CALIBRATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AN EXTRUDED PLASTIC PROFILE STRAND

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a calibration device for an extruded plastic profile strand and a method for calibrating an extruded plastic profile strand and a calibrated plastic profile.

[0002] A method for calibrating an extruded plastic profile strand and a calibrating device for an extruded plastic profile strand are known from EP 0 584 476 A1.

[0003] Calibrated plastic profiles with form-locking elements are known, for example, from WO 2013 / 189604 A1. For the hollow chamber profiles shown there, either a single profile strand is extruded and calibrated and, after calibration and cooling, closed, e.g., by form-locking elements designed as clip connections. Or two separate profile strands are extruded and calibrated and, after calibration and cooling, connected by a form-locking connection, known as a roller joint.

[0004] Other calibrated plastic profiles with form-locking elements, known as anti-bimetallic profiles or shear-flexible profiles, which feature longitudinal displacement of two profile parts, are known from DE 199 56 415 C1, US 2020 / 0040640 A1, and EP 0 657 612 A1. In these calibrated plastic profiles with form-locking elements, the corresponding elements or profile parts are also first extruded and calibrated, and then connected after cooling, e.g., by clipping.

[0005] From DE 10 2018 132 434 A1 a method for producing two plastic profiles, which are connected by a positive fit, in an extrusion tool is known.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a calibration device for an extruded plastic profile strand and a method for calibrating an extruded plastic profile strand, which simplify and improve the production of calibrated plastic profiles with form-locking elements, as well as to provide a calibrated plastic profile with form-locking elements and improved functionality.

[0007] This object is achieved by a calibration device according to claim 1 or a method for calibrating an extruded plastic profile strand according to claim 7 or a calibrated plastic profile according to claim 13.

[0008] Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] By elastically and / or plastically deforming the areas of extruded plastic profile strands that form the form-locking elements while they are still soft within the calibrator, calibrated plastic profile strands can be produced, with the form-locking elements already connected at the calibrator exit. This allows the production of calibrated plastic profile strands with form-locking elements that would otherwise be impossible or very difficult to form into a form-locking connection.

[0010] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the description of embodiments based on the figures.

[0011] From the figures show: Fig. 1 shows an extrusion line for plastic profile extrusion, in which an embodiment of the calibration device is provided and with which an embodiment of the method can be carried out; Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a calibration device for an extruded plastic profile strand, which in views a) to d) shows the cross section of the calibration device at the cross sections Q1 to Q4. Fig. 1 Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a calibration device for an extruded plastic profile strand, which in views a) to d) shows the cross section of the calibration device at the cross sections Q1 to Q4 from Fig. 1 Fig. 4 shows the same cross sections Fig. 3a ) to d), in which the cross section of the fully calibrated profile is shown in the background to illustrate the deformation; Fig. 5 a third embodiment of a calibration device for an extruded plastic profile strand, which in views a) to d) shows the cross section of the calibration device at the cross sections Q1 to Q4 from Fig. 1 Fig. 6 shows the extrusion line from Fig. 1 with a cross-sectional view of the extrusion nozzle and the calibrator of the third embodiment; and Fig. 7 in a) the first embodiment of Fig. 2 a) with a section marked by a dashed rectangle, in b) the section from Fig. 7 a) in an enlarged view, and in c) a cross-section of the upper profile 51 from Fig. 3 d) in enlarged view.

[0012] In the following description of embodiments, all features, even if described in conjunction with other features, are disclosed separately and as combinable with the features of other embodiments, even if this is not expressly described, unless the corresponding combination is not technically possible.

[0013] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an extrusion system for plastic profile extrusion. The system comprises an extruder 10, with which plastic can be heated in the usual way, e.g., by one or more extrusion screws, and can be output as extruded plastic. At an outlet of the extruder, an extrusion nozzle 20 for outputting an extruded plastic profile strand is arranged in the usual way. Following the extrusion nozzle 20, a calibration device 30, which is designed according to the teachings of the present application, is arranged. Fig. 1 A calibrated plastic profile 50 is output from the output side of the calibration device 30 shown on the left. Therefore, the plastic moves in the direction of movement indicated by the arrow F from the extruder 10 through the extrusion nozzle 20 on the Fig. 1 / Fig. 6 right-hand input side 32 into the calibration device 30 and on the Fig.1 The output side 33 shown on the left out of the calibration device 30. In the Fig. 1 In the extrusion system shown, which is designed for a profile drawing process, a take-off device 40 is shown downstream in the direction of movement F, by means of which the calibrated plastic profile 50 is drawn in the direction of movement F in the usual way.

[0014] In this extrusion system, the conveying speed of the extruder 10 and the take-off speed of the take-off device 40 are conventionally controlled or regulated so that the plastic profile 50 is extruded and calibrated accordingly. This is known in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0015] In Fig. 1 The dashed lines labeled Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 show the positions of cross sections through the calibration device 30 perpendicular to the direction of movement F.

[0016] In Fig. 2 Figures a) to d) show corresponding cross sections through a first embodiment of the calibration device 30. The calibration device 30 has a calibrator body 31 with a channel 34, 35, 36, which runs in the direction of movement F from the input side 32 to the output side 33. The channel 34, 35, 36 has two channel regions 34, 35 upstream in the direction of the input side 32, each with its own inlet on the input side. These two channels run downstream in the direction of movement F in such a way that they continuously approach each other and merge into a channel region 36 (see Fig. 2d )) are merged.

[0017] In the Fig. 2a ) to d), the outer circumference of the calibrator body 31 is represented by a rectangular box. The outer circumference of the respective channel areas 34, 35, 36 corresponds in Fig. 2a) bis 2d ) the outer circumference of the plastic profile strands 51, 52 shown in grey.

[0018] As in Fig. 2a ), the two profile strands 51, 52 are not identical in cross-section, but they are suitable for the Fig. 2d ) shown connection is complementary.

[0019] In the state of the art, these two profiles are extruded and calibrated separately and, after cooling, are joined together, e.g. by a longitudinal displacement.

[0020] As can be seen from the sequence of cross sections Q1 to Q5 in the Fig. 2a) bis 2d ), it is possible with the calibrator 30 of the first embodiment to connect these two profile strands 51, 52 in the calibrator in a state in which the profiles can (still) be deformed relatively easily, before exiting the calibrator body 31.

[0021] In addition, the Fig. 7 a) , in which the representation of Fig. 2 a) with a section marked by a dashed rectangle, and on the Fig. 7 b) , in which the excerpt from Fig. 7 a) shown in an enlarged view. The two profile strands 51, 52 each have a so-called curling body / curling head 51a, 52a. Such curling bodies are known in the art for connection to aluminum profiles by so-called curling. Both profiles each have a profile strut 51b, 52b, which is formed integrally with the corresponding curling head 51a, 52b. In the Fig. 2 upper profile 51, this strut 51b is angled, while in the case of Fig. 2 a) / 7 a ) is straight, as shown in the profile 52 below. However, these differences are not important for the present teaching. The two profile strands 51, 52 could also be identical in cross-section. Complementary elements are formed on the struts 51b, 52b, which in the joined state, which is shown in Fig. 2d ) are connected by form fit. The Fig. 7 a) und b ) show only one pair of the complementary elements, but the description and representation obviously also applies to the other complementary elements from Fig. 2 a) bis d) . These complementary elements consist of a projection 51c, 52c, which has a stem 52s projecting from the corresponding strut 51b, 52b ( Fig. 7 b) ) and at the free end of the trunk a head 52k ( Fig. 7 b) ). The head 52k has a significantly larger diameter 52kd ( Fig. 7 b) ) than the tribe 52s / 52sd ( Fig. 7 b) ), as in the Fig. 2a) bis 2d ) and 7 a), b). Preferably, the diameter 52kd of the head 52k is at least 1.5 times, in the case of the claimed calibrated plastic profiles at least 2 times, and more preferably at least 2.5 times larger than the diameter 52sd of the stem 52s. A reasonable upper limit is a diameter 52kd of the head 52k that is at most 5 times, more preferably 4 times, and even more preferably 3 times, such as 2.5 times, larger than the diameter 52sd of the stem 52s.

[0022] On the respective other profile strand, a recess 51h, 52h is formed as a second complementary element, the contour of which is adapted in cross-section to receive the head 52k of the complementary projection 51c, 52c. The corresponding recess 51h, 52h is delimited in cross-section laterally on both sides by walls of the profile areas 51d, 51e, 52d, 52e shown there as projections. The corresponding recess has an opening 51o ( Fig. 7 b) ) with a diameter of 51od ( Fig. 7 b) ) is smaller than the diameter 52kd of the head 52k of the corresponding complementary projection 51c, 52c. The diameter 51od of this opening is dimensioned such that it corresponds to the diameter 52sd of the stem 52s of the complementary projection 51c, 52c with a small allowance of 5 to 50%, more preferably 5 to 25% and even more preferably 5 to 15%, such as 10%. In other words, in the calibration device 30, the allowance is selected from a range of, for example, 5% to 25% of the added dimensions of the sections of the extruded plastic profile strand forming the at least two complementary elements. Depending on the field of application, a larger allowance could also be chosen, but the diameter 51od of the opening 51o of the recess 51h, 52b should preferably be smaller than the diameter 52kd of the head 52k of the corresponding complementary projection 51c, 52c.

[0023] The calibrator device from Fig. 2 is designed so that one profile strand 51 in one direction, in Fig. 2 the height direction, is movable over the other profile strand 52 in the corresponding channel areas 35, 34. The two channel areas 35, 34 are designed such that they are progressively closer to each other with the direction of movement F and then in a single channel area 36 ( Fig. 2d )) are merged.

[0024] This moves the complementary elements projection and recess towards each other and, as can be seen from the Fig. 2b) bis 2d ) can be clearly seen, brought into formal closure.

[0025] The channel areas 35, 34 and 36 are designed in such a way that, particularly in the channel areas between the Fig. 2b) und 2d ) shown cross sections Q2, Q3 and Q4, the channel areas have an allowance compared to the added dimensions of the corresponding projections 51e, 51d and 52c or 52d, 52e and 51c, which allow a deflection of the wall sections 51e, 51d or 52d, 52h delimiting the recess by elastic deformation in this case.

[0026] This means that since the profile strands 51, 52 in the corresponding channel areas 35, 34 on the outside of the profile strand already have a solid layer, which also has a restoring force when deformed, by a correspondingly designed course of the channel areas 35, 34 and 36 the solid layer allows the desired elastic deformation below the elastic limit and then the projections 51e, 51d or 52d and 52e after the heads have passed through the opening of the corresponding recess 51h or 52h again into the Fig. 2d ) position shown. This means that in the position shown in Fig. 2b ) shown cross-section Q2, the corresponding projections 51e, 51d and 52d, 52e are in the desired position with the corresponding shape of the recesses 51h and 52h, respectively, in the Fig. 2c ) these projections are elastically deformed so that the head 51c or 52c can be pushed through the opening of the recess, and in the position shown in Fig. 2d ) shown position, the corresponding projections 51e, 51d and 52d, 52e are again in the position shown in Fig. 2b ) has been moved by the elastic restoring forces.

[0027] The corresponding cross sections Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 do not have to be exactly at the Fig. 1 schematically shown positions. For example, the calibrator body 31 could be even longer downstream of the cross-section Q4.

[0028] In the Fig. 2a ) to d) are schematically represented by small circles, some of which are designated with the reference numeral 31k, cooling channels in the calibrator body. All in Fig. 2 The circles shown are cooling channels, but adding reference symbols for all of these cooling channels would have made the drawing unclear, so only some of the circles are provided with the corresponding reference symbol.

[0029] The design of the calibrator 30 such that the form fit of the complementary elements is achieved by elastic deformation is not limited to the Fig. 2 The profile shape shown is limited. One-sided form closures such as clip elements or roller joints of the type shown in WO 2013 / 189604 A1 or WO 2018 / 069859 A1 can also be connected by appropriate elastic deformation (joining) in the calibrator. Fig. 2 The profile strands shown or the profile strands just mentioned could also be subjected to plastic deformation as described below with reference to the Fig. 3 described, or by a combination of elastic and plastic deformation in the calibrator.

[0030] The Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the calibrator / calibrator 13. The calibrator is again in the cross sections Q1 to Q4 made of Fig. 1 in the corresponding Fig. 3a) bis 3d ). Those elements and configurations such as shapes and dimensions and their ranges that correspond to those of the first embodiment will not be described and / or shown again. For example, in Fig. 3 no cooling channels 31k are shown or described in the calibrator body, although they may of course be present, and the dimensions and areas of the complementary elements are not described again, etc.

[0031] In the second embodiment, which is shown in Fig. 3 As shown, the calibrator 30 has a calibrator body 31 which is mounted on the input side 32 (see Fig. 6 ) has two separate inlets which open into separate channel areas 34, 35. Extruded plastic profile strands 51, 52 are introduced into these channel areas, which Fig. 3 are shown in cross-section by hatching. The outer circumference of the illustrated profile strands 51, 52 corresponds to the inner contour of the corresponding channel areas 34, 35, 36.

[0032] The Fig. 7 c) shows a cross section of the upper profile 51 from Fig. 3 d) in enlarged view. In the Fig. 3 In the embodiment shown, the two profile strands are identical in cross-section. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 the two profile strands 51, 52 have projections 51g, 52g, which simultaneously serve as projections with stem 51s and head 51k ( Fig. 7 c) ) and serve as one of the two projections forming a lateral wall of the corresponding recess 51h, 52h. The corresponding channel regions 34, 35, 36 are formed with corresponding regions for these projections.

[0033] As from the Fig. 3 As can be clearly seen in the corresponding cross-sections, the positive connection is not achieved by elastic deformation but by plastic deformation of the corresponding regions of the profile strands 51, 52. Specifically, the channel region 34 has an area for calibrating a curling head 51a of the profile strand 51, to which a strut 51b adjoins. A projection 51g with a stem 51s and a head 51k is formed on the strut 51b at the free end of the stem 51s.

[0034] The relevant description of the Fig. 2 will not be repeated here. Unlike the profile of the Fig. 2 The other projection 51f, which together with the projection 51g forms the recess 51h, also adjoins the profile head 51a. This would, of course, be possible with a different profile shape, in which the strut 51b is longer and the projection 51f is formed on the strut 52b. The channel region 34 has corresponding regions for calibrating these components of the profile strand 51a, as can be seen from the Fig. 3a is obvious.

[0035] At the Fig. 3 In the embodiment shown, the two profile strands are identical in cross-section. In the prior art, such a profile strand would be calibrated by a calibrator, then cut to size, and then joined to another section of the profile strand by longitudinal displacement.

[0036] With the calibrator 30 of the second embodiment, it is possible to extrude two identical profile strands and then calibrate and join them simultaneously in the same calibrator 30.

[0037] For this purpose, the two profile strands 51, 52 are guided through the corresponding channel areas 34, 35 not only in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of movement (the height direction in Fig. 3 ) to each other, but the cross section of the profile strands 51, 52 is also guided in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of movement and oblique / perpendicular to the first direction (the direction in Fig. 3 horizontal direction), is changed / deformed. In this case, both the projections 51g, 52g and the projections 51f, 52f are deformed and thus the opening 51o ( Fig. 7 c) ) of the corresponding recesses 51h, 52h compared to the open state in Fig. 3a ) closed, as in Fig. 3d ). In other words, the two channel areas, and in particular the channel areas for the areas of the profile strands forming the complementary elements, are designed in such a way that they initially come closer to each other along the direction of movement F and then are brought together in a channel area 36. This design of the channel areas 34, 35, 36 allows the plastic deformation and the creation of the form fit of the corresponding complementary elements, as shown in Fig. 3d ). Naturally, in this case too, the corresponding regions of the profile strands have a solid layer on their outer side, which, however, is deformed beyond the elastic limit (yield point) by the corresponding design of the channel regions 34, 35, 36.

[0038] In Fig. 4 are the same cross sections as in Fig. 3 In the background of the cross sections in the Fig. 4a), 4b) und 4c ) is additionally hatched the final state of the calibrated plastic profile 50 at the exit from the calibrator 30, as it corresponds to the cross section in Fig. 4d ) is shown. By superimposing these images, it is clearly visible how the channel areas 34, 35 initially essentially overlap in the height direction in Fig. 4 , ie, the height direction of the calibrator 30 from Fig. 1 , be approximated (cf. Fig. 4a ) and b)), then brought closer together in the transverse direction of the calibrator and brought together (cf. Fig. 4b) bis 4d )). The Fig. 3 und 4 The relatively strict separation of the movements of the projections 51g, 52g and then the projections 51f and 52f shown is possible but not mandatory. The corresponding "movements" of the channel regions toward each other can also be configured in the calibrator body 31 such that they occur at more or less the same points in the cross-sections in the direction of movement F.

[0039] The calibrator from Fig. 2 can be produced relatively easily in a conventional manner, e.g. as a calibrator block by wire erosion. Due to the relatively complex course of the channel areas 34, 35, 36 in the calibrator made of Fig. 3 This is not so easy. This calibrator could therefore be manufactured, for example, by manufacturing it in several blocks in the longitudinal direction / direction of movement F or by 3D printing with the relatively complex channel regions 34, 35, 36.

[0040] In summary, the calibration devices 30 from the Fig. 1 bis 3 Calibration devices for an extruded plastic profile strand for calibrating the extruded plastic profile strand into a calibrated plastic profile 50, which exits from the outlet on the outlet side 33. The calibrator body has a channel 34, 35, 36 with two channel areas 34, 35 with separate inlets on the inlet side 32, which open into a channel area 36, ​​which ends in an outlet on the outlet side 33, at which the calibrated plastic profile 50 can be output. Fig. 1 In the extrusion system shown, the output is achieved by pulling the calibrated plastic profile out of and through the calibrator.

[0041] The channel areas 34, 35 and 36 are designed and extend in the direction of movement / longitudinal direction F through the calibrator body 31 in such a way that the corresponding complementary elements, which in the embodiments of Fig. 2 and 3as projections 51c, 52c or 51g, 52g and corresponding recesses 51h, 52h, are initially brought closer together in the longitudinal direction along the direction of movement F and then brought together in a single channel region 36. The channel regions are designed such that they have the allowance for calibration that is also customary in the prior art and, in the regions in which the complementary elements are brought together, in particular at / in the locations / regions in which elastic deformation is to take place, an excess allowing elastic deformation in addition to the added dimensions of the corresponding sections of the sections of the plastic profiles forming the complementary elements.

[0042] In the case of a purely plastic deformation such as the plastic deformation taking place between the cross sections Q3 and Q4 in Fig. 3 no additional oversize is necessary since plastic and not elastic deformation takes place.

[0043] The teaching of the present invention is not only applicable to a calibration device and the corresponding production of calibrated plastic profiles consisting of two separate plastic profile strands, but also to calibrated plastic profile strands that are extruded and calibrated in one piece and have corresponding form-locking elements.

[0044] Such a third embodiment is described with reference to Fig. 5 This third embodiment of a calibration device 30 is described in Fig. 6 in an extrusion plant Fig. 1 in cross section along line AA Fig. 5 shown. In Fig. 6 The extrusion nozzle 20 is also shown schematically in cross-section along line AA. Those elements and configurations corresponding to those of the first / second embodiment, such as cooling channels 31k, are not described and / or shown again.

[0045] The calibrator / calibrator 30 of the third embodiment comprises a calibrator body 31 with a channel 37, which is branched into two channel regions 37a and 37b. These two channel regions 37a, 37b are Fig. 6 clearly visible in cross-section. The extrusion nozzle 20 accordingly has a branching nozzle shape with corresponding areas 20a and 20b. Thus, on the inlet side 32 of the calibrator body 31, an extruded plastic profile strand can enter the channel 37. The two channel areas 37a, 37b are, as in the first and second embodiments, the initially separate channel areas 34, 35 are continuously guided closer to each other in the longitudinal direction / direction of movement F and are in the Fig. 5 area shown on the right, as can be seen from the Fig. 5a ) to d). The parts of the regions 37a, 37b located more centrally in the calibrator body 31 are not joined, so that the calibrated plastic profile 50 forms a hollow profile body.

[0046] The plastic profile, which can be calibrated with the calibrator 30 of the third embodiment, has, in Fig. 5 left, a stem 53s and adjoining two struts 53a, 53b. The strut 37a has a projection 53c at its free end. The other strut 37b has a recess 53h at its free end opposite the free end of the strut 37a in the calibrated state, which is complementary to the projection 53c. The recess 53h is delimited by corresponding side walls of the projections 53d, 53e. Even if in Fig. 5 not as detailed as in the Fig. 2 and 3 As shown, the projection 53c has a head whose diameter is larger than that of the stem of the projection 53c. The recess 53e in turn has an opening facing the projection 53c, the diameter of which in the final state is again smaller than the diameter of the head of the projection 53c. Bringing the projection 53c into positive engagement with the recess 53h takes place in the Fig. 5 In the embodiment shown, this is again achieved by elastic deformation. However, a design with plastic deformation would also be possible. This elastic deformation for forming the positive connection is combined with a plastic deformation of at least one section of the profile strand, here section 53b, in which Fig. 5a ) circled area 53p. In this case, too, the channel areas can be designed in such a way that the deformation in area 53p or another area takes place elastically, so that when the form fit is broken, the hollow profile opens without it having to be "bent open". Fig. 5 However, this is not the case in the embodiment shown.

[0047] With the Fig. 1 bis 6 With the calibration devices 30 shown or with differently designed calibration devices 30 for an extruded plastic profile strand, it is possible to carry out the following method for calibrating an extruded plastic profile strand into a calibrated plastic profile 50 which, in the calibrated state, has at least two complementary elements which form a positive connection in cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the calibrated plastic profile.

[0048] In this method, at least one extruded plastic profile to be calibrated is first introduced into at least one channel of the calibrator body 31. In the Fig. 1 bis 4 In the embodiments shown, at least two extruded plastic profiles are introduced into two separate inlets of corresponding channel areas of the calibrator body 31, while in the embodiment in Fig. 5 an extruded plastic profile strand is introduced into an inlet on the inlet side of the calibrator body 31. Of course, more than two plastic profile strands can also be introduced accordingly and brought into a positive connection by corresponding complementary elements in the calibrator through appropriate formation and guidance of channels.

[0049] After inserting the at least one extruded plastic profile strand to be calibrated into the at least one channel of the calibrator body, this plastic profile strand is moved through the channel(s) in the calibrator body in a direction of movement F from the input side 32 to an output side 33, which is located on a side of the calibrator body 31 opposite the input side 32, e.g., by pulling. The inputs and channel regions are designed such that the at least two complementary elements of the plastic profile to be calibrated are separated from each other perpendicular to the direction of movement F and do not form a positive connection.

[0050] As the plastic profile to be calibrated moves in the direction of movement F within the calibrator body, the corresponding regions of the plastic profile to be calibrated, which form the at least two complementary elements, are continuously brought closer together (through appropriate design and a corresponding configuration of the channel regions) and subsequently brought together in such a way that the complementary elements are brought into a positive fit through plastic and / or elastic deformation. Upon further movement in the direction of movement F, a calibrated plastic profile, in which the two complementary elements form a positive fit, is output on the output side.

[0051] In a procedure that Fig. 2 bis 4 is based, one of the two complementary elements is introduced into an entrance in a channel area that is separate from the entrance and channel area into which the other of the two complementary elements is introduced.

[0052] In a procedure that is carried out in the Fig. 5 As shown, both sections of the plastic profile to be calibrated, which form the complementary elements, are introduced into the same channel, but initially into separate sections of the same channel. Subsequently, these separate channel sections, and thus the corresponding sections of the extruded plastic profile strand, are first brought closer together and then merged.

[0053] With the extrusion lines and calibration devices from the Fig. 1 bis 6 and the corresponding method, a calibrated plastic profile 50 can be produced, which is made, for example, of polyamide with or without glass fiber reinforcement, which extends in a longitudinal direction and has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in which at least two complementary elements form a positive connection in the cross section.

[0054] By deforming these calibrated plastic profiles in the soft state in the calibrator, a positive connection can be created between at least two complementary elements. After cooling, i.e. at room temperature, this connection can only be separated in any direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction by a force that damages the corresponding calibrated plastic profile. The same applies if the corresponding positive connection is to be created by movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The plastic profile is dimensioned such that it cannot be separated by a force in any direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction whose magnitude is less than or equal to 300 N per 2 cm of length of the plastic profile 50. If this force magnitude is exceeded, separation will lead to damage and / or destruction of the elements forming the positive connection or other areas of the calibrated plastic profile.Preferably, the force at which the form fit cannot be broken is less than or equal to 400 N per 2 cm of length of the plastic profile, more preferably less than or equal to 500 N per 2 cm of length of the plastic profile. In particular, for a profile of the type described in the . Fig. 2 bis 5 Such a design of the calibrated plastic profile is easy to realize, in which a first complementary element on a first plastic profile strand of the two separate calibrated plastic profile strands is a projection with a stem and a head at the free end of the stem, in which the head has a larger diameter in cross section than the stem, and in which the other, second complementary element on a second of the two separate plastic profile strands is designed as a recess, which in the calibrated state has an opening of the recess in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the stem but smaller than the diameter of the head. Only the selection of the dimensions of the head and the corresponding elements delimiting the recess, such as the Fig. 2 bis 5 projections shown accordingly.

[0055] One embodiment of the teachings is therefore also a plastic profile extrusion system comprising an extruder 10 with an outlet for dispensing extruded plastic, an extrusion nozzle 20 arranged at the outlet of the extruder for dispensing an extruded plastic profile strand, a calibration device 30 following the extrusion nozzle according to one of the following patent claims, and a take-off device 40 for a calibrated plastic profile 50 dispensed from the calibration device 30.

Claims

1. Calibration device (30) for an extruded plastic profile strand for calibrating the extruded plastic profile strand into a calibrated plastic profile (50) comprising a calibrator body (31) with at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37, 37a, 37b, 37c), which extends in a movement direction (F) and has at least one inlet and one outlet and has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the movement direction (F) at the outlet, which corresponds to the calibrated external cross-section of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated, characterized in that the calibrated plastic profile (50) comprises at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) in the calibrated state on the output side (33), which complementary elements form a form fit in the cross section perpendicular to the movement direction (F), and in that the at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37, 37a, 37b, 37c) has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the movement direction (F) at the inlet in which the at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated are separated perpendicular to the movement direction (F) and do not form a positive fit, and in that the at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37, 37a, 37b, 37c) is designed from the inlet to the outlet such that the at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) of the at least one channel are formed along the movement direction (F) in a manner (Q1, Q2, Q3) bringing them progressively closer to each other and then together into one calibrating channel region (36; 37c) in such a way that the sections of the extruded plastic profile strand forming the at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51f; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) are brought into form fit at the outlet by plastic and / or elastic deformation.

2. Calibration device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one channel (34, 35, 36) comprises the (first) cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the movement direction (F) on the side of the at least one inlet such that at least two separate inlets (34, 35) are formed such that one (51c; 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g; 51g) of the at least two complementary elements of the plastic profile to be calibrated can enter the channel in one (34) of the separate inlets and another one (52h, 52c, 52d) of the at least two complementary elements of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated can enter the channel in another one (35) of the separate inlets; 52c; 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g), and comprises the (second) cross-sectional shape (36) on the outlet side which corresponds to the calibrated external cross-section of the plastic profile to be calibrated.

3. Calibration device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one channel (37, 37a, 37b, 37c) comprises the (first) cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the movement direction (F) on the side of the at least one inlet in such a way that one inlet (37, 37a, 37b, 37c) is formed in such a way that each one (53c; 53h, 53d, 53e) of the at least two complementary elements of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated can enter the channel spatially separated each in another area (37a, 37b) of the same inlet, and comprises the (second) cross-sectional shape (37c) on the side of the outlet which corresponds to the calibrated outer cross-section of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated.

4. Calibration device (30) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the calibrator body (31) has an input side (32) and an output side (33), which is arranged on a side of the calibrator body (31) opposite the input side (32) in a movement direction (F), and the at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37, 37a, 37b, 37c) extends from the input side (32) to the output side (33) and has a first cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the movement direction (F) on the input side (32), in which the at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated are separated perpendicular to the movement direction (F) and do not form a positive fit, and on the output side (33) has a second cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the movement direction (F) on the output side (33), which corresponds to the calibrated outer cross-section of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated, the channel regions of the at least one channel which calibrate the at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated comprise in a region along the movement direction (F) in which the sections of the extruded plastic profile strand forming the at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) are brought into a form fit by plastic and / or elastic deformation, an overmeasure relative to the added dimensions of the at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) of the extruded plastic profile strand.

5. Calibration device (30) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the calibrator body (31) has cooling channels (31k), preferably at least one of which extends between channel regions which come continuously closer to one another, and / or the at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37, 37a, 37b, 37c) is designed in such a way that the extruded plastic profile strand can be moved in the movement direction (F) through the calibrator body (31) by drawing the calibrated plastic profile (50) downstream of the outlet.

6. Calibration device (30) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated comprises at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) on the output side (33) in the calibrated state such that the one first complementary element is a protrusion (51c; 52c; 51g; 52g; 53c) with a stem (51s; 52s) and a head (51k; 52k) at the free end of the stem (51s; 52s), wherein the head (51k; 52k) has a larger diameter (51kd; 52kd) in cross section than the stem, and that the other second complementary element is a recess (51h; 52h; 53h) which, in the calibrated state, is adapted to receive the head (52k; 51k) and is delimited by two lateral wall elements (52c, 52d; 51d, 51e; 51f, 51g; 52f, 52g; 53d, 53e), which are preferably formed by protrusions, such that the opening (51o; 52o) of the recess has a diameter (51od; 52od) in cross section which is greater than the diameter (52sd; 51sd) of the stem (52s; 51s) but smaller than the diameter (52kd; 51kd) of the head (52k; 51k) of the first complementary element, such that there is a form fit of the recess (51h; 52h; 52h) with the head (52k; 51k) in cross section enclosing the head in two opposite directions, and the at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37, 37a, 37b, 37c) is formed from the inlet to the outlet such that the channel regions of the at least one channel which calibrate the protrusion (51c; 52c; 51g; 52g; 53c) and the lateral wall elements (52c, 52d; 51d, 51e; 51f, 51g; 52f, 52g; 53d, 53e) delimiting the recess (51h; 52h; 53h) of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated, are designed to continuously approach each other (Q1, Q2, Q3) and then brought together in one calibrating channel region (36; 37c) for pressing the protrusion into the recess under plastic and / or elastic deformation.

7. Method for calibrating an extruded plastic profile strand into a calibrated plastic profile (50) which, in the calibrated state, comprises at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) which, in cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the calibrated plastic profile (50), form a form fit, comprising the steps: inserting at least one extruded plastic profile strand to be calibrated into at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37, 37a, 37b, 37c) of a calibrator body (31) in such a way that the at least one plastic profile strand to be calibrated can move in a movement direction (F) from an input side (32) of the calibrator body (31) to an output side (33), which is arranged on a side of the calibrator body (31) opposite the input side (32) in the movement direction (F), through the calibrator body (31), and that the at least one plastic profile strand to be calibrated has, upon insertion, a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the movement direction (F), in which the at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated are separated perpendicular to the movement direction (F) and do not form a form fit; moving the plastic profile strand to be calibrated in the movement direction (F) from the input side (32) of the calibrator body (31) to the output side (33) through the at least one channel and calibrating the plastic profile strand during this movement; and outputting the calibrated plastic profile (50) at the output side (33), wherein, while moving through the at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37, 37a, 37b, 37c), the sections of the extruded plastic profile strand forming the at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) are continuously brought closer to each other (Q1, Q2, Q3) along the movement direction (F) and then brought together (Q4) and thereby brought into a form fit by plastic and / or elastic deformation, so that the at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) form a positive fit in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the calibrated plastic profile (50).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein in the inserting step, at least two extruded plastic profile strands are inserted into at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37, 37a, 37b, 37c) of the calibrator body (31) in at least two separate inlets (34, 35) in such a way that one (51c; 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g; 51g) of the at least two complementary elements of the plastic profile to be calibrated enters into one (34) of the separate inlets as part of one of the at least two extruded plastic profile strands and another one (52h, 52c, 52d; 52c; 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g) of the at least two complementary elements of the plastic profile strand to be calibrated enters the channel in another one (35) of the separate inlets and these are thus separated perpendicular to the movement direction (F) and do not form a form fit.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the at least two extruded plastic profile strands, when moving in the movement direction (F) from the input side (32) of the calibrator body (31) to the output side (33), are first moved through two channel regions (34, 35) which are separate from each other and are brought closer to each other (Q1, Q2, Q3) and calibrated and then brought together (Q4) in one channel region (36) and thereby brought into the form fit by elastic deformation without plastic deformation, in that the deformation is limited by the design of the channel regions in such a way that elastic deformation of the already firm but still soft complementary elements takes place without plastic deformation.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the at least two extruded plastic profile strands, when moving in the movement direction (F) from the input side (32) of the calibrator body (31) to the output side (33), are first moved through two channel regions (34, 35) which are separate from each other andare thereby continuously brought closer together (Q1, Q2, Q3) under deformation and calibrated and then brought together (Q4) in one channel region (36) and thereby brought into the form fit by plastic deformation, in that the deformation is controlled by the design of the channel regions in such a way that plastic deformation of the already firm but still soft complementary elements takes place.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein in the inserting step, the at least one extruded plastic profile strand is inserted into the at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37, 37a, 37b, 37c) of the calibrator body (31) in such a way that each one (53c; 53h, 53d, 53e) of the at least two complementary elements (53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated enters the channel in a different region (37a, 37b) of the same inlet in a spatially separated manner.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated comprises at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) on the output side (33) in the calibrated state such that the one first complementary element is a protrusion (51c; 52c; 51g; 52g; 53c) with a stem and a head at the free end of the stem, wherein the head has a larger diameter in cross section than the stem, and that the other second complementary element is a recess (51h; 52h; 53h) which, in the calibrated state, is adapted to receive the head and is surrounded by two lateral wall elements (52c, 52d; 51d, 51e; 51f, 51g; 52f, 52g; 53d, 53e), which are preferably formed by protrusions, such that the opening of the recess has a diameter in cross section which is larger than the diameter of the stem but smaller than the diameter of the head of the first complementary element, so that in cross section there is a form fit of the recess with the head enclosing the head in two opposite directions, and while moving through the at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37, 37a, 37b, 37c), the sections of the extruded plastic profile strand forming the protrusion (51c; 52c; 51g; 52g; 53c) and the recess (51h; 52h; 53h) are continuously brought closer to other (Q1, Q2, Q3) along the movement direction (F) and are subsequently brought together (Q4) and thereby the protrusion (51c; 52c; 51g; 52g; 53c) is pressed into the recess (51h; 52h; 53h) with plastic and / or elastic deformation of the head and / or the lateral wall elements (52c, 52d; 51d, 51e; 51f, 51g; 52f, 52g; 53d, 53e).

13. Calibrated plastic profile (50) extending in a longitudinal direction and having a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and comprising two separate calibrated plastic profile strands (51, 52) and four complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52d, 52e; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g), of which pairs of two each form a form fit in cross section, wherein a first complementary element on a first plastic profile strand (51) of the two separate plastic profile strands is formed as a first protrusion (51c; 51g) with a stem (51s) and a head (51k) at the free end of the stem, in which the head (51k) has a larger diameter (51kd) in cross section than the stem (51sd), a second complementary element on a second plastic profile strand (52) of the two separate plastic profile strands is formed as a first recess (52h) which, in the calibrated state, is adapted to receive the head (51k) of the first protrusion and is delimited by two lateral wall elements (52d, 52e; 52f, 52g) in such a way that the opening of the first recess (52h) has a diameter in cross section which is larger than the diameter (51sd) of the stem (51s) but smaller than the diameter of the head (51k) of the first protrusion (51c; 51g), so that there is a form fit of the first recess with the head of the first protrusion enclosing the head in two opposite directions in cross section and the two separate plastic profile strands (51, 52) are thus connected by form fit to form a plastic profile, and a third complementary element on the second plastic profile strand (52) is formed as a second protrusion (52c; 52g) with a stem and a head at the free end of the stem, in which the head has a larger diameter in cross section than the stem, a fourth complementary element on the first plastic profile strand (51) is formed as a second recess (51h) which, in the calibrated state, is adapted to receive the head of the second protrusion (52c; 52g) and is delimited by two lateral wall elements (51d, 51e; 51f, 51g) in such a way that the opening (51o) of the second recess (51h) has a diameter (51od) in cross section which is larger than the diameter of the stem but smaller than the diameter of the head of the second protrusion (52g), so that there is a form fit of the second recess with the head of the second protrusion enclosing the head in two opposite directions in cross section and the two separate plastic profile strands (51, 52) are thus connected by form fit to form a plastic profile, in which the protrusions (51c; 52c; 51g; 52g) and the recesses (51h; 52h) are designed in such a way that the two separate calibrated plastic profile strands (51, 52) can be displaced relative to one another in the longitudinal direction at room temperature, characterized in that, in the first protrusion (51c; 51g), the head (51k) comprises a diameter (51kd) in cross section that is at least 2 times larger than a diameter (51sd) of the stem (51s), in that, in the first recess (52h), the opening comprises a diameter in cross section that is 5 to 50 % larger that the diameter (51sd) of the stem (51s) of the first protrusion, in that, in the second protrusion (52c; 52g), the head (52k) comprises a diameter (52kd) in cross section that is at least 2 times larger than a diameter (52sd) of the stem (52s), in that, in the second recess (51h), the opening comprises a diameter in cross section that is 5 to 50 % larger that the diameter (52sd) of the stem (52s) of the second protrusion, in that the form fit of the four complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52d, 52e; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g) cannot be separated at room temperature by applying a force in any direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the amount of which force is less than or equal to 300 N per 2 cm length of the plastic profile (50).

14. Calibrated plastic profile (50) according to claim 13, wherein the first protrusion (51g) forms one of the two lateral wall elements (51f, 51g) which delimit the second recess (51h), and the second protrusion (52g) forms one of the two lateral wall elements (52f, 52g) which delimit the first recess (52h).

15. Calibrated plastic profile (50) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the calibrated plastic profile is formed of polyamide with glass fibre reinforcement and the form fit of the four complementary elements (51g, 52h, 52f, 52g; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g) cannot be separated at room temperature by applying a force in any direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the amount of which force is less than or equal to 500 N per 2 cm length of the plastic profile (50).