WO2022194770A1

WO2022194770A1 - Profile cooling apparatus and cooling line for a profile cooling apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2022194770A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/056526
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joachim Sokoll; Uwe GÜNTER
Original assignee: Extrutec Gmbh
Priority date: 2021-03-16
Filing date: 2022-03-14
Publication date: 2022-09-22
Also published as: DE202021101330U1; EP4308305A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling line (1) for a profile cooling apparatus (31), comprising a cooling fluid supply line (2), in particular a water supply line, and a dispensing unit (3), wherein the dispensing unit (3) is fluidically connected to the cooling fluid supply line (2) and comprises a distributor pipe (4) that has a closed end preferably opposite the connection to the cooling fluid supply line (2), wherein the distributor pipe (4) has, in a longitudinal direction (L), a plurality of mutually spaced outlet devices (5a, 5b), preferably flat-spray nozzles, by means of which a cooling fluid (01) from the distributor pipe (4) can be discharged in the direction of a profile to be cooled. According to the invention, the distributor pipe (4) comprises two groups (6, 7) of outlet devices (5a, 5b), in which a maximum volume flow through the outlet device (5a) of the first group (6) differs from the maximum volume flow through the outlet device (5b) of the second group (7), in particular due to different outlet openings, wherein the outlet devices (5a, 5b) of each group (6, 7) are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (l) and the two groups (6, 7) are mutually spaced in the circumferential direction, and preferably are opposite one another, and wherein the cooling line (1) comprises a drive device (24) which is connected to the dispensing unit (3) in such a way that rotation of the distributor pipe (4) about the longitudinal direction (L) is made possible and the dispensing unit (3) is designed in such a way that exclusive activation of only one group (6, 7) of outlet devices (5a, 5b) at a time is achieved.

Description

Profile cooling device and cooling line for a profile cooling device

The present invention relates to a cooling line for a profile cooling device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a profile cooling device for cooling metallic molded parts, preferably made of aluminum, according to the preamble of claim 10.

In the production of metallic molded parts, for example, but by no means exclusively for automobile construction, it is of considerable importance, especially in modern body construction, that different material properties, which are sometimes opposed or contradictory, are of considerable importance

To unite metal moldings or to train optimally. On the one hand, the aforesaid molded parts should be as thin-walled as possible in the sense of a deformation that is as targeted as possible when energy is applied, for example in an accident situation. At the same time, the moldings should have the highest possible stability. Due to the predetermined, relatively low manufacturing and assembly tolerances, said molded parts should continue to be just over the entire

Manufacturing process have the highest possible dimensional stability. In order to achieve these properties or to combine them as well as possible, it is already known in the prior art to cool the said molded parts or profiles, for example aluminum profiles, as specifically as possible at the end of a manufacturing or forming process.

This includes applying a cooling fluid, in which the direction of application is from different directions and is optionally adapted to the contour or the course of the molded part or profile. Even with such a cooling, which then regularly in generic

Profile cooling devices takes place in which the component, molded part or profile is transported along a transport route by a transport device and is simultaneously acted upon by a cooling fluid, on the one hand there is a desire for the fastest possible cooling, but on the other hand the cooling cannot be carried out too intensely or too quickly - i.e. with too great a temperature gradient in the component or should, in order not to adversely and permanently impair the required dimensional stability, especially during the cooling itself.

For profiles, components or molded parts that allow rapid cooling, cooling by means of a cooling liquid, preferably water, has become established as the cooling fluid in the prior art. For profiles that cannot or do not tolerate such a strong cooling process, profile cooling devices are already known in the prior art, which use air as the cooling fluid to act on the profiles during transport along a transport route. However, the use of a gaseous fluid, such as air, has the disadvantage that, compared to a liquid cooling fluid, only relatively little heat can be transported away and therefore only relatively slow cooling can take place, which in turn can be problematic if the deformability and stability of the profiles or molded parts unduly reduced.

As a hybrid solution, so to speak, to close the gap between liquid-based, in particular water-based, cooling on the one hand and gas-based, in particular air-based, cooling on the other hand, it is also already known from the prior art to equip profile cooling devices with cooling strands that produce a mixture or combination via two-component nozzles a gaseous and a liquid cooling fluid, for example as an aerosol. However, said two-substance nozzles generally require a lower to operate Pressurized gaseous cooling fluid, such as compressed air. However, the production, storage and use of compressed air requires special precautions and technical means both in the production and acquisition as well as in the operation of corresponding cooling devices or profile cooling devices, so that overall the cooling of profiles or molded parts using dual-component profile cooling devices is economically difficult or uninteresting.

Based on the situation in the prior art described above, the object of the present invention is to propose a cooling line for a profile cooling device and a profile cooling device using at least one such cooling line, which make it possible to easily and without particular effort in terms of the cooling line and the profile cooling device to adapt the system technology, the installation or the operation to the possible or necessary cooling rate or the desired temperature gradient when cooling the profile or molded part, in particular without having to resort to two or more cooling media or cooling fluids.

This object is achieved with regard to a cooling line for a profile cooling device with the features of independent claim 1. In relation to a profile cooling device for cooling metallic molded parts, preferably made of aluminum, following a forming or manufacturing process, the above-mentioned task is achieved with the features of Claim 10 solved.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.

The solution according to the invention provides in a manner known per se that the cooling line for a profile cooling device Cooling fluid supply line, in particular a water supply line, and an output unit, the output unit being fluidly connected to the cooling fluid supply line. In this case, the dispensing unit comprises a distributor pipe which is preferably closed at one end which is arranged opposite the connection to the cooling fluid supply line. The distributor pipe has a plurality of outlet devices, preferably flat jet nozzles, spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis, with which a cooling fluid can be discharged from the distributor pipe in the direction of a profile to be cooled.

According to the invention, the distributor pipe has two groups of outlet devices, in which a maximum volume flow through the outlet device of the first group differs from a maximum volume flow through the outlet device of a second group, in particular caused by different outlet openings, preferably different cross sections of outlet openings, with the outlet devices of respective group are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and the two groups are arranged at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction, preferably opposite one another, and wherein the cooling line comprises a drive device which is connected to the output unit in such a way that rotation of the distributor pipe about the longitudinal direction is made possible and the Output unit is further designed such that an exclusive activation of each group of outlet devices is achieved.

The invention is therefore based on the basic idea or basic concept of further developing a basically known cooling line in such a way that it is rotationally driven or designed to be drivable about the longitudinal axis or longitudinal direction and the rotation or at least different rotational positions or rotational ranges of the distributor pipe be used to use different groups of outlet devices selectively or exclusively in order to output a cooling fluid, in particular in the direction of a molded part or profile to be cooled.

The different design of the outlet devices and their spatial geometric arrangement, in particular in groups, separation in connection with the adjustability or possibility of rotation of the distributor pipe has the advantage that with one and the same cooling fluid, preferably water, and furthermore advantageously with a constant or constant supply pressure on the part of the cooling fluid supply line different volume flows of the cooling fluid, in the direction of a molded part or profile, can be issued or discharged, which in turn can have an influence on the cooling effect or the temperature gradient of the cooled component.

The supply pressure can be adjusted, for example, via a proportional control valve. This can be matched to the respective outlet devices, or the desired volume flow of cooling fluid can be controlled or regulated in a specific range for each type or group of outlet devices. The proportional control valve can be arranged, for example, in the cooling fluid supply line of the cooling line or, at a higher level, in a cooling fluid supply line of a profile cooling device.

In other words, the cooling line according to the invention enables the correspondingly preferred group of outlet devices to be selected or activated depending on the profile or molded part to be cooled and thus depending on the tolerable or maximum cooling rate, and also through the possibility of adjusting the distributor pipe and those arranged on it or outlet devices formed therein a correspondingly advantageous orientation of the outlet devices towards the cooling component or profile is made possible. As a result, the different groups of outlet devices can be implemented in a space-saving manner, so that the cooling line is made more flexible - with regard to its possible uses, without taking up more space or installation space. At least with regard to the profile cooling device, this also means that the same number of cooling lines per area or volume can be used as in known devices and the volume flow of the cooling fluid and thus the cooling capacity per cooling line can still be varied over a wide range. Last but not least, this also enables existing cooling lines to be retrofitted in existing profile cooling devices.

The present invention should expressly not be limited to the embodiment with exactly two groups of outlet devices. As will become clear below with reference to the description of embodiments, the invention can likewise be generalized to an embodiment with three or more groups of outlet devices. In other words, this means that, in principle, any number of groups of outlet devices can be implemented, as long as there is the possibility of selectively controlling or activating the different groups, which also means that the respective plurality of outlet devices is filled with cooling fluid or pressurized cooling fluid supply, and on the other hand the output unit, in particular the distribution pipe, has the necessary space and structural space to implement or provide the respective outlet devices of a group one behind the other and spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction and the outlet devices of different groups spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction.

The feature that the outlet means the cooling fluid from the Distributing the distributor pipe in the direction of a profile to be cooled is essentially only realized by installing a corresponding cooling line in a profile cooling device, but for the cooling line considered per se it essentially relates to a structurally realized geometric property of the outlet devices, in particular with regard to the output unit , especially its distribution pipe. This is intended to express the fact that the outlet devices are each designed in such a way that, depending on the arrangement of the cooling line within the profile cooling device, cooling fluid can be discharged in a desired angular range or spatial area, starting from the dispensing unit or the distributor pipe. If the cooling lines are arranged or installed with their longitudinal direction essentially parallel to a transport route of a transport device of the cooling device, this can preferably mean that the outlet devices are designed in such a way that the cooling fluid flow generated is discharged essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the dispensing unit or the distributor pipe or has at least a substantial perpendicular component to the longitudinal direction of the manifold or the dispensing unit. With the feature according to which the groups or at least two groups of outlet devices are arranged at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction, the term circumferential direction should not necessarily imply a circular distributor pipe or a distributor pipe with a circular cross section. Also in the case of an oval, elliptical or even angular, for example triangular or quadrangular distributor pipe or a corresponding cross section of the distributor pipe, a circumferential direction can be defined, possibly in sections, along the circumference of the respective cross section. In other words, this means that the circumferentially spaced arrangement of the outlet devices on or in the distributor pipe is to be understood in such a way that from a center point or center of gravity or any other suitable axis of symmetry in the longitudinal direction of the distributor pipe in Cross-sectional direction, the outlet devices of the different groups have a noticeable angular offset, preferably of more than 20 °, more preferably of more than 40 °, particularly preferably of more than 120 °.

The drive device can actively provide the drive energy, for example in the form of an electromechanical motor. Alternatively, the drive device can also be provided as a passive drive device or as a transmission device for drive energy. In the latter case, a common active drive device for several cooling lines could transmit and distribute the mechanical drive energy to different cooling lines via a corresponding distributor arrangement, for example a gear arrangement, with the respective distribution mechanism or gear part that is assigned or is to be assigned to the cooling line then acting as the drive device of the respective cooling line is understood. The drive device should at least allow the distributor pipe to rotate about its longitudinal direction. Corresponding transmission means, for example gear wheels, belt drives or belt transmission or the like, can again be provided for this purpose.

The selective activation of the respective outlet device or of the outlet devices assigned to a group can be effected in fundamentally different ways. For example, central valve devices can be used, which then activate or deactivate all outlet devices of a group, in which case of course there must be a corresponding fluid-technical communication or connection between the outlet devices in the fluid flow of the cooling fluid behind the central or common control valve. Alternatively, it could also be provided that each individual outlet device is designed to be controllable, so that the activation then takes place of a group of outlet devices is achieved by activating, deactivating or actuating the control mechanisms, for example valves, associated with a particular group of outlet devices together and/or simultaneously.

According to a first advantageous embodiment of the device, it can be provided that the distributor pipe delimits two partial volumes that are separate from one another, which are each connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the outlet devices of a group and each have an inflow opening, which establishes a fluid-conducting connection with the cooling fluid supply line depending on the setting position of the distributor pipe or prevent. This embodiment has different advantages.

On the one hand, the formation of the sub-volumes by means of relatively simple structural or physical precautions means that the outlet devices of the respective groups are connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner, but that the respective groups of outlet devices are separated from one another. Furthermore, a design of a respective inflow opening to the associated partial volume, which is also designed in such a way that an inflow can be enabled or prevented through the rotational position or the rotational area of the distributor pipe, enables automatic activation or automatic activation and deactivation of the respective group of outlet devices in Dependence on the rotational state of the distributor pipe, so that not only the alignment of the outlet devices is specified via the drive device, which influences the rotational state of the distributor pipe, but at the same time the activation and deactivation of the outlet devices can be achieved and controlled.

As already noted above, the distribution pipe can in principle also form more than two partial volumes in order to connect and supply more than two groups of outlet devices with one another. The partial volumes should preferably be designed at least in such a way that the total volume of the distributor pipe is subdivided in the longitudinal direction. This is because it can be achieved in a particularly advantageous manner that all outlet devices of the respective group that are arranged next to one another or one behind the other in the longitudinal direction are in fluid-conducting connection with the corresponding partial volume, specifically for each group of outlet devices. As will be explained below, it is fundamentally advantageous for the partial volumes to be arranged or formed in a common distribution pipe. In principle, however, it is also possible for independent and self-contained sub-distribution pipes to form the respective sub-volumes and for the totality of the sub-distribution pipes to form the overall distribution pipe, preferably by being connected to one another or attached to one another.

Another particularly advantageous embodiment of the cooling line provides that at least one inflow opening has a larger cross section than an adjacent end section of the cooling fluid supply line, so that over a specific angular range, preferably between ±10° and ±30°, particularly preferably between ±15° and ±25 °, regardless of the setting position of the distributor pipe, in particular relative to the cooling fluid supply line of the cooling line, a maximum volume flow can take place from the cooling fluid supply line into the partial volume of the distributor pipe adjacent to the inflow opening. This makes it possible in a particularly advantageous manner for the group of outlet devices to be adjusted or rotated over said angular range without impairing or changing the inflow of cooling fluid and thus also the discharge of cooling fluid via the outlet device. Thus, the embodiment allows each to be selectively activated or in use located group of outlet devices is optimally aligned in relation to the respective profile or molded part to be cooled or can be aligned by an adjustment or rotation of the distributor pipe via the drive device. The configuration of the inflow opening and also the corresponding connection or attachment to the cooling fluid supply line and its adjoining end section can be different. For example, the inflow opening of the respective partial volume of the distributor pipe can be formed in the circumferential direction and be formed in a casing section or a casing surface of a distributor pipe. Alternatively, the inflow opening of the respective partial volume can also be formed on a face or a face end of the distributor pipe. The inflow opening, preferably its shape or cross-section, must then be designed depending on its arrangement and design in such a way that an unchanged large passage area or inflow area is formed over a certain angular range, regardless of the respective setting position or rotational position of the distributor pipe. For the positions mentioned above, this can be achieved, for example, by a type of elongated hole or by a type of ring segment. From a certain limit position or limit position of the inflow opening in relation to the cooling fluid supply line, the active cross section or the effective passage area between the cooling fluid supply line and its end section on the one hand and the inflow opening of the respective partial volume on the other hand is continuously reduced by only part of the end section of the cooling fluid supply line having a corresponding opposite opening on the side encounters or faces the inflow opening. If the resulting orientation of the outlet devices in relation to the profile or molded part to be cooled is still useful or desired, these adjustment positions can be used in a targeted manner to reduce or control the flow through the partial volume and thus also through the outlet devices. In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the cooling line, it can be provided that the distribution pipe comprises an extruded profile, preferably made of aluminum. Forming the distributor pipe using an extruded profile advantageously allows two or more partial volumes to be formed inside a common distributor pipe. In addition, appropriate measures, for example areas with increased wall thickness, can already be implemented with an extruded profile, as will be explained in more detail below, in order to ensure a secure and reliable accommodation and fastening of the individual outlet devices. The inflow openings that may be provided can, if they are arranged on a peripheral surface or an outer or lateral surface, be realized, for example, by subsequently processing a section, preferably an end section of an extruded profile, for their production, in particular by machining. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the section of the distributor pipe in which inflow openings are formed on an outer surface or peripheral surface is realized by a separate component, for example a ring, which is then connected to the extruded profile, preferably with a material connection. In this case, care must be taken to ensure that the partial volumes continue or remain separate from one another.

Furthermore, it can particularly preferably be provided that the dispensing unit has a sealing device which seals the transition between the cooling fluid inflow and the distributor pipe, preferably the inflow openings of the distributor pipe. In this case, it can be provided, for example, that the sealing device is designed to be stationary relative to the distributor pipe and, in particular, cannot be adjusted with the distributor pipe by the drive device, in particular rotate, lets. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the sealing device is connected to the distributor pipe in such a way that a static arrangement relative to the distributor pipe is realized and the sealing device can then be adjusted, in particular rotated, relative to the cooling fluid inflow together with the distributor pipe.

The sealing device between the distributor pipe and the cooling fluid inflow, in particular an end section of the cooling fluid feed line, makes it possible, in the best case, that the loading of the cooling fluid feed line with cooling fluid, in particular pressurized cooling fluid, such as cooling water, is not stopped or reduced during a change of the different groups of outlet devices must become. Furthermore, the sealing device also makes it possible during a fluid-conducting connection between the cooling fluid supply line on the one hand and the distributor pipe on the other hand, in particular the inflow openings, that the respective cooling fluid only gets into the distributor pipe, in particular into the partial volume, and no or at least no significant leakage of cooling fluid at the transition between the Cooling fluid supply line and the distributor pipe takes place.

A further, particularly desirable embodiment of the cooling line can provide for the distributor pipe to be closed at one end in the longitudinal direction with a pin which, in addition to sealing the distributor pipe, also forms the connection and/or coupling to the drive device. In this case, the distributor tube of the dispensing unit can be designed in a particularly simple manner and with little structural effort. This then also applies to the entire output unit. Because, for example, an extruded profile, which possibly already forms two partial volumes of a common distribution pipe by an inner intermediate web or an inner separation and at one end by a simple cover or a simple cap is closed and thus also separates the partial volumes from one another at the end, can be closed at an opposite end via said pin and connected and/or coupled to the drive device. If the inflow openings are then also formed on an outer surface or a surface in the circumferential direction, for example a lateral surface of the distributor pipe, the essential components of the dispensing unit, possibly with the exception of the sealing device, can already be formed by the extruded profile, the cover or the cap and the spigot be provided, which also advantageously reduces the number of parts or individual components required to provide the output unit.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the distributor pipe has an essentially circular cross section, which preferably divides the pipe volume into two partial volumes via an intermediate web, in particular a curved one. Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the respective partial volumes, per unit of length in the longitudinal direction or alternatively the two partial cross-sections, which are formed in each position in the longitudinal direction by the intermediate web, are of different sizes. This can preferably adapt the flow and pressure states in the partial volumes to the different volume flows through the outlet devices of the different groups.

A further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the cooling line provides that the partial volume which is in fluid-conducting connection with the group of outlet devices, which enable a larger maximum volume flow, is larger than the partial volume which is in fluid-conducting connection with the group of outlet devices. which allow a smaller maximum volume flow. This can advantageously be available stagnant partial volume can be adjusted to the possible or desired maximum volume flow through the entirety of all outlet devices of the respective group.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the distributor pipe has, preferably solid webs running in the longitudinal direction on an outer or jacket surface, through which recesses for receiving and/or fastening the outlet devices extend into the interior of the distributor pipe. The outlet devices, for example flat jet nozzles, can preferably be introduced into said recesses and connected to the distributor pipe via them.

It is possible, for example, for the outlet devices to be screwed in using appropriate threads. Alternatively, the outlet devices can also be glued in or welded or welded to/in the recesses. Other mechanisms for receiving and fastening are also possible. However, in order to carry out the accommodation and/or attachment as stable and durable as possible, it is particularly advantageous if the recesses are arranged or formed in an area of the distributor pipe with a sufficient wall thickness. For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous to provide the webs running in the longitudinal direction on the outer surface of the distributor pipe, which then increase or enlarge the wall thickness locally in sections or selectively in the area in which the outlet devices of the respective group are to be arranged and/or fastened. Said webs can preferably also already be designed or realized in one piece with the distributor pipe and furthermore preferably continuously in the longitudinal direction, in particular if the distributor pipe is produced as an extruded profile, for example made of aluminum. In this process, distributed over the circumferential direction, areas with a greater wall thickness can be realized, which then extend automatically through the formation of the extruded profile along its longitudinal direction over the entire length of the corresponding extruded profiles and can thus be used for receiving and / or fastening the outlet devices. In this case, the recesses can be formed later through the webs by machining.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a profile cooling device for cooling metallic molded parts, preferably made of aluminum, following a deformation or manufacturing process with a transport device for transporting the molded parts along a transport route, in which the profile cooling device has at least one cooling line according to one of the preceding described embodiments. With regard to the effects, advantages and features, reference should also be made to the previous description with regard to the details of the at least one cooling line. Two or more cooling strands of the profile cooling device are preferably designed according to the disclosure above. All cooling lines are particularly preferably designed according to one of the embodiments described above.

It can advantageously be provided that the transport device, in particular the transport section of the transport device, extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the distributor pipes of the cooling lines. Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that the outlet devices of the respective groups are designed and arranged in such a way that cooling fluid is discharged essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the distributor pipes and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the transport path. In the following, the invention will be explained on the basis of only schematic drawings showing exemplary embodiments. Therein show: FIG. 1: a first sectional representation through a device according to the invention

Cooling line according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2: an enlarged section of the cooling line according to the invention according to FIG. 1;

3 shows a cross section of an exemplary distributor pipe for use in a cooling line according to the invention;

4a, b: sectional representations of a cooling line according to the invention transversely to the longitudinal direction at the level of inflow openings;

5: exemplary distributor pipe blank for use in a cooling line according to the invention; 6: profile cooling device according to the invention according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a cooling line 1 according to the invention in a longitudinal section or a section along the longitudinal direction L. The cooling line comprises a cooling fluid supply line 2, an output unit 3 and a

Driving means 24 connected to the delivery unit 3 so as to allow rotation of a distribution pipe 4 about the longitudinal direction. The output unit 3, in particular the distribution pipe 4, has outlet devices 5a, 5b, which are designed as flat jet nozzles. The outlet devices 5a and 5b are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction L at a distance from one another. the Outlet devices 5a differ from the outlet devices 5b in that a different maximum volume throughput can be realized through the outlet devices. This is essentially controlled via the outlet openings, preferably their cross sections, of the outlet devices 5a, 5b. The outlet devices 5a form a group 6 of outlet devices 5a. The outlet devices 5b form a group 7 of outlet devices 5b. The outlet devices 5a of group 6 and the outlet devices 5b of group 7 are spaced apart from one another and in the example of FIG. 1 are even arranged opposite one another in the circumferential direction of the distributor pipe 4 on or on/in this.

The distributor pipe 4 is divided into two separate partial volumes 9 and 10 over its entire length in the longitudinal direction L by an intermediate web 8 . The partial volumes 9 and 10 are also separated from one another in that the distributor pipe 4 is closed at both ends 41 in the longitudinal direction L. The sub-volumes 9, 10 are each taken in fluid-conducting connection with a respective group 6, 7 of the

outlet devices 5a, 5b. For example, the group 7 of the outlet devices 5b is connected to the partial volume 9 in a fluid-conducting manner. The outlet devices 5a of the group 6 are connected to one another and to the partial volume 10 via the partial volume 10 in a fluid-conducting manner.

The respective partial volume 9, 10 in turn has an inflow opening 11a, 11b. In the example of Fig. 1, the inflow openings 11a, 11b are also formed essentially opposite one another and thus spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction on an outer surface or lateral surface 12 of the distributor pipe and allow cooling fluid to flow into the respective partial volume 9, 10. In the example of 1 also shows clamping rings 13 and bearing devices 14a, 14b, which ensure the fastening and bearing of the distributor pipe 4. The bearing point 14a has an additional function, since this also has a housing and/or sealing function in addition to bearing. Because an end section 15 of the cooling fluid supply line 2 is introduced or transferred into the bearing point 14a. There, the end section 15 of the cooling fluid supply line 2 can, depending on the rotational state or rotational position of the distributor pipe 4, bring about a cooling fluid flow into one of the closed partial volumes via the drive device 24 and the pin 16 connected to the distributor pipe 4 at one end 41, via the inflow openings 11a, 11b 9, 10 and thus allow cooling fluid to be discharged or discharged via a respective group 6, 7 of outlet devices 5a, 5b or, in the event that the rotational position or the rotational position of the distributor pipe 4 does not allow cooling fluid to pass from the end section 15 of the cooling fluid supply line 2 into the distributor pipe 4, prevent cooling fluid from being dispensed via the outlet devices 5a, 5b.

In the configuration of the cooling line 1 according to Fig. 1, cooling fluid, preferably water, can flow via the fluid supply line 2 in the end section 15 into the inflow opening 11b of the partial volume 9 and can be discharged again via the outlet devices 5b, in particular the flat jet nozzles, in order to 1, not shown, to be cooled molding or profile to be cooled, preferably made of aluminum. 1 also shows ventilation or drainage nozzles 17, which are each assigned to a partial volume 9, 10 and can be closed. As an alternative to the outlet devices 5a, 5b, access to the sub-volumes 9, 10 can be created through these ventilation/drainage nozzles.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged section of the cooling line 1 according to the invention. In particular, FIG. 2 shows the features and Objects on and in the vicinity of a one-sided end 41, 18 of the distributor pipe 4. In the enlargement it can be seen even more clearly and can be understood from the fluid path arrow 19, as in the rotational position of the distributor pipe 4 cooling fluid, in particular water, through the cooling fluid supply line 2 and its End section 15 can get into the partial volume 9 via the inflow opening 11b and can exit from there again via the outlet devices 5b in order to generate a cooling effect on or in a molded part or profile. It can also be seen again that at the end 18 the distributor pipe 4 is closed off at the end by the spigot on the one hand and the partial volumes 9, 10 are thus also separated from one another, but the spigot at the same time establishes the connection and/or coupling of the distributor pipe 4 to the drive device 24. in that one end 19 of the pin 16 engages or is coupled into a drive output 20 of the drive device 24 .

Furthermore, the recesses 21 in the distributor pipe 4 can be seen in the enlargement of FIG. 2, in which the outlet devices 5a, 5b are introduced or accommodated and/or fastened therein. The enlargement of Fig. 2 also indicates a sealing device 22, which is formed between the bearing point 14a and the distributor pipe 4 and ensures that, in the best case, regardless of the rotary or rotational position of the distributor pipe relative to the fluid supply line 2 and/or the bearing point 14a escape no cooling fluid or only insignificant amounts or volumes of cooling fluid from the fluid supply line 2 and / or the bearing point 14a. For this purpose, the bearing point 14a can have a housing-like structure.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section through an exemplary distribution pipe 4 for use in a cooling line according to the invention. On the one hand it can be seen that the manifold 4 has a common or has an uninterrupted outer surface or lateral surface 12 and that the interior of the distributor pipe 4 is divided into two partial volumes 9, 10 by an intermediate web 8 which is curved in the cross-sectional direction and extends in the longitudinal direction L. It can also be seen that webs 26, 27 running in the longitudinal direction are formed on the common outer surface or lateral surface 12 of the distributor pipe 4 in two opposite areas 23, 25. The distributor pipe or the cross-section of the distributor pipe 4, as shown in FIG. 3, can be manufactured continuously and in one piece as part of an extrusion process, for example from aluminum, completely and without significant reworking or post-processing.

The intermediate web 8 is mainly used to create or form the partial volumes 9, 10. The webs 26, 27 thicken or widen the wall thickness of the distributor pipe 4 selectively in the areas 23, 25 in which the outlet devices 5a, 5b are arranged next to one another and at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction in the associated recesses 21 are introduced. The section shown in FIG. 3 is located beyond the recesses 21 and/or outlet devices 5a, 5b in the longitudinal direction L, so that the recesses 21 and the outlet devices 5a, 5b are not shown in the webs 26 and 27.

4a and 4b show sections through a cooling line according to the invention looking in the longitudinal direction L at the height of the bearing point 14a and the end section 15 of the cooling fluid supply line 2. The inflow openings 11a, 11b can be seen in the section. 4a shows that the cross section 28 of the end section 15 of the cooling fluid supply line 2 is smaller than the cross section 29 of the inflow opening 11b, which extends over the angle a shown. Accordingly, the distributor pipe 4 over a certain angular range, in the example of FIG. 4a over an angular range of 20°, be rotated in both directions without the effective cross-sectional area or the effective passage area between the inflow opening 11b on the one hand and the end section 15 of the cooling fluid supply line 2 on the other hand varying, in particular being reduced.

The same applies to the inflow opening 11a, which extends correspondingly over the opposite angle ß, which is also shown, and whose cross section is therefore also larger than the cross section of the adjoining end section 15 of the cooling fluid supply line 2. Accordingly, FIG. 4b also shows a maximum wasting or rotating in the opposite direction State of the distributor pipe 4, which just allows an unrestricted or unreduced passage opening for the introduction of cooling fluid into the partial volume 9. A sealing device 22 between the distributor pipe 4 and the bearing point 14a as well as the end section 15 can ensure that cooling fluid only reaches the inflow opening 11b that is open or, depending on the rotational position of the distributor pipe 4, is in fluid-conducting connection with the end section 15 and straight does not get into an inflow opening 11a, which is assigned to another partial volume and/or another group of outlet devices 5a, 5b.

5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a distribution pipe in a perspective representation. In addition to the webs 26, 27 and the recesses 21 provided therein for fastening and receiving outlet devices and the curved intermediate web 8 for separating the partial volumes 9, 10, the two inflow openings 11a, 11b can also be seen in addition to FIG a fluid-conducting connection with a cooling fluid supply line, depending on the rotational position of the distributor pipe 4, can be made or prevented. The distributor pipe or blank of a distributor pipe shown in FIG. 5 can be designed in one piece, for example. the Areas for the formation of the inflow openings 11a, 11b can, for example, be subsequently worked into an endless profile that has been cut to length by machining and/or material removal, so that a one-piece formation takes place. Alternatively, the distributor pipe 4 can also be formed by two individual parts, which are then connected to one another in the area of the transition 28 of the different cross sections.

The recesses 21 can be suitable for screwing in, gluing in, welding in/welding on or otherwise connecting or fastening outlet devices 5a, 5b, which are not shown.

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of a profile cooling device 29 according to the invention for cooling metallic molded parts, preferably made of aluminum, following a deformation or finishing process. The profile cooling device 29 has a transport device 30 for transporting the molded parts along a transport route S, which in the example in FIG. 6 extends perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing. The profile cooling device 29 also comprises a total of eleven cooling lines 1, which in the example in FIG. 6 can all be designed according to one of the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 5. The depiction with eleven cooling lines 1 in FIG. 6 is purely of an exemplary nature. In principle, any number (N>1) of cooling lines according to the invention can be used in a profile cooling device according to the invention. In this case, not all cooling lines 1 have to be designed according to the invention. It is sufficient if part of the cooling lines, at least one cooling line 1, has a configuration according to the invention.

The sectional view of Fig. 6 is generated on the fleas of the distributor pipes 4, so that the bearing points 14a, 14b, the cooling fluid supply lines 2 and the drive devices 24 are not shown. However, it can be seen that the respective outlet devices 5a, 5b can be optimally aligned with the molded part or profile via the drive devices 24. Furthermore, it can be seen that by selecting a group 6, 7 of outlet devices 5a, 5b per cooling line 1 via the rotation of the dispensing units or distributor pipes 4, the quantity or exiting volume of cooling fluid per outlet device and thus also per cooling line per unit of time can be increased by the selective Choosing one of the groups 6, 7 can be varied. In the best case, this creates the possibility of choosing between a cooling line with a larger or a smaller volume or volume flow of cooling fluid for each cooling line 1 and thus a total of eleven times, so that the cooling capacity is also adapted locally and globally to the respective molded part or the respective profile and accordingly can be optimized.

Thus, when transporting the molded parts on the transport device 30 along the transport route S, optimal cooling of the molded parts or profiles can be made possible, which takes into account the dimensional stability of the profiles or molded parts and at the same time enables the quickest possible cooling.

Reference sign

1 cooling line

2 cooling fluid supply line

3 output unit

4 manifold

5a/b outlet devices

6 group of exhaust devices 5a

7 group of exhaust devices 5b

8 gutter

9 sub-volumes

10 sub-volumes

11 a/b inflow openings

12 outer surface/shell surface

13 clamping rings

14a/b Storage facilities or storage locations

15 End section of the cooling fluid supply line 2

16 cones

17 ventilation or drainage nozzle

18 one-sided end of the manifold 4

19 end of spigot 16

20 drive output

21 recesses

22 sealing device

23 area

24 drive device

25 area

26 jetty

27 footbridge

28 Cross-section of end section 15

29 cross-section of the inflow opening 11 b 30 transport device

31 profile cooling device

32 transition

33 Fluid path arrow a Angle ß Opposite angle

L Longitudinal

S transport route

Claims

Expectations

1. Cooling line (1) for a profile cooling device (31), with a cooling fluid supply line (2), in particular water supply line and a

Dispensing unit (3), wherein the dispensing unit (3) is fluidically connected to the cooling fluid supply line (2) and comprises a distributor pipe (4) preferably having a closed end opposite the connection to the cooling fluid supply line (2), the distributor pipe (4) running along a Longitudinally (L) has a large number of spaced-apart outlet devices (5a, 5b), preferably flat jet nozzles, with which a cooling fluid (01) can be discharged from the distributor pipe (4) in the direction of a profile to be cooled, characterized in that the distributor pipe (4) two groups (6, 7) of

Outlet devices (5a, 5b), in which a maximum volume flow through the outlet device (5a) of the first group

(6) differs from the maximum volume flow through the outlet device (5b) of the second group (7), caused in particular by different outlet openings, with the outlet devices (5a, 5b) of the respective group (6, 7) being arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (I). are arranged and the two

Groups (6, 7) are arranged in the circumferential direction, spaced apart from one another, preferably opposite one another, and the cooling line (1) comprises a drive device (24) which is connected to the dispensing unit (3) in such a way that rotation of the distribution pipe (4) about the longitudinal direction (L) is made possible and

Output unit (3) are designed such that an exclusive Activation of a respective group (6, 7) of outlet devices (5a, 5b) is achieved.

2. Cooling line according to Claim 1, characterized in that the distributor pipe (4) delimits two separate partial volumes (9, 10), which are each fluidly connected to the outlet devices (5a, 5b) of a group (6, 7) and each have an inflow opening (11a, 11b) which, depending on the setting position of the distributor pipe (04), establishes or prevents a fluid-conducting connection with the cooling fluid supply line (02).

3. Cooling line according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one inflow opening (11a, 11b) has a larger

Cross section (28, 29) as an adjoining end section of the cooling fluid supply line (02), so that over a specific angular range, preferably between 10° and 40°, particularly preferably between 15° and 25°, regardless of the setting position of the distributor pipe (04) a maximum volume flow from the

Cooling fluid feed line (02) into the inflow opening (11a, 11b) adjacent partial volume (9, 10) can take place.

4. Cooling line according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the distributor pipe (4) comprises an extruded profile, preferably made of aluminum.

5. Cooling line according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that the dispensing unit (3) has a sealing device (22) which seals the transition between the cooling fluid supply line (2) and the distributor pipe (4), preferably the inflow openings (11a, 11b).

6. Cooling line according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the distributor pipe (4) is closed in the longitudinal direction at one end (41, 18) with a pin (16) which, in addition to the closure of the distributor pipe (4), also Connection and/or coupling to

Drive device (24) forms.

7. Cooling line according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the distributor pipe (4) has a substantially circular

Cross-section (28, 29) which preferably divides the tube volume into partial volumes (9, 10) via an intermediate web (8), in particular a curved one.

8. Cooling line according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the partial volume (9, 10) which is in fluid communication with the group (6, 07) of outlet devices (5a, 5b) which has a larger maximum volume flow allow is greater than the partial volume (9, 10) associated with the group (6, 7) of

Outlet devices (5a, 5b) is in fluid communication, which allow a smaller maximum volume flow.

9. Cooling line according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that that the distributor pipe (4) has webs (26, 27) running in the longitudinal direction on an outer surface, through which recesses (21) for receiving and/or fastening the outlet devices (5a, 5b) extend into the interior of the distributor pipe (4).

10. Profile cooling device (31) for cooling metallic molded parts, preferably made of aluminum, following a deformation or manufacturing process with a transport device (30) for transporting the molded parts along a transport route (S), characterized by at least one cooling line (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.