DE102016225535B4 - Device and method for molding an elongated insert by means of centering - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for molding an elongate member (44), comprising:
- A mold assembly (12) comprising at least one gate (18); and
a mold insert (22) which can be accommodated in the mold arrangement (12) and is displaceable relative to the sprue point (18) along a displacement axis (V),
wherein the mold insert (22) delimits at least proportionally a cavity (28) in which a solidifying molding compound (21) supplied via the gate (18) can be received,
the device (10) further comprising at least one centering element (34) adapted to receive an elongate member (44) and to guide it along a centering axis (Z) into the cavity (28).

Description

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for molding an elongate member. The molding may be overmolding or jacketing. The elongated member may comprise, for example, a cable, a core, a stranded composite, at least one conductor and / or at least one core and generally form an elongated insert.

Such objects have hitherto been produced mainly in the context of extrusion processes in which the elongated component is guided directly through an extrusion die and a coating material is deposited thereon.

Technological background in this field can be the documents US 2015/0151467 A1 . DE 102014226335 A1 and DE 102006036139 A1 be removed.

However, it has been shown that these solutions can be less flexible with regard to the process sequence and the producible product variants. This can affect the cost and reliability of the manufacturing process. An object of the present disclosure is therefore to avoid such disadvantages and to improve the encasing of elongated components.

According to the present disclosure, an apparatus for molding an elongate member is provided. The device may be part of a conventional injection molding machine or connectable to such.

The device comprises a mold assembly comprising at least one gate mark. The mold assembly may be coupled to the platens of a conventional injection molding machine. In the manner explained below, the mold arrangement for this purpose can comprise two mold halves, which can be coupled to a respective clamping plate. The mold halves can be movable towards one another and can be lifted apart in a known manner in order to be able to produce objects and remove them from the device.

The sprue point can be a fluid-conducting connection region, in particular in the form of a channel, a bore, an opening and / or a cavity. The sprue point can be connectable to the exit region of molding compound from an ordinary injection unit of an injection molding machine and guide the molding compound into a cavity explained below. The gate may also extend through the mold assembly and, in particular, through at least one of the mold halves thereof.

The molding compound may be a plastic material or a plastic material mixture. The molding compound can be supplied in a substantially liquid form and then solidified to form an object or a component coating.

The apparatus may generally be based on an injection molding principle or may be configured to perform an injection molding process or an at least injection molding-like process. In particular, the device can be connected to known injection units or screw arrangements of an injection molding machine for this purpose. As explained below, the manufactured objects can be, in particular, sheathed cables, the supplied molding compound solidifying to form a corresponding sheath.

The apparatus further includes a mold insert receivable in the mold assembly and displaceable relative to the gate along a displacement axis. For this purpose, the mold insert can interact with any mold halves of the mold arrangement and, for example, be slidably insertable into it. For this purpose, the mold insert with guide assemblies, guide rails, sliding surfaces, carriage assemblies, rails or rollers interact, which may be provided for example directly in the mold assembly. The displacement of the mold insert can be controlled or regulated by means of an actuator unit. This may for example comprise a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder which can move the mold insert in a predetermined manner. The displacement of the mold insert may also be at least partially parallel to a supply of molding material via the gate.

The displacement axis may be substantially rectilinear or linear. In the case of a mold arrangement with mold halves which are movable toward one another and can be lifted apart, the displacement axis can run at an angle to the corresponding closing / opening axis of the mold halves, for example at an angle between approximately 44 ° and approximately 91 ° or substantially orthogonal thereto.

The mold insert can generally be formed in one piece. Furthermore, it can be designed to be open, for example, in an area facing the gate, at least in sections, in order to be able to receive molding compound supplied via the gate. Likewise, however, the mold insert can be designed in several parts and, for example, comprise two mold halves, which can receive a supplied molding compound in an assembled form and can be separated from each other again for the removal of a finished shaped object.

The mold insert further limits, at least to some extent, a cavity in which a solidifying molding compound fed in via the sprue point can be accommodated. The cavity may generally define a cavity for receiving molding compound to form a desired object therefrom. Concretely, the cavity may comprise wall areas which define the shape of the solidifying molding compound and thus at least partially define the shape of the object produced therefrom. In particular, the cavity can define an outer circumferential region of the molding compound or of the object produced therefrom. In general, the cavity may be substantially elongated and formed with a constant or varying and in particular with an at least partially rotationally symmetrical cross section. For example, the cavity may comprise an elongated and in particular tubular cavity. Correspondingly, the cavity can have a longitudinal axis which can run parallel to the displacement axis and / or the centering axis explained below or can coincide therewith.

The mold insert may surround the cavity at least in sections of at least one, at least two, at least three, or even up to four sides. In other words, the mold insert may limit a cross section of the cavity at least in sections to at least about 25%, at least about 50%, at least about 75%, or about 100%, with the optionally remaining portion being limited by corresponding wall regions of the mold arrangement can. It can also be provided that the mold insert forms an outer peripheral region of the object to be produced (or an inner circumferential region of the cavity) along its entire length, at least partially.

Finally, the mold insert may be displaceable relative to the gate in such a way that at least over a predetermined proportion of the relative movement a supply of molding compound into the cavity can take place via the gate. This may include a predetermined travel distance or travel distance, but also a predetermined period of time of, for example, more than about 1 second, more than about 2 seconds, or more than about 3 seconds. The molding material supply can be carried out substantially continuously and / or parallel to the displacement.

The device further comprises at least one centering element, which is adapted to receive an elongate component and to guide along a centering axis in the cavity. As mentioned, the elongate member may generally be an insert, and more particularly a cable. This may have a longitudinal axis, which may be aligned parallel to the Zentriersachse due to the centering or coincides with this. The centering axis can also run parallel to the displacement axis and / or longitudinal axis of the cavity or coincide therewith. In other words, the centering element can be designed to align the elongate component such that it extends substantially concentrically through the cavity and / or along the displacement axis of the mold insert.

The centering element may comprise an externally accessible area for introducing the elongate member, and a first end portion facing the cavity or opening directly therefrom. Thus, the component can be guided from the outside through the centering element with a desired orientation in the cavity.

The centering element and the sprue point may further be formed substantially separately from each other and be aligned in a desired manner relative to each other. This can represent an additional degree of freedom compared with the previously known extrusion processes in order to design the production process in the desired manner.

The centering element can support the component or contact directly. For this purpose, the centering element may at least partially surround the component or, in other words, receive and guide it in a hollow-shaped section. Furthermore, the centering element may extend at least in sections along the component in order to interact therewith, for example along a length of at least about 5 cm, at least about 10 cm, at least about 20 cm, at least about 30 cm or at least about 50 cm. The section of the component which interacts with the centering element and may be accommodated therein may be a section which is not to be formed in the further process and which is removed, for example, after completion of the molding process.

In general, it can be provided that the component is essentially immovable relative to the centering element during the molding process. As explained below, the elongate member may further extend substantially throughout the cavity, particularly along the entire length thereof, wherein the centering member may form a first point of origin of the extension. Furthermore, the mold insert may be displaceable in such a way that a size of the cavity changes and thereby also absorbs an increasing length of the component. For this purpose, the mold insert can move along the component, so that it is received and surrounded along an increasing length of the cavity.

A further embodiment provides that the mold insert is displaceable along the displacement axis in such a way that the cavity is enlarged. The displacement may in particular be associated with an extension of the cavity along the displacement axis or the longitudinal axis of the cavity. For example, as viewed in a direction of displacement, the mold insert may define a forward end of the cavity and be displaceable such that this forward end progressively clears the gate so that the cavity lengthens.

Of course, after the production and any removal of the object and a displacement of the mold insert in an opposite direction along the displacement axis take place, so that it again assumes its original starting position. In this case, the cavity can be reduced back to its original size.

During object production and displacement to increase the cavity, such a coordination of mold insert displacement and molding material feed can take place so that the supplied molding material flows essentially continuously into the cavity. In general, the mold insert can be movable in such a way that an increase in volume of the cavity takes place, at least temporarily, substantially in proportion to the supply of a molding material volume. It is understood that this can not apply to a final phase of the object manufacturing, in which additional molding mass volume can be supplied once again for producing a so-called reprinting without the mold insert being displaced further. Likewise, in an initial phase of the object production, it is first necessary to wait for a minimum volume of molding compound to be introduced before the displacement of the mold insert commences.

The mold insert can be displaceable along the displacement axis in such a way that molding compound received in the cavity flows predominantly from the casting point in a first direction. This direction can essentially run along the displacement axis and / or correspond to a displacement direction of the mold insert during the molding material feed. In other words, the supplied molding compound may substantially follow the movement of the mold insert so that it flows substantially steadily away from the gate in the first direction or is transported away from the junction.

References hereinafter to positioning upstream or downstream from, for example, the gate mark may therefore refer to the corresponding flow direction of the molding compound (and / or the displacement direction of the molding insert). In other words, a positioning upstream of the gate may relate to an arrangement outside the flow path of the molding compound in the first direction, that is to say in particular a positioning positioned upstream of the gate in the direction of displacement. On the other hand, a positioning downstream of the gate can concern an arrangement within the flow path of the molding compound in the first direction, ie in particular a positioning positioned downstream of the gate in the direction of displacement. From an upstream positioning can also be included such areas through which in normal operation no molding mass flow takes place, but which are respectively arranged relative to and in particular upstream of the gate and the molding mass flow therefrom.

On the other hand, the supplied molding compound can flow at least over a limited length also counter to the first direction, but the volume flowing in the first direction can clearly outweigh this component. For example, after completion of the production, the volume of molding material that has flowed in the first direction can affect more than about 80%, more than about 90% or more than about 95% of the total volume of the molding compound supplied. The flow of a small proportion of the supplied molding compound against the first (main flow) direction can be due to the injection pressure so to speak systemically adjusted.

According to a further development, the centering element projects into the cavity and / or is connected to it in a fluid-conducting manner. In particular, the centering element can be directly connected to the cavity and lead the elongate member directly into it and center in the desired manner. Proximity to or close proximity to the cavity can improve the reliability of centering, which is particularly beneficial with increased injection pressures. For example, during an injection of the molding compound, the possibly limited dimensionally stable component can be flowed around at elevated pressure and in several directions, as a result of which it is forced out of the actually provided centered position. This can be avoided by positioning the centering element as close as possible to the gate.

The centering element can also be elongated and / or tubular, or at least comprise a section formed in this way. The longitudinal axis of the centering element may extend along or coincide with at least one of centering axis, longitudinal axis of the cavity, component longitudinal axis and mold insert displacement axis. In the case of a tubular Training the component can be inserted or pushed into the centering to be guided into the cavity. Furthermore, the centering element can in this case have a substantially circular and in particular closed cross-section.

Finally, the centering element can generally be arranged in a recess section of the cavity or a recess connected to the cavity. The recording can be done with a predetermined game. For example, an outer diameter of the centering element may be substantially equal to or less than the inner diameter of a receiving recess. The recess may be provided in the mold assembly and in particular in any mold half thereof. To facilitate insertion into the recess, the centering element may comprise at least one sliding section. This can be arranged as a separate sleeve, sleeve or sleeve on an outer surface of the centering. Likewise, the sliding portion may comprise a sliding layer and / or sheathing on an outer surface of the centering element. Generally, the sliding portion can extend over the entire length of the outer surface of the centering element.

Furthermore, the device may comprise an outlet region from which the elongated component can emerge from the device, in particular wherein the outlet region is substantially opposite the centering element. The exit region can be formed at least partially in the mold insert. The component can thus be guided by the centering element to the exit regions and thereby extend predominantly or completely through the cavity. For this purpose, the centering element and the outlet region may be substantially opposite one another along the cavity longitudinal axis, the mold insert displacement axis and / or the centering axis or may be connected by the corresponding axes.

The exit region may comprise an opening, bore, recess or the like, so that the component can escape into the environment. Subsequently, the component can be guided to a clamping, clamping, or holding device. This may allow the component to be prestressed, for example, by introducing a tensile force within the devices, and particularly the cavity, to maintain its centering. For example, the component can thus be guided substantially concentrically and / or along a longitudinal axis through the cavity.

During the displacement of the mold insert, the mold insert can move relative to the component due to the exit region, since this slips through the exit region, so to speak. As explained above, consequently, an increasing length of the component in the cavity can be accommodated and molded in by means of the molding compound.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the centering element is positioned upstream of the gate, in particular at a distance of up to about 1 cm, up to about 2 cm, up to about 5 cm or up to about 10 cm. The corresponding upstream positioning can be the positioning described above, which is located upstream of the gate in the mold insert displacement direction or relative to the molding compound flow path. The distance indications can relate to a distance along the centering axis, the component longitudinal axis, the displacement axis and / or the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

In other words, the sprue point can thus be arranged essentially between the centering element and a front end region of the cavity (and / or of the mold insert) viewed in the displacement direction. However, as explained below, the gate may also overlap at least slightly with the centering element. In addition, the mold insert displacement can also take place in such a way that a main flow direction of the molding compound (see first direction explained above) is directed away from the centering element.

The apparatus may further comprise a control unit adapted to control the molding material feed via the gate so that a melt front extending upstream of the gate does not contact the centering element or only in a range of less than about 10 cm, less than about 10 cm 5 cm, less than about 2 cm or less than about 1 cm in length flows around. The melt front which propagates upstream may be a proportion of the supplied molding compound which flows in the opposite direction to the first (main flow) direction explained above. This essentially does not follow a displacement movement of the mold insert, but can even be opposed to it. The present variant therefore provides that this proportion of the supplied molding compound does not contact the centering element or flows around only to a limited extent. The protruding length dimensions may relate in particular to a length along the centering axis, a longitudinal axis of the centering element or the component.

A further development provides that the centering element extends from a position upstream of the sprue point at least to the sprue point, or by up to about 1 cm, up to about 2 cm or up to about 5 cm above it out. In other words, the centering element can generally at least partially oppose or overlap with the gate. It may extend from outside the cavity and / or mold assembly to the gate. According to this variant, the molding compound to be supplied can thus be injected deliberately onto the centering element. In this case, the centering element act as a kind of ring distributor in order to distribute the supplied molding compound uniformly around the component at first, whereupon it can flow further downstream into the cavity.

The centering member may further include a first end portion disposed near the gate, and wherein the first end portion comprises a flexibly deformable material. On top of this, the centering element can be made dimensionally stable and / or rigid or comprise such a material and can generally be made of metal, plastic or mixtures thereof. Likewise, the centering element can be designed in several parts and, for example, comprise a first dimensionally stable portion and a deformable end portion. The provision of a deformable end portion may generally be advantageous for variants in which the centering element overlaps with the gate, so that the molding compound is injected onto the deformable end portion. The first end region can also be that end region of the centering element which faces the cavity and / or opens into it.

Alternatively or additionally, the first end region can be made of a material which avoids material adhesions during the injection process, for example PTFE. This can also be provided independently of any deformability. Another way to avoid buildup is to pre-heat the centering element, especially if it is made of a metallic material.

Regardless of or in addition to any deformability, the first end region may further include a replaceable wear insert, such as a wear insert (e.g., by being pushed in or pushed in) engageable with a major portion of the centering element. Likewise, the first end region can generally be formed by covering a bending-resistant end section of the centering element with a hose section and in particular a heat-shrinkable tube.

A development provides that the gate mark defines a Formmassenzuführrichtung extending in an angle different from 0 ° to the centering axis, and in particular wherein the Formmassenzuführrichtung at an angle between about 44 ° and about 91 ° or substantially orthogonal to the Zentriersachse runs. In other words, a channel or a bore of the gate, over which the molding compound is injected, not parallel but in particular transverse to the centering axis. Furthermore, the gate and centering may be spaced apart along the centering axis. Overall, the molding material supply and the centering of the component can be substantially decoupled from each other, which is not possible in the previous extruder solutions for cable sheathing.

Finally, it can be provided that the mold arrangement comprises at least two mold halves, one of which is fixed, and wherein the centering element is coupled to the fixed mold half. The mold halves can be the mold halves that can already be raised and lowered relative to one another as already described, as known from conventional injection molding machines.

1. a) Führen des Bauteils in die Kavität mittels des Zentrierelements;
2. b) Zuführen einer erstarrenden Formmasse über die Angussstelle; und
3. c) Bewegen Formeinsatzes entlang der Verlagerungsachse;

wobei die Schritte b) und c) zumindest teilweise parallel ausgeführt werden.The disclosure further relates to a method which can be carried out in particular by means of a device according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising the steps:

1. a) guiding the component into the cavity by means of the centering element;
2. b) supplying a solidifying molding compound via the gate; and
3. c) moving mold insert along the displacement axis;

wherein the steps b) and c) are carried out at least partially in parallel.

It is understood that the method may comprise further steps to realize any of the above-mentioned effects, operations and / or operating states of the device. The same applies to the following explained aspects of the exemplary embodiments.

For example, the method may include a further step of directing the component from the centering member to an exit region to exit the device, wherein the exit region may be provided in the mold insert. Before carrying out steps b) and c), the component can also be prestressed, for example by applying a tensile force.

• 1 eine Ansicht einer Vorrichtung gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel zu Beginn eines Einformprozesses;
• 2 die Vorrichtung aus 1 in einem fortgeschrittenen Stadium des Einformprozesses;
• 3 eine Detailansicht des Zentrierelements der Vorrichtung aus 1;
• 4-9 alternative Ausgestaltungen des Zentrierelements; und
• 10 eine Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels, umfassend zwei Zentrierelemente.

The present disclosure will be further explained with reference to figures. These figures show schematically:

• 1 a view of a device according to a first embodiment at the beginning of a molding process;
• 2 the device off 1 at an advanced stage of the molding process;
• 3 a detailed view of the centering of the device 1 ;
• 4-9 alternative embodiments of the centering element; and
• 10 a view of another embodiment, comprising two centering elements.

In general, various fields of application of the device disclosed here are conceivable. By way of example, at this point, the sheathing of cables or other elongated elements may be mentioned.

In 1 is a device 10 shown according to a first embodiment. The device 10 includes a mold assembly 12 , This consists in a known manner of two conventional mold halves 14 . 16 , which are arranged on clamping plates, not shown, of an injection molding machine. In the 1 upper mold half 14 forms a so-called fixed mold half 14 while the lower half of the mold 16 is relatively movable to a closing and opening movement of the mold assembly 12 to reach.

The mold arrangement 12 includes a gate mark 18 in the upper half of the mold 14 is arranged. The gate 18 comprises a channel through which a solidifying molding compound (in the present case, a plastic melt) in the mold assembly 12 is injectable. This is the gate office 18 to a schematically illustrated injection unit 20 a conventional injection molding machine connected.

In the mold arrangement 12 is also a mold insert 22 added. This one is in the 1 and 2 shown in partial section view, so that one can recognize a limited Kavitätsanteil. The mold insert 22 is on guide rails 24 the lower half of the mold 16 slidably mounted. More specifically, the mold insert 22 along a displacement axis V displaced, wherein for producing a desired object, a displacement along the arrow P he follows. In preparation for a new object creation is the mold insert 22 while against the arrow P moved back to a starting position.

The mold insert 22 includes a recess 26 , which is formed substantially elongated. This limits together with the upper half of the mold 16 a cavity 28 the device 10 in the over the gate office 18 supplied molding material 21 is receivable. In a known manner, the cavity 28 shaped so that the molding material 21 solidified to an object of desired dimensions and shape. Overall, the cavity 28 elongated and extends along a longitudinal axis K parallel to the displacement axis V of the mold insert 22 runs. In the case shown covers the cavity 28 additionally two end sections 30 which run essentially transversely to the cavity longitudinal axis K, but only a small proportion of the total volume of the cavity 28 taking. Furthermore, by way of example only, two screw members 32 shown as inserts in the mold insert 22 are arranged and are additionally formable in the object to be produced.

The device 10 further comprises a centering element 34 , This is about a support arm 34 on the upper half of the mold 14 arranged. The centering element 34 is formed as a thin elongated metal tube or as a hollow lance. How out 1 it can therefore be seen that it has a longitudinal axis R on, which is parallel to the mold insert displacement axis V as well as the cavity longitudinal axis K extends and even coincides with the latter. At his in 1 right end 38 that of the mold assembly 12 and in particular the gate office 18 is turned away, is the centering element 34 on the support arm 36 attached. At his in 1 left end 40 that the casting office 18 and the cavity 28 is facing (hereinafter: first end 40 ), is the centering element 34 in contrast, in a channel-shaped recess 42 in the upper half of the mold 14 added.

In the centering element 34 is an elongated component 44 introduced. The component 44 should by the supplied molding material 21 be covered and can therefore also be referred to as an elongated insert. It extends through the centering element 34 from the first to the second end region 38 . 40 , In the process, the component becomes 44 from the centering element in the cavity 28 led that along a centering axis Z extends. As a result, thus falls a longitudinal axis e of the component 44 with the centering axis Z together, the latter in turn with the cavity longitudinal axis K and the centering element longitudinal axis R coincides as well as parallel to the displacement axis V of the mold insert 22 runs.

Out 1 also clarifies that the component 44 starting from the first end area 40 the centering element 34 into the cavity 28 enters, through the cavity 28 along its longitudinal axis K extends and over an exit area 46 without significant change of its extension back out of the device 10 exit. The exit area 46 is doing as a hole in the mold insert 22 trained and lies the centering element 34 along the centering axis Z looks essentially opposite. In general, it can be provided that the exit area 46 also a centering effect on the component 44 exercise, for example, as he receives and surrounds this. Likewise, the exit area 46 but only one passage for the component 44 without centering effect.

The component can be superordinate 44 further with his in 1 left end to a clamping, holding or biasing means are guided, which has a biasing force for maintaining the centering on the component 44 can exercise. With his in 1 Right end can be the component 44 however, be connected to a material coil, can be handled by the successively predetermined material or component lengths. As a result, in the context of a cyclical production before each process passage new material sections in the device 10 and in particular the cavity 28 be retracted, which then the component to be covered 44 form. The retraction can by the centering 34 be done without a re-insertion is required herein.

In case of 1 it is the supplied molding material 21 a plastic melt and the component 44 around a metallic conductor arrangement, which is to be sheathed by means of the plastic melt. As a result, a jacketed cable is thus produced as a finished object.

The following is a sequence of the manufacturing process by way of example based on 1 and 2 explained. In a starting position, the component 44 through the centering element 34 guided and enters the exit area 46 back out of the device 10 out. The mold insert 22 is in a starting position, which is opposite to the position of 1 is shifted further to the right, so the left end 30 the gate office 18 is essentially opposite. The cavity 28 has its lowest volume in this state. In this position is molding compound 21 over the gate 18 into the cavity 28 injected under pressure until the end area 30 is completely filled. Subsequently, a movement of the mold insert sets 22 in the direction P a, wherein the molding material supply is maintained. Here reaches the mold insert 22 first the in 1 shown position, then continuously further to the left in the in 2 shown position and also beyond being moved. The movement ends when the right end area 30 the gate office 18 is essentially opposite.

The mold insert 22 is thus shifted so that a length of the cavity 28 increases. In particular, in 1 the right of the gate 18 or upstream thereof arranged recessed areas 26 of the mold insert 22 initially not with molding material 21 be filled, since these are not fluid-conducting with the gate 18 are connected or this would be required to large injection pressures. As part of the relocation of the mold insert 22 can these recessed areas 26 but in the direction of the gate 18 be moved and thus fluidly connected, so that these actual components of the cavity 28 form and the cavity volume or its length is increased accordingly (see different with molding material 21 filled or fillable cavity volume in the 1 and 2 ).

As part of the shift, the mold insert shifts 22 over the exit area 46 also relative to the fixed component 44 , This slips, so to speak, through the shifting exit area 46 therethrough. As can be seen from a comparison of 1 and 2 This leads, in particular, to an increasing length of the component 44 in the extending cavity 28 is recorded.

The supply of molding material 21 further takes place such that a molding compound flow in the cavity 28 a shift of the mold insert 22 essentially follows and the enlarging cavity 28 steady with molding material 21 is completed. The molding material 21 becomes along a first (main flow) direction S generally from the gate office 18 transported away (sh. 2 ). Due to the relative movement of the mold insert 22 to the component 44 this means that there is an increasing length of the component 44 molded and with the molding compound 21 is sheathed. Based on the (main flow) direction S, the centering element 34 and in particular its first end region 40 further than upstream of the gate 18 be described positioned or as the gate 18 in the direction of displacement P upstream. On the other hand, the one in 1 first end area 30 of the mold insert 22 downstream of the gate 18 arranged, or the gate office 18 downstream in the direction of displacement P.

Out 2 also clarifies that the gate office 18 is arranged such that the molding compound is supplied or injected along a Formmassezuuführrichtung F, which is substantially transverse to all of the aforementioned displacement and longitudinal axes V . K . R . Z . e runs. The molding material 21 thus hits from a substantially orthogonal direction on the component 44 and flows around this along the first (main flow) direction S. Due to the injection pressure flows a small proportion of the molding material 21 but also contrary to the first direction S as in Direction of the centering element 34 (see outlined portion 48 in 2 ). In 2 However, the molding material supply is controlled such that this molding composition 48 the centering element 34 not reached and not flowed around.

As explained below, such contacting and flowing around the centering element 34 but also deliberately wanted. For this purpose, the centering element 34 below or overlapping with the gate 18 be arranged so that the molding compound 21 so to speak on the centering element 34 is injected.

If the in 1 right end area 30 the gate 18 has achieved and with molding material 21 is completed, the molding process is completed. Then the molding material supply can be interrupted and the mold halves 14 . 16 can be lifted off of each other. The object produced from solidified molding material 21 and sheathed component 44 can then use the mold insert 22 be removed. Additional lengths of the component 44 , which have not been molded, can then be removed and / or used to another length of the component 44 retighten, so to speak, and starting from the first end area 40 the centering element 34 through the cavity 28 to the exit area 46 respectively. Subsequently, the manufacturing process starting from a starting position of the mold insert 22 be performed again to make another sheathed cable.

3 shows a schematic detail view of the first end portion 40 of the centering element 34 , The visual axis corresponds to the arrow B out 2 , wherein the upper mold half 14 is shown as a hatched area. It can be seen again that the centering element 34 is designed as a thin-walled tube having an inner diameter d _i and an outside diameter d _a having. Furthermore, you can see the recess 42 in which the centering element 34 is included. This has an inner diameter d _m on, the outside diameter d _a of the centering element 34 exceeds, so the latter with a certain play in the recess 42 is included. Furthermore, one recognizes the component 44 which comprises a coiled conductor arrangement. This has an outer diameter d _l on, which is essentially the inside diameter d _i the centering element 34 equivalent.

Out 3 it becomes clear that the centering element 34 up to the cavity 28 extends and the component 44 thus under a desired centering directly into the cavity 28 leads. In the case shown covers the cavity 28 while a conical spout section 50 and an elongated cylindrical portion 52 ,

In 4 is another variant of the centering element 34 shown. This includes in the area of the first end area 40 a replaceable wear insert 54 , This is made of a plastic material and in a main portion of the centering 34 pushed through a metallic tube 56 is formed. The wear insert 54 Thus, it can be exchanged after a predetermined number of manufacturing operations and / or onset of wear, whereas the metallic tube 56 can be used over a larger number of manufacturing operations.

In 5 is another variant of the centering element 34 shown. This includes in the area of the first end area 40 a flexible deformable material, for example PTFE. Otherwise, the centering element 34 again in the form of a metallic tube 56 educated. To provide the flexible deformability is a shrink tube 59 from the appropriate material on the metallic tube 56 pushed and fixed in a known manner by heating it. An overhanging end 57 (hereinafter: deformable end portion 57 ) of the deformable material undergoes substantially no structural support by the metallic tube 56 . there it does not overlap with this.

6 shows an alternative embodiment of the variant of 5 in which the metallic tube 56 in a lower region with an extended peripheral portion 58 is trained. In the illustrated longitudinal section is considered the metallic tube 56 thus substantially spoon-shaped. The extended peripheral section 58 thus supports the deformable end region 57 of flexibly deformable material in a selected area G ,

The variants of 5 and 6 are particularly interesting when molding material 21 over the gate 18 directly on the centering element 34 to be injected, the latter serves as a kind of ring distributor. A position of the gate 18 is in the 5 and 6 indicated by way of example. In particular in 6 one recognizes that the extended peripheral portion 58 essentially in one of the gatekeepers 18 remote area of the metallic tube 56 is arranged and the deformable end portion 57 there supports locally.

In 7 is another variant of the centering element 34 shown. In this case, the first end section 40 formed with a tapered end, wherein the bevels is selected such that an opening 60 of the centering element 34 the gate office 18 is substantially facing. Another variant not shown separately provides that spoon-shaped metallic tube 56 out 6 without an additional deformable material coating as centering 34 to use.

In the 8th and 9 Finally, solutions are for improving a lubricity of the centering 34 shown. This is especially for the insertion of the centering element 34 into the recess 42 the mold arrangement 12 relevant. In case of 8th comprises the tubular centering element 34 several sliding sleeves 70 having an outer peripheral region or largest outer diameter d _a of the centering element 34 define. In case of 9 comprises the tubular centering element 34 an over its entire length extending sliding layer 72 , which also has the largest outer diameter d _a certainly. For the rest, the presentation corresponds to that of 3 , The outside diameter d _a of the centering element 34 are in the 8th and 9 each chosen such that they are substantially the inner diameter d _m the recess 42 out 9 or slightly lower.

10 shows a further embodiment comprising two tubular centering elements 34 , The mold insert 22 is in 10 indicated by dashed lines. It comprises two insert mold halves not shown separately, which together form a linear cavity shown 28 limit. The cavity 28 includes a first rectilinear section 100 , This extends directly in a dividing plane between the insert mold halves of the mold insert 34 , In addition, the division plane extends parallel to the XY Plane according to the coordinate system 10 ,

The cavity 28 also includes two parallel sections 102 , More specifically, the section splits 100 the cavity 28 at a branch point 104 in two parallel strands 102 on. If you lift the insert mold halves from each other, a three-stranded or Y- branched conductor arrangement in the cavity 28 be inserted. It is understood that, however, other form divisions are conceivable and in particular a plurality of moldings can be provided instead of only two mold halves.

In 10 one recognizes further a gate mark 18 in a sled-like body 105 is trained. This is generally stationary and slides along a guide not shown separately on a surface of the mold insert 22 from. Analogous to the embodiment of 1 is the basic body 105 formed on an upper fixed mold half (not shown). The basic body 105 is also opposite a lower mold half, also not shown, wherein the mold insert 22 is arranged between the two mold halves.

The mold insert 22 will go along the arrow P relative to the gate 18 relocated. The cavity 28 is via a plurality of distribution channels 106 with the guide recess of the mold insert 22 connected along the gate 18 slides. For illustration purposes are in 10 not all distribution channels 106 provided with a corresponding reference numeral. In this shift of the mold insert 22 become the distribution channels 106 successively opposite to the gate 18 arranged or aligned temporarily with this. Thus, there is a continuous fluid conducting connection between the gate 18 and the cavity 28 provided so that the cavity 28 during the relocation of the mold insert 22 can be supplied substantially continuously with molding material (sa corresponding arrow-shaped indicated mass molding flows in the cavity 28 ).

10 shows a state in which the mold insert 22 already over a comparatively large distance relative to the gate 18 was relocated. In an initial state, the mold insert is arranged such that when displaced along the arrow P first in 10 rightmost, double-stranded distribution channel 106 with the gate 18 flees. Subsequently, a shift takes place according to the arrow P in which successively the further successive distribution channels 106 opposite to the gate 18 to be ordered.

To one in the cavity 28 Centered inlaid ladder arrangement are at in 10 right end of the already mentioned centering elements 34 arranged. These in turn are formed as thin, elongated tubes that receive a free end of the conductor strands, in through the parallel sections 102 the cavity 28 be guided. The centering elements define this 34 one centering axis each Z with one through the parallel sections 102 respectively defined cavity longitudinal axis K coincides.

The free conductor strands, passing through the parallel sections 102 the cavity 28 be guided and out of the mold insert 22 can protrude, thus by receiving within the centering 34 be centered. The mold insert moves 22 generally on the centering elements 34 to.

In principle, it is also conceivable that the centering elements 34 at least temporarily in the mold insert 22 protrude or are so enclosed by this that they at least partially within the cavity 28 extend. It is also conceivable, a corresponding centering 34 also at the in 10 left end of the cavity 28 provided.

Finally, the provision of a plurality of centering elements 34 not on the particular variant of the mold insert 22 out 10 limited, along a slide-like body 105 is relocated. For example, it is also according to the embodiment 1 conceivable, another Kavitätsabschnitt and another centering 34 parallel to the centering element shown 34 to arrange (for example, offset in the image plane). The over the gate 18 Injected molding compound can be diverted via connecting channels in a corresponding parallel Kavitätsabschnitt (see also two-strand distribution channels 106 in the right half of the mold insert 22 out 10 ). Likewise, however, can be a separate gate 18 be provided for the parallel Kavitätsabschnitt.

By providing a plurality of centering elements 34 also branched and complex conductor arrangements can be centered and reliably molded or sheathed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

device

12

mold assembly

14, 16

mold halves

18

Angus location

20

injection unit

22

mold insert

24

guide rails

26

recess

28

cavity

30

end

32

screw element

34

centering

36

holding arm

38, 40

second end area

42

recess

44

component

46

exit area

48

Form mass fraction

50

spout

52

cylindrical section

54

wear insert

56

pipe

57

overhanging end

58

peripheral portion

59

shrinkable tubing

60

opening

70

sliding sleeve

100

straight line section

102

parallel sections

104

body

106

Distribution channels

there

Outer diameter (tube)

di

Inner diameter (tube)

dm

Inner diameter (recess)

dL

Outer diameter (conductor arrangement)

G

selected area (support deformable area by peripheral section)

Claims (14)

Apparatus (10) for molding an elongate member (44), comprising: - A mold assembly (12) comprising at least one gate (18); and a mold insert (22) which can be accommodated in the mold arrangement (12) and is displaceable relative to the sprue point (18) along a displacement axis (V), wherein the mold insert (22) delimits at least proportionally a cavity (28) in which a solidifying molding compound (21) supplied via the gate (18) can be received, the device (10) further comprising at least one centering element (34) adapted to receive an elongate member (44) and to guide it along a centering axis (Z) into the cavity (28). Device (10) according to Claim 1 wherein the mold insert (22) is displaceable along the displacement axis (V) such that the cavity (28) increases. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mold insert (22) is displaceable along the displacement axis (V) in such a way that molding compound (21) received in the cavity (28) passes predominantly from the gate (18) in a first direction (FIG. S) flows, in particular wherein the first direction (S) extends substantially along the displacement axis (V) and / or corresponds to a displacement direction (P) of the mold insert (22) during the molding material feed. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the centering element (34) projects into the cavity (28) and / or is fluid-conductively connected thereto. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the centering element (34) is at least partially elongated and / or tubular. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the centering axis (Z) extends substantially along the displacement axis (V) or coincides therewith. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises an outlet region (46) from which the elongate component (44) can emerge from the device (10), in particular wherein the outlet region (46) the centering element (34) in Essentially opposed. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centering member (34) is positioned upstream of the gate (18). Device (10) according to Claim 8 wherein the device (10) further comprises a control unit adapted to control the molding material feed via the gate (18) such that a melt front extending upstream of the gate (18) does not contact the centering element (34). Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centering member (34) extends from a position upstream of the gate (18) at least to the gate (18). Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the centering member (34) includes a first end portion (40) facing the gate (18), and wherein the first end portion (40) comprises a flexibly deformable material. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gate (18) defines a molding mass feed direction (F) which is at an angle other than 0 ° to the centering axis (Z) and in particular wherein the mold mass feed direction (F) is at an angle between about 44 ° and about 91 ° or orthogonal to the centering axis (Z). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mold assembly (12) comprises at least two mold halves (14,16), one of which is fixed, and wherein the centering element (34) is coupled to the fixed mold half (14). Method for molding an elongated component (44), the method being executable in particular by means of a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: a) guiding the component (44) into the cavity (28) by means of the centering element (34); b) supplying a solidifying molding compound (21) via the gate (18); and c) moving mold insert (22) along the displacement axis (V); wherein the steps b) and c) are carried out at least partially in parallel.

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