EP1940259B1 - Method of, and arrangement for, producing a fixing means - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves forming a carrier structure (10), which is provided with a stem-shaped fixing units (12) which are connected to one another in pairs via an intermediate unit (14) under formation of a cramp-shaped and U-shaped fixing part (16). The stem-shaped fixing units are engaged through the carrier structure. The intermediate unit which extends between the fixing units (12) are arranged on the carrier structure. The fixing part (16) is inserted as a whole into the carrier structure (10), which is designed in the form of a U-shape before insertion. An independent claim is also included for a device for implementing the method for manufacturing a fixing unit in the form of an adhesive closure part.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a fixed object, for example in the form of an adhesive closure part, comprising
the formation of a support structure which is provided with handle-like fixing elements, which are connected together at least in pairs via an intermediate element to form a cramped, in particular U-shaped fixing part, wherein the handle-like fixing elements pass through the support structure and protrude over this and between them Fixing elements extending intermediate element is arranged on the support structure.

By the EP-B-1 047 539 is a forming method for producing fastening objects known in addition to a device for carrying out the method. In the known solution, in a first step, a preform member is formed as a support structure in a mold cavity of an injection molding machine defined by first and second parts of a mold. In the pertinent molding process, on one side of the support structure in a variety of handle-like fixing elements are formed and on the opposite back of the support structure is at least formed a connecting means with which the later finished preform member can be defined on other components.

In a further manufacturing step, the first part of the mold is then removed in order to expose an arrangement of the handle-like fixing elements as so-called mold elements, while otherwise the preform member remains as a carrier structure in the second part of the mold. Subsequently, in a subsequent molding process, a permanent deformation of the handle-like fixing elements is caused, for example by using heat and pressure, to generate at the free ends of the handle-like fixing elements head-like closure elements in the manner of a mushroom closure. The number of fixing elements to be mounted on the support structure finds its limits in the known solution where the mold has its corresponding wall boundaries with its mold cavities to be provided for the handle-like fixing elements.

By the U.S. Patent 4,290,174 is a generic method and apparatus for producing a Festungsgegenstandes known. At the in Figure 6 of the US Patent shown two belt-like support structures are wound opposite of storage rollers and fed to a carrier with two opposite drivable carrier belts with upper and lower strand. By means of a yarn feeding device with a multiplicity of channels, a corresponding multiplicity of monofilament threads are fed to said conveying and transporting device and connected alternately by means of two stapling devices of the thread to the warmed film-like carrier structures, in that respect the monofilament thread runs alternately between the two carrier film webs into the latter Web material is pressed.

Within the conveying and transporting device, the film webs are then guided opposite to each other along the upper and lower run as a carrier structure, which have the laid monofilament thread between them and are held together in such a way. After passing through the conveying and transporting means, a longitudinal cutting device serves to cut approximately centrally the respective monofilament thread stretched between the carrier structures, so that then two separate carrier structure webs are present, which can be wound up on removal rolls for further processing. The respective web-like support structure is then characterized in that cramping, in particular U-shaped fixing parts are circumferentially fixed in the structure with surrounding material proportions, so that only the stem-like fixing elements protrude from the support structure, which in the rest after the cutting process and before winding by means a Anlämmeinrichtung be brought into the entangled head shape. However, the alternating pressing or shaping of the monofilament threads at the entrance of the conveyor and transport device leads to problems of process reliability, so that overall the pertinent production process should be difficult to control.

The known Festlegegegenstände serve in particular, in conjunction with another Festlegeteil, which is provided for example on its upper side with a loop-shaped structure to form a releasable adhesive closure by the hook elements engage under the head parts of the handle-like fixing elements, to such a variety of opening and To allow closing operations. These Ties are regularly used in the clothing and diaper industry; But increasingly find technical applications, be it in the field of cable connectors, be it in the field of automotive or other Vehicle industry in order to be able to define corresponding components on vehicle structures.

Based on this prior art, the invention has the object, a method and an associated apparatus for producing a Festlegegegenstandes such that high process reliability with high production quality for the product achieved and a high level of production speed is ensured to the manufacturing costs to lower. A related object solves a method for producing a Festungsgegenstandes with the features of claim 1 in its entirety and an apparatus for performing the method with the features of claim 8.

The invention is characterized by the introduction of the respective fixing part as a whole in the support structure which cramps this as a molded part prior to introduction, in particular U-shaped, with a kind of firing device with very high production speeds brings the respective fixing part with the support structure in connection , Despite the surprisingly high production speeds to that effect, it is surprising to one of ordinary skill in the art of making fastener fasteners that it obtains very high product quality with negligible reject rate.

If the support structure to be provided with the cramped, in particular U-shaped fixing parts is still soft, that is to say insofar as it is at least partly plastic or doughy, it is possible to insert the fixing parts into the closed basic structure of the support, preferably made of suitable plastic material, so as to achieve a nearly integral fixing. Preferably, however, it is provided that a per se solid support structure for the passage of the stalk-like Locking elements is provided with recesses between which at least partially transverse recesses extend to receive the respective intermediate element, which open to the support structure to the outside. In the pertinent embodiment then the support structure is already finished extruded or sprayed with their mentioned recesses and the fixing part are then introduced as a finished component shot-like in the support structure. In that regard, it would also be possible to introduce the fixing parts still partially plasticized in the support structure and only finally cure there.
In the pertinent method, the support structure is then provided on its one front side with a plurality of fixing elements in the manner of a "hedgehog structure" and insofar as the product produced in this respect can be used as an intermediate for any further manufacturing methods. Preferably, however, it is provided to provide under heat or pressure, the free stem ends of each fixing element with a head or hook structure to produce such a mushroom or hook-shaped closure element, which forms a fastener part with a corresponding Schlaufeinmaterial or fleece of a corresponding closure element. In the realization of a mushroom-like structure for the fixing elements, there is the possibility, then, to cooperate with a corresponding Piizverschlußmaterial, in which the mushrooms of a closure member releasably engage in the intermediate chambers of the mushroom material of the other closure member for closing the closure.

In the apparatus according to the invention for carrying out said method, the latter is provided with a feed part, which feeds the cramped, in particular U-shaped fixing parts as a whole to the carrier plate in a forward feed position and can be provided with a further securing part in a rearward magazine position. Similar to one Weft apparatus is then brought the cramp-shaped fixing part from the magazine position to the feed position and thus injected the fixing part to the respective intended position in the support structure.

Further advantageous embodiments of the solution according to the invention are the subject of the other dependent claims.

Fig.1

den grundsätzlichen Aufbau der Herstellvorrichtung,

Fig.2 und 3

in perspektivischer Vorderansicht eine plattenartige Träger- struktur; einmal ohne, einmal mit stielartigen Festlegeelemen- ten,

Fig.4

einen Schnitt längs der Linie I - I in Fig. 1; aufgezeigt für eine Ausnehmung der Trägerstruktur,

Fig.5

eine Seitenansicht auf ein U-förmiges Festlegeelement,

Fig.6

einen Schnitt längs der Linie II - II in Fig.7 mit rückwärtig an- gesetztem Verbindungsmittel,

Fig.7

die rückwärtige perspektivische Ansicht einer Abschlußplatte, gesehen in Blickrichtung B auf den Gegenstand der Fig.6; je- doch ohne zapfenartiges Verbindungsmittel.

In the following, the method according to the invention and a device for carrying out the method will be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment according to the drawing. This show in principle and not to scale representation of the

Fig.1

the basic structure of the manufacturing device,

Fig.2 and 3

in perspective front view, a plate-like support structure; once without, once with stick-like fixing elements,

Figure 4

a section along the line I - I in Fig. 1 ; shown for a recess of the support structure,

Figure 5

a side view of a U-shaped fixing element,

Figure 6

a section along the line II - II in Figure 7 with rear-mounted connection means,

Figure 7

the rear perspective view of a closure plate, seen in the direction B on the subject of the Figure 6 ; but without a peg-like connection means.

The inventive method is used to produce a Festlegegegenstandes, as exemplified in Figure 3 not yet completely completed is shown. A pertinent fixed object may for example be formed as an adhesive closure part of an adhesive closure, as he has become widely known under the brand name "burdock". The method according to the invention first requires the formation of a support structure 10, which is provided with handle-like fixing elements 12 (see Fixes 1, 3 and 5). How the particular Figure 5 shows, the pertinent stalk-like fixing elements 12 are integrally connected in pairs on their side by a transverse intermediate element 14 with each other. In this way, a cramped, in particular U-shaped fixing part 16 as a whole, wherein basically (not shown) a fixing member 16 could also have more than two handle-like fixing elements 12 in the manner of a multi-tooth body, in which the respective further fixing element transversely to the picture plane of the Figure 5 to the intermediate element 14, for example, with a further intermediate element that emerges from the plane, would be connected. In the following, however, the solution according to the invention is based on the Zweizackstruktur after the Figure 5 explained in more detail.

The respective fixing part 16 can according to the illustration of the Fig.1 be rather U-shaped, but also V-shaped; However, an embodiment according to the illustration according to the Figure 5 in which the two above stem-like fixing elements 12 pass at right angles into the intermediate element 14. Also, in the initial state of product production, the free ends 18 of the fixing elements 12 have not yet been formed, so that overall the fixing elements 12 form cylindrical extensions. Like the device representation after the Fig.1 shows the pertinent locking members 16 are stored in superposed magazines in a magazine position 20, the simpler representation because of the stack arrangement only in the direction of the Fig.1 seen for the above stack of fixing parts 16 is shown. From the lower magazine position 20 can be a cramping, in particular U-shaped fixing part 16 can be seen by means of a tongue-shaped feed member 22 and deliver on the support plate 10 along the axial direction X in a feed position, not shown. When reset Zustellteil 22 in the magazine position 20 as shown in the Fig.1 can then slip a magazined fixing part 16 and reaches a position as shown in the Fig.1 in which again a feed to the carrier plate 10 is possible. In this way, the feed member 22 moves back and forth for a production process according to the arrow A in Fig.1 ,

The plate-like support structure 10 is for the passage of the handle-like fixing elements 12 with recesses 24 in a double-hole arrangement (see sectional view of the Figure 4 ), between which in pairs for receiving the intermediate element 14 of the fixing part 16, a transverse recess 26 extends, which opens at the free rear side of the support structure 10 to the outside. How the particular Figure 4 clarified, the pertinent transverse recess 26 is perpendicular to the two spaced recesses 24. In order to achieve a good introduction of the cramp-like fixing parts 16 coming from the back 28 of the support structure 10, the transverse recess 26 widens by means of conically extending boundary walls 30, which leads less steeply in the sense of a guide into a conical intermediate wall region 32 of the longitudinal recesses 24, which in turn its free end, which opens at the front 34 of the support structure 10, a cylindrical, stabilizing paragraph for the free end region of the two fixing elements 12 has. In this way, with the recesses 24, 26 referred to, the "threading" of the fixing elements 12 into the support structure 10 is achieved and the Further, after the determination das.Festlegeteil 16 is securely pre-positioned on the support structure 10.

In order that the feed device (infeed part 22) can provide all the recesses 24,26 in the support structure 10 with assignable cramp-like fixing parts 16, activation of the support structure 10 is necessary such that it is displaceable in mutually perpendicular directions in accordance with the double-arrow representations Y and Z such as to achieve the supply via the line X to the respective opening in the support structure 10. It would also be possible to move the feeding device when the plate is stationary or to ensure that both the carrier structure and the feed device are clearly visible for the equipment of the carrier structure 10 with fixed parts 16. In the Fig.1 shown feeder with feed part 22 may in a shot-like sequence, the support structure 10 is provided with fixing parts 16, with high accuracy, so that not only a very fast manufacturing process can be realized, but also process errors and reject rates are reduced. Thus, the described manufacturing process can be operated very inexpensively. Also, a plurality of shooting apparatuses, not shown, for one or more support structures 10 may be used in juxtaposition.

Are all fixing parts 16 introduced into the support plate as a support structure 10, the free handle ends 18 as shown in the Figure 3 before, via the front side 34 of the support structure 10. This front can, according to the illustration of the Fig.2 and 3 be provided with a rectangular, in particular square placement field; However, other geometrical configurations are also conceivable here. In particular, the carrier structure 10 could also be designed in the manner of a foil-like band or the like. If one the stick-like fixing elements after the Figure 3 end with a Verhakungselement, such as a hooking mushroom 36 (see. Figure 5 ), it suffices to heat up or start the free ends 18 of the stems 12, and because of the surface tension of the plastic material, these then form a head structure according to the interlocking mushrooms 36 according to FIG Fig. 5 out. Additionally or alternatively, an independent molding device (not shown) may be provided, which causes the shaping of the free ends 18 of the stems 12; so that in addition to mushroom-like structures, the formation of usual closure hooks od. Like. Possible would be possible. Since the pertinent manufacturing process steps are known, for example by the Figure 3 and 4 of the EP-B-1 047 539 together with accompanying text passages, will not be discussed further here. Basically, however, it is also possible, the shutter object after the Figure 3 without interlocking elements in the form of an intermediate to the processing industry for all-purpose re-use.

In order that the mentioned fixing parts 16 do not unintentionally leave the support structure 10 with its recesses 24, 26, for example due to falling out, they are adhesively bonded to the support plate 10 by means of a suitable adhesive material. But it is also possible, according to the representations of the Fig.6 and 7 by means of a closure plate 38 via clip connection means 40 with clip connections 42, the edge opposite in the wall region of the support structure 10 (see. FIGS. 2 and 3 ) are to be clipped. Preferably, it is provided to glue the fixing parts 16 both in the support structure 10 and in addition, in particular in order to create a clean seal to the outside, put on the end plate 38.

The pertinent carrier plate 38, as in particular the Figure 6 shows, are provided at the rear with at least one connecting means 44, which allows at least two opposite locking parts 46, the locking of the composite of end plate 38 with support structure 10 to third-party parts, for example to vehicle parts. In such a way, the fixed objects, for example on a roof area of a motor vehicle, could be applied in an island, to which the headliner would then be securely fixed in place by means of corresponding fixing elements, for example in the form of loops - attached to the headliner, forming a fastener closure part.

It is still within the scope of the invention, the support structure 10 teilplastifiziert without recesses 24,26 form, then to shoot in the manner of weft staples the fixing parts 16 permanently into the structure of the support plate. It is also possible to produce double-acting fastener parts, as far as what is not shown, from both sides into assignable recesses, the fixing parts 16 includes so that they protrude with their free end portions 18 on both the front 34 and on the back 28 can.

Instead of the device after the Fig.1 may further be provided to obtain the respective fixing part 16 of a plastic monofilament element which is linear or filamentary supplied from a storage device (not shown) of a shaping zone of the feeder, which then first transforms the monofilament wire in the cramp-shaped fixing part 16 to then in the next step to allow the introduction of the fixing part in the support structure 10. Even with the pertinent configuration could be achieved very high production speeds. It goes without saying that when a support structure 10 is equipped with the fixing parts 16, it is the charging device leaves and a new carrier plate is supplied as a support structure 10 of the feed with the fixing parts 16. In that regard, the use of a Magaziniereinrichtung is then not necessary.

With the device according to the invention and the associated method, it is possible to process thermoplastic plastic materials, wherein the plate-like support structure 10 preferably consists of a material which can be injection-molded well. Basically, however, it is also possible to provide a metal mold blank with such a cramp-like fixing parts 16, consisting of a readily processable plastic, such as polypropylene or polyamide, or of a readily malleable metal material.

Claims (9)

1. A method of producing a fixing object, for example in the form of an adhesive fastener part, comprising:

   forming a support structure (10) which is provided with shaft-type fixing elements (12) which are connected to one another at least in pairs by means of an intermediate element (14) such as to form a clamp-type, and in particular U-shaped fixing part (16), the shaft-type fixing elements (12) passing through the support structure (10) and projecting over the latter, and the intermediate element (14) extending between these fixing elements (12) being disposed on the support structure (10),

   characterised by

   the insertion of the respective fixing part (16) as a whole into the support structure (10) which for this purpose is formed as a clamp-like and in particular U-shaped moulded part prior to insertion as a whole into the support structure.
2. The method according to Claim 1, characterised in that the support structure (16) is provided with recesses (24) through which the shaft-type fixing elements (12) can pass and between which, for accommodating the respective intermediate element (14), lateral recesses (26) extend which open out into the open on the support structure (10).
3. The method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the free ends (18) of the shaft-type fixing elements (12) are at least partially heat-treated and/or mechanically shaped such as to form head- or hook-type fastener elements (36).
4. The method according to any of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the clamp-type, and in particular U-shaped fixing parts (16) are fused, adhesively bonded and/clipped to the support structure (10) thus producing a composite.
5. The method according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the support structure (10) is formed in the manner of a plate and is provided with, and in particular clipped to an end plate (38).
6. The method according to Claim 5, characterised in that the end plate (38) is provided with at least one connection means (44) on its side facing away from the support structure (10).
7. The method according to any of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that in particular for the support structure (10) a thermoplastic synthetic material is used which can be processed using the injection moulding method and that the respective fixing part (16) is formed from a synthetic monofilament, preferably from a polyamide or polypropylene thread.
8. An apparatus for implementing the method according to any of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the latter has a delivery part (22) which feeds the clamp-type, and in particular U-shaped fixing parts (16) as a whole of the support structure (10) in a forwardly directed feed position and which can be provided in a rearwards storage position (20) with a further fixing part (12).
9. The apparatus according to Claim 8, characterised in that the latter is provided with a moulding device which is formed from a straight synthetic monofilament and forms the clamp-type and in particular U-shaped fixing part (16) which can then be fed by means of the delivery part (22) to the support structure (10).

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