. a pump device, which is designed to generate a flow of the temperature control fluid, optionally heated by means of the heating device, to be introduced into the mold cavity via the at least one flow opening. The second temperature control device can further comprise e.g.a supply device designed as a reservoir for the provision of tempering fluid.

[0016] The second temperature control device can thus be designed, for example, as a hot-blower device through the interaction of the heating device and the flow generation device, via which a heated temperature control fluid can be generated and introduced into the mold cavity. As mentioned, the temperature control fluid can or should be dry, i.e., it contains no or only a marginal amount of moisture.

[0017] A corresponding heating device can, for example, be designed to heat a temperature control fluid to a temperature above 25°C, in particular above 35°, further in particular above 45°C, further in particular above 55°C, further in particular above 65°C, further in particular above 75°C, further in particular above 85°C, further in particular above 95°C, further in particular above 105°C, further in particular above 115°C, further in particular above 125°C, further in particular above 135°C, further in particular above 145°C, further in particular above 155°C, further in particular above 165°C, further in particular above 175°C, further in particular above 185°C, further in particular above 195°C.The heating device is typically configured to heat the tempering fluid in such a way that it contains a sufficient amount of thermal energy to enable or at least promote bonding of the plastic particle material to form a particle foam molded part.

[0018] In contrast to the prior art mentioned at the outset, the tempering or heating of the mold, i.e. in particular of the mold cavity, is not carried out exclusively without convection, but rather via the first tempering device without convection, because it takes place without introducing tempering fluid into the mold cavity, and via the second tempering device (forced) convection-based, because it takes place with the introduction of tempering fluid into the mold cavity, so that overall a comparatively very efficient mixed tempering of the mold, i.e. in particular of the mold cavity, can be realized.

[0019] In particular, as will become apparent below, the second temperature control device enables, as needed, and thus flexible, in particular additional, temperature control, as a specific amount of thermal energy can be introduced into the mold cavity in a targeted manner via the properties of the temperature control fluid that can be introduced or is introduced into the mold cavity via the second temperature control device, i.e. in particular its thermal properties, such as its temperature, and / or its flow properties, such as its flow velocity. The arrangement of the respective flow openings, which is explained in more detail below by way of example, may even enable a targeted local introduction of a specific amount of thermal energy into the mold cavity.

[0020] Overall, this results in an improved molding tool for processing plastic particle material to produce a particle foam molded part.

[0021] The first and second temperature control devices can generally operate simultaneously, partially simultaneously, or sequentially. Thus, both temperature control devices can be operated and / or deactivated simultaneously, or one temperature control device can be operated before another and / or one temperature control device can be deactivated before another.

[0022] In order to control the operation of the temperature control devices, at least one control device implemented in hardware and / or software, thus in particular a computer-implemented control device, can be assigned to them, which is configured to generate control information for controlling the operation of the temperature control devices.

[0023] The at least one control device can likewise be configured to control the quantity of thermal energy (heat energy) that can be introduced into the mold cavity via the respective temperature control devices. This can be achieved, for example, by controlling the power consumption of the respective temperature control devices. Consequently, the sum of the quantities of thermal energy that can be introduced separately into the mold cavity via the two temperature control devices can result in a total quantity as well as a distribution of the thermal energy that can be introduced into the mold cavity as a whole - this is typically sufficient to enable the desired bonding of the plastic particle material to form a particle foam molded part - which can be specifically adjusted or controlled via the at least one control device, optionally in situ, in particular on the basis of sensor data supplied by sensors present on the mold side.can be changed.

[0024] From the above, it follows that the amount of thermal energy that can be introduced into the mold cavity via the first temperature control device can be equal to or different from the amount of thermal energy that can be introduced into the mold cavity via the second temperature control device, and vice versa. In particular, the amount of thermal energy (heat) that can be introduced into the mold cavity via the first temperature control device can be greater than the amount of thermal energy that can be introduced into the mold cavity via the second temperature control device, or vice versa.For example, the amount of thermal energy (heat quantity) that can be introduced into the mold cavity via the first temperature control device can be greater by a factor of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0 or more than the amount of thermal energy that can be introduced into the mold cavity via the second temperature control device, or vice versa.

[0025] Possible embodiments of the molding tool are described below by way of example, on the basis of which, in particular, conceivable arrangement options for the at least one flow opening, which in all embodiments can be designed, for example, in a point-shaped or linear manner, can be recognized: The at least one or at least one flow opening can in principle be arranged or formed, for example, in the at least one molding tool body wall section. It is possible for a plurality of flow openings, in particular evenly distributed, to be arranged or formed in the at least one molding tool body wall section. It is also possible for at least one flow opening to be arranged or formed in each of a plurality of molding tool body wall sections, and thus for a plurality of flow openings to be arranged or formed distributed over a plurality of molding tool body wall sections.In all cases, the arrangement of individual, multiple, or all flow openings can be specifically selected to enable targeted introduction of thermal energy into the mold cavity, if necessary. This allows, for example, a localized introduction of thermal energy into areas that are difficult to temperature-control, such as thick-walled areas and / or areas close to the filling device of a particle foam molded part.

[0026] Specifically, the at least one flow opening or at least one flow opening can be arranged or formed, for example, in a vent opening arranged or formed in the at least one mold body wall section for venting the mold cavity, or can itself form at least such a vent opening. This represents a highly integrated possibility for arranging or forming a corresponding flow opening.

[0027] According to the invention, the at least one flow opening or at least one flow opening is arranged or formed in a flow channel outlet opening arranged or formed in the at least one mold body wall section of a flow channel structure present at least in sections on or in the at least one mold body wall section, or it itself forms such a flow channel outlet opening. This also represents a highly integrated possibility for arranging or forming a corresponding flow opening.

[0028] A corresponding flow channel structure through which a temperature-adjustable or temperature-controlled temperature-control fluid can flow can extend in at least one spatial direction and / or plane through the at least one mold body wall section.

[0029] The temperature control fluid flowing through the flow channel structure can be actively heated prior to entering the flow channel structure, e.g., by a heating device that may also be a component of the temperature control device, and / or passively heated during flow through the flow channel structure by heat exchange with the heated mold body wall section, optionally additionally. The flow channel structure is thus configured to temperature control a temperature control fluid flowing through it between a flow channel inlet opening and a flow channel outlet opening by heat transfer, in particular without convection. A corresponding temperature control fluid can thus be temperature controlled by appropriate heat transfer, in particular without convection; however, the thermal energy introduced into the temperature control fluid by temperature control typically spreads therein convectively.As mentioned, a corresponding flow channel exit opening can be a corresponding flow opening.

[0030] Further alternatively or additionally, the at least one flow opening or at least one flow opening can be arranged or formed in an energy-guiding element that extends from at least one mold body wall section into the mold cavity, in particular in a finger-like or finger-shaped manner. This also represents a highly integrated possibility for the arrangement or formation of a corresponding flow opening.

[0031] A corresponding energy-guiding element can have, in the region of a section projecting into the mold cavity, at least one outlet opening, in particular communicating with a channel-like or channel-shaped interior of the energy-guiding element, through which a temperature-control fluid can be introduced into the mold cavity via the energy-guiding element. A corresponding outlet opening can, in particular, be a corresponding flow opening.

[0032] Further alternatively or additionally, the at least one flow opening or at least one flow opening can be arranged or formed in a filling opening arranged or formed in the at least one mold body wall section for filling the mold cavity with plastic particle material, or can itself form such a filling opening. This also represents a highly integrated possibility for arranging or forming a corresponding flow opening.

[0033] The second temperature control device can thus be assigned to a filling device of the mold, which is configured to fill the mold cavity with plastic particulate material to be processed by the mold. The filling device can have at least one filling channel through which a filling flow can flow and which communicates with the at least one filling opening. The second temperature control device can be configured to introduce the temperature control fluid into the at least one filling channel via at least one inlet connection, which may be flange-like or flange-shaped, and which communicates with the at least one filling channel.The at least one inflow connection can be arranged or aligned at an angle, in particular at an acute or obtuse angle, relative to a filling channel axis defined by the at least one filling channel and can communicate directly or indirectly with the at least one filling channel, so that a tempering fluid can flow via the at least one inflow connection into the at least one filling channel and further via the at least one filling opening, which, as mentioned, can form a flow opening, into the mold cavity.

[0034] The filling device can comprise at least one closure body that is mounted, in particular reversibly, between at least one open position, in which plastic particulate material can exit the filling channel and thus fill the mold cavity with plastic particulate material, and at least one closed position, in which plastic particulate material cannot exit the filling channel and thus fill the mold cavity, in particular axially relative to a central axis of a housing of the filling device. A drive, e.g., a motorized, hydraulic, or pneumatic drive, can be assigned to the at least one closure body, via which a driving force can be generated that sets the at least one closure body in motion.

[0035] In all embodiments, the at least one closure body can have a base section with a cylindrical or shaped, more particularly hollow cylindrical or shaped, and thus quill-like or shaped, basic shape.

[0036] The at least one closure body can, in principle, be designed with or comprise a flow channel structure through which the temperature control fluid can flow, regardless of its specific geometric design. A corresponding closure-body-side flow channel structure can be arranged or formed, for example, by externally exposed or internally non-exposed recesses, bores, grooves, etc. in the base section of the closure body. Thus, the flow channel structure can be formed at least in sections in the outer circumference of a base section of the closure body, and / or the flow channel structure can be formed within a base section of the closure body, penetrating the closure body at least in sections, in particular in the axial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the base section of the closure body.

[0037] In all embodiments, a corresponding flow channel structure on the closure body side typically opens into a free end of the closure body facing a filling opening, which, after a temperature control fluid has emerged from the flow channel structure, enables the temperature control fluid to be fed into the mold cavity via the filling opening.

[0038] The possibility of introducing a temperature control fluid into the mold cavity via at least one corresponding filling opening makes it possible, in all corresponding embodiments, to reduce or prevent any defects, inhomogeneities, etc. in the area of ​​a particle foam molded part produced by the mold facing the filling opening, as thermal energy can be introduced into this area in a targeted manner through forced convection. In this way, for example, local conductive dissipation effects can be compensated.

[0039] A second aspect of the invention relates to a device for processing plastic particulate material to produce a particle foam molded part. The device comprises at least one molding tool according to the first aspect of the invention. Therefore, all embodiments related to the molding tool according to the first aspect of the invention apply analogously to the device according to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. The device can comprise functional and / or structural devices superordinate to the molding tool, such as a system frame for supporting the molding tool, a supply device for supplying the molding tool with one or more energy sources, etc.

[0040] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for processing plastic particulate material to produce a particle foam molded part. The method is characterized in that a first temperature control device is used to temperature control a mold cavity, which is configured to introduce the thermal energy required for temperature control of the mold cavity into the mold cavity exclusively through the at least one tool body wall section; and in addition, a second temperature control device is used to temperature control the mold cavity, which is configured to introduce the thermal energy required for temperature control of the mold cavity into the mold cavity via a temperature control fluid flowing into the mold cavity via at least one flow opening.

[0041] To carry out the method, in particular, a molding tool according to the first aspect of the invention or a device according to the second aspect of the invention can be used. Therefore, all embodiments related to the molding tool according to the first aspect of the invention and to the device according to the second aspect of the invention apply analogously to the method according to the third aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0042] The invention is explained again using exemplary embodiments in the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 - 4 each a schematic representation of a mold according to an embodiment, wherein Fig. 2 represents an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 5 a schematic diagram of a filling device of a molding tool according to an embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a molding tool 1 for processing plastic particle material to produce a particle foam molded part (not shown) according to a first embodiment.

[0044] A particle foam molded part that can be produced using the molding tool 1 can be understood as a partially finished or fully finished product, i.e., a semi-finished or fully finished product. A partially finished product is typically subjected to at least one further processing or finishing step. A fully finished product is typically not subjected to any further processing or finishing step.

[0045] A plastic particle material processable by means of the molding tool 1 can, in principle, be understood to mean any expandable or foamable plastic particle material and / or (pre-)expanded or (pre-)foamed plastic particle material that can be (further) processed to produce a particle foam molded part. Specifically, a plastic particle material processable by means of the molding tool 1 can thus be, for example, an expandable or (pre-)expanded polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyphenylene ether, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, or a polymer blend. Expandable or (pre-)expanded plastic particle materials based on biopolymers are also conceivable.

[0046] The plastic particulate material that can be processed by means of the molding tool 1 typically has a particulate and cellular structure prior to processing; The plastic particulate material that can be processed by means of the molding tool 1 therefore typically exists prior to processing as a plurality of individual, e.g., spherical, elongated, or angular plastic particulate material particles. The plastic particulate material particles can also generally be referred to or considered as beads.

[0047] The mold 1 comprises a tool body 2. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the tool body 2 comprises a plurality of mold body wall sections 2a - 2d, which delimit a mold cavity 3, which can also be regarded as a mold cavity and can be filled with plastic particle material.

[0048] Specifically, the mold body wall sections 2a, 2b in the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures each comprise a side wall laterally delimiting the mold cavity 3, the mold body wall section 2c comprises a bottom wall delimiting the mold cavity 3 on the bottom side, and the mold body wall section 2d comprises a top wall delimiting the mold cavity 3 on the top side.

[0049] As can be seen, the mold body wall sections 2a-2d can each form a separate wall of the mold body 2 or a section thereof. In particular, individual or multiple mold body wall sections 2a-2d can each form a separate mold half or a section thereof. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the mold body wall sections 2a-2c form, for example, a first mold half, and the mold body wall section 2d forms a second mold half.

[0050] For the configuration of the molding tool 1 shown in the figures with a plurality of molding tool body wall sections 2a-2d, at least one molding tool body wall section 2d can be movably mounted relative to at least one other molding tool body wall section 2a-2c. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, as indicated by the double arrow, the molding tool body wall section 2d forming the second molding tool half is, for example, movably mounted relative to the molding tool body wall sections 2a-2c forming the first molding tool half. In this way, open and closed positions of the molding tool 1 can be realized in a manner known per se. Specifically, the molding tool 1 can thus be designed, for example, as a plunge-edge tool, which comprises at least one molding tool body wall section 2a-2d formed with a plunge edge.

[0051] The mold 1, i.e. in particular the mold cavity 3, must be tempered, i.e. in particular heated, during normal operation in order to combine the plastic particle material filled into the mold cavity 3 by means of a filling device 12 via a filling opening 12.1, which can also be referred to as a filling nozzle, to form a particle foam molded part. For tempering or heating the mold 1, i.e. in particular the mold cavity 3, the mold 1 comprises two tempering devices 5, 6 which differ in terms of their tempering principle for tempering, i.e. in particular for heating, the mold cavity 3, which are described in more detail below.

[0052] A first temperature control device 5 is configured to introduce the thermal energy 5.1 (heat) required for temperature control of the mold cavity 3 into the mold cavity 3 exclusively through one or more mold body wall sections 2a-2d. The introduction of thermal energy into the mold cavity 3, which can be brought about via the first temperature control device 5, and the associated heating of the mold cavity 3, which can be brought about via the first temperature control device 5, thus takes place exclusively without convection and thus without the supply of temperature control fluids into the mold cavity 3 or into the interior of the mold cavity 3. The heating of the mold cavity 3, which can be brought about via the first temperature control device 5, thus takes place without forced convection, which does not exclude natural convection, in particular between the particles of the plastic particulate material filled into the mold cavity 3, within the mold cavity 3.

[0053] As indicated by way of example in the figures, the first temperature control device 5 can comprise a temperature control structure 5.2 which penetrates at least one mold body wall section 2a-2d, optionally all mold body wall sections 2a-2d, in one or more spatial directions and / or planes, via which the mold body wall section(s) 2a-2d can be temperature-controlled, i.e., in particular, heated. A corresponding temperature control structure 5.2 can comprise, for example, electrical heating elements, such as resistance heating elements, or flow channels through which a temperature control fluid can flow, but which do not allow the temperature control fluid to escape into the mold cavity 3.

[0054] A second temperature control device 6 is configured to introduce the thermal energy required for temperature control of the mold cavity 3 into the mold cavity 3 via a temperature control fluid 6.2 flowing into the mold cavity 3 through at least one flow opening 6.1, in particular opening directly into the mold cavity 3. The introduction of thermal energy into the mold cavity 3, which can be brought about via the second temperature control device 6, and the associated heating of the mold cavity 3, which can be brought about via the second temperature control device 6, thus takes place exclusively based on (forced) convection and thus on the basis of the supply of a temperature-controllable or temperature-controlled temperature control fluid 6.2, i.e., e.g., a gas and / or a liquid, into the mold cavity 3 or into the interior of the mold cavity 3.The heating of the mold cavity 3, which can be brought about via the second tempering device 6, thus takes place by forced convection, which in turn does not exclude additional natural convection, in particular between the particles of the plastic particle material filled into the mold cavity 3, within the mold cavity 3.

[0055] As indicated by way of example in the figures, the second temperature control device 6 can comprise at least one heating device 6.3, i.e., for example, an electric heating device or a heat exchanger, which is configured to heat a temperature control fluid 6.2 to be introduced into the mold cavity 3 via at least one flow opening 6.1, and at least one flow generation device 6.4, i.e., for example, a blower and / or suction flow generation device, such as, for example, a pump device, which is configured to generate a flow of the temperature control fluid 6.2, optionally heated by means of the heating device 6.3, to be introduced into the mold cavity 3 via the at least one flow opening 6.1. Furthermore, the second temperature control device 6 can be assigned a supply device, e.g., designed as a reservoir, for providing temperature control fluid 6.2.

[0056] The second tempering device 6 can thus be designed, for example, as a hot-blower device through the interaction of the heating device 6.3 and the flow generation device 6.4, via which a heated tempering fluid 6.2 can be generated and introduced into the mold cavity 3. The tempering fluid 6.2 can, as mentioned, be dry, ie, have no or a marginal amount of moisture.

[0057] In contrast to the prior art mentioned at the outset, the tempering or heating of the molding tool 1, i.e. in particular of the molding tool cavity 3, is therefore not carried out exclusively in a convection-free manner, but rather in a convection-free manner via the first tempering device 5, because it takes place without the introduction of tempering fluid into the molding tool cavity 3, and in a (forced) convection-based manner via the second tempering device 5, because it takes place with the introduction of tempering fluid 6.2 into the molding tool cavity 3, so that overall a comparatively very efficient mixed tempering of the molding tool 1, i.e. in particular of the molding tool cavity 3, can be realized.

[0058] The second temperature control device 6 enables a required and thus flexible, in particular additional, temperature control, as a specific amount of thermal energy can be introduced into the mold cavity 3 via the properties of the temperature control fluid 6.2 that can be introduced or has been introduced into the mold cavity 3 via the second temperature control device 6, i.e. in particular its thermal properties, such as its temperature, and / or its flow properties, such as its flow velocity. The arrangement of the respective flow openings 6.1, which is explained in more detail below by way of example, can even potentially enable a specific amount of thermal energy to be introduced locally into the mold cavity 3.

[0059] The first and second temperature control devices 5, 6 can generally be operated simultaneously, partially simultaneously, or sequentially. Thus, the two temperature control devices 5, 6 can be operated and / or deactivated simultaneously, or one temperature control device 5, 6 can be operated before another temperature control device 5, 6 and / or one temperature control device 5, 6 can be deactivated before another temperature control device 5, 6.

[0060] To control the operation of the temperature control devices 5, 6, a hardware and / or software-implemented, and therefore in particular computer-implemented, control device 8 can be assigned to them, which is configured to generate control information for controlling the operation of the temperature control devices 5, 6.

[0061] The control device 8 can likewise be configured to control the amount of thermal energy that can be introduced into the mold cavity 3 via the respective temperature control devices 5, 6. This can be achieved, for example, by controlling the power consumption of the respective temperature control devices 5, 6. Thus, the sum of the amounts of thermal energy that can be introduced separately into the mold cavity 3 via the two temperature control devices 5, 6 can result in a total amount as well as a distribution of the total thermal energy that can be introduced into the mold cavity 3 - this is typically sufficient to enable the desired bonding of the plastic particle material to form a particle foam molded part - which can be specifically adjusted or controlled via the control device 8, optionally in situ, in particular on the basis of sensor data supplied by sensors (not shown) present on the mold side.can be changed.

[0062] From the above explanations, it follows that the amount of thermal energy that can be introduced into the mold cavity 3 via the first temperature control device 5 can be equal to or different from the amount of thermal energy that can be introduced into the mold cavity 3 via the second temperature control device 6, and vice versa. In particular, the amount of thermal energy (heat quantity) that can be introduced into the mold cavity 3 via the first temperature control device 5 can be greater than the amount of thermal energy that can be introduced into the mold cavity 3 via the second temperature control device 6, or vice versa.

[0063] Below, possible exemplary embodiments of the molding tool 1 are described in more detail with specific reference to the figures, on the basis of which, in particular, conceivable arrangement options for one or more flow openings 6.1, which in all exemplary embodiments can be point-shaped or linear, can be recognized: The figure initially shows that one or more flow openings 6.1 can basically be arranged or formed in at least one molding tool body wall section 2a - 2d. It is possible for several flow openings 6.1, in particular evenly distributed, to be arranged or formed in the at least one molding tool body wall section 2a - 2d. It is also possible for at least one flow opening 6.1 to be arranged or formed in each of several molding tool body wall sections 2a - 2d, thus for several flow openings 6.1 are arranged or formed distributed over several mold body wall sections 2a - 2d. In all cases, the arrangement of individual, several, or all flow openings 6.1 can be specifically selected in order to be able to introduce thermal energy into mold cavity 3, if necessary. In this way, for example, a possibly localized introduction of thermal energy can be introduced into areas that are difficult to temperature-control, such as in thick-walled areas and / or areas close to the filling device of a particle foam molded part.

[0064] In the Fig. 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, flow openings 6.1 are arranged or formed, for example, in vent openings 9.1 arranged or formed in respective mold body wall sections 2a - 2d for venting the mold cavity 3, or they themselves form such vent openings 9.1. This is a highly integrated possibility for the arrangement or formation of corresponding flow openings 6.1.

[0065] In the Fig. 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, flow openings 6.1 are arranged or formed in flow channel outlet openings 10.1 arranged or formed in at least one mold body wall section of a flow channel structure 10 2a - 2d present at least in sections on or in at least one mold body wall section 2a - 2d, or they themselves form such flow channel outlet openings 10.1. This is also a highly integrated possibility for the arrangement or formation of a corresponding flow opening 6.1.

[0066] A corresponding flow channel structure 10 through which a temperature-controlled or temperature-controlled temperature-control fluid 6.2 can flow can extend in at least one spatial direction and / or plane through the respective mold body wall section(s) 2a - 2d.

[0067] The tempering fluid 6.2 flowing through the flow channel structure 10 can already be actively heated before entering the flow channel structure 10, e.g., by a heating device (not shown) that may also be a component of the second tempering device 6, and / or can be passively heated during the flow through the flow channel structure 10 by heat exchange with the respectively heated mold body wall section 2a-2d, optionally additionally. The flow channel structure 10 is thus configured to temper a tempering fluid 6.2 flowing through it between a flow channel inlet opening 10.2 into the flow channel structure 10 and a flow channel outlet opening 10.1 by heat transfer, in particular without convection. With a corresponding flow channel outlet opening 10.1, it can, as in Fig. 2 shown, in particular a corresponding flow opening 6.1.

[0068] In the Fig. 3 In the embodiment shown, flow openings 6.1 are arranged or formed in an energy guide element 11 that extends from at least one mold body wall section 2a-2d into the mold cavity 3, in particular in a finger-like or finger-shaped manner. This also represents a highly integrated possibility for the arrangement or formation of a corresponding flow opening.

[0069] A corresponding energy-guiding element 11 can have, in the region of a section projecting into the mold cavity 3, at least one outlet opening 11.2 communicating with a channel-like or channel-shaped interior 11.1 of the energy-guiding element 11, via which outlet opening a temperature-control fluid 6.2 can be introduced into the mold cavity 3 via the energy-guiding element 11. A corresponding outlet opening 11.2 can in particular be a corresponding flow opening 6.1.

[0070] In the Fig. 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, a flow opening 6.1 is arranged or formed in a filling opening 12.1 arranged or formed in a mold body wall section 2a - 2d for filling the mold cavity 3 with plastic particle material, or the filling opening itself forms such a filling opening 12.1. This is also a highly integrated possibility for arranging or forming a corresponding flow opening.

[0071] The second tempering device 6 can thus be assigned to a filling device 12 of the molding tool 1, which is designed to fill the molding tool cavity 3 with plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool 1.

[0072] The Fig. 5 The filling device 12, shown as a longitudinal section in one exemplary embodiment, can have at least one filling channel 12.2 through which a filling flow can flow and which communicates with the filling opening 12.1. The second temperature control device 6 can be configured to introduce the temperature control fluid 6.2 into the filling channel 12.2 via an inlet connection 12.3, which may be flange-like or flange-shaped and communicates with the filling channel 12.2. The inflow connection 12.3 can be arranged or aligned at an angle, in particular at an acute or obtuse angle, relative to a filling channel axis 12.4 defined by the filling channel 12.2 and can communicate directly or indirectly with the filling channel 12.2, so that a temperature control fluid 6.2 can flow via the inflow connection 12.3 into the filling channel 12.2 and further via the filling opening 12.1 into the mold cavity 3.

[0073] Based on Fig. 5 It is further apparent that the filling device 12 has at least one, in particular reversibly, open position, in which an exit of plastic particle material from the filling channel 12.2 and thus a filling of the mold cavity 3 with plastic particle material is possible, and at least one in Fig. 5 shown closed position, in which an exit of plastic particulate material from the filling channel 12.2 and thus a filling of the mold cavity 3 is not possible, comprise a closure body 12.6 that is movably mounted axially with respect to a central axis of a housing 12.5 of the filling device 12, which in the exemplary embodiment coincides with the filling channel axis 12.4. The closure body 12.6 can be assigned a drive (not shown), e.g., a motorized, hydraulic, or pneumatic drive, via which a drive force can be generated that sets the closure body 12.6 in an axial movement.

[0074] In all embodiments, the closure body 12.6 can have a base section 12.6.1 with a (hollow) cylinder-like or -shaped, thus quill-like or -shaped, basic shape.

[0075] In Fig. 5 It is indicated that the closure body 12.6 or the base section 12.6.1 can be formed with or comprise a flow channel structure 12.6.2 through which the temperature control fluid can flow, which can be arranged or formed in the base section 12.6.1, for example, by externally exposed or internally non-exposed recesses, bores, grooves, etc. Thus, the flow channel structure 12.6.2 can be formed, for example, in the form of a groove and / or annular groove at least in sections in the outer circumference of the base section 12.6.1 of the closure body 12.6, and / or in the form of an axially extending bore or groove penetrating the base section 12.6.1 of the closure body 12.6 within the base section 12.6.1 of the closure body 12.6.

[0076] The flow channel structure 12.6.2 typically opens into a free end of the closure body 12.6 facing a filling opening 12.1, which, after a temperature control fluid 6.2 has exited the flow channel structure 12.6.2, enables the temperature control fluid to be fed into the mold cavity 3 via the filling opening 12.1.

[0077] For the sake of completeness, in connection with the embodiment according to Fig. 5 added that reference numeral 12.7 indicates an inflow connection for feeding plastic particle material into the filling channel 12.2.

[0078] Although not shown in the figures, the molding tool 1 can form a component of a higher-level device for processing plastic particle material to produce a particle foam molded part. A corresponding device thus comprises at least one molding tool 2 and functional and / or structural devices superimposed on the molding tool 2, such as a system frame for supporting the molding tool, a supply device for supplying the molding tool with one or more energy sources, etc.

[0079] Furthermore, a method for processing plastic particle material to produce a particle foam molded part can be implemented with the molding tool 1. The method is characterized in that a first temperature control device 5 is used to temperature control the molding tool cavity 3, which is configured to introduce the thermal energy required for temperature control of the molding tool cavity 3 into the molding tool cavity 3 exclusively through at least one tool body wall section 2a - 2d; and in addition, a second temperature control device 6 is used to temperature control the molding tool cavity 3, which is configured to introduce the thermal energy required for temperature control of the molding tool cavity 3 into the molding tool cavity 3 via a temperature control fluid 6.1 flowing into the molding tool cavity 3 via at least one flow opening 6.1.

[0080] The method may further comprise the following steps: introducing at least one plastic particle material into the mold cavity 3 via a filling device 12, performing at least one measure that brings about a bonding process of the plastic particle material in the mold cavity 3 by introducing thermal energy into the plastic particle material or into the mold cavity 3 to form a particle foam molded part; and removing the particle foam molded part from the mold cavity 3.

[0081] Individual, multiple or all features described in connection with a specific embodiment can be combined with individual, multiple or all features of at least one further embodiment.

Claims

1. A mold (1) for processing plastic particle material for producing a particle foam molding, comprising at least one mold body wall portion (2a - 2d) limited mold cavity (3) having a mold body (2), comprising a first tempering device (5) for tempering the mold cavity (3), wherein the first tempering device (5) is set up to introduce thermal energy required for tempering the mold cavity (3) into the mold cavity (3), in particular convection-free, exclusively through the at least one mold body wall portion (2a - 2d); and a second tempering device (6) for tempering the mold cavity (3), wherein the second tempering device (6) is configured to introduce thermal energy required for tempering the mold cavity (3) into the mold cavity (3) via a tempering fluid (6.2) flowing through at least one flow opening (6.1) into the mold cavity (3), wherein which at least one flow opening (6.1) is arranged or formed in at least one mold body wall portion (2a - 2d) or formed flow channel outlet opening (10.1) of a flow channel structure (10) present at least in sections at or in at least one mold body wall portion (2a - 2d) is arranged or formed or forms such a flow channel structure (10), characterized in that the flow channel structure (10) is arranged to temper a temperature control fluid (6.2) passing through it between a flow channel input opening (10.2) and a flow channel output opening (10.1) by heat transfer, in particular convection-free.

2. The mold according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one flow opening (6.1) in the at least one mold body wall portion (2a - 2d) is arranged or formed.

3. The mold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one flow opening (6.1) is arranged or formed in the at least one mold body wall portion (2a - 2d) vent opening (9.1) for venting the mold cavity (3) or forms such.

4. The mold according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one flow opening (6.1) in a protruding from at least one mold body wall portion (2a - 2d) in the mold cavity (3) extendingly arranged or formed energy guide element (11) is arranged or formed.

5. The mold according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one flow opening (6.1) is arranged or formed in the at least one mold body wall portion (2a - 2d) filling opening (12.1) for filling the mold cavity (3) with plastic particle material or forms such.

6. The mold according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second temperature control device (6) is associated with a filling device (12), which is equipped for filling the mold cavity (3) with plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold (1).

7. The mold according to claim 6, characterized in that the filling device (12) has at least one flow-through of a filling flow, with the at least one filling opening (12.1) communicating filling channel (12.2), wherein the second temperature control device (6) is arranged to introduce the temperature control fluid (6.2) via an inlet flow connection (12.3) communicating with at least one filling channel (12.2) into the at least one filling channel (12.2).

8. The mold according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the filling device (12) comprises one between at least one open position, in which an outlet of plastic particle material from the at least one filling channel (12.2) is possible, and at least one closure position, in which an outlet of plastic particle material from the at least one filling channel (12.2) is not possible, in particular in the at least one filling channel (12.2), movably mounted closure body (12.6), wherein the closure body (12.6) is formed with a flow channel structure (12.6.2) which can be flowed through by the temperature control fluid (6.2).

9. The mold according to claim 8, characterized in that the flow channel structure (12.6.2) is formed at least partially in the outer periphery of a base portion (12.6.1) of the closure body (12.6), and / or the flow channel structure (12.6.2) the closure body (12.6) is formed at least partially, in particular in the axial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the base portion (12.6.1) of the closure body (12.6), interspersed within the base portion (12.6.1) of the closure body (12.6).

10. The mold according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the second temperature control device (6) a heating device (6.3), which is set up for heating a temperature control fluid (6.3) to a temperature above 25°C, in particular above 55°C, further in particular above 155°C, further above 195°C, and a flow generation device (6.4), which comprises for generating a flow of the, optionally heated via the heating device (6.3), temperature control fluid into the mold cavity (3).

11. A device for processing plastic particle material for producing a particle foam molding, comprising at least one molding tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. A method for processing plastic particle material for producing a particle foam molding, characterized in that a mold (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is used for carrying out the method, wherein for tempering a mold cavity (3) a first tempering device (5) is used, which is equipped to introduce the required thermal energy into the mold cavity (5) for tempering the mold cavity (3), in particular convection-free, exclusively through at least one mold body wall section (2a - 2d); and A second tempering device (6) is used for tempering the mold cavity (3), which is configured to introduce thermal energy required for tempering the mold cavity (3) into the mold cavity (3) via a flowing through at least one flow opening (6.1) into the mold cavity (3) tempering fluid (6.2).