DE102004063109A1 - Connecting and/or sealing process for parts and/or cavities between them, comprises preparing parts and an inlay, fitting the inlay and heating by electrical induction - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for connecting and/or sealing parts and/or cavities between them, comprising preparing parts and an inlay, fitting the inlay and heating by electrical induction, is new. The connecting and/or sealing process comprises preparing at least two parts (1, 2) to be connected, preparing an inlay (6) with at least one electrically conducting layer e.g. of metal foil, fitting the inlay between the parts and assembling the parts, placing in an induction field to heat the inlay, softening thermoplastic material in the vicinity of the inlay to produce a connection of seal, and cooling the construction group. The inlay carrier layer may be of metal, plastic or card.

Description

The The invention relates to a method and a means for connecting Splitting and / or sealing the gap between the parts by means of electromagnetic induction.

The inventive method can be used in principle Connecting parts and / or sealing the gap between apply the parts, the parts basically any configuration and shape. Different materials are conceivable. So here is just by way of example of a specific application of the method according to the invention the speech, namely if injection, portioning or lid inserts or closures with containers be combined in any way.

at the containers can it be plastic bottles as outer packaging for cosmetics, Food or cleaning products as well as more generally for chemicals act. containers made of glass are also in question.

extruded and injection molded containers as well as glass containers aforementioned type become common provided with a closure or insert. This insert serves usually for controlled ejection or portioning of the contents. Furthermore, it is possible an insert in the container introducing the lid construction for the container, for example a hinged lid, includes.

Usually will for inserting the insert into the container, a closure (e.g., a screw cap) already completed at the closure supplier with the appropriate application, so that the insert can be pressed into the mouth when closing the container is.

To the known from practice prior art has the use For example, a circumferential sealing lip, which in a circular groove inside the container can come to the plant. Optionally, even the use of a circular Have groove while the opening of the container may have a circumferential sealing lip. This is the mission form-fitting on the container established. Furthermore, it is common Simply press the insert into the (bottle) opening of the container. The insert is thus only positively connected to the container.

The known from the prior art method for introducing aforementioned inserts in such containers as well as the known inserts are however disadvantageous in several respects.

at the extruded or injection molding technology in question containers or glass bottles are generally cheap Mass products relating to their dimensions are particularly large Have tolerance ranges. For the known from the prior art inserts applies the same. By the big ones Tolerances and the thus strongly varying gap dimensions is the Sealing of such containers with usual Methods, for example conventional ones Sealing rings, difficult and expensive. For a particularly large sealing gap can the clamping action and thus the sealing of the intended Sealing ring is not sufficient. At the same time can be at a special narrow sealing gap, the clamping action of the intended sealing ring so be great that the connection can no longer be established or the container due to high voltages during assembly is destroyed.

Of Further can conventional Seals damaged during assembly of the parts to be sealed, whereby the sealing effect is lost.

This has the consequence that in the known from the prior art inserts for corresponding container and the known method for positive or non-positive fixing of inserts in these containers usually no satisfactory sealing effect of the insert against the container wall is achieved. For especially creeping media or at a lying storage or transport of the container often occur leaks on. For example, occur during transport of the container An aircraft often leaks due to the pressure differences occurring on. As a result, containers with corresponding leaks out must be taken for sale. Furthermore, such containers pollute the remaining goods and lead, if the contamination was not noticed in time by the sales staff becomes an annoyance the clientele.

Become aggressive and / or toxic media filled into appropriate containers, here If only sanitary cleaners are mentioned as examples, they can occur Leaks even lead to a serious health risk.

In addition to the aforementioned containers and inserts, reference is explicitly made to another problem observed in the corresponding technical field. In recent years, so-called bounce seals are becoming increasingly popular, especially among manufacturers of personal care products. These bounce closures are known, for example, from shampoo bottles. Here is the art material container at the bottleneck on a circumferential sealing lip, while the closure comprises an opening for the bottleneck, which is not slid over the sealing lip in the unstretched state. To close the container, the closure is pushed with a force pulse over the sealing lip of the bottle neck, as it were pitched on the bottle neck.

It needs no further explanation, that the sealing effect achieved in this case is usually unsatisfactory can be.

in the Light of the foregoing The invention is based on the object, a method for secure connection parts and / or for safe and reliable sealing of the gap between the parts, but this procedure is not only on connecting containers and inserts or refers to the sealing of aforementioned containers, but basically on connecting parts of any kind.

Of Another object of the invention is to provide a means with which the aforementioned method can be carried out.

• – Bereitstellen von mindestens zwei zu verbindenden Teilen,
• – Bereitstellen einer durch Induktion elektrisch ankoppelbaren Einlage, welche zumindest eine elektrisch leitende Schicht aufweist,
• – Anordnen der Einlage im Bereich zwischen den Teilen und Zusammenbau der Teile,
• – Einbringen des die Einlage umfassenden Bereichs der Baugruppe in ein Induktionsfeld zum elektromagnetischen Ankoppeln und Erwärmen der Einlage durch induzierten elektrischen Strom,
• – Erweichen thermoplastischen Materials im unmittelbaren Bereich der Einlage, so dass das thermoplastische Material zu einer Verbindung, Verklebung und/oder Abdichtung führt,
• – Abkühlen der Baugruppe.

The above object with respect to the method is solved by the features of patent claim 1. Thereafter, the invention is based on the idea to accomplish a connection of parts and / or for sealing the gap between the parts by means of electromagnetic induction. The proposed method according to the invention comprises the following steps:

• Providing at least two parts to be connected,
• Providing an insert which can be electrically coupled by induction and which has at least one electrically conductive layer,
• Arranging the insert in the area between the parts and assembling the parts,
• Inserting the portion of the assembly comprising the insert into an induction field for electromagnetic coupling and heating of the insert by induced electric current,
• Softening of thermoplastic material in the immediate area of the insert, so that the thermoplastic material leads to a connection, bonding and / or sealing,
• - cooling the assembly.

According to the invention is recognized been that a non-contact Caulking or joining parts can be done in which a to Sealing provided thermoplastic material by means of electromagnetic Induction heated becomes.

Farther has been recognized that for warming of the thermoplastic material by means of electromagnetic induction an electrically connectable insert in the region of the sealing / connecting gap is to be provided.

According to the invention is further been recognized that when connecting parts or for sealing a Gap also very big Gaps are bridged can, if the seal is only made when the to connecting / sealed parts already in the installed state are located. The softening by electromagnetic induction thermoplastic Material flows in independently the gap to be sealed and leads to a complete one Connection of the two parts, without the resulting seal through a later assembly the parts to be joined are damaged could.

Of Another has been recognized according to the invention, that the proposed method quite well suited to this is, a reliable connection of parts with extra large ones Allow manufacturing tolerance.

As already mentioned in the introduction has been in principle, can be by the inventive method in principle two Connect parts of any shape and material or seal.

In a preferred embodiment the method according to the invention the first part is made of plastic, metal or glass. A piece of plastic is especially preferable as it is generally not an electric conductor and thereby no point of attack for that needed represents electromagnetic induction field. It is, however, too possible, as first part to provide a part of metal, in particular then if needed electromagnetic induction field particularly accurate to a specific local area limited can be. In this case, the use of a first part be of metal even beneficial, because then the metal of the first In addition to the insert used in addition to the softening of the thermoplastic Material can contribute to the sealing or bonding.

Preferably, a part made of plastic, in particular of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) is provided as the first part. These plastics are no obstacle and no point of attack for the electromagnetic field used. Furthermore, the plastics mentioned are usually used for the production of the products mentioned in the introduction to the description. However, it is also possible that as the first part of a part of another, any plastic provided.

In a most preferred embodiment is the first Part of a container for food, Personal care products, Room care agents or the like provided. There are those The starting materials included in the description - only exemplary - reference has been taken. Only as examples of the type of provided container be further referred to here as pharmaceutical packaging, vials, Cosmetic container container for light running oil for the hobby area, as well as many more. The containers mentioned here are usually made of glass or Made of plastic. Under certain conditions mentioned above can but also containers be made of metal.

In In a further development of the method according to the invention, the container is already filled before assembling the parts. This has the great advantage that the container through a big, while his Making trained opening with the later Content filled can be. Thereafter, the insert can be used in the container in question be, whereupon in accordance with the invention a seal or Connection is made. The container will then possibly still provided with a closure and can then go on sale.

It is in principle conceivable that also as a second part a part of each Form as well as from any material is provided. In a preferred embodiment the process of the invention is as a second part, a part made of plastic, metal or glass provided. To avoid repetition, please refer to the comments in terms of of the first part.

In Another embodiment of the method according to the invention is second Part part made of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) provided. As a result, u.a. the aforementioned inserts or lid constructions for containers of any kind Type includes.

When second part can be a spray or portioning insert, a (hinged) lid insert, a screw or bounce closure or the like can be provided. These inserts usually find in the already mentioned several times container application, here However, other constructions are conceivable. The ones in question Calls are common made of plastic, in particular polypropylene or polyethylene, can but also made of any other material. It is for example even conceivable that as a second part a metallic insert for a container provided. This use would therefore in addition to the insert according to the invention be heated by the intended electromagnetic field and could so as to soften the thermoplastic material in the area of Contribute sealing or connecting gaps.

In most preferably, the second part is an insert or closure for one container for food, Personal care products, Room care agents or the like provided. These inserts usually have a central passage, which has a much smaller diameter compared to the (bottle) opening of the container has. Furthermore, for example, for vials containing drugs in liquid Form included, inserts known, in addition to the portioning effect in the form of drops and the Introduction of ambient air as a substitute for the amount of active substance removed accomplish.

to execution the method according to the invention can be provided an insert, which is a metal foil as having electrically conductive layer. Commercially available metal foils are available at low cost and can with wide-ranging Specifications are related. Such metal foils are generally flexible and able therefore any desired Recognize the shape of the insert according to the invention.

It For example, an insert may be provided in which the metal foil, which is the electrically conductive layer of the insert forms, consists of aluminum. Aluminum foil will come in all conceivable specifications (Thickness of the film, embossing, etc.) offered and is relatively inexpensive available. In addition, aluminum presents an excellent electrical conductor and is therefore used in the process according to the invention very well suited.

In a development of the method according to the invention is an electrical dockable insert provided in addition to an electric conductive layer, a carrier layer made of metal, plastic or cardboard. This carrier layer leads to a stabilization of the insert according to the invention and facilitates the assembly of parts. Furthermore, by providing a carrier layer reduces the probability of the deposit according to the invention to damage during assembly of the parts. The deposit can ever according to application and required stability also with other layers be made of metal, plastic or cardboard.

In a very particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, an insert is provided, which on the lower and / or upper side, at least in segments Having coating with a thermoplastic material. In this embodiment, a composite material is provided as an insert, which already contains the thermoplastic material, which was later in the installed state and during the electrical coupling of the insert by the applied electromagnetic induction field for sealing or connecting parts leads. If the parts are merely to be connected in a material-locking manner, or if the applied sealing material is particularly free-flowing in the softened state, it may be sufficient to provide an insert which is only segmentally coated with the thermoplastic material. As a result, a particularly economical use of the thermoplastic material is achieved. If a particularly reliable sealing effect is to be achieved, or if the sealing gap to be filled is particularly wide and / or subject to particularly great tolerance, it is preferable to provide a liner with a complete coating of thermoplastic material.

Especially advantageous is a method in which an insert provided in which the thermoplastic material comprises hot melt adhesive or sealing material. By a segmental or complete coating of a or both sides of the insert with a hot glue or sealing material and the provision of this insert in the method according to the invention the process is particularly well suited to any Parts to connect with each other or the space between the Seal parts. If parts are to be connected, will an insert, which with hot glue or the like coated, provided. When heating the insert according to the invention during the Energizing with the electromagnetic induction field melts the hot glue and fill the space between the parts to be joined. It comes to a stable, material connection the two parts.

Should only a gap between two parts are sealed, provide a liner coated with a sealant. During the Heating the insert softens the sealing material and fills the to be sealed gap between the two parts, in contrast to a conventional, O-ring to be placed between the parts before assembly Any gap shape can be filled by the sealing material can. It comes to a very secure seal, which at usual Sealing process is not achieved.

to execution the method according to the invention can be provided an insert, which is formed areally. These Insert can be used to connect or seal any shape Serve sharing, which a - like always trained - have face.

In Preferably, an insert is provided which is the shape a seal. The insert can be in the form of a conventional flat Sealing ring or a conventional O-ring exhibit. This makes the process particularly suitable Be used to conventional sealing tasks, for example the seal between a bottle-like container and a spray or portioning insert in the opening or in the spout of container in significantly improved quality and reliability to ensure.

The Insert in the form of a sealing ring, the previously used, conventional Replace sealing ring in the simplest way. For this purpose, the insert according to the invention in the form of a sealing ring before assembling the parts to the place of the previously used, conventional Arranged sealing ring, after which the parts are assembled in the usual way. Through the following electrical coupling of the insert and softening of the thermoplastic Material will then - in difference to a seal according to the state the technology - one excellent sealing or adhesive effect achieved.

In a further embodiment of the method becomes the insert before assembling the parts one of the parts set. For example, the deposit can one of the parts to be joined glued, pushed or in this be clamped. The subsequent assembly of the parts is facilitated because the insert of the invention can not slip still from the gap between the to be connected or sealed Parts fall out.

The insert can even be fixed to one of the parts to be joined during its manufacture. It is conceivable that during the manufacturing process of one of the parts to be joined, the insert is already firmly connected to the latter, ie "built-in." This incorporation of the insert into one of the parts to be joined can take place, for example, automatically, ie fully automatically In the process, two advantages are achieved: firstly, the insert comes into contact with a part in a precisely defined position, slippage of the insert is no longer possible, and exact positioning of the insert with respect to both parts to be joined is achieved If the insert is already fixed in a suitable position in one of the parts, it will automatically be assembled into one with respect to both during assembly menzubauender parts brought optimal position. The further advantage of this embodiment is that the step of positioning the insert between the two parts to be joined is saved, which results in a cost saving.

In Particularly preferably, the insert is to be connected to one of Parts during one Injection molding manufacturing process set. For example an aforementioned injection or portioning insert for a commercial container in bottle form produced by injection molding, can the deposit for later Sealing the insert against the container wall already the syringe insert supplied so that the insert, as it were in the part to be produced, So here is the injection or portioning insert, is poured with. By This procedure becomes a very excellent positioning the deposit of the part to be manufactured as well as a secure, non-detachable connection created between the insert and the part.

at this embodiment the method according to the invention For example, an insert may be provided which merely an electrically conductive layer and possibly a carrier layer having. Through the pouring of the deposit into one of the Parts during its manufacturing process is in the area of the deposit already thermoplastic material, namely the material of the produced Part. Now, if the insert electrically coupled, this can be Softening the thermoplastic material surrounding the insert to lead, and this softened thermoplastic material may be the sealing or adhesive effect in interaction with the other to be joined Unfold part. This training is a very special inexpensive execution the method according to the invention reached. Furthermore, by the connection of deposit and To connect part a very compact construction group consisting made of insert and one of the parts to be joined in the process according to the invention become.

The Task, a means of implementation the method according to the invention is given by the features of the independent patent claim 20 solved. Then includes an insert for material connection of parts and / or for sealing the gap between the parts by means of electromagnetic induction an electrically conductive layer.

Around To avoid repetitions, be with respect to advantageous embodiments the insert according to the invention on the one hand to the claims 20 subordinate claims, on the other hand the previous versions in terms of the method according to the invention directed.

It are now different ways to design the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner and further education. This is on the one hand to the subordinate claims, on the other hand to the following explanation a preferred embodiment the method according to the invention as well as the insert according to the invention referring to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred embodiment With reference to the drawings are also generally preferred embodiments and Further developments of the teaching explained. In the drawing show

1 a schematic sectional view of a known from the prior art method for joining parts, wherein specifically the determination of a syringe insert in the neck of a commercial plastic container is shown here,

2 a schematic sectional view of the method according to the invention, wherein a syringe insert is firmly connected to the bottleneck of a commercial container and sealed; the figure shows the assembly after the cooling step in the finished state,

3 a schematic, enlarged view of the detail Y from 2 ; in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, two ver binding parts and an insert according to the invention, which has an electrically conductive layer and an upper and a lower coating with thermoplastic material is used.

1 shows two parts 1 . 2 which have been joined by a method according to the prior art. Shown in detail is a spray / portioning insert 3 made of plastic, in the bottleneck 4 a container 5 made of plastic has been pressed. The connection is thus formed only positively. In the plastic container shown here 5 it is, for example, a container for personal care products, such as sunscreen. These containers 5 are manufactured millions of times and due to the cost pressure in this market segment have high manufacturing tolerances. Accordingly, a press connection according to the prior art on the one hand to "loose" sitting, but on the other hand by an undersize of the bottle neck 4 cause the bottleneck 4 when pressing in the injection / portioning insert 3 tears.

It is also of the prior art known, the inside of the bottle neck 4 provided with a circumferential lip over which the spray / Portioniereinsatz 3 pushed or beaten during assembly until the encircling lip in a circumferential groove of the insert 3 to come to rest. The sealing dimensions of the compounds achieved here are highly tolerant. An effective seal, especially against creeping media, is hard to achieve.

2 shows a schematic sectional view of a connection made of two parts according to the present invention 1 . 2 , Shown is a spray / portioning insert 3 Made of plastic, the insoluble and tight with the bottleneck 4 a container 5 made of plastic. This is an insert 6 used before inserting the spray / Portioniereinsatzes 3 on the bottleneck 4 or on the spray / portioning insert 3 has been set up. The insert used 6 has here the form of a conventional sealing ring, but can take any other form of application in other applications.

3 shows the detail Y 2 in an enlarged, schematic sectional view. Shown are the edge regions of the two connected parts 1 . 2 , namely the edge areas of the injection / portioning insert 3 as well as the container 5 , Between the parts 1 . 2 is the insert according to the invention 6 arranged. In this embodiment of the invention, the insert 6 next to the electrically conductive layer 7 Both on the bottom and on the top of a complete coating with a thermoplastic material 8th on. The thermoplastic material 8th may for example consist of hot glue or sealing material. After placing the insert 6 between the parts to be joined 1 . 2 and the assembly of the parts 1 . 2 is that the deposit 6 comprehensive area of the assembly has been introduced into an electromagnetic induction field. This is in the electrically conductive layer 7 the deposit 6 an electric current has been induced. Heating the insert 6 has to soften the thermoplastic material 8th both on the bottom and on top of the electrically conductive layer 7 guided. The thermoplastic material 8th is then in the gap between the parts to be joined 1 . 2 flowed and completed this completely. Thereafter, the entire assembly has been cooled.

Used as thermoplastic material 8th Hot glue used forms an insoluble, firm connection of the two parts during cooling 1 . 2 , Used as thermoplastic material 8th used a sealing material, forms during the cooling of the assembly a detachable, but nevertheless securely sealed connection of two parts 1 . 2 , As a result, contactless and secure sealing of a gap of any degree is achieved.

In conclusion, be emphasized that the embodiment described above the claimed doctrine discussed but not on the embodiment limits.

Claims (30)

Method for connecting parts and / or for sealing the gap between the parts by means of electromagnetic induction, comprising the steps: - providing at least two parts to be connected ( 1 . 2 ), - providing an insert which can be electrically coupled by induction ( 6 ), which at least one electrically conductive layer ( 7 ), - arranging the insert ( 6 ) in the area between the parts ( 1 . 2 ) and assembly of the parts ( 1 . 2 ), - introduction of the deposit ( 6 ) of the assembly in an induction field for electromagnetic coupling and heating of the insert ( 6 ) by induced electric current, - softening thermoplastic material ( 8th ) in the immediate area of the deposit ( 6 ), so that the thermoplastic material ( 8th ) leads to a connection, gluing and / or sealing, - cooling of the assembly. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that as a first part ( 1 ) a part of plastic, metal or glass is provided. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that as the first part ( 1 ) a part of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) is provided. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that as the first part ( 1 ) a container ( 5 ) is provided for food, personal care, room care or the like. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the container ( 5 ) before assembling the parts ( 1 . 2 ) is filled. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second part ( 2 ) a part of plastic, metal or glass is provided. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the second part ( 2 ) a part of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) is provided. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that as a second part ( 2 ) a spray or portioning insert ( 3 ), a (hinged) lid insert, a screw or bumper or the like is provided. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the second part ( 2 ) an insert or closure for a container ( 5 ) is provided for food, personal care, room care or the like. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an insert ( 6 ) provided as an electrically conductive layer ( 7 ) has a metal foil. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that an insert ( 6 ), in which the metal foil comprises aluminum. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that an insert ( 6 ), which in addition to the electrically conductive layer ( 7 ) has a carrier layer of metal, plastic or cardboard. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an insert ( 6 ) which is provided on the lower and / or on the upper side with an at least segmental coating with a thermoplastic material ( 8th ) having. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that an insert ( 6 ) is provided, wherein the thermoplastic material ( 8th ) Comprises hot melt adhesive or sealing material. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that an insert ( 6 ) is provided, which is formed flat. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that an insert ( 6 ) which is in the form of a gasket. Method according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ) before assembling the parts ( 1 . 2 ) on one of the parts ( 1 . 2 ). Method according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ) on one of the parts to be joined ( 1 . 2 ) is already determined during its manufacture. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ) on one of the parts to be joined ( 1 . 2 ) during an injection molding manufacturing process. Insert for materially joining parts and / or for sealing the gap between the parts by means of electromagnetic induction, in particular using a method according to one of claims 1 to 19, with an electrically conductive layer ( 7 ). Insert according to claim 20, characterized in that the electrically conductive layer ( 7 ) comprises a metal foil. Insert according to claim 21, characterized the metal foil comprises aluminum. Insert according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ) further comprises a carrier layer of metal, plastic or cardboard. Insert according to one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ) on the bottom and / or on the top of an at least segmental coating with a thermoplastic material ( 8th ) having. Insert according to claim 24, characterized in that the thermoplastic material ( 8th ) Comprises hot melt adhesive or sealing material. Insert according to one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ) is formed flat. Insert according to one of claims 20 to 26, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ) has the form of a seal. Insert according to one of claims 20 to 27, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ) at least at one of the parts to be joined ( 1 . 2 ) before assembling the parts ( 1 . 2 ) is determinable. Insert according to one of claims 20 to 28, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ) on at least one of the parts to be joined ( 1 . 2 ) during its production is determinable. Insert according to claim 29, characterized in that the insert ( 6 ) on at least one of the parts to be joined ( 1 . 2 ) is determinable during an injection molding manufacturing process.