Calibration device for extruded plastic profile strands, method for calibrating extruded plastic profile strands, and calibrated plastic profile

Abstract

[Solution] A calibration apparatus and method for extruded plastic profile strands, wherein the plastic profile is calibrated such that two complementary elements of the plastic profile to be calibrated (50), which are initially separated perpendicular to the direction of movement (F) and do not form a positive fit, form a positive fit in a calibrated state on the output side (33) in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of movement (F).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a calibration device for an extruded plastic profile strand, a calibration method for an extruded plastic profile strand, and a calibrated plastic profile.

[0002] A calibration method for an extruded plastic profile strand and a calibration device for an extruded plastic profile strand can be known from EP0584476A1.

[0003] A calibrated plastic profile with a form-fit element can be known, for example, from WO2013 / 189604A1. In the hollow plastic profile shown therein, a single profile strand is extruded and calibrated, and after calibration and cooling are completed, it is closed by a form-fit element designed, for example, as a clip connection, or two individual profile strands are extruded and calibrated, and after calibration and cooling are completed, they are connected by a form-fit connection known as a roller joint.

[0004] A calibrated plastic profile with other form-fit elements in which two profile parts, also called anti-bimetal profiles or shear-soft profiles, are longitudinally offset can be known from DE19956415C1, US2020 / 0040640A1, and EP065761A1. In these calibrated plastic profiles with form-fit elements, the corresponding elements or profile parts are first extruded and calibrated, and then connected, for example, by clipping after cooling.

[0005] DE2018132434A1 discloses a method for manufacturing two plastic profiles connected by a positive fit / form fit in an extrusion tool.

[0006] The object of this disclosure is to provide a calibration device and a calibration method for extruded plastic profile strands that simplify and improve the manufacture of calibrated plastic profiles with form-fit elements, and to provide calibrated plastic profiles with improved functionality. [Overview of the project]

[0007] This objective is achieved by the calibration device according to claim 1, the calibration method for extruded plastic profile strands according to claim 7, or the calibrated plastic profile according to claim 13.

[0008] Further embodiments of the present disclosure are given by the dependent claims.

[0009] By elastically or plastically deforming the regions of the extruded plastic profile strand that form the form-fit elements while the extruded plastic profile strand is soft in the calibrator, it is possible to manufacture a calibrated plastic profile strand in which the form-fit elements are already attached at the output of the calibrator. This makes it possible to manufacture a calibrated plastic profile strand with form-fit elements that would be very difficult or impossible to form.

[0010] Further features and functions will be described by embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the extrusion arrangement of plastic profile extrusion in an embodiment that implements an embodiment and method for providing a calibration device. [Figure 2] Figures 2a) to 2d) are cross-sectional views showing the sections Q1 to Q4 in Figure 1 of a calibration device for extruded plastic profile strands according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]Figures 3a) to 3d) are cross-sectional views showing the sections Q1 to Q4 in Figure 1 of a calibration device for extruded plastic profile strands according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows [Figure 5] Figures 5a) to 5d) are cross-sectional views showing the sections Q1 to Q4 in Figure 1 of a calibration device for extruded plastic profile strands according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the extrusion arrangement of Figure 1, with a cross-sectional view of the extrusion nozzle and calibrator according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] In the following description of the embodiments, all features are disclosed individually and in combination with features of other embodiments, unless otherwise explicitly stated, even if described in relation to other features, unless the corresponding combination is technically impossible.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the extrusion configuration for plastic profile extrusion. The system includes an extruder 10 capable of heating plastic, such as one or more extrusion screws, in a conventional manner and outputting it as extruded plastic. An extrusion nozzle 20 for discharging the extruded plastic profile strand in a conventional manner is located at the outlet of the extruder. Downstream of the extrusion nozzle 20 is a calibration device 30 designed according to the teachings of this application. The calibrated plastic profile 50 is output from the output side of the configuration device 30 shown on the left in Figure 1. Thus, the plastic enters the input side of the calibration device 30 shown on the right in Figure 1 / Figure 6, through the extrusion nozzle 20 in the direction of movement indicated by arrow F, and is output from the output side of the calibration device 30 shown on the left in Figure 1. In the extrusion configuration shown in Figure 1, which is designed for the profile extraction process, an extraction machine 40 for extracting the conventionally calibrated plastic profile 50 is located downstream in the direction of movement F.

[0014] In the extrusion setup, the extrusion speed of the extruder 10 and the extraction speed of the extractor 40 are controlled or limited in a conventional manner so that the plastic profile 50 is extruded and calibrated. This method is known from the prior art and its details are not described herein.

[0015] In Figure 1, the dotted lines Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 indicate the positions in a cross-section of the device 30 perpendicular to the direction of movement F.

[0016] In Figure 2, corresponding cross-sectional views of the calibration device 30 of the first embodiment are shown in Figures 2a) to 2d). The calibration device 30 includes a calibration body 31 having channels 34, 35, and 36 that extend in the direction of movement F from the input side 32 to the output side 33. The channels 34, 35, and 36 include two channel regions 34 and 35 upstream in the direction of the input side 32, each having an input specific to the input side. These two channels extend downstream in the direction of movement F so that they approach each other continuously and become one in the channel region 36 (see Figure 2d).

[0017] In each of Figures 2a) to 2d), the outer circumference of the calibration body 31 is represented by a rectangle. The outer circumferences of the channel regions 34, 35, and 36 in Figures 2a) to 2d) correspond to the outer circumferences of the plastic profile strands 41 and 52, which are shown in gray.

[0018] As can be seen in Figure 2a), the two profile strands 51 and 52 do not have identical cross-sections, but they are designed to complement each other for the connection shown in Figure 2d).

[0019] In the prior art, these two profiles are individually extruded, calibrated, cooled, and then joined together, for example, by longitudinal movement.

[0020] As can be seen from the cross-sections of Q1 to Q4 in Figures 2a) to 2d), according to the calibration device 30 of the first embodiment, these two profile strands 51 and 52 can be connected in a state in which they can be (still) easily deformed before being discharged from the calibration body 31 in the calibration device.

[0021] Refer to Figure 7a) showing Figure 2a) with the dotted rectangular section added, and Figure 7b) showing an enlarged view of the rectangular section in Figure 7). The two profile strands 51, 52 each comprise so-called roll-in bodies / roll-in heads 51a, 52a. Such roll-in bodies are known in the prior art to be connected to aluminum profiles by so-called roll-in. Both profiles each comprise profile rods 51b, 52b formed integrally with the corresponding roll-in heads 51a, 52a. In the upper profile 51 in Figure 2, this rod 51b is angled, while in the lower profile 52 in Figures 2a) / 7a), this rod 52b is straight. However, these differences are not important in this teaching. The two profile strands 51, 52 may have the same cross-section. Each rod 51b, 52b has a complementary element formed which is connected by positive locking in a coupled state, as shown in Figure 2d). Although Figure 7b) shows only a pair of complementary elements, it is clear that the description and representation are applicable to the other complementary elements in Figures 2a) to 2d). These complementary elements comprise projections 51c, 52c having a stem 52s (Figure 7b)) projecting from the corresponding rod portions 51b, 52b, and a head 52k (Figure 7b)) at the free end of the stem 52s. As can be seen from Figures 2a) to 2d), 7a), 7b), in cross-section, the head 52k has a diameter 52kd (Figure 7b)) significantly larger than the stem 52s / 52sd. The diameter 52kd of the head 52k is preferably at least 1.5 times, more preferably at least 2 times, and even more preferably at least 2.5 times, the diameter 52sd of the stem 52s. A reasonable upper limit for the diameter 52kd of the head 52k is up to 5 times, more preferably 4 times, even more preferably 3 times, for example 2.5 times, the diameter 52sd of the trunk 52s.

[0022] As a second complementary element, recesses 51h, 52h adapted to receive the heads 52k of the complementary protrusions 51c, 52c are formed in respective other profile strands. The corresponding recesses 51h, 52h are delimited on both sides in the longitudinal cross-sectional direction by the wall portions of the profile regions 51d, 51e, 52d, 52e shown as protrusions. The corresponding recesses have an opening 51o (FIG. 7b)) on the side facing the other complementary element (protrusion), and the diameter 51od of the opening 51o is smaller than the diameter 52kd of the head 52k of the corresponding complementary protrusions 51c, 52c. This diameter 51od of the opening corresponds to a diameter 52kd of the head 52k of the complementary protrusions 51c, 52c having a surplus that is 5 to 50%, preferably 5 to 25%, more preferably 5 to 15%, for example 10%, smaller. In other words, in the calibration device 30, the surplus may be selected, for example, from the range of additional dimensions of 5 to 25% of the portion of the extruded plastic profile strand forming at least two complementary elements. Depending on the application field, a larger surplus may be selected, but the diameter 51od of the opening 51o of the recesses 51h, 52h is preferably smaller than the diameter � of the head 52k of the corresponding complementary protrusions 51c, 52c.

[0023] The calibration device of FIG. 2 is designed such that one profile strand 51 moves over another profile strand 52 in the corresponding channel regions 35, 34 in one direction, in the height direction in FIG. 2. The two channel regions 35, 34 are formed to gradually approach each other in the moving direction F and merge into one in a single channel region 36 (FIG. 2d)).

[0024] Thereby, the protrusions and recesses of the complementary elements face each other and are connected in a positive fit, as can be seen from FIGS. 2b) to 2d).

[0025] The channel regions 35, 34, and 36, particularly the channel regions between the cross-sections Q2, Q3, and Q4 shown in FIGS. 2b) and 2d), have a surplus with respect to the additional dimensions of the corresponding protrusions 51e, 51d and 52c, or 52d, 52e and 51c, and the wall portions 51e, 51d or 52d, 52h surrounding the recesses are designed to be able to retreat by elastic deformation in this case.

[0026] Since the profile strands 51, 52 already have a rigid layer on the outside of the profile strands and move in the corresponding channel regions 35, 34, the rigid layer has a restoring force even during deformation. The rigid layer allows for a desired elastic deformation below the elastic limit by the correspondingly designed continuous channel regions 35, 34 and 36, and after the head has passed through the opening of the corresponding recess 51h or 52h, the protrusions 51e, 51d or 52d and 52e are pushed back to the positions shown in FIG. 2d). This means that in the cross-section Q2 shown in FIG. 2b), the corresponding protrusions 51e, 51d or 52d, 52e are in the desired positions together with the recesses 51h or 52h of the corresponding shapes, and these protrusions in the position shown in FIG. 2c) are elastically deformed so that the heads 51c or 52c are pushed through the openings of the recesses, and the corresponding protrusions 51e, 51d or 52d, 52e return to the positions shown in FIG. 2b) by the elastic restoring force at the positions shown in FIG. 2d).

[0027] Of course, the corresponding cross-sections Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 are not accurate in the positions generally shown in FIG. 1. For example, the calibration device 31 downstream of the cross-section Q4 may be longer.

[0028] In FIGS. 2a) to 2d), the cooling channels of the calibration body are generally represented by small circles, and some of them are numbered 31k. All the circles shown in FIG. 2 are cooling channels, but only some of them are numbered because it would be difficult to understand if all the cooling channels were numbered.

[0029] The design of the calibrator 30 such that the form fit of the complementary elements is manufactured by elastic deformation is not limited to the profile shapes shown in Figure 2. One-sided positive fits such as clip elements or roller joints of the type shown in WO2013 / 189604A1 or WO2018 / 069859A1 can be connected by corresponding elastic deformation (connection) in the calibrator. The profile strands shown in Figure 2 or the above profile strands may be connected by elastic deformation as described below with reference to Figure 3, or by a combination of elastic and plastic deformation in the calibrator.

[0030] Figure 3 shows a calibration machine 30 of the second embodiment. Again, cross-sectional views corresponding to cross-sections Q1 to Q4 in Figure 1 are shown in Figures 3a) to 3d). The elements and configurations such as shape, dimensions, and area corresponding to those of the first embodiment are again not described and / or illustrated. For example, in Figure 3, the cooling channels 31k of the calibration body are not shown and described, but they may of course be present, and the dimensions and areas of other elements are again not described.

[0031] In a second embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the calibrator 30 has a calibration body 31 having two separate inputs on the input side 32 that open to separate channel regions 34, 35 (see Figure 6). Extruded plastic profile strands 51, 52, shown in the cross section of Figure 3, are inserted into these channel regions. The outer circumferences of the shown profile strands 51, 52 correspond to the inner contours of the corresponding channel regions 34, 35, 36.

[0032] Figure 7c) shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper profile 51 shown in Figure 3d). In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the two profile strands have the same cross-section. Unlike the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the two profile strands 51, 52 have projections 51g, 52g that function simultaneously as projections (Figure 7) comprising a trunk 51s and a head 51k, and as one of two projections that form the longitudinal walls of the corresponding recesses 51h, 52h. The corresponding channel regions 34, 35, 36 are formed with corresponding regions for these projections.

[0033] As is evident from Figure 3, in the corresponding cross-section, the positive fit is achieved not by elastic deformation, but by plastic deformation of the corresponding regions of the profile strands 51, 52. In particular, the channel region 34 has a region for calibrating the roll-in head 51a of the adjacent profile 51 by the rod portion 51b. The projection 51g, comprising the trunk 51s and head 51k, is formed at the free end of the trunk 51s on the rod portion 51b. The explanation in Figure 2 is not repeated in this case. Unlike the profile in Figure 2, another projection 51f, which forms a recess 51h together with the projection 51g, is also adjacent to the head 51a of the profile. Of course, this is also possible in different profile shapes such that the rod portion 51b is longer and the projection 51f is formed on the rod portion 52b. As can be seen from Figure 3a, the channel region 34 has a corresponding region for constituting these elements of the profile strand 51a.

[0034] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, two profile strands have the same cross-section. In the prior art, such a profile strand is calibrated by a calibrator, then cut accordingly, and then connected to another profile strand piece by longitudinal movement. However, such profiles do not exist in the prior art, and even if they did, connecting them by longitudinal movement would be extremely difficult.

[0035] According to the calibration machine 30 of the second embodiment, it is possible to extrude two identical profile strands and calibrate and combine them simultaneously in the same calibration machine 30.

[0036] For this purpose, the two profile strands 51, 52 are not only guided toward each other in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of movement (the height direction in Figure 3) through the corresponding channel regions 34, 35, but the cross-sections of the profile strands 51, 52 are also changed / deformed in a second direction perpendicular to the direction of movement and oblique / perpendicular to the first direction (the horizontal direction in Figure 3) by shaping the channel regions 34, 35 accordingly. As a result, both the projections 51g, 52g and projections 51f, 52f are deformed, and therefore the openings 51o of the corresponding recesses 51h, 52h are closed, as shown in Figure 3d) compared to the open state in Figure 3a) (Figure 7c)). In other words, the two channel regions, in particular the channel regions for the regions of the profile strands forming the complementary elements, are formed so that they first approach each other in the direction of movement F and then become one in one channel region 36. As shown in Figure 3d), the deformation of these channel regions 34, 35, and 36 enables the plastic deformation of the corresponding complementary elements and the generation of positive lock (form fit). The corresponding regions of the continuous profile strands, in this case having a rigid layer on the outside, deform beyond their elastic limit (yield point) due to the corresponding design of the channel regions 34, 35, and 36.

[0037] Figure 4 shows the same cross-section as Figure 3. Against the backdrop of the cross-sections in Figures 4a), 4b), and 4c), the final state of the calibrated plastic profile 50 at the exit of the calibrator 30 corresponds mainly to the cross-section in Figure 4d) and is shown by a dotted line. When these representations are superimposed, it can be seen that the channel regions 34 and 35 first approach each other essentially in the height direction of Figure 4, i.e., in the height direction of the calibrator 30 in Figure 1 (see Figures 4a) and 4b), and then approach each other further in the transverse direction of the calibrator until they become one (see Figures 4b) to 4d). The relative complete separation of the movement between projections 51g, 52g first and then between projections 51f, 52f, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, is possible but not required. The corresponding mutually directed “movement” of the channel regions may also be formed in the calibration body 31 so that it occurs at approximately the same position in the cross-section in the direction of movement F.

[0038] The calibration machine in Figure 2 can be manufactured relatively easily by conventional methods, for example, as a calibration block made by wire processing. The relatively complex series of channel regions 34, 35, and 36 of the calibration machine in Figure 3 are not so simple. Therefore, this calibration machine can be created, for example, by manufacturing multiple blocks in the longitudinal / transport direction F, or by 3D printing the relatively complex channel regions 34, 35, and 36.

[0039] In summary, the calibration device 30 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is a calibration device for extruded plastic profile strands for calibrating extruded plastic profile strands to a calibrated plastic profile (50) output from an output side 33. The calibration body comprises channels 34, 35, and 36, with two channel regions 34 and 35 having separate inputs on the input side 32 opening to a single channel region 36 which terminates at one output of the output side 33, from which the calibrated plastic profile 50 may be output. In the extrusion configuration shown in Figure 1, the calibrated plastic profile is output by being pulled through the calibrator.

[0040] The channel regions 34, 35, and 36 are designed to extend through the calibrator in the direction of movement (longitudinal direction F) such that corresponding complementary elements, designed as projections 51c, 52c or 51g, 52g and recesses 51h, 52h in the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, move and approach each other along the direction of movement (longitudinal direction) F so that they become one in a single channel region 36. The channel regions are designed to have calibration surplus, which is common in the prior art, and further, in the region where the complementary elements become one, particularly where elastic deformation occurs, surplus is provided in addition to the additional dimensions of the corresponding parts that form part of the plastic profile forming the complementary elements, in addition to the additional dimensions that allow elastic deformation in addition to the additional dimensions of the corresponding parts that form part of the plastic profile forming the complementary elements.

[0041] In the case of simple plastic deformation, such as the plastic deformation between cross-sections Q3 and Q4 in Figure 3, no elastic deformation occurs except for plastic deformation, so no additional surplus is needed.

[0042] The teachings of this disclosure are applicable not only to a method for manufacturing a calibrated plastic profile comprising a calibration device and two corresponding separate plastic profile strands, but also to a calibrated plastic profile strand that is extruded and calibrated as a whole and has corresponding mating elements.

[0043] Such a third embodiment is described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 6 shows the calibration device 30 of the third embodiment of the extrusion arrangement of Figure 1 in a cross section along line AA of Figure 5. In Figure 6, the extrusion nozzle 20 is also schematically shown in a cross section along line AA. Elements and designs corresponding to those of the first / second embodiments, such as the cooling channel 31k, are again not described and / or illustrated.

[0044] The calibrator / calibrator 30 of the third embodiment comprises a calibration body 31 having a channel 37 that branches into two channel regions 37a and 37b. These two channel regions 37a and 37b are clearly identifiable in the cross-section of Figure 6. Thus, it has the shape of a branching nozzle having corresponding regions 20a and 20b. Therefore, the extruded plastic profile strand can enter through the channel 37 on the input side 32 of the calibration body 31. As is clear from Figures 5a) to 5d), the two channel regions 37a and 37b, as in the first and second embodiments, initially approach each other continuously along the longitudinal / movement direction F, so that the individual channel regions 34 and 35 initially approach each other continuously along the longitudinal / movement direction F and merge into one in the region shown on the right of Figure 5. The more centrally located portions of regions 37a and 37b of the calibration body 31 do not merge, thereby the calibrated plastic profile 50 forms a hollow profile body.

[0045] The plastic profile that can be calibrated by the calibrator of the third embodiment has a trunk 53s and two rod sections 53a and 53b, as shown on the left in Figure 5. Rod section 37a has a projection 53c at its free end. The other rod section 37b has a recess 53h at its free end, opposite the free end of rod section 37a in the calibrated state, which complements the projection 53c. The recess 53h is defined / limited by the corresponding side walls of the projections 53d and 53e. Although not shown in Figure 5, as shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3, the projection 53c has a head having a larger diameter than the trunk of the projection 53c. The recess 53e has an opening opposite the projection 53c, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the head of the projection 53c in the final state. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the projection 53c forms together with the recess 53h by elastic deformation. However, design by plastic deformation is also possible. The elastic deformation that forms this positive fit is combined with plastic deformation in at least a portion of the profile strand, in this case in the region 53p indicated by the circle in 53b in Figure 5a). In this case as well, the channel region may be designed such that the deformation in region 53p or another region is elastic deformation, so that when the positive fit (form fit) is released, the hollow profile opens without "bending open". However, this is not the case in the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0046] The calibration device 30 shown in Figures 1 to 6, or the calibration device 30 for extruded plastic profile strands of different designs, enables a method for calibrating the following extruded plastic profile strands into a calibrated plastic profile 50, the calibrated plastic profile 50 having at least two complementary elements that form a form fit in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the calibrated plastic profile when calibrated.

[0047] In this method, at least one extruded plastic profile to be calibrated is first introduced into at least one channel of the calibration body 31. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, at least two extrusion nozzles are introduced into two different inputs of corresponding channel regions of the calibration body 31, and in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, one extruded plastic profile strand is introduced into the input-side input of the calibration body 31. Of course, three or more plastic profile strands may be introduced in the same manner, forming channels and guiding them so that the corresponding complementary elements form a form fit in the calibrator.

[0048] After inserting at least one extruded plastic profile strand to be calibrated into at least one channel of the calibration body, the plastic profile strand is moved through the channel or the channel of the calibration body from the input side 32 in the direction of movement F to the output side 33 located on the opposite side of the input side 32 in the direction of movement F of the calibration body 31, for example by pulling / pulling. The input and channel regions are formed such that 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 fit.

[0049] During movement of the plastic profile to be calibrated in the calibration body in the direction of movement F, corresponding regions of the plastic profile to be calibrated that form at least two complementary elements are brought together (by corresponding formations and corresponding series of channel regions) in a continuous manner so that the complementary elements form-fit through plastic and / or elastic deformation, and merge into one. During further movement in the direction of movement F, the calibrated plastic profile in which the two complementary elements form-fit is output on the output side.

[0050] In the method shown in Figures 2 to 4, one of the two complementary elements is separate from the input and channel region, and the other of the two complementary elements is inserted from the input in the channel region into which it is inserted.

[0051] In the method shown in Figure 5, both regions of the calibrated plastic profile that form the two complementary elements are introduced into the same channel, but initially into different regions. Subsequently, these separate channel regions, and thus the corresponding regions of the extruded plastic profile strand, approach each other and merge into one.

[0052] The extrusion arrangements and calibration apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 6, and the corresponding methods, are used to manufacture a calibrated plastic profile 50, which is made from polyamide with or without glass fiber reinforcement, is stretched in the longitudinal direction, has a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and has at least two complementary elements that form a form fit in the cross section.

[0053] The deformation in a soft state within the calibrator allows for the production of form fits of at least two complementary elements of these calibrated plastic profiles. These form fits, after cooling, i.e., at room temperature, can only be separated in any direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction by a force that would damage the corresponding plastic profile. This is true even if the corresponding form fit is produced by movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The plastic profiles have dimensions such that they do not separate under a force perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of 300 N or less per 2 cm of length of the plastic profile 50. Beyond this amount of force, separation occurs, damaging and / or destroying the elements forming the positive fit or another area of ​​the calibrated plastic profile. Preferably, the force at which the positive fit does not separate is 400 N or less per 2 cm of length of the plastic profile, more preferably 500 N or less per 2 cm of length of the plastic profile. In particular, for the type of profile shown in Figures 2 to 5, where the first complementary element of the first plastic profile strand of two separate calibrated plastic profile strands comprises a trunk and a head at the free end of the trunk, with the diameter of the head being a projection greater than that of the trunk, and another second complementary element of the second plastic profile of the two calibrated plastic profile strands has, in the calibrated state, an opening of a recess in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, with the diameter of the opening being greater than that of the trunk and smaller than that of the head, such a calibrated plastic profile of the design is easily realized. It is only a matter of selecting the dimensions of the head, such as the projection shown in Figures 2 to 5, and the corresponding elements surrounding the recess. Two separate profile strands connected by formfit as taught in this disclosure make it possible to design a shear-flexible profile for connecting metal profiles of windows, doors, or panel elements that allow relative movement of the metal profiles along their longitudinal direction. Embodiments in Figures 2 to 4 are particularly suitable for such shear-flexible connection profiles.

[0054] Accordingly, one embodiment of the teaching is a plastic profile extrusion system having an outlet for discharging extruded plastic, an extrusion nozzle 20 positioned at the outlet of the extruder for discharging extruded plastic profile strands, a calibration device 30 downstream of the extrusion nozzle according to one of the following claims, and a drawer 40 for the calibrated plastic profile 50 discharged from the calibration device 30.

[0055] The extruded and / or calibrated profiles described herein are longitudinal bodies, which are equally referred to as profiles, profile bars, or profile strands.

[0056] It is expressly emphasized that all features disclosed in the specification and / or claims are to be considered separate and independent of each other, for the purposes of the original disclosure and for the purposes of limiting the claimed invention, independently of any combination of features in the embodiments and / or claims. It is expressly emphasized that all representations of scope and representations of groups of units disclose any possible intermediate values ​​or subgroups of units for the purposes of the original disclosure and, in particular, for the purposes of limiting the claimed invention, such as the limitation of the representation of scope.

Claims

1. Calibration device (30) for extruded plastic profile strands to calibrate an extruded plastic profile strand (50) to a calibrated extruded plastic profile strand, A calibration body (31) comprises at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37a, 37b, 37c) extending in the direction of movement (F), having at least one inlet and one outlet, wherein the cross section at the outlet corresponding to the calibrated outer cross section of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated is perpendicular to the direction of movement (F), The calibrated plastic profile (50) in the calibrated state includes 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) that form a form fit having a cross section perpendicular to the direction of movement (F), The at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37a, 37b, 37c) has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction of movement (F) at the entrance where 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) being calibrated are separated perpendicular to the direction of movement (F) and do not form a positive fit. The at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37a, 37b, 37c) is the at least two complementary elements of the at least one channel (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) is the at least two complementary elements of the extruded plastic profile strand (51c, 52h, 52c, The portions forming 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) are designed to form along the direction of movement (F) by a method (Q1, Q2, Q3) such that they gradually approach each other to form a single channel region (36; 37c) so that they form a form-fit at the exit by plastic and / or elastic deformation. Calibration device (30) characterized by the above.

2. The aforementioned at least one channel (34, 35, 36) is At least two separate inlets (34, 35) are formed such that one of the at least two complementary elements of the plastic profile being calibrated (51c; 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g; 51g) enters the channel of one of the separate inlets (34) and another of the at least two complementary elements of the plastic profile being calibrated (52h, 52c, 52d) enters the channel of one of the separate inlets (35), with a (first) cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction of movement (F) on the side of the at least one inlet, The (second) cross-sectional shape (36) on the exit side, corresponding to the calibrated outer cross-section of the plastic profile to be calibrated, A calibration device according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The at least one channel (37, 37a, 37b, 37c) is A (first) cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction of movement (F) on the side of the at least one inlet is formed such that one of the at least two complementary elements (53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) of the plastic profile (50) being calibrated enters the channel, which is spatially separated from another region (37a, 37b) of the same inlet, The (second) cross-sectional shape (37c) on the exit side, corresponding to the calibrated outer cross-section of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated, A calibration device according to claim 1, comprising:

4. The calibration body (31) has an input side (32) and an output side (33) which is located on the opposite side of the input side (32) in the direction of movement (F) of the calibration body (31), 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 section perpendicular to the direction of movement (F) at the input side (32) where 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) being calibrated are separated perpendicular to the direction of movement (F) to form a positive fit, and has a second cross section perpendicular to the direction of movement (F) at the output side (33) corresponding to the calibrated outer cross section of the plastic profile (50) being calibrated, The channel region of the at least one channel that calibrates 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 is the channel region of the at least one channel that calibrates the at least two complementary elements (51c, 52h, 52c, 52d; 52c, 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g) of the extruded plastic profile strand. The portions forming 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) have a surplus for the additional 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) in the region along the direction of movement (F) where the portions form a form fit at the exit by plastic and / or elastic deformation, Calibration device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The calibration body (31) preferably has cooling channels (31k) extending between channel regions that are continuously approaching each other, and / or The at least one channel (34, 35, 36; 37, 37b, 37c) is designed to allow the extruded plastic profile strand to move through the calibration body (31) in the direction of movement (F) by pulling the calibrated plastic profile (50) downstream of the outlet. Calibration device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The plastic profile (50) to be calibrated has 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 calibration state on the output side (33), where one of the first complementary elements has a trunk (51s; 52s) and a head (51k; 52k) at the free end of the trunk (51s; 52s), and the cross-sectional diameter of the head (51k; 52k) is a projection (51c; 52c; 51g; 52g; 53c) that is larger than the trunk (51s; 52s), and the other second complementary element is in the calibration state A recess (51h; 52h; 53h) adapted to receive the head (51k; 52k), preferably surrounded by two longitudinal wall elements (52c, 52d; 51d, 51e; 51f, 51g; 52f, 52g; 52d, 53e) which are projections, wherein the cross-sectional diameter (51od; 52od) of the opening (51o; 52o) of the recess is greater than the diameter (52sd; 51sd) of the trunk (51s; 52s) and smaller than the diameter (52kd; 51kd) of the head (51k; 52k) of the first complementary element, and the form fit of the recess (51h; 52h; 53h) with the head (52k; 51k) surrounds the head in two opposite directions. 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 calibrate the projections (51c; 52c; 51g; 52g; 53c) and the longitudinal wall elements (52c, 52d; 51d, 51e; 51f, 51g; 52f, 52g; 52d, 53e) surrounding the recesses (51h; 52h; 53h) of the plastic profile (50) being calibrated, and the channel regions of the at least one channel approach each other in a continuous manner to form a single calibration channel region (36, 37c) for pushing the projections into the recesses by plastic and / or elastic deformation. Calibration device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method for calibrating an extruded plastic profile strand to a calibrated plastic profile (50), wherein in the calibrated state, 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 form fit in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the calibrated plastic profile (50), 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 (31) such that at least one of the configured plastic profile strands moves through the calibrator (31) from the input side of the calibrator (31) to the output side (33) located on the opposite side of the input side (32) of the calibrator (31) in the direction of movement (F), and the at least At least one calibrated plastic profile strand is inserted such that, upon insertion, 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 calibrated plastic profile (50) are separated perpendicular to the direction of movement (F) and have a cross-sectional shape in the direction of movement (F) that does not form a positive fit. The process involves moving the plastic profile strand to be calibrated from the input side (32) to the output side (33) of the calibrator (30) through at least one channel, and calibrating the plastic profile strand during the movement. The calibrated plastic profile (50) is output from the output side (33), Equipped with, While moving through at least one of the channels (34, 35, 36, 37, 37a, 37b, 37c), The portions of the extruded plastic profile strand that form 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) move continuously towards each other along the direction of movement (F) (Q1, Q2, Q3), and through plastic and / or elastic deformation they form a single form fit, forming a positive fit in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the calibrated plastic profile (50). method.

8. In the insertion described above, at least two extruded plastic profile strands are provided. One of the at least two complementary elements of the configured plastic profile (51c; 51h, 51d, 51e; 51h, 51f, 51g; 51g) enters the channel of one of the individual inlets (34) as part of one of the at least two extruded plastic profile strands, and the other of the at least two complementary elements of the plastic profile to be calibrated (52h, 52c, 52d; 52c; 52g; 52h, 52f, 52g) enters the channel of one of the individual inlets (35), so that one of the at least two complementary elements and the other are separated perpendicular to the direction of movement (F) and do not form a form fit. Inserted from at least two separate inlets (34, 35) into at least one channel (34, 35, 36, 37, 37a, 37b, 37c) of the calibrator (31), The method according to claim 7.

9. As the at least two extruded plastic profile strands move from the input side (32) to the output side (33) of the calibrator (30) in the direction of movement (F), they first move through two separate channel regions (34, 35) to approach each other and be calibrated (Q1, Q2, Q3), and then in one channel region (36) they form a single form fit by elastic deformation only and not plastic deformation (Q4), The deformation is restricted by the design of the channel region so that the already rigid but still flexible complementary element undergoes elastic deformation without plastic deformation. The method of claim 8.

10. As the at least two extruded plastic profile strands move from the input side (32) to the output side (33) of the calibrator (30) in the direction of movement (F), they first move through two separate channel regions (34, 35) and are calibrated by deformation, moving closer to each other in a continuous manner (Q1, Q2, Q3), and then become one form fit by plastic deformation in one channel region (36) (Q4), The deformation is controlled by the design of the channel region so that the complementary element, which is already rigid but still flexible, undergoes plastic deformation. The method of claim 8.

11. In the insertion described above, the at least one extruded plastic profile strand is So that one of the at least two complementary elements (53c, 53h, 53d, 53e) of the plastic profile (50) to be calibrated enters the channel which is spatially separated from other regions (37a, 37b) of the same inlet, Inserted into at least one channel (34, 35, 36, 37, 37a, 37b, 37c) of the calibrator (31), The method according to claim 7.

12. The plastic profile (50) to be calibrated has 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, one of the first complementary elements having a trunk and a head at the free end of the trunk, wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the head (51k; 52k) is a projection (51c; 52c; 51g; 52g; 53c) that is larger than the trunk (51s; 52s), and the other second The complementary element is a recess (51h; 52h; 53h) adapted to receive the head in the calibration state, preferably surrounded by two longitudinal wall elements (52c, 52d; 51d, 51e; 51f, 51g; 52f, 52g; 52d, 53e) which are projections, wherein the cross-sectional diameter (51od; 52od) of the opening (51o; 52o) of the recess is greater than the diameter of the trunk and smaller than the diameter (52kd; 51kd) of the head of the first complementary element, and the form fit of the recess with the head surrounds the head in two opposite directions. While moving through at least one of the channels (34, 35, 36, 37, 37a, 37b, 37c), The portions of the extruded plastic profile strand that form the protrusions (51c; 52c; 51g; 52g; 53c) and the recesses (51h; 52h; 53h) move continuously towards each other along the direction of movement (F) (Q1, Q2, Q3), become one (Q4), and the protrusions (51c; 52c; 51g; 52g; 53c) are pushed into the recesses by the plastic and / or elastic deformation of the head and / or the longitudinal wall elements (52c, 52d; 51d, 51e; 51f, 51g; 52f, 52g; 52d, 53e). The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. A calibrated plastic profile (50) that is stretched in the longitudinal direction and has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, 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 form fit in cross-section. The form fit 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) does not separate at room temperature when a force is applied in any direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The amount of force is 300 N or less per 2 cm of the length of the plastic profile (50). Calibrated plastic profile (50).

14. It comprises two separate calibrated plastic profile strands (51, 52) and four complementary elements (51g, 52h, 52f, 52g, 51g; 51h, 51f, 51g, 52g) which form a form fit in cross-section, The first complementary element of the first profile strand (51) of the two individual plastic profile strands is formed as a first projection (51g) comprising a trunk (51s) and a head (51k) at the free end of the trunk (51s), wherein the cross-sectional diameter (51k) of the head (51k) is larger than that of the trunk (51sd). The second complementary element of the second profile strand (52) of the two individual plastic profile strands is a first recess (52h) adapted to receive the head (51k) of the first projection in a calibrated state, surrounded by two longitudinal wall elements (51f, 51g), wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the opening of the first recess is greater than the diameter (51sd) of the trunk (51s) and less than the diameter (52kd; 51kd) of the head (51k) of the first projection (51g), and the form fit of the recess having the head of the first projection surrounds the head in two opposite directions, and the two individual plastic profile strands are connected by the form fit to form a plastic profile. The third complementary element of the second profile strand (52) is formed as a second projection (52g) comprising a stem and a head at the free end of the stem, wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the head is larger than that of the stem. A fourth complementary element of the first profile strand (52) is a second recess (51h) adapted to receive the head of the second projection (52g) in a calibrated state, surrounded by two longitudinal wall elements (51f, 51g), wherein the cross-sectional diameter (51od) of the opening (51o) of the second recess (51h) is greater than the diameter of the trunk and less than the diameter of the head of the second projection (52g), and the form fit of the recess having the head of the second projection surrounds the head in two opposite directions, and the two separate plastic profile strands (51, 52) are connected by the form fit to form a plastic profile. The protrusions (51g; 52g) and recesses (51h; 52h) are designed to allow the two individual plastic profile strands (51, 52) to move longitudinally relative to each other at room temperature. A calibrated plastic profile (50) according to claim 13.

15. The first projection (51g) forms one of the two vertical wall elements (51f, 51g) surrounding the second recess (51h). The second projection (52g) forms one of the two vertical wall elements (51f, 51g) surrounding the first recess (52h). A calibrated plastic profile (50) according to claim 14.

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