DE202018101538U1 - Device for producing an endless product - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for producing an endless product (38), characterized by extruding a continuous strand (14) consisting of at least one main material (22), which moves from an extruder (20) along a transport direction (18), and by applying Additional material (32) on the peripheral surface (34) of the moving endless strand (14) by means of a 3D printing device (30).

Description

The invention relates to a device for producing an endless product and / or for carrying out a method for producing an endless product.

From the prior art it is known to produce continuous products by extrusion, wherein a moldable, curable composition is pressed out through a shaping opening and cures the thus shaped mass. The cross-sectional geometry of the endless product is dictated by the geometry of an extrusion die.

The production of a continuous cross-section product by means of the extrusion process is well controlled and very inexpensive. However, there is also a need for continuous products which, viewed along their extension, have different cross sections. For this purpose it is for example from the EP 0 407 364 A1 known to use an extrusion die with a variable nozzle opening geometry. However, the differences that can be realized by means of such extrusion nozzles between cross-sections offset relative to one another in the direction of extension of the endless product are very limited by design, and in particular abrupt changes in cross-section can not be realized. Another disadvantage is the complicated and maintenance-consuming construction of an extrusion nozzle with variable nozzle opening geometry.

On this basis, the object of the present invention is to provide a device for producing an endless product with a varying cross-section, in which the advantages of producing an endless product by means of extrusion are maintained, without this necessarily being accompanied by the disadvantages discussed above.

This object is achieved by extrusion of an endless strand consisting of at least one main material, which moves from an extruder along a transport direction, and by application of additional material to the peripheral surface of the moving endless strand by means of a 3D printing device.

This makes it possible to combine the advantages of the extrusion process (good controllability, low-cost production) with the production of varying cross sections, without having to accept the disadvantages of using extrusion nozzles with variable cross section.

In the context of the invention, it is possible to be able to produce in principle arbitrary cross-sections. For this, it is not necessary to resort to an elaborate mechanism of extrusion nozzles with a variable cross-section. This eliminates a costly maintenance of such an extrusion die.

The invention is characterized in particular by the fact that a feed required for the application of additional material is at least partly generated by the fact that the endless strand produced by means of the extrusion process moves along its transport direction. It is thus possible in principle that a printhead which is used to carry out a 3D printing process, at least in the direction of transport of the endless strand seen can be positioned exclusively stationary. Variable cross-sections seen across the length of the continuous product can be made, for example, by applying additional material to the endless strand at a time interval and not printing any filler or less or more filler onto the continuous strand in a subsequent time interval.

The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for carrying out the 3D printing method discussed below.

A first example of a 3D printing process that can be carried out with the device according to the invention is "Fused Deposition Modeling" (FDM). This process is also called melt stratification. In principle, a rasterized "microextrusion" takes place, in which very small strands of material or drops ("voxels" as 3D analogue to "pixels") are deposited on the moving endless strand. In this case, the material can be supplied as a strand material from a roll (or as granules) and melted in a print head and extruded through a small opening. By correspondingly changing the distance of the print head from the peripheral surface of the continuous strand, it is also possible to microextrude ("print") several layers one above the other.

For in the growth direction undercut, "overhanging" areas in addition to the actual building material and a support material can be printed, which is removed after completion of a section to be printed of the endless strand. For this purpose, preferably printheads are used with two material feed nozzles, wherein a first Materialzuführdüse is provided for the building material and a second Materialzuführdüse for the support material.

Another example of a 3D printing process that can be carried out with the device according to the invention is "Thermal Phase Change Inkjet". In this method, a print head is used in the manner of an ink jet printer, the Printing material imprinted on the moving endless strand. As a material to be printed or "ink", a material is used, which is kept in a liquid state and after application to the endless strand there cools and solidifies. It can be printed one above the other by appropriate variation of the distance of the print head to the peripheral surface of the endless strand and several layers. Also in this method, for example, using printheads having two material supply nozzles discussed above, only construction materials as well as building materials and support materials can be printed on the endless strand.

Another example of a 3D printing process that can be carried out with the device according to the invention is "photopolymer inkjet". Also in this method, a printhead is used in the manner of an ink jet printer, the printed material imprinted on the moving endless strand. As a material to be printed or "ink" is here, however, a liquid, photopolymerizable resin used, which polymerizes after application to the continuous strand by exposure to light of suitable wavelength (for example, with UV rays) and cured. It can be printed one above the other by appropriate variation of the distance of the print head to the peripheral surface of the endless strand and several layers. Also in this method, for example, using printheads having two material supply nozzles discussed above, only construction materials as well as building materials and support materials can be printed on the endless strand.

Another example of a 3D printing process that can be carried out with the device according to the invention is stereolithography. Here, the endless strand passes through a tank filled with synthetic resin, wherein an upper portion of the endless strand and thus a partial surface of the peripheral surface of the endless strand is guided just below the liquid surface. In this way, a film of synthetic resin material is formed on the partial surface of the peripheral surface of the endless strand. This film is selectively exposed to a pattern to be printed and cured there. In this case, the print head used in the above-described 3D printing method corresponds to an exposure unit that includes a suitable light source.

It is also possible in stereolithography to "print" on the portion of the peripheral surface of the endless strand several layers one above the other. For example, the endless strand with a small angle of inclination "down" through the resin-filled tub are performed (so in the transport direction of the endless strand first produced section is so arranged with respect to the direction of gravity lower than a later in the transport direction of the endless strand produced section). Several exposure units may be provided, which are arranged following each other in the direction of transport. It is also possible to drive one or more exposure units in the transport direction, with respect to the transport speed of the endless strand identical or deviating speed.

Another example of a 3D printing process that can be carried out with the device according to the invention is laser sintering, which is similar to stereolithography. Instead of a photochemically polymerizable liquid resin, however, a powder of a thermoplastic material is used, which is applied as a thin layer on a partial surface of the peripheral surface of the endless strand and then heated by means of a laser and sintered. In this case, the print head used in the above-described 3D printing method corresponds to an exposure unit comprising a suitable laser.

It is preferred that a quantity of additional material applied per unit of time and / or based on a unit length of the endless product varies as a result of the 3D printing method or by means of the 3D printing device. This makes it possible (both stationary positioned printhead as well as a moving printhead) in a simple manner to produce an endless product with over the longitudinal extent of the endless product away seen varying cross sections.

In the context of the invention suitable and preferred main materials are in particular plastic materials, which may for example also have fiber components, and metal. In the context of the invention, extruded endless strands are thus also understood as meaning metallic "extruded" endless strands. Also ceramic main materials are conceivable.

Suitable and preferred additive materials within the scope of the invention may be identical to or different from the main material or materials. In particular, plastic materials are preferred which, for example, may also have fiber components, furthermore metals and ceramics.

In particular, it is preferred that a quantity of the additional material applied transversely to the transport direction by means of the 3D printing device varies, so that cross-sections oriented by the 3D printing device and offset with respect to one another in the longitudinal extension of the endless product, oriented perpendicularly to the transport direction, differ from each other by the additional material and / or sizes. The variation of the applied amount of the additive material may be related to the amount applied per unit time and / or to the amount applied per unit length of the continuous product.

By varying the cross section through the additional material, it is possible in a simple manner to produce endless products with a varying cross-section viewed in the longitudinal direction of the endless product. It is preferred that along the endless product staggered cross-sections through the endless strand, which is made by extrusion, are identical to each other. It is possible that these cross sections also vary, for example by using an extrusion nozzle with variable nozzle opening geometry. As a result, although corresponding disadvantages must be accepted; in connection with the 3D printing process carried out with the device according to the invention on the moving continuous strand but compared to an extrusion die with variable nozzle opening geometry staggered cross sections of the endless product can be varied much more freely. These cross-sections include an area fraction formed by the endless strand and an area fraction formed by the additive material, which area fraction may also be "zero".

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the application of additional material to the peripheral surface of the moving endless strand is intermittently completely interrupted, so that an endless product is produced, which in the longitudinal direction of the endless product staggered, oriented perpendicular to the transport direction cross-sections, of which at least a first cross-section is produced exclusively by extrusion and at least one second cross-section both by extrusion and by means of the 3D printing device.

This also allows some sort of "indexing" of a continuous strand which is printed at regular or irregular intervals with a section of filler material, for example, to identify a first and / or a second end of a sub-strand of the continuous product.

As discussed above, it is possible that the 3D printing process is performed with a printing device which is stationary, ie stationary. But it is also possible that the 3D printing method is performed with a printing device which during the application of additional material on the moving endless strand along an axis transversely, in particular perpendicular to the transport direction and / or transversely, in particular perpendicular, to a Materialaustragsrichtung the 3D printing device is moved. This makes it possible, in particular, to be able to print an endless strand over a width of the endless strand measured transversely to the transport direction, for example if a print head or a printing device has a printing area which is smaller than this width.

In the 3D printing processes stereolithography and laser sintering, in which the additional material is not discharged from a Materialzuführdüse, takes place in the direction of material discharge an exposure direction, in which an inserted to cure the resin or for sintering the additional material UV, light or laser beam is. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, only the material discharge direction will be referred to. It is understood that the "material discharge direction" mentioned in the claims should also include the above-mentioned exposure direction.

Preferably, a material discharge direction (or exposure direction) of the 3D printing device is oriented transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the transport direction. This allows an immediate application of material to the peripheral surface of the endless strand. It is therefore neither intended nor intended in the context of the invention to print any end faces of the endless product, for example the first end face of a continuous strand, which is anyway unusable from a manufacturing point of view, which arises during production startup of an extruder (ie before the extrusion process runs stably), or at Production stop resulting, also useless second end face of the endless strand.

It also goes without saying within the scope of the present invention that the term "endless strand" means a strand which is produced by means of an extrusion process and is not "endless" in a strictly mathematical sense. It is therefore also within the scope of the invention that the continuous strand or the endless product produced from the continuous strand is separated into partial lengths or partial strands.

The continuous strand may be, for example, extruded films, sheets, web plates, hollow chamber profiles, tubes, profiles and other extrudates or extrusions.

A further preferred embodiment provides that the 3D printing method is performed with a 3D printing device, which is moved during the application of additional material on the moving endless strand along an axis parallel to the transport direction of the endless strand. It is possible that the direction of movement of the 3D printing device is rectified to the transport direction of the endless strand. On In this way, the dwell time of the 3D printing device can be extended with respect to a specific length of the endless strand. However, a movement of a print head in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the endless strand direction is also possible. Such a movement can be done, for example, to increase a desired relative to the 3D printing process relative speed between endless strand and printhead, or to perform a "return stroke", in which preferably no additional material is printed on the endless strand.

In addition or as an alternative to the above possibilities of movement of the 3D printing device, it is possible that the 3D printing method is performed with a 3D printing device which is moved during the application of additional material to the moving endless strand along an axis parallel to a material discharge direction of the printing device , As a result, a height compensation is possible and / or the order of stacked additional layers of material on the moving endless strand.

It is possible that an above-mentioned height compensation is accompanied with a control of the movement of the print head. For this purpose, the print head or a component connected to the print head preferably has a sensor (eg a distance sensor) which detects a distance of the print head to the peripheral surface of the endless strand to be printed. The print head is preferably connected to a controller which processes the signals of the sensor and controls a drive of the 3D printing device so that the 3D printing device follows the height profile of the endless strand (or the height profile of the endless strand with already printed additional material).

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by an extrusion plant for producing and transporting an endless strand consisting of at least one main material and by a 3D printing device for applying additional material to a peripheral surface of the endless strand.

Embodiments and advantages of the device according to the invention have already been explained above. Therefore, reference is made to the above description.

In a preferred embodiment of a device, it is provided that the extrusion plant has an extruder for producing a continuous strand and a drawing unit for drawing off the continuous strand from the extruder. Such a withdrawal unit allows a reliable feed of the endless strand and exerts a tensile force on the endless strand. Preferably, the withdrawal unit is arranged in the transport direction of the endless strand behind a cooling device which assists the curing of the extruded at least one main material.

It is understood that it is possible that the extruder may also be designed for coextrusion of several main materials.

The withdrawal unit is preferably arranged in front of the 3D printing device in the transport direction of the continuous strand, so that the withdrawal unit can exert contact and tensile forces on the entire peripheral surface of the endless strand, without having to take into account already at this point along the circumference of the circumferential surface of the endless strand Additional material is applied, which may also have to harden, compare the above description of the preferred within the scope of the invention 3D printing process.

The device preferably has a separating device for separating the endless product into partial strands, wherein the 3D printing device is preferably arranged in front of the separating device in the transport direction of the endless strand. For example, the separator may include a separator blade which divides the continuous product into sub-strands. This makes it possible, for example, to produce mutually identical partial strands which have varying cross-sections as viewed along their respective longitudinal extent. It is also possible to produce various partial strands, for example, first partial strands, which are provided with printed additional material and second partial strands, on which no additional material is printed. Furthermore, it is possible initially to apply additional material to the continuous strand, which is then divided in the region of the separating device along the partial strands in the region of a parting plane. This makes it possible to produce partial strands with end faces which have both surface portions formed by the at least one main material of the endless strand produced by means of extrusion and area portions which are produced from additional material by means of the 3D printing method.

In the context of the invention, it is possible that a plurality of 3D printing devices are provided, which are arranged following each other as seen in the transport direction of the endless strand. As a result, regardless of any restrictions that can arise through the use of a specific 3D printing process, the volume of additional material applied per unit of time and / or per unit length of the continuous product can be increased in a simple manner.

For example, it is possible that in the transport direction successively arranged 3D printing devices each apply additional material one above the other ("layer pressure"). It is also possible that successive 3D printing devices seen in the transport direction of the endless strand imprint relative to each other offset Zusatzmaterialabschnitte on the peripheral surface of the endless strand, so that locally limited print patterns arise, which are each made in sections of different 3D printing devices.

It is also possible for a plurality of 3D printing devices to be provided, which are arranged transversely, in particular vertically, offset relative to one another in relation to the transport direction. This makes it possible to apply over the width of the endless strand of additional material with a localized pattern printed in the width direction of the endless strand of different 3D printing devices.

Furthermore, it is possible that at least one 3D printing device is provided, which is not only linearly movable relative to the endless strand along one or more axes, but rotatably mounted, wherein a rotation axis preferably parallel, more preferably collinear, to a longitudinal axis of the endless strand is arranged. The rotatably mounted 3D printing device can preferably be designed so that the application of additional material to the peripheral surface of the endless strand can take place from a plurality of directions in an angular range. In the case of an angular range of 360 ° additional material can be applied completely circumferentially around the circumference of the endless strand. It can also be provided several, distributed around the circumference of the endless strand arranged 3D printing devices; It is additionally or alternatively also possible to rotate the endless strand about its own longitudinal axis in order to align a certain partial circumference relative to a 3D printing device.

Particular advantages arise when the endless product is designed in the form of a profiled strip, which extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the profile strip first connecting portion for connection to a windshield of a motor vehicle and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the profile strip second connecting portion for connection to a having adjacent to the windshield arranged water box cover.

The aforementioned moldings have a relatively complex cross-sectional geometry, so that these moldings are particularly well suited for low-cost production by way of extrusion process. However, it has only been possible with great effort to produce such profile strips with varying cross-sections along the longitudinal axis of the profile strip.

In particular, it is now possible to be able to print the said connecting sections, for example the first connecting section of the profiled strip, which is used for connection to a windscreen of a motor vehicle or is connected to such.

For example, holding elements or spacer elements can be printed on the first connecting portion, preferably on a windscreen facing away from the rear side of the first connecting portion. Such holding elements or spacer elements can serve for resting on a body component or for holding and / or for connection with parts of the motor vehicle body or other components of the motor vehicle.

• - von Füll- oder Brückenabschnitten aus Zusatzmaterial, welche Hohlräume eines Endlosprodukts füllen oder überbrücken,
• - von leiterartigen Strukturen, wobei Hauptstränge der Leiter extrudiert werden und Querstreben aus Zusatzmaterial aufgedruckt werden,
• - von konstruktiven/mechanischen Elementen wie beispielsweise Bolzen, Gewinde, Stege, Dichtungen, Rastelemente, Zentrierelemente, Abstandhalter etc. oder auch Halteelementen für zu haltende weitere Bauteile (beispielsweise LEDs, Sensoren oder Aktoren),

• - von Funktionselementen wie beispielsweise Leiterbahnen, Kontakten, Aktoren, Sensoren, optischen Elementen wie Linsen oder Prismen,
• - Strukturen mit Hinterschnitten, insbesondere auch unter Verwendung von vorstehend beschriebenen Stützmaterialien.

Regardless of the configuration of the endless product, the device according to the invention also makes it possible, in particular, to manufacture

• filler or bridge sections of filler material which fill or bridge cavities of an endless product,
• ladder-type structures where main strands of the conductors are extruded and cross struts of supplementary material are printed,
• - Of structural / mechanical elements such as bolts, threads, webs, seals, locking elements, centering, spacers, etc., or retaining elements for holding other components (such as LEDs, sensors or actuators),

• of functional elements such as conductors, contacts, actuators, sensors, optical elements such as lenses or prisms,
• - Structures with undercuts, in particular also using support materials described above.

Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of preferred embodiments.

• 1 eine Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zur Herstellung eines Endlosprodukts;
• 2 einen in 1 mit II bezeichneten Ausschnitt in perspektivischer und vergrößerter Darstellung mit einer Ausführungsform einer Anordnung mit einer Mehrzahl von 3D-Druckeinrichtungen;
• 3 einen in 2 mit III bezeichneten Ausschnitt in vergrößerter Darstellung;
• 4 eine der 2 entsprechende Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 5 einen in 4 mit V bezeichneten Ausschnitt in vergrößerter Darstellung;
• 6 eine der 2 und 4 entsprechende Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform;
• 7 einen in 6 mit VII bezeichneten Ausschnitt in vergrößerter Darstellung;
• 8 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Endlosprodukts in Form einer Profilleiste bei Anordnung an einer Windschutzscheibe;
• 9 einen Querschnitt der Profilleiste gemäß 8 längs einer in 8 mit IX bezeichneten Schnittebene; und
• 10 einen Querschnitt der Profilleiste gemäß 8 längs einer in 8 mit X bezeichneten Schnittebene.

In the drawing shows

• 1 a side view of an embodiment of an apparatus for producing an endless product;
• 2 one in 1 With II designated section in perspective and enlarged view with an embodiment of a Arrangement with a plurality of 3D printing devices;
• 3 one in 2 Section III in enlarged view;
• 4 one of the 2 corresponding representation of another embodiment;
• 5 one in 4 with V designated section in an enlarged view;
• 6 one of the 2 and 4 corresponding representation of another embodiment;
• 7 one in 6 with VII designated section in an enlarged view;
• 8th a perspective view of an endless product in the form of a profile strip when mounted on a windshield;
• 9 a cross section of the profile strip according to 8th along a in 8th sectional plane designated by IX; and
• 10 a cross section of the profile strip according to 8th along a in 8th X section plane.

An apparatus for producing an endless product is known in 1 represented and there with the reference numeral 10 designated. The device 10 includes an extrusion line 12 which is used to produce and transport a continuous strand consisting of at least one main material 14 serves. The endless strand 14 is in 1 with a dashed line schematically and for example in the 2 and 3 exemplified. The endless strand 14 extends along a longitudinal axis 16 which the longitudinal extent of the endless strand and a transport axis of the endless strand 14 equivalent. Along this transport axis moves the endless strand 14 in a transport direction 18 ,

The extrusion line 12 has an extruder 20 on, in a conventional manner main material 22 , For example, in the form of a thermoplastic granules, is supplied. The main material 22 is melted in a conventional manner and through an extrusion die 24 pressed so that at the exit of the extrusion die 24 continuously following each other lengths of the endless strand 14 arise.

The extrusion line 12 also has a cooling unit 26 on which, in the direction of transport 18 of the endless strand 14 seen after the extrusion die 24 is arranged.

Furthermore, the extrusion line 12 a deduction unit 28 on which by means of the cooling unit 26 cooled endless strand 14 attacks and this in the direction of transport 18 from the extrusion nozzle 24 directed away and thus the endless strand 14 along its longitudinal axis 16 transported.

The device 10 further comprises at least one 3D printing device, which in 1 total with the reference numeral 30 is designated. The 3D printing device 30 is in the transport direction 18 of the endless strand 14 seen behind the deduction unit 28 arranged.

The 3D printing device 30 is used to order additional material 32 on a peripheral surface 34 of the moving continuous strand 14 , see. 2 and 3 , Thus arises in the transport direction 18 behind the 3D printing device 30 an endless product 38 that consists of at least one main material 22 and at least one additional material 32 is made.

The device 10 preferably comprises a separating device 40 , which for the separation of the endless product 38 serves and the endless product 38 in sub-strands 42 divided. The 3D Printing device 30 is in the transport direction 18 of the endless strand 14 seen in front of the separator 40 arranged.

The individual partial strands 42 can, the separator 40 in the transport direction 18 seen below, on a product shelf 44 be filed.

The 3D printing device 30 may be a device which has only a single print head for printing on additional material 32 on the peripheral surface 34 of the moving continuous strand 14 having. However, it is possible that a plurality of 3D printing devices are provided, for example three 3D printing devices 30a, 30b, 30c, cf. 2 , These 3D printing devices are related to the transport direction 18 of the endless strand 14 arranged following each other. Thus, for example by means of a first 3D printing device 30a, a first material section of additional material 32 on the peripheral surface 34 of the moving continuous strand 14 be applied.

It is possible for a printhead 46 a 3D printing device 30 (for example, the printing device 30a ) stationary, that is stationary, is arranged. It is also possible that the printhead 46 is movably arranged. For example, the printhead 46 along a first drive axle 48 , which are parallel to the longitudinal axis 16 of the endless strand 14 runs, be movable. In this way, one to the longitudinal axis 16 of the endless strand 14 parallel movement of the printhead 46 be generated. This movement can be to the transport direction 18 rectified or directed in the opposite direction. For example it is possible, the printhead 46 during an order of additional material 32 on the peripheral surface 34 of the endless strand 14 to the endless strand 14 to move rectified to the per longitudinal section of the endless strand 14 to extend the available printing time.

Additionally or alternatively to the above movement and drive possibility along the first drive axle 48 is it possible for the printhead 46 along a second drive axle 50 is driven. The second drive axle 50 is preferably perpendicular to the first drive axle 48 and / or perpendicular to a Materialaustragsachse 52 of the printhead 46 ,

The material discharge axis 52 a printhead 46 corresponds to the axis along which the printhead 46 in a material discharge direction 54 Material on the peripheral surface 34 of the endless strand 14 imprints. The material discharge axis 52 and the material discharge direction 54 are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 of the moving continuous strand 14 oriented. A movement of the printhead 46 along the second axis of movement 50 allows printing of the peripheral surface 34 across the transverse to the longitudinal axis 16 measured width of the endless strand 14 time.

Additionally or alternatively to a movement along the first drive axle 48 and / or the second drive axle 50 is it possible for the printhead 46 in one to the Materialaustragsachse 52 is driven movable parallel direction. This allows a height compensation done, for example, in a continuous strand 14 that is along the longitudinal axis 16 has seen different cross-sections, or in particular also to simplify the device, ie initial positioning of a 3D printing device. A mobility in to a Materialaustragsachse 52 parallel direction is also advantageous if a supplementary material 32 a first 3D printing device 30a with an additional layer of additional material 32 to be provided, cf. 2 and 3 ,

It is understood that even the printheads 46 The 3D printing devices 30b and 30c may have all the possibilities of movement and drive, as described above by way of example and with reference to the 3D printing device 30a. In the arrangement according to 2 are the printheads 46 in the transport direction 18 seen consecutive 3D printing devices 30a, 30b, 30c arranged in alignment with each other.

It is also possible the printheads 46 from in transport direction 18 seen consecutive 3D printing devices 30a, 30b, 30c with respect to a width axis 56 , which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 of the endless strand 14 extends, staggered so that along the width axis 56 seen offset to each other, adjacent material sections 32 on the peripheral surface 34 of the endless strand 14 can be printed, cf. 4 and 5 ,

Similarly, it is possible by means of a plurality of 3D printing devices 30a, 30b, 30c, a plurality of portions of additional material 32 aufzudrucken, wherein adjacent portions of additional material 32 in the transport direction 18 seen each other following the surface 34 of the moving endless strand are printed, cf. 6 and 7 ,

In 8th is an embodiment of a sub-string 42 an endless product 38 shown. This sub-string 42 is in the form of a profile strip 60 educated. The profile bar 60 extends along a longitudinal axis 62 , The longitudinal axis 62 is the curvature of a boundary 64 a windshield 66 correspondingly curved. This curvature can be produced in a manner known per se by using the endless strand 14 or the endless product 38 or the substring 42 is bent by means of a known per se and not shown bending device.

The profile bar 60 serves to connect a windshield 66 a motor vehicle and a (not shown in the drawing) water tank cover, which adjacent to the windshield 66 is arranged.

In an installed state on a motor vehicle is the profile strip 60 Covered from the outside as far as possible, through the windshield 66 (in 9 and 10 is the outside of the windshield 66 with the reference number 68 designated), and through to the windshield 66 adjacently arranged water box cover.

The profile bar 60 has a first connection section 70 for connection to the windshield. For example, a bond 72 provided, by means of which the first connecting portion 70 with a bottom 74 the windshield 66 is glued.

The profile bar 60 has a transition section 76 on, which is a sealing element 78 bears whose outside 80 preferably flush with the outside 68 the windshield 66 and disposed with an outside of the adjacent water box cover.

The profile bar 60 also has a second connection section 82 on, preferably a recording room 84 in which a web-like retaining element of a water tank cover is latching receivable.

Along the axis 62 seen the profile strip 60 different cross sections. At the height of in 9 illustrated cross section is the profile strip of a first main material 22a and a second main material 22b produced. The first main material 22a forms the first connection section 70 , the intermediate section 76 and the second connecting portion 82 ; the second main material 22b forms the sealing section 78 , Optionally, (for example, metallic) stiffening sections 86 . 88 be provided, which are preferably (as the main materials 22a and 22b ) along the entire length of the profile part 60 extend.

The profile bar 60 has at least one of the above with reference to 9 described cross section deviating cross section, cf. 10 , At one of the windshield 66 opposite bottom 90 which part of the peripheral surface 34 the profile strip 60 is, is a section of additional material 32 imprinted, by means of a 3D printing device 30, cf. 1 to 7 , At the section of additional material 32 For example, it is a support element for supporting the profile strip 60 on a body component, in particular a traverse.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0407364 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

An apparatus (10) for producing an endless product (38), characterized by extruding a continuous strand (14) consisting of at least one main material (22), which moves from an extruder (20) along a transport direction (18), and by applying Additional material (32) on the peripheral surface (34) of the moving endless strand (14) by means of a 3D printing device (30). Device (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a per unit time and / or per unit length of the continuous product by the 3D printing device applied amount of additional material (32) varies. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a transversely to the transport direction (18) by means of the 3D printing device (30) applied amount of additional material (32) varies, so by means of the 3D printing device (30) and in the longitudinal direction of the endless product (38) mutually offset, perpendicular to the transport direction (18) oriented cross-sections through the additional material (32) have different shapes and / or sizes. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application of additional material (32) on the peripheral surface (34) of the moving endless strand (14) is intermittently completely interrupted, so that an endless product (38) is produced, which in Longitudinal extent of the endless product (38) viewed in mutually offset, perpendicular to the transport direction (18) oriented cross-sections, of which at least a first cross section exclusively by extrusion and at least a second cross section by both extrusion and by means of 3D printing device (30) is made. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the 3D printing device (30) during the application of additional material (32) on the moving endless strand (14) along an axis transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the transport direction (18 ) and / or transversely, in particular perpendicular, to a material discharge direction (54) of the 3D printing device is movable. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a material discharge direction (54) of the 3D printing device (30) is oriented transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the transport direction (18). Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the 3D printing device (30) during the application of additional material (32) on the moving endless strand (14) along an axis (48) parallel to the transport direction (18). of the endless strand (14) is movable. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the 3D printing device (30) during the application of additional material (32) on the moving endless strand (14) along a to a material discharge direction (54) of the 3D printing device (30). 30) parallel axis (52) is movable. Device (10), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for producing an endless product (38), characterized by an extrusion system (12) for producing and transporting an endless strand (14) consisting of at least one main material (22) and by a 3D Printing device (30) for applying additional material (32) on a peripheral surface (34) of the endless strand (14). Device (10) according to Claim 9 , characterized in that the extrusion plant (12) has an extruder (20) for producing the endless strand (14) and a withdrawal unit (28) for drawing the endless strand (14) from the extruder (20), which in the transport direction (18) of the Endless strand (14) seen preferably in front of the 3D printing device (30) is arranged. Device (10) according to Claim 9 or 10 , characterized in that the device (10) has a separating device (40) for separating the endless product (38) into sub-strands (42) and that the 3D printing device (30) in the transport direction (18) of the endless strand (14) preferably before the separating device (40) is arranged. Device (10) according to one of Claims 9 to 11 , characterized in that a plurality of 3D printing devices (30a, 30b, 30c) are provided, which are arranged following one another in the transport direction (18) of the endless strand (14). Device (10) according to one of Claims 9 to 12 , characterized in that a plurality of 3D printing devices (30a, 30b, 30c) are provided, which are arranged transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the transport direction (18) offset from each other. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a partial strand (42) of the endless product (38) in the form of a profiled strip (60) is formed, which is parallel to a A longitudinal axis (62) of the profiled strip (60) extending first connecting portion (70) for connection to a windshield (66) of a motor vehicle and a parallel to the longitudinal axis (62) of the profile strip (60) extending second connecting portion (82) for connection to a to the windshield (66) adjacent arranged Wasserkastenabdeckung. Device after Claim 14 , characterized in that the additional material (32) is or is applied to the first connecting portion (70).

Images