WO2024038173A1

WO2024038173A1 - Method and casting tool for producing a sealing element, and sealing element

Info

Publication number: WO2024038173A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/072757
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Klein; Martin Maier; Stefan PERSCHEL
Original assignee: Elringklinger Ag; ElringKlinger Kunststofftechnik GmbH
Priority date: 2022-08-19
Filing date: 2023-08-18
Publication date: 2024-02-22
Also published as: DE102022121065A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a sealing element (100), wherein a flowable material is guided in a casting tool (192), for example in a compact casting tool (198), in such a way that (a) a sealing element moulded portion (148) corresponding to a sealing element portion (126) of the sealing element (100) is at least partially filled with the flowable material, (b) an intermediate moulding zone (184) which does not correspond to any sealing element portion (126, 128, 130) of the sealing element (100) is at least partially filled with the flowable material, and (c) a further sealing element moulded portion (150) corresponding to a further sealing element portion (128) of the sealing element (100) is at least partially filled with the flowable material.

Description

Method and casting tool for producing a sealing element, sealing element

The present invention relates to the field of sealing elements, in particular the technical field of sealing elements with dynamic sealing surfaces.

A wide range of differently shaped sealing elements are used in a wide variety of technical areas. Depending on the application, complex requirement profiles can arise that have to be met by a sealing element. Particularly complex requirement profiles can arise in the areas of food technology and semiconductor technology. It is particularly important here that a fluid, e.g. B. a gas stream, even after contact with the sealing element, is free of substances that would interfere with the processing of food or semiconductors.

In this area, there may therefore be a desire for the fluid not to come into contact with any lubricating medium, meaning that the sealing element must develop the desired sealing effect without lubrication. There is also a desire for efficient operation, i.e. H. in particular an operation with the lowest possible energy consumption, of fluid conveying devices (e.g. compressors or vacuum pumps) permanently, i.e. H. with as few and as short maintenance intervals as possible and reliably.

The present invention is based on the object of providing a method and a casting tool for producing a sealing element and a sealing element with which a desired sealing effect can be achieved permanently and efficiently.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

The sealing element can preferably be a sealing element for arrangement between two fluid spaces of a device to be sealed against one another. The fluid spaces can be gas spaces. A pressure gradient can exist across the sealing element from one gas space to the other gas space. In the device, the two fluid spaces to be sealed from one another can be stationary or mobile during operation of the device. They are mobile if, during the operation of the device, a fluid space is arranged at a different location at one time than at another time. Any mass that can be carried in the casting tool according to the invention and that forms a suitable sealing element material in the solidified or hardened state can be considered as a flowable mass. The flowable mass may comprise a flowable polymeric material or a flowable polymeric matrix material.

The polymer material can e.g. B. be a thermoset material. The thermoset material may preferably contain a resin, for example an epoxy resin or a phenolic resin. It is also conceivable that the duromer material contains a hybrid resin system.

The polymer matrix material can form a polymer matrix of a composite material after solidification or hardening. The polymer matrix material can be a thermoplastic matrix material or a thermoset matrix material.

If the polymer matrix material is a thermoset matrix material, it may preferably contain a resin, for example an epoxy resin or a phenolic resin. It is also conceivable that the duromer matrix material contains a hybrid resin system.

If the polymer matrix material is a thermoplastic matrix material, the temperature of the flowable mass that is carried in the casting tool can preferably be at least 120 ° C, further preferably at least 150 ° C, particularly preferably at least 170 ° C, very particularly preferably at least 190 ° C, e.g. B. at least 210 ° C. Within the scope of the invention, it is possible for specialists to determine a temperature that is well suited to a specific flowable mass without much effort and with little experimental effort.

Preferably, the flowable polymer material or the flowable polymer matrix material can be at least one molten polymer containing keto groups, for example a polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a polyetherketone (PEK) and/or a polyketone (PK); and/or a melted polymer containing imido groups, for example a polyamideimide (PAI), a polyetherimide (PEI) and/or a polyimide (PI); and or a molten polymer containing amide groups, for example a polyphthalamide (PPA) and/or a polyamide (PA); and/or a molten polymer containing sulfide bridges, for example a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and/or; a molten polymer containing sulfone groups, for example a polysulfone (PSU); and/or a molten fluoropolymer, preferably molten perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA) and/or a molten polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); and/or contain a liquid crystalline polyester. Common abbreviations for the polymers mentioned are given in the brackets.

The flowable polymer matrix material may contain a filler. Advantageously, the flowable polymer matrix material can be 0.05 vol.% to 75 vol.%, preferably 0.1 vol.% to 50 vol.%, e.g. B. 0.5% by volume to 25% by volume of a filler. The term filler refers in particular to all materials dispersed as particles or fibers in the polymer matrix material. The specification in the unit vol.-% refers to the total volume fraction of all filler based on the total volume of flowable polymer matrix material including the volume of all filler contained.

The filler can preferably contain particles and/or fibers.

Preferably the filler is dispersed in the flowable polymer matrix material.

It can be advantageous if the filler contains a friction-reducing material, which preferably contains particulate polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite and / or boron nitride; and/or if the filler contains a wear-reducing polymeric material, the wear-reducing polymeric material being preferably selected from an aramid, a polyimide (PI), a polyphenylene sulfone (PPSII) and a fully aromatic polyester. Common abbreviations for the polymers mentioned are given in the brackets. The PPSII can be, for example, a PPSII that is sold under the name Ceramer. The fully aromatic polyester can, for example, be a polyester that is sold under the name Sumica Super or under the name Ekonol.

If the filler contains a polymeric material, for example the wear-reducing polymeric material, it may be preferred if the melting temperature of the polymer matrix material is at least 10 K, preferably at least 30 K, below the melting temperature of the polymeric material of the filler.

The filler can advantageously contain fibers, whereby the fibers can preferably be mineral fibers, carbon fibers and/or polymer fibers, whereby the mineral fibers can preferably be glass fibers and the polymer fibers can preferably be amide fibers or partially oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers, whereby the amide fibers can preferably be aramid fibers.

The filler can advantageously contain a mineral material. For example, the mineral material may contain wollastonite and/or mica.

The filler can advantageously contain a carbon-based material, preferably a non-graphitic carbon-based material, an amorphous carbon-based material, a graphitic carbon-based material, graphite particles, coke particles, carbon black particles, graphite expanded particles, graphene, carbon fibers, ground carbon fibers and/or carbon nanotubes.

It can be advantageous if the filler contains metal particles. The metal particles can preferably be stainless steel particles or bronze particles.

It can be particularly advantageous if the polymer matrix contains 4% by volume to 18% by volume of dispersed carbon fibers and/or 4% by volume to 18% by volume of wear-reducing polymeric material, e.g. B. aramides, polyimides, polyphenylene sulfones and / or fully aromatic polyesters. Common abbreviations for the polymers mentioned are given in the brackets. The PPSII can be, for example, a PPSII that is sold under the name Ceramer. The fully aromatic polyester can be, for example Be polyester, which is sold under the name Sumica Super or under the name Ekonol.

A casting tool described here is particularly suitable as a casting tool.

The casting tool can be, for example, a compact casting tool, a shaping tool, an injection molding tool and/or a casting stamping tool. Particularly preferably, the casting tool can be a casting stamping tool.

The flowable mass is guided in the casting tool in such a way that a sealing element mold section corresponding to a sealing element section of the sealing element is at least partially filled with the flowable mass. A sealing element mold section corresponding to a sealing element section of the sealing element is understood to be a section of a mold provided by the casting tool in which the sealing element section is formed. The section of the mold can in particular be a section of a sealing element molding zone.

Continuously merging sealing element mold sections can together form the sealing element mold zone.

Continuously merging sealing element sections of the sealing element can together form the sealing element.

An intermediate mold zone that does not correspond to any sealing element section of the sealing element is at least partially filled with the flowable mass.

The intermediate mold zone that does not correspond to any sealing element section of the sealing element can correspond to an intermediate connection zone. The interconnection zone can be comprised by a sealing element precursor. Preferably, the sealing element precursor is first created from the flowable mass in the casting tool.

A further sealing element mold section corresponding to a further sealing element section of the sealing element is at least partially filled with the flowable mass. The intermediate connection zone which preferably arises in the intermediate mold zone can connect the two sealing element sections which arise in the two sealing element mold sections.

The flowable mass can preferably be fed to the casting tool via a feed zone from which the flowable mass spreads over the surface in the casting tool.

The flowable mass preferably spreads out over a radial surface in the casting tool.

Preferably, a front of the flowable mass moving away from the feed zone can reach and flow through the sealing element mold section, then reach and flow through the intermediate mold zone and then reach and flow through the further sealing element mold section.

Preferably, the front of the flowable mass moving away from the feed zone can reach and flow through the sealing element mold section along at least one direction of propagation, then reach and flow through the intermediate mold zone in the same propagation direction and then reach and flow through the further sealing element mold section in the same propagation direction.

Particularly preferably, a front of the flowable mass moving away from the feed zone can additionally reach and flow through a sealing element mold section in a second propagation direction, then reach and flow through an intermediate mold zone in the second propagation direction and then reach and flow through a further sealing element mold section in the second propagation direction .

Very particularly preferably, a front of the flowable mass moving away from the feed zone can also reach and flow through the sealing element mold section in a third propagation direction, then reach and flow through an intermediate mold zone in the third propagation direction and then in reach and flow through a further sealing element mold section in the third direction of propagation.

The propagation direction, the second propagation direction and the third propagation direction extend radially outwards from the feed zone.

An angle between the propagation direction and the second propagation direction can preferably be at least 30°, particularly preferably at least 50°, e.g. B. be at least 90°. An angle between the propagation direction and the third propagation direction can be at least 30°, preferably at least 50°, e.g. B. be at least 90°.

The sealing element shape sections mentioned in connection with one direction of propagation do not coincide with the sealing element shape sections mentioned in connection with other propagation directions.

All sealing element mold sections can continuously merge into one another and together form the sealing element mold zone.

An intermediate mold zone mentioned in connection with one direction of propagation does not coincide with an intermediate mold zone mentioned in connection with another direction of propagation.

If the flowable mass spreads radially over the surface in the casting tool, this can mean in particular that the front moving away from the feed zone does not spread more than x times as quickly in any direction of propagation than in another direction of propagation, "x" can preferably be used for 2 , particularly preferably 1.6, very particularly preferably 1.4. What is relevant is the average propagation speed in the respective propagation direction up to the point in time at which the moving front has completely covered all sealing element mold sections.

It is preferred if a sealing element precursor is removed from the casting tool and the sealing element is produced from the sealing element precursor, with at least one sprue or an intermediate connection zone from the sealing element precursor Will get removed. The sprue or the intermediate connection zone can preferably be removed from the sealing element precursor after removal from the casting tool.

A sprue of the sealing element precursor can arise in particular in a sprue zone that extends from the injection zone to the sealing element forming zone.

The sealing element precursor can preferably be removed from the casting tool after the flowable mass in the casting tool has reached a sufficiently solid state for removal.

The casting tool can preferably be a compact casting tool, in which the sealing element mold section and the further sealing element mold section are arranged closer to one another than the sealing element sections of the sealing element produced which correspond to these two sealing element mold sections. This can mean in particular that in the compact casting tool the sealing element mold section and the further sealing element mold section are arranged closer to one another than the sealing element sections of the produced sealing element that correspond to these two sealing element mold sections in the expanded application form of the sealing element.

In particular, the sealing element shaped section and the further sealing element shaped section can be arranged closer to one another than the sealing element section which corresponds to the sealing element shaped section and the further sealing element section which corresponds to the further sealing element shaped section.

Such a compact casting tool proved to be particularly efficient in two respects. The sealing element mold zone created in the compact casting tool takes up a smaller area than the sealing element in its expanded application form.

The casting tool can be implemented as a compact casting tool with smaller mold halves and the production of large-area sealing elements can be realized in systems that can only accommodate comparatively small casting tools. In addition, the sprue and interconnection zones are in one with the compact casting tool formed sealing element precursor, i.e. in a sealing element compact precursor, is lower, so that a higher proportion of the flowable mass used is converted into the sealing element than when using a larger-area casting tool in which the shape of the sealing element molding zone corresponds to the shape of the sealing element that can be produced with it.

It can be particularly preferred if, after removing the intermediate connection zone, a distance between the sealing element section and the further sealing element section is increased to the desired level and the sealing element is thereby brought from a compact production form into a spread-out application form, the distance between the sealing element section and the Another sealing element section is preferably increased by reducing a curvature in an intermediate sealing element section. The intermediate sealing element section mentioned here is a sealing element section which lies along the extension direction of the sealing element between the sealing element section and the further sealing element section.

For example, comparing the sealing element 100 in FIG. 2 with the sealing element compact precursor 124 in FIG bring.

It can be particularly advantageous if at least one mold half encompassed by the casting tool comprises at least one barrier which extends along at least one of the sealing element mold sections, with the flowable mass overcoming the barrier. This can mean in particular that the front of the flowable mass spreading over the surface overcomes the barrier.

Optionally, at least one mold half encompassed by the casting tool can comprise at least one guide barrier which does not extend along one of the sealing element mold sections.

The guide barrier can serve in particular to promote the spread of the flowable mass in the radial direction. The guide barrier can extend between a first zone, which is easier to reach for the flowable mass, and a second zone, which is more difficult to reach for the flowable mass, outside the sealing element mold sections. The first and second zones may be equidistant from the feed zone.

This can be advantageous because it can largely prevent or make it more difficult for flowable mass to flow together in a region of the casting tool located radially further outward with flowable mass in a region of the casting tool that is located radially further inward. Such a confluence can result in inhomogeneous material structures in the sealing element, which can impair the tightness and longevity of the sealing element.

If the mold is a compact mold, the mold half is a compact mold half. The casting tool can comprise a mold half. The casting tool preferably comprises two mold halves.

The casting tool preferably comprises two barriers, with the sealing element mold section being arranged between the barriers. The flowable mass can overcome one barrier, at least partially fill the sealing element mold section and then overcome the other barrier.

Preferably, the flowable mass spreading over a surface overcomes a barrier in at least one direction of propagation, at least partially fills the sealing element mold section and then overcomes the other barrier in the same direction of propagation.

One barrier can be arranged radially further inside on the sealing element mold section than the other barrier. The statement “radially further in” can mean in particular “closer to the feed zone”.

One mold half can include both barriers.

The two mold halves can each include one of the barriers. Both mold halves can each comprise two barriers arranged congruently with one another.

Preferably, a barrier can extend between depressions on an inner surface of a mold half. One of the depressions can at least partially define the intermediate mold zone and another of the depressions can at least partially define the sealing element mold section. Alternatively, one of the depressions can at least partially define the gate zone and another of the depressions can at least partially define the sealing element mold section.

Preferably, two mold halves encompassed by the casting tool can define a spreading space in which the flowable mass supplied via the feed zone is spread out, preferably spread over a flat area, e.g. B. is spread radially over the surface.

The distance between the mold halves can preferably be adjusted to the viscosity of the flowable mass and a pressure applied to convey the flowable mass. Preferably, the distance between the mold halves is set so that - despite at least one barrier arranged obliquely to at least one of the radial directions of spread - a radially flat spread of the mass results in the spread space.

This can be particularly advantageous since it can largely prevent fronts of flowable mass running along the sealing element forming zone from converging. Consequently, no joint areas are formed in the resulting sealing element, which could result from a convergence of fronts of the flowable mass in the sealing element forming zone.

It is particularly preferred if the spreading space is tapered after the flowable mass has been spread over the surface, e.g. B. by reducing the distance between the two mold halves.

After the flowable mass has been spread, the spreading space can be narrowed to such an extent that a barrier on one half of the mold is at a distance from the other half of the mold, e.g. B. to a barrier of the other mold half, which is at most 5 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, e.g. B. is at most 1 mm. This is advantageous because it allows a sealing element precursor or a sealing element compact precursor to be produced which has a thin separation zone between the sprue and the pre-placed sealing element or between the pre-placed sealing element and an intermediate connection zone. This thin separation zone facilitates removal of the gate or the interconnection zone from the sealing element precursor or from the sealing element compact precursor.

It can be particularly preferred if the spreading space is tapered to such an extent after the flowable mass has been spread that a barrier of one mold half is at a distance from the other mold half, e.g. B. to a barrier of the other half of the mold

- is at least 150% of a particle size d90 of a particulate filler if a particulate filler is contained in the flowable mass; or

- corresponds to at least the fiber diameter, for example at least twice the fiber diameter, of a fibrous filler if a fibrous filler is contained in the flowable mass; or

- at least 0.01 mm, preferably at least 0.1 mm, for example at least 0.5 mm, if no particulate or fibrous filler is contained in the flowable mass.

The particle size d90 refers to a volume-based particle size distribution. The particle size d90 is the value at which the cumulative distribution curve Q3 (X) of the particle size distribution is 90%. The particle size d90 can be determined using the laser granulometric method (ISO 13320-2009), using a measuring device from Sympatec GmbH with the associated evaluation software. In the context of the invention, the volume-based and the mass-based particle size distribution are considered to be the same, since the density of the particles that can be used as a filler is typically essentially independent of particle size. A negative pressure is preferably generated in the casting tool. The suppression can promote the guidance of the flowable mass in the casting tool.

In particular, the flowable mass can be fed to the casting tool via a feed zone from which the flowable mass spreads over a surface in the casting tool, the flat spread of the flowable mass in the casting tool being (also) promoted by the negative pressure.

Negative pressure is a pressure that is lower than the atmospheric pressure around the casting tool. The negative pressure can in particular be a pressure of up to 0.5 bar, preferably up to 0.2 bar, particularly preferably up to 0.05 bar, very particularly preferably up to 0.02 bar, e.g. B. up to 0.01 bar. Of course, these are absolute pressure specifications, so “bar” here stands for absolute bar.

The suppression can in particular result in the risk of the formation of undesirable gas inclusions being largely reduced. In particular, the negative pressure can be used to achieve a substantially complete filling of the sealing element mold sections with the flowable mass, so that complete filling of the sealing element mold zone with the flowable mass is promoted and, in particular, the risk of gas inclusions in the area of the The sealing surface forming the sealing element forming zone can be reduced as much as possible.

The object is also achieved according to the invention by the casting tool of claim 11.

The sealing element mold zone, which is defined in a space located between the mold halves, can advantageously extend between barriers.

Preferably, at least one of the barriers can be formed on one of the mutually facing inner surfaces of the mold halves.

At least one of the mold halves is translatable, so that its distance from the second mold half can be adjusted by a translational movement. The translational movement can be effected by a machine in which the two mold halves of the casting tool can be arranged. Suitable machines are known to experts in the technical field of sealing element production.

The feed zone, through which a flowable mass can be fed to the space of the casting tool and from which the flowable mass can be spread over a surface in the space of the casting tool, can preferably extend through one of the two mold halves into the space located between the mold halves.

The feed zone can preferably be equipped with a closure which can be closed after the feed of the flowable mass through the feed zone has ended.

If the space is narrowed after the flowable mass has been spread over the surface, the closure can counteract an undesirable backflow of the flowable mass through the feed zone. This can be advantageous because when the spreading space is narrowed after the flowable mass has been spread over the surface, a higher pressure can be built up if the flowable mass is prevented from flowing back through the feed zone.

The casting tool may include a casting tool seal that seals and/or surrounds the space between the mold halves.

The casting tool seal is preferably so stable that it develops its sealing effect in a spreading state of the casting tool, in which the mold halves are held at a spreading distance from one another.

The casting tool seal is preferably compressible to such an extent that it allows the casting tool to be transferred from a spreading state to an embossing state in which the mold halves are held at a smaller embossing distance from one another.

The casting tool seal can be arranged on an edge region of one of the mutually facing inner surfaces of the mold halves. It is particularly advantageous if the casting tool seal in the spreading state and also in the embossing state is also in contact with the second mold half, for example with an edge region of the inner surface of the second mold half.

It can be advantageous if the casting tool seal is arranged on the edge regions of both inner surfaces of the two mold halves.

The statement that the casting tool seal is arranged on an edge region of an inner surface of a mold half can mean in particular that the casting tool seal is arranged on the edge region of the inner surface in a cohesive, non-positive and/or form-fitting manner.

Professionals can easily choose suitable sealing materials for the mold seal depending on the desired mold temperature of the mold.

The casting tool seal can be an elastomer, e.g. B. a fluoroelastomer included.

The casting tool seal can preferably be made of an elastomer, e.g. B. a fluoroelastomer.

The casting tool preferably comprises a negative pressure zone connected to an edge zone of the room, through which a negative pressure can be generated in the edge zone of the room.

Preferably, the casting tool seal is so stable that it can withstand the pressure gradient on the casting tool seal when the negative pressure is generated in the edge zone of the space while the casting tool assumes the spreading state in which the mold halves are held at a spreading distance from one another.

The casting tool seal makes it possible, in particular, to maintain a negative pressure in the casting tool. Optionally, at least one mold half encompassed by the casting tool can comprise at least one island zone outside the sealing element molding zone that cannot be flowed over by the flowable mass.

The island zone can be surrounded by areas of the mold half, e.g. B. be delimited by an island zone seal.

The island zone seal is preferably elastic, so that the island zone is sealed by the island zone seal even when the casting tool assumes the spreading state in which the mold halves are held at a spreading distance from one another.

The island zone seal and the mold seal can be made of the same sealing material.

One or more island zones can offer the advantage that even less flowable mass is required to produce a sealing element in the casting tool. This is because a partial volume of flowable mass with which the island zone or zones would be filled does not then need to be fed to the casting tool.

It is preferred in the room in at least one direction of propagation starting from the feed zone

(a) a sealing element molding section of the sealing element molding zone is formed,

(b) an intermediate mold zone is formed and

(c) a further sealing element molding section of the sealing element molding zone is formed.

In the direction of propagation, the intermediate mold zone lies between the sealing element mold section and the further sealing element mold section.

Preferably, the flowable mass can be spread radially over a surface in the space of the casting tool. Preferably, the sealing element mold section can be reached and flowed through by a front of the flowable mass that can be moved away from the feed zone, then the intermediate mold zone can be reached and flowed through by the movable front and then the further sealing element mold section can be reached and flowed through by the movable front.

Preferably, the sealing element mold section can be reached and flowed through by a front of the flowable mass that can be moved from the feed zone along at least one direction of propagation, then the intermediate mold zone can be reached and flowed through by the front that can be moved along the same direction of propagation, and then the further sealing element mold section can be reached and flowed through by the front that can be moved along the same direction of propagation Front accessible and flowable through.

What was described in connection with a second and third direction of propagation with regard to the process naturally also applies to the casting tool.

All sealing element mold sections can continuously merge into one another and together form the sealing element mold zone. An intermediate mold zone mentioned in connection with one direction of propagation does not coincide with an intermediate mold zone mentioned in connection with another direction of propagation.

The sealing element molding zone or at least one sealing element molding section can comprise a base. Facing wall surfaces of barriers may extend toward the floor. The barriers can limit the sealing element molding zone or at least the sealing element molding section.

Preferably, a width of the sealing element shaping zone or of the at least one sealing element shaping section at an end of the mutually facing wall surfaces remote from the floor is greater than a width of the sealing element shaping zone or a width of the at least one sealing element shaping section on the floor. This can be advantageous because a sealing element or a sealing element precursor that can be formed in the sealing element forming zone can then be released more reliably from the sealing element forming zone.

The sealing element molding zone or at least one sealing element molding section can comprise an edge recess on the bottom.

Preferably, the sealing element molding zone or at least one sealing element molding section on the floor can each comprise edge recesses in the transition from the floor to the two wall surfaces. The two edge recesses are preferably spaced apart from one another.

Each edge recess can serve to form a sealing web on one of the two edges of the sealing surface.

The edge recesses can be connected to one another via connecting recesses.

The connecting recesses can serve to form connecting webs which can connect the two sealing webs on the sealing surface. Particularly on dynamic sealing surfaces, sealing webs, which may be connected via connecting webs, can be advantageous, as this can reduce the running-in time of the sealing element until the desired sealing effect is achieved.

At least one of the wall surfaces may have a wall surface curvature. The wall surface curvature is preferably concave.

The ground may have a ground surface curvature. The ground surface curvature is preferably concave.

A barrier can have a protrusion that extends into the sealing element molding zone or at least into the sealing element molding section. This can be advantageous because it can promote the formation of the side surface depression described herein on a sealing element.

The object is also achieved according to the invention by the sealing element with the features of claim 14.

The sealing element can be produced using the method according to the invention.

The sealing element can be produced in a casting tool according to the invention.

The sealing element can be produced using a method according to the invention in a casting tool according to the invention.

The sealing element is suitable for arrangement between two fluid spaces of a device that are to be sealed against one another.

The sealing surface encompassed by the sealing element can advantageously be placed on a surface of a first component of the device.

The connection side encompassed by the sealing element and arranged opposite the sealing surface is advantageously in a receiving zone, e.g. B. a receiving groove, a second component of the device can be determined. The sealing element material comprised by the sealing element is a polymer material or has a polymer matrix.

The sealing surface can be a dynamic sealing surface. It can be placed on the surface of the first component of the device and displaceable in the surface of the first component of the device.

The sealing surface can be a static sealing surface. The sealing surface can be placed and fixed on the surface of the first component of the device.

The sealing surface is preferably a dynamic sealing surface.

The sealing element material may be a composite material, with the polymer matrix being the matrix of the composite material.

If the sealing element material is a composite material and the polymer matrix is the matrix of the composite material, the composite material preferably contains a filler. The filler can be dispersed in the matrix.

The filler can preferably be fibrous or particulate.

The polymer material can be a thermoset material. The thermoset material of the sealing element can contain a fully or partially hardened resin, for example a fully or partially cured epoxy resin or a fully or partially cured phenolic resin.

It is also conceivable that the duromer material of the sealing element contains a fully or partially hardened hybrid resin system.

The polymer matrix can preferably be a thermoplastic matrix or a thermoset matrix. A thermoset matrix is a plastic matrix that has solidified through a chemical reaction. The polymer matrix can therefore in particular be a thermoplastic matrix or a thermoset matrix of the composite material. The thermoset matrix may contain a fully or partially cured resin, for example a fully or partially cured epoxy resin or a fully or partially cured phenolic resin. It is also conceivable that the thermoset matrix of the sealing element contains a fully or partially hardened hybrid resin system.

Preferably, at least one component of the sealing element material in at least one sealing element section can have a preferred orientation, wherein the preferred orientation in the sealing element section is not aligned parallel to the direction of extension of the sealing element in the sealing element section. If the sealing element material is a composite material, the component may be, for example, a filler. The filler may contain, for example, a particulate material and/or a fibrous material. The component can be a polymer. The polymer can be contained in the polymer material or in the polymer matrix.

It can be particularly preferred if a degree of preferred orientation of at least one component of the sealing element material does not differ or differs by a maximum of 70%, for example a maximum of 50%, in a centrally located sealing element section and in an externally located sealing element section of the sealing element.

The preferred orientation can advantageously be selected from: a preferred orientation of a filler contained in the polymer matrix, a preferred orientation of molecular strands of a polymer contained in the sealing element material.

If the preferred orientation is a preferred orientation of a filler contained in the polymer matrix, it may be a preferred orientation of at least one material contained in the filler, e.g. B. of particles with an aspect ratio length/width > 1 or of fibers.

A preferred orientation of a filler contained in the polymer matrix can be determined by microscopic or electron microscopic examination of cut surfaces of the sealing element. A preferred orientation of molecular strands of a polymer contained in the sealing element material can be determined using methods that are routinely carried out in the field of plastics testing. Crystal structures in polymers are often observed using polarization microscopy on thin sections. Crystal structures can also be made superficially visible using etching. Other suitable methods are based on the diffraction of X-rays.

In the classic injection molding process of long sealing elements, long and narrow flow paths have to be covered by the molding compound. This creates shear stress in the molding compound, which in turn leads to the formation of orientations of the matrix molecules and in the filler (for materials with an aspect ratio (length/width) > 1). This can be at least partially avoided by the invention, since the flowable mass can spread essentially radially independently of the later shape of the sealing element to be produced.

It may be preferred if a first curvature of the sealing element in a first sealing element section differs from a second curvature of the sealing element in a second sealing element section.

The curvature of the sealing element in the respective sealing element section is in particular a curvature of a line extending centrally through the sealing element along the direction of extension of the sealing element.

Whether a curvature of the sealing element in a first sealing element section differs from a second curvature of the sealing element in a second sealing element section can be determined by creating circles of curvature on this line in both sealing element sections. A circle of curvature is the circle that best approximates the course of the line in the sealing element section. If the radii of the two circles of curvature differ, the curvatures of the sealing element in the first sealing element section and the second sealing element section also differ.

Preferably, the first curvature of the sealing element in the first sealing element section differs from the second curvature of the sealing element in the second sealing element. element section by at least 25%, particularly preferably at least 50%, e.g. B. at least 60%. This means in particular that the radius of the one circle of curvature is preferably at most 25%, particularly preferably at most 50%, e.g. B. by a maximum of 60%, is larger than the radius of curvature of the other circle of curvature.

It may be particularly preferred if the polymer material or the polymer matrix is at a temperature of up to 180 ° C, preferably up to 210 ° C, e.g. B. of up to 230 ° C, is not meltable.

If the polymer material is a duromer material, the polymer material is not meltable anyway and therefore not meltable even at a temperature of up to 180 ° C, preferably up to 210 ° C. This also applies to the polymer matrix if the polymer matrix is a duromer matrix.

If the polymer matrix is a thermoplastic matrix, it may also be non-meltable at a temperature of up to 180 ° C, preferably up to 210 ° C. Thermoplastics with correspondingly high melting points are familiar to experts.

Preferably, the polymer material or the polymer matrix can contain at least one polymer containing keto groups, for example a polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a polyetherketone (PEK) and/or a polyketone (PK); and/or a polymer containing imido groups, for example a polyamideimide (PAI), a polyetherimide (PEI) and/or a polyimide (PI); and/or a polymer containing amide groups, for example a polyphthalamide (PPA) and/or a polyamide (PA); and/or a polymer containing sulfide bridges, for example a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and/or; a polymer containing sulfone groups, for example a polysulfone (PSU); and/or a fluoropolymer, preferably a melt-processable fluoropolymer, particularly preferably a perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA) and/or a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), for example a melt-processable perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA) and/or a melt-processable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); and/or a liquid crystalline polyester contain. Common abbreviations for the polymers mentioned are given in the brackets.

The polymer matrix can contain a filler. The polymer matrix can advantageously be 0.05% by volume to 75% by volume, preferably 0.1% by volume to 50% by volume, e.g. B. contain 0.5% by volume to 25% by volume of a filler. The term filler refers in particular to all materials dispersed as particles or fibers in the polymer matrix. The specification in the unit vol.-% refers to the total volume fraction of all filler based on the total volume of polymer matrix including the volume of all filler contained.

The filler can preferably contain particles and/or fibers.

The filler is preferably dispersed in the polymer matrix.

It can be advantageous if the filler contains a friction-reducing material, which preferably contains particulate polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite and / or boron nitride; and/or if the filler contains wear-reducing polymeric material, the wear-reducing polymeric material being preferably selected from an aramid, a polyimide (PI), a polyphenylene sulfone (PPSII) and a fully aromatic polyester.

Common abbreviations for the polymers mentioned are given in the brackets. The PPSII can be, for example, a PPSII that is sold under the name Ceramer. The fully aromatic polyester can be, for example, a polyester that is sold under the name Sumica Super or under the name Ekonol.

If the filler contains a polymeric material, for example the wear-reducing polymeric material, it may be preferred if the melting temperature of the polymer matrix is at least 10 K, preferably at least 30 K, below the melting temperature of the polymeric material of the filler. The filler can advantageously contain fibers, whereby the fibers can preferably be mineral fibers, carbon fibers and/or polymer fibers, whereby the mineral fibers can preferably be glass fibers and the polymer fibers can preferably be amide fibers or partially oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers, whereby the amide fibers can preferably be aramid fibers.

It can be particularly advantageous if the polymer matrix contains 4% by volume to 18% by volume of dispersed carbon fibers and/or 4% by volume to 18% by volume of wear-reducing polymeric material, e.g. B. aramides, polyimides, polyphenylene sulfones and / or fully aromatic polyesters. Common abbreviations for the polymers mentioned are given in the brackets. The PPSII can be, for example, a PPSII that is sold under the name Ceramer. The fully aromatic polyester can be, for example, a polyester that is sold under the name Sumica Super or under the name Ekonol.

The sealing element can have a sealing web protruding from the sealing surface at least in part of the sealing surface.

Particularly preferably, the sealing element can have two sealing webs on the sealing surface that are spaced apart and protrude from the sealing surface. It can be particularly advantageous if the sealing webs are connected by connecting webs. Sealing surface recesses can be arranged between the sealing webs. The sealing surface recesses can preferably be round or square or triangular. Angular sealing surface recesses preferably have rounded corners.

The sealing element preferably comprises a lateral sealing element surface which extends from the sealing surface to the connection side arranged opposite the sealing surface. The side sealing element surface can have a side surface recess. The side surface recess can be formed in a central zone of the lateral sealing element surface, which is spaced from the sealing surface and from the connection side arranged opposite the sealing surface.

The sealing element can have a ridge on the lateral sealing element surface. The burr may be a separating burr which may be due to removal of a sprue and/or an interconnection zone in the course of producing the sealing element according to a method according to the invention.

The ridge is preferably arranged in a side surface recess of the side sealing element surface.

Of course, the features described herein in connection with the casting tool according to the invention can also form features of the casting tool described in connection with the method according to the invention, and vice versa.

Of course, components of the sealing element material described herein can be components of the flowable mass described herein.

Further preferred features and/or advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the graphic representation of exemplary embodiments.

Shown in the drawings:

Fig. 1: a sealing element; Fig. 2: a sealing element with differently curved sealing element sections;

Fig. 3: a sealing element precursor;

4: a sealing element precursor obtained from the sealing element precursor shown in FIG. 3;

Fig. 5: a mold half;

Fig. 6: a section AA through Fig. 5 and through an opposite mold half;

Fig. 7: a section BB through Fig. 5 and through an opposite mold half;

Fig. 8: a section CC through Fig. 5 and through an opposite mold half;

Fig. 9: a section BB through sealing element section 208 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 10: a section CC through sealing element section 142 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 11: a section BB through sealing element section 208 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 12: a section CC through sealing element section 142 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 13: mutually facing inner surfaces of two mold halves in a spreading state;

Fig. 14: the inner surfaces of the mold halves from Fig. 13 in an embossed state;

Fig. 15: the inner surfaces of two mold halves from Fig. 13;

Fig. 16: a side surface recess of a sealing element;

Fig. 17: a side surface recess of a sealing element with a burr; Fig. 18: a section of a sealing element with an inclined lateral sealing element surface;

Fig. 19: Barriers of two mold halves;

Fig. 20 and 21: sealing surfaces with sealing webs; and

Fig. 22 and 23: Sections of casting tools.

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numbers in all figures.

Fig. 1 shows an annular sealing element 100 for arrangement between two fluid spaces 104 of a device to be sealed against one another. The sealing element comprises a sealing surface 102. The sealing surface 102 can be placed on a surface of a first component of the device, not shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 2 shows a sealing element 100 for arrangement between two fluid spaces 104 of a device to be sealed against one another. The sealing element comprises a sealing surface 102. The sealing surface can be placed on a surface of a first component of the device, not shown in FIG. 2.

The sealing element 100 shown in FIG. 2 is also an annular sealing element. Unlike the sealing element 100 shown in FIG. 1, it is not round. The sealing contour of the sealing element shown in FIG. 2 includes indentations 106 and bulges 108.

A first curvature 110 of the sealing element 100 in a first sealing element section 112 differs from a second curvature 114 of the sealing element 100 in a second sealing element section 116.

To illustrate the differences of the curvatures 110 and 114, the first sealing element section 112 and the second sealing element section 116 in FIG. 2 are represented by one first circle 118 and a second circle 120 approximated. Since the two curvatures 110 and 114 differ from each other, the radii r1 and r2 of the first circle 118 and the second circle 120 also differ.

3 shows a sealing element precursor 122 of the sealing element 100 shown in FIG. 2. The sealing element precursor 122 is a compact sealing element precursor 124. The sealing element precursor 122 comprises many sealing element sections that continuously merge into one another. Of these sealing element sections, three sealing element sections 126, 128 and 130 are indicated in FIG. The sealing element precursor 122 includes an intermediate connection zone 132 lying between the sealing element sections 126 and 128 and the sprue 134.

The sealing element 100 placed in the sealing element precursor 122 is connected to the sprue 134 and the intermediate connection zone 132 via a separation zone 136. The separation zones 136 therefore represent connection zones 140. Since the material of the sealing element precursor in the separation zones 136 is particularly thin, the connection zones 140 can be referred to as film connection zones 138.

Fig. 3 shows a sealing element precursor 122 as obtained after removal from the casting tool. Only a part of the sealing element precursor, which is due to a material overflow and protrudes beyond the outer connection zone 140, has been omitted from FIG. 3.

Unlike FIG. 3, FIG. 4 shows a sealing element precursor 122, which is obtained after a further processing step. In the case of the sealing element precursor 122 shown in FIG. 4, which is also a compact sealing element precursor 124, the gate 134, not shown in FIG. For this purpose, the material was severed in the area of the particularly thin film connection zones 138. The sealing element sections 126, 128, 130 and a further sealing element section 142 are shown in FIG. 4.

Fig. 5 shows a mold half 144, which can be enclosed by a casting tool. The sealing element precursor 122 shown in FIG. 3 can be produced with the mold half 144. The mold half 144 is a compact mold half 146. The mold half 144 includes sealing element Shaped sections 148, 150 and 152. These sealing element shaped sections 148, 150 and 152 correspond to the sealing element sections 126, 128 and 130 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The sealing element shaped sections 148, 150 and 152 continuously merge into one another and form with others Sealing element molding sections, which are not highlighted in FIG. 5, the sealing element molding zone 154.

The sealing element mold zone 154 is a cavity 156. The cavity 156 has the shape of a groove 158 which is introduced into the inner surface of the mold half 144 facing the viewer. The mold half 144 also includes a sprue zone 160. The sprue zone 160 is a cavity 156 which is introduced into the inner surface of the mold half 144 facing the viewer.

The mold half 144 includes a centrally arranged feed zone 162. During casting or injection molding, the feed zone 162 serves as an injection zone 164.

The sealing element mold zone 154 extends between barriers 166. The casting tool seal 168 is arranged on the edge of the inner surface of the mold half 144 facing the viewer. The casting tool seal 168 is a sealing spring element 170. The sealing spring element is made of an elastomer 172. The elastomer 172 is a fluoroelastomer 174.

Fig. 6 shows a section AA from Fig. 5, with a second mold half 144 also being shown. The second mold half 144 is shown in Fig. 6 below. The mold half shown in Fig. 5 is shown in Fig. 6 above.

6 shows the sealing element molding sections 148, 150 and 152 already described in connection with FIG. 5. These together form the sealing element molding zone 154, as was also described in connection with FIG. 5. Fig. 6 also shows the barriers 166 extending along the sealing element molding zone and thus also along the sealing element molding sections 148, 150 and 152. Fig. 6 also shows the inner surfaces 176 of the two mold halves 144 and the injection zone 164. Barriers 166 lying opposite one another Both mold halves define inlets 178 into the sealing element mold sections 148 and outlets 180 from the sealing element mold sections 148. The inner surfaces 176 face between the barriers 166, respectively Wells 182. The opposing depressions 182 define intermediate mold zones 184.

The mold half 144 shown below in FIG. 6 comprises a negative pressure zone 186. The negative pressure zone 186 is connected to an edge zone 188. Through the negative pressure zone 186 connected to the edge zone 188, a negative pressure can be generated in the space 190 located between the mold halves 144. Together, the two mold halves 144 shown form a casting tool 192. The casting tool 192 simultaneously forms an injection molding tool 194 and a shaping tool 196. It can be viewed as a compact casting tool 198, since the compact sealing element precursor 124 shown in FIG. 4 can be formed in it.

The additional shaping that takes place in the casting tool can be viewed as embossing. Therefore, the casting tool 192 is also described as a casting stamping tool 200.

Fig. 7 shows section BB from Fig. 5. As in Fig. 6, the mold half 144 shown below is also shown in Fig. 7. The section shown in FIG. 7 is carried out through sealing element mold section 202.

Fig. 8 shows section CC through Fig. 5. The lower mold half 144 is also shown in Fig. 8. Shown is a section through sealing element mold section 204.

9 shows a section BB through sealing element section 208 from FIG. 4. The sealing element material has a polymer matrix 210. The sealing element material is a composite material, with the polymer matrix 210 being the matrix of the composite material. The polymer matrix 210 contains a filler 212. The filler 212 contains fibers 214. FIG. 9 also shows a preferred orientation 216 of the fibers 214 contained in the polymer matrix 210. In addition, FIG 216 in the sealing element section 208 is not aligned parallel to the extension direction 218 of the sealing element in the sealing element section 208. 10 shows section CC from FIG. 4. It can be immediately seen that the preferred orientation 216 of the fibers 214 in the sealing element section 142, which is shown in FIG is.

Figures 11 and 12 correspond to Figures 9 and 10. The only difference is that in Figures 11 and 12 the filler 212 is a particulate filler. Like the fibers 214, the particles 220 have a preferred orientation 216. The preferred orientations in Fig.

11 and 12 correspond to the preferred orientations in FIGS. 9 and 10, so that the comments on FIGS. 9 and 10 with regard to the preferred orientations and the extension directions also apply in the same way to FIGS. 11 and 12.

13 and 14 show schematically the inner surfaces 176 of two mold halves of a casting tool. Fig. 13 shows a propagation state 222. Fig. 14 shows an embossing state 224.

In the spreading state 222, a flowable mass, which was supplied via an injection zone 164, can flow between the embossed edges 206 of the barriers 166 and spread over a surface in the space 190 defined between the mold halves, which is also referred to as the spreading space 191. If the spreading space 191 is largely filled with the flowable mass, one mold half can be moved towards the other mold half and the casting tool can thereby be transferred from the spreading state 222 to the embossing state shown in FIG. 14. The film connection zones 138 shown in FIG. 3 are formed between the embossed edges 206.

Fig. 15 corresponds to Fig. 13. The recess 182 in the sealing element mold section 150 includes a base 226. Wall surfaces 228 extend into the recess 182 towards the base 226. A width 230 at an end of the wall surfaces remote from the floor 226 is greater than a width 232 at an end of the wall surfaces 228 facing the floor. The sealing element shaped section 150 comprises edge recesses 234 on the bottom 226 of the recess 182. The edge recesses 234 serve to form sealing webs 252 on the sealing surface 102. The edge recesses 234 are sealing web shaped sections 236.

The wall surfaces 228 have wall surface curvatures 238. The floor 226 has a floor surface curvature 240. The wall surface curvatures 238 and the floor surface curvatures 240 are concave.

The flowable mass initially takes on bulging surface structures in the depression 182 because of the concave surface curvatures 238 and 240. When the flowable mass solidifies or hardens, material shrinkage often occurs. This is compensated for by the bulging surfaces that initially arise, since the bulging surfaces at least partially disappear due to the shrinkage of the material.

The material shrinkage can be used in a targeted manner in order to specifically absorb burrs that arise when pushing through the film bonding zones 138 (see FIG. 3) into the side sealing element surfaces.

16 and 17 show sections of sealing elements 100. On the side sealing element surfaces 242, the sealing elements 100 each have side surface recesses 244. The sealing element 100 shown in FIG. 17 has a ridge 246 in the side surface recess, which is at least partially incorporated into the sealing element surface 242. After separation, the separating ridge remained in the film bonding zone 138 (see FIG. 3). As a result of material shrinkage, the side surface recess 244 has arisen and therefore the ridge 246 is at least partially incorporated into the sealing element surface 242.

In the sealing element 100 shown in FIG. 18, the lateral sealing element surface 242 is inclined at a side surface angle 248. The side surface angle 248 can be adjusted in a targeted manner by adapting a corresponding inclination of the wall surfaces 228 of the casting tool 192 or the mold half 144 to the expected material shrinkage. 19 shows a section of the barriers 166 of two mold halves with correspondingly inclined wall surfaces 228. The barriers 166 have protrusions 250 on the embossed edges 206. The protrusions 250 extend into the recess 182 and promote the formation of a side surface recess 244 in a sealing element 100 that can be formed between the mold halves.

Fig. 20 shows a section of a sealing element 100. The sealing surface 102 faces the viewer. The sealing surface has sealing webs 252. The sealing webs 252 extend at the edges of the sealing surface 102 parallel to the extension direction 218 of the sealing element 100. Sealing surface recesses 254 are arranged between the two sealing webs. Between the sealing surface recesses 254, connecting webs 256 extend from one sealing web to the other sealing web 252.

The sealing element 100 shown in FIG. 21 corresponds to the sealing element 100 shown in FIG. 20. In the sealing element shown in FIG. 21, the sealing surface recesses are round. In contrast, the sealing surface recesses 254 in the sealing element 100 shown in FIG. 20 are approximately rectangular.

22 and 23 show a section of a casting tool 192. It is an injection molding tool 194. It also represents a shaping tool 196, a compact casting tool 198 and a casting stamping tool 200.

22 shows that the two barriers 166, which delimit a sealing element mold section 148, can each be arranged on one of the mold halves 144. In the example shown, a barrier 166 arranged to the left of the sealing element mold section 148 shown extends from the mold half 144 shown above. A barrier 166 shown to the right of the sealing element mold section 148 shown extends from the mold half 144 shown below. A recess 182 of one Mold half 144 receives a barrier 166 of the other mold half in such a way that the sealing element mold section 148 is created on one side of the barrier and the intermediate mold zone 184 is created on the other side of the barrier 166.

Fig. 23 illustrates that one of the two mold halves can include all barriers 166. The sealing element shaped sections 148 are only formed by recesses 182 Mold half 144 is defined, which also includes the barriers 166. The intermediate mold zones 184 are defined by depressions 182 in both mold halves 144.

Reference symbol list

Sealing element sealing surface space indentations bulges first curvature first sealing element section second curvature second sealing element section first circle second circle sealing element precursor sealing element compact precursor, 128, 130, 142, 208 sealing element section

Interconnection zone Sprue Separation zone Film connection zone Connection zone Mold half

Compact mold half, 150, 152, 202, 204 Sealing element mold section Sealing element molding zone Cavity Groove Gate zone Feed zone Injection zone Barrier

Casting tool seal sealing spring element elastomer Fluoroelastomer inner surface

inlet

outlet

Deepening intermediate mold zone negative pressure zone

fringe zone

Expansion space casting tool injection molding tool shaping tool compact casting tool casting embossing tool embossing edge polymer matrix filler

fibers

Preferred orientation direction of extension particle

State of expansion, condition of soil

Wall surface, 232 width

edge recess

Sealing web mold section Wall surface curvature Floor surface curvature Sealing element surface Side surface recess Ridge Side surface angle Protrusion sealing web sealing surface recess connecting web

Claims

Claims Method for producing a sealing element (100), wherein a flowable mass in a casting tool (192), e.g. B. in a compact casting tool (198) so that

(a) a sealing element mold section (148) corresponding to a sealing element section (126) of the sealing element (100) is at least partially filled with the flowable mass,

(b) an intermediate mold zone (184) which does not correspond to any sealing element section (126, 128, 130) of the sealing element (100) is at least partially filled with the flowable mass, and

(c) a further sealing element mold section (150) corresponding to a further sealing element section (128) of the sealing element (100) is at least partially filled with the flowable mass. Method according to claim 1, wherein the flowable mass is fed to the casting tool (192) via a feed zone (162), from which the flowable mass spreads over the surface in the casting tool (192). Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a sealing element precursor (122) is removed from the casting tool (192) and the sealing element (100) is produced from the sealing element precursor (122), with at least one sprue (134) or an intermediate connection zone ( 132) is removed from the sealing element precursor (122). Method according to one of the preceding claims, e.g. B. according to claim 3, characterized in that the casting tool (192) is a compact casting tool (198), wherein the sealing element mold section (148) and the further sealing element mold section (150) are arranged closer to one another than those with these two sealing element molds. Sealing element sections (126, 128) of the sealing element produced (100) corresponding to mold sections (148, 150). Method according to claim 4, characterized in that after removal of the interconnection zone (132), a distance between the sealing element section (126) and the further sealing element section (128) is increased to the desired size and the sealing element (100) is thereby brought from a compact production form into a spread-out application form, the distance between the sealing element section (126) and the further sealing element section (128 ) is preferably increased by reducing a curvature (110, 114) in an intermediate sealing element section. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one mold half (144) encompassed by the casting tool (192) comprises at least one barrier (166) which extends along at least one of the sealing element mold sections (148, 150, 152, 202, 204 ), whereby the flowable mass overcomes the barrier (166). Method according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that two mold halves (144) enclosed by the casting tool (192) define a spreading space (191) in which the flowable mass supplied via the feed zone (162) is spread out. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the spreading space (191) is tapered after the flowable mass has been spread over the surface, e.g. B. by reducing the distance between the two mold halves (144). Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the spreading space (191) is tapered after the flowable mass has been spread to such an extent that a barrier (166) of one mold half (144) is at a distance from the other mold half (144), e.g. B. to a barrier (166) of the other mold half (144), which is at most 5 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, e.g. B. is at most 1 mm. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the spreading space (191) is tapered after the flowable mass has been spread to such an extent that a barrier (166) of one mold half (144) is at a distance from the other mold half (144), e.g. B. to a barrier (166) of the other mold half (144). is at least 150% of a particle size d90 of a particulate filler if a particulate filler is contained in the flowable mass; or at least corresponds to the fiber diameter of a fibrous filler if a fibrous filler is contained in the flowable mass; or at least 0.01 mm if the flowable mass contains no particulate or fibrous filler. Casting tool (192) for producing a sealing element (100), the casting tool (192) comprising the following: two mold halves (144) which define a sealing element molding zone (154) in a space (190) located between the mold halves (144), wherein the sealing element molding zone (154) can extend between barriers (166), wherein preferably at least one of the barriers (166) can be formed on one of the mutually facing inner surfaces (176) of the mold halves (144), wherein at least one of the mold halves ( 144) is translatable, so that its distance from the second mold half (144) can be adjusted by a translational movement; and a feed zone (162), through which a flowable mass can be fed to the space (190) of the casting tool (192) and from which the flowable mass can be spread over a surface in the space (190) of the casting tool (192). Casting tool (192) according to claim 11, comprising: a negative pressure zone (186) connected to an edge zone (188) of the space (190), through which a negative pressure can be generated in the edge zone (188) of the space (190). Casting tool (192) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that in the space (190) in at least one direction of propagation starting from the feed zone (162).

(a) a sealing element molding section (148) of the sealing element molding zone (154) is formed,

(b) an intermediate mold zone (184) is formed, and (c) a further sealing element molding section (150) of the sealing element molding zone (154) is formed. Sealing element (100) for arrangement between two fluid spaces (104) of a device to be sealed against one another, the sealing element (100) comprising the following: a sealing surface (102), a connection side (272) arranged opposite the sealing surface (102), and a sealing element material, which is a polymer material or has a polymer matrix (210). Sealing element (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that the sealing element material is a composite material, wherein the polymer matrix (210) is the matrix of the composite material; or the polymer material is a thermoset material. Sealing element (100) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the polymer matrix (210) is a thermoplastic matrix or a duromer matrix. Sealing element (100) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that in a centrally located sealing element section and in an externally located sealing element section of the sealing element, a degree of preferred orientation of at least one component of the sealing element material does not differ or by at most 70%, for example at most 50 %, differs. Sealing element (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that the preferred orientation (216) is selected from: a preferred orientation (216) of a filler contained in the polymer matrix (210), a preferred orientation (216) of molecular strands of a polymer contained in the sealing element material. Sealing element (100) according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that a first curvature (110) of the sealing element (100) in a first sealing element section (112) differs from a second curvature (114) of the sealing element (100) in a second Sealing element section (116) differs. Sealing element (100) according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the polymer material or the polymer matrix (210) at a temperature of up to 180 °C, preferably up to 210 °C, e.g. B. of up to 230 ° C, is not meltable. Sealing element (100) according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the polymer material or the polymer matrix (210) contains at least one polymer containing keto groups, for example a polyetheretherketone, a polyetherketone and/or a polyketone; and/or a polymer containing imido groups, for example a polyamideimide, a polyetherimide and/or a polyimide; and/or a polymer containing amide groups, for example a polyphthalamide and/or a polyamide; and/or a polymer containing sulfide bridges, for example a polyphenylene sulfide, and/or; a polymer containing sulfone groups, for example a polysulfone; and/or a fluoropolymer, preferably a melt-processable fluoropolymer, particularly preferably a perfluoroalkoxy polymer and/or a polytetrafluoroethylene, for example a melt-processable perfluoroalkoxy polymer and/or a melt-processable polytetrafluoroethylene; and/or contains a liquid crystalline polyester. Sealing element (100) according to one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the polymer matrix (210) 0.05% by volume to 75% by volume, for example 0.5% by volume to 25% by volume, contains a filler. Sealing element (100) according to one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the filler is a friction-reducing filler which preferably contains particulate PTFE, graphite and/or boron nitride; and/or that the filler contains wear-reducing polymeric material, the wear-reducing polymeric material being preferably selected from an aramid, a polyimide, a polyphenylene sulfone and a fully aromatic polyester. Sealing element (100) according to claims 14 to 23, characterized in that the filler contains fibers, wherein the fibers can preferably be mineral fibers, carbon fibers and / or polymer fibers, the mineral fibers preferably being glass fibers and the polymer fibers preferably being amide fibers or partially oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers can, whereby the amide fibers can preferably be aramid fibers. Sealing element (100) according to one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that the filler is a carbon-based filler, preferably a non-graphitic carbon-based filler, an amorphous carbon-based filler, a graphitic carbon-based filler, graphite particles, coke particles, carbon black particles, graphite expanded particles, graphene , carbon fibers, ground carbon fibers, and/or carbon nanotubes. Sealing element (100) according to one of claims 14 to 25, characterized in that the polymer matrix (210)

Contains 4% by volume to 18% by volume of dispersed carbon fibers, and/or

4% by volume to 18% by volume of wear-reducing polymeric material, e.g. B. aramides, polyimides, polyphenylene sulfones and / or fully aromatic polyesters.