Method and device for producing a chain mesh with at least one chain strand overmolded by a plastic body, and chain mesh

Abstract

To provide a method and a device capable of cost-effectively and efficiently manufacturing a durable anti-skid device.SOLUTION: A method (1) for producing at least one part (2) of a chain mesh (4) of an anti-skid device for a land vehicle, wherein the chain mesh has at least one chain strand (6) embedded in a plastic body (10), includes the method steps of inserting the chain strand into a mold cavity (8) corresponding to the plastic body and at least partially overmolding the chain strand in the mold cavity with plastic to form the plastic body. It also relates to a chain mesh produced by the method and to an apparatus for manufacturing a chain mesh for an anti-skid device for a land vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing at least one part of a chain mesh of an anti-skid device for a land vehicle, to the chain mesh manufactured by said method, and to an apparatus for manufacturing a chain mesh of an anti-skid device for a land vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Anti-skid devices are typically attached to vehicle wheels when traction is insufficient on slippery surfaces such as snow, ice, or mud. The chain mesh of such anti-skid devices rests on the tread of the vehicle wheel to increase traction. Known anti-skid devices include snow chains and mud chains.

[0003] Chain meshes are typically made up of multiple individual components that must be connected together during manufacture. Manufacturing such chain meshes often requires multiple production steps that are cumbersome and cannot be automated, or can only be automated to an insufficient extent. As a result, manufacturing known chain meshes is often expensive and inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the problem underlying the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus that can cost-effectively and efficiently manufacture durable anti-skid devices.

[0005] This problem is solved by a method for manufacturing at least one part of a chain mesh of a guide protection device for a land vehicle, the chain mesh comprising at least one chain strand embedded in a plastic body, the method comprising the following method steps: inserting the chain strand into a mold cavity corresponding to the plastic body; and forming a plastic body by at least partially overmolding the chain strands in the mold cavity with plastic.

[0006] By overmolding the chain strands, a stable and durable connection can be achieved between the chain strands and the plastic body. Overmolding of chain mesh can be easily automated, allowing for cost-effective production of chain mesh.

[0007] Furthermore, the use of overmolding allows different materials within a plastic body to be easily combined or interchanged, thereby allowing the plastic body to be optimally adapted to its corresponding function.

[0008] The above solution can be further improved by the following independent features, each of which can preferably be combined with one another as desired:

[0009] In one configuration, only a portion of the chain strand can be inserted into the mold cavity. The portion of the chain strand inserted into the mold cavity can be, for example, from about one chain link long to about five chain links long.

[0010] Nevertheless, at least one portion of the chain strand may protrude from the mold cavity or the plastic body. For example, at least one chain link, such as a longitudinal side of the chain link, may protrude from the mold cavity. After the chain strand is overmolded with plastic, at least one chain link, such as a longitudinal side of the chain strand, may protrude from the plastic body.

[0011] The at least one plastic body can be made from at least one plastic material, at least one rubber material, and / or at least one elastomeric material. The plastic body can be made from a single plastic in a single-component process or from multiple plastics in a multi-component process. Candidate plastics are, for example, polyurethane or polyamide, but other materials such as PE, in particular HDPE, can of course also be used.

[0012] To enable embedding of the chain strand in at least one further plastic body, the method may further comprise the steps of: Inserting the chain strand into at least one additional mold cavity; and simultaneously with or after at least partially overmolding the chain strand in the mold cavity, at least partially overmolding the chain strand in at least one additional mold cavity.

[0013] At least one additional mold cavity, or if multiple additional mold cavities are present, at least one of the additional mold cavities, may have the same shape as the mold cavity. In particular, all of the mold cavities, and thus the mold cavity and at least one additional mold cavity, may have the same shape. Alternatively, a mold cavity may have a different shape from the additional mold cavity, or from at least one of the additional mold cavities. In configurations where multiple additional mold cavities are provided, the additional mold cavities may all have the same shape but may differ from the shape of the mold cavity. In one configuration, the mold cavities may all have shapes different from each other.

[0014] At least one of the mold cavities may be at least partially circular and / or may have at least a convex or concave portion.

[0015] The terms "mold cavities" or "the mold cavities," when used in the plural herein, refer to all mold cavities, including all mold cavities and further mold cavities. Similarly, "mold cavity," when used indefinitely herein, refers to any of the mold cavities, and thus to either the mold cavity or one of the further mold cavities.

[0016] In order to be able to connect at least two chain strands to one another in a stable and production-engineering-friendly manner, the method comprises, as further method steps: inserting at least one additional chain strand into the mold cavity; and b. at least partially overmolding at least one additional chain strand with the chain strand in the mold cavity.

[0017] Of course, multiple additional chain strands, for example, two or three additional chain strands, can also be inserted into the mold cavity.

[0018] At least one additional chain strand can be inserted into the mold cavity so as to be at least partially parallel to the chain strand in the mold cavity. If multiple additional chain strands are provided, the multiple additional chain strands can extend at least partially parallel to each other and / or parallel to the chain strand.

[0019] The at least one further chain strand can extend at least partially within the mold cavity transversely to the chain strand. Of course, the at least one further chain strand can also form an obtuse or acute angle with the chain strand.

[0020] At least one additional chain strand can be inserted in the mold cavity so as to extend toward the chain strand inserted in the mold cavity. In the case of multiple additional chain strands, some, preferably all, of these additional chain strands can extend toward the chain strand inserted in the mold cavity, for example in a star shape.

[0021] The chain strand and at least one of the additional chain strands can be spaced apart from one another within the mold cavity, interconnected, or have a common chain link. In one configuration, the chain strand is spaced apart from, connected to, or has a common chain link with all of the additional chain strands within the mold cavity.

[0022] At least two of the chain strands may be spaced apart or unconnected from one another. The at least two chain strands may in particular extend parallel to one another. At least one of the further chain strands may be inserted into the plastic body into which the chain strand is inserted and into the plastic body into which another of the further chain strands is inserted.

[0023] The chain strands may be, for example, round steel chain strands, profiled steel chain strands, or armored chain strands, and various chain shapes may exist in the chain mesh or portions of the chain mesh. The chain strands inserted into the mold cavity may have various chain shapes, resulting in multiple chain shapes existing within the plastic body produced within the mold cavity.

[0024] When "chain strands" or "the chain strands" are mentioned herein, this means the entire chain strand, including the chain strand and all further chain strands. Similarly, when "a chain strand" is mentioned herein ambiguously, this refers to any one of the chain strands, and therefore to either the chain strand or the further chain strand.

[0025] In order to reinforce the plastic body and thereby improve its fatigue strength, the method can, according to a further preferred configuration, comprise the following additional method steps: inserting at least one insert element into the mold cavity, the at least one insert element having greater strength and / or hardness than the plastic body and spaced apart from the chain strand or at least one further chain strand; and at least partially overmolding the at least one insert element in the mold cavity with the at least one chain strand.

[0026] The at least one insert element can be inserted into the mold cavity so as to lie at least partially parallel to the chain strand and / or at least one additional chain strand in the mold cavity. Furthermore, the at least one insert element can also extend at least partially transverse to the chain strand and / or at least one additional chain strand. Of course, the at least one insert element can form an obtuse or acute angle with the chain strand and / or another chain strand. The at least one insert element can extend toward the chain strand and / or another chain strand.

[0027] The at least one insert element can be completely disposed within the mold cavity and thus completely surrounded by the plastic body molded within the mold cavity after overmolding, but the insert element can of course also be only partially inserted within the mold cavity, whereby at least one portion of the insert element protrudes from the plastic body after overmolding.

[0028] At least one insert element can be inserted into the mold cavity such that it extends towards the chain strand inserted into the mold cavity and / or towards a further chain strand inserted into the mold cavity.

[0029] In one configuration, multiple insert elements can be inserted into a single mold cavity. The insert elements can be in contact with one another or spaced apart. Additionally, the insert elements can be oriented transversely to one another or at least partially parallel to one another.

[0030] The insert element can be a traction element and / or a reinforcing element. The insert element is preferably made of a metallic material.

[0031] The method further comprises the steps of: Inserting at least one connecting element into the mold cavity; connecting at least one connecting element to at least one chain strand and / or insertion element; According to a further preferred embodiment, an even more reliable and stable connection between the individual chain strands or between the chain strands and the insert element can be achieved if the method includes, at least in part, overmolding at least one connecting element in the mold cavity with at least one chain strand and / or insert element.

[0032] The connecting element is preferably at least one chain link. This chain link can have the same chain type as the chain strand or at least one further chain strand. However, the connecting element can of course also have a different configuration, for example forming or having an eyelet, a loop, a shackle, a hook, a clip, a leg, or a ring. The connecting element is preferably made of a metal material.

[0033] The at least one connecting element can be inserted completely or only partially into the mold cavity, so that after overmolding, the at least one connecting element can be completely surrounded by the plastic body or at least partially protrude from the plastic body.

[0034] The connection of the at least one connection element to the at least one chain strand and / or the insertion element can be realized (positive), for example, by hooking or clipping, or by material locking, for example by welding or bonding. Naturally, other types of connection are also conceivable.

[0035] In order to simplify the provision and therefore the production of the chain strand, the method may further comprise, as a further method step, before inserting the chain strand into the mould cavity: The method includes providing at least one of the chain strands as part of an endless chain.

[0036] In one configuration, only the chain strand is supplied as part of the endless chain, but in another configuration, only at least one further chain strand can be supplied as part of the endless chain, although it is of course also conceivable that all chain strands are supplied as part of the endless chain.

[0037] Providing a chain strand and / or an additional chain strand may be understood to mean that the chain strand or the additional chain strand is provided in the mould cavity or in at least one additional mould cavity.

[0038] In one configuration, the chain strand provided as part of the endless chain, or the further chain strand provided as part of the endless chain, is the chain strand that is inserted into the majority of the mold cavity or that has the majority of the plastic body.

[0039] In order to accelerate production speed and thereby reduce manufacturing costs, insertion of the chain strand into the mold cavity can, according to a further preferred configuration, be performed at least partially simultaneously with overmolding at least a portion of at least one further chain strand in at least one further mold cavity.

[0040] According to a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises, as a further method step: The method may include assembling at least one mold cavity from at least two mold cavity segments.

[0041] In this way, demolding can be simplified after the chain strand has been overmolded. Furthermore, the modular construction of the mold cavity segments used makes it possible to provide a number of differently shaped mold cavities.

[0042] In one configuration, two mold cavity segments in the form of a mold cavity cover and a mold cavity base may be provided from which the mold cavity is assembled. Of course, the mold cavity cover or mold cavity base may be assembled from segments as well.

[0043] The at least one mold cavity can be constructed in a modular manner, which allows the at least one mold cavity to be assembled from modules that can be combined with one another as required.

[0044] To at least partially automate the method, thereby further accelerating production speed and reducing the error sensitivity of the method, the inserting and / or overmolding and / or feeding and / or assembling and / or connecting can be performed by at least one robot. In one configuration, at least one separate robot may be provided for inserting, overmolding, feeding, assembling, and connecting. However, a single robot configured to perform all of the above method steps may also be provided. Of course, only a single method step, or only a portion of the method steps, may be performed by one robot or multiple robots.

[0045] The object is further achieved by a method for producing a chain mesh, which method comprises the following method steps: manufacturing a section of chain mesh using the method according to the invention as described above; and b. connecting at least one portion of the chain mesh to form the chain mesh, the connecting preferably being performed using at least one robot.

[0046] In this way, the chain mesh can be produced particularly easily and cost-effectively.

[0047] The connection of at least a portion of the chain mesh can be achieved, for example, by feeding corresponding loose ends of at least one portion of the chain mesh as chain strands into one or more mold cavities and at least partially overmolding them with plastic, such that the loose ends of at least one portion of the chain mesh can be connected to one another by one or more plastic bodies to form a closed chain mesh.

[0048] The object is further achieved by a chain mesh for an anti-skid device for a land vehicle, the chain mesh comprising at least a portion of a chain mesh, the at least a portion of which is manufactured by the method according to the invention as described above. Such a chain mesh is durable and at the same time can be manufactured cheaply and efficiently.

[0049] The problem is further solved by an apparatus for producing at least one part of a chain mesh of an anti-skid device for a land vehicle, the chain mesh comprising at least one chain strand embedded in a plastic body, the apparatus comprising: a loading station capable of inserting at least one chain strand and / or an insert element and / or a connecting element into at least one mold cavity; and an overmolding station capable of overmolding with plastic at least one chain strand and / or at least one insert element and / or connecting element in at least one mold cavity.

[0050] Such a device is suitable for producing a cost-effective and durable anti-skid device.

[0051] Features described above in the context of the method also apply mutatis mutandis to the apparatus described herein, in particular the apparatus may be configured to perform the method steps described above.

[0052] In order to make the apparatus compact and thereby reduce travel distances, the chain mesh or a portion of the chain mesh may, according to a preferred configuration, be removable from at least one mold cavity in the loading station.

[0053] According to a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus may include a changeover device configured to move at least one mold cavity between the loading station and the overmolding station. Operation of such an apparatus requires fewer personnel, thereby reducing production costs.

[0054] When the apparatus includes a feeding device configured to feed at least one chain strand to the overmolding station, the production rate can be increased and the workload for an operator of the apparatus can be reduced. The feeding device can deliver the chain strand and / or at least one additional chain strand to the overmolding station. In a preferred configuration, all chain strands, including the chain strand and all additional chain strands, are fed to the overmolding station by the feeding device.

[0055] The term "to provide" can be used interchangeably with the term "to feed."

[0056] According to a further preferred configuration, the feeding device can be configured to remove at least one endless chain from the chain reservoir and feed at least one chain strand as part of the at least one endless chain to the overmolding station. The use of at least one endless chain facilitates storage and handling of the chain strand. Furthermore, the method can also be performed continuously.

[0057] The feeding device may be configured to feed all chain strands that are to be fed to the overmolding station as part of an endless chain. Each chain strand may be part of its own endless chain or part of a common endless chain that is cut to size as required in a configuration. The device may have a cutting device for cutting the endless chain to size.

[0058] The chain reservoir can be understood as, for example, a pulley, roller or drum around which at least one endless chain is wound. The feeding device can be configured to unwind the chain strand from the pulley, roller or drum. The feeding device can have a preferably motor-driven unwinding device that rotates the pulley, roller or drum.

[0059] To increase the productivity of the apparatus, the changeover device may, according to a further preferred embodiment, be configured to move a mold cavity from the loading station to the overmolding station and at least partially simultaneously move at least one other mold cavity from the overmolding station to the loading station. In a particularly preferred configuration, the movement of a mold cavity from the loading station to the overmolding station occurs completely simultaneously with the movement of at least one other mold cavity from the overmolding station to the loading station.

[0060] The at least one other mold cavity may correspond to the at least one additional mold cavity introduced above.

[0061] According to a further preferred configuration, the switching device may include a rotary table on which at least one mold cavity can be positioned, and by rotation of the rotary table, the at least one mold cavity can be moved between the loading station and the overmolding station. Such a switching device is easily implemented. In particular, the drive for the switching device can be easily implemented by transmitting the rotational motion of a motor to the rotary table directly or via a gear device.

[0062] According to a further embodiment, the overmolding station and the loading station can be diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the rotary table's axis of rotation. If two mold cavities are arranged on the rotary table that are also diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the rotary table's axis of rotation, by rotating the rotary table 180°, one of the two mold cavities can be moved from the overmolding station to the loading station, and the other of the two mold cavities can be moved from the loading station to the overmolding station at the same time. This simultaneity increases the productivity of the apparatus in a technically simple manner.

[0063] In order to at least partially automate the apparatus and thereby reduce production costs, the loading station and / or the overmolding station and / or the changeover device and / or the feeding device may, according to a further preferred configuration, be equipped with a robot. In one configuration, at least one separate robot may be provided in the loading station and / or the overmolding station and / or the changeover device and / or the feeding device. Alternatively, a single robot may be provided in at least two, preferably all, of the stations or devices.

[0064] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Individual features present in the following embodiments may be omitted if the technical effect associated with the feature is not important according to the above embodiment. Conversely, features that are mentioned above but do not exist in the following embodiments may be added to the embodiments if it is necessary to achieve the technical effect associated with the feature in a specific application.

[0065] In the following, the same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond to one another in terms of structure and / or function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0066] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a method according to a possible embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a further schematic diagram of the method of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 5 is a schematic illustration of a method according to a further possible embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a further schematic diagram of the method of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic illustration of a method according to yet another possible embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a further schematic diagram of the method of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a method according to a further embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a further schematic diagram of the method of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of a connection element according to a possible embodiment. [Figure 10] 5 is a schematic illustration of a method according to yet another possible embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a further schematic diagram of the method shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram of a chain mesh according to a possible embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a method according to a further embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a further schematic diagram of the method shown in FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to a possible embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to a further possible embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to yet another possible embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a detail of the chain mesh of FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] Figures 1 and 2 show a method 1 for manufacturing at least one portion 2 of a chain mesh 4. Figure 1 shows a chain strand 6 and a mold cavity 8, which in the embodiment shown are arranged in the bottom 30 of a mold 28 by way of example only.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the chain strand 6 is configured as a round steel chain strand, but other chain geometries such as profiled steel chain strands or armored chain strands can also be used.

[0069] In one method step, the chain strand 6 is inserted into a mold cavity 8. The mold cavity 8 assumes a shape that spatially corresponds to the plastic body 10 that will be formed on the chain strand 6. In this embodiment, the mold cavity 8 is curved so that the formed plastic body 10 is similarly curved.

[0070] In this embodiment, the chain strand 6 is made up of a plurality of interconnected chain links 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, only a portion of the plurality of chain links 12 are inserted into the mold cavity 8.

[0071] 2, the chain strands 6 inserted into the mold cavity 8 are overmolded with plastic in a further process step to form a plastic body 10. This results in a portion 2 of the chain mesh 4 in which, in the illustrated embodiment, a single chain strand 6 is partially embedded within the single plastic body 10.

[0072] The plastic body 10 can be made from at least one plastic material, at least one rubber material, and / or at least one elastomeric material. Furthermore, the plastic body 10 can be made from a single plastic in a single-component process or from multiple plastics in a multi-component process. Candidate plastics are, for example, polyurethane or polyamide, but other materials such as PE, specifically HDPE, can of course also be used.

[0073] 3 and 4 illustrate a method 1 for manufacturing a portion 2 of a chain mesh 4 according to a further embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a mold cavity 8 and three additional mold cavities 14 are shown, for a total of four mold cavities 8, 14. The mold cavities 8, 14 all have the same shape and, as in the first embodiment, correspond to the shape of the plastic body 10 to be molded. However, other configurations may, of course, have more or fewer molding cavities 14. For example, in one configuration, only a single additional molding cavity 14 may be provided, resulting in a total of two molding cavities 8, 14. However, in another configuration, for example, nine additional molding cavities 14 may be provided, thus resulting in a total of ten molding cavities 8, 14. The mold cavities 8, 14 need not be the same shape, but may be configured differently from one another. In this manner, plastic bodies 10 of various shapes may be produced.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the chain strand 6, there are three more chain strands 16, so that there are four chain strands 6, 16 in total.

[0075] In one method step, the chain strand 6 is inserted into the mold cavity 8, and in a further method step, into one of the further mold cavities 14, so that the chain strand 6 is inserted into a total of two mold cavities 8, 14. The insertion of the chain strand 6 into the mold cavity 8 can be, but does not necessarily have to be, performed simultaneously with the insertion of the chain strand 6 into one of the further mold cavities 14.

[0076] In a further method step, a further chain strand 16 is at least partially inserted into the mold cavities 8, 14. In this embodiment, the first further chain strand 16, 16a is inserted, for example, into the mold cavity 8 and the first further mold cavity 14, 14a. The second further chain strand 16, 16b, which in this embodiment extends parallel to the first further chain strand 16, 16a, is inserted into the second and third further mold cavities 14, 14b, 14c. The third further chain strand 16, 16c, which in the illustrated embodiment extends parallel to the chain strand 6, is finally inserted into the first and second further mold cavities 14, 14a, 14b.

[0077] Of course, the chain strands 6, 16 may be arranged entirely differently in other configurations. For example, in one configuration, only one chain strand 6, 16 may be inserted into at least one mold cavity, or more than two, e.g., three or five, chain strands 6, 16 may be inserted into mold cavities 8, 14.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the two chain strands 6, 16 inserted into the common mold cavity 8, 14 are oriented transversely relative to each other. This results in a rectangular arrangement of the chain strands 6, 16, as can be seen in FIG. 3. Of course, the arrangement of the chain strands 6, 16 is virtually unlimited. For example, two or more chain strands 6, 16 inserted into the common mold cavity 8, 14 can be arranged at least partially parallel to each other, i.e., at an obtuse or acute angle 18, for example. Nevertheless, when multiple chain strands 6, 16 are inserted into the common mold cavity 8, 14, some of the chain strands 6, 16 can extend at least partially parallel to each other, while the remaining chain strands 6, 16 extend at an acute, obtuse, or right angle to each other. In this way, the production portion 2 of the chain mesh 4 can be configured in almost any manner. For example, the configuration shown in Figure 13 shows two mold cavities 8, 14 and multiple chain strands 6, 16 inserted into the mold cavities 8, 14 so that they extend toward each other within the mold cavities 8, 14. In the illustrated embodiment, two adjacent chain strands 6, 16 in the common mold cavity 8, 14 form an obtuse angle 18 with each other. Overmolding the chain strands 6, 16 within the mold cavities 8, 14 forms portion 2 of the chain mesh 4 shown in Figure 14, which has five chain strands 6, 16 and two molded plastic bodies 10 in which the chain strands 6, 16 are embedded.

[0079] As can be seen in Fig. 4, in a further method step, the chain strands 6, 16 are overmolded with plastic in the corresponding mold cavities 8, 14 into which they are inserted, thereby forming the plastic body 10. Thus, in the embodiment according to Fig. 4, the chain strand 6 is overmolded together with a first further chain strand 16, 16a in the mold cavity 8 and with a second further chain strand 16, 16b in the third further mold cavity 14, 14c. The overmolding of the chain strand 6 in the mold cavity 8 can be carried out simultaneously with or after the overmolding of the further chain strand 16 in at least one further mold cavity 14, here the third mold cavity 14c.

[0080] 4, the first further chain strand 16, 16a is overmolded with the third further chain strand 16, 16c in the first further mold cavity 14, 14a, and the second further chain strand 16, 16b is overmolded with the third further chain strand 16, 16c in the second further mold cavity 14, 14b, resulting in a generally rectangular section 2 of chain mesh 4 having four chain strands 6, 16 that are tightly and securely connected to one another by being embedded within the plastic body 10.

[0081] The insertion of the chain strand 6 into the mold cavity 8 can occur simultaneously, or at least partially simultaneously, with the overmolding of one of the other chain strands 16 in the other mold cavity 14 .

[0082] For example, the insertion of the chain strand 6 into the mold cavity 8 can be performed simultaneously with the overmolding of the second further chain strand 16, 16b in the second further mold cavity 14, 14b.

[0083] In method 1 of the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, two chain strands 6, 16 are supplied as part of the endless chain 20. In particular, the chain strand 6 and a third further chain strand 16, 16c are supplied as part of the endless chain 20. Of course, in other configurations, all chain strands 6, 16 may be supplied as part of the endless chain 20, or only one chain strand 6, 16 or one of the chain strands 6, 16 may be supplied as part of the endless chain 20.

[0084] A method 1 for producing a portion 2 of a chain mesh 4 according to a further configuration will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the illustrated embodiment, a chain strand 6 and a further chain strand 16 are provided, shown here purely by way of example as extending parallel to one another. The mold cavity 8, as in the other embodiments, has a rectangular, strip-like configuration that spatially corresponds to the shape of the plastic body 10 to be produced. The mold cavity 8 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 consists of two mold cavity segments 22 assembled in separate method steps. The interface 24 where the mold cavity segments 22 meet or abut each other is indicated diagrammatically in FIGS. 5 and 6 by dashed lines. Naturally, the mold cavity 8 can also be assembled from more mold cavity segments 22. In one configuration, one mold cavity segment 22 can correspond to the cover of the mold, and another mold cavity segment 22 can correspond to the bottom of this mold.

[0085] 5 and 6, an insert element 32 is provided that has greater strength and / or hardness than the plastic body 10. The insert element 32 is preferably made of a metal material. However, other materials are envisioned, so long as the strength and / or hardness of the insert element 32 is greater than or equal to the strength and / or hardness of the plastic body 10 to be produced. Of course, in other configurations, multiple insert elements 32, for example, two or three, may be provided. At least two insert elements 32 can extend within the mold cavity 8, 14, for example, at least partially transversely, parallel, at an acute angle, or at an obtuse angle relative to one another.

[0086] In one method step, a chain strand 6 and another chain strand 16 are inserted into a mold cavity 8. In this embodiment, the chain strands 6, 16 extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 34 of the mold cavity 8. In a further method step, an insert element 32 is also inserted into the mold cavity 8. The insert element 32 can be inserted into the mold cavity 8 simultaneously with at least one of the chain strands 6, 16, but this is not necessary. The insert element 32 is always spaced apart from the chain strands 6, 16 in the mold cavity 8.

[0087] In a further method step, the insert element 32 is at least partially overmolded with the chain strands 6, 16. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the insert element 32 is not completely overmolded with plastic, so that its edges protrude from the plastic body 10. In this way, the insert element 32 can function, for example, as a traction element for an anti-slip device. However, in other configurations, the insert element 32 can also be completely overmolded so that it is completely enclosed within the plastic body 10.

[0088] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, a method 1 for manufacturing a section 2 of a chain mesh 4 according to a further embodiment will now be described. In the illustrated embodiment, a chain strand 6 and a further chain strand 16 are shown, which are inserted into a mold cavity 8. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, in addition to the chain strands 6, 16, at least one connecting element 36, in this embodiment exactly one connecting element 36, is inserted into the mold cavity 8 in one method step. The connecting element 36 is configured to connect to at least one chain strand 6, 16 and / or at least one insert element 32 (not present in this configuration). As can be seen in Figure 9, the connecting element 36 can, for example, be or have a chain link 12. The chain link 12 shown in Figure 9 has a gap 40 on its longitudinal side 38, in which the chain strand 6, 16 or the insert element 32 can be suspended. Of course, the connecting element 36 can have different configurations and thus can form or have, for example, an eyelet, a shackle, a loop, a hook, a clip, a leg, or a ring. Like the at least one insert element 32, the at least one connecting element 36 is preferably made of a metallic material.

[0089] In a further method step, at least one connecting element 36 is connected to at least one chain strand 6, 16 and / or to the insert element 32. In this embodiment, only two chain strands 6, 16 are provided, no insert element 32, and both chain strands 6, 16 are connected to one another by being connected to the connecting element 36. The connection does not have to be made by suspending or clipping the connecting element 36 to the chain strands 6, 16, but can also be made in other configurations, for example by welding or gluing.

[0090] In a further method step, the connecting element 36 is at least partially overmolded together with both chain strands 6, 16 in the mold cavity 8. In this embodiment, the connecting element 36 is completely contained in the mold cavity 8, so that after overmolding with plastic, it is completely surrounded by the plastic body 10. In other configurations, the connecting element 36 may be only partially overmolded so as to protrude from the plastic body 10. If a chain link 12 is used as the connecting element 36, for example, a longitudinal side 38 of the chain link 12 may protrude from the plastic body 10. In this way, the connecting element 36 can be used, for example, to increase the traction force of the anti-slip device and / or to allow further elements to be attached to the connecting element 36.

[0091] Of course, in other configurations, multiple connection elements 36 can be inserted into the mold cavity 8, and provided that at least one insert element 32 is present, at least one of the connection elements 36 can be connected to at least one insert element 32 and at least partially overmolded with the insert element within the mold cavity 8.

[0092] 10 and 11, a method 1 for manufacturing a portion 2 of a chain mesh 4 according to a further preferred configuration will be briefly described below. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a chain strand 6 is provided as part of an endless chain 20 and inserted into a mold cavity 8 and seven additional mold cavities 14. In this way, the chain strand 6 is inserted into a total of eight mold cavities 8, 14. In a further method step, eight additional chain strands 16 are inserted into one of the total of eight mold cavities 8, 14. Subsequently, the chain strands 6, 16 inserted into the mold cavities 8, 14 are at least partially overmolded with plastic in the corresponding mold cavities 8, 14, resulting in a portion 2 of a chain mesh 4 having nine chain strands 6, 16, each embedded in at least one plastic body 10.

[0093] 10 and 11, a robot 42 is also provided to insert the chain strands 6, 16 into the mold cavities 8, 14, feed the chain strands 6 as part of the endless chain 20, and overmold the chain strands 6, 16 within the mold cavities 8, 14. In configurations where at least one insert element 32 and / or connecting element 36 is provided, the insertion of the at least one insert element 32 or connecting element 36, the connection of the at least one connecting element 36 to the at least one chain strand 6, 16 and / or insert element 32, and / or the overmolding of the at least one insert element 32 or connecting element 36 can be performed by the at least one robot 42. In configurations where the mold cavities 8, 14 are comprised of mold cavity segments 22, the mold cavity segments 22 can also be assembled using the at least one robot 42. In a particularly preferred configuration, only a single robot 42 is provided, configured to perform all of the above-described method steps.

[0094] Various configurations of devices 44 for manufacturing at least one portion 2 of a chain mesh 4 will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to Figures 15 to 17.

[0095] The embodiment of the apparatus 44 shown in FIG. 15 includes a loading station 46, an overmolding station 48, and a switching device 50.

[0096] At the loading station 46, at least one chain strand 6, 16 and / or insert element 32 and / or connecting element 36 can be inserted into at least one mold cavity 8, 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the loading station 46 is accessible by an operator 52 so that the operator can insert at least one chain strand 6, 16 and / or at least one insert element 32 and / or connecting element 36 into the mold cavity 8, 14. In the configuration shown in FIG. 15, the portion 2 of the chain mesh 4 produced by the apparatus 44, or the chain mesh 4, can also be removed from the at least one mold cavity 8, 14 in the loading station 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the removal is also performed by the operator 52.

[0097] In the overmolding station 46, at least one chain strand 6, 16 and / or at least one insert element 32 and / or connecting element 36 can be overmolded with plastic in the cavities 8, 14 to produce at least one plastic body 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the overmolding station 48 comprises a robot 42 that automates the overmolding.

[0098] The changeover device 50 is configured to move the mold cavities 8 between the loading station 46 and the overmolding station 48. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the changeover device 50 includes a rotary table 54 on which two mold cavities 8, 14 are located diametrically opposite one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the mold cavities 8, 14 are each part of a separate mold base 30. By rotating the rotary table 54 about a rotation axis 56, the mold base 30 or the mold cavities 8, 14 can be moved between the overmolding station 48 and the loading station 46. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the overmolding station 48 and the loading station 46 are diametrically opposed to one another relative to the rotation axis 56 of the rotary table 54. The mold cavities 8, 14 on the rotary table 54 are also diametrically opposed to each other, so that one of the two mold cavities 8, 14 can be moved from the overmolding station 48 to the loading station 46, and at the same time, the other of the two mold cavities 8, 14 can be moved from the loading station 46 to the overmolding station 48.

[0099] The operation of the device 44 according to the configuration shown in FIG. 15 will now be briefly described.

[0100] At the start, a first mold base 30, 30a having at least one mold cavity 8, 14 is located at the loading station 46, while a second mold base 30, 30b having at least one mold cavity 8, 14 is located at the overmolding station. First, an operator 52 loads the first mold base 30, 30a located at the loading station 46 by inserting at least one chain strand 6, 16 and / or insert element 32 and / or connecting element 36 into at least one mold cavity 8, 14 of the first mold base 30, 30a. Next, switching devices 50, 54 move the first mold base 30, 30a from the loading station 46 to the overmolding station 48, while the second mold base 30, 30b moves from the overmolding station 48 to the loading station 46. While at least one chain strand 6, 16 and / or at least one insert element 32 and / or connecting element 36 is overmolded into at least one mold cavity 8, 14 of a first mold base 30, 30a in an overmolding station 48, an operator 52 may simultaneously load a second mold base 30, 30b located at a loading station 46. The completed portion 2 of the chain mesh 4 or the completed chain mesh 4 may have to be removed from the second mold base 30, 30b before the second mold base 30, 30b is loaded. The overmolding station 48 may have a mold cover 26 that closes the mold base 30, 30a, 30b to form the mold prior to overmolding.

[0101] The process is then repeated in the same manner. The changeover device 50 or the rotary table 54 moves the second mold base 30, 30b from the loading station 46 to the overmolding station 48, while the first mold base 30, 30a moves from the overmolding station 48 to the loading station 46. While at least one chain strand 6, 16 and / or at least one insert element 32 and / or connecting element 36 has been overmolded into at least one mold cavity 8, 14 of the second mold base 30, 30b in the overmolding station 48, the operator 52 can remove the completed portion 2 of the chain mesh 4 or the completed chain mesh 4 from the first mold base 30, 30a and then load the first mold base 30, 30a again.

[0102] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 , the apparatus 44 comprises, in addition to the loading station 46, the overmolding station 48, and the switching device 50, an additional feeding device 58. The feeding device 58 is configured to feed at least one chain strand 6, 16 to the overmolding station 48. In this embodiment, the apparatus 44 comprises a chain reservoir 60 in which the endless chain 20 is stored. The chain reservoir 60 may, for example, have pulleys or rollers around which the endless chain 20 is wound. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 , the feeding device 58 is configured to remove the endless chain 20 from the chain reservoir 60, for example by unwinding it, and to feed it to the overmolding station 48. The term “to feed” can also be understood to mean “to provide”.

[0103] 16, the at least one chain strand 6, 16 is not provided at the loading station 48 and is not inserted into the at least one mold cavity 8, 14 of the mold base 30 by the operator 52, but the at least one chain strand 6, 16 is inserted into the at least one mold cavity 8, 14 of the mold base 30 in the overmolding station 48. According to another configuration, the at least one chain strand 6, 16 can be supplied at the overmolding station 48 by a supply device 58, and the at least one chain strand 6, 16 can be provided or inserted at the loading station 46.

[0104] The embodiment of the apparatus 44 shown in FIG. 17 essentially corresponds to the embodiment of the apparatus 44 shown in FIG. 16 . However, the loading station 46 of the apparatus 44 shown in FIG. 17 includes a robot 42 that at least partially replaces a human operator. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 , the robot 42 of the loading station 46 is configured to load at least one insert element 32 and / or at least one connecting element 36 into at least one mold cavity 8, 14 of the mold base 30 (neither the at least one insert element 32 nor the connecting element 36 is shown in FIG. 17 ). The robot 42 may be configured to load at least one chain strand 6, 16 into at least one mold cavity 8, 14 of the mold base 30. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 , the chain strand 6, 16 is supplied by a supply device 58 as part of two endless chains 20 at the overmolding station 48.

[0105] Finally, a chain mesh 4 manufactured by the above-described method 1 and / or the above-described apparatus 44 will be briefly described by way of example with reference to FIGS. 12 and 18. The illustrated chain mesh 4 includes a plurality of sections 2 each having chain strands 6, 16 and a plastic body 10. Some of the sections 2 also include insert elements 32 and / or connecting elements 36. The chain strands 6, 16 extend essentially along the circumferential direction 64 of the chain mesh 4 and are connected to one another via a plurality of plastic bodies 10 used to partially overmold the chain strands 6, 16. As shown in the detailed view of FIG. 18, the chain strands 6, 16 are connected within the plastic body 10 via connecting elements 36, here configured as chain links 12 by way of example. The insert elements 32 extending along the axial direction 62 are not completely overmolded by the plastic body 10 but protrude from the plastic body 10. In this way, the insert elements 32 can function, for example, as traction elements of an anti-skid device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1 method 2 Chain mesh part 4 Chain Mesh 6 Chain Strands 8 Mold Cavity 10 Plastic Body 12 chain links 14 More mold cavities 14a First further mold cavity 14b Second further mold cavity 14c Third further mold cavity 16 More Chain Strands 16a First further chain strand 16b Second further chain strand 16c Third additional chain strand 18 angles 20 Endless Chain 22 mold cavity segments 24 Interface 26 Molded cover 28 Mold 30 mold base 30a First mold base 30b Second mold base 32 Insertion Elements 34 Longitudinal axis of mold cavity 36 connecting elements 38 Longitudinal side of chain link 40 gap 42 Robot 44 Equipment 46 Loading Station 48 Overmolding Station 50 Switching Device 52 Workers 54 Rotating Table 56 Rotary table rotation axis 58 Feeding device 60 Chain Reservoir 62 Axial 64 Circumferential direction

Claims

1. A method (1) for manufacturing at least one part (2) of a chain mesh (4) of an anti-skid device for a land vehicle, said chain mesh having at least one chain strand (6) embedded in a plastic body (10), said method comprising the steps of: Inserting said chain strand (6) into a mold cavity (8) spatially corresponding to said plastic body (10); and forming the plastic body (10) by at least partially overmolding the chain strand (6) in the mold cavity (8) with plastic.

2. As a further method step, Inserting said chain strand (6) into at least one further mold cavity (14); and at the same time as or after at least partially overmolding the chain strand (6) in the mold cavity (8), at least partially overmolding the chain strand (6) in the at least one further mold cavity (14).

3. As a further method step, Inserting at least one additional chain strand (16) into the mold cavity (8, 14); and at least partially overmolding said at least one further chain strand (16) with said chain strand (6) in said mold cavity (8, 14).

4. As a further method step, inserting at least one insert element (32) into the mold cavity (8, 14), said at least one insert element (32) having greater strength and / or hardness than said plastic body (10) and spaced apart from said chain strand (6) or said at least one further chain strand (16); and at least partially overmolding said at least one insert element (32) in said mold cavity (8, 14) with at least one chain strand (6, 16).

5. As a further method step, Inserting at least one connecting element (36) into the mold cavity (8, 14); connecting said at least one connecting element (36) to at least one chain strand (6, 16) and / or to an insert element (32); and at least partially overmolding said at least one connecting element (36) in said mold cavity (8, 14) with at least one chain strand (6, 16) and / or an insert element (32).

6. As a further method step, before inserting the chain strands (6, 16) into the mould cavities (8, 14), A method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of supplying at least one of said chain strands (6, 16) as part of an endless chain (20).

7. 7. The method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the insertion of the chain strand (6) into the mould cavity (8) is performed at least partly simultaneously with at least partly overmolding at least one further chain strand (16) in at least one further mould cavity (14).

8. As a further method step, A method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of assembling at least one mould cavity (8, 14) from at least two mould cavity segments (22).

9. A method for manufacturing a chain mesh (4), comprising the steps of: manufacturing at least one part (2) of a chain mesh (4) by the method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and b. connecting said at least one portion (2) of a chain mesh (4) to form the chain mesh (4), the connecting preferably being performed using at least one robot (42).

10. A chain mesh (4) for an anti-skid device for a land vehicle, comprising at least one portion (2) of the chain mesh (4), said at least one portion (2) being manufactured by the method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. 1. An apparatus (44) for manufacturing at least one part (2) of a chain mesh (4) of an anti-skid device for a land vehicle, said chain mesh having at least one chain strand (6) embedded in a plastic body (10), said apparatus comprising: a loading station (46) capable of inserting at least one chain strand (6, 16) and / or an insert element (32) and / or a connecting element (36) into at least one mold cavity (8, 14); and an overmolding station (48) capable of overmolding the at least one chain strand (6, 16) and / or the at least one insert element (32) and / or connecting element (36) in the at least one mold cavity (8, 14) with plastic.

12. The apparatus (44) of claim 11, comprising a switching device (50) configured to move the at least one mold cavity (8, 14) between the loading station (46) and the overmolding station (48).

13. 13. The apparatus (44) according to claim 11 or 12, comprising a feeding device (58) configured to feed the at least one chain strand (6, 16) to the overmolding station (48).

14. 14. The apparatus (44) of claim 13, wherein the supply device (58) is configured to remove at least one endless chain (20) from a chain reservoir (60) and supply the at least one chain strand (6, 16) as part of the at least one endless chain (20) to the overmolding station (48).

15. The apparatus (44) of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the switching device (50) is configured to move a mold cavity (8, 14) from the loading station (46) to the overmolding station (48) and, at least partially simultaneously, move at least one other mold cavity (8, 14) from the overmolding station (48) to the loading station (46).

16. The apparatus (44) of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the switching device (50) comprises a rotary table (54) on which the at least one mold cavity (8, 14) can be positioned, and rotation of the rotary table (54) allows the at least one mold cavity (8, 14) to move between the loading station (46) and the overmolding station (48).

17. 17. The apparatus (44) of claim 16, wherein the overmolding station (48) and the loading station (46) are diametrically opposed to one another relative to an axis of rotation (56) of the rotary table (54).

18. The apparatus (44) according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the loading station (46) and / or the overmolding station (48) and / or the switching device (50) and / or the feeding device (58) comprise a robot (42).

Images