DE102019127188B3 - Method for producing a plastic component by means of an injection molding process, device for this and plastic component - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for producing a plastic component (1) by means of an injection molding process, which plastic component (1) comprises a base body (2) which comprises a component section (3) designed as a predetermined breaking area and having a smaller wall thickness compared to the other sections of the base body (2): - Injection of a plasticized plastic compound into a shaping tool cavity (6) of an injection molding tool (7) to form the base body (2), - Moving a movably mounted injection molding tool-side tool element (8) towards the base-body-side area in which the component section (3) is to be formed, for the formation of the component section (3) in such a way that the wall thickness is reduced to the wall thickness that is smaller compared to the other sections of the base body (8), - cooling and removal of the plastic component (1) from the shaping tool cavity (6), with the movement the movably mounted tool element (8) based on information is controlled.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a plastic component by means of an injection molding process, which plastic component comprises a base body which comprises at least one component section designed as a predetermined breaking area with a smaller wall thickness compared to the other sections of the base body, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Corresponding methods are known from the prior art in various embodiments and thus fundamentally.

For example, in the published German patent application DE 10 2014 103 501 A1 a generic method for producing a plastic component by means of an injection molding process is described.

In the context of corresponding methods, in order to form a corresponding component section to be designed or designed as a predetermined breaking area, at least one movably mounted injection molding tool-side tool element is typically moved against an area on the base body in which the component section to be designed or designed as a predetermined breaking area is to be embodied.

In the context of corresponding methods, the movement of a corresponding movably mounted tool element has hitherto been carried out regularly without any special regulation or control.

The properties of the manufactured plastic components that can be realized with appropriate methods are in need of improvement, in particular with regard to the typically tight tolerances in the area of the respective component sections that are designed or designed as predetermined breaking areas.

The documents DE 10 2011 002 164 A1 , DE 10 2005 058 205 A1 , JP 2003 - 326 559 A and JP S55-103938 A each disclose principles for manufacturing airbag covers using sensors to control slide elements.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a method, which is improved over the prior art, for producing a plastic component by means of an injection molding process.

The object is achieved by a method for producing a plastic component by means of an injection molding process according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the method according to claim 1.

A first aspect of the invention described herein relates to a method for producing at least one plastic component by means of an injection molding process or a plastic injection molding process.

A plastic component that can be manufactured or manufactured according to the method comprises a base body which comprises at least one component section designed or used as a predetermined breaking area with a smaller wall thickness compared to the other sections of the base body. A corresponding component section designed as a predetermined breaking area can be distinguished from other component sections of the base body of the plastic component that can be or manufactured according to the method because of its comparatively smaller wall thickness. Typically, a corresponding component section designed as a predetermined breaking area is the section of the base body of the plastic component that can be or manufactured according to the method and has the smallest wall thickness. A corresponding component section designed as a predetermined breaking area can also be referred to or considered to be a predetermined breaking section.

A predetermined breaking area or section is to be understood as a structural element which, in particular due to its structural design, i. H. in particular its comparatively small wall thickness, in a special load situation, d. H. when certain forces or moments act, deliberately and deliberately breaks. The component section or a component section designed as a predetermined breaking area is therefore structurally specifically weakened due to its comparatively small wall thickness and breaks when comparatively small forces or moments are applied or acted upon.

The base body of the plastic component that can be manufactured or manufactured according to the method can contain further functionalized component sections, e.g. B. in the form of fastening sections, via which the plastic component can be fastened to a third-party object, or in the form of stabilizing or stiffening sections, via which an increase in mechanical stability, d. H. in particular the stiffness of the plastic component is possible.

• In einem ersten Schritt des Verfahrens erfolgt ein Einspritzen einer plastifizierten Kunststoffmasse, d. h. einer Kunststoffschmelze, in eine formgebende Werkzeugkavität eines Spritzgießwerkzeugs zur Ausbildung des Grundkörpers.
• Die formgebende Werkzeugkavität des verfahrensgemäß verwendeten Spritzgießwerkzeugs ist so dimensioniert ist, dass der grundkörperseitige Bereich,
• in welchem ein entsprechender als Sollbruchbereich auszubildender bzw. ausgebildeter Bauteilabschnitt auszubilden ist, jeweils mit einem bestimmten Wandstärkenübermaß ausgebildet wird. In dem ersten Schritt des Verfahrens wird sonach ein Grundkörper des Kunststoffbauteils ausgebildet.

The process comprises the steps described in more detail below:

• In a first step of the method, a plasticized plastic compound, ie a plastic melt, is injected into a shaping tool cavity of an injection molding tool to form the base body.
• The shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool used according to the method is dimensioned so that the area on the base body,
• in which a corresponding component section to be designed or designed as a predetermined breaking area is to be designed, in each case designed with a certain excess wall thickness. In the first step of the method, a base body of the plastic component is therefore formed.

The injection molding tool used within the scope of the method therefore typically has a shaping tool cavity defined by two tool halves, which does not exactly or completely depict the final dimensions of the plastic component to be manufactured or manufactured according to the method. In the area on the tool cavity side, in which a corresponding component section to be designed as a predetermined breaking area is to be formed, the shaping tool cavity has an oversize with regard to the nominal wall thickness of this component section on the finished plastic component. Correspondingly, the base body formed in the first step of the method has a temporarily existing excess wall thickness in the areas in which respective component sections to be formed as predetermined breaking areas are subsequently formed after filling the shaping tool cavity. An excess of wall thickness is to be understood in particular to mean that the wall thickness in the respective areas is above the intended wall thickness of the respective component sections to be designed or designed as predetermined breaking areas.

The filling of the mold cavity during the injection of the plasticized plastic compound is easily possible in accordance with the method, since the filling process technology depends on the formation of corresponding component sections with particularly small wall thicknesses that are to be designed or designed as predetermined breaking areas, i.e. H. typically wall thicknesses below 0.5 mm, is decoupled.

The shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool used according to the method can be dimensioned in such a way that the areas on the base body, in which the respective component sections serving as predetermined breaking area are to be formed, are designed with an excess wall thickness, the excess wall thickness of the areas on the base body in which the respective component sections serving as predetermined breaking area are to be formed, is below the wall thickness of the remaining sections of the base body. Viewed in absolute terms, the excess wall thickness can lie between the wall thickness of the remaining sections of the base body and the nominal wall thickness of the respective component sections serving as predetermined breaking areas on the finished plastic component.

The plasticized plastic compound to be injected or injected according to the method is typically a thermoplastic plastic material. These include, in particular, aliphatic or polyolefinic plastic materials. The use of engineering plastic materials such as, for. B. ABS and / or PC. The plastic materials can contain certain fillers, such as. B. reinforcing fibers. It goes without saying that mixtures of chemically different thermoplastic plastics materials (blends) can be used.

In a second step of the method, at least one movably mounted injection-molding tool-side tool element is moved, ie. H. z. B. a sliding element, against a respective base body-side area in which a component section to be designed as a predetermined breaking area is to be formed, for the formation of the component section to be designed or designed as a predetermined breaking area, in such a way that the wall thickness here is reduced to the wall thickness compared to the other sections of the base body is reduced. In the second step of the method, respective component sections serving as predetermined breaking areas are formed.

An injection molding tool used according to the method accordingly comprises at least one movably mounted tool element, i. H. z. B. a sliding element which moves via an assignable or assigned drive device from a first position, d. H. typically an initial position, to a second position, i. H. typically an end position, can move. In the first position, a corresponding tool element is typically retracted and does not protrude or, in comparison to the second position, only slightly protrudes from a surface of the injection molding tool delimiting the tool cavity or a tool half belonging to it into the forming tool cavity. As a result, a corresponding tool element is typically extended in the second position and protrudes at least in sections from a surface of the injection molding tool that delimits the tool cavity or a tool half associated therewith into the shaping tool cavity. In the second position, a corresponding tool element generally protrudes further from a surface of the injection molding tool that delimits the tool cavity or from a tool half associated therewith than in the first position.

Through the movement, which may also be designated or considered as a stroke of a corresponding tool element against the base body, which is still plastic and thus deformable at this point in time, plasticized plastic material is displaced from the areas on the base body in which respective component sections serving as predetermined breaking areas are formed. This does not lead to the plasticized plastic material being forced out of the shaping tool cavity. Rather, the displacement of plasticized plastic material from the areas in which the component sections serving as predetermined breaking areas are formed leads to material compression in the remaining sections of the base body, which, however, is not disadvantageous with regard to the properties of the finished plastic component.

In a third step of the method, the plastic material is cooled and finally the finished plastic component is removed or removed from the shaping tool cavity or the injection molding tool. Before the finished plastic component is removed, the shaping cavity or the injection molding tool is typically opened. For example, suitable robot devices can be used to remove the finished plastic component from the shaping tool cavity or the injection molding tool.

The method differs from the prior art described at the beginning, ie in particular that in the German patent application DE 10 2014 103 501 A1 described principle, in particular in that the movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element against the base-body-side area in which the component section to be formed or configured as a predetermined breaking area is to be formed, on the basis of at least one information and information relating to the plasticized plastic compound to be injected or injected / or is controlled on the basis of at least one information item describing the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool.

According to the method, a corresponding movably mounted tool element is moved on the basis of information which describes at least one plastic mass parameter relating to the plasticized plastic compound to be injected or injected into the molding tool cavity, and / or on the basis of information which describes at least one injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the Describes the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool relevant process parameters. According to the method, a specific control of the movement of a corresponding tool element is implemented, which enables an individual control of the movement of a corresponding movably mounted tool element for each injection molding process. The movement of a corresponding movably mounted tool element can therefore be controlled individually for each injection molding process. The control of the movement of a corresponding movably mounted tool element is carried out in particular with the aim of ensuring that the tolerances of a corresponding component section to be designed or designed as a predetermined breaking area are reproducibly guaranteed in every injection molding process carried out according to the method. The wall thickness of the plastic component in the area of corresponding component sections designed as predetermined breaking area is typically in an area less than or equal to 0.5 mm, so that particularly narrow tolerances are given here due to the small wall thickness.

The method therefore enables the production of corresponding plastic components with improved properties, particularly under the aspect that tolerances of a respective component section designed as a predetermined breaking area are of particular importance for its intended function and must therefore be strictly adhered to.

Compliance with appropriate tolerances is z. B. of great importance if a plastic component that can be manufactured or is to be manufactured according to the method is a vehicle component.

Overall, there is an improved method for producing a plastic component by means of an injection molding process.

According to the method, information describing at least one plastic mass parameter relating to the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected into the shaping tool cavity can be generated in particular by detecting at least one plastic mass parameter relating to the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected into the shaping tool cavity. According to the method, information describing at least one process parameter relating to the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool can be generated in particular by detecting at least one process parameter relating to the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool.

• Das Bewegen des wenigstens einen bewegbar gelagerten Werkzeugelements gegen den grundkörperseitigen Bereich, in welchem der als Sollbruchbereich ausgebildeten Bauteilabschnitt auszubilden ist, wird auf Grundlage einer wenigstens einen die einzuspritzende plastifizierte Kunststoffmasse betreffenden Kunststoffmassenparameter beschreibenden Information gesteuert werden, wobei die Information einen Druck oder einen Druckverlauf der einzuspritzenden oder eingespritzten plastifizierten Kunststoffmasse als entsprechenden Kunststoffmassenparameter beschreibt. Verfahrensgemäß wird sonach ein Druck oder eine Änderung eines Drucks der einzuspritzenden oder eingespritzten plastifizierten Kunststoffmasse erfasst und der Steuerung einer Bewegung des wenigstens einen bewegbar gelagerten Werkzeugelements zugrunde gelegt werden. Die Steuerung einer Bewegung des wenigstens einen bewegbar gelagerten Werkzeugelements wird sonach auf Grundlage der Erfassung eines (bestimmten) Drucks oder einer Änderung bzw. eines, z. B. örtlichen und/oder zeitlichen, Verlaufs des Drucks der einzuspritzenden oder eingespritzten plastifizierten Kunststoffmasse erfolgen. Dabei kann die Erfassung eines (bestimmten) Drucks bzw. einer Änderung bzw. eines Verlaufs eines Drucks der einzuspritzenden oder eingespritzten plastifizierten Kunststoffmasse respektive eine einen erfassten (bestimmten) Druck bzw. eine eine erfasste Änderung eines Drucks bzw. eine einen Verlauf eines Drucks der einzuspritzenden oder eingespritzten plastifizierten Kunststoffmasse beschreibende Information insbesondere als Trigger für eine Bewegung des wenigstens einen bewegbar gelagerten Werkzeugelements von einer ersten Stellung, d. h. typischerweise einer Ausgangsstellung, in eine zweite Stellung, d. h. typischerweise in eine Endstellung, verwendet werden.

Exemplary embodiments of corresponding information that can be used or used in accordance with the method are described below:

• The movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element against the area on the base body, in which the component section designed as a predetermined breaking area is to be formed, is controlled on the basis of at least one information describing the plasticized plastic compound to be injected, the information being a pressure or a pressure curve of the plastic compound to be injected or injected plasticized plastic mass describes as the corresponding plastic mass parameters. According to the method, a pressure or a change in a pressure of the plasticized plastic compound to be injected or injected is therefore recorded and the control of a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element is used as a basis. The control of a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element is therefore based on the detection of a (specific) pressure or a change or a, z. B. local and / or temporal course of the pressure of the injected or injected plasticized plastic mass. The detection of a (specific) pressure or a change or a course of a pressure of the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected or a recorded (certain) pressure or a recorded change of a pressure or a course of a pressure of the injected or information describing injected plasticized plastic compound in particular as a trigger for a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element from a first position, ie typically an initial position, into a second position, ie typically into an end position.

Moving the At least one movably mounted tool element against the area on the base body side in which the component section is to be formed can alternatively be controlled additionally on the basis of at least one information describing the plasticized plastic compound to be injected, the information being a temperature or a temperature profile of the plasticized plastic compound to be injected or injected describes as a corresponding plastic mass parameter. According to the method, a temperature or a change in a temperature of the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected can therefore additionally be detected and the control of a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element can be used as a basis. The control of a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element can therefore additionally be based on the detection of a (certain) temperature or a change or a, z. B. local and / or temporal course of the temperature of the injected or injected plasticized plastic mass. The detection of a (specific) temperature or a change or a profile of a temperature of the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected or a recorded (specific) temperature or a recorded change or a profile of a temperature of the injected or injected Information describing plasticized plastic compound can be used in particular as a trigger for a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element from a first position, ie typically an initial position, into a second position, ie typically into an end position.

The movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element against the area on the base body side in which the component section is to be formed can additionally be controlled on the basis of at least one information describing the plasticized plastic compound to be injected, the information indicating a flow rate or a flow rate profile of the one to be injected or injected describes plasticized plastic mass as a corresponding plastic mass parameter. According to the method, a flow speed or a change in flow speed of the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected can therefore be recorded and the control of a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element can be used as a basis. The control of a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element can therefore additionally be based on the detection of a (certain) flow velocity or a change or, e.g. B. local and / or temporal course of the flow rate of the injected or injected plasticized plastic mass take place. The detection of a (specific) flow rate or a change or a course of a flow rate of the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected or a recorded (certain) flow rate or a recorded change or a course of a flow rate of the injected or injected Information describing plasticized plastic compound, in particular as a trigger for a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element from a first position, d. H. typically an initial position, to a second position, i. H. typically in one end position.

The movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element against the area on the base body in which the component section is to be formed can alternatively or additionally be controlled on the basis of at least one information item describing the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool, with the information describes a pressure or a pressure profile in the molding tool cavity of the injection molding tool as a corresponding process parameter. According to the method, a pressure or a change in the pressure in the shaping tool cavity can therefore be detected and the control of a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element can be used as a basis. The control of a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element can therefore be based on the detection of a (specific) pressure or a change or a, z. B. local and / or temporal course of the pressure in the shaping tool cavity. The detection of a (specific) pressure or a change or a course of a pressure in the shaping tool cavity or information describing a detected (certain) pressure or a detected change or a course of a pressure in the shaping tool cavity can be performed in particular as a trigger for a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element from a first position, d. H. typically an initial position, to a second position, i. H. typically in one end position.

The movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element towards the area on the base body in which the component section is to be formed can also be controlled on the basis of at least one piece of information describing the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool, the information being a Describes temperature or a temperature profile in the molding tool cavity of the injection molding tool as a corresponding process parameter. According to the method, a temperature or a change in temperature in the shaping tool cavity can therefore additionally be recorded and the control of a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element can be used as a basis. The control of a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element can therefore additionally be based on the detection of a (certain) temperature or a change or a, z. B. local and / or temporal course of the temperature in the shaping tool cavity. The detection of a (specific) temperature or a change or a course of a temperature in the shaping tool cavity or information describing a detected (certain) temperature or a detected change or a course of a temperature in the shaping tool cavity can be performed in particular as a trigger for a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element from a first position, d. H. typically an initial position, to a second position, i. H. typically in one end position.

The movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element towards the area on the base body in which the component section is to be formed can additionally be controlled on the basis of at least one piece of information describing the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool, the information being a Describes the filling state or a filling state curve of the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool as a corresponding process parameter. According to the method, a filling state or a change in the filling state of the shaping tool cavity can therefore additionally be detected and the control of a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element can be used as a basis. The control of a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element can therefore additionally be based on the detection of a (certain) fill level or a change or a, z. B. local and / or temporal progression of the filling state of the shaping tool cavity. The detection of a (specific) fill state or a change or a course of a fill state of the shaping tool cavity or a recorded (certain) fill state or a detected change or a course of a fill state of the shaping tool cavity can be described in particular as information Trigger for a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element from a first position, d. H. typically an initial position, to a second position, i. H. typically in one end position.

The exemplary embodiments described above can be combined with one another as desired.

It follows from the embodiments described above that the corresponding information is typically recorded during the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the molding tool cavity.

Corresponding information - this applies in principle to all of the embodiments described herein - is recorded by a detection device comprising a plurality of detection elements. A corresponding detection element is set up to detect at least one specific detection variable. Specifically, corresponding detection elements are designed as pressure sensors or include at least one such.

According to the invention, according to the method, a detection device is used which comprises a plurality of detection elements.

According to the method, a detection device is used which comprises a plurality of detection elements arranged or formed on or in a wall of the injection molding tool that delimits the molding tool cavity of the injection molding tool. This arrangement or design of corresponding detection elements typically provides particularly precise and reliable detection variables.

Concretely, according to the method z. B. a detection device can be used which comprises at least one detection element arranged or formed directly on or in a wall of the injection molding tool that delimits the molding tool cavity, the at least one detection element being acted upon directly by the plasticized plastic compound when the plasticized plastic compound is injected into the molding tool cavity . According to the method, at least one detection element can therefore be used which is arranged or formed in a surface of the injection molding tool that directly delimits the shaping tool cavity or a tool half associated with it.

Further specifically according to the method z. For example, a detection device can be used which comprises at least one detection element arranged or formed indirectly on or in a wall of the injection molding tool that delimits the molding tool cavity, the at least one detection element not being directly acted upon by the plasticized plastic composition when the plasticized plastic compound is injected into the molding tool cavity becomes. According to the method, at least one detection element can therefore be used which is arranged or formed below a surface of the injection molding tool that directly delimits the shaping tool cavity or a tool half associated with it.

According to the method, a detection device is used which comprises a plurality of detection elements arranged or formed on or in a wall delimiting the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool, the detection elements each being arranged or formed in a section of the wall delimiting the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool, in which section each one is formed in sections by the component section, which is designed as a predetermined breaking region, of the plastic component. According to the method, several detection elements are used, which are each arranged or formed in a section of the wall delimiting the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool, in which a flap area of the plastic component is formed, which is delimited in sections by the component section designed as a predetermined breaking area. A corresponding detection element can therefore be arranged or configured in the area of a component section to be configured or configured as a predetermined breaking area. This arrangement or design of a corresponding detection element typically provides precise and reliable detection variables, in particular with regard to the control of the movement of the at least one tool element.

According to the method, a detection device can additionally be used which comprises at least one detection element arranged or formed on or in a wall delimiting the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool, the at least one detection element being arranged or formed in a first section of the wall delimiting the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool, wherein the first section, in particular in relation to the inflow direction of the plasticized plastic compound flowing into the shaping tool cavity, is arranged in front of a second section, in in which second section a flap area of the plastic component, which is delimited in sections by the component section designed as a predetermined breaking area, is formed. According to the method, at least one detection element can therefore additionally be used, which is arranged or formed in a first section of the wall delimiting the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool, the first section, in particular in relation to the inflow direction of the plasticized plastic compound flowing into the shaping tool cavity, before a second Section is arranged, in which second section a sectionally delimited by the component section designed as a predetermined breaking area, the flap area of the plastic component is formed. A corresponding detection element can therefore additionally be arranged or formed in the area of a corresponding first (and / or second) section. This arrangement or design of a corresponding detection element provides, in particular with regard to the control of the movement of the at least one tool element, also accurate and reliable detection variables.

The movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element is typically controlled on the basis of control information generated by a control device implemented in hardware and / or software. Corresponding control information is typically assigned or assigned to a drive device that can be assigned or assigned to the at least one movably mounted tool element. B. (electro) motorized, hydraulic or pneumatic - transmitted and used as a basis for the operation of the drive device. According to the method, a control device that can be assigned or assigned to a drive device that can be assigned or assigned to the at least one movably mounted tool element can be used, which generates control information for controlling the operation of the drive device on the basis of the (captured) information.

The control device can send control information for initiating a movement of the at least one tool element starting from a first position in which the at least one tool element does not protrude into the shaping tool cavity or at least less far than in a second position into the shaping tool cavity, and a corresponding second position, in which the at least one tool element, in particular for forming the section of the plastic component to be formed or formed as a predetermined breaking area, protrudes into the shaping tool cavity.

Alternatively or additionally, the control device can provide control information for realizing a specific movement profile or speed profile of the at least one tool element, in particular between a first position in which the at least one tool element does not enter the shaping tool cavity or at least less than a second position in the shaping tool cavity protrudes, and a corresponding second position, in particular a second position, in which the at least one tool element, in particular to form the portion of the plastic component to be formed or formed as a predetermined breaking area, projects into the shaping tool cavity.

The control device can be part of an injection molding machine used to carry out the method.

According to the method, in addition to the component section designed as a predetermined breaking area, at least one further component section designed as a film hinge can be designed, the wall thickness of the further component section designed as a film hinge being between the wall thickness of the component section designed as a predetermined breaking area and the wall thickness of the other sections of the base body. A corresponding component section designed or used as a film hinge is typically formed in the first step of the method and thus together with the base body. The wall thickness of a corresponding component section designed as a film hinge is typically selected in such a way that it does not cause any problems with regard to a complete filling of the tool cavity in the first step of the method according to the invention.

A corresponding component section embodied as a predetermined breaking area and a corresponding component section embodied as a film hinge can jointly delimit a flap area on the base body. A corresponding flap area functionally serves to prevent fragments of the base body from jumping off the base body in an uncontrollable manner in the event of the predetermined breaking area being broken. Rather, in this case the flap area is unfolded or pivoted open about a folding or pivoting axis defined by the component section serving as a film hinge.

A corresponding component section designed as a predetermined breaking area can, for. B. U-shaped. The U-shape is particularly useful with regard to the above-described delimitation of a flap area by the component section designed as a predetermined breaking area and the component section designed as a film hinge. The component section designed as a film hinge can extend between respective free ends of the component section designed as a predetermined breaking area. The flap area can therefore be designed (essentially) rectangular or with a (essentially) rectangular basic shape. It goes without saying that the shape of the corresponding component sections is fundamentally to be determined with regard to concrete functional as well as structural specifications of the plastic component to be manufactured according to the method.

According to the method, for example, the following wall thicknesses or wall thickness ranges can be provided or implemented: a corresponding component section designed as a predetermined breaking area can have a wall thickness in a range between 0.1 and 0.4 mm and the remaining sections of the base body, apart from any existing as Film hinge formed component section, can be formed with a wall thickness lying in a range between 1 and 3 mm, in particular at 2.5 mm. Of course, in exceptional cases, deviations in the wall thickness upwards and / or downwards can be provided.

If present, a corresponding component section configured as a film hinge can be configured with a wall thickness in a range between 0.6 and 0.9 mm, in particular 0.8 mm. Of course, in exceptional cases, deviations in the wall thickness upwards and / or downwards can be provided.

According to the method, a tool element can be used which is provided with an inclined surface in the area of a free end to be moved or moved against the base body. The inclined surface can be formed by folding the free end of the tool element. The inclined surface causes a corresponding bevel of the plastic component in the component section to be formed or configured as a predetermined breaking area or in corresponding transition areas in a corresponding component section to be configured or configured as a predetermined breaking area. The bevel of the plastic component is functionally and structurally typically a notch which, when forces are exerted, causes or reinforces a notch effect and thus promotes the fracture properties of the component section to be designed or designed as a predetermined breaking area.

A plastic component that can be manufactured or manufactured according to the method is, as indicated above, a vehicle component, i. H. a component that is to be installed on or in a vehicle or motor vehicle. A plastic component that can be manufactured or manufactured according to the method is a cover or cladding element for a vehicle. B. be a cross member, which is to be installed in the area of the rear of a motor vehicle, in particular a convertible, transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. When the plastic component is properly installed, the component section designed as a predetermined breaking area is arranged relative to the rollover protection bars on the vehicle body in such a way that in the event of a collision of the motor vehicle the latter are moved against the cover or cladding element in such a way that the predetermined breaking areas break.

The method is typically carried out with a device for producing a plastic component by means of an injection molding process.

A second aspect of the invention described herein therefore relates to a device for producing a plastic component in the form of a cover or cladding element for covering or cladding a part of a vehicle body equipped with at least one roll-over protection bar by means of an injection molding process, which plastic component comprises a base body, which is designed as a predetermined breaking area Comprises component sections with a smaller wall thickness compared to the other sections of the base body, the component sections formed as a predetermined breaking area each delimiting a base body-side flap area in sections. The device can be designed as an injection molding machine or comprise one.

The device comprises an injection molding tool with at least one shaping tool cavity defined by at least two tool halves. The injection molding tool furthermore comprises at least one movably mounted tool element. The device is characterized in that movements of the at least one movably mounted tool element against an area on the base body, in which a component section to be designed as a predetermined breaking area of a plastic component that can be or is to be manufactured by means of the device, is to be formed on the basis of at least one plasticized plastic compound to be injected or injected Information describing the relevant plastic compound parameters and / or based on at least one injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the shaping tool cavity of the Injection molding tool related process parameters descriptive information are controllable or controlled. The device is therefore set up to carry out the method according to the first aspect of the invention described herein. All statements in connection with the method according to the first aspect of the invention described herein therefore apply analogously to the device.

The device comprises a detection device comprising several detection elements, which are set up to detect at least one item of information describing the plastic compound parameters relating to the injected or injected plasticized plastic compound and / or at least one item of information describing the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the molding tool cavity of the injection molding tool.

The detection elements are arranged or formed on or in a wall of the injection molding tool that delimits the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool.

The detection elements can be arranged or formed on or in a wall of the injection molding tool that delimits the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool, and when the plasticized plastic compound is injected into the shaping tool cavity, the plasticized plastic compound acts directly on them or is not directly affected by the plasticized plastic compound.

The detection elements are each arranged or formed in a section of the wall delimiting the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool, with a flap area of the plastic component being able to be formed in each section, which is delimited in sections by a component section designed as a predetermined breaking area.

The device can have a drive device assigned to the movably mounted tool element, which is set up to generate a drive force that sets the at least one movably mounted tool element in motion, and a control device assigned to the drive device, implemented in hardware and / or software, which is used to generate the operation control information controlling the drive device is set up.

The control device can be set up to provide control information for initiating a movement of the at least one tool element starting from a first position in which the at least one tool element does not protrude into the shaping tool cavity or less than in a second position into the shaping tool cavity, and a corresponding second Position in which the at least one tool element, in particular for forming the section of the plastic component section to be formed or formed as a predetermined breaking area, protrudes into the shaping tool cavity.

The control device can alternatively or additionally be set up to provide control information for realizing a specific movement profile of the at least one tool element between a first position, in particular a first position in which the at least one tool element does not protrude into the shaping tool cavity or less than in a second position the shaping tool cavity, and a second position, in particular a second position, in which the at least one tool element protrudes into the shaping tool cavity, in particular for the formation of the section of the plastic component section to be designed or designed as a predetermined breaking area.

A third aspect of the invention described herein relates to a plastic component which is characterized in that it is produced by means of a method according to the first aspect of the invention described herein or by means of a device according to the second aspect of the invention described herein. All statements in connection with the method according to the first aspect of the invention described herein and in connection with the device according to the second aspect of the invention described herein therefore apply analogously to the plastic component.

• 1 eine Prinzipdarstellung eines Kunststoffbauteils gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2 eine vergrößerte Ansicht der in 1 gezeigten Einzelheit II;
• 3 - 6 verschiedene Schritte im Rahmen der Durchführung eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung eines Kunststoffbauteils gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel; und
• 7 eine Prinzipdarstellung eines bewegbar gelagerte Werkzeugelements eines im Rahmen eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung eines Kunststoffbauteils gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel verwendeten Spritzgießwerkzeugs.

The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments in the drawings. It shows or shows:

• 1 a schematic diagram of a plastic component according to an embodiment;
• 2 an enlarged view of the detail II shown in FIG. 1;
• 3 - 6th various steps in the context of performing a method for producing a plastic component according to an exemplary embodiment; and
• 7th a schematic diagram of a movably mounted tool element of an injection molding tool used in the context of a method for producing a plastic component according to an exemplary embodiment.

1 shows a schematic diagram of a plastic component 1 according to an exemplary embodiment in a view of the non-visible side or rear side of the plastic component 1 . The visible side of the plastic component 1 can at least partially with at least one decorative element, such. B. a film, be laminated.

With the plastic component 1 it is a vehicle component in the form of a cover or cladding element for covering or cladding a part of a vehicle body equipped with at least one rollover bar. Such a cladding element can, for. B. be a cross member, which is to be installed in the area of the rear of a motor vehicle, in particular a convertible, transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

The plastic component 1 includes the geometrical-constructive shape of the Plastic component defining base body 2 . On the main body 2 Different functional component sections are typically formed or molded on. These include, for example, fastening elements (not shown in more detail) for fastening the plastic component 1 on a third-party object, such as the vehicle body mentioned above, and also stabilizing or stiffening elements, not shown in detail, to increase the mechanical stability, ie in particular the rigidity, of the plastic component 1 .

On the one hand, component sections designed or used as predetermined breaking points on the base body are to be emphasized 3 and on the other hand, component sections designed or used as film hinge on the base body 4th . The component sections serving as the predetermined breaking point 3 extend both in the direction of the longitudinal and in the direction of the transverse axis of the plastic component 1 and in the exemplary embodiment form the shape of a “U”. The component sections serving as the predetermined breaking point 3 are therefore U-shaped. The component sections designed or used as a film hinge 4th clearly extend between the respective free ends of the component sections designed or used as predetermined breaking points 3 .

The component sections 3 , 4th differ in particular in their wall thicknesses from the other sections of the base body 2 . In this case, the component sections designed as predetermined breaking points have 3 the smallest wall thickness. The wall thickness of the component sections designed as a predetermined breaking point 3 is approximately 0.4 mm in the exemplary embodiment. The component sections designed as a film hinge 4th have a comparatively higher wall thickness for this purpose. The wall thickness of the component sections designed as a film hinge 4th is approximately 0.8 mm in the exemplary embodiment. The remaining sections of the body 2 In the exemplary embodiment, for example, have a wall thickness of approx. 2.5 mm. The basic body 2 accordingly has different sections or component sections 3 , 4th with different wall thicknesses.

It can be seen that each component section serving as a predetermined breaking point delimit it 3 together with the respective component sections serving as a film hinge 4th respective valve areas on the base body 5 . Task and function of the valve areas 5 consists in preventing fragments of the base body from breaking open in the event of the predetermined breaking regions 2 uncontrollable from the main body 2 jump off. Rather, in this case there is a controlled opening or pivoting of the flap area 5 by the respective component sections serving as a film hinge 4th defined folding or swivel axes.

In the properly installed state of the plastic component 1 in which the plastic component 1 is installed on a vehicle body, are the flap areas 5 arranged above the respective rollover protection bar provided on the vehicle body side. The component sections serving as predetermined breaking areas are therefore 3 in the installed state of the plastic component 1 so arranged relative to the vehicle body-side roll-over protection bars that the latter against the flap areas in the event of a collision of the motor vehicle 5 are moved so that the predetermined breaking areas break and the flap areas 5 unfold or swivel open.

In the event of a collision of the motor vehicle, the rollover protection bars are secured by suitable devices, e.g. B. pyrotechnic, activated or ignited and within fractions of a second against the flap areas 5 accelerated. The acceleration of the roll bar against the flap areas 5 causes, as mentioned, a breaking open of the component sections serving as the predetermined breaking point 3 , but not the remaining sections of the base body 2 , ie in particular not the component sections serving as a film hinge 4th . The flap areas 5 fold or swivel open around the folding or swivel axis and give way for the rollover protection bar through the plastic component 1 free.

2 FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of the detail II shown in FIG 2 the essentially rectangular basic shape of a component section serving as a predetermined breaking area can be achieved 3 and a component section serving as a film hinge 4th limited valve area 5 see clearly. In 2 are section lines AA in the direction of the longitudinal axis and section lines BB in the direction of the transverse axis of the plastic component 1 which are used for the following explanation of the 3 - 6th are important.

• - Einspritzen einer plastifizierten Kunststoffmasse in eine Werkzeugkavität 6 eines Spritzgießwerkzeugs 7 zur Ausbildung des Grundkörpers 2, wobei die Werkzeugkavität 6 so dimensioniert ist, dass die grundkörperseitigen Bereiche, in welchem die als Sollbruchbereich dienenden Bauteilabschnitte 3 auszubilden sind, mit einem Wandstärkenübermaß ausgebildet wird,
• - Bewegen wenigstens eines spritzgießwerkzeugseitigen Werkzeugelements 8, d. h. z. B. eines Schiebeelements, gegen den grundkörperseitigen Bereich, in welchem die als Sollbruchbereiche dienenden Bauteilabschnitte 3 auszubilden sind, zur Ausbildung der als Sollbruchbereiche dienenden Bauteilabschnitte 3 derart, dass deren Wandstärke auf die im Vergleich zu den übrigen Abschnitten des Grundkörpers 2 geringere Wandstärke reduziert wird,
• - Abkühlen und Entfernen des Kunststoffbauteils 1 aus der Werkzeugkavität 6 respektive dem Spritzgießwerkzeug 7.

The process for the production of the plastic component or a plastic component 1 will be discussed below with reference to the 3 - 7th explained in more detail and includes the following steps:

• - Injection of a plasticized plastic compound into a mold cavity 6th an injection molding tool 7th for the formation of the basic body 2 , where the mold cavity 6th is dimensioned in such a way that the areas on the base body in which the component sections serving as predetermined breaking area 3 are to be formed, is formed with an excess wall thickness,
• Moving at least one tool element on the injection molding tool side 8th , ie for example a sliding element, against the area on the base body, in which the component sections serving as predetermined breaking areas 3 are to be trained to form the component sections serving as predetermined breaking areas 3 in such a way that their wall thickness is less than that of the other sections of the base body 2 smaller wall thickness is reduced,
• - Cooling down and removal of the plastic component 1 from the mold cavity 6th or the injection molding tool 7th .

The process is therefore carried out using an injection molding tool 7th comprehensive device for producing a corresponding plastic component 1 carried out. The device can be an injection molding machine.

The plasticized plastic compound that can be injected or injected in accordance with the method is, for example, a plasticized ABS / PC blend, ie. H. a mixture of the two chemically different plastic materials ABS and PC.

The 3 - 6th show various steps in the context of carrying out the method for producing a plastic component 1 . Both 3 - 6th each is a sectional view. The 3 , 4th represent a sectional view corresponding to the in 2 Section lines BB shown and thus a cross section that 5 , 6th represent a sectional view corresponding to the in 2 shown section lines AA and thus a longitudinal section.

The 3 , 5 each show the injection position of the injection molding tool used according to the method 7th , in which the plasticized plastic mass in the mold cavity 6th is or is injected. The 3 , 5 therefore map the injection process. The 4th , 6th each show the ejection position in which the finished plastic component 1 from the mold cavity 6th or the injection molding tool 7th can be removed or removed.

The injection mold can be seen 7th two tool halves 9 , 10 on. The tool half 9 is on the nozzle side, the mold half 10 is arranged on the ejector side. During the injection process of the plasticized plastic compound as well as a subsequent holding pressure and optionally cooling phase, the two mold halves lie 9 , 10 with opposite surfaces directly to one another; the mold cavity 6th is closed.

The tool element on the injection mold side 8th which, how out 7th results, corresponding to the course of the component sections serving as predetermined breaking areas 3 on the finished plastic component 1 Is U-shaped, for example, is in the area of the ejector-side tool mold half 10 arranged. The movable mounting of the tool element 8th is by double arrow 11 indicated.

The tool element 8th is with a z. B. hydraulic drive device 12th (see. 7th ) coupled via which the tool element 8th from the in the 3 , 5 The retracted first position shown, in short the starting position, defined in the 4th , 6th shown extended second position, short end position, movable, and vice versa. The tool element is in the starting position 8th retracted and in comparison to the end position does not or only slightly protrudes from one of the tool cavity 6th limiting surface of the mold half 10 from. The tool element protrudes accordingly 8th in the end position compared to the starting position further from the tool cavity 6th limiting surface of the mold half 10 from.

The tool element can be seen 8th in the exemplary embodiment bevelled in the region of its free end, ie provided with an inclined surface. The inclined surface requires a corresponding bevel of the plastic component 1 in the component sections serving as the predetermined breaking point 3 or corresponding transition areas in corresponding component sections 3 . This section-wise bevel of the plastic component 1 represents a notch functionally and structurally, which causes or reinforces a notch effect when forces are applied and thus the breaking properties of the component sections designed as predetermined breaking areas 3 favored.

Based on 3 , 5 it can be seen that the tool element 8th during the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the mold cavity 6th is not extended. The mold filling of the mold cavity 6th is easily possible, since no wall thicknesses that are too small and therefore problematic from an injection molding point of view have to be realized. The formation of the component section serving as a film hinge 4th , the wall thickness of which, as mentioned, is approximately 0.8 mm in the exemplary embodiment, is not a problem.

With the completion of the injection phase and the beginning of the holding pressure phase of the injection molding process, the tool element becomes 8th from the in the 3 , 5 The retracted position shown or the starting position in the 4th , 6th shown extended position or end position moved.

By moving the tool element 8th against the still plastic and thus deformable base body 2 Plasticized plastic material is made from the areas on the base body, in which the component sections serving as predetermined breaking areas 3 be trained, displaced. This does not lead, however, to the plasticized plastic material coming out of the mold cavity 6th is pushed. Rather, it comes from the displacement of plastic material from the areas in which the component sections serving as predetermined breaking areas 3 be formed, to a material compression in the remaining sections of the base body 2 which, however, as mentioned above, with regard to the properties of the finished plastic component 1 is not disadvantageous.

7th shows a schematic diagram of a tool element 8th one as part of a method for manufacturing a plastic component 1 Injection molding tool used according to an embodiment of the invention 7th .

Based on 7th an exemplary geometrical-constructive shape of a corresponding tool element can be shown 8th recognize which has the U-shape described in the exemplary embodiment. Based on 7th can also be the coupling of the tool element 8th with one, e.g. B. hydraulic, drive device 12th detect.

It is essential for all exemplary embodiments of the method that the movement of the tool element 8th against the respective area on the base body, in which the component section to be designed or designed as a predetermined breaking area 3 is to be configured, based on at least one information describing the plastic compound parameter to be injected or injected plastic compound and / or on the basis of at least one information item describing the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the molding tool cavity of the injection molding tool, process parameters describing the process parameter.

Moving a corresponding tool element 8th accordingly takes place according to the method on the basis of information which at least one information in the tool cavity 6th describes the plastic mass parameters relating to the plasticized plastic compound to be injected or injected, and / or on the basis of information which specifies at least one of the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the mold cavity 6th describes the relevant process parameters. According to the method, a targeted control of the movement of a corresponding tool element is therefore possible 8th implements which an individual control of the movement of a corresponding tool element 8th for every injection molding process. The movement of a corresponding tool element 8th can therefore be controlled individually for each injection molding process. The control of the movement of a corresponding tool element 8th takes place with the objective that in every injection molding process carried out according to the method, the tolerances of a corresponding component section to be formed or formed as a predetermined breaking area are as exact as possible 3 is guaranteed.

The method therefore makes it possible, particularly under the aspect, that tolerances of a respective component section designed as a predetermined breaking area 3 for its intended function of particular importance and must therefore be strictly adhered to, the manufacture of corresponding plastic components 1 with improved properties.

At least one that goes into the mold cavity 6th Information relating to the plastic mass parameters relating to the plastic mass parameters to be injected or injected can, according to the method, in particular by detecting at least one of the information in the mold cavity 6th to be injected or injected plasticized plastic compound relating to plastic compound parameters are generated. At least one injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the mold cavity 6th Information describing the relevant process parameters can according to the method in particular by detecting at least one of the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the mold cavity 6th relevant process parameters are generated.

• Das Bewegen des Werkzeugelements 8 wird auf Grundlage einer wenigstens einen die einzuspritzende plastifizierte Kunststoffmasse betreffenden Kunststoffmassenparameter beschreibenden Information gesteuert, wobei die Information einen Druck oder einen Druckverlauf der einzuspritzenden oder eingespritzten plastifizierten Kunststoffmasse als entsprechenden Kunststoffmassenparameter beschreibt. Verfahrensgemäß wird sonach ein Druck oder eine Änderung eines Drucks der einzuspritzenden oder eingespritzten plastifizierten Kunststoffmasse erfasst und der Steuerung einer Bewegung des Werkzeugelements 8 zugrunde gelegt werden. Die Steuerung einer Bewegung des Werkzeugelements 8 wird sonach auf Grundlage der Erfassung eines (bestimmten) Drucks oder einer Änderung bzw. eines, z. B. örtlichen und/oder zeitlichen, Verlaufs des Drucks der einzuspritzenden oder eingespritzten plastifizierten Kunststoffmasse erfolgen. Dabei kann die Erfassung eines (bestimmten) Drucks bzw. einer Änderung bzw. eines Verlaufs eines Drucks der eingespritzten plastifizierten Kunststoffmasse respektive eine einen erfassten (bestimmten) Druck bzw. eine eine erfasste Änderung eines Drucks bzw. eine einen Verlauf eines Drucks der eingespritzten plastifizierten Kunststoffmasse beschreibende Information insbesondere als Trigger für eine Bewegung des Werkzeugelements 8 von einer ersten Stellung, d. h. typischerweise einer Ausgangsstellung, in eine zweite Stellung, d. h. typischerweise in eine Endstellung, verwendet werden.

Exemplary embodiments of corresponding information that can be used or used in accordance with the method are described below:

• Moving the tool element 8th is controlled on the basis of at least one information describing the plasticized plastic compound to be injected, the information describing a pressure or a pressure curve of the plasticized plastic compound to be injected or injected as a corresponding plastic compound parameter. According to the method, a pressure or a change in a pressure of the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected is therefore detected and a movement of the tool element is controlled 8th be taken as a basis. The control of movement of the tool element 8th is therefore based on the detection of a (certain) pressure or a change or a, z. B. local and / or temporal course of the pressure of the injected or injected plasticized plastic mass. The detection of a (specific) pressure or a change or a course of a pressure of the injected plasticized plastic compound or a detected (specific) Pressure or a detected change in a pressure or information describing a course of a pressure of the injected plasticized plastic compound, in particular as a trigger for a movement of the tool element 8th from a first position, ie typically an initial position, to a second position, ie typically in an end position.

Moving the tool element 8th can additionally be controlled on the basis of at least one piece of information describing the plasticized plastic compound to be injected, the information describing a temperature or a temperature profile of the plasticized plastic compound to be injected or injected as a corresponding plastic compound parameter. According to the method, a temperature or a change in a temperature of the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected can therefore also be detected and a movement of the tool element can be controlled 8th be taken as a basis. The control of movement of the tool element 8th can therefore additionally based on the detection of a (certain) temperature or a change or a, z. B. local and / or temporal course of the temperature of the injected or injected plasticized plastic mass. The detection of a (specific) temperature or a change or a profile of a temperature of the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected or a recorded (specific) temperature or a recorded change or a profile of a temperature of the injected or injected Plasticized plastic mass descriptive information in particular as a trigger for a movement of the tool element 8th from a first position, ie typically an initial position, to a second position, ie typically in an end position.

Moving the tool element 8th can additionally be controlled on the basis of at least one information describing the plasticized plastic compound to be injected, the information describing a flow rate or a flow rate profile of the plasticized plastic compound to be injected or injected as a corresponding plastic compound parameter. According to the method, a flow speed or a change in the flow speed of the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected can therefore also be detected and a movement of the tool element can be controlled 8th be taken as a basis. The control of movement of the tool element 8th can therefore additionally based on the detection of a (certain) flow velocity or a change or a, z. B. local and / or temporal course of the flow rate of the injected or injected plasticized plastic mass take place. The detection of a (specific) flow rate or a change or a course of a flow rate of the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected or a recorded (certain) flow rate or a recorded change or a course of a flow rate of the injected or injected Plasticized plastic mass descriptive information in particular as a trigger for a movement of the tool element 8th from a first position, ie typically an initial position, to a second position, ie typically in an end position.

Moving the tool element 8th can alternatively or additionally on the basis of at least one injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the mold cavity 6th of the injection mold 7th relevant process parameters descriptive information are controlled, the information a pressure or a pressure profile in the tool cavity 6th as a corresponding process parameter. According to the method, a pressure or a change in the pressure in the mold cavity can therefore alternatively or additionally be used 6th detected and controlling a movement of the tool element 8th be taken as a basis. The control of movement of the tool element 8th can therefore alternatively or additionally based on the detection of a (specific) pressure or a change or a, z. B. local and / or temporal course of the pressure in the mold cavity 6th respectively. The detection of a (specific) pressure or a change or a course of a pressure in the mold cavity can thereby be achieved 6th or a recorded (specific) pressure or a recorded change or a course of a pressure in the mold cavity 6th Descriptive information in particular as a trigger for a movement of the tool element 8th from a first position, ie typically an initial position, to a second position, ie typically in an end position.

Moving the tool element 8th can further supplement the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the mold cavity on the basis of at least one 6th of the injection mold 7th relevant process parameters descriptive information are controlled, the information being a temperature or a temperature profile in the tool cavity 6th as a corresponding process parameter. According to the method, a temperature or a Change in temperature in the mold cavity 6th detected and controlling a movement of the tool element 8th be taken as a basis. The control of movement of the tool element 8th can therefore additionally based on the detection of a (certain) temperature or a change or a, z. B. local and / or temporal course of the temperature in the tool cavity 8th respectively. The detection of a (specific) temperature or a change or a profile of a temperature in the tool cavity can thereby be achieved 6th or a recorded (specific) temperature or a recorded change or a course of a temperature in the mold cavity 6th Descriptive information in particular as a trigger for a movement of the tool element 8th from a first position, ie typically an initial position, to a second position, ie typically in an end position.

Moving the tool element 8th can further supplement the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the mold cavity on the basis of at least one 6th of the injection mold 7th relevant process parameters descriptive information are controlled, the information describing a filling state or a filling state curve of the tool cavity as a corresponding process parameter. According to the method, a filling state or a change in the filling state of the tool cavity can accordingly be added 8th detected and controlling a movement of the tool element 8th be taken as a basis. The control of movement of the tool element 8th can therefore be supplemented on the basis of the detection of a (certain) fill level or a change or a, z. B. local and / or temporal progression of the filling level of the tool cavity 6th respectively. The detection of a (specific) filling state or a change or a course of a filling state of the mold cavity can thereby be achieved 6th respectively a recorded (specific) filling state or a recorded change or a course of a filling state of the mold cavity 6th Descriptive information in particular as a trigger for a movement of the tool element 8th from a first position, ie typically an initial position, to a second position, ie typically in an end position.

The exemplary embodiments described above can be combined with one another as desired.

Corresponding information is typically recorded during the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the mold cavity 6th .

Corresponding information is provided by a plurality of detection elements indicated purely schematically in the figures 13th comprehensive detection device 14th detected. Corresponding capture elements 13th are set up to acquire at least one specific acquisition variable. In any case, a corresponding detection variable is the pressure in the mold cavity 6th injected plasticized plastic compound and / or the pressure in the mold cavity 6th . A respective sensing element 13th is set up to detect at least one parameter to be described in a corresponding piece of information. The capture elements are specific 13th designed as pressure sensors or comprise at least one such.

As indicated schematically by way of example in the figures, according to the method, a detection device is used 14th used which multiple sensing elements 13th includes.

Based on 3 - 6th it can be seen in particular that a detection device 14th can be used, which several on or in one of the tool cavity 6th limiting wall of the injection molding tool 7th arranged or formed detection elements 13th includes. This arrangement or formation of corresponding detection elements 13th typically provides particularly accurate and reliable detection values.

Specifically, according to the method, a detection device 14th which, as in the 3 - 6th indicated by way of example, one directly on or in one of the tool cavity 6th limiting wall of the injection molding tool 7th arranged or formed detection element 13th comprises, wherein the sensing element 13th when the plasticized plastic compound is injected into the mold cavity 6th is acted upon directly by the plasticized plastic mass. A capture element 13th can therefore be used in one of the mold cavities 6th directly delimiting the surface of the injection molding tool 7th or one of this associated tool half 10 is arranged or formed.

According to the method, a detection device can also specifically 14th which, as in the 3 - 6th indicated by way of example, an indirectly on or in one of the tool cavity 6th limiting wall of the injection molding tool 7th arranged or formed detection element 13th comprises, wherein the sensing element 13th when the plasticized plastic compound is injected into the mold cavity 6th is not acted upon directly by the plasticized plastic mass. A capture element 13th can therefore be the mold cavity below one 6th directly delimiting the surface of the injection molding tool 7th or one of this associated tool half 10 is arranged or formed.

In the 1 , 2 dashed lines indicate that a detection device 14th is used, which several on or in one of the tool cavity 6th of the injection mold 7th limiting wall arranged or formed detection elements 13th includes, each in a section of the tool cavity 6th delimiting wall are arranged or formed, in each of which a section through the component section formed as a predetermined breaking area 3 limited flap area 5 is trained.

In 1 is also indicated by dashed lines that an additional detection device 13th can be used, which at least one on or in one of the tool cavity 6th of the injection mold 7th limiting wall arranged or formed detection element 13th comprises, wherein the sensing element 13th in a first section of the tool cavity 6th delimiting wall is arranged or formed, wherein the first section, in particular based on the direction of inflow into the tool cavity 6th inflowing plasticized plastic mass, is arranged in front of a second section, in which a section-wise component section formed as a predetermined breaking area 3 limited flap area 5 of the plastic component 1 is trained.

Control of the movement of the tool element 8th takes place in all exemplary embodiments on the basis of control information generated by a control device (not shown) implemented in hardware and / or software. Corresponding control information becomes one of the tool element 8th assignable or assigned drive device 12th transmitted and the operation of the drive device 12th based on.

The control device can control information for initiating a movement of the tool element 8th starting from a z. Tie 3 , 5 shown first position in which the tool element 8th not in the forming mold cavity 6th or less than in a second position in the forming tool cavity 6th protrudes, and a second position in which the tool element 8th , in particular for the formation of the section to be formed or formed as a predetermined breaking area 3 of the plastic component 1 , (further) into the mold cavity 6th protrudes, generate.

As an alternative or in addition, the control device can provide control information for realizing a specific movement profile or speed profile of the tool element 8th , in particular generate between a corresponding first position and a corresponding second position.

Claims (12)

Method for producing a plastic component (1) in the form of a cover or cladding element for covering or cladding a part of a vehicle body equipped with at least one roll-over protection bar by means of an injection molding process, which plastic component (1) comprises a base body (2) which has several component sections designed as a predetermined breaking area (3) with a smaller wall thickness compared to the other sections of the base body (2), the component sections (3) designed as predetermined breaking area each delimiting a base body-side flap area (5) in sections: - Injection of a plasticized plastic compound into a shaping tool cavity (6 ) an injection molding tool (7) for forming the base body (2), - moving at least one movably mounted injection molding tool-side tool element (8) against the base-body-side area in which the at least one component section (3) is to be formed is to form the at least one component section (3) in such a way that the wall thickness is reduced to the smaller wall thickness compared to the other sections of the base body (8), - cooling and removal of the plastic component (1) from the shaping tool cavity (6) , characterized in that the movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element (8) against the area on the base body, in which the at least one component section (3) is to be formed, on the basis of at least one information describing the plastic compound parameters relating to the plasticized plastic compound to be injected or injected, and / or at least one item of information describing the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the shaping tool cavity (6) of the injection molding tool (7) is controlled, the information comprising a plurality of detection elements (13) designed as pressure sensors e detection device (14) is detected, the detection elements (13) being arranged or formed on or in a wall delimiting the shaping tool cavity (6) of the injection molding tool (7), the detection elements (13) each in a section of the shaping tool cavity (6) of the wall delimiting the injection molding tool (7) are arranged or formed, in which section a flap area (5) of the plastic component (1), delimited in sections by a component section (3) designed as a predetermined breaking area, is formed. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element (8) against the area on the base body, in which the at least one component section (3) designed as a predetermined breaking area is to be formed, on the basis of at least one plastic mass parameter describing the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected Information is controlled, the information describing a pressure or a pressure curve of the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element (8) against the base body-side area in which the at least one component section (3) is to be formed, based on at least one of the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the shaping tool cavity of the injection molding tool ( 7) information describing the relevant process parameters is controlled, the information describing a pressure or a pressure profile in the shaping tool cavity (6) of the injection molding tool (7). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a detection device (14) is used which comprises at least one detection element (13) arranged or formed directly on or in a wall of the injection molding tool (7) delimiting the shaping tool cavity (6), wherein the at least one detection element (13) is acted upon directly by the plasticized plastic compound when the plasticized plastic compound is injected into the shaping tool cavity (6). Procedure according to Claim 4 , characterized in that a detection device (14) is used which comprises at least one detection element (13) arranged or formed indirectly on or in a wall of the injection molding tool (7) delimiting the shaping tool cavity (6), the at least one detection element (13 ) when the plasticized plastic compound is injected into the shaping tool cavity (6), the plasticized plastic compound is not directly applied. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device is used which, on the basis of the information, generates control information for controlling the operation of a drive device (12) that can be assigned or assigned to the at least one movably mounted tool element (8). Procedure according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the control device controls information for initiating a movement of the at least one movably mounted tool element (8) starting from a first position in which the at least one tool element (8) in particular does not protrude into the shaping tool cavity (6) or less than in a second position protrudes into the shaping tool cavity (6), and in a second position in which the at least one tool element (8), in particular for the formation of the at least one component section (3) of the plastic component (1) to be configured or configured as a predetermined breaking area, in the shaping tool cavity (6) protrudes, generated. Procedure according to Claim 6 or 7th , characterized in that the control device provides control information for realizing a specific movement profile or speed profile of the at least one movably mounted tool element (8) between a first position, in particular a first position in which the at least one tool element (8) does not enter the shaping tool cavity (6 ) protrudes into the shaping tool cavity (6) or protrudes less than in a second position, and a second position, in particular a second position, in which the at least one tool element (8), in particular for the formation of the at least one to be or configured as a predetermined breaking area Component section (3) of the plastic component (1) into which the shaping tool cavity (6) protrudes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to at least one component section (3) designed as a predetermined breaking area, at least one further component section (4) designed as a film hinge is formed, the wall thickness of the at least one further component section (4) designed as a film hinge between the Wall thickness of the at least one component section (3) designed as a predetermined breaking area and the wall thickness of the remaining sections of the base body (2). Procedure according to Claim 9 , characterized in that the at least one component section (3) designed as a predetermined breaking area and the at least one component section (4) designed as a film hinge jointly delimit a corresponding flap area (5) on the base body. Device for producing a plastic component (1) in the form of a cover or cladding element for covering or cladding a part of a vehicle body equipped with at least one roll-over protection bar by means of an injection molding process, which plastic component (1) comprises a base body (2) which has several comprises component sections (3) designed as a predetermined breaking area and having a smaller wall thickness compared to the other sections of the base body (2), the component sections (3) designed as a predetermined breaking area each delimiting a flap area (5) on the base body, the device comprising: a Injection molding tool (7) comprising shaping tool cavity (6) with at least one movably mounted tool element (8), movements of the at least one movably mounted tool element (8) against an area on the base body in which the at least one component section (3) to be designed as a predetermined breaking area is to be formed on the basis of at least one piece of information describing the plasticized plastic compound to be injected or injected, and / or on the basis of at least one item of information describing the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the mold cavity Information describing process parameters relating to the nature (6) of the injection molding tool (7) are controllable or controlled, a sensing device (14) comprising a plurality of sensing elements (13) designed as pressure sensors, which for sensing the at least one information describing the plastic mass parameters relating to the plasticized plastic mass to be injected or injected / or the at least one piece of information describing process parameters relating to the injection of the plasticized plastic compound into the shaping tool cavity (6) of the injection molding tool (7) is set up, the detection elements (13) on or in one of the shaping tool cavity (6) of the injection molding tool (7) delimiting wall are arranged or formed, the detection elements (13) each being arranged or formed in a section of the wall delimiting the shaping tool cavity (6) of the injection molding tool (7), in which Ab cut a flap area (5) of the plastic component (1) that is delimited in sections by a component section (3) designed as a predetermined breaking area. Plastic component (1) in the form of a cover or cladding element for covering or cladding a part of a vehicle body equipped with at least one roll-over protection bar, characterized in that it is made by means of a method according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 and / or by means of a device Claim 11 is made.

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